Welcome to   St. Mary's Episcopal Church  

The Third Sunday of Advent  Sunday, December 13, 2020 - Online Liturgy  

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Mary's: Serving with JOY!  The mission of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is to bear God’s Good News                          through joyful worship, Christ-centered teaching, compassionate care, and                intentional relationships.    

The Third Sunday of Advent  December 13, 2020  

Online Liturgy    

The Holy Eucharist Rite 2  The Holy Eucharist: Rite 2 (Spiritual Communion)  

 

Welcome to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church!    Welcome back to Sunday morning indoor worship!  

 In these extra-ordinary times, St. Mary’s offers three Sunday morning worship opportunities  

of Holy Eucharist. One is an online pre-recorded liturgy of the Rite 2 service (Spiritual  Communion), posted to our Facebook and YouTube platforms. The others are indoor public  liturgies (Rite 1 at 8am in the Chapel and Rite 2 at 9:30am in the large church), following  the parameters outlined in Fr. Tom’s Pastoral Letter of October 21 and in accordance with  

current state Executive Orders and guidelines from the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina.      

For worshipers gathering in person, we thank you for taking seriously the measures that are  in place that allow us to gather safely, especially wearing face coverings, observing six feet of  physical distancing between different households, and refraining from congregational singing.  These practices will make our time together safer and are appreciated as signs of love for one  

another.    

You may also wish to begin the practice of bringing with you your own copy of the Book of  Common Prayer and Bible to incorporate into your worship while at St. Mary’s Church and  

beyond. If you don’t have either, please speak with the clergy - we’d love to help!    

All page numbers refer to the Book of Common Prayer.    

 

SERVERS IN THIS LITURGY:   Officiant & Preacher: Tom Warren  

Organist: Sharon Veitch    Musicians: Marcus Jones (vocals) & Seraphim Smith (recorder)  

Advent Wreath Lectors: The Edwards Family (Jess, Dacie, Leah, Mary Helen)  Lectors: Bonnie Enders & P.C. Barwick  

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Greeting & Announcements  Lighting of the Advent Wreath Candle    The people may remain seated as this hymn is sung by the soloist.     

Opening Hymn #437 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!   

 

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 Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith     Music: Birmingham    

Officiant   Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.   People   And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.     

Officiant  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.  

 

Officiant Lord, have mercy.  People Christ, have mercy.  Officiant Lord, have mercy.  

 

The Collect of the Day   Page 212  Officiant The Lord be with you.  People And also with you.  Officiant Let us pray.    

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because                              we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help                              and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy                              Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.  

 

The Lessons  All may be seated for the readings    

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah: [61:1-4, 8-11]      

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has                                  sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to                              proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year                            

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of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who                                mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a garland instead                            of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a                                faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to                              display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the                              former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many                        generations. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will                            faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with                          them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring                        among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people                            whom the Lord has blessed. 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.    

Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.    

Psalm 126  

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *  then were we like those who dream.  

 

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *  and our tongue with shouts of joy.  

 

3 Then they said among the nations, *  "The Lord has done great things for them."  

 

4 The Lord has done great things for us, *  and we are glad indeed.  

 

5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *  like the watercourses of the Negev.  

 

6 Those who sowed with tears *  will reap with songs of joy.  

 

7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *  will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.  

 

A Reading from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Church in Thessalonica: [5:16-24]    

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the                            will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the                                  

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words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from                            every form of evil.    

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul                              and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The                                one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.  

 

Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.    

The Holy Gospel   John 1:6-8,19-28

All stand as they are able.  Gospeler The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.  People Glory to you, Lord Christ.  

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.    

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from                              Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but                              confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you                            Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then                            they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us.                                  What do you say about yourself ?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the                                    wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now                            they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you                            baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John                          answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not                            know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his                                    sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.  

 

The Gospel of the Lord.   People Praise to you, Lord Christ.    

All may be seated.  The Sermon Fr. Tom    

All stand as they are able.  The Nicene Creed Page 358    

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                            

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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.  

 

All stand as they are able.  The Prayers of the People, Form I Page 383  Intercessor With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying,                                

“Lord, have mercy.”  Intercessor   For the peace from above, for the loving kindness of God, and for the                            

salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.   People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God,                              

and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.   People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor For Justin, the Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, our Presiding Bishop;                    

Rob, our diocesan bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to                              the Lord.   

People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor For Donald, our President; for the leaders of the nations; for Roy, our                          

Governor; Don, our Mayor; and for all in authority, let us pray to the                            Lord.   

People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor For this city of Kinston, for every city and community, and for those who                            

live in them, let us pray to the Lord.   People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will                              

to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.   

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People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick                            

and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.  People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor For the poor and oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for                        

prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let                          us pray to the Lord.  

People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the                              

departed, let us pray to the Lord.  People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let                    

us pray to the Lord.  People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and                          

without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.  People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor In our Parish Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Fellowship Committee, and                          

all involved in efforts to strengthen relationships in our Christian                    community, especially Gerry Fox who serves as the committee chair.  

People   Lord, have mercy.  Intercessor In the communion of St. Mary and of all the saints, let us commend                            

ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.  People   To thee, O Lord our God.  Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.    

Prayers may be lifted aloud or in the silence of our hearts at this time.    

The Celebrant offers a concluding collect  O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your                                  blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near:                                  Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations                            into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your                                kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

 

The Confession     Page 320  Officiant   Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.  

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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, stands and says  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.  

 

Officiant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.    

The Offertory  The Offertory Sentence:  

By clicking this link, worshippers may leave their tithes or offerings this morning.    

Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to                                  God.   - Ephesians 5:2    

An Act of Spiritual Communion  All stand as they are able. The Officiant continues with the invitation.  I invite you now to join in an act of spiritual communion whereby we seek with heart                                  and body to make our full communion with God, beginning with the words our Lord                              Himself taught us to pray:    

The Lord’s Prayer Page 364  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.  

 

The Agnus Dei Page 337  Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.  Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.  Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.  

 

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In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the                                Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, we desire to offer to you praise and                            thanksgiving. We remember your death, Lord Christ; we proclaim your resurrection;                      we await your coming in glory.   

 

And since we cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, we                                beseech you to come spiritually into our hearts. Cleanse and strengthen us with your                            grace, Lord Jesus, and let us never be separated from you. May we live in you, and                                  you in us, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.    

The Postcommunion 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.  

 

An Advent Blessing  May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before  your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,  be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.  

 

The Dismissal   Officiant Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.   People Thanks be to God.    

Closing Hymn #76 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry  

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 Words: Charles Coffin Music: Winchester New   

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS  This Week’s Schedule – December 13, 2020  

Sun. 10:45 am The Art of Advent - Adult Forum in Moseley Hall & Zoom (Contact                          Fr. Tom for the Zoom link)  

12:00 pm Children’s Ministry Advent Lunch on the West Lawn  2:00 pm St. Mary’s Walking Group (Open to all!)  

  4:30 pm EYC “Wonder As We Wander”   (meet out front of Middle Grounds Coffee House)  

8:00 pm AA meets in Moseley Hall  Mon. 6:00 pm BSA Round Table Meeting (Moseley Hall)  Tues. 8:30 am Morning Prayer  

9:15 am St. Mary’s Walking Group (Open to all!)  6:30 pm EfM - Email Jon Sargeant for the Zoom link.   

Wed. 7:00 am Men’s Morning Prayer Group  2:00 pm Parish Staff Meeting  

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4:30 pm St. Mary’s Walking Group (Open to all!)  Thurs.   8:30 am Morning Prayer  

2-4:30 pm Fr. Tom’s Office Hours  3:45 pm EYC Coffee with Liz (at Middle Gounds Coffee House)  5:00 pm Handbells Rehearsal  

Fri. 9am-Noon Fr. Tom’s Office Hours  Sat. 6:45 am St. Mary’s Walking Group (Open to all!)    

TODAY’S LOOSE OFFERING: The loose offering today is designated for the                      clergy’s Discretionary Funds. Monies from the discretionary fund are used to assist                        needs in our community and for parish unbudgeted items. Checks should be made                          payable to St. Mary’s Church and in the memo portion of the check write, Rector’s                              Discretionary Fund. Please be generous in your response.    

THE ART OF ADVENT: ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION - The Christian                    Formation Committee continues its series “The Art of Advent” each Sunday through                        Dec. 21st from 10:45-11:45am in Moseley Hall ( currently up to 10 people, socially distanced                            and wearing face coverings ) and via Zoom ( the Zoom link is the same each week and was emailed on                                      Saturday, Nov 28 ). This four week program is led by Vicki Kennedy and studies art                              relating to the Advent season to awaken the senses and inspire spirituality. We hope you                              will join us!    

ADVENT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH - All children from babies to 5th grade                           and their families are invited to share in Sunday Advent activities today from 12-1pm on                              the West Lawn. Bring your lunch, blanket or chairs, and your "church bag" and join Liz                                for lunch, activities, and Advent lessons. EYC will enjoy our Advent “Wonder While We                            Wander” at 4:30 pm out front of Middle Grounds Coffee House and can be picked up at                                  the same location at 6pm.    

CHRISTMAS FOR FOSTER CHILDREN - This year, we are excited to announce                        that we have been able to sponsor 16 foster children and their special requests for                              Christmas! God bless these children and your generous response!      

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS - At the Christmas liturgies, the altars and                      chancel are decorated with a sea of poinsettias in celebration of Christ’s birth and given                              in memory or honor of loved ones. If you would like to remember a loved one or offer                                    flowers in thanksgiving for someone, please contact the church office. Special offering                        envelopes may also be found on the Narthex tables. Checks should be made out to St.                                Mary’s Church. Monday, December 21st is the deadline to ensure that names will appear                            in the Christmas bulletin.  

 

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VESTRY & DIOCESAN CONVENTION DELEGATE ELECTIONS - The                Annual Parish Meeting was held last Sunday. If you haven't yet had an opportunity to                              read the 2020 Annual Report, please pick up a copy or read it on the church website’s                                  home page. We welcome the newly elected Vestry Class of 2023: Skip Greene, Audra                            Haddad, Vicki Kennedy, and Pam Mazingo . We thank these four members for their                          discernment to serve our parish in this way. Please keep them and the rest of our vestry                                  and leadership in your prayers. We offer our thanksgivings for the outgoing Vestry Class                            ( Jess Edwards, Gerry Fox, Whitney Grady, and Jo Parrott ) for their faithful service                          throughout their three year term in addition to their work as the Vestry Nominating                            Committee. Their terms officially end at the Vestry commissioning liturgy in January.  Also, the following members of the church will represent St. Mary’s at the upcoming                            Diocesan Convention in February: PC Barwick, Barbara Crumbacker, Richard                  Crumbacker, & Jo Parrott (Lay Delegates); David Brown (Alternate Lay Delegate);                      Anna Haddad (Youth Representative). We are grateful for their ministry and service!    

ST. MARY'S WALKING GROUPS - Whether it is a journey to get fit, a journey to                                share fellowship, or a "Journey Through East Carolina," we are excited to offer safe                            walking groups to fit any schedule. We hope you will check out any (or all!!) of these                                  walking times...ALL are welcome!  

● Tuesdays at 9:15am - meet at St. Mary’s for a walk hosted by our ECW;  ● Wednesdays at 4:30pm - all ages (and their animals) will meet at St. Mary’s for a                                

30 minute walk;  ● Fridays at 6:45am - meet at St. Mary’s and join others for 45 minute walk;  ● Sundays at 2pm - join others for a 30 minute walk at a slower pace; this group                                  

will meet at St. Mary’s and possibly other locations as announced.  ECW FAITH FRIENDS - Will you help St. Mary's be intentional about staying                          connected? Consider joining FAITH FRIENDS, a group of ECW women who are                        willing to make intentional personal connections by checking in on an assigned church                          member via short chats, doorstep visits, letters, and/or surprise gifts. Please contact                        Laury Sargeant by email at jsarg4@suddenlink.net or Audra Haddad by email at                        5haddad@suddenlink.net who will in turn contact you to assign a friend.     

A NOTE FROM SHARON VEITCH, CHOIRMASTER - Do you or anyone you                        know have a talent with a musical instrument? If so, please contact Sharon Veitch. St.                              Mary's is looking to develop an instrumental ensemble to enhance our worship while                          congregational singing is on hold.    

SUPPORTING THE LIFE OF ST. MARY’S CHURCH - We recognize the                      incredible impact of this pandemic on every facet of our lives and are grateful for the                                tithes and offerings that have continued to be sent by mail and online .  

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STAY CONNECTED - Access our membership directory here .     

JOIN F3 OR FIA NATION IN KINSTON! F3 is a national network that focuses on                              Fitness - Fellowship - Faith. It is free, peer-led, with outdoor workout groups for men of                                all ages. For more information, check out the f3enc.com or contact Chris Jenkins at                            wjenkins@nccumc.org FIA is a community of women whose mission is to become                        stronger with focus on bodies, minds, hearts of themselves and other women. It is free,                              led outdoors, and open to women of all ages. For more information, check out                            fianation.com and go to the FiA Lenoir County Facebook page for workout dates/times.                          Both groups are now active in Kinston!    

DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: St. Peter’s by the Sea, Swansboro, The Rev’d                        Michelle Bullock, Rector    

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Mrs. Betty DeVeau, Mr. William Archie, Miss Morgan                      Wade, Mr. James Grady, Mrs. Jean Marie Wade, Mrs. Nancy Barwick, Mrs. Juliet Barrus,                            Mr. John Carey, Mr. Randy Kelly    

ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK: Gilda and Mark Hollar, Laura and John Carey,                      Kelly and Mike Jones, Beth and Randy Jones, Marcia and John McRae  

                   

 

Tom Warren………………….………….. Rector Parish Vestry  Sharon Veitch .…………..Organist/Choirmaster 2020 2021  Jo Parrott ....…...…………..………Senior Warden Jess Edwards   Jimmy Ballard  Jimmy Ballard..……………...……..Junior Warden Gerry Fox   Sam Gilmore  Billy Page …..………….………....……..Treasurer Whitney Grady   Jessica Shimer  Whitney Grady...……………....Clerk of the Vestry Jo Parrott   Stuart Stroud  Lori Kelly…………………....Parish Administrator  Liz Hengst…Youth/Families Ministry Coordinator 2022  Sherry Tanner………….Communications Director John John  Jim Godfrey……………...Mary’s Kitchen Director Scott Turik  Cyndi Rafferty…...………………Altar Guild Chair Dee Warner  Laury Sargeant.…….……………...ECW President Harry Wooten  

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