Note: All baptized Christians are welcome to the Lord’s Table in this place. You can stand or kneel at the altar rail. Extend a raised palm to receive a wafer, which you can either eat immediately or wait for a Eucharistic Minister to dip in the wine and place on your tongue. If you have eaten your bread when the chalice comes, hold the cup at the bottom and direct it to your mouth for a sip of wine. For those who do not wish to drink the wine, just cross your arms over your chest when the cup comes by. Stay at the altar rail as long as you wish.

Christ Episcopal Church

…Making a Difference!

The First Sunday of Advent: December 2, 2018 Holy Eucharist (Rite II) - 10:30 a.m.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD VOLUNTARY Variations on “Sleepers, wake!” Jacques Berthier All stand.

First Sunday of Advent Reader: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Those who follow me will not walk in the darkness, but

will have the light of life.” All: Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Reader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. They lived in a land of shadows, but

now light is shining on them. (Isaiah 9:2) Reader: We light this candle to remind us of the hope of all people for a Saviour who will bring us freedom

and peace. This hope was promised by the prophets of the Old Testament, who shared their vision of justice coming to the earth by the mighty acts of God.

The first candle is lit. Reader: Let us pray.

Father, you awaken in us the desire for the coming of your Son Jesus. May he kindle in us the light of his love, and bring the kingdom of peace and justice you promise for the whole earth.

All: Amen. HYMN AT THE PROCESSION 61 “Sleepers, wake!” a voice astounds us Wachet auf

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. COLLECT FOR PURITY Celebrant: 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. TRISAGION Holy God

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray. THE COLLECT OF THE DAY 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. THE FIRST READING Jeremiah 33:14-16 The people sit. A Reading from Jeremiah 33:14-16. The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness." Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. THE GRADUAL Adapted from Traditional Jewish Chant

Psalm 25:1-9 Ad te, Domine, levavi

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in [you;] * let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over [me.]

2 Let none who look to you be put to [shame;] *

let the treacherous be disappointed in their [schemes.] 3 Show me your ways, O [LORD,] *

and teach me your [paths.] 4 Lead me in your truth and [teach me,] *

for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day [long.]

5 Remember, O LORD, your compassion and [love,] *

for they are from ever[lasting.]

6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my trans[gressions;] * remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O [LORD.]

7 Gracious and upright is the [LORD;] *

therefore he teaches sinners in his [way.] 8 He guides the humble in doing [right] *

and teaches his way to the [lowly.] 9 All the paths of the LORD are love and [faithfulness] *

to those who keep his covenant and his [testimonies.] THE SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 A Reading from 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. HYMN AT THE SEQUENCE 73 The King shall come when morning dawns St. Stephen

THE GOSPEL Luke 21:25-36 Gospeler: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Gospeler: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ. THE SERMON The Rev. Gordon Hamilton 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: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from 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 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 and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He 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. THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Form III Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church; That we all may be one. Grant that every member of your Church may truly and humbly serve you; That your Name may be glorified by all people. We pray for Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Andrew, our Bishop; Dorsey, Charles, Frank, & Donald, our bishops retired; Gordon, our priest in charge; Rocky, our resident Deacon; and all bishops, priests, and deacons; That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world; That there may be justice and peace on the earth. Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake; That our works may find favor in your sight. Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble; especially: Dixie Roberts, Amanda Aycock, Hayes Robinson, Shirley Bowers, Richard Knight, Joan Bixby*, Geary Yamashita, Donnie Wright; (silence), we pray; That they may be delivered from their distress. Give to all of the departed eternal rest, especially, [Russell Ransom ;] Let light perpetual shine upon them. We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy; May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom. Let us pray for our own needs and those of others: I ask your prayers for [ Michael Killingsworth, Stephen Killingsworth, Adam Helwig, Joe Galloway, Will Woodruff, and all who serve in our Armed Services; and those who serve in public safety in our community .] I ask your prayers for [ St. Andrew’s, Greenville and Ministry of Church Musicians .] I ask your prayers for those celebrating birthdays especially, [ Lynn Blackmon, Tucker Griffin, Elisabeth Streeter, and Caroline Oliver ] and anniversaries [ .] The People may add their own petitions. The priest will offer the closing prayer. THE CONFESSION The Deacon or Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Silence may be kept. Minister and People:

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. The Bishop when present, or the Priest: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. THE PEACE All stand. Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you. Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

THE HOLY COMMUNION ANTHEM AT THE OFFERTORY O Very God Robert Edward Smith AT THE PRESENTATION All things come of thee, O Lord Anonymous

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Eucharistic Prayer B

The people remain standing. SURSUM CORDA Lift up your hearts Sursum corda

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing. 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: SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS Holy, holy, holy Lord

The people stand or kneel. 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, MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION Tom Belt Celebrant and People:

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 [_________. and] 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, THE LORD’S PRAYER Tom Belt

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept. THE FRACTION Then may be sung or said FRACTION ANTHEM Lamb of God

Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God. and may add Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people. The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.] The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. [Amen.]

MUSIC DURING THE COMMUNION My Heart is Longing Arr. Mark Sedio

After Communion, the Celebrant says: Let us pray. POST-COMMUNION PRAYER Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. ANNOUNCEMENTS THE BLESSING HYMN AT THE CLOSING 57 Lo! He comes, with clouds descending Helmsley

THE DISMISSAL

Celebrant: Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People: Thanks be to God. VOLUNTARY “Sleepers, wake!” Johann Walther

1CCLI# 188842 Used by permission Reprinted from The Rite Song

NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Second Sunday of Advent: Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4

Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6

Canticle 4 or 16

WEEKLY & MONTHLY SCHEDULED EVENTS

Sunday

Adult Class 9:15 a.m. Choir Practice 10:00 a.m.

Rite I 8:00 a.m. Rite II 10:30 a.m.

ECW - (The first Sunday of each month following the 10:30 a.m. Service.)

Wednesday

Choir Practice 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening Service 6:00 p.m. (The first and third Wednesdays of each month.)

Prayer & Meditation Study 7:00 p.m. (The second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.)

ATTENDANCE

Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 4 and 10:30 a.m. – 32

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

December 2nd – Lynn Blackmon December 3rd – Tucker Griffin

December 4th – Elisabeth Streeter December 6th – Caroline Oliver

PARTICIPANTS TODAY

DATE CELEBRANT/ OFFICIENT

PARISH MUSICIAN

E M RITE II

ACOLYTE USHERS TELLERS ALTAR GUILD

LECTOR

Sunday, December 02, 2018

Gordon Hamilton/ Rocky Dworak

Dana Lee Walters, Director of Music/Organist Emeritus

Chris Smith

Mary Bemis Mike Sistare & Earle Holmes

William Bixby & Miller Deaton

Bart & Caroline Oliver

Kathy Sistare

PARISH PRAYER LIST

Terry Michaelson*, Edith Burns, Sloan McLaughlin, Maxcy Westmoreland, Lois Scott*, Brooke Hamilton Zavala, Makenzie White, Philip, Miller Deaton*, Marilyn Morris, Amanda Ford*, Bruce MacDonald, Matt Williamson,

Sara Anne Foster*, Tracey Davis, Charles Ballard, Julie Percival, Maureen Blanchard, Nicholas, Janet Amsler, Buck Sistare, Sherry Stalvey, Pierre Cunningham, Gene Alexander*, Libby Woodruff, Robert Richards*, Mike Lamberton*, Susan DeVenny, Becky Stevenson, Jon Bryson, Herman Tucker, Dixie Roberts, Amanda Aycock,

Hayes Robinson, Shirley Bowers, Richard Knight, Joan Bixby*, Geary Yamashita, Donnie Wright

(*Members of Christ Church: If you wish to place a name on the prayer list, please contact the church office. A new prayer list will start the first Sunday of each month.)

The Little Church That Could: This money will go toward meeting our budget deficit. Even though the little church is not completely empty, let’s work on filling it up again! Adult Sunday School Class: Please make plans to join us at 9:15. Coffee is being served.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please take a moment to sign the note cards in the Narthex for parishioners.

============================================================= As the New Year starts, we again are asking for persons to sign up for refreshments for coffee

hour. You are asked to bring treats, sweet or savory, and a cold beverage. You will also be

responsible for clean up after coffee hour. It gives us all a chance to host our fellow

parishioners. There will be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. Coffee has been provided by

the church, but anyone who wishes to donate ground coffee at any time may do so.

================================================================== To start the year off right, we will be trying our best to go green. As of January 1st we are

asking each of you to bring your own, easy to identify coffee mug. They will be stored in the

credenza in the parlor. It will be there for you to use each Sunday; after use, please wash and

return it to the shelf. There will be several cups available for visitors. It is our small way of

helping the pollution of Gods earth, which he has entrusted us with.

==================================================================

This year the poinsettias for the altar at the Christmas Eve Service have been

donated to Christ Church.

In place of asking for donations for the purchase of poinsettias, this year we are

asking for donations to fund the SHIFT MINISTRY. These donations can be given

in honor or in thanksgiving for those who you wish to remember. These

honorariums will be printed in the Christmas Eve Service Bulletin. On the memo

line of you check, please write “shift.”

Anyone who would wish to bring a poinsettia is welcome to and may place it

around the altar.

This is a way to spread the spirit of Christmas to our community in the coming year.

=========================================================

Mike Sistare is in search of large grills to borrow to prepare Boston

butts this year for the church's annual fundraiser. If you are in a

position to loan Mike the use of your grill, please contact Mike or

the church office. Thank you for your support !

===============================================On Sunday, December 2nd, we will come together after the 10:30 service

to celebrate our love and appreciation for Christ Church at a pot luck

luncheon. Baked ham will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert

to share. Our fellowship is an important part of who we are, let us break

bread together in thanksgiving !!

===================================================== ANGEL TREE

In the spirit of Christmas, we will once again have our Angel Tree. Please take a tag or two and

return UNWRAPPED gifts with the tag attached by Sunday December 16th.

As the saying goes “Christmas is for kids,” so let’s make it merry for underprivileged children

in our community.

Any questions see Di Dworak.

=====================================================

The Annual Meeting will be Sunday, December 9th during the 10:30 a.m.

service. Please make plans to attend.

=====================================================

A CAROLING WE SHALL GO

In the spirit of Christmas and for a lot of fun, we will be going down the street on Dec 22nd

to

Christmas Carol. What a great way to share the joy of the season and also have holiday

fellowship with one another. We will meet at the church at 6 pm. Bring family and friends. We

will return to the church for hot chocolate and holiday goodies. If you have other holidays

events that evening please come and share this fellowship with us and then go on your way

when needed. We look forward to making joyful noise together.

Support Christ Episcopal Church

when you shop at Amazon.com and

use this link https://smile.amazon.com/ch/57-0722281

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Support your charitable organization by starting your

CHRIST CHURCH OUTREACH HOPE Needs: The first Sunday of each month is designated as HOPE Sunday at Christ Church. Please consider contributing to this wonderful organization. They are especially in need of canned chicken, peanut butter, jelly, juice, canned fruit, canned peas, Vienna sausages, tuna, stuffing mix, rice, sugar free juice, sugar free jelly, and oatmeal.

Food for HOPE needs to be placed in the shopping cart for the offering each Sunday.

◄ November December 2018 January ►

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

2 HOPE Sunday

Pot luck Meal

ECW after 10:30 Service

3

4

5 Choir Practice 7:00 pm Wednesday Evening Service 6:00 pm

6

7

8

9 HOPE Sunday

Annual Meeting during the 10:30 Service

10

11

12 Choir Practice 7:00 pm

13

14

15

16 HOPE Sunday

Vestry Meeting following 10:30 Service

17

18

19 Choir Practice 7:00 pm

Wednesday Evening Service 6:00 pm

20

21

22 Caroling 6:00 pm

23 HOPE Sunday

24 Christmas Eve Service 10:15 pm Office Closed

25

Office Closed

26

Office Closed

27

28

29

30 HOPE Sunday

31

Sundays: 8:00 am H.E. Rite I 10:30 am H.E. Rite II 9:15 am Adult Study 11:45 am Pastries in the Parlor

Bishop of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina The Right Reverend W. Andrew Waldo

Priest in Charge

The Reverend Gordon Hamilton

Resident Deacon The Rev. Deacon Nelson Dworak

Vestry Members

William Bixby (’19), Miller Deaton – Jr. Warden (’18), Diane Dworak –Sr. Warden (’19), Katherine Foo (’18), Wayne Johnson (’20), Mike Sistare (’20) and Lisa Stamper (’18)

Treasurer Chris Smith

Clerk

Nicki Robertson

Christ Episcopal Church 534 Plantation Road (PO Box 488)

Lancaster, SC Church Office 803-286-5224

The Rev. Gordon Hamilton 803-246-9027 E-mail: episcopal@comporium.net and ghamilton@comporium.net

Website: www.christchurchlancaster.com / Facebook: Christ Episcopal Church

Christ Church – where we gather to worship, pray, sing, and share so together we may serve our community and the world.