Weekly News
Aug 22nd, 2009 by scocec

December 24, 2009 Christmas Eve
WELCOME: A warm welcome to our guests. We hope you will enjoy worshiping with us. Every Sunday, times for our services are as follows:
10:00 a.m. Holy Communion
11.15 a.m. Worship & Praise
Thursdays: 6.00 p.m. Holy Communion & Bible Study.
The church is happy to hold the Thursday service in the home of anyone who invites us. As a rule, no refreshment is necessary.
Bible study and prayers by telephone conference call takes place daily at 6::00 a.m. ; 12:00 p.m.; 9:30 p.m. (Please see below for details}.
Our full New Years program is as follows:
New Year’s Eve 8.00 a.m. Prayers (Tel.Conference call)
12:00 p.m. Prayers (Tel.Conference call)
7.00 p.m Holy Communion in Church
9.30 p.m Bible Study and Night prayers
(Telephone Conference call)
11.45 p.m. Readings & Prayers (Tel. Conference call)
New Year’s Day 8.00 a.m. Prayers (Tel.Conference call)
12:00 p.m. Prayers (Tel. Conference call)
9.30 p.m. Bible Study and Night prayers
(Telephone Conference call)
CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Processional 83 O come all ye faithful
Gradual Hymn: 87 Hark! The harald angels sing……
Offertory Hymn: 94 While Shepherds watch…….
Communion Hymn: 101 Away in a manger
“ ” 111 Silent night, Holy Night…….
Recessional Hymn: 109……The first nowell ………..
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
RETREAT: The Mission council and some members attended a retreat in Procter on Saturday 10th. October. Another retreat for the congregation is planned for January 30, 2010. We plan to leave for the center at 8.00 p.m and the retreat will start with breakfast at 9.00 p.m. Non members are welcome. The cost is $20 per person.
HOLY WATER: Holy Water is always available in church. Those who need Holy Water to take home can have it in containers at the cost of the containers ($1.00) only. The Holy Water is not for sale but donations are welcome. Holy water is only available to those who attend church.
BLOG. We are pleased to announce the introduction of a ‘Blog’ to our website. Our weekly church news and schedules for our tel. Conference calls are also available on the Blog.
CONFERENCE CALL BY TELEPHONE: We started our prayers by telephone conference call in September of 2008. We pray and have Bible Study daily as follows: Monday - Friday: 6.00-6.15 am- prayers only.: 12.00-12.05 pm.-prayers only: 9.30 - 10.15pm. (Bible Study from 9:30 p.m. - 10.00 p.m. then Compline - the last prayer in the Anglican Church - from about 10.00 p.m. to about 10.15 p.m.)
Every Thursday, at 9.30 p.m., we use all the time in the worship and praise to the Almighty. We include Testimonies. No intercessions, only Praise to God for his goodness and wonderful acts.
In addition, members are encouraged to pray individually (wherever they are) at specific times during the day - at 9.00 a.m., 3.00 p.m. and at 6.00 p.m. On Tuesdays we have Bible discussion from about 9.30 p.m.- 10.00 p.m. then Compline from about 10.00 p.m. to 10.15 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays we hold prayer sessions at 9.30 p.m. only.
The 9.30 p.m. prayer session is held daily the whole year round including all holidays and festivities - 365 days.
If you want to join us, here are the details:
Telephone 1-213 289 0555 and the Access code is 43205 # As you go home today, please ask the ushers for some business cards with information about the church for distribution.
COUNSELING/ THERAPEUTIC SESSIONS FOR MEMBERS.
Counseling is available to all members of St. Cyprian church. It will be available for marital problems, unemployment, difficulties with children and a host of other concerns.
Appointment will be necessary and the sessions will take place in the Clergy Room in church at a date and time that are mutually convenient.
There will be no charge but donations are encouraged.
SPECIAL PRAYERS : Special prayers are also available for members after service, in church or at home, by appointment.
HOLY COMMUNION is available to members who are ill or whose work does not allow them to attend services on Sundays or Thursdays. Please see the Vicar for appointment.
OFFICE HOURS. Wednesday: 2.00 - 4.00 p.m.; Friday: 2.00 - 3.30 p.m.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE TO BE INTRODUCED BY
CLIFFORD NICOL.
For Telephone Conference call by HARRY WHITECROSS
Let us bring to God our loving Father all the cares that weigh on our hearts, knowing that he understands us better than we understand ourselves.
THE CHURCH.
JULIETTE DAVIES: Father, we offer this time and the love of our hearts as we pray for the Church with all its varied ministries; for the youngest to the oldest baptized members; for those of mellow faith and those who struggle with doubts.
(For service in church only:) We pray for Rowan Williams (Archbishop of Canterbury) Katherine, (Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal church of the United States of America), Thomas (Bishop, Diocese of Southern Ohio), Kenneth (Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio) and continue to pray for him as he continues to oversee the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
(Please Continue for Prayer by telephone Conference and for Sunday service)
Loving God, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.
May God bless and guide His church leaders, Priests, Deacons, ministers and all His people. We make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pause
THE WORLD: We bring to your love, Lord, the mistakes, short-sightedness and arrogance of our world; that in Christ we may learn to respect one another and the treasures of the planet we inhabit.
We now pray for the leaders of the world.
LEADERS OF THE WORLD
SUSAN JOHN: Give us, O God, the vision which can see Your love in the world in spite of human failure. Give us the faith to trust Your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness. Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts. And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace.
We pray particularly for our President, Barak Obama, and all in authority in this nation. That God may open their eyes to seek wisdom, hold to what is right, discern needs and care for the weak. We make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pause
SCHOOLS & UNIVERSITIES : We pray for our young people in schools and for those in colleges and universities.
GEORGIANA ABERDEEN: God of love, inspire by your Spirit all those involved in the work of our schools, colleges and universities.
Bless pupils, students, parents, and teachers in schools. All instructors in colleges and universities, administrators and all who work in those institutions.
Grant that working together for the common good, they may make their institutions places where true learning may take place and where all may discover the true meaning of life. We make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pause
THE SICK : We pray for the sick throughout the world: those in hospitals, infirmaries, mental hospitals and those at home.
We now bring those we know to God as we name them.
By FRANKLYN DAVIES: Damaris Williams; Clarice Davies; Susan P, Harry, Laurel; Julie F; Rev. Edward Lense; Tyron Worthington; Jere Stanley; Keisha; Bob; Doris; Horace; Alister Sharpe; Michaela Macauley; Judith Enderling; Isatu Samura; Eva Eddy; Sir-Keith Williams; Helen Garlo.
Creator and Father of all, bring healing and wholeness to those who are ill; peace to the anxious; courage to the fearful and rest to the weary. We make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Pause
ADDICTION
We pray also for all addicted to drugs, alcohol, solvent abuse, violence, or any other habit that enslaves; for all victims of war, and abuse; for the terrified and the suicidal.
YVONNE PALMER: O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came up to you: look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy. Remove from them the fears that beset them. Strengthen them in th work of their recovery. And to those who care for them, give patient understanding and preserving love. We make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pause
INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES FACING CHALLENGS:
We pray for all individuals and families finding life very trying and difficult at the moment. We now pray for those we know.
INDIVIDUALS: by CLARICE DAVIES: Harriet; Danielle; Adeline; Barbara Seje; Juan Alberto; Durosemi; Beverly Kure; Augusta Macauley; Harry; Michaella Macauley; Kabuie Grace; Keisha Williams, Maria; Laurel; Tyron.
FAMILIES: Frank and Robin families; Price family; Williams & Samuels family; Aquah family; Farris family; Horace & Susan P; Dian & Husband; Davies family; Edward & Sue; Akinbowale family; Susan frost & family; Stanley Family ;Clarice and family; Graham family; John Family; Macauley family.
Father, we pray for our local community, for our families and our friends, with all the hopes, fears, problems and needs; make us ready to serve you anywhere we are and spread your life-giving joy. We make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pause
BIRTHDAYS IN DECEMBER: We thank you Father for those who have occasions to rejoice as they celebrate their birthdays. We now name those we know who have or will be celebrating their birthdays during the month of December.
BIRTHDAYS: by CECILIA CLEEVE: Shino Akinbowale; Clarice Davies; Eva Eddy; Yvonne Palmer; Oliver Sharpe; Julian Williams; Sofnny Chaa; Tras Ngahu; Rachael Kibe; Amba Cleeve; Sylvester Davies; Jeffery Deigh; Edward Eddy Jr.; Lindsay Sartin; Tina Stanley; Francess Kamara; Dr. Nathaniel Manley-Spaine; Eleanor Thompson; Robin Vincent; Regina Sharpe.
God our Father, we pray for all who celebrate their birthdays this month. Bless them and all who are near and dear to them. Let them come to experience your love and joy in their lives and so come to know you more. We make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Pause
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED: We bring to God all our loved ones who have left us and are now in His safe keeping. We now name those we know to God who have died recently.
THOSE WHO HAVE DIED: by the Vicar: Thank you, Father, for the examples of lives well lived and death honestly and bravely faced. We pray particularly for the many who met their death in road and rail accidents, terrorist attacks, by fire and the effects of war. We pray also for Rev. Dr. Lesley Shyllon; Olive Strong; Marian Davies; Lindsay and Carl
Welcome into your kingdom, Father, all who have died in faith and those whose faith is known only to you, and give them the joy of eternal life with you. Amen.
THANKSGIVING: by JULIETTE WILLIAMS:
“Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise?”
After personal prayers:
Accept our prayers for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
PSALMS & READINGS FOR TEL. CONF. CALL 6.00 A.M
Sunday No service -
Monday Ps. 100 C. Cleeve
Tuesday Isaiah 12:2-6 Harry W
Wednesday Ps. 95:1-7 G. Aberdeen
Thursday . Isaiah 55:6-11 .Franklyn D
Friday Rev. 15:3-4 Juliette D
Saturday No service
TEL. CONF. CALL- NOON DAY PRAYER SCHEDULE.
Officiant Psalm
Monday G. Aberdeen 126 G. Aberdeen
Tuesday . Harry W 15 Franklyn D
Wed. Susan John 19:105-112 H. Whitecross
Thurs. The Vicar 23 F. Davies
Friday Franklyn D. 121 Vicar
BIBLE STUDY& DAILY PRAYERS AT 9.30 P.M.
We are studying the book of 1 CORINTHIANS.
Sunday: Chapter 1:18-31 Christ the Wisdom & Power of God
Monday: 2: Wisdom from the Spirit
Tuesday 3. On divisions in the Church
Wednesday: Chapter 3 continues
Thursday: Thanks, Worship & Praise
Friday: 4: Apostles of Christ
Saturday: Chapter 4 continues
ST CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE CHURCH PRAYER:
O God our heavenly Father, your Son, Jesus Christ commanded us to go out and make disciples. In response to His command and with the help of your Holy Spirit, we started this church, St. Cyprian of Carthage. We humbly submit your church to you and pray that your will be done. We make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
NOTICE
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF ST. CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE CHURCH WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER SERVICE, AT 12.30 P.M. ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2010 IN CHURCH.

ST CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
‘For to us a child is born to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ Isa 9:6
NINE LESSONS WITH CAROLS.
PROCESSIONAL HYMN 102 Once in Royal David’s city Omit verses 3&4
BIDDING PRAYER Then, all standing, this bidding prayer is said.
THE VICAR.
BELOVED IN CHRIST, be it this Christmas Eve our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels: in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.
Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this Holy Child; and let us make this chapel, dedicated to Mary, his most blessed Mother, glad with our carols of praise:
But first let us pray for the needs of his whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for unity and brotherhood within the Church he came to build, and especially for this nation and all in authority.
And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at this time remember in his name the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed; the sick in body and in mind and them that mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all who know not the Lord Jesus.
As we rejoice this morning, let us pray for St. Cyprian of Carthage, for all members and for the future of this young church.
Lastly let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no man can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one.
These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the words which Christ himself hath taught us:
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
THE VICAR
The Almighty God bless us with his grace: Christ give us the joys of everlasting life: and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all. Amen.
The congregation sits.
FIRST LESSON READER: MR. Gustavus Williams
God tells sinful Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise and that his seed will bruise the serpent’s head.
GENESIS 3, 8-19
AND they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
The word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Hymn 56 O come, O come, Emmanuel verses 1,4,6 &7
SECOND LESSON
READER: MR. ABRAHAM LAMIN
God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
GENESIS 22, 15-18 AND the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, and said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
The word to the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hymn 57 Lo! He comes with clouds descending
READER: MS. JOHNNIE MILLS
The prophet foretells the coming of the Savior.
ISAIAH 9, 2,6-7
THE people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hymn 115 what child is this, …..
FOURTH LESSON READER: MS. ISATU FONTI
The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.
ISAIAH 11, 1-9 AND there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD. With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hymn 59 Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding .
FIFTH LESSON READER: MRS. CHRISTIANA FYLE
The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary.
ST LUKE 1, 26-38 AND in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
The word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Hymn 66 Come, thou long expected Jesus
SIXTH LESSON READER: MS. MIMI HARRIS St Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
ST LUKE 2, 1-7 ND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
The word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Hymn: 100 Joy to the world………..
SEVENTH LESSON READER: Ms. Robin Vincent The shepherds go to the manger.
ST LUKE 2, 8-16 AND there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
The word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Hymn 94 While shepherds watch their flocks by night
The congregation sits.
EIGHTH LESSON READER: IMAM ANSUMANA KOROMA.
The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.
ST MATTHEW 2, 1-12
NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
The word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
HYMN 128 We three kings of Orient are
NINTH LESSON READER: REV. ADMIRE CLEEVE - VICAR
St John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.
ST JOHN 1, 1-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HYMN 83 O come all ye faithful
ANNOUNCEMENT
COLLECT All remain standing.
The Lord be with you. All And also with you. Let us pray.
O GOD, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thy only son, Jesus Christ: Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him, when he shall come to be our judge; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
We continue to pray for the church and the world. Please turn to page 5 of your information sheet.
Confession of Sin
A Confession of Sin is said here if it has not been said earlier. On occasion, the Confession may be omitted.
One of the sentences from the Penitential Order on page 351 may be said.
The Deacon or Celebrant says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept. Minister and People
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 Priest, 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.
THE PEACE
All stand. The Celebrant says to the people
The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
Then the People greet one another in the name of the Lord.
OFFERTORY HYMN 78 O little town of Bethlehem verses 1,3,&5
During the singing of this hymn the gifts will be brought to the altar together with the people’s gifts (the collection)
THE HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Alternative forms will be found on page 367 and following.
Eucharistic Prayer A
The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest, faces them and sings or 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 every- where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.
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:
Celebrant and People
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.
The people stand or kneel.
Then the Celebrant continues
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.
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.
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:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
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.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
People and Celebrant
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 may be said
[Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.]
Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation
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. The ministers receive the Sacrament and then immediately deliver it to the people. The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words
The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in everlasting life. [Amen.]
COMMUNION HYMN: 101 Away in a manger………
After Communion, the Celebrant says
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
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 THE VICAR
RECESSIONAL HYMN 87 HARK! the herald angels sing









