Advent

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WELCOME We are so happy you are with us. Please add your voice and heart to the prayers. Please help others find a place near you and greet the person next to you as we prepare to worship together. Please stand and sit as you are able.

Children are welcome upstairs. Children and their care-takers may be more comfortable (especially during the sermon) if the children go to the nursery room downstairs. The nursery is staffed for infants and children up to three years old. Godly Play for children 4 to 12 is in the raspberry room.

For pastoral concerns, please contact Susan McEvoy (754-7079). To make changes or additions to the prayer list or to put an announcement in the bulletin contact Diana Anderson (754-2113).

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent December 8, 2019, St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the return of Jesus at the Second Coming. The name is derived from a Latin word for "coming."

The Service of Word and Prayer Worship in the Sundays of Advent is inspired by the Episcopal tradition of Morning Prayer. Morning (and Evening Prayer) are the consolidation and simplification of the extensive Offices said by monks and nuns throughout the day and night in medieval monasteries. Both liturgies were crafted for the first English Book of Common Prayer in 1549, and they have remained relatively unchanged in structure since.

The core of these services is scripture and prayers. Morning Prayer can be said by anyone in public or private with or without the presence of a priest.

In Advent, our adaptation of Morning Prayer can help us quiet ourselves into preparation and waiting amidst the cacophony of pressures from schools, work, retailers, and all manner of media. It challenges us to focus on scripture and prayer, whose message is subversive and counter-cultural, especially this time of year. The service is shorter, so you may find more time to spend in conversation together downstairs.

The Holy Communion returns on Christmas Eve, when we welcome the Word made flesh in the Christ child, and in the bread and the wine.

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The Advent Wreath The Advent Wreath has three blue candles and one pink candle in a ring around a white. The first candle is lit on the First Sunday of Advent; additional ones are lit, one on each Sunday, and the white on Christmas Day. All five candles may be alight during services through the Christmas season.

Our services this year will reflect the theme of our lections each Sunday.

Advent 1 - The Patriarchs Advent 2 - The Prophets Advent 3 - John the Baptist Advent 4 - The Virgin Mary

Advent Devotions Need a few minutes of quiet reflection in Advent? Try these online resources:

d365.org -- great for young adults and those new to liturgical prayer

forwardmovement.org – deep resource for daily meditations, prayers and readings based on the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.

Texts This service of Word and Prayer is taken from Common Worship: Times and Seasons, © The Archbishops’ Council 2006.

The Advent Prose is a series of texts adapted from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and said, or more usually sung, in churches during the season of Advent. In its Latin form, it is attributed to Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, who lived in the fourth century. The English translation is traditional.

News & Calendar The worship schedule, Sunday bulletins, news and much, much more can be found on our website at stjohnspowell.diowy.org. St. John’s also has a presence on Facebook. Become a follower!

Coffee Hour and Altar Flowers sign-up sheets for 2020 are on the bulletin board downstairs. Please consider offering yourself to these important church ministries.

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Ministers of the L i tu rgy

The flowers are a gift from Kim and Mary Dillivan to the glory of God and in memory

of loved ones who are no longer with us and in thanksgiving for those who are.

Please join us for refreshments following the service. Today’s host is Tammy Legerski.

Prayer Concerns Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Work of the Mothers’ Union around the world-- Sheran

Harper, Worldwide President and Bev Jullien, Chief Executive Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: St. James, Encampment

Larry and Kathy Walter and Family Hunter and Charlotte Ethan Asher & Family Herli, Carter & Carli Steven and Caroline Bill and Claudia Don and Martha Cheri and Jack

Deb C., Gail, Hugh B., Ellen, Florence, Fred, Paula, Josephine, Katy, Kate, Marilyn, Nancy, Jasmine, Sue, Dolores, Carmen, Ruth, Charlie, Rachel, Aletha, McKenzie, Betty Jean, Douglas

Danielle, Ryan, Jacob, John, Patrick, Chip, Nick and Stephen who are serving in the military.

Bishop’s Search Prayer: Gracious God, we give thanks for the great work and wisdom of the Search Committee for developing a vision for our future Bishop that represents our hopes and dreams. May these dreams be carried out into the world to those discerning their call to the episcopate. Grant them clarity and courage as they open their hearts to God’s call. Continue to guide those who are leading us through this process with wisdom and open hearts. We pray this in the name of your Son, Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Celebrations Birthday: Jane Woods—12th

Altar Guild Jane Woods

Greeters Megan and Steve Nickles

Worship Leader Mary Dillivan

Readers Steve Nickles, Scott Larsen, Barb Morales

Preacher Diana Anderson

Intercessor Kim Dillivan

Sound Oscar Trevino

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Prelude

“What is the Crying at the Jordan?” Miserable Offenders. Keeping the Baby Awake: Music for Advent and Christmas.

Welcome and Announcements Opening Hymn

Christ, whom na - tions sigh for

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The Advent Prose Pour down, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness.

Turn your fierce anger from us, O Lord, and remember not our sins for ever. Your holy cities have become a desert, Zion a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation; our holy and beautiful house, where our ancestors praised you. Pour down, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness.

We have sinned and become like one who is unclean; we have all withered like a leaf, and our iniquities like the wind have swept us away. You have hidden your face from us, and abandoned us to our iniquities. Pour down, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness.

You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know me and believe me. I myself am the Lord, and none but I can deliver; what my hand holds, none can snatch away. Pour down, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness.

Comfort my people, comfort them; my salvation shall not be delayed. I have swept your offences away like a cloud; fear not, for I will save you. I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your redeemer. Pour down, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness.

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L ight ing Candles Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, just and true: to you be praise and glory for ever. Of old you spoke by the mouth of your prophets, but in our days you speak through your Son, whom you have appointed the heir of all things. Grant us, your people, to walk in his light, that we may be found ready and watching when he comes again in glory and judgement; for you are our light and our salvation. Blessed be God for ever.

Lord Jesus, light of the world, the prophets said you would bring peace and save your people in trouble. Give peace in our hearts at Christmas and show all the world God’s love. Amen.

People of God: be glad! Your God delights in you, giving you joy for sadness and turning the dark to light. Be strong in hope therefore; for your God comes to save. You are God’s children. Lord, make us one in the love of Christ today and for ever. Amen.

Advent wreath candles are lit.

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Kyr ie Confession Heavenly Father, you call us to repent of our sins: soften our proud and stubborn hearts. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you declared the forgiveness of God: teach us to forgive one another. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Holy Spirit, you search our hearts and show us the truth: direct us in your way of righteousness. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Almighty God, who in Jesus Christ has given us a kingdom that cannot be destroyed, forgive us our sins, open our eyes to God’s truth, strengthen us to do God’s will and give us the joy of his kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We sing three times

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F i rst Reading We sit. A Reading from Isaiah (11:1-10). After the reading, the reader says The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 72: 1 -7, 18-19

1 Give the King your justice, O God, * and your righteousness to the King's Son;

2 That he may rule your people righteously * and the poor with justice;

3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, * and the little hills bring righteousness.

4 He shall defend the needy among the people; * he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, * from one generation to another.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, * like showers that water the earth.

7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; * there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

18 Blessed be the Lord GOD, the God of Israel, * who alone does wondrous deeds!

19 And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! * and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen.

Second Reading A Reading from Romans (15:4-13). After the Reading, the Reader says The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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Hymn Verses 1, 3

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Thi rd Reading A Reading from Matthew (3:1-12). After the Reading, the Reader says The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Sermon

An Aff i rmation of Fai th for Advent I believe in God, who bends and kneels toward our world, drenching it in love, making it new with every breath. I believe in Jesus, God become human, who brought every person a spark of the divine. I believe in the Spirit, hovering God, present among us, abiding, upholding, awaking all things to God's grace. I believe we are called to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God and each other, ready for God's reign, awake and alert, as we work to bring it near. I believe we are called as Christmas comes close, to lift up our hearts in hope and in love, seeking God's advent in each moment and person, each challenge and heartache, each blessing and joy. This I promise to do. Keep us faithful, Lord Jesus, and come soon. Amen.

I nv i tat ion to the Offer ing God has enriched us in every way— in speech, knowledge, and spiritual gifts. From the fellowship of Jesus Christ, we are sent out to share with thanksgiving what we have received.

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Music “Comfort, Comfort Now My People,” Lucia Field. The Advent Season.

The Prayers God be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

Suffrages Help us, O God our Savior; Deliver us and forgive us our sins. Look upon your congregation; Give to your people the blessing of peace. Declare your glory among the nations; And your wonders among all peoples. Do not let the oppressed be shamed and turned away; Never forget the lives of your poor. Continue your loving-kindness to those who know you; And your favor to those who are true of heart. Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; So shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.

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Prayer of the Day O Root of Jesse, O Peace, stir up your power within us, Isa. 11:10

that in this time we may await with abundant expectation the fulfillment of your eternal presence in creation, for you live and reign among us, Maker, Savior, and Giver of Life, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid we pray to Jesus.

Come to your Church as Lord and judge. We pray for … Help us to live in the light of your coming and give us a longing for your kingdom. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Come to your world as King of the nations. We pray for … Before you rulers will stand in silence. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Come to the suffering as Savior and comforter. We pray for … Break into our lives where we struggle with sickness and distress, and set us free to serve you for ever. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Come to us as shepherd and guardian of our souls. We remember … Give us with all the faithful departed a share in your victory over evil and death. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Come from heaven, Lord Jesus, with power and great glory. Lift us up to meet you, that with all your saints and angels we may live and reign with you in your new creation. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

We are silent

Almighty God, as your blessed Son Jesus Christ first came to seek and to save the lost; so may he come again to find in us the completion of his redeeming work; for he is now alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

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Closing Hymn

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Benediction and Charge May the God of mercy keep us, the Holy Spirit cheer us, and Christ in glory greet us, now and at the day of his coming.

And may the blessing of Almighty God, Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier Be with us now and always. Amen.

As we await our coming Savior, go in the peace of Christ. Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

The Peace May the peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

We greet each other in the name of the Lord.

Postlude “The Angel Choir and the Trumpeter,” The Canadian Brass. Christmastime is Here.

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Questions for Reflection Look for places where the wolf and the lamb lie down together in peace. Where do you see that peace in your relationships, in your family or circle of friends, in the neighborhood, the city, the nation, and the world? Even within yourself, where has peace been forged between previously warring factions?

Household Prayer: Morning As I rise, O God, I give you thanks for safety in the night, for rest from my labors, for another day in this creation. Turn my eyes toward what is noble. Teach me to see hope where it is veiled. Give me the wisdom to desire the good. Help me to love not only those I encounter but myself as well, for with you, I know my many frailties and failings. Let peace reign. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening As I end this day, Holy One, I give you thanks for the richness of my hours: for family and friends, for people with whom I work and play, for my neighbors, for those who fill this world with music and art, for those whose needs remind me of my blessings and whose skills make me grateful for differences. Guard us all, O God, and keep us in your embrace until the daylight comes. Amen.

Prayer for the Advent Wreath at Home Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance, And prepare the way for our salvation.

Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer: who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.