Welcome to St Margaret’s Church IfieldLoved as you are

Sunday 27th December 2015 John, Apostle and Evangelist

All are welcome to St Margaret’s and we encourage all to take part fully in this service. If you have mobility issues that make it difficult for you to

come and receive communion or laying-on-of-hands for healing, should you want to, then do please notify our sides-people, and we will come to you.

Please do stay for coffee served at the back of church after the service. There is a toilet at the back of church should you need to use it during the

service.

THE GATHERINGWe stand at the entrance of the choir and clergy and sing:

Good King Wencelas looked outon the Feast of Stephen,when the snow lay round about,deep, and crisp, and even:Brightly shone the moon that night,though the frost was cruel,when a poor man came in sight,gath’ring winter fuel.

‘Hither, page, and stand by me,if thou know’st it, telling,yonder peasant, who is he?Where and what his dwelling?’‘Sire, he lives a good league hence,underneath the mountain,right against the forest fence,by Saint Agnes’ fountain.’

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

‘Bring me flesh and bring me wine,bring me pine-logs hither:thou and I will see him dine,when we bear them thither.’Page and monarch, forth they went,forth they went together;through the rude wind’s wild lamentand the bitter weather.

‘Sire, the night is darker now,and the wind blows stronger;fails my heart, I know not how;I can go no longer.’‘Mark my footsteps, good my page;tread thou in them boldly:thou shalt find the winter’s ragefreeze thy blood less coldly.’

In his master’s steps he trod,where the snow lay dinted;heat was in the very sodwhich the saint had printed.Therefore, Christians all, be sure,wealth or rank possessing,ye who now will bless the poor,shall yourselves find blessing.

THE GREETINGCelebrant The Lord be with youAll and also with you

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

THE PRAYER OF PREPARATION

All Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: 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.

PRAYERS OF PENITENCE Celebrant Our Lord Jesus Christ said: The first commandment is

this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength’. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. There is no other commandment greater than these. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

All Amen. Lord have mercy.

Celebrant Hear what Saint John says: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

All Father, we have sinned against heaven and against you. We are not worthy to be called your children. We turn to you again. Have mercy on us, bring us back to yourself as those who once were dead but now have life through Christ our Lord. Amen.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Celebrant The Lord enrich you with his grace, and nourish you with his blessing; the Lord defend you in trouble and keep you from all evil; the Lord accept your prayers, and absolve you from your offences, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.

Gloria in Excelsis is sung

A Gregory Murray, OSB 1905-1992©1975, 1987 McCrimmon Publishing Ltd

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,we worship you, we give you thanks,we praise you for your glory.Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;you are seated at the right hand of the Father:receive our prayer.For you alone are the Holy One,you alone are the Lord,you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,with the Holy Spirit,in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

THE COLLECTCelebrant Merciful Lord, cast your bright beams of light upon the

Church: that, being enlightened by the teaching of your blessed apostle and evangelist Saint John, we may so walk in the light of your truth that we may at last attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ your incarnate Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

We sit for the readings.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORDFirst Reading Exodus 33:7-11a

This is the word of the Lord.All Thanks be to God

Second Reading 1 John 1

This is the word of the Lord.All Thanks be to GodHymn

While shepherds watched their flocks by night all seated on the groundthe angel of the Lord came down and glory shone around

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled minds"Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind."

"To you in David's town this day is born of David's lineA Saviour who is Christ the Lord and this shall be the sign."

"The heavenly Babe you there shall find to human view displayedall meanly wrapped in swaddling bands and in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith appeared a shining throngOf angels praising God, who thus addressed their joyful song

"All glory be to God on high and on the earth be peaceGoodwill henceforth from heaven to men begin and never cease!"

Remain standing and turn to face the Gospel:

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

The Gospel ReadingJohn 21:19b-25

The Lord be with you.All And also with you.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

All Glory to you, O Lord.

At the end:This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All Praise to you, O Christ.

Remain standing until the Priest has introduced the Sermon:

THE SERMON We stand for:

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Let us declare our faith in God.All We believe in God the Father, from whom every family

in heaven and on earth is named. We believe in God the Son,who lives in our hearts through faith,and fills us with his love. We believe in God the Holy Spirit,who strengthens us with power from on high. We believe in one God;Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSIONPrayers for the Church, the world, and for all human need. After each petition the following responses may be used:

Lord in your mercyAll Hear our prayer

and at the end of the prayers: Merciful father,All accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE SACRAMENTWe stand to share the peace:The PeaceCelebrant Jesus says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to

you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

The peace of the Lord be always with you. All And also with you.Deacon Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

As the Body of Christ receives its life from God, and offers its life to God, so we, as members of that Body, greet each other in love.The Preparation of the TableThe Taking of the Bread and Wine

Unto us is born a SonKing of quires supernal;See on earth his life begunof Lords the Lord eternal, (x2)

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Christ, from heav’n descending low,comes on earth a stranger:ox and ass their owner knowbecradled in a manger, (x2)

This did Herod sore affray,And grievously bewilder:So he gave the world to slay,And slew the little childer, (x2)

Of his love and mercy mildThis the Christmas story,And O that Mary’s gentle ChildMight lead us up to glory! (x2)

O and A and A and Ocum cantibus in choro,let the merry organ go,Benedicamus Domino, (x2)

Should you wish to make a donation to the work of St Margaret’s Church a collection bowl is situated by the entrance/exit door. If you are a UK Tax Payer do please consider placing your gift in one of the

yellow GiftAid envelopes provided and complete the required details as this will enable us to claim back 25p/£1 donated. Thank you!

Celebrant Pour upon the poverty of our love, and the weakness of our praise, the transforming fire of your presence, O Lord.

All Amen.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

We sit or stand for:The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord is hereAll His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.All We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.All It is right to give thanks and praise.

Celebrant All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere, mighty creator, ever-living God, through Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the Word before all creation, the Life made manifest, the Light who shines in the darkness.He is the living Bread who has come down from heaven, the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He stands among us in his risen power, and shows us his hands and his side. With joy we worship him as our Lord and our God. Therefore with all the angels of heaven we lift our voices to proclaim the glory of your name and sing our joyful hymn of praise:

A Gregory Murray, OSB 1905-1992©1975, 1987 McCrimmon Publishing Ltd

All Holy, holy, holy Lord,God of power and might,Heaven and earth are full of your glory.Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.Hosanna in the highest.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

We praise and bless you, loving Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; and as we obey his command, send your Holy Spirit, that broken bread and wine outpoured may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.

On the night before he died he had supper with his friends and, taking bread, he praised you. He broke the bread, gave it to them and said: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

When supper was ended he took the cup of wine. Again he praised you, 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. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did, in him we plead with confidence his sacrifice made once for all upon the cross. Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation, we proclaim his death and resurrection until he comes in glory.

Deacon Praise to you Lord Jesus:All Dying you destroyed our death,

Rising you restored our life:Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Lord of all life, help us to work together for that daywhen your kingdom comes and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth. Look with favour on your

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

people, gather us in your loving arms and bring us with St Margaret and all the saints to feast at your table in heaven. Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s PrayerAll Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,your kingdom come, your will be done,on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins,as we forgive those who sin against us.Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yoursnow and forever. Amen.

The Breaking of the BreadThe Priest breaks the consecrated bread

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.All Though we are many, we are one body,

because we all share in one bread.

The Giving of CommunionCome, not because you are strong, but because you are weak. Come, not because any goodness of your

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

own gives you any right to come, but because you need mercy and help. Come, because you love the Lord a little, and would like to love him more.Come, because he loves you and gave himself for you.

We sing the Agnus Dei. A Gregory Murray, OSB 1905-1992©1975, 1987 McCrimmon Publishing Ltd

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.

All are welcome to either come and receive Communion or a blessing.

Laying on of hands for healing is offered in the south aisle chapel during the distribution of communion. This ministry is offered for your own

needs or for someone who maybe on your heart and mind at this time.

Those who are going into hospital in the coming week, or for some other reason, and who would like to be anointed with oil of healing and prayed for by a priest please do have a word with a priest after the service – they

will gladly offer you this ministry.

Communion Hymns

Ding dong merrily on high, in heav'n the bells are ringingDing dong! verily the sky is riv'n with angel singing.

Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

E'en so here below, below,

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

let steeple bells be swungen,And "Io, io, io!" by priest and people sungen.

Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

Pray you, dutifully prime, your matin chime, ye ringers;May you beautifully rime your evetime song, ye singers.

Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

Child in the manger, infant of Mary;Outcast and stranger, Lord of all;Child who inherits all our transgressions,All our demerits on him fall.

Once the most holy child of salvationGently and lowly lived below;Now as our glorious mighty Redeemer,See him victorious o’er each foe.

Prophets foretold him, infant of wonder;Angels behold him on his throne:Worthy our Saviour of all their praises;Happy for ever are his own.

The Prayers after Communion

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Celebrant Grant, O Lord, we pray, that the Word made flesh proclaimed by your apostle John may, by the celebration of these holy mysteries, ever abide and live within us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

All Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen

THE BLESSINGCelebrant Grace from the eternal Father be with you; grace from

the Word made flesh be with you; grace from the Spirit of truth be with you; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

THE DISMISSALDeacon We go into the world to walk in God’s light,

to rejoice in God’s love, and to reflect God’s glory.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. All In the name of Christ.

Hymn‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’

(Romans 15:7)

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her KingLet every heart prepare Him roomAnd Heaven and nature singAnd Heaven and nature singAnd Heaven, and Heaven and nature sing!

Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns!Your sweetest songs employWhile fields and streams, and hills and plainsRepeat the sounding joyRepeat the sounding joyRepeat, repeat the sounding joy!

He rules the world with truth and graceAnd makes the nations proveThe glories of His righteousnessThe wonders of His loveThe wonders of His loveThe wonders, wonders of His love

Calamus Licence No: 95 C.C.L. Licence No: 210222The service material in this booklet is taken from Common Worship. © Copyright 2000

The Archbishop’s Council

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Notices

Services next Sunday:The Epiphany

Said Holy Communion (8am)Sung Eucharist (11am)

For our prayersThe Parish:

The Sick:

The Departed:

Year’s mind:

Also for our Prayers:

Redshank Court, Reedings, Sandpiper Close and Shearwater Court, Squirrel Close, St Edmond Close and St Joan Close

Patients of Langley Green Hospital and Jean Bovis, Denise, Mo Knox-Crawford and Elston

Joan Cann

Charles Spencer, Lilian Baker, Leonard Forshaw, Gwendoline Clarke, Roy Lock, Samuel Smith, Leonard Greaves, David Bright, Anthony Miller-Forward, Valerie Mayatt, Louise Skam, Claire Venner, Jeanne Chambers and Mary Newbury

For Dr. Ruth Hulser, our Mission Partner in Tabora, Tanzania

For all who use the services of Crawley Open House

Thanksgiving for our clergy team

Thanksgiving for time spent with family and friends

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Notices Continued

SMILE Ladies group - forthcoming events – Spring 2016

Wednesday 3rd February – Evening Meal at Mo Lin Chinese Restaurant 7pm for 7.30 pm. All you can eat for £14.80 per head (plus drinks) – food cooked freshly to order.

Wednesday 2nd March – ‘Dirty Dancing’ sing-a-long – a screening of the romantic movie (cert 15) at Hawth Crawley, but this time we can all join in. There will be a vocal warm up, a fancy dress competition (optional!) and a magic moments fun pack. Tickets £16 each. 30 seats have been reserved. Who’s up for this? Contact Clare to book your place.

All ladies are welcome to attend our events (and men too!). For further details, contact Clare Wilson pccsecretary@ifieldparish.org or 0776 1122 172

Men’s Fellowship, Skittles Night, Friday 5th February, 7:30 pm. Sticking with tradition, the Men’s Fellowship will get together for an evening of pub Skittles and Pizza buffet at The Bull Inn, Henfield on Friday 5th February starting at 7:30pm. The cost is £14-00 per person payable in advance by Sunday 31st January to either Rob Pudney, 01293 437038, roblouabby@blueyonder.co.uk or Chris Bell, 01293 521599, jcbell@mac.com to whom any questions should be addressed. To book a place please go to: http://doodle.com/poll/n3q4cug579fdx3h3 The deadline for booking & payment is Sunday 31st January.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Parish Office Opening Hours for Christmas and New Year. The Parish Office is closed from the 24th December 2015 and will reopen on the 4th January 2016.

On behalf of the Clergy and Parish Office we wish you a Peaceful and Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See www.stmargaretschurchifield.org for service times, The Buzz, current service sheets, Church groups and events

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)