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Epiphany 2 Year C Sunday 19th January 2025
Sunday 19th January 2025
St. Mary’s – 8 a.m. Holy Communion – BCP.
St. Mary’s – 9.30 a.m. – Morning Worship
St. Bart’s – 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross – 11 a.m. All Age Worship
Friday 24th January 2025 – Parish Prayers – Holy Cross – 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Sunday 26th January 2025
St. Mary’s 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion
Last service with Rev. Sue followed by lunch in Reculver School
COLLECT: Eternal Lord, our beginning and our end: bring us with the whole creation
to your glory, hidden through past ages and made known in Jesus Christ our Lord.
1st Reading; Isaiah 62:1-5 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.
The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendour in the Lord’s hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
2nd Reading ; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore, I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL John2: 1-11 Jesus Changes Water into Wine. Hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to. ALL SAY; Glory to you O Lord. On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
This is the Gospel of the Lord ALL SAY; Praise to you O Christ
POST COMMUNION; God of glory, you nourish us with your Word who is the bread of life: fill us with your Holy Spirit that through us the light of your glory may shine in all the world. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may at last behold your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon & Marita W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Kim H, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family,
Sue D, Toby, Carrie, Michael, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N and George S.
Urgently needed for Ukraine,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries,
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Epiphany 1 Year C Sunday 12th January 2025
Sunday 12th January 2025
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bart’s 9.30 a.m. All Age Worship
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Holy Communion
Friday 17th January 2025 – Parish Prayers – Holy Cross – 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Friday 17th January - Soup and sweet in St. Bart’s Hall – 12 noon to 1.30 p.m.
Saturday 18th January 2025- 8 a.m. Prayer Breakfast in St. Mary’s
Saturday 18th January 2025 – Coffee Morning 10 a.m. to 12 noon in Holy Cross
Sunday 19th January 2025
St. Mary’s – 8 a.m. Holy Communion – BCP.
St. Mary’s – 9.30 a.m. – Morning Worship
St. Bart’s – 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross – 11 a.m. All Age Worship
COLLECT: Heavenly Father, at the Jordan you revealed Jesus as your Son: may we recognize him as our Lord and know ourselves to be your beloved children; through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
1st Reading; Isaiah 43:1-7. But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
2nd Reading ; Acts 8:14-17 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Luke3: 15-17Hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Luke. ALL SAY; Glory to you O Lord. The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
T his is the Gospel of the Lord ALL SAY; Praise to you O Christ
POST COMMUNION; Lord of all time and eternity, you opened the heavens and revealed yourself as Father in the baptism of Jesus your beloved Son: by the power of your Spirit complete the heavenly work of our rebirth through the waters of the new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us through your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share in our humanity, so we may share the life of his divinity; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon & Marita W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Kim H, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family,
Sue D, Toby, Carrie, Michael, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N and George S.
Urgently needed for Ukraine,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries,
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Epiphany Year C Sunday 5th January 2025
Friday 3rd January 2025
Holy Cross – 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. Parish Prayers
Soup and Sweet in St. Bart’s Hall – 12 noon to 1.30 p.m.
Sunday 5th January 2025. EPIPHANY
St. Mary’s – 8 a.m. Holy Communion – BCP.
St. Mary’s – 9.30 a.m. – All Age Worship
St. Bart’s – 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross – 11 a.m. Morning Worship
Friday 10th January 2025 – Parish Prayers – Holy Cross – 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Friday 10th January - Soup and sweet in St. Bart’s Hall – 12 noon to 1.30 p.m.
Saturday 11th January –Reculver School – Messy Church New Year Party– 11.30a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday 12th January 2025
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bart’s 9.30 a.m. All Age Worship
Holy Cross 11 a.m. Holy Communion
COLLECT: Creator of the heavens, who led the Magi by a star to worship the Christ-child:
guide and sustain us, that we may find our journey’s end in Jesus Christ our Lord.
1st Reading; Isaiah 60:1-6 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
2nd Reading ; Ephesians 3:1-12. For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Matthew 2: 1-12Hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Luke. ALL SAY; Glory to you O Lord. The Magi Visit the Messiah. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
T his is the Gospel of the Lord ALL SAY; Praise to you O Christ
POST COMMUNION; Lord God, the bright splendour whom the nations seek: may we who with the wise men have been drawn by your light discern the glory of your presence in your Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon & Marita W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Kim H, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Toby, Carrie, Michael, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N and George S.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED AND THEIR FAMILIES Hilda passed away peacefully in the early hours of 10th Dec 2024. Please pray for her and all her family – Nigel and Jude and the grandchildren. Hilda’s funeral is on Thursday 2nd January at 2 p.m. at Herne Bay Crematorium. Apologises but the information was not available in time to put on the last pew sheet.
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Urgently needed for Ukraine,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries,
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Christmas 1 Year C Sunday 29th December 2024
St. Mary’s 8 a.m. Holy Communion BCP
Holy Cross – 11 a.m. JOINT PARISH SERVICE – COMMUNION
Friday 3rd January 2025
Holy Cross – 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. Parish Prayers
Soup and Sweet in St. Bart’s Hall – 12 noon to 1.30 p.m.
Sunday 5th January 2025. EPIPHANY
St. Mary’s – 8 a.m. Holy Communion – BCP.
St. Mary’s – 9.30 a.m. – All Age Worship
St. Bart’s – 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Cross – 11 a.m. Morning Worship
Friday 10th January 2025 – Parish Prayers – Holy Cross – 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Friday 10th January - Soup and sweet in St. Bart’s Hall – 12 noon to 1.30 p.m.
Saturday 11th January –Reculver School – Messy Church – 11.30a.m. to 1 p.m.
COLLECT: God in Trinity, eternal unity of perfect love: gather the nations to be one family,
and draw us into your holy life through the birth of Emmanuel, our Lord Jesus Christ.
1st Reading; 1 Samuel 2:18-26. But Samuel was ministering before the Lord—a boy wearing a linen ephod. Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to[a] the Lord.” Then they would go home. And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord. Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the Lord’s people is not good. If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the Lord, who will intercede for them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death. And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with people. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
2nd Reading ; Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL: Luke 2: 41-end Hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Luke. ALL SAY; Glory to you O Lord.. Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company; they travelled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[a] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
T his is the Gospel of the Lord ALL SAY; Praise to you O Christ
POST COMMUNION; Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son shared at Nazareth the life of an earthly home: help your Church to live as one family, united in love and obedience, and bring us all at last to our home in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon & Marita W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Kim H, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Toby, Carrie, Michael, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N and George S.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED AND THEIR FAMILIES Hilda passed away peacefully in the early hours of 10th Dec 2024. Please pray for her and all her family – Nigel and Jude and the grandchildren,
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In this Advent season, draw us together in unity, that our praise and worship might echo in these walls And also through our lives. Draw us together in mission, that the hope within might be the song we sing, and the melody of our lives. Draw us together in service, that the path we follow might lead us from a stable To a glimpse of eternity. Amen. |
Urgently needed for Ukraine,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries,
Wrapped Sweets ( not Chocolate), Colouring Books and Colouring Crayons for children.
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Advent 4 Year C Sunday 22nd December 2024
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 6 p.m. Carols by Candlelight followed by refreshments.
St. Bart’s 9.30 a.m. Morning Worship
Holy Cross – 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion
TUESDAY 24th DECEMBER
Christingles at all three churches at 4 p.m.
St. Mary’s 11.30 p.m. – Midnight Communion
WEDNESDAY 25TH DECEMBER 2024
St. Mary’s 8 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bart’s 10 a.m. Christmas Day Communion
FRIDAY 27th DECEMBER 2024
Holy Cross – 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. Parish Prayers
NO SOUP AND SWEET IN THE HALL.
29TH DECEMBER 2024
St. Mary’s 8 a.m. Holy Communion BCP
Holy Cross – 11 a.m. JOINT PARISH SERVICE – COMMUNION
Friday 3rd January 2025
Holy Cross – 9.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. Parish Prayers
Soup and sweet in St. Bart’s Hall – 12 noon to 1.30 p.m.
Sunday 5th January 2025.
COLLECT: Eternal God, as Mary waited for the birth of your Son, so we wait for his coming in glory; bring us through the birth pangs of this present age to see, with her, our great salvation
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
1st Reading; Micah 5:2-5 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.” Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labour bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses. We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders, who will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, the land of Nimrod with drawn sword. He will deliver us from the Assyrians when they invade our land and march across our borders. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
2nd Reading ; Hebrews 10:6-10 With burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.
Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God.’
First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL: Luke 1: 39-45 [45-55]Hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Luke. ALL SAY; Glory to you O At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her!” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord. ALL SAY; Praise to you O Christ
POST COMMUNION; Heavenly Father, who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of the promised saviour: fill us your servants with your grace, that in all things we may embrace your holy will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon & Marita W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Kim H, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Toby, Carrie, Michael, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N and George S.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED AND THEIR FAMILIES Hilda passed away peacefully in the early hours of 10th Dec 2024. Please pray for her and all her family – Nigel and Jude and the grandchildren,
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In this Advent season, draw us together in unity, that our praise and worship might echo in these walls And also through our lives. Draw us together in mission, that the hope within might be the song we sing, and the melody of our lives. Draw us together in service, that the path we follow might lead us from a stable To a glimpse of eternity. Amen. |
Urgently needed for Ukraine,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries,
Wrapped Sweets ( not Chocolate), Colouring Books and Colouring Crayons for children.
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Advent 3 Year C Sunday 15th December 2024
St. Mary’s 8 a.m. Holy Communion BCP
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Morning Worship
St. Bart’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Bart’s 6 p.m. Carols by Candlelight followed by refreshments
Holy Cross 11 a.m. All Age Worship
Wednesday 18th December 2024 – 7 p.m. Carols Round the Tree at St. Mary’s -
with the Birchington Silver Band - followed by refreshments.
Friday 20th December 2024 – 12 noon to 1.30 p.m. Soup and Sweet Party in St. Bart’s Hall.
Sunday 22nd December 2024
St. Mary’s 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion
St. Mary’s 6 p.m. Carols by Candlelight followed by refreshments.
St. Bart’s 9.30 a.m. Morning Worship
Holy Cross – 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion
TUESDAY 24th DECEMBER
Christingles at all three churches at 4 p.m.
COLLECT: God for whom we watch and wait, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son: give us courage to speak the truth, to hunger for justice, and to suffer for the cause of right, with Jesus Christ our Lord.
1st Reading; Zephaniah 3:14-20 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy.
The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.” “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. At that time, I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honour in every land where they have suffered shame. At that time, I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honour and praise
among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
2nd Reading ; Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL: Luke 3 : 7-18Hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Luke. ALL SAY; Glory to you O Lord
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. This is the Gospel of the Lord. ALL SAY; Praise to you O Christ
POST COMMUNION; We give you thanks, O Lord, for these heavenly gifts; kindle in us the fire of your Spirit that when your Christ comes again, we may shine as lights before his face; who is alive and reigns now and for ever.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNWELL: Richard, April and Ella A, James B, Valerie H, Lindsey P, Ray J, Graeme A, Anita B, Paul M, Clare, Aaron W, Abbie N, Gordon & Marita W, Sheila M, Annie and Alisdair W, Kim H, Joy N, Alexandra, Linda M, Marian B, Andrew P, Brian, Joan S, baby Logan Lay, Julie and Richard, Don, Sarah, Liz, Patsy M, Mike E, Beverley, Simon S, Matilda R, John C, , Kevin J, Jean H, Mary H , Del, Sandy Rogers, Geoff N, Floss, Paul A, Babette, John and Olivia and family, Sue D, Toby, Carrie, Michael, John B, Sue B, Anthony, Sally L, Elizabeth N and George S.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED AND THEIR FAMILIES Hilda passed away peacefully in the early hours of 10th Dec 2024. Please pray for her and all her family – Nigel and Jude and the grandchildren,
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In this Advent season, draw us together in unity, that our praise and worship might echo in these walls And also through our lives. Draw us together in mission, that the hope within might be the song we sing, and the melody of our lives. Draw us together in service, that the path we follow might lead us from a stable To a glimpse of eternity. Amen. |
Urgently needed for Ukraine,
Mens shirts, buttoned (warm if possible) for the hospital. Antiseptic cream, & Sanitary wear, Toiletries, Medical Items, Dry Food, Tinned Food, Blankets, Torches, Batteries,
Wrapped Sweets ( not Chocolate), Colouring Books and Colouring Crayons for children.