The Holy Eucharist
The Third Sunday of Advent (Year A)
December 11, 2022 at 9:30 AM
Celebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
Deacon: The Rev. Ella Roundtree-Davis, Deacon
Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/
The Holy Eucharist: Rite II
Hymn #76: On Jordan's Bank The Baptist's Cry
1 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings.
2 Then cleansed be every breast from sin;
make straight the way for God within,
and let each heart prepare a home
where such a mighty guest may come.
3 For thou art our salvation, Lord,
our refuge, and our great reward;
without thy grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.
4 To heal the sick stretch out thine hand,
and bid the fallen sinner stand;
shine forth, and let thy light restore
earth's own true loveliness once more.
5 All praise, eternal Son, to thee,
whose advent doth thy people free;
whom with the Father we adore
and Holy Spirit evermore.
[Words: Public Domain. Charles Coffin; tr. Charles Winfred Douglas, after John Chandler; alt. Music: Winchester New, melody from Musicalishes Hand-Buych; harm. William Henry Monk, alt. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #30143064. All rights reserved.]
The Penitential Order
[BCP, p. 351]
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
And blessed be God's kingdom, now and forever! Amen!
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Confession of Sin
[BCP, p. 360]
The Deacon says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Deacon 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.
LEV #235: Lord, Have Mercy
[See also BCP, p. 356]
Lord, have mercy,
Lord, have mercy,
Lord, have mercy!
Christ, have mercy,
Christ, have mercy,
Christ, have mercy!
Lord, have mercy,
Lord, have mercy,
Lord, have mercy!
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Lena McLin, Eucharist of the Soul, Copyright © 1972, General Words and Music Co. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #94576. All rights reserved.]
The Collect of the Day
[BCP, p. 357, 212]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
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.
A Reading from the Book of Isaiah 35:1-10
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.
Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God. He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;
the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water;
the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way;
the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.
No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;
they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Canticle 15
The Song of Mary Magnificat
[BCP, p. 91-92]
Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
A Reading from James 5:7-10
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn #72: Hark! The Glad Sound! The Savior Comes (Verses 1 -3)
1 Hark, the glad sound! the Savior comes,
the Savior promised long:
let every heart prepare a throne,
and every voice a song.
2 He comes, the prisoners to release
in Satan's bondage held;
the gates of brass before him burst,
the iron fetters yield.
3 He comes, the broken heart to bind,
the bleeding soul to cure;
and with the treasures of his grace
to enrich the humble poor.
[Words: Philip Doddridge. Copyright © 2003 by HAL LEONARD CORPORATION. Music: Copyright © 2003 by HAL LEONARD CORPORATION. Richmond, melody Thomas Haweis; adapt. Samuel Webbe, Jr.; harm. The English Hymnal; desc. Craig Sellar Lang, by permission of Novello and Co. Ltd. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #1048133. All rights reserved.]
The People stand, as they are able, for the reading of the Gospel.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to Matthew 11:2-11
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Hymn #72: Hark! The Glad Sound! The Savior Comes (Verse 4)
4 Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
thy welcome shall proclaim;
and heaven's eternal arches ring
with thy beloved Name.
[Words: Philip Doddridge. Copyright © 2003 by HAL LEONARD CORPORATION. Music: Copyright © 2003 by HAL LEONARD CORPORATION. Richmond, melody Thomas Haweis; adapt. Samuel Webbe, Jr.; harm. The English Hymnal; desc. Craig Sellar Lang, by permission of Novello and Co. Ltd. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #1048133. All rights reserved.]
The Sermon
"The Virgin of Guadalupe" by The Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector
St. Mary sang, “[God] has shown the strength of [God’s] arm, [God] has scattered the proud in their conceit. [God] has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. [God] has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich [God] has sent away empty” (Luke 1:51-53).
Most of you know that Rev. Kelly and I spent Thanksgiving week on vacation in Spain. It was our first trip outside of the country since before the pandemic and it was an absolute blast! We spent time in Madrid and Barcelona and tried to go nonstop for eight days. While we were there, we visited several large Roman Catholic cathedral churches filled with beautiful medieval art everywhere you look. In Catholic cathedrals and basilicas (and some large Episcopal churches), there is a main altar in the center-front of the church, but also lots of smaller shrines, side altars, and side chapels. Each of these shrines is usually dedicated to a different saint.
In Barcelona, I visited the Basilica of St. Mary of the Sea (Santa Maria del Mar). Because that church is dedicated to St. Mary, the mother of Jesus, it has side altars and shrines dedicated to specific apparitions of Mary. “Apparitions” are events in which St. Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared to Christians in visions or dreams long after her death. There are many famous apparitions of Mary from throughout Christian history, so this church in Barcelona had many to pick from, but there was one shrine that really stood out to me: the shrine dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe (La Virgen de Guadalupe). You have probably seen this image before because it is the most famous apparition of Mary in the world.
The Virgin of Guadalupe (La Virgen de Guadalupe)
Here’s the story: The year was 1531 in what is now called Mexico City. The Spanish conquistadores had just invaded and colonized this land a few years earlier. They enslaved the people and stole their natural resources to make Spain rich. One day, a native Aztec man named Juan Diego saw the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, on top of a hill. She appeared to him as a dark-skinned woman with native features, wearing native clothes, and speaking the native Nahuatl language, not Spanish or Latin. Mary told Juan Diego to tell the bishop to build a church on that hill. The bishop didn’t believe him because he was uneducated and not European. The bishop demanded proof. Mary appeared to him again to encourage him to go back, saying that she would convince him herself. When Juan Diego was with the bishop again, he opened his cloak and dozens of roses fell out, revealing the now-famous image of an indigenous St. Mary. Tomorrow, December 12, is the anniversary of that day and is remembered as the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe. That cloak with Mary’s image still exists today and is hanging in the Basilica Church of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
We know that Mary wasn’t actually from central America in the 16th century, and didn’t speak Nahuatl in her earthly life. She was a Middle Eastern Jewish woman from Nazareth in the 1st century. But this story of Guadalupe fits with the biblical character of Mary. Jesus’ mother prayed the words we read together earlier from Luke 1:46-55, called the Magnificat or the Song of Mary. She prayed to a God who is merciful and kind, especially to humble, lowly people (1:48). She believed that God does not favor people because of their wealth or status; instead God thwarts the proud and lowers the mighty from their high horses; God lifts up the oppressed and feeds the hungry (1:51-53). God wants to balance the scales and correct the injustices of the world; and God will do so through Mary’s son Jesus.
Juan Diego was a man with no earthly clout and little power. He was a peasant farmer whose life was flipped upside down when the Spanish invaded his homeland. Spain conquered the lands that would become Mexico through violence, domination, and enslavement. Along the way, Spanish Christians preached about a Savior named Jesus. Many Spanish people were duped into believing that God supported their conquest. Somehow, through the kindness of some missionary monks, Juan Diego came to believe in Jesus and got baptized a few years before those fateful days in 1531.
God could have sent Mary to visit with the Bishop himself, or to the Governor, or to the priests, monks, or nuns. All of those people were educated, wealthy, and/or powerful. But instead, God passed over the mighty in favor of the lowly and humble. God chose Juan Diego to inspire generations of Christians (especially in Latin America). God chose to reveal Mary to Juan Diego as an indigenous woman — not as a European — to show that God was truly with these conquered peoples. God humbled the bishop (casting down the mighty from his throne) and made him respect Juan Diego as a saint and a prophet (lifting up the lowly).
We believe in a God who is liberating us, even while uniting us across our differences. The Virgin Mary of Guadalupe is a symbol of hope in God’s liberation and justice through Jesus Christ. She inspires God’s children whenever we face injustice and oppression. She points to the same things she pointed to in Scripture: God helps people in need and God promises to bring mercy (Luke 1:54).
That word is powerful in 1st century Judea, in 16th century Mexico, in 21st century Georgia, and even in Spain. Spain was the nation who sent soldiers, merchants, and missionaries to conquer Mexico in the first place. Spain was a place where Christianity got so twisted that they committed atrocities and called them good. And now, by sharing the symbol of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexicans and Latin Americans are preaching the Gospel back to Spain. The oppressed people are calling the oppressors back to Jesus. When I saw that shrine in Barcelona, I pictured Spanish Christians praying there and remembering Mary’s words about God’s justice and mercy for the lowly. I was filled with hope that God really can heal our divisions and make all things well.
Let us pray:
“Be present with us, God our Deliverer, as you were present with La Virgen de Guadalupe who called Juan Diego her beloved son. May her example of tender care for the poor and oppressed guide us in the way of justice and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen” (Book of Occasional Services 2018, p. 27).
The Shrine dedicated to The Virgin of Guadalupe (La Virgen de Guadalupe) in The Basilica of St. Mary by the Sea (La Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar) in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Guillermo A. Arboleda.
Hymn #61: Sleepers, Wake!
"Sleepers, wake!" A voice astounds us, the shout of rampart-guards surrounds us: "Awake, Jerusalem, arise!" Midnight's peace their cry has broken, their urgent summons clearly spoken: "The time has come, O maidens wise! Rise up, and give us light; The Bridegroom is in sight. Alleluia! Your lamps prepare and hasten there, that you the wedding feast may share."
Zion hears the watchmen singing;
her heart with joyful hope is springing,
she wakes and hurries through the night.
Forth he comes, her Bridegroom glorious
in strength of grace, in truth victorious:
her star is risen, her light grows bright.
Now come, most worthy Lord,
God's Son, Incarnate Word,
Alleluia!
We follow all and heed your call
to come into the banquet hall.
Lamb of God, the heavens adore you; let saints and angels sing before you, as harps and cymbals swell the sound. Twelve great pearls, the city's portals: through them we stream to join th' immortals as we with joy your throne surround. No eye has known the sight, no ear heard such delight: Alleluia! Therefore we sing to greet our King; for ever let our praises ring.
[Words: Philipp Nicolai; tr. Carl P. Daw, Jr. Copyright © 1982 Hope Publishing Company; Music: Wachet auf, melody Hans Sachs; adapt. Philipp Nicolai; arr. and harm. Johann Sebastian Bach. Printed with permission under ONE LICENSE #07746. All rights reserved.]
The Nicene Creed
[BCP, p. 358]
All standing as they are able, the People pray:
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
[Adapted from http://theadventproject.org/Documents/adventpop.pdf, based on the "Great O Antiphons" of Advent, which inspired the lyrics to Hymn #56 - "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"]
Sisters and Brothers, as we joyfully await the full manifestation of God’s Reign in Christ, let us pray for the needs of the church and the world, saying, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High and reach from beginning to end, mightily and sweetly ordering all things. Behold and bless your church, remembering especially Michael our presiding bishop, Frank our Bishop, Guillermo our priest, Ella our Deacon, Joenelle and Rachael our wardens, our vestry and delegates, Toni our Verger, and all leaders in this parish. Be present in ordering the life of this and every congregation.
Come, Lord Jesus!
O Adonai, God of the Covenant, ruler of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and on Mount Sinai gave your law. Forgive us when we stray from your guidance and will.
Come, Lord Jesus!
O Root of Jesse, you stand as an emblem to humankind; before you rulers will shut their mouths, and nations bow in worship: We pray for your peace and justice in every nation and throughout the world; be present to all whose lives are ravaged by war and strife; especially we hold before you those from among us who serve their country abroad. Guide the leaders of this and every land into the paths of peace and goodwill.
Come, Lord Jesus!
O Key of David, and scepter of the house of Israel, you open and no one can shut, you shut and no one can open: Guide us in opening the doors of opportunity for the unemployed, for the homeless, for prisoners, and for all who are oppressed; and lead us in closing the doors that lead to poverty, bigotry, and injustice.
Come, Lord Jesus!
O King and Desire of the Nations, you are the cornerstone that makes us one: We lift up all who are suffering and in need, especially Anita Arboleda-Silva, Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien Jr., Jordan Jones Green, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Benjamin Jones, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Bette Milledge, Jeffrey Miller, John "Butch" Mitchell, Linda Angela Odom, Jeanette Outing, and Jewel Wheeler: Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous and help us minister to them in your love.
Come, Lord Jesus!
O Dayspring, radiance of the Light Eternal and Sun of Righteousness: Shine your light on those who have died; especially Carmelita Maynard (11/26/2022), and those we now name…; bring comfort to all those who mourn.
Come, Lord Jesus!
O Emmanuel, God with us, Expected One and Savior, We give thanks for all the blessings of this life; for all who celebrate birthdays: Darniki Sheppard Ward (12/15) and Renee Watts (12/15); and for the other blessings we now name silently or aloud… Make each of us ready to receive you into our hearts, to serve you in all whom we meet, and to greet you in the fullness of your glory in the day of your appearing.
Come, Lord Jesus!
The Celebrant concludes with a suitable Collect...
O Father, may your kingdom come soon and very soon; and grant that we, your servants who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son Jesus Christ at his coming in glorious majesty: who is our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
The Peace
[BCP, p. 360]
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Parish Announcements
Advent Bible Study on Wednesdays: The Wednesday Bible Study group is pausing its reading of the Gospel of Luke for a special, four-week Advent study. The Advent Bible Study will continue to meet over Zoom at 5:30 PM on Wednesdays after Evening Prayer. The group uses the same Zoom link as Evening Prayer (see e-Newsletter).
ECW Holiday Party on 12/18: Celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons with St. Matthew's after Sunday worship in person on December 18!
Christmas Memorials for Poinsettias Due 12/19: The Altar Guild invites people to make memorial gifts to decorate the church with poinsettias for the Christmas Season. There is an information form in the church next to the Parish Administrator's office requesting your name, telephone, and the names of people to whom you dedicate your flowers. Please donate $15 per plant, and write checks to St. Matthew's with "Christmas Memorial" or "Poinsettias" in the memo line.
Christmas Season Worship Schedule: During the Christmas Season (12/24/2022–01/06/2023), St. Matthew's will hold the following worship services:
Sat., 12/24 Christmas Eve: Family Holy Eucharist with Pop-up Pageant at 6:00 PM
Sun., 12/25 Christmas Day: Christmas Lessons & Carols at 9:30 AM
Sat., 12/31 New Year's Eve: Watch Night Worship at 6:00 PM ONLINE ONLY
Sun., 1/1 New Year's Day: Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus Worship at 9:30 AM
Fri., 1/6 Feast of the Epiphany: Holy Eucharist at 6:00 PM
Filming for New Year's Eve on 12/21: I will film the footage for our online only New Year's Eve worship service on Wednesday, December 21 at 12:00 noon. Please come if you are interested in reading or serving as an acolyte in the liturgy. This year, we will film the "New Year's Eve Vigil," a slightly different service than in years past because December 31 falls on a Saturday.
ECW's Silver Tea Fundraiser Report: The Episcopal Church Women organized the fantastic Silver Tea event on November 5, 2022, in order to benefit the Diocese of Georgia's Episcopal Youth and Children's Services (EYCS) College Scholarship Fund. The fundraiser continued with a Quilt Raffle that ended on November 30. (Ms. Paulette Sibert won the quilt in the raffle drawing last week.) In total, the ECW raised a record-breaking $2,931 for the EYCS! Thank you for your generosity and participation in the Silver Tea activities and thanks to all the ECW members who helped make this charitable gift possible!
JUST Annual Assembly Report: Justice Unites Savannah Together (JUST) held its Annual Assembly on Monday, December 5. St. Matthew’s brought 12 people, and there were 160 justice network members from 15 different congregations. At this meeting, we heard reports from the Affordable Housing committee and the Court Equity committee. We also voted on a new community problem to begin addressing in 2023: Public School Education. We learned that there is only 31% reading proficiency and 31% math proficiency in our district, meaning almost 70% of students are behind the curve. Beginning in January, there will be a research committee that will learn more about the problem and develop potential solutions for the Nehemiah Action on April 24!
MLK Day Parade 1/16/23: The Savannah Martin Luther King Jr Observance Day Parade is scheduled to make its triumphant return on Monday, January 16, 2023, after two years off due to the pandemic. St. Matthew’s has once again organized a walking and riding group in the parade for all the Savannah Episcopal parishes. We plan to hold a worship service and reception after the parade.
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines: On August 24, the Vestry adopted new, simplified COVID-19 Safety Guidelines. Masks will still be required for all who attend in-person worship services and events. To read the new guidelines in full, click here: https://www.stmattsav.org/post/new-covid-19-safety-guidelines-august-2022.
T/W/Th Evening Prayer: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, St. Matthew's invites you to pray Evening Prayer over Zoom. The video will continue to stream to Facebook Live at 5:00 PM. Please join the Zoom call by 4:55 PM. Otherwise, watch the prayer service as you have been on Facebook Live.
The Offertory
[BCP, p. 376]
Giving to St. Matthew's: We know that many people are feeling the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The church is feeling it too. We still need your support to pay our staff, pay our bills, and provide for these online live streams. There are several ways to give, but the simplest are these:
Mail us a check or money order at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1401 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, Savannah, GA 31415; OR
Make a secure online gift to St. Matthew’s and/or automate future gifts at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now; OR
Text “stmattsav” to 73256 to make a secure online donation through your phone.
NOTE: Donations made online (#2 or #3) through Realm incur a processing fee of about 2.5%. Please consider adding an additional 2.5% to your online gift to cover these costs.
"I appeal to you, sisters and brothers, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." [Romans 12:1]
Give online at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now
Pledge online at: https://tinyurl.com/StMattSav2023
LEV #207: We'll Understand It Better By and By
1 We are often tossed and driv’n
on the restless sea of time,
Somber skies and howling tempest
oft succeed a bright sunshine;
In that land of perfect day,
when the mists have rolled away,
We will understand it better
by and by, by and by.
REFRAIN:
By and by when the morning comes,
When the saints of God are gathered home,
We’ll tell the story how we’re overcome;
For we’ll understand it by and by, by and by.
2 We are often destitute
of the things that life demands,
Want of food and want of shelter,
thirsty hills and barren lands;
We are trusting in the Lord,
and according to His word,
We will understand it better
by and by, by and by. [Refrain]
3 Trials dark on ev’ry hand,
and we cannot understand,
All the ways that God would lead us
to that blessed promised land;
But He guides us with His eye
and we’ll follow till we die.
For we’ll understand it better
by and by, by and by. Refrain
4 Temptations, hidden snares
often take us unawares,
And our hearts are made to bleed
for many a thoughtless word or deed;
And we wonder why the test
when we try to do our best,
But we’ll understand it better
by and by, by and by. [Refrain]
[Words: Charles A. Tindley. Music Charles A. Tindley; arr. F. A. Clark. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #OLOFOB491. All rights reserved.]
AAHH #651: Doxology
[See also Hymn # 380, v. 3]
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
[Words: Thomas Ken, Public Domain. Music: Old 100th, attributed to Louis Bourgeois, Public Domain. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84260. All rights reserved.]
Eucharistic Prayer D
[BCP, p. 372]
It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever. Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance. Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing,
Hymn S-125:
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.
[Word: Public Domain. Music: From A Community Mass, Richard Proulx © 1971, 1977 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #00216. All rights reserved.]
The people stand or kneel.
We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.
And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ's death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
Hymn S-139:
We praise you, we bless you,
We give thanks to you,
And we pray to you, Lord our God
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Plainsong, Te Deum Tone; adapt. Mason Martens, Copyright © 1983 Mason Martens. All rights reserved.]
Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.
Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, with Blessed Matthew and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
[BCP, p. 364]
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
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 Fraction Anthems
[BCP, p. 364, 407]
Hymn S-152:
Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us!
Therefore let us keep the feast! Alleluia!
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Ambrosian chant; adapt. Mason Martens, Copyright © 1971 Mason Martens.]
LEV #269:
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.
[Words: Public Domain. Music: Lena McLin, Eucharist of the Soul, Copyright © 1972 General Words and Music Co. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #57436. All rights reserved.]
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
The Gifts of God for the people of God.
AAHH #256: The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power
1 The blood that Jesus shed for me Way back on Calvary
REFRAIN The blood that gives me strength From day to day It will never lose its power It reaches to the highest mountain It flows to the lowest valley The blood that gives me strength From day to day It will never lose its power
2 It soothes my doubts and calms my fears
And it dries all my tears. [Refrain]
[Words: Andraé Crouch. Copyright © 1994, Manna Music, Inc. Tune THE BLOOD, with refrain; Andraé Crouch, Copyright © 1994, Manna Music, Inc. ; arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr. Copyright © 2000, GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #23760. All rights reserved.]
The Post-Communion Prayer
[BCP, p. 365; Enriching our Worship 2 [2000], pp. 56-57]
Let us pray.
For In-Person Worshippers:
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.
For Online Worshippers and Those Receiving Spiritual Communion:
Faithful God,
in the wonder of your wisdom and love
you fed your people in the wilderness with the bread of angels,
and you sent Jesus to be the bread of life.
Though we cannot consume now these gifts of bread [and wine],
we thank you that we have received the sacrament of Christ’s presence,
the forgiveness of sins, and all other benefits of Christ’s passion.
By the power of the Holy Spirit,
may we embody your desire
and be renewed for your service
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Blessing of the People
[Adapted from The Book of Occasional Services 2018, p. 9]
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
[BCP, p. 366]
Let us go forth in the name of Christ!
Thanks be to God!
The Parish Prayer List
PRAYER LIST: Anita Arboleda-Silva, Martha Avery, Mary Bonaparte, Jacqueline Bryant, Lazola Cope, Aaron Duplechien Jr., Jordan Jones Green, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Benjamin Jones, Whitney Kennedy, Sada Maxwell, Bette Milledge, Jeffrey Miller, John "Butch" Mitchell, Linda Angela Odom, Jeanette Outing, and Jewel Wheeler
BIRTHDAYS: Darniki Sheppard Ward (12/15), Renee Watts (12/15)
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: N/A
RECENT DEATHS: Carmelita Maynard (11/26/2022)
May the souls of all the departed rest in peace; and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
Permissions and Credits: This service is reproduced from The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (BCP), Enriching Our Worship 1 (EOW1), The Hymnal 1982 (Hymn), Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal (LEV), and other sources cited. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.
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