ST HILDA’S ASHFORD

PARISH EUCHARIST

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Introit Hymn – All stand as the choir and ministers enter the church

Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his hand,Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand. King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of lords, in human vesture,in the body and the blood, he will give to all the faithful his own self for heav'nly food. Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way,as the Light of light descendethfrom the realms of endless day, that the pow'rs of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away. At his feet the six-winged seraph, Cherubim, with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, "Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Lord Most High!" 

Liturgy of St JamesTr Gerard Moultrie 1829-85

The GreetingIn the name of the Father,and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit.

All AmenThe Lord be with you

All and also with you.

Words of welcome or introduction are said. The Junior Church introduce their session

The Lighting of the Advent CandleFourth Candle - Mary the Mother of Jesus

Last Sunday in Advent we lit the Candle of Love. We light it and the Candles of Hope and Peace again as we remember that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, will come again to fulfil all of God's promises and brings us everlasting peace and joy.  (We light the four candles)

Prayers of PenitenceLet us hear our Lord’s blessing on those who follow him.Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be comforted.Blessed are the meek,for they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,for they shall be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful,for they shall obtain mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart,for they shall see God.Blessed are the peacemakers,for they shall be called children of God.Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness,and will disclose the purposes of the heart. (Silent reflection)

In the light of Christ let us confess our sins.

O King enthroned on high,filling the earth with your glory:holy is your name,Lord God almighty.In our sinfulness we cry to you to take our guilt away, and to cleanse our lips to speak your word,through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father,who in his great mercyhas promised forgiveness of sinsto all those who with heartfelt repentance and true faithturn to him: have mercy on you,pardon and deliver you from all your sins,confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,and bring you to everlasting life,through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen.

The Collect - The Collect for the Week is said after a moment of silence

God our redeemer,who prepared the Blessed Virgin Maryto be the mother of your Son:grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour,so we may be ready to greet himwhen he comes again as our judge;

who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of  the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.

All Amen.THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 7:10-16The LORD spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.”Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right. But before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.”

At the end the reader may sayThis is the word of the Lord.

All Thanks be to God.

Second Reading – Romans 1:1-7Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God, by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

At the end the reader may say This is the word of the Lord.

All Thanks be to God.Gradual Hymn – All Stand

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cryAnnounces that the Lord is nigh;Come then and hearken, for he bringsGlad tidings from the King of kings.

Then cleansed be every Christian breast,And furnished for so great a guest!Yea, let us each our hearts prepareFor Christ to come and enter there.

For thou art our salvation, Lord,Our refuge and our great reward;Without thy grace our souls must fade,And wither like a flower decayed.

Stretch forth thine hand to heal our sore,And make us rise, to fall no more;Once more upon thy people shine,And fill the world with love divine.

All praise, eternal Son, to thee,Whose advent sets thy people free;Whom with the Father, we adoreAnd Spirit blest, for evermore. Amen.

Charles Coffin 1676-1749Tr John Chandler 1808-76

Gospel Reading – Matthew 1:18-25When the Gospel is announced the reader says Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

All Glory to you, O Lord.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.All Praise to you, O Christ.

The Sermon – All sit

The Creed – All Stand

Let us declare our faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

All I believe in God, the Father almighty,creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,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,he is seated at the right hand of the Father,and he will 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 the life everlasting.Amen.

Prayers of Intercession – We sit or kneelIn joyful expectation of his coming to our aidwe pray to Jesus.

The prayers end with the following:

Merciful FatherAll accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,our Saviour Jesus Christ.Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE SACRAMENTThe Peace – All stand

In the tender mercy of our God,the dayspring from on high shall break upon us,to give light to those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of deathand to guide our feet into the way of peace.

The peace of the Lord be always with youAll and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.All may exchange a sign of peace.

Offertory Hymn

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonderConsider all the works Thy hands hath made,I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,Thy power throughout the universe displayed:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,How great thou art! How great thou art!Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,How great thou art! How great thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wanderAnd hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,He bled and died to take away my sin:

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamationAnd take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!Then shall I bow in humble adoration,And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

Stuart K. Hire©1949, 1953 The Stuart Hine Trust/Published by Integrity Music

The gifts of the people are gathered and presented. The table is prepared, and bread and wine are placed upon it.

As this bread was scattered and then gathered and made one,so may your Church be gathered into your Kingdom.

All Glory to you, O God, for ever.

Wisdom has built her a house;she has mixed her wine; she has set her table.Glory to you, O God, for ever.

All Amen.

The Eucharistic Prayer The Lord is here

All His Spirit is with usLift up your hearts.

All We lift them to the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All It is right to give thanks and praise.

It is indeed right,it is our duty and our joy,at all times and in all placesto give you thanks and praise,holy Father, heavenly King,almighty and eternal God,through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And now we give you thanksbecause you sent him to redeem us from sin and deathand to make us inheritors of everlasting life;that when he shall come again in power and great triumphto judge the world,we may with joy behold his appearing,and in confidence may stand before him.

Therefore with angels and archangels,and with all the company of heaven,we proclaim your great and glorious name,for ever praising you and singing:

All Holy, holy, holy Lord,God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.Hosanna in the highest.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;Hosanna in the Highest.

All glory be to you, our heavenly Father,who, in your tender mercy,gave your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christto suffer death upon the cross for our redemption;who made there by his one oblation of himself once offereda full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice, oblation and satisfactionfor the sins of the whole world;he instituted, and in his holy gospel commanded us to continue,a perpetual memory of his precious death until he comes again.

Hear us, merciful Father, we humbly pray,and grant that, by the power of your Holy Spirit ,we receiving these gifts of your creation, this bread and this wine, according to your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution,in remembrance of his death and passion,may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood;who, in the same night that he was betrayed,took bread and gave you thanks;he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying:Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;do this in remembrance of me.

In the same way, after supperhe took the cup and gave you thanks;he gave it to them, saying: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.

Do this, as often as you drink it,in remembrance of me.

Great is the mystery of faith:Christ has died:Christ is risen:Christ will come again.

Therefore, Lord and heavenly Father,in remembrance of the precious death and passion,the mighty resurrection and glorious ascensionof your dear Son Jesus Christ,we offer you through him this our sacrifice of praiseand thanksgiving.

Grant that by his merits and death,and through faith in his blood,we and all your Church may receive forgiveness of our sinsand all other benefits of his passion.Although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins,to offer you any sacrifice,yet we pray that you will accept thisthe duty and service that we owe.Do not weigh our merits, but pardon our offences,and fill us all who share in this holy communionwith your grace and heavenly blessing;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,by whom, and with whom, and in whom,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,all honour and glory be yours, almighty Father,for ever and ever.Amen.

(Silent reflection)

Awaiting his coming in glory,let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

The Lord’s PrayerAll 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, the power and the glory,for ever and ever.Amen.

Breaking of the BreadThe president breaks the consecrated bread.

We break this breadto share in the body of Christ.

All Though we are many, we are one body,because we all share in one bread.

Agnus DeiLamb of God,you take away the sin of the world,have mercy on us.Lamb of God,you take away the sin of the world,have mercy on us.Lamb of God,you take away the sin of the world,grant us peace.

Giving of Communion

Draw near with faith.Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christwhich he gave for you,and his blood which he shed for you.

Eat and drinkin remembrance that he died for you,and feed on him in your heartsby faith with thanksgiving.

All Most merciful Lord,your love compels us to come in.Our hands were unclean,our hearts were unprepared;we were not fiteven to eat the crumbs from under your table.But you, Lord, are the God of our salvation,and share your bread with sinners.So cleanse and feed uswith the precious body and blood of your Son,that he may live in us and we in him;and that we, with the whole company of Christ,may sit and eat in your kingdom.Amen.

The president and people receive communion.

A Hymn is sung during the distribution of the Holy Communion

Love Divine, all love excelling,Joy of heaven, to earth come down;Fix in us thy humble dwelling,All Thy faithful mercies crown.Jesus, thou art all compassion,Pure, unbounded love thou art;Visit us with thy salvation,Enter every trembling heart.

Come, almighty to deliver,Let us all thy life receive;Suddenly return, and never,Never more thy temple leave.

Thee we would be always blessing,Serve thee as thy hosts above,Pray, and praise thee, without ceasing,Glory in thy perfect love.

Finish then thy new creation,Pure and spotless let us be;Let us see thy great salvation,Perfectly restored in thee,Changed from glory into glory,Till we cast our crowns before thee,Lost in wonder, love and praise!

Charles Wesley 1707-88

Anthem The Song of Mary (Magnificat)

O Christe Domine Jesu,O Christe Domine Jesu!O Christe Domine Jesu,O Christe Domine Jesus!

Prayer after CommunionSilence is kept after which the Post-Communion prayer is said.

Heavenly Father,who chose the Blessed Virgin Maryto be the mother of the promised saviour:fill us your servants with your grace,that in all things we may embrace your holy willand with her rejoice in your salvation;through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen Father of all,we give you thanks and praise,that when we were still far offyou met us in your Son and brought us home.

Dying and living, he declared your love,gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory.

All May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life;we who drink his cup bring life to others;we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world.Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us,so we and all your children shall be free,and the whole earth live to praise your name;through Christ our Lord.Amen.Notices are given and Junior Church share their session.

THE DISMISSALBlessing

May God the Father, judge all-merciful,make us worthy of a place in his kingdom.Amen.May God the Son, coming among us in power,reveal in our midst the promise of his glory.Amen.May God the Holy Spirit make us steadfast in faith,joyful in hope and constant in love.Amen.and the blessing of God almighty,the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,be among you and remain with you always.

Our Lord says, ‘I am coming soon.’Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.May the Lord, when he comes,find us watching and waiting.Amen.

Recessional Hymn

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer's ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, And drives away his fear. 

It makes the wounded spirit whole,And calms the troubled breast; 'Tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary, rest. 

Dear name! the rock on which I build,My shield and hiding-place,My never-failing treasury filledWith boundless stores of grace.

Jesus! me Shepherd, Brother, Friend, My Prophet, Priest, and King, My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, Accept the praise I bring. 

Weak the effort of my heart, And cold my warmest thought; but when I see as thou art,I'll praise thee as I ought. 

Till then I would your love proclaim With every fleeting breath; And may the music of thy name Refresh my soul in death. 

John Newton 1725-1807

SERVICE TIMES THIS WEEK

Tues 24th Dec 3.00pm Crib Service 11.00pm First Mass of Christmas

Wed 25th Dec 8.00am Eucharist9.30am Eucharist

Sun 29th Dec 8.00am Eucharist9.30am Parish Eucharist

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK:

THE SICK:

James Bedford Margaret Kerr Elsie StoneRobb Clarke Raymond Nation Roy StoneAnn Considine Elizabeth Savill-Burgess Sandra SwainMichael Dixon Delphine Scrivener Rev. Peter TaylorDennis Goff Riley Shaw Chick WilsonJim Hennessey Anne Shenton Peter Wilson

THE RECENTLY DEPARTED:

Margaret Peacock Robert Marshall

THOSE IN OUR MEMORIAL BOOK THIS WEEK

Joseph W Lovell Doreen Ann Beaver Eric Leonard Hine Phoebe Eleanor Spence Alexander Milton Louie Maud Batchelor Edward George Clayton Herbert Salter Isobel Johnson Alfred George Barnes Verna Rose Bembridge Dorothy Madeline Smith

NOTICES

This week:

23rd December 8pm – Advent Course (week 4)

The final week of the Advent Course ‘Someone To Believe In’ which is based around the classic Christmas movie Miracle on 34th Street. This week we will be looking at Understanding the gift of miracles. The session includes watching scenes from the 1994 Miracle on 34th Street, starring Richard Attenborough and Elizabeth Perkins.

Forthcoming events:

25th January 2020 – 7pm – Burns Night

After last year’s success, we will again be holding a Burn’s Night Supper. Tickets will be £10 (adults) & £5 (children under 12) and will be available to purchase from 1st January.

23rd February 2020 – 6pm – Confirmation Bishop Graham will be visiting St Hilda’s where we will be holding a service of Confirmation.

25th February 2020 – Pancake PartyFurther details to follow

May 2020 - Whitby Weekend

We are in the early stages of planning a weekend to Whitby to visit the home of St Hilda. It is planned for the late May Bank Holiday, 23rd-25th May. More details to follow.

St Hilda’s Hamper Raffle

Please return any sold raffle tickets to the office by Tuesday morning together with any donations for the hampers. The draw will take place on Christmas Please put any nominations for these in a sealed envelope addressed to Fr Joseph.

St Hilda’s Memorial Tree

Come and place a star on our tree in memory of your loved ones.

We would like to thank Waitrose, Egham for their kind donation again this year of a Christmas Tree for our Memorial Tree.

St Hilda's Christmas Card

We will again be offering a St. Hilda's Family Christmas card this year - from everyone to everyone. You sign it, and donate the money you save on individual cards to friends in church. The money will be donated to charity. Last year we raised £80 - can we do better this year? The card will be available in December.

Nativity Festival

Thank you to all who came to support the Nativity Festival last weekend. The most popular Nativity was made by Ashford Park School. A fantastic £378.49 was raised for Crisis at Christmas. Our thanks to Alison, Pauline and all their helpers for what we hope will become an annual event.

St Peter’s Prom Concert

Rehearsals for this start on Thursday 9th January at 7.30 (£10 participation fee). Concert is Friday 7th February. All welcome to take part.

Crossroads

Please email Rosemary at crossroads_ashford@hotmail.com if you have anything you would like to include in the parish magazine.

Regular Gatherings

Wednesday 8pm – Bible Study at 6 Seaton Drive Next meeting is 8th January 2020

Wednesday 7.30pm – Ladies Homegroup next meeting January

Thursday 2.30-4pm – Feed My Sheep (1st Thursday of the month)next meeting February

Friday 7pm – Choir Practice. Everybody welcome.

Friday 8.15pm – Community Sing in Church with Paula. December 20th & January 10th 2020

Saturday 9.30am – 12pm – Knitting Group in Church

Wishing you, your family and friends a blessed and happy

Christmas

ContactsVicar   Fr Joseph Fernandes Vicar@sthilda.org Parish Office 01784 253525 Vicarage 01784 254237 Mobile 07999 053433 Licenced Lay MinistersCarolyn Clark Carolyn@sthilda.orgRosalyn Young rosalyn@sthilda.org Mail & Phone via Parish Office [01784 253525] ChurchwardensBobbie Bedford and Stuart YoungMail & Phone via Parish Office [01784 253525] office@sthilda.org   PCC Secretary   Denise ButtigiegMail & Phone via Parish Office [01784 253525] office@sthilda.org Church Hall Booking SecretaryMrs Chris Davenport 01784 252170 

Interim Parish AdministratorDenise Buttigieg 01784 253525 office@sthilda.org

The Parish Office:  St Hilda's Church, Stanwell Road, Ashford, Middlesex

TW15 3QL

Telephone 01784 253525              Charity Number 1134119CCLI: 708985

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