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THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Holy Eucharist - Rite II (Year C)
December 22, 2024 9:30 AM
Zoom: 970 3502 6969 / Password: 026667 / Telephone: 1.646.876.9923
Live Streaming on Facebook and YouTube
THE ENTRANCE RITE
(In preparation for worship, please be seated and remain in silent meditation, ensuring that all mobile devices are silenced.)
Organ Prelude ‘Venite adoremus’ (David Lasky)
Opening Sentence and Prayer
As the birth of a child draws near, attention focuses on the mother. Since we are nearing the celebration of the birth of Christ, it is no surprise to find that Mary is at the center of today’s Gospel. Mary’s only concern was to do the will of God. She will help us to do it also.
Entrance Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #56) ‘O come, O come, Emmanuel’
Advent Wreath Ceremony: The Candle of Love
Celebrant Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Celebrant Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and we will light the Candle
of Love. Last Sunday we lit the Candle of Joy. We light it and the Candles of Hope and Peace again as we remember Jesus, born in Bethlehem, our hope, our peace, and our joy.
The Candles of Hope, Peace and Joy are now lit.
Celebrant 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 joy. She sang a song that began with the words: “My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Just as the birth of Jesus gave great joy to his mother, so his presence in the world gave joy to those who had none before. He healed them and gave them hope and peace when they believed in him. From hope, peace, and joy, grows love. We light the Candle of Love to remind us that when Jesus is born in us, we have love and that through him there will be everlasting love on earth.
The Candle of Love is now lit.
Celebrant Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle, we celebrate the love we have in Christ. Let us pray:
All Eternal God, you are the source of love. Thank you for loving us.
Your love is a source of great comfort to us. During this season of Advent may your
love reflect in our lives! May the work that we do illuminate the world with your
light and may the people that we meet see your love reflected in our words and
actions. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen
Greeting and Acclamation Prayer Book, page 299
Kyrie Eleison (The Hymnal 1982, S 91) Prayer Book, page 356
Prayer of the Day Prayer Book, page 212
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
A Reading from the Book of Micah (5: 2 - 5a) Nash Fraser
2You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. 3Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. 4And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; 5and he shall be the one of peace.
Canticle 15 (The Hymnal 1982, S 246) The Song of Mary Magnificat Luke 1:46‑55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children forever.
A Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (10: 5 - 10) Stephanie Glasgow
5When Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; 6in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. 7Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written of me).” 8When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. 10And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Sequence Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #66) ‘Come, thou long expected Jesus’
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (1: 39 - 45)
39In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
Homily
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
Presentation and Examination of the Candidate Prayer Book, page 301ff
Celebrant Parents and Godparents, I now invite you to make the sign of the cross on Alliyah Grace Brielle’s forehead, as together we claim her as Christ’s own.
The Baptismal Covenant Prayer Book, page 304ff
Prayers for the Candidate Deborah Goddard Prayer Book, page 305ff
Hymn (Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #143) ‘Wade in the water’
Thanksgiving over the Water Prayer Book, page 306ff
The Baptism
(Pouring of the water of Holy Baptism)
Alliyah, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(Anointing with Sacred Chrism)
Alliyah, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever. Amen.
(Blessing with water and salt)
Alliyah, may God who is gracious, open your eyes so that you may see Him in the world, open your ears so that you may hear His voice and open your mouth that you may proclaim His mighty deeds. Amen.
(The Baptismal Candle is lit from the Paschal Candle)
Alliyah, receive the light of Christ, and walk as a child of light. Amen.
Prayer of Consecration and Welcome
All Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon your servant, the forgiveness of sin, and have raised her to the new life of grace. Sustain her O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give Alliyah an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
Celebrant Let us welcome the newly baptized.
People We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
Gesture of Peace ‘Let there be love shared among us’
THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Offertory Anthem ‘Hail holy queen’ (Richard Proulx)
Offertory Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #304) ‘I come with joy to meet my Lord’
Doxology (African American Heritage Hymnal, #651)
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (Eucharistic Prayer B) (Stand) Prayer Book, page 367
Preface of Advent Prayer Book, page 378
Sanctus and Benedictus (The Hymnal 1982, S 125)
Memorial Acclamation (The Hymnal 1982, S 138)
The Great Amen (The Hymnal 1982, S 146)
The Lord’s Prayer (The Hymnal 1982, S 149)
Agnus Dei (The Hymnal 1982, S 161)
Communion of the People
All baptized persons are invited to share in the Body and Blood of Christ including those of other Christian traditions. You receive by Intinction, or the Body of Christ will be placed on your open palm while you receive the Blood of Christ by drinking from the Chalice. Those who do not wish to receive may come forward for a blessing with their arms folded across their chest.
Hymns during the Administration of Holy Communion
(Lift Every Voice and Sing II, #20 / #14) ‘Sing the wondrous love of Jesus’ / ‘Soon and very soon’
Prayer after Communion (Stand or kneel) Prayer Book, page 366
The Advent Blessing
Welcome / Announcements (Birthday, Travel, Children, Other Prayers)
Mission Hymn (The Hymnal 1982, #559) ‘Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us’
Organ Postlude
(Please remain seated until the Postlude ends, and the candles are extinguished. Be mindful of those who have stayed behind for prayer.)
A Blessed Advent and a Holy Christian New Year!
As we begin Christian Year C, we embrace the Season of Advent, the four weeks before Christmas, which is a time of preparation, waiting and hope. The Advent Liturgy resounds with the longing cries of the Hebrew Prophets, the voice of Jesus, and John the Baptist’s preaching. Among the customs of Advent, the wreath is the most important. The Lighting of the Advent Candles each Sunday, with a prayer, can prepare our hearts for the birth of God in Christ, at Christmas.
WELCOME * BIENVENIDOS * BIENVENUE
The Clergy, Wardens, and Vestry of our Parish welcome all visitors and members who have joined us in celebrating God in Christ Jesus.
We hope that you have had a rewarding spiritual experience, and we pray that you will come again. If you are looking for a spiritual home, we invite you to join our fellowship and worship. Please speak with the Priest or one of the Ushers.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: DECEMBER - JANUARY
Holy Eucharist, Sundays, 9:30 am (Sanctuary / Online)
(Facebook / YouTube / Zoom ID: 970 3502 6969 / Passcode: 026667)
Bereavement Ministry, Sundays, 1: 00 pm (Cry Room)
Holy Eucharist or Morning Prayer, Wednesdays, 10 am (Sanctuary / Zoom ID: 953 4196 0007 / Passcode: 025388 / Telephone: 1.646.876.9923 / ID: 953 4196 0007)
Sunday, December 22, 7 pm, Advent Series 2024: ‘The Coming of Christ – A Journey through Advent’ (Sunday Zoom - Body and Soul Ministry)
Tuesday, December 24, 7:30 pm, Mass - Eve of the Nativity
Wednesday, December 25, 10 am, Mass - The Nativity of our Lord
Tuesday, December 31, 11 pm, Mass - New Year’s Eve
Tuesday, December 31, New Year’s Party (Fund Raising Committee)
Sunday, January 5, 10 am, Feast of the Epiphany
Saturday, January 10, 11 am, Warden and Vestry Workshop
Sunday, January 12, 9:30 am, Renewal of Baptismal Vows
Annual Election and Parish Meeting
Saturday, January 18, 11 am, Leadership Workshop
1:30 pm, Counter’s Workshop
Today, through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, we welcome Alliyah Grace Brielle Appollon, daughter of Jean Apollon and Alfoncine Apollon, nee Jacques into the fellowship of Christ Body, the Church. Alliyah’s godparents are Marie Apollon, Immacula Cine and Steven Louis. We pray for Alliyah, her parents and godparents, as they take on the responsibility of ‘seeing that the child they present is brought up in the Christian faith and life.’
SPECIAL OFFERINGS AND INTENTIONS
ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: The Church of the Province of Uganda; Kubwa, Nigeria; Kuching, Southeast Asia; Kumasi, West Africa; Kumi, Uganda; Kurunegala, Ceylon; Kushtia, Bangladesh.
BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY
Bread and wine are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the 90th birthday of Ursula Richards. Given with love by her children and grandchildren.
Candles are offered to the glory of God for Joyce Jordan from daughters, Annette and Patricia Jordan, granddaughters, Clynette and Candice; and great-grandson, Jaix Jordan.
BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY THIS WEEK: Walter Campbell (22), Caramel Cox (22), Joy Mosley (22), Alana Scott (22), Davonn Daly-Nelson (24), Christine Jones (25), Carmen Cadogan (26), Jewel Cumberbatch (26), Joycelyn Downes (28).
DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER: Saint Luke and Saint Matthew, Brooklyn; Emmanuel Church, Brooklyn; The Disciplinary Board; Diocesan Convention; Saint Mary’s, Brooklyn; Saint John’s, Hempstead; Saint Margaret’s, Plainview.
HEALING PRAYERS for SICK and SHUT-IN MEMBERS: Joan Abrams, Nola Archer-Springer, Claudette Baptiste, Janet Beaton, Orion Best, Gwendolyn Blackett, Joyce Bourne, Stella Brown-Pilgrim, Margaret Burke, Marie Clarke, Andria Clarke-Worrell, Ena Dixon, Ruby Doris, Dorothy Drakes, Harris Edwards, Esther Elder, Kenneth Fleary, Pearl Fox, Dolsy Greaves-Prince, Lindora Hall, Ruby Jean Harper-Niles, Nerissa Hawker-King, Lynette Hunte, Monica Jones, Mavis King, Emmie Lambert, Germaine Mascoll, Leslin Maynard, Raymond Maynard, Norma McKenzie, Deborah McPherson, Lynette Neptune, Ashton Parris, Lucille Peters, Miriam Prince, Erene Radix, Ursula Richards, Gene Richardson, Edgar Roper, Barbara Sammerson, Deonne Squires-Gilbert, Frederica Smith, Jean Soso, Ivonne Waldron, Ines Wyatt.
HEALING PRAYERS for SICK and SHUT-IN RELATIVES and FRIENDS: Jennifer Allen, Sandra Alleyne, Adrian Garner, Carmen Baez, Manuela Blot, Richard Boyce, Yvonne Callender, Cheryl Clarke, Tiffany Clarke, Patrick Codrington, Gilberto Donaldson, Brenda Elbers, Sonia Estrada, Zie Garraway, Hazel Gittens, Avril Green, Vernice Hinds, Myrna Johnson, Edward Jones, Elizabeth Kane, Colleen Kane, Cyril Kane, Ika Kane, Thelma Kane, Vilima Kane, Carol Kane-Hicks, Syrrea Kane-Price, Shirley Lashley, Cedric Layne, Adrienne Le’Blanc, Maureen Lewis, Mildred Liburd, Dalila Narcisse, Princess O’Garro, Paul Oseni, Jeannine Pierre-Louis, Pheobe Roberts, Joan Scott, Gamal Steele, Alana Tompkins, Philip Tudor, Mary Forde-Walters, Bryon Wilson, Lemar Wynn, June Yanok.
+ IN MEMORIAM
Our prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of Winslow Ashby, who died on Wednesday, December 18 in Barbados. Winslow is the brother of Michael Ashby, Sr., brother in-law of Joan Ashby and uncle of Michael Ashby, Jr. We pray for those who mourn his death. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
STUDENTS AT COLLEGE: Kesiena Gbidi (Medgar Evers College), Najite Gbidi (Kingsborough Community College), Malike O. Cummings (Queens College). Angelique Agard (Essex County College), Nyla Bartholomew (University of North Carolina), Amanda Drakes (Baruch College), Andrew Garvey (John Jay College), Desmond Jordan (Kingsborough Community College), Jayden Richardson (University at Albany), Marliah Samuels (Binghamton University), Cynnia Semper (Norfolk State University), Jada Skye Spencer (Clark Atlanta University), Saige Wilson (Fordham University).
UNITED STATES MILITARY: Bernard Abraham (Army, North Carolina), Bennett Barnes (Army, Poland), Kibwe Cummings (Coast Guard, Maryland), Alonso Hall (Air Force, Japan), Richard Hinds (Army, South Korea), Trevaughn Luncheon (Navy, Florida), Shequita and Nephi Marston (Air Force, Germany), Shaquan McKenzie (Navy), Ashley McKenzie (Navy), Tacoma Washington (Army).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FELLOWSHIP HOUR: If you would like to host, please contact the Church Office or one of the following persons: Glenna Bartholomew, Cynthia Daniel, Fay Hunt, Dianne Miller, or Zelma Murray-Holder.
OFFERINGS: Please bring your offering to the Office, mail it to the Church, or send it via Zelle (SaintGabrielsBrooklyn@gmail.com). Please write checks to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church.
OFFERING ENVELOPES 2025: Available in the Narthex. Please take a set of envelopes and print your name on the pick-up sheet to indicate that you have received them. As you prepare your offering, please write your name on each envelope you use.
PLEDGE CARDS 2025 are available from the Ushers or the Office. All Members of the Church should fill out the card individually. Please place your completed card in the Offering Basket.
PRACTICE OF HOLY HABITS: As a Christian Steward, I affirm that I am tithing or have adopted a plan to work towards tithing as a minimum standard of giving, and if I am not already doing so, I am committed to giving priority to Corporate Worship, Personal Daily Prayer and Study and Sabbath Time in my life.
PRAYER BOOKS, HYMNALS and NRSV BIBLES are available for purchase. They are $30 each. Please visit the Office if you need any of these books.
READINGS FOR THE VIGIL OF THE NATIVITY (Tuesday, December 24): Isaiah 9: 2 - 7 (Clifford Loncke); Psalm 96; Titus 2: 11 - 14 (Edna Loncke); Luke 2: 1 - 20; Prayers of the People, Form IV (Teon Loncke). READINGS FOR THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (Wednesday, December 25): Isaiah 52: 7 - 10 (Michelle McKenzie); Psalms 98; Hebrews 1: 1 – 12 (Dianne Miller); John 1; 1 – 14; Prayers of the People, Form IV (Lois Newland). READINGS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY (Sunday, December 29): Isaiah 61: 10 - 62: 3 (Linda Watson-Lorde); Psalm 147: 13 - 21; Galatians 3: 23 - 25; 4: 4 - 7 (Molly Ann Williams); John 1: 1 - 18; Prayers of the People, Form III (Michael Ashby, Sr.).
SECOND FLOOR LOAN: On Second Sundays, we will have a special offering for this loan before the Prayer after Communion. Thanks for your continued support.
SENIOR CHOIR / CHILDREN’S CHOIR: Sundays at 1pm / 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10 am. Please speak with the Organist and Music Minister, Christopher Bryant.
THANK YOU to everyone for their participation, love and gifts at our Annual Community Children Christmas Party yesterday.
WEEKLY BULLETIN: Please submit information for publication to the Office by noon on Wednesdays (stgabrielschurchbrooklyn@gmail.com)
ANNUAL PARISH ELECTION AND MEETING
Notice is hereby given that on Sunday, January 12, 2025, the Annual Parish Election and Meeting of Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church will be held after Mass.
At the Election and Meeting, we will elect One Warden to serve to 2027, Three Vestry persons to serve to 2028, and One Vestry person to serve to 2027. The incumbents are Noel Browne, Warden; Dianne Miller, Stephanie Glasgow, Silvia Lavalas and M. Helen Walker, Vestry. We will also review the various Reports as presented. The Nomination Committee is Jillian Gbidi, Chair; Handel Andrews, Wainright McKenzie, Gloria Miller and MollyAnn Williams.
Nominees thus far: Warden: Noel Browne; Vestry 2028: Malike Cummings
Parish Organizations and Ministries are encouraged to meet and have their Election of Officers before the end of the year. All Reports are due by email (stgabrielschurchbrooklyn@gmail.com) on or before January 8, 2025.
‘All members of the Parish, eighteen years of age or older, who have been baptized and are regular attendants at worship and are contributors to the support of the Church for at least twelve months prior to an Annual Election and Meeting, and are known to the Rector and the Treasurer, are qualified voters.’
PARISH ORGANIZATIONS AND MINISTRIES
Please indicate your interest by speaking to the chairperson of these Ministries: Acolytes: Sundays (Canon Leys); Altar Guild: Saturdays (Marilyn Codrington); Brotherhood of Saint Andrew (Leonid Chance); Choir / Children’s Choir: Sundays/Saturdays, (Christopher Bryant); Church School: Sundays (Edna Loncke); Cradle Roll Ministry (Stephanie Glasgow); Episcopal Church Women (Gloria Miller); Eucharistic Ministers/Visitors (Canon Leys); Girls Friendly Society: 3rd Saturdays (Cheryl Millington); Lectors: Sundays (Noel Browne); Scouts: Fridays (Shelly Worrell); Ushers (Carl Elbers); Youth Fellowship (Molly Ann Williams)
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