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- December 29, 2024 Bulletin
The First Sunday after Christmas Day
Welcome to this celebration of praise and thanksgiving! It is a joy to be able to celebrate together.
Opening Hymn #100: Joy to the world!
Priest Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
People Glory to God for ever and ever.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Priest The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 61, Verse 10 through Chapter 62, Verse 3
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my whole being shall exult in my God;for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning torch.The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.The Word of the Lord / Thanks be to God!
Psalm 147
1 Hallelujah!
How good it is to sing praises to our God! *
how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; *
he gathers the exiles of Israel.3 He heals the brokenhearted *
and binds up their wounds.4 He counts the number of the stars *
and calls them all by their names.5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *
there is no limit to his wisdom.6 The Lord lifts up the lowly, *
but casts the wicked to the ground.7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; *
make music to our God upon the harp.8 He covers the heavens with clouds *
and prepares rain for the earth;9 He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *
and green plants to serve mankind.10 He provides food for flocks and herds *
and for the young ravens when they cry.11 He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *
he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;12 But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him, *
in those who await his gracious favor.13 Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; *
praise your God, O Zion;14 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
he has blessed your children within you.15 He has established peace on your borders; *
he satisfies you with the finest wheat.16 He sends out his command to the earth, *
and his word runs very swiftly.17 He gives snow like wool; *
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.18 He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
who can stand against his cold?19 He sends forth his word and melts them; *
he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.20 He declares his word to Jacob, *
his statutes and his judgments to Israel.21 He has not done so to any other nation; *
to them he has not revealed his judgments.
Hallelujah!A reading from Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Chapter 3, Verses 23 – 25 and Chapter 4, Verses 4 – 7
Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
The Word of the Lord / Thanks be to God!
Sequence Hymn #497: How bright appears the morning star
All stand for the reading of the Gospel.
Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
A reading from the Gospel according to John, Chapter 1, Verses 1 – 18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Priest The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The people may be seated for the sermon.
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Priest To us a child is born, to us a son is given; let us pray for the world and all the people he came to save, saying, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.”
Intercessor Wonderful Counsellor, you order all things with your wisdom: help the Church to reveal the mystery of your love and fill her with the Spirit of truth. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Mighty God, the government is on your shoulders: guide the leaders of the nations and bring in your kingdom of justice and righteousness. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Everlasting Father, you call us to live together in unity: protect by your mercy all your children, nourish your creation, and bless our families and renew our communities. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Prince of Peace, you bring reconciliation through the cross: by your healing power give your gift of wholeness and peace to all who suffer. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Son of God, Son of Mary, you hear the prayers of our hearts and lips with tender love and compassion: give your gifts of grace, peace and healing to all those we lift up to you. We pray for Cheryl W., Amy & Ethan, Cathy & Del, Brent B., Susan F., Debbie L., Margo, William R., Donna E., Pat & Linda, Amory K., Anderson L., Adam E., John, Faith G., Julie T., Mindy B., Trent B., Corrinne D., Tracia D., the Walker Family, the Ewing Family, Anna S., the Bromage Family, Linda H., Clyde M., Ashley G., and those we name silently or aloud. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Christ Child, your radiance filled a lowly manger: give the glory of your resurrection to all who rest in you. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Priest Eternal light, shine in our hearts; eternal goodness, deliver us from evil; eternal power, be our support; eternal wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance; eternal pity, have mercy upon us; that with all our heart and mind and soul and strength, we may seek your face and be brought, through your infinite mercy, to your holy presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Priest The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
The peace is briefly shared. After the peace, a time for sharing and celebrating blessings and
birthdays will follow.
The Offertory begins with the following:
Priest Through Christ let us offer to God a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving;
People With gladness we present the offerings of our life and labor to the Lord.
Offertory Hymn #82: Of the Father’s love begotten
Eucharistic Visit:
Donna Ellway
After the Altar is prepared, the following is said:
Priest Everything in heaven and earth is yours, O Lord;
People All things come from you, and of your own have we given you.
The Great Thanksgiving – Eucharistic Prayer B
Priest The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Priest It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every-
where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of
heaven and earth.
Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and
Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever
sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Priest We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love
which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling
of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the
prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your
Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from
the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy
to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error
into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took
bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and
gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body,
which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given
thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you:
This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you
and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink
it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, according to his command, O Father,
All We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
Priest And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you,
O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this
bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon
these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of
Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your
Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him,
being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time,
put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to
that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and
for ever. AMEN.
And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:
All 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.The bread is now broken, and a moment of silence is observed before the Fraction Anthem below is said or sung.
Priest The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Communion Hymn #324: Let all mortal flesh keep silence
People may be seated while waiting to come forward. All are welcome to share in communion.
After Communion, the priest says Let us pray.
Post-communion Prayer
Eternal God, heavenly Father,
you have graciously accepted us
as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing
May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.
May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.
May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.
The priest then dismisses the people, to which they respond, Thanks be to God!
Closing Hymn #421: All glory be to God on high
All are invited to coffee hour in the parish hall.
Serving today:
Celebrant: Fr. Joseph Farnes
Lectors: Stephanie Elder & Sue Nims
Eucharistic Minister: Laura Harbert
Altar Guild: Linda Stark & Anita Wallinger
Ushers: Jim Reynolds & Ray Stark
Sunday School: Carolyn Cornwall & Julie Walker
Music Director: Shauna Emara
Music: Amy Hutchins
Camera: Dean Hagerman
Coffee Hour: Borg-Borm Family
- December 25, 2024 Bulletin
Feast of the Holy Nativity
Christmas Day
December 25, 2024
Welcome to All Saints Episcopal Church for this wonderful Christmas celebration! How delightful to share this holy day with you.
Priest Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
People Glory to God for ever and ever.
All Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Priest The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 52, Verses 7 – 10
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
together they sing for joy;for in plain sight they see
the return of the Lord to Zion.Break forth together into singing,
you ruins of Jerusalem;for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.The Lord has bared his holy arm
before the eyes of all the nations;and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.The Word of the Lord / Thanks be to God!
Psalm 98
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.2 With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.3 The Lord has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *
and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, *
with the harp and the voice of song.7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
shout with joy before the King, the Lord.8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
the lands and those who dwell therein.9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *
and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,
when he comes to judge the earth.10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *
and the peoples with equity.A reading from the letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 1, Verses 1 – 12
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son;
today I have begotten you”?Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”?And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”
Of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels winds,
and his servants flames of fire.”But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”And,
“In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like clothing;like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end.”All stand for the reading of the Gospel.
Priest The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
A reading from the Gospel according to John, Chapter 1, Verses 1 – 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
Sermon
The people may be seated for the sermon.
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Priest To us a child is born, to us a son is given; let us pray for the world and all the people he came to save, saying, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.”
Intercessor Wonderful Counsellor, you order all things with your wisdom: help the Church to reveal the mystery of your love and fill her with the Spirit of truth. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Mighty God, the government is on your shoulders: guide the leaders of the nations and bring in your kingdom of justice and righteousness. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Everlasting Father, you call us to live together in unity: protect by your mercy all your children, nourish your creation, and bless our families and renew our communities. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Prince of Peace, you bring reconciliation through the cross: by your healing power give your gift of wholeness and peace to all who suffer. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Son of God, Son of Mary, you hear the prayers of our hearts and lips with tender love and compassion: give your gifts of grace, peace and healing to all those we lift up to you. (People may add the names or places on their hearts, either silently or aloud). Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Christ Child, your radiance filled a lowly manger: give the glory of your resurrection to all who rest in you. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Priest The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
The peace is briefly shared.
The Offertory begins with the following:
Priest Through Christ let us offer to God a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving;
People With gladness we present the offerings of our life and labor to the Lord.
After the Altar is prepared, the following is said:
All Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise God, all creatures here below!
Praise God, you angels, saints at rest!
Praise Father, Son, and Spirit blessed!
Priest Everything in heaven and earth is yours, O Lord;
People All things come from you, and of your own have we given you.
The Great Thanksgiving – Eucharistic Prayer D
Priest The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Priest It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever.
Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance.
Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we say,
All Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Priest We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.
And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ’s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
All We praise you, we bless you,
we give thanks to you,
and we pray to you, Lord our God.
Priest Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.
Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.
Remember all those in places of violence, conflict and strife; grant them peace, safety, and hope.
Remember all those who yearn for a place and community to belong.
Remember all those who endure homelessness.
Remember all those who are in need of physical or mental healing.
Remember all those who struggle in their faith, and those who seek your truth.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
All 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.The bread is now broken, and a moment of silence is observed before the Fraction Anthem below is said.
All Jesus, Lamb of God:
have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins:
have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer, redeemer of the world:
give us your peace,
give us your peace.
Priest The Gifts of God for the People of God.
People may be seated while waiting to come forward. All are welcome to share in communion. Gluten free bread is available. Hold out your hands to receive the bread. If you wish to come forward for a blessing only, cross your arms over your chest.
After Communion, the priest says Let us pray.
Post-communion Prayer
Eternal God, heavenly Father,
you have graciously accepted us
as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing
May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.
May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.
May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.
Priest Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!
People Thanks be to God!
Serving today:Celebrant: Fr. Joseph Farnes
Lectors: Sue Nims
Eucharistic Minister: Duncan Nims
Altar Guild: Sue Nims
Usher: Duncan Nims
- December 24, 2024 Bulletin
Telling the Story of Christmas: Family Service and Holy Communion
December 24, 2024 at 4:30 P.M.
Welcome to All Saints Episcopal Church for this wonderful Christmas celebration! How delightful to share this holy evening with you. Hymns are in the “Hymnal 1982” in the pew rack in front of you.
To help our younger readers and listeners, we’re using the “God’s Word, My Voice: A Lectionary for Children” version of the readings.
Prelude
Entrance Procession Hymn #87: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Welcome and Bidding Prayer
Priest Dear People of God: In this most holy season, let it be our delight to hear once more the story of Jesus’ birth, the story of Christmas.
Let us hear the story of God’s love in sending the angel to blessed Mary to announce the good news of Jesus, and to hear her say yes to this good news with her whole heart. Then we journey with Mary to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, and to hear Mary’s song of praise to God. Finally, we take our place at the manger with Mary and Joseph, with all the shepherds and angels, and sing with joy to Jesus our savior.
All may be seated.
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke, Chapter 1, Verses 26b – 38
The angel announces the coming of the Messiah to Mary.
God sent an angel named Gabriel with a message for a young woman named Mary in Nazareth. She was engaged to Joseph, who was a descendent of King David.
Here was the message: “Greetings from God himself, Mary. You are special in God’s eyes. And God holds you close to his heart.” Mary couldn’t figure out what was going on and what the angel could possibly mean by that. Gabriel told her not to be afraid, that God had only good things in mind. “Here is the plan, Mary. You will conceive a baby boy and name him Jesus when he’s born. He will be great, the Son of the Most High, and he will reign over God’s people like King David did, but his kingdom will never end.”
Mary said, “But I’m not married. Why would you choose me to be Jesus’ mother?”
Gabriel said, “The Holy Spirit will make this happen, and you will be surrounded by God’s power as if it were incense. Your child will be holy. He will be called the Son of God. And guess what else? Your older cousin Elizabeth, who’s never been able to have children, is already six months pregnant. So you see, nothing is impossible with God.”
Then Mary said, “Okay. I am willing to work with God on this plan. I trust that God can do what he says he will do.” And then the angel left her alone to think about these things.
Instrumental Music
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke, Chapter 1, Verses 39 – 56
Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.
Mary ran to see her cousin Elizabeth who lived in the hill country. When she cried out, “Elizabeth, it’s so good to see you!” the baby in Elizabeth’s belly jumped up and down.
Elizabeth all of a sudden was filled with the Holy Spirit and yelled, “You are so blessed, Mary! And the little one inside you is blessed as well. How God must love me to send the mother of my Lord to visit me. As soon as I heard your voice, this little guy inside me jumped up and down for joy. This is just as God said it would happen, and we are both so blessed to see things work out this way. God is good to us indeed.”
And Mary said, “My soul is so happy. I can’t stop singing about God’s kindness to me, a lowly servant. From now on, everyone will know that I have been blessed. God has done great things for me, and God’s name is holy. God’s heart goes out to those who walk the right way, in every generation, young and old. God is strong enough to scatter proud people in every direction. God picks up those who think they’re better than anyone else, and flings them off their fancy chairs, but he picks up those who are sad and lifts up their chins so they can hold their heads high again. God feeds hungry people the best food they’ve ever eaten. And when people with too much get in line, God says, ‘Enough already.’ God remembers his promise of mercy and has come to help out the people in Israel. God promised mercy to our ancestors, to all of Father Abraham’s children forever.”
Mary stayed about three months with Elizabeth and then went back home.
Instrumental Music
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 1 – 20
Jesus is born, and the angels and shepherds adore him.
In order to count how many people there were so that he could tax them, the emperor told everyone to go to their hometowns to be counted. So Joseph went with Mary, his fiancée, who was expecting a baby at any time, from Nazareth to Bethlehem. His family was descended from King David, and King David had lived in Bethlehem. While they were there, Mary delivered a baby boy, wrapped him up tight, and laid him in a feed trough in the barn where they were staying because the inns were all full.
Meanwhile, in the fields, shepherds were watching their sheep during the night. All of a sudden an angel stood right in front of them, and God’s glory was shining all around and they were scared to death. The angel told them not to be afraid because there was only good news. “This news is so good,” the angel said, “that everyone will be happy. Today in the city of David, the Savior whom everyone’s been waiting for was born. I want you to go find him. Here’s how you’ll know he’s the right baby: He’ll be lying in a feed trough all wrapped up in strips of cloth.”
When the angel said that, the skies burst into song, and angels filled up the entire sky, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to those on earth whom God loves.”
When the angels had gone back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and find this baby boy they were talking about.” So they ran and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the feed trough, just as the angel had told them. They told Mary and Joseph what the angel had said, about who this child was and would become. Everyone was amazed at their story. But Mary kept this entire story in her heart. The shepherds praised God for all that had happened that night, and went back to their sheep who had been wondering where their shepherds had gone.
Hymn #96: Angels We Have Heard on High
Priest Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born this day of blessed Mary: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Sermon
The people may be seated for the sermon.
Prayers of the People
Priest On this holy night of Christmas, let us pray for the world that Jesus Christ loves so much that he was born as a child among us, saying, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.”
Intercessor Holy God, help the church to reveal Your love, share Your truth, and work toward Your justice. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Holy God, help the leaders of the world work toward justice, freedom, and peace in all things. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Holy God, help us who are in need; help us who suffer from pain, broken hearts, loneliness, and poverty. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Holy God, help everyone on our hearts, especially those we name silently or aloud (People may add names or places to be prayed for, either silently or aloud). Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Intercessor Holy God, help us who grieve, hold forever in your love those who have died, and grant us that powerful hope in the resurrection. Your Kingdom come,
People Your will be done.
Priest O Holy God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, Your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Priest The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
The peace is briefly shared with one another.
The Offertory begins with the following:
Priest Through Christ let us offer to God a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving;
People With gladness we present the offerings of our life and labor to the Lord.
Offertory Hymn: Good Christian men, rejoice
After the Altar is prepared, the following is said:
Priest Everything in heaven and earth is yours, O Lord;
People All things come from you, and of your own have we given you.
The Great Thanksgiving – Nativity Eucharistic Prayer
Priest The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Priest Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Priest It is right and it is good to praise you, God who reigns in Majesty. You are with us now as you have always been with us, and as you were before time began. You made us and everything that is, and you revealed the truth about Yourself to your chosen people. And as you had always planned to do, you sent Jesus, Your spoken Word made flesh, to dwell among us. Mary carried Jesus in her body, and on this holy night he was born, true God of true God, and fully human like us.
In awe of you and of this tiny Child who has come, we sing with the saints and angels in heaven:
Priest In this great gift of your Son that reverberates through time and throughout all creation, you save us, God, and you save all your beloved creation. We rejoice that Christ has taken upon himself our humanity and that he shares with us his divinity that we may become more like you and united with you forever.
On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took
bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and
gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body,
which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given
thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you:
This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you
and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink
it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Loving God, remembering now the suffering and death and proclaiming the resurrection and ascension of Jesus our Redeemer, we bring you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for us, your people, the Body and Blood of Christ. And send your Holy Spirit to renew us, to assure us of the gifts of Jesus, and to draw us into life with you Three who are One, the Holy Trinity.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and forever.
All Amen.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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.The bread is now broken, and a moment of silence is observed.
Priest Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Priest The gifts of God for the people of God.
People may be seated while waiting to come forward. All are welcome to share in communion. Gluten free bread is available. Hold out your hands to receive the bread. If you wish to come forward for a blessing only, cross your arms over your chest.
Choir Hymn
Communion Hymn #79: O Little Town of Bethlehem
After Communion, the priest says Let us pray.
Post-communion Prayer
Eternal God, heavenly Father,
you have graciously accepted us
as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing
May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.
May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.
May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.
Priest Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!
People Thanks be to God!
Closing Hymn #100: Joy to the World
Postlude
Serving today:
Celebrant: Fr. Joseph Farnes
Eucharistic Ministers: Penny Sites & Duncan Nims
Altar Guild: Linda Stark
Usher: Laura Harbert & Ray Stark
Sunday School: Sue Nims & Barb Tool
Music Director: Shauna Emara
Camera: Aidan Sites