St. James Episcopal Church Batavia, New York

The Third Candle of Advent: The Candle of Joy

Third Sunday of Advent December 11, 2016 10: 00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Welcome to St. James!

Instructions for standing, sitting and kneeling are in the bulletin. Please engage in these as you are comfortable and able. We regularly use two books in our worship:

The Hymnal (blue) and the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) (red). Please join your voice to the hymns and the prayers printed in bold.

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Our Choir is singing at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in LeRoy, this morning, as part of the annual choir exchange between our churches. St. Mark's Choir will be

joining ours right here, next Sunday, December 18th. Prelude Noël Languedogien Alexander Guilmant LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

Those appointed process to the place of the wreath in the front of the sanctuary and light the first three candles, The Candles of Hope, Peace and Joy and say:

The candle of joy reminds us to sing, For God is at work to do a new thing.

The proud will be humbled; the lowly will rise. God's kingdom is one of delight and surprise.

THE WORD OF GOD

Please stand.

Entrance Hymn Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding Hymnal 59

Opening Sentences Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen The Collect for Purity 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.

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Trisagion Hymnal S-100

Collect of the Day The Lord be with you. And also with you. 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.

Please be seated. The First Reading 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

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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. Psalm 146:4-9 BCP p. 803 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! * whose hope is in the LORD their God; Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; * who keeps his promise for ever; Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, * and food to those who hunger. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind; * the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous; the LORD cares for the stranger; * he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked. The LORD shall reign for ever, * your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah! The Second Reading Romans 15:4-13 Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore

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I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”; and again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”; and again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”; and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Please stand.

Sequence Hymn Hark! the glad sound! Hymnal 72

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.

The Sermon “The Candle of Joy” Mother Bonnie

Please stand. The Nicene Creed BCP 358 We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

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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

Presider: As we wait with joy for the glory of the Lord, let us offer prayers to God who opens the eyes of the blind. Intercessor: For the coming of Jesus Christ in power and glory. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. For the coming of Wisdom to teach and guide us. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. For the coming of Emmanuel, the hope of all the peoples. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. For the peace of the world, and for our unity in Christ. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. For William our bishop and all bishops, priests and deacons and all who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people of God. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. For the church throughout the world and the faithful in every place. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

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For the leaders of the nations and all in authority, and those who serve to keep us safe. Especially Mason, Craig, Eric, Kasey, David, Paul, Roger, Ken, Tyler, Leah, and Jake. Lord, graciously hear us. For justice, peace, and freedom among peoples of the earth. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. For the sick. Especially Tim, Ginger, Kevin, Geordan, Donald, Logan, Larry, John, Marge, Robert, Aiden, and Richard. Lord, graciously hear us. For those who rest in Christ and for all the departed. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. Joining our voices with the blessed Virgin Mary and with all the saints and angels of God, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. To you, O Lord, Our God Presider: O Key of David, scepter of the house of Israel, you open and none can shut, you shut and none can open: Come and free the captives from prison, who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Glory to you for ever. Amen. Confession of Sin Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Please kneel as you are able. A period of silence is kept.

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 Presider alone 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.

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The Peace The Peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. Welcome and Announcements

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Offertory Anthem Benedictus Qui Venit (Blessed is He that cometh) Ludwig van Beethoven

Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the altar.

Please stand. Doxology

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

The Great Thanksgiving, Eucharistic Prayer A BCP p. 361

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

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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:

The Sanctus Hymnal S-124

The people stand or kneel.

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died. Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

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We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. 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. As our Savior Christhas taught us, we now pray, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Breaking of the Bread

A period of silence is kept.

Agnus Dei Hymnal S-161

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The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

All are welcome to receive Holy Communion. You may receive communion at the high altar or at the chantry altar.

Communion Hymns On Jordan’s bank Hymnal 76 Rejoice! rejoice believers Hymnal 68

Post Communion Prayer BCP p. 365 Let us pray. 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. The Blessing May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at his second Advent be rewarded with unending life. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

A Hymn to go Forth Tell out my soul Hymnal 438 The Dismissal Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God. Postlude What Star is This? Michael Praetorius

Please join us in the Parish Hall for Coffee Hour after the service. Our Adult Ed Class “Our Faith” continues a discussion of the Sacraments.

Everyone is welcome! Get a cup of coffee and a treat and join us in the Guild Room at 11:20. We will finish at Noon.

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Happy Birthday to Lilo Townsend 12/9 and Theresa DeMars 12/14 We pray God’s blessing be with you on your special day and every day.

We have some very exciting events coming up in the Advent and Christmas Seasons. Mark them on your calendars and join your church family:

Thursdays in Advent: Advent Potluck Dinners and Bible Study, to be held during

Advent; 15th and 22nd, all beginning at 6:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16th Emily Tworek-Helenbrook Christmas Concert at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18th Festival of Lessons and Carols at 4:00 p.m.

Parish Christmas Party, 5:00 p.m. Dec. 24, Christmas Eve

5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist with children’s presentation, organ, hymns and candle light 10:00 p.m. Brass, organ and vocal prelude

10:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist with choir, organ, brass and candle light Dec. 25, Christmas Day Holy Eucharist at 10:00 a.m. St. James Outreach Discussions – We are assembling a group of interested parishioners to begin a series of discussions about the outreach efforts at St. James. There are a lot of good things currently going on and we can do more! If you are interested, please let Jim Ellison know. He will then schedule a time to meet. Contact Jim at (717) 503-5749 or jdellison@gmail.com. CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE Check the back of the church and you’ll see a small Christmas tree. This year we are decorating it with hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and socks for those in need. If you would just drop a donation off on the tree or in the box we will see that it is delivered to an appropriate agency in time for Christmas. Please bring in your contribution by Sunday, December 18th. CHRISTMAS COOKIE BAKING DAY Our annual baking day will be on Saturday, December 17th. Bakers will be there at 9:00 AM. Come whenever you can and stay for as long as you can. All the basic ingredients will be provided. If your recipe calls for something unusual, please bring it along or let us know so we can

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pick it up for you. There will be cookbooks and recipes available. Or perhaps you have a favorite cookie you’d like to bake. Lots of cookies are needed this year. We will be serving them on Sunday, the 18th, after morning service at Coffee Hour and after Lessons and Carols that evening. Also some will be packaged in cookie tins and delivered to our fellow parishioners who can’t get out to come to church. Always a good time. Hope to see many people there. Annual Meeting – All reports for the Annual Meeting need to be in the office by January 2nd. Please send them to the office electronically. If you need a copy of last years’ report, contact Ann or Barb in the office.

Sunday Service Participants Schedule

December 11 December 18

EM 1 Russ Dvoroznak Theresa DeMars

EM 2 Bonnie Dvoroznak Jack Kershner

EM – Chantry Cathy Judkins Barb Gray

1st Lesson Wayne Judkins Jeff Gray

2nd Lesson Jack Kershner Keith Price

Prayers of People Liz Findlay Jim Neider

Acolytes Alieda Blossom

Diane Cox Jaycob Belluscio

Jeff Tress

Ushers Betsy Dexheimer

Dean Perry Kathy & Larry Belluscio

Greeters Peg & Alan Abrams Glenn Hammond Russ Dvoroznak

Element Bearers Kathy & Larry Belluscio Barb & Jeff Gray

Nursery Joanne Fleming Jo-Ann Bestine

Altar Guild Jo-Ann Bestine Joanne Fleming

Donna Kauffman

Kathy Belluscio Karen & Harold Odell

Counters John Swartz Barb Pierce

Larry Belluscio Dean Perry

Coffee Hour Bonnie Dvoroznak Terry McGuire

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December 2016/January 2017 Calendar

11 8:30-Choir Reh 10:00 HE Sunday School 11:15 Coffee Hour 11:20 Our Faith

12 6:00 Youth Chorale 7:00 Gen. Chorale

13 1:00 Vestry Reports due 2:30 HE @ Gen County Nursing Home 5:30 ECW

14 11:00 HE

15 9-2 Thrift Store 2:00 Wardens’ mtg 6:00 Advent Potluck and Study

16 7:00 Emily Tworek-Helenbrook Christmas Concert

17 9:00 Cookie Baking

18 8:30-Choir Reh 10:00 HE Sunday School 11:15 Coffee Hour 11:20 Our Faith 4:00 Festival of Lessons & Carols 5:00 Parish Christmas Party

19 6:00 Youth Chorale 7:00 Gen. Chorale

20 7:00 Vestry

21 11:00 HE

22 9-2 Thrift Store 2:00 Warden/Treas. mtg 6:00 Advent Potluck and Study

23 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 5:30 Family HE 10:00 Brass & Organ Prelude 10:30 HE

25 CHRISTMAS DAY 10:00 HE 11:15 Coffee Hour

26 6:00 Youth Chorale 7:00 Gen. Chorale

27 10:45 HE @ The Manor House

28 11:00 HE

29 9-2 Thrift Store 2:00 Wardens’ mtg

30 31 NEW YEARS EVE

1 NEW YEARS DAY 10:00 HE 11:15 Coffee Hour 11:20 Our Faith

2 Annual Mtg Reports due 6:00 Youth Chorale 7:00 Gen. Chorale

3 7:00 Property Committee Mtg

4 11:00 HE

5 9-2 Thrift Store 1 Agenda items due 2:00 Wardens’ mtg

6 Feast of the Epiphany

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8 8:30-Choir Reh 10:00 HE Sunday School 11:15 Coffee Hour 11:20 Our Faith

9 6:00 Youth Chorale 7:00 Gen. Chorale

10 1:00 Vestry Reports due 2:30 HE @ Gen County Nursing Home 5:30 ECW

11 11:00 HE

12 9-2 Thrift Store 2:00 Wardens’ mtg

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Christmas Poinsettias

IN MEMORY/HONOR OF:

GIVEN BY: _______________________________________

PHONE NUMBER: ________________

Contributions for Christmas Poinsettias that will adorn our altar in the Christmas season in honor and memory of our loved ones are now being accepted. If you are interested in making a contribution please fill out this form and attach it to your contribution. They may be placed in the offering plate, mailed to or dropped off at the church office. All names must be received before Monday, December 12th.

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St. James Episcopal Church 405 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020

Rector: The Rev. Bonnie F. Morris rector.stjames@outlook.com

Director of Music: Theresa DeMars

Organist: David Lange Administrator: Barb King

Sexton: Gerrit Wilk

The Wardens and Vestry: Sr. Warden: Jim Neider, (585) 409-8891, jneider@rochester.rr.com

Jr. Warden: Russ Dvoroznak, (585) 737-1577, bonnie3473@yahoo.com Vestry:

Diane Cox, Bonnie Dvoroznak, Jim Ellison, Elizabeth Findlay,

Dean Perry, Barbara Pierce, Ron Fancher, Lilo Townsend, Barb King Co-Treasurer: Jim Ellison Co-Treasurer: Peter Mark

Office Phone: 585-343-6802

Website: www. stjamesbatavia.org Email: saint.james2@outlook.com

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