The Second Sunday of Advent

THE HOLY EUCHARIST

December 6, 2020, 11:00 AM

The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in the City of New York We Need Your Help

We are enormously grateful to all the members and friends of Saint Mary’s from far and wide who have supported the parish during the extraordinary events of the past several months. Your gifts have encouraged us and they have kept us going.

We hope that you will make a pledge to the parish for 2021 at this time. Pledge cards may be found on the ushers’ table at the Forty-sixth Street entrance to the church. If you are able to make an additional donation to support the parish at this time, we would happily receive it. Donations may be made online via the Giving section of the parish website. You may also make arrangements for other forms of payment by contacting our parish administrator, Christopher Howatt, who would be happy to assist you. He may be reached at 212-869-5830 x 10.

If you have questions about pledging, please speak to a member of the clergy or to one of the members of the Stewardship Committee, MaryJane Boland, Steven Heffner, or Marie Rosseels.

We are grateful to you for your support of Saint Mary’s.

About the Music Today’s organ voluntaries are both from the North German Baroque school and are based upon Luther’s chorale Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (“Come now, Savior of the Gentiles”). This chorale (54 in The Hymnal 1982) is Martin Luther’s sixteenth-century adaptation of the fourth-century Latin hymn Veni Redemptor gentium attributed to Ambrose of Milan (55 in The Hymnal 1982). The Prelude is an extended Choralfantasia by Nicolaus Bruhns (1665– 1697). Bruhns was a highly regarded virtuoso of both keyboard and stringed instruments of the generation before J. S. Bach (1685–1750). He was known to play the violin while accompanying himself on the pedals of the organ. His Choralefantasia is a monumental example of its genre. Each of the choral’s four melodic phrases is set for two manuals and pedals in its own separate section and embellished thoroughly. The postlude today is the third of the three settings of Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland from J. S. Bach’s Great Eighteen Leipzig Chorales. (The first and second of this set of three were played as voluntaries last Sunday on the First Sunday of Advent.) This third setting, BWV 661, is a vigorous fugue for the hands under which each of the four phrases of the chorale in turn is stated boldly in long tones played on the organ pedals. - 2 - The musical setting of the Mass today is Mass XIV as found in the Liber Usualis (“Usual Book”), a comprehensive anthology of medieval Roman plainsong compiled in the nineteenth century by the monks of Solesmes, France. Like the several other numbered Masses of the Gregorian Missal, Mass XIV (Jesu Redemptor) is a collection of chants for the Ordinary of the Mass which likely were originally independent pieces brought together and associated with one another by later custom. This particular combination was traditionally sung on feasts of the third class in the Roman calendar. The Kyrie of Mass XIV, is in Mode 8 and is the most ancient part of this setting, dating from the tenth century. The Agnus Dei, also in Mode 8, dates from the thirteenth century. The Sanctus dates from the twelfth century and is in Mode 1.

Today’s cantor is soprano, Charlotte Mundy. During the Communion she will sing the aria Öffne dich, mein ganzes Herze from Cantata 61 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach’s Cantata 61, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, was composed for the first Sunday of Advent and first performed on December 2, 1714, as Bach began his appointment as Kapellmeister of the at the Weimar court. The same cantata was performed again in Leipzig on November 28, 1723, as Bach began his appointment in that city. The cantata’s libretto was compiled by the Lutheran pastor and hymnologist Erdmann Neumeister (1671–1756), including quotes from the Book of Revelation and hymn stanzas of Martin Luther and Philipp Nicolai. Neumeister composed the words for the soprano aria Öffne dich, the fifth of the cantata’s six movements. The scoring is simply for voice and continuo.

About Today’s Cantor Soprano Charlotte Mundy specializes in music that is new, daring, and sublime. She has been called a “daredevil with an unbreakable spine” (SF Classical Voice). Recent performances include George Benjamin’s one-act opera Into the Little Hill at the 92nd Street Y and a set of music for voice and electronics presented by New York Festival of Song, described as “an oasis of radiant beauty” by the New York Times. She acted and sang in A Star Has Burnt My Eye at the BAM Next Wave Festival and The Apartment at Abrons Arts Center. As a member of Ekmeles vocal ensemble and TAK ensemble, she has been an artist-in-residence at the music departments of Columbia, Stanford, Penn, Cornell, and many other universities. The multi-sensory ritual of Mass at “Smoky Mary’s” is a constant inspiration to her. Learn more at charlottemundy.com. 

The Prelude Choralfantasia: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland Nicolaus Bruhns (1665–1697)

- 3 - THE HOLY EUCHARIST 11:00 AM

THE WORD OF GOD

The Entrance & Opening Acclamation A bell is rung and music is played. The Celebrant enters, goes to the Altar, and says

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

Then the Celebrant prays

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. People Amen.

The Song of Praise The Choir sings Kyrie eleison. The setting of the Mass ordinary is Mass XIV (Jesu Redemptor), Plainsong Mode 8.

Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy.

Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy. Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy. Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy.

Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy.

- 4 - The Collect of the Day The Celebrant says

The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.

The Celebrant says the Collect, and the People respond, Amen.

The Lessons The Congregation is seated. The first Lesson, Isaiah 40:1–11, is now read. After the Lesson, the Reader says

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

The Psalm The Congregation joins in saying Psalm 85:7–13. The Reader says

7 Show us your mercy, O LORD, * All and grant us your salvation.

8 I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, * for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.

9 Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, * that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth have met together; * righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11 Truth shall spring up from the earth, * and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

12 The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, * and our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness shall go before him, * and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

- 5 - The second Lesson, 2 Peter 3:8–15a, is now read. After the Lesson, the Reader says

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

The Gospel Acclamation A minister prepares to proclaim the Gospel while the Cantor sings the appointed antiphon.

Alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia. Laetatus sum in his quae dicta sunt mihi: I was glad when they said to me: in domum Domini ibimus. “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Alleluia. Alleluia.

The Holy Gospel A Minister proclaims the Gospel, first saying

The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Minister  The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

The appointed Gospel, Mark 1:1–8, is now proclaimed.

After the Gospel, the Minister says

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

The Sermon The Reverend Dr. Matthew Daniel Jacobson

- 6 - The Nicene Creed The Celebrant leads the Creed, saying

We believe in one God, All 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 Bow 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.

- 7 - The Prayers of the People A Minister bids the prayers of the assembly.

The Celebrant adds a concluding collect. The People respond Amen.

The Confession of Sin is then recited by all. On occasion, the Confession may be omitted.

The Confession of Sin The Celebrant says

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence is observed. Then the Celebrant says

Most merciful God,

All 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.

Celebrant 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.

People Amen.

The Peace The Celebrant says

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

Then the Ministers and People may share with each other a sign of Christ’s peace.

- 8 - THE HOLY COMMUNION

The Preparation of the Gifts The Cantor sings the appointed antiphon as the Altar is prepared.

Deus tu convertens You will turn toward us, O God, vivificabis nos, and you will give us life again, et plebs tua laetabitur in te: and your people will rejoice in you. ostende nobis, Domine, Show us, O LORD, misericordiam tuam, your mercy, et salutare tuum da nobis. and grant us your salvation.

Then, the Celebrant turns to face the Congregation and says

The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

The Celebrant proceeds

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Here a Proper Preface is said on all Sundays, and on other occasions as appointed.

The Cantor sings Sanctus and Benedictus. The setting is Mass XIV (Jesu Redemptor), Plainsong Mode 1.

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Holy, holy, holy Lord, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. God of power and might, Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua. heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in excelsis. Hosanna in the highest. Benedictus qui venit Blessed is he who comes in nomine Domini. in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in excelsis. Hosanna in the highest.

Then the Celebrant continues

The People stand or kneel. Then the Celebrant continues

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these - 9 - last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

The Celebrant continues

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

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.

People AMEN. - 10 - The Celebrant says

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say

All join in saying

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 Breaking of the Bread The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept. Then the Celebrant says

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: People Therefore let us keep the feast.

The Cantor sings Agnus Dei. The setting is Mass XIV (Jesu Redemptor), Plainsong Mode 8.

Agnus Dei, Lamb of God, qui tollis peccata mundi; you take away the sins of the world; miserere nobis. have mercy on us.

Agnus Dei, Lamb of God, qui tollis peccata mundi; you take away the sins of the world; miserere nobis. have mercy on us.

Agnus Dei, Lamb of God, qui tollis peccata mundi; you take away the sins of the world; dona nobis pacem. grant us peace.

- 11 - The Invitation The Celebrant invites the People to receive the Holy Communion.

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We are all invited to the Lord’s Table

In the Episcopal Church all baptized persons are invited to receive the Holy Communion. Members of other Christian churches who are baptized are also invited to receive the Body of Christ.

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If you wish to receive Communion, please proceed down the center aisle maintaining social-distancing.

The Bread is carefully placed in the hand of each Communicant.

We are not able to offer the Wine at this time.

Please return to your seat via the side aisles.

The Celebrant will be happy to offer a blessing to those who do not wish to receive Communion.

- 12 - The Communion Song and Vocal Solo As the Celebrant prepares to minister Communion, the Cantor sings the appointed antiphon.

Ierusalem surge, et sta in excelso: Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high; et vide iucunditatem, and behold the joy quae veniet tibi a Deo tuo. that shall come to you from your God.

During the ministration of Communion, the Cantor sings Öffne dich, mein ganzes Herze (Cantata 61) by J. S. Bach.

Öffne dich, mein ganzes Herze, Open wide, my heart and spirit, Jesus kömmt und ziehet ein. Jesus comes and draws within. Bin ich gleich nur Staub und Erde, Though I soon be dust and earth, Will er mich doch nicht verschmähn, Will he me yet not disdain, Seine Lust an mir zu sehn, That his joy he find in me, Dass ich seine Wohnung werde. And that I become his dwelling. O wie selig werd ich sein! Oh, how blessed shall I be!

The Postcommunion Prayer Following the ministration of Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant Almighty and everliving God,

All we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

- 13 - The Blessing The Celebrant says

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

Celebrant The blessing of God Almighty,  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. People Amen.

Welcome and Announcements A Minister may greet the People and make announcements.

The Dismissal A Minister dismisses the assembly, first saying

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

Minister Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God.

The Postlude Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 661 J. S. Bach

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Music is played as the ministers leave the church.

The service this morning was played by Dr. David Hurd, organist and music director. The cantor was Charlotte Mundy, soprano.

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- 14 - 

Christian Education

The Revelation to John

Final Class takes place on Sunday, December 13, 9:30–10:30 AM. This series resumes in Lent 2021. Led by Father Peter Powell.

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Christian Mysticism & The Secret of Knowing God

Sunday, January 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2021, 9:30–10:30 AM. Led by Brother Damien Joseph SSF

Session 1: Ascensio – the soul’s ascent into God

Session 2: Contemplatio – fixing the mind on God

Session 3: Dilectio – the delights of God’s love

Session 4: Passio - knowing God in suffering

All these classes take place in Saint Joseph’s Hall. Masks will be worn and social-distancing will be maintained. An option to attend the class via Zoom will be available.

- 15 - THE CHURCH OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN 145 West Forty-sixth Street New York, New York 10036-8502 www.stmvirgin.org Telephone 212.869.5830

The Parish Clergy

The Reverend Stephen Gerth, rector The Reverend James Ross Smith, curate The Reverend Dr. Matthew Daniel Jacobson, The Reverend Dr. Peter Ross Powell, The Reverend Alison J. Turner, assisting priests

Saint Mary’s Mission House

Brother Damien Joseph SSF, Brother Desmond Alban SSF & Brother Thomas SSF The Society of Saint Francis

The Music Program

Dr. David Hurd, organist & music director & Mr. Lawrence Trupiano, organ curator

The Parish Staff

Mr. Christopher Howatt, office manager Mr. Harka Gurung & Mr. Jorge Trujillo, sextons

The Board of Trustees

Ms. MaryJane Boland; Mr. Blair V. Burroughs; The Reverend Stephen Gerth, president; Mr. Thomas Jayne; Mr. Clark Mitchell, assistant treasurer; Mrs. Grace Mudd; Dr. Mark Risinger, vice-president; Ms. Mary Robison, secretary; Ms. Marie Rosseels; Dr. Leroy Sharer

 Saint Mary’s ministries are supported by the financial gifts of those who worship here.

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