1 st Sunday in Advent. Consecration of Altar Items and Commissioning of the Altar Guild.

Emmanuel Anglican Church

1st Sunday in Advent

Consecration of Altar Items

and

Commissioning of the Altar Guild

Celebrant: O Lord, Jesus Christ, who dost descend to make our Churches Thy Dwelling Place, and our Altars the Throne of Thy Sacred Presence, in the Blessed Sacrament of Thy Love; accept, we pray Thee, these articles, linens, furniture, and vessels for Thy service and agents of this Thy Altar.


In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; consecrate them to Thy holy service, through which Thy people may receive your bountiful blessings, as we share in the Sacrament of your blessed Holy Communion; and thereby, might truly please Thee, and by Thy mercy may finally enter into the Heavenly Temple not made with hands, which needs no adorning; where Thou, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever reignest, One GOD, blessed forever. Amen.


Part of this prayer is from the Litany of the Altar, 1964

Celebrant: Please hear this excerpt from the book, An Altar Guild Manual by Edith Weir Perry, 1934:

“Of all groups within the Church, surely the members of the Altar Guild must consecrate themselves truly to their work, placing love for Christ above all personal feeling, working together in perfect agreement and peace.


The Guild must be loyal to the Rector under all conditions for the office he holds, and loyal to fellow members of the Guild, for the sacred work in which they are all engaged. Realizing the privilege of service as God’s housekeepers, each member should dedicate herself and her work as an offering to God, to whom nothing but the best can be given.”


Celebrant: Would the Altar Guild members please stand? Let us pray.

O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst accept the ministry of faithful women during thy earthly life: We pray thee to accept and bless the work which this faithful Altar Guild undertakes in the care of thy Sanctuary and Table: Anoint them for this ministry, Bless them in their labors, and Grant them a spirit of reverence for thy Sanctuary and Table as we benefit through our Worship in the Word and Sacraments; and preserve in purity and holiness their own souls and bodies as living temples of thy presence, to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost we give praise and honor, now and forever. Amen.


The prayer above is adapted from An Altar Guild Manual by Edith Perry.

The Altar Guild members file forward, and the Celebrant anoints each one with oil and says: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, I consecrate you for ministry and service to the Sanctuary and Table of our Lord. Amen.

As each one is anointed they gather before the altar facing the congregation. When done, the Celebrant turns to face them and says: Altar Guild – please take charge!

The commissioning being complete, the Altar Guild readies the altar for the service. When done Margaret lights the candles.


Celebrant: Deacon Daniel Rice, please step forward. Declare your intentions!

Deacon Dan: Our intention is this: ALL: It is the intent of this congregation now known as Emmanuel Anglican Church to worship the LORD in the Spirit of Truth and Holiness, with a clear conscience – conservative and orthodox,filled with and expressing the Giftings of the Holy Spirit, both obedient and faithful; by God’s grace and mercy. Amen.

Declaration of Intent

Celebrant: According to the bible, the reason any church exists is grounded in these two scriptural passages – the Great Commission and the Great Commandment:

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” Matthew 28:19-20.

Jesus also said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:37-40. From these we get our mandate and authorization to minister in evangelism, discipleship, worship, ministry and fellowship.

Observation

Consecration

Celebrant: Is this your ambition and desire?

ALL: With God’s blessings and grace, it is.

Celebrant: Let us pray. O ETERNAL God, mighty in power, and of majesty incomprehensible, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, much less the walls of temples made with human hands; and who yet has been graciously pleased to promise your special presence, wherever two or more of your faithful servants are gathered in your Name, to offer up their praises and petitions unto you.

Consecration

Grant, O Lord, to be present with us, who are here gathered together with all humility and readiness of heart, to consecrate Emmanuel Anglican Church to the honor of your great Name; by the power of your Holy Spirit, anointing and separating this body of believers to your use; and dedicating them to your glorious service,

for reading your holy Word, for celebrating your holy Sacraments, for offering to your glorious Majesty the sacrifices of prayer and thanksgiving, for all forms of worship, for full expression of your gifts of the Holy Spirit, for blessing your people in your holy Name, and for all other holy offices:

Observation

Accept, O Lord, this service at our hands, and bless it with such success as may tend most to your glory, the furtherance of our happiness both temporal and spiritual, the spread of your Gospel, and the making of disciples; through Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and Savior. Amen.

Prayers of Petition for a New ChurchREADER 1

REGARD, O Lord, the prayers of your servants, and grant that whosoever in this congregation shall be received by Baptism into Christ's flock, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and may continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto their life's end.

Lord in your mercy. ALL: Hear our prayer.


GRANT, O Lord, that they who renew the promises and vows of their Baptism and Confirmation, and who come humbly into your holy Presence, may receive such a measure of thy Holy Spirit, that they may live with power and grace unto their life's end.



GRANT, O Lord, that whosoever shall receive in this congregation the blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, may come to that holy ordinance with faith, charity, and true repentance; and being filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, may, to their great and endless comfort, obtain remission of their sins, and all other benefits of his passion.



GRANT, O Lord, that by thy holy Word which shall be read and preached in this congregation, and by thy Holy Spirit grafting it inwardly in our hearts, the hearers thereof may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and may have power and strength to fulfill the same, being transformed into your likeness, and being made holy by your Holy Spirit.



GRANT, O Lord, that whosoever shall be joined together in the estate of holy Matrimony, may faithfully perform and keep the vow and covenant made between them, and may remain in perfect love together unto their life's end.



GRANT, we beseech thee, blessed Lord, that whosoever shall humbly draw near to you in this congregation, to give you thanks for the benefits which they have received at your hands, to set forth your most worthy praise, to confess their sins unto you, and to ask such things as are necessary, as well for the body as for the soul, especially to know you personally and to be filled with your Holy Spirit; that you in your infinite wisdom may grant these requests as you shall see to be most expedient for them.


Prayers of Petition for a New ChurchREADER 7 – The Rev Deacon Dan Rice:

BLESSED be your Name, O Lord, that it has pleased you to put it into the hearts of your servants, to start this new congregation, Emmanuel Anglican Church, to your glory and worship; grant that all who shall enjoy the benefits of this pious work, both in the church and through their outreach endeavors, may show forth their thankfulness, to the glory of thy blessed Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. ALL: Amen

Prayers of Petition for a New ChurchCelebrant: O MOST glorious God, who sits

enthroned above the firmament, yet resides in our hearts; graciously accept the consecration of this new body of believers, Emmanuel Anglican Church, to your service; and grant that all who shall call upon you may worship you in spirit and in truth, and may in their lives show forth your praise, not only with their lips but in their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Celebrant: Please stand. Congratulations Emmanuel! Please greet one another in the name of the Lord!

Celebrant: Please be seated.The Lord be with you. ALL: And with your spirit.

Celebrant: Let us pray. ALL: Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom 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.

Opening Prayer

Celebrant: Please come forward to light the first Advent candle. [Designated person comes forward].

READER 1 Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the Sunday in which we recall the hope we have in Christ.

READER 2 The prophets of Israel all spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a savior would be born, a king in the line of David. They spoke of how he would rule the world wisely and bless all nations.

Lighting the Advent Candle

READER 3 On Christmas day the Christ of our hope was born. On Good Friday the Christ of our hope died. On Easter day the Christ of our hope rose from the dead. He then ascended into heaven. On the last day, the Christ of our hope will come again to establish his kingdom over all things on earth.

READER 4 As followers of Christ, we await his return. We light this candle to remember that as he came to us humbly in the manger at Bethlehem and gave light to the world, so he is coming again in power to deliver his people.

Lighting the Advent Candle

READER 5 We light this candle to remind us to be alert and to watch for his soon return.

THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE IS LIT

Light the Advent Candle

O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, Who ordrest all things mightily;

To us the path of knowledge show,And teach us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

Light the Advent Candle

Deacon: Our Lord, Jesus Christ said, “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.

The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

ALL: Lord, have mercy upon us, and write both these laws in our hearts.

Hear O Israel!

Collect for the Day

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

ALL: And with your spirit.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Lesson from the Old TestamentReader: The Old Testament lesson for today is

taken from Isaiah, chapter 2:

In days to come the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

First Lesson from the Old TestamentHe shall judge between the nations, and shall

arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!

The Word of the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 24

Reader: Please read Psalm 24 with me, responsively, from the asterisk.

1. THE earth is the Lord’s, and all that is therein; * the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.2 For he has founded it upon the seas, * and established it upon the floods.3 Who shall ascend unto the hill of the LORD? * or who shall rise up in his holy place?4 Even he that has clean hands and a pure heart; * and that has not lift up his mind unto pride, nor sworn to deceive his neighbor.5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, * and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psalm 24

6 This is the generation of them that seek him; * even of them that seek thy face, O Jacob.7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be lifted up, you everlasting doors; * and the King of glory shall come in.8 Who is this King of glory? * It is the LORD strong and mighty, even the LORD mighty in battle.9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be lifted up, you everlasting doors; * and the King of glory shall come in.10 Who is this King of glory? * Even the LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Second Lesson from the New Testament

Reader: New Testament lesson for today is taken from Romans 13:11-14:

You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

The Word of the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God.

Please stand to sing the Gospel Canticle.

Canticle – Open Our Eyes, Lord

Open our eyes, Lord We want to see Jesus,To reach out and touch Him, And say that we love Him.

Open our ears, Lord And help us to listen.Open our eyes, Lord We want to see Jesus.

“Open Our Eyes, Lord” by Robert Cull © 1976 Maranatha! Music CCLI License #3128756

The Gospel Lesson

Celebrant: The Gospel lesson for today is taken from Matthew 24: ALL: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said to the disciples, "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man.

The Gospel Lesson

Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."

The Gospel of the Lord. ALL: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Lord’s Prayer

Celebrant: Please be seated. The Lord be with you.

ALL: And with your spirit. And now as our Savior Jesus Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Reader: In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus said, Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

In the Gospel of John Jesus said, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

The Apostle Paul said, This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).

The Apostle John said, If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2, 4:10).

Confession of our Faith

I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things, visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages, 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.

Celebrant: Let us confess our faith together by reciting the Nicene Creed:

Confession of our FaithFor us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven and was incarnate from the Holy Spiritand the virgin Mary, and was made man. 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 shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

Confession of our FaithI believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. Who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the Prophets. I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Please be seated for the sermon.

Sermon

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Father in Heaven, Good Shepherd of our souls, we have so much to be thankful for: You sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and raised Him from the dead; By your Holy Spirit, we are comforted, healed, strengthened and empowered; By your Word, we find wisdom, guidance, and inner growth.

You provide sun and rain to nourish the earth and crops for food; You instituted governments for protection and oversight; You give us shepherds after your own heart.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

We thank you for our families, loved ones, and friends. We thank you that you have not abandoned us to our own devices, but you have loved us with an everlasting love and want us to grow in righteousness, holiness, and intimacy with you. We thank you that you hear our prayers. For all these things and many more, we give you our uttermost thanks and praise.

You may at this time, quietly or out loud, name your thanksgivings, so we can join with

you.

You can even stand up and give a testimony!

Prayers of Petition

Reader: Father God in Heaven, we come before you in humility, asking you to inspire continually your Church with the Spirit of Truth, Unity and Harmony; and to grant that all who confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.


Prayers of Petition

Reader: We pray that you will lead the nations of the world into the ways of righteousness and peace, and guide their leaders in wisdom and justice to act for the good of all people. We pray for peace in Jerusalem. Bless especially our President, National and State Congresses, our Governor and local governments. Grant that they may impartially administer justice, restrain wickedness and vice, maintain true religion, and uphold integrity and truth.


Prayers of Petition

We ask you, in your tender and compassionate goodness, O Lord, to comfort and sustain all who in this life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. We especially lift up to you our loved ones and those we care deeply for.

You may at this time, quietly or out loud, name the people to be lifted up in prayer, so we can join with you.


Prayers of Petition

Reader: Give grace, heavenly Father, to all ministers and clergy, that by their life and teaching, they may set forth your true, life giving Word. And to all your people, give your heavenly grace, transform our hearts and minds, that we may receive your Word with reverent and obedient hearts, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives.


We lift up to you all missionaries serving at home, in this community, and abroad – bless them with the heart of an evangelist and put your Word on their lips. We lift up your blessed servants who are suffering persecution for their faith around the world. Bless them, Lord; Give them grace and mercy, and help them to endure this suffering until they are released to their loved ones or to your glorious presence.


Prayers of Petition

Prayers of Petition

We also ask that you give grace to the military people who are deployed around this country and the world. Watch over them as they watch over us. Protect them, O Lord, from the enemy’s plans. Be with their families while they are separated, giving them grace during times of need, and protection and comfort in times of loneliness and trial. And we ask that you help the returning troops and their families as they become accustomed to being together again.


Grant all this, Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

General Confession

Celebrant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all people, we acknowledge and confess our many sins, which we have committed from time to time by thought, word and deed against your divine Majesty, provoking most justly your righteous anger against us.

General Confession

We earnestly repent and are deeply sorry for all our wrong doings. The memory of them grieves us and the burden of them is too great for us to bear. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

For your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past and grant from this time forward we may serve and please you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Celebrant: Our heavenly Father has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with sincere repentance and true faith turn to him. He pardons and delivers us from all our sins, confirms and strengthens us in all goodness, and brings us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness

Celebrant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

ALL: And with your spirit.

Please greet one another in the name of our Lord.

Passing the Peace

Call to Holy CommunionBased on the 1662 Book of Common Prayer

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.ALL: And with your spirit.

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.ALL: We lift them up to the Lord.

Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

ALL: It is right to give him thanks and praise. Celebrant: Holy Father, Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator and Preserver of all things, it is good and right at all times, and in all places, to give you thanks and praise: Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim and magnify your glorious name, forever praising you and saying:

ALL: Holy , holy, holy. Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Glory be to you, O Lord most high. Amen.

Holy, Holy, Holya communion canticle

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall

rise to thee.Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy name

in earth and sky and sea.Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, Holy, Holy is from Isaiah 6:3 And his response? “Here am I. Send me!”

Prayer of Consecration

Prayer of Consecration: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who, in your tender mercy, gave your only Son our Savior Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption: Who made there by offering himself provided a full satisfaction and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world; and in his holy Gospel commanded us to continue, a perpetual memory of his precious death, until he comes again.

The Invocation: Hear us, merciful Father, we humbly pray, and grant that we receiving these gifts of your creation, this bread and this drink, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood:


The Remembrance: Who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and having given thanks said, [The Thanksgiving in Hebrew] Blessed be the Lord God of Heaven and earth for giving us this bread from your earth. He broke it and gave it to his disciples saying, This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.


In the same way he took the cup and having given thanks said, [The Thanksgiving in Hebrew] Blessed be the Lord God of Heaven and earth for giving us this fruit of your vines. Then he said to them, Drink this all of you, for this is my blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me.

Invitation If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and have been baptized in the faith, you are welcome and encouraged to join us in this holy sacrament.

Holy Communion Celebrated

Note 1: All people who confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior and have been baptized into the Christian faith are welcome to share Holy Communion with us.

Note 2: If you are unable to come forward for Holy Communion, please raise your hand to get a server’s attention and we will come to you.

After Holy Communion

Celebrant: Please stand. Let us pray.

Almighty and ever living God, we most sincerely thank you that you graciously feed us, who have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

We also thank you that you have assured us in this sacrament of your favor and goodness towards us, and that we are true members of the mystical body of your Son,

After Holy Communion

the blessed company of all faithful people, and are also heirs through hope of your eternal kingdom, by the merits of the most precious death of your dear Son.And we humbly ask you, heavenly Father, so to assist us with your grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as you have prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Celebrant: BLESSED be thy Name, O Lord God, for that it has pleased you to have your habitation among your children, and to dwell inside and in the midst of the Assembly of the Saints upon the earth; Grant, we beseech you, that in this congregation now called Emmanuel Anglican Church, now set apart for your service, your holy Name may be worshipped in truth and purity until you come again; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Everything below here is additional material.

PRAYERS OF PETITION (prayers to be chosen to go above – not all are read all the time. )

Reader: I will now lead us in the Prayers of Petition. After each prayer, I’ll say Lord in your mercy. Please agree by saying, Hear our prayer. Reader: Father God in Heaven, we come before you in humility, asking you to inspire continually your Church with the Spirit of Truth, Unity and Harmony; and to grant that all who confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.

Lord in your mercy ALL: Hear our prayer



Reader: And we lift up to you all Public Servants, School Teachers, Fire Fighters, and Police Officers, that they would experience the blessings of your guidance, love, and protection from harm as they seek to serve and protect us.


We pray that you bless the employees of the local and state governments. All governments are under great stress in these hard economic times, and we pray that you guide them in their tasks, and give them grace and wisdom in their decisions.

Lord in your mercy. ALL: Hear our prayer. Reader: We ask you, in your tender and compassionate goodness, O Lord, to comfort and sustain all who in this life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. We especially lift up to you our loved ones and those we care deeply for. You may at this time, quietly or out loud, name the people to be lifted up in prayer, so we can join with you.




Reader: We lift up to you all missionaries serving at home, in this community, and abroad – bless them with the heart of an evangelist and put your Word on their lips. We lift up your blessed servants who are suffering persecution for their faith around the world. Bless them, Lord; Give them grace and mercy, and help them to endure this suffering until they are released to their loved ones or to your glorious presence. Most especially we lift up:


Reader: We also ask that you give grace to the military people who are deployed around this country and the world. Watch over them as they watch over us. Protect them, O Lord, from the enemy’s plans. Give the leaders wise counsel and direction, so they can accomplish your will in places of danger. Be with their families while they are separated, giving them grace during times of need, protection, and comfort in times of loneliness and trial. And we ask that you help the returning troops and their families as they become accustomed to being together again. Lord in your mercy. ALL: Hear our prayer.

Reader: Grant all this, Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF PETITION Reader: I will now lead us in the Prayers of Petition. After each prayer, I’ll say Lord in your mercy. Please agree by saying, Hear our prayer. Reader: Father God in Heaven, we come before you in humility, asking you to inspire continually your Church with the Spirit of Truth, Unity and Harmony; and to grant that all who confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.




Reader: And we lift up to you all Public Servants, School Teachers, Fire Fighters, and Police Officers, that they would experience the blessings of your guidance, love, and protection from harm as they seek to serve and protect us.

Lord in your mercy ALL: Hear our prayer.

We pray that you bless the employees of the local and state governments. All governments are under great stress in these hard economic times, and we pray that you guide them in their tasks, and give them grace and wisdom in their decisions.

Lord in your mercy. ALL: Hear our prayer. Reader: We ask you, in your tender and compassionate goodness, O Lord, to comfort and sustain all who in this life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. We especially lift up to you our loved ones and those we care deeply for. You may at this time, quietly or out loud, name the people to be lifted up in prayer, so we can join with you.



Lord in your mercy. All: Hear our prayer.Reader: We lift up to you all missionaries serving at home, in this community, and abroad – bless them with the heart of an evangelist and put your Word on their lips. We lift up your blessed servants who are suffering persecution for their faith around the world. Bless them, Lord; Give them grace and mercy, and help them to endure this suffering until they are released to their loved ones or to your glorious presence. Most especially we lift up:

Lord in your mercy. All: Hear our prayer.Reader: We also ask that you give grace to the military people who are deployed around this country and the world. Watch over them as they watch over us. Protect them, O Lord, from the enemy’s plans. Give the leaders wise counsel and direction, so they can accomplish your will in places of danger. Be with their families while they are separated, giving them grace during times of need, protection, and comfort in times of loneliness and trial. And we ask that you help the returning troops and their families as they become accustomed to being together again. Lord in your mercy. All: Hear our prayer.Reader: Grant all this, Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Words of AssuranceIn the Gospel of Matthew Jesus said, Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew11:28). In the Gospel of John Jesus said, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). The Apostle Paul wrote, If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

The Prophet Zephaniah wrote, The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

[This version used during the season of Pentecost (or Trinity)].

catholic = universal


I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Celebrant: Let us confess our faith together by reciting the Apostles’ Creed:

Pre-Service Commissioning Ceremony :: The Blessing

SET UP: The appointments (linens, cloths), chalice, and paten should not be placed on the altar until after they are blessed – place on a small table, as befits the number of items, in front – preferably the lectionary side (rt/facing). The Altar Guild members should be sitting in the front row for this part. After the items and the Altar Guild members are blessed, the Altar Guild will put the altar together for the service.

If there are people present, they should quietly and reverently watch this ceremony and the adornment of the altar.


Origin of new verses for As the Deer:Ps 8:2 From the lips of children you have ordained praise.Ps 13:5-6 My heart rejoices in your salvation, I will sing unto the LORD.Ps 17:6 I call on you, O God, and you answer me.Ps 43 Send forth your light and truth to guide us; let them bring us unto you.

Canticle – As the Deer (from Psalm 42)

“As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after you.”You alone are my heart’s desire, And I long to worship you. CHORUS

From the lips of your blessed children, our praises rise to you.We will sing of your great salvation, for Your Word speaks ever true. We call to you, O LORD, our G- od,and you answer from above.Send your Light a- nd Truth to guide us, and so fill us with your love.

CHORUS You alone are my Strength, my Shield,To you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire, And I long to worship you.

“As the Deer” by Marty Nystrom (verses 2&3 by Joel Graves) © 1984 Maranatha Praise CCLI License #3128756

General Confession

Celebrant: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

CONFESSION Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the evil intentions and desires of our own hearts. We have broken your holy laws. We have left undone the things we ought to have done; and we have done the things that we ought not to have done; and there is no spiritual soundness within us. REPENTENCE Have mercy on us, pitiful sinners, O Lord. Spare those who confess their sins. Restore those who truly repent, even as you have promised through Jesus Christ our Lord. And grant, merciful Father, for his sake, that we may live from this time forward a godly, righteous and holy life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.

BCP – Morning Prayer version

1. Let us break bread together on our knees, (on our knees) let us break bread together on our knees. (on our knees) When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me. (on me)

2. Let us drink wine together on our knees, (on our knees) let us drink wine together on our knees. (on our knees) When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me. (on me)

3. Let us praise God together on our knees, (on our knees) let us praise God together on our knees. (on our knees) When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me. (on me)

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lorda communion canticle

The Sanctus

Ho-ly, ho-ly, ho-ly Lord, God of power and might,

Hol-y, ho-ly, ho-ly Lord, God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are fu – ll, fu - ll of your glo-ry.

Hosa - nna in the high-est. Hosa - nna in the high-est.

Blessed is he who co – mes in the name of the Lord.

Hosa - nna in the hi - ghest. Hosa - nna in the hi - ghest.

Holy, Holy, Holya communion canticle

Holy, holy, holy. Holy, holy, holy.

O Lord, our God, Lord of Hosts.

O Lord, our God, Lord of Hosts.

From the song Kadosh

We Fall Downa communion canticle

We fall down, We lay our crowns At the feet of Jesus. The greatness of, Mercy and love At the feet of Jesus.

And we cry Holy, holy, holy,And we cry Holy, holy, holy,And we cry Holy, holy, holy, Is the Lamb.

“We Fall Down” Words & Music by Chris Tomlin © 1998 WorshipTogether.com CCLI License #3128756

Words of Assurance

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus said, Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

In the Gospel of John Jesus said, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

The Apostle Paul said, This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).

The Apostle John said, If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2, 4:10).

Propitiation = Seat of Mercy on top of the Ark of the Covenant where the blood of the lamb was sprinkled for the sins of the people.



I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things, visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages, 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 and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.

Celebrant: Let us confess our faith together by reciting the Nicene Creed:


Confession of our FaithOn 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 shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. Who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the Prophets. I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Holy Communion Celebrated

Note 1: All people who confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior and have been baptized into the Christian faith are welcome to share Holy Communion with us.

Note 2: We offer both wine (copper chalice) on your left, and grape/pomegranite juice (silver chalice) on

your right: both fruits of God’s vines.

Note 3: If you are unable to come forward for Holy Communion, please raise your hand to get a server’s attention and we will come to you.

Celebrant: Remember the words of our Lord, how he said it was more blessed to give than to receive.

The Offering

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise him all creatures here below,Praise him above ye heavenly hosts, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

1 st Sunday in Advent. Consecration of Altar Items and Commissioning of the Altar Guild.

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Transcript of 1 st Sunday in Advent. Consecration of Altar Items and Commissioning of the Altar Guild.