sign in sign up
<<
Home , Prayer of Humble Access

ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH VISALIA, CALIFORNIA

FOURTH SUNDAY OF December 20, 2020

10:30 AM

THE WORD OF GOD Notes p. 2 Information and Visitors Guide p. 3 Lighting of the Advent Candle p. 4 Opening Hymn: “O come, O come, Emmanuel” p. 5 The Acclamation p. 7 The of Purity p. 7 The Summary of the Law p. 7 The p. 7 The Collect of the Day p. 8 Lesson: II Samuel 7:1-17 p. 8 Gradual: Psalm 132:1-19 p. 9 : Romans 16:25-27 p. 10 Sequence Hymn: “The angel Gabriel” p. 11 : Luke 1:26-38 p. 11 Sermon: The Rev. Rob Longbottom p. 12 The p. 12 The Prayers of the People p. 13 The and Absolution p. 14 The Comfortable Words p. 15 The Peace and Announcements p. 15

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Offertory Ellen Daniels The p. 13 The p. 14 The p. 15 The Prayer of p. 15 The Lord’s Prayer p. 16 The p. 17 The Prayer of Humble Access p. 17 The Angus Dei p. 17 The Ministration of Communion p. 17 Post Communion Prayer p. 18 The Blessing p. 18 Closing Hymn: “Ye watchers and ye holy ones” p. 19 Dismissal p. 20 Sermon notes

PAGE 2 St. Paul’s Anglican Church Visitors Guide 2918 W. Main Street St. Paul’s Church is a parish in the Diocese of Visalia, California 93291 San Joaquin of the Anglican Church in North 559-732-4821 America, which includes both Catholic and Monday – Thursday Protestant traditions. We accept Jesus Christ 8:00-4:00 as Saviour, and we promise to follow him as Lord. We believe in One God, Worship Services Sundays 10:30 AM † the Father who created us and all things, St. Paul’s School † the Son who redeems us from sin and 6101 W. Goshen Ave. Visalia, CA death, Livestream † the Holy Spirit who renews and sanctifies us. St. Paul’s Staff The Rev. Robert Longbottom, Rector We believe the Holy Scriptures to be the The Rev. Richard James, Rector (retired) Word of God and to contain all things Ellen Daniels, Music Director, necessary for salvation, and we accept the Technology Director Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds as essential Tiffany Connors, Family Ministries Director beliefs of the Christian faith. Antoinette Horsting, Bookkeeper Those desiring to receive Communion are Welcome! invited to come to the when directed by St. Paul’s Anglican Church extends a warm the ushers. It is customary to consume the welcome to all visitors and newcomers who Bread when administered, and then to take a are watching our live stream service at home. sip of the Wine from the . If preferred, the Bread may first be touched to the Wine Holy Communion and then consumed. Holy Communion is always open to all baptized Christians who have examined their Those not wishing to receive Communion, or lives, repented of their sins, and desire to live those not baptized, are invited to receive a in love and charity with all people. Blessing, and should indicate their desire by Holy Communion will be offered today placing their arms across their chest when at between 12:00pm and 1:00 PM at the Altar. St. Paul’s School 6101 W. Goshen Ave. Visalia, CA Persons who are unable to approach the Altar are asked to notify the ushers if they Eve Lessons wish to receive Communion in the pew. Isaiah 9:1-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20

First Sunday of Christmas Lessons Isaiah 61:10-62:5 Psalm 147: 12-20 Galatians 3:23-4:7 John 1:1-18

PAGE 3 LIGHTING THE FOURTH CANDLE THE CANDLE OF LOVE

Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Leader: Last Sunday we lit the Candle of Joy. We light it and the Candles of Hope and Peace again as we remember that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, will come again to fulfill all of God’s promises and bring us everlasting peace and joy.

The Candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy are lit.

Today we light the Fourth Candle of Advent, the Candle of Love. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be born to her, she was filled with happiness. She sang a song that began with the words: “My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Just as his birth filled her with the deep love of a mother, so shall we experience the love of Jesus in our hearts when we truly become his.

The Fourth Candle, the Candle of Love, is lit.

Love is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle, we celebrate the love we find in Jesus Christ.

Leader: Let us pray

All: Thank you God for the love that you show to us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and every day, to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your love with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

PAGE 4

Opening Hymn: O come, o come, Emmanuel (v. 7 and 8)

PAGE 5 THE ORDER OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF

THE LORD’S SUPPER

or

HOLY COMMUNION, commonly called

THE HOLY Renewed Ancient Text

THE ACCLAMATION

The People standing, the Celebrant says this or a seasonal greeting`

Celebrant Surely the Lord is coming soon. People Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

THE

Celebrant 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.

THE SUMMARY OF THE LAW

Celebrant Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ says: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.

THE KYRIE

Celebrant Lord, have mercy upon us. People Christ, have mercy upon us. Celebrant Lord, have mercy upon us.

PAGE 6

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

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

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the race that is set before us, 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 forever. Amen.

LESSONS

Lesson: II Samuel 7:1-17 Now when the king lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.” 4 But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.

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

PAGE 7 Gradual: Psalm 132 1 LORD, remember David, * and all his tribulations, 2 How he swore unto the LORD, * and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob: 3 “I will not come within the tabernacle of my house, * nor climb up into my bed, 4 I will not allow my eyes to sleep, nor my eyelids to slumber, * neither the temples of my head to take any rest, 5 Until I find a place for the temple of the LORD, * a habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.” 6 Lo, we heard of the ark at Ephrathah * and found it in the wood. 7 We will go into his tabernacle, * and fall low on our knees before his footstool. 8 Arise, O LORD, into your resting-place, * you and the ark of your strength. 9 Let your be clothed with righteousness, * and let your saints sing with joy. 10 For your servant David’s sake, * turn not away the presence of your Anointed. 11 The LORD has made a faithful oath unto David, * and he shall not shrink from it: 12 “Of the fruit of your body * shall I set upon your throne. 13 If your children will keep my covenant, and my testimonies that I shall teach them, * their children also shall sit upon your throne for evermore.” 14 For the LORD has chosen Zion for himself; * he has longed for her to be his habitation: 15 “This shall be my rest for ever; * here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein. 16 I will bless her provisions with increase, * and will satisfy her poor with bread. 17 I will clothe her priests with salvation, * and her saints shall rejoice and sing. 18 There shall I make the horn of David flourish; * I have prepared a lantern for my Anointed. 19 As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with shame; * but upon his head shall his crown flourish.” Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Epistle: Romans 16:25-27 25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according

PAGE 8 to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

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

Sequence Hymn: The angel Gabriel

PAGE 9 Celebrant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

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

SERMON

THE NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten 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 from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man. PAGE 10 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], ✝ 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. ✝ The phrase “and the Son” (Latin filioque) is not in the original Greek text. See the resolution of the College of concerning the filioque in Documentary Foundations.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

The or other person appointed says these prayers, or the Prayers of the People in the Anglican Standard Text. The reader pauses after each bidding, and the people may add petitions, either silently or aloud.

Leader Let us pray for the Church and for the world, saying, “hear our prayer.” For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God. Lord, in your mercy: People Hear our prayer.

Leader For Foley, our Archbishop, and Eric, our , and for all the clergy and people of our Diocese and Congregation. Lord, in your mercy: People Hear our prayer.

Leader For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad; and for all who teach and disciple others. Lord, in your mercy: People Hear our prayer.

Leader For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith. Lord, in your mercy: People Hear our prayer.

PAGE 11 Leader For our nation, for those in authority, and for all in public service especially Donald our president, and Gavin our Governor. Lord, in your mercy: People Hear our prayer.

Leader For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity [especially ______]. Lord, in your mercy: People Hear our prayer.

Leader For all those who have departed this life in the certain hope of the resurrection, [especially ______,] in thanksgiving let us pray. Lord, in your mercy: People Hear our prayer.

Leader: Lord Jesus Christ you are our beacon of hope. In you we live and move and have our being. We come to you today with our prayers to ask for your mercy for those suffering from Covid-19 and we pray for your healing grace. We pray for protection and wisdom for doctors, nurses, EMT’s, paramedics, mental health professional and all working in the medical fields. For first responders and those who patrol and police our communities. For all who work in essential industries. For those who are at high risk for infection due to their profession or their medical status. We pray for our economy and for those who have experienced job and financial loss. We pray for students, teachers and school staff. We pray for wisdom and discernment for the leaders of our communities. Amen.

A prayer for positive mental health especially important as we move into Christmas (ACNA Prayer book page 665)

Almighty God, whose Son took upon himself the afflictions of your people: Regard with your tender compassion those suffering from anxiety, depression, or mental illness. We pray particularly during the season leading into Christmas for those who seek solace and comfort in the gift of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ. Bear their sorrows and their cares; supply all their needs; help them to put their whole trust and confidence in you; and restore them to strength of mind and cheerfulness of spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant concludes with this or some other appropriate Collect.

Celebrant Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

Leader Let us humbly confess our sins to Almighty God.

Silence.

PAGE 12

All 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.

Celebrant Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE COMFORTABLE WORDS

The Celebrant may then say one or more of the following sentences, first saying

Celebrant Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. MATTHEW 11:28

God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. JOHN 3:16

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 TIMOTHY 1:15 If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 JOHN 2:1-2

THE PEACE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Celebrant The Peace of the Lord be always with you. People And with your spirit.

Offertory Anthem

Piano Ellen Daniels

PAGE 13 THE OFFERTORY

The Celebrant may begin the Offertory with one of the provided sentences of Scripture.

During the Offertory a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung. The Deacon or prepares the Holy Table for the celebration. Representatives of the Congregation may bring the People’s offerings of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the Deacon or Priest.

The People stand while the offerings are presented. The following may be said.

Celebrant Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for everything in heaven and on earth is yours; yours is the Kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as Head above all. All things come from you, O Lord, People And of your own have we given you.

THE SURSUM CORDA

The people remain standing. The Celebrant faces them and sings or says

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And with your spirit. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them up 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 continues

It is right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Here a Proper is normally sung or said

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.

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:

PAGE 14

THE SANCTUS

THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

The people stand or kneel.

The Celebrant continues

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and when we had sinned against you and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent your only Son Jesus Christ into the world for our salvation. By the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary he became flesh and dwelt among us. In obedience to your will, he stretched out his arms upon the Cross and offered himself once for all, that by his suffering and death we might be saved. By his resurrection he broke the bonds of death, trampling Hell and Satan under his feet. As our great high priest, he ascended to your right hand in glory, that we might come with confidence before the throne of grace.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it, and here* may break the bread; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing the wine to be consecrated.

On the night that he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it,* and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”

PAGE 15 Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for 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 in remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Word and Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Sanctify us also, that we may worthily receive this holy Sacrament, and be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us and we in him. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us with all your saints into the joy of your heavenly kingdom, where we shall see our Lord face to face.

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.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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

Celebrant and people together pray

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they 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.

PAGE 16

THE FRACTION

If the consecrated Bread was not broken earlier, the Celebrant breaks it now. A period of silence is kept.

Then may be sung or said

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

THE PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS

Celebrant and People together may say

We do not presume to come to this your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table; but you are the same Lord whose character is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

THE AGNUS DEI

The following or some other suitable anthem may be sung or said here

Celebrant Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; All have mercy on us. Celebrant Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; All have mercy on us. Celebrant Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; All grant us peace.

THE MINISTRATION OF COMMUNION

Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation

PAGE 17

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.] or this

Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. JOHN 1:29; REVELATION 19:9

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people.

The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words

The , the bread of heaven.

The , the cup of salvation.

During the ministration of Communion, hymns, , or anthems may be sung.

The Celebrant may offer a sentence of Scripture at the conclusion of the Communion.

THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER

After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

All Heavenly Father, 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.

THE BLESSING

Celebrant The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. PAGE 18 Closing Hymn: Ye watchers and ye holy ones

PAGE 19

THE DISMISSAL

Celebrant Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

PAGE 20