St Luke's Enmore with Stanmore           And the week Before this?

An Anglican Parish in the Diocese of Sydney.

Third Sunday of Advent       14^th December 2014

 Welcome to our worship this morning!
At St Luke's we seek to share God's unconditional love and acceptance of all people, regardless of age gender, race, marital or family status, sexual orientation, disability or wealth.

 

 

 

 

The beautiful picture in Isaiah of God's remaking of the world is one on which Jesus will later draw in describing his own ministry. It is a world that is so wonderful that only God could make it; despite the best efforts of humanity, the perfection of the new creation continues to elude us. Yet it is for this perfection that we wait in hope - for the time when the Lord will cause righteousness to spring up before the nations.
Pray that we may find ways to participate in the year of the Lord's favor by bringing good news to the oppressed, binding up the broken-hearted, and proclaiming liberty. (Isaiah 61.1)
Pray for the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East, giving thanks for the work they do to further God’s mission in the world.
Text:    Mr Joe Woodfin, the School of Theology, the University of the South (Sewanee, TN, USA) © Anglican Board of Mission, 2014

Introit Hymn: TiS  269   Hark the glad sound!

Advent Wreath Carol: TiS  286   Light one candle for hope.

Sentence:Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is God.’                                                                                  Isaiah 35.3-4

Collect:  

Sustain us, O God, with the power of you love
on our journey to meet the One who is coming:
strengthen our weak hands,
Make firm our feeble knees,
and open blind eyes to the dawning of your kingdom,
so that our hearts may rejoice
           as we  behold the majesty of our God
We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and  reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and  for ever. Amen.

First Reading                          Isaiah 61.1-4,8-11

A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,  to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,  and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion—  to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins,  they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing;
I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations,
 and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots,  and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.”

. For the Word of the Lord                   Thanks be to God

Psalm 85.1-2, 8-13

1. 1 When the LORD turned again the | fortunes of | Zion:
               then were we like | those re|stored to | life.
   2 Then was our mouth | filled with | laughter:
               and | our | tongue with | singin.
   3 Then said they a|mong the | heathen:
               "The Lord has done great | things for | them.’
   4 Truly the Lord  has done great | things for | us:
               and | therefore | we re|joiced.  
   5 Turn again our | fortunes O | LORD:
               as the streams re|turn to the | dry | south.
   6 Those that | sow in | tears:
               shall | reap with | songs of | joy.
   †7 Those who go out weeping,    | bearing the | seed:
             shall come again in gladness | bringing their | sheaves | with them.
    Glo|ry to | God; Father | Son and | Holy | Spirit.
   As in the be|ginning so | now; and for | ever. | A|men.

Second Reading                1 Thessalonians 5.12-28

A reading from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians

But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labour among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.  Beloved, pray for us. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all of them. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

For the Word of the Lord                            Thanks be to God

Gospel  Procession         

Gospel Acclamation:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;
he sent me to bring Good News to the poor.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

 

The Gospel  John 1.6-8,19-28

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark
X Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’
He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’
He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” ’, as the prophet Isaiah said.
Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’
John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’
This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

For the Gospel of the Lord                         Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Hymn after the Sermon, TiS 616   O day of God draw near.

Offertory Hymn, TiS 207   Jesus shall reign

Communion Chant,    

Hymn after the Blessing, TiS 273   He comes with clouds descending

Please join us in the Hall afterwards for some refreshment fellowship.
At 12 noon, you are invited to lunch at the Warren View Hotel Bistro (it is child friendly, enter via Enmore Road)

 

Parish Prayer

Gracious God,
we pray for our Parish of St Luke,
for our rector and all who worship here.
At this time of change, we pray that this Parish
will always have a faithful pastor,
who will faithfully speak your word
and minister your Sacraments;
an encourager who will equip your people for ministry
and enable us to fulfil our calling.
Give to those who will choose a new rector,
wisdom, discernment and patience.
Give to us warm and generous hearts; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Notices for December 14th 2014

The Christmas Bowl Appeal – Act for Peace 2014 – the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia.
It all started on Christmas day in 1949, when the Rev’d Frank Byatt of Victoria placed an empty bowl on the dinner table and asked those present to give what they considered to be the cost of the meal.
It is customary for us to contribute the approximate cost of our Christmas dinner.  Envelopes are provided and you may request a receipt, if you donate directly (you can also donate online).  However, you may prefer to put money each week in the envelopes provided and put them in with your offertory collection.  The money is recorded, banked and then the church sends a cheque for the total amount.  Please give what you can to this important work of the National Church.
EVENTS IN THE ORDER THEY HAPPEN
Today. 
4.00p.m. Sung Advent Service with the Brabyn Singers and High Tea.
This week:
Tuesday 16th: 25th Anniversary of Fr Gwilym’s Priesting
Eucharist at St Columba’s Church, Hawthorn, South Australia
Wednesday: 10am Eucharist with Fr Ron Morris
Also on Wednesday 17th; THE WORD MADE FLESH
The last of three short studies will be shared by the communities of St Joseph’s Newtown at St Joseph’s this week.
Start 7pm; duration approximately 80 minutes.
Wednesday Dec 17: John 1.14-18, Tabernacled among us [St Joseph’s]
Saturday:  Working bee
will be held on Sat 20 December to prepare the church for Christmas. We need to clean/polish the brass, polish the woodwork, knock down a few cobwebs and dust off the ceiling fans.  All help appreciated – we believe in miracles but we do not have angels who appear and fix everything and clean up overnight!
And also on Saturday - Christmas Play without Rehearsal
Saturday 20th December, at 7.00pm  in the church.
Every one who attends may play a part, especially Children. We start getting ready from 6.30pm, so be early to get a good costume (or bring your own)
Donations for Christmas Flowers
Moya Holle and Ruth Champion would appreciate donations for flowers for Christmas Eve/Christmas Day
Next Sunday after Church - Stanmore Nursing Home
On Sunday 21 December we will be going to the Stanmore Nursing Home to sing carols and distribute small gifts to each of the patients.  It is customary for us to give them sweets or chocolates and if you would like to make a donation, Ruth will purchase the gifts.  Please put your donation in an envelope marked “Nursing Home gift” and put it in the offertory bag over the next 2 Sundays; finishing on 14 December.  Thank you!
The Book Stall has Christmas cards! Speak to Jenny Winton if you want to buy some. Also, other Christmassy things are on sale.
Christmas Eve. Wednesday 24th December
10am Eucharist in the chapel
From 8pm, Thai Community Christmas Party in the Hall
11.30pm Midnight Mass
Christmas Day – 9.30am   Christmas Carols and Communion
Sunday 28th December 2014 – Holy Innocents
Saturday 3rd January 2015
Epiphany Pilgrimage to the Blue Mountains.
Eucharist at 11am and Barbecue afterwards at Lea and Don’s house, 22 Albert Street, Leura
Opshop
We are still looking for more people to help on Saturdays – please let Andy Serafin, Peter Seymour or Ruth Champion know if you can help.
Sunday 4th January. Epiphany in Enmore, St Luke’s 9.30am
Sunday 11th: Baptism of Our Lord
Sunday 18th:Second Sunday after Epiphany
Sunday 25th: Conversion of St Paul
Sunday 1st February: Candlemass. This is to be Fr Gwilym’s last Sunday in the Parish. There is to be a Farewell after the 9.30am Service

Bible Readings for the Week 15th to 21st December 2014

Monday	Numbers 24.2-7,15-17	Psalm 25.4-10	Matthew  21.23-27
Tuesday	Zephaniah 3.1-2,9-13	Psalm 34.15-22	Matthew  21.28-32
Wednesday	Genesis 49.2, 8-10	Psalm 72.1-7	Matthew  1.1-17
Thursday	Jeremiah 23.5-8	Psalm  72.15-19	Matthew  1.18-24
Friday	Judges 13.2-7,24-25	Psalm  71.17-21	Luke 1.5-25
Saturday	Isaiah 7.10-14	Psalm  24.1-6	Luke 1.28-38

Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western Church, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, many Lutheran Churches, and other mainline Protestant churches.
The day takes its common name from the Latin word Gaudete ("Rejoice"), the first word of the introit of this day's Mass:
Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.
This may be translated as:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.
On Gaudete Sunday rose-coloured vestments may be worn instead of violet, (or in the Anglican tradition Sarum blue) which is otherwise prescribed for every day in the season of Advent.
In churches that have an Advent wreath, the rose coloured candle is lit in addition to two of the violet (or blue) coloured candles, which represent the first two Sundays of Advent.

Next Week's readings,    Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel  7.1-11, 16.  Psalm 89.1-4, 19-27.  Romans 16.25-27. Luke 1.26-38

Intercessions

Prayers for each day of the week Today;  Mei Ooi & Calum Light; Rowan Paton; Wolf Winter, Rachel & Ann Petersen; Jenny Praisang. Monday; Simon, Annisa, Caitlin & Georgia Probets; Marilyn, Tony & Laura Purcell. Tuesday;  Ramendra, Jo, Thomas & Lucy Raj; Winnie Rakphong; Milk Raksajit; Brian Rawnsley & Janet Widmer. Wednesday;  Andrew, Rachel, Bianca, Bryson,& Belinda; Eddie, Susan, Edwin & Stephanie; Edward & Joyce Reddy. Thursday; Matilda Rinker; John Roe; Grahame Sadler; Ken Searle;  Andy Serafin & Colin Spokes. Friday; Peter Seymour; Jeffrey Sheather; Laurel & Ray Sommer;Mary Sotiriadis; Raboom & Nol Takham. Saturday; Matthew, James, Natapong, Mark & Vathit Tangruthaitham; Christine Thurley & Troy Matthews.

Our Prayers for those in need... Antonieta Barrera; Todd Bassingthwaighte; Ross Black; Jason Broadbridge; Henry & Maureen Byers; Ken Harrison; Rhodri, Bonnie, Callum & Rhiannon Henry-Edwards; Joy Gander;  Surrinder Kayla; Ross Lehman;  Lorraine; Marie McGrath; Marissa; June Nash; Barbara Noble;  Bill &  Poppy Prezios; Brian Rawnsley Joy Ree, Alex Regos; Brenda Robinson;  Edward  Joyce & Eddie  & Bryson Reddy; Steve Rougellis; Maria Sevilla; Julie & Alex Wright. Anniversaries of Death Oswald Coombs; Florence Thomas; Sarah Kettlewell; Sidney Smith; Giuseppe Bruzzese; Susanne Crowther. Saints and Commemorations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A note about the Intercessions. Our prayers for those in need are for people in serious difficulties. We pray regularly for all parishioners on each day of the week. Intercessors may like to use Christian names only on Sundays.

Parish Information                                              ABN.78 161 584 893.
SUNDAY WORSHIP    Sung Eucharist and Children's Ministry 9.30am Thai Worship in the Chapel 11.30am
WEEKDAY SERVICES: Morning Prayer Tuesday 8.30, Wednesday 9.30am followed by 10.00 a.m. Eucharist; Thursday 8.30am, Friday 8.30am.
CONFESSIONS (Sacrament of Reconciliation) HOME COMMUNIONS, BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES by arrangement.
RECTOR. Fr Gwilym Henry‑Edwards. (Ph 9557 4219 Mb 0418 641 189)
11 Stanmore Road, Enmore                            PO Box 64. Enmore NSW 2042