The Third Sunday of + 13 December 2020, 10:30 am Service of the Word

WE GATHER IN THE NAME OF GOD

VOLUNTARY: Jeanne Demessieux (1921-1968)

LIGHTING OF —ADVENT III Liturgy for the Whole Church, adapted

Presider The evening of the year is upon us. People We enter the darkness and wait for light’s return. Deacon People of God: return! You are called to be God’s own. From the mountains announce the good news. God comes in justice and peace, to all who follow his ways. You are God’s children. People Lord, make us one as we walk with Christ today and for ever. Amen.

Presider All of our waiting is a waiting for God. People God of our hearts, we wait for you alone.

GATHERING : Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding Hymnal 59

Welcome to All Saints Parish! As a community of faith, we: • Welcome all seeking refuge, inspiration, and nourishing relationships with one another and with God. • Provide a place devoted to creating beauty and experiencing God’s grace. • Empower people to act in service to others within and beyond our immediate community and to care for God’s creation.

THE GREETING Enriching Our Worship Presider Blessed are you, holy and living One. People You come to your people and set them free.

CONFESSION Deacon A voice cries out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’ So let us listen, and turn to the Lord in penitence and faith. People God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen. Presider Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. People Amen.

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SONG OF PRAISE: Dignus es S261

COLLECT OF THE DAY Presider God be with you, People And also with you. Presider 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.

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WE PROCLAIM AND RESPOND TO THE WORD OF GOD

FIRST READING Reader: Maija Gray 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 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.

Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.

RESPONSE Sung by the Psalm 126 Tone I.1

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, * then were we like those who dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, * and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, * "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, * and we are glad indeed. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, * like the watercourses of the Negev. Those who sowed with tears * will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, * will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

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SECOND READING Reader: Cornell Gray 1 Thessalonians 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 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.

Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.

SEQUENCE HYMN: Prepare the way, O Zion Hymnal 65

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THE HOLY + :6-8,19-28 Deacon 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 .” 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.

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

HOMILY The Rev. Dr. Richard Burden A period of silence for reflection follows the homily.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed From Enriching Our Worship

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, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. 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, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who 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.

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WE PRAY FOR THE WORLD AND THE CHURCH PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Deacon Spirit of the living God, fall freshly upon us. Open us to a deeper awareness of your presence in our lives as we pray for the church, the world, our nation, and ourselves. Holy One, stir up your power and hear us as we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Spirit of the living God: we give you thanks for the church, imperfect yet committed to making your teachings manifest to all—to the oppressed, and their oppressors; the brokenhearted and those who have brutalized them; the captives and their captors; the just and the unjust; the penitent and the defiant. Bring to contrition all who have abused their power. Bring healing to all who have been damaged. Holy One, stir up your power, People Come, Lord Jesus. Deacon Spirit of the living God: We give you thanks for our Presiding Bishop Michael; our bishops Alan and Gayle; and for our clergy, Richard, Anoma, and Tammy. We pray especially for Tammy as she prepares for ordination. Holy One, stir up your power, People Come, Lord Jesus. Deacon Spirit of the living God: our hearts are filled with gratitude and appreciation for Stephan and the choir as they provide music to prepare your way. We give thanks for all whose technical skills make this service possible. Holy One, stir up your power, People Come, Lord Jesus. Deacon Spirit of the living God: open the hearts and minds of all leaders who carry the fearsome responsibility of governing. Guide them in holding fast to what is good and abstaining from every form of evil. Crack open hardened hearts so that we may truly discover what is genuine in one another. Holy One, stir up your power, People Come, Lord Jesus. Deacon Spirit of the living God: we pray for ourselves, for our hopes, our fears, our sorrows and our joys. You alone know the trembling of our hearts. Keep us alert to the voices that are crying in our wilderness and move us to action We pray for all who suffer with COVID-19, all affected by underemployment, inadequate food, and shelter. We pray for all who minister to them. Holy One, stir up your power, People Come, Lord Jesus. Deacon Spirit of the living God: we pray for all who have died—those known to us and those known by you alone. Comfort all who grieve, and gather all who have died into your eternal peace. Holy One, stir up your power, People Come, Lord Jesus. Deacon Please add your prayers either silently or aloud . . . Presider In God’s power, in God’s peace, in God’s presence, we place ourselves and all our concerns. Holy God, protect us by your power, ground us in your peace, fill our lives with your presence, and awaken us to your coming. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

The Prayers of the People are written by the Daughters of the King. The concluding collect is from the Vanderbilt Revised Common .

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PARISH PRAYER LIST Please pray for: Lucy, George, Paul, Katherine, Maurine, Vinny, Rebecca, Anne, Audrey, Jimmy, Aldo, Ingeborg, Veena, Joe, Anne, Martha, Alexa, Emanuel, Cori, Charlene, Linda, Lloyd and Sharon, Francey, , Marti, Bill, Hudson, Mary, Lucie, Nancy, Kathleen, Tim, Sarah, Connie, Linda, Beth, Marcia, Scott, Jesu, Leonard, Tes, Cathy, James, Tim, John, Ruth, Paul, Melissa, Linda, Sarah, Sarah, Maureen and Cameron, Angela, Erika, Brendan, Rebekah, Karen, Todd, Nancy, Sonya, Douglas, Rachel, Mark, Susan, Malcolm, Melissa, Angela, Diane, Jon, Julia, Carol, Jean, Pam, Phillip, Missy, B-READY Afterschool staff, teens, youth, and families Dearly Departed: Patricia (Pat) DeFlorimonte Read her obituary. Those who share our building: Korean Evergreen Church, Boston Camera Club, Boston Cecilia, Cantata Singers, The Corner Co-Op, Metropolitan Chorale, Brookline Symphony Orchestra, and all recovery groups Those in the Diocesan Cycle: Parishes of the Alewife Deanery: Christ Church, Cambridge; St. Bartholomew’s Church, Cambridge; St. James’ Church, Cambridge; St. Peter’s Church, Cambridge; Diocesan Disciplinary Board Countries in the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle: China, Hong Kong, Macau Those persons in their daily work in day care centers, including those who care for young children, persons with disabilities, and older adults.

If you would like someone added to the parish prayer list, please fill out a request form online.

THE LORD’S PRAYER Presider Gathering our prayers and praises into one, as our Savior has taught us, we pray, People 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. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

Please give as generously as you are able to support God’s mission through the work of this parish. Donate online, or mail checks to All Saints Parish, 1773 Beacon Street, Brookline, Massachusetts 02445.

OFFERTORY ANTHEM: Rejoice in the Lord alway Anonymous (16th century) Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice. Let your softness be known unto all men: the Lord is e’en at hand. Be careful for nothing: but in all prayer and supplication, let your petitions be manifest unto God with giving of thanks. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesu. Amen

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Information about our ministries and our common life is shared. More information is found in the Parish Notes.

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ADVENT O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay. Amen

SENDING HYMN: Blest be the King whose coming Hymnal 74

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DISMISSAL Deacon As we await our coming Savior, go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People Thanks be to God!

VOLUNTARY: Reprise on E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come Paul Manz (1919-2009)

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LITURGY NOTE The weeks between All Saints and are a liminal time when the church year moves toward its culmination with the Feast of the Reign of Christ (22 November), and then begins again with Advent 1 (29 November). Just as prepares us for , Advent prepares us for the coming of Christ, both as a babe in the manger and as our holy sovereign. The readings over the next seven weeks reflect this sense of things coming to an end and beginning again. Our liturgy during this extended season of Advent emphasizes this transitional, crossover time by introducing Advent themes and elements. May this time of holy waiting be one of grounding, preparing, and reflecting.

THE ADVENT In Lent, we forego the blessing in place of a Lenten prayer over the people. In this seven-week season of Advent, in place of the end-of-service blessing, we are using the historic “” as prayers over the people. “These antiphons, or refrains, all beginning ‘O . . . ,’ were sung before and after the at , according to the Roman use, on the seven days preceding (17 through 23 December). They are addressed to God, calling for him to come as teacher and deliverer, with a tapestry of scriptural titles and pictures that describe [God’s] saving work in Christ. In the medieval rite of Salisbury Cathedral that was widely followed in England before the Reformation, the antiphons began on 16 December. It is not known when and by whom the antiphons were composed, but they were already in use by the eighth century.” (Common Worship)

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Thank You to Everyone Leading Worship this Week Presider and Preacher The Rev. Dr. Richard Burden Deacon The Rev. Tammy Hobbs Miracky Music Dr. Stephan Griffin and the Section Leaders of the All Saints Choir Readers Maija Gray, Cornell Gray Videographers Sam Burfeind, Miles Burden Audio Alan McLellan, Jack McLellan Social Media Ruby Gage

The Rev. Dr. Richard Burden, Rector; The Rev. Anoma Abeyaratne, Priest Associate; Dr. Stephan Griffin, Music Director; The Rev. Tammy Hobbs Miracky, Family Minister; Clergy and Staff David Bliss, Parish Administrator; Sue Poon, Evening Office Manager; Renato Dantas, Sexton; John Plonowski, Bookkeeper; Ruby Gage, Webmaster

Bradley MacDonald, Senior Warden; Kari Limmer, Junior Warden; Rob Hillman, Treasurer; Ted Sturr, Clerk; Ken Coleman, Assistant Treasurer; Vestry Jennifer Giannini, Meg Bridge, Dan Jurayj, Russell Fenton, Phillip Haberkern, Jack McLellan, David Harrison, Rebecca Mathews, Julia Speyer

• Online Morning Prayer via Zoom Monday, Wednesday, Saturday at 7:00 am • Online spoken Compline via Zoom Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at 8:00 pm • Centering Prayer via Zoom Thursday at 6:30 pm • To access any of these meetings, check our website.

Service of the Word Sundays 10:30 am Choral Compline Monthly, First Sunday 7:00 pm

1773 Beacon Street + Brookline, Massachusetts 02445 (617) 738-1810 www.allsaintsbrookline.org [email protected]

Text comes from the , Enriching our Worship, and Common Worship. come from , Lift Every Voice and Sing II, and Wonder Love and Praise. All Saints Parish maintains a OneLicense.net license (#A-700172) for the reproduction of music that is under copyright. Music from Church Publishing Inc. is reproduced from the RiteSong.org music library.

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