The Third Sunday of AdventGAUDETE SUNDAY

December 13, 202010:00 A.M. – THE HOLY EUCHARIST [Rite Two] and SERMON

The Liturgy for the Third Lighting of the Advent WreathOrgan Prelude - Please use the time before the service for prayer and quiet reflection.

Please SILENCE all Cell Phones and Pagers when entering the Church.

PROCESSIONAL HYMN 66, “Come, thou long-expected Jesus” Stuttgart

[ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]

Opening Acclamation

Celebrant: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

People: His mercy endures forever.

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Cantor begins this portion of the Liturgy. The People chant the response.

Cantor: Christ came to bring us salvation and has promised to come again.Let us pray that we may be always ready to welcome Him. That this Wreath may constantly remind us to prepare for

the coming of Christ, we pray to the Lord.People: Come, Lord Jesus. [ This response is Sung. ]

The Choir and Congregation sing this verse as an Acolyte lights two Blue Candles and the Rose Candle.

O come, thou Dayspring from on high, Tune: Veni, veni, Emmanuel

And cheer us by thy drawing nigh;

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Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,And death’s dark shadow put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

Leader: Rejoice! The Lord is at hand!

People: Come, Lord Jesus!

Leader: Remaining standing, let us pray. Just as all people were in expectation of your first Coming, O Christ, so make our hearts ready to receive you with joy when you come again.

People: Amen.

Leader: Light and Joy in Jesus Christ our Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

The service continues with ALL singing the Kyrie.

KYRIE ELEISON – “Lord, have mercy” – Hymnal *S-96 Deutsche Messe: F. P. Schubert

Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy, have mercy.

The Liturgy of the Word of GodCelebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

The Collect of the Day (Advent III-B) – Said by the Celebrant alone

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through

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Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

The Old Testament Lesson: 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 brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, 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.

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

The Psalter: Psalm 126 – Said by ALL – Remaining SEATED

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, * then were we like those who dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, * and our tongue with shouts of joy. 3 Then they said among the nations, * “The LORD has done great things for them.”

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4 The LORD has done great things for us, * and we are glad indeed.

5 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, * like the watercourses of the Negev. 6 Those who sowed with tears * will reap with songs of joy. 7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, * will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. The Epistle: I Thessalonians 5:16-24

A Reading from the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians.

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.

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

SEQUENCE HYMN 59, “Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding” Merton

[ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]

The Holy Gospel: Saint John 1:6-8, 19-28

The Congregation remains standing and faces the Deacon or Priest, who reads the Gospel.

Gospeller: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Saint John.

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

here 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 T

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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.

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

The Sermon: The Reverend F. Allan Weatherholt, Jr., Rector

The Nicene Creed – All now stand and join the Celebrant in saying

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

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,the only Son of God,eternally begotten of the Father,God from God, Light from Light,true God from true God,begotten, not made,of one Being with the Father.Through him all things were made.For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven:by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,

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and was made man.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.On the third day he rose againin accordance with the Scriptures;he ascended into heavenand is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father and the Son.With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.He has spoken through the Prophets.We believe in one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Form IV[ Please respond as indicated, after each petition. ]

Leader: Lord, in your mercy . . . People: Hear our prayer.

When the Prayers have been completed, the Celebrant adds this concluding Collect.

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your Kingdom; and grant that we, your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our King and Savior. Amen.

The Peace – In the Name of our Lord, please VERBALLY greet those around you!

The Celebration of the Holy Communion

OFFERTORY ANTHEM: “O Come, Divine Messiah” 16th Century French

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PRESENTATION HYMN 57 [Stanza 4 ONLY ] Helmsley

Yea, amen! Let all adore thee, Claim the kingdom for thine own;High on thine eternal throne; Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!Savior, take the power and glory; Thou shalt reign, and thou alone.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING – Form B

All standing, the Celebrant beginsCelebrant: 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.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

SANCTUS – “Holy, holy, holy Lord” – Hymnal S-130 Deutsche Messe: F. P. Schubert The Celebrant and People sing:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full, -- full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.

The People kneel (as able) and the Celebrant continues

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e give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your

Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

WOn the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,

MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION – Hymnal *S-138 Setting: McNeil Robinson

We remember his death,We proclaim his resurrection,We await his coming in glory.

The Celebrant continuesAnd we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with the ever-Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Thomas, Saint Mark, Saint Andrew, Saint John, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Patrick and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

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By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory are yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.

The Great “AMEN” – Sung by ALL (Sixfold) Setting: Mass of Creation

Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say

Clergy & People: 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 Celebrant breaks the Consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept. Then is said

Celebrant: Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!

As the Celebrant prepares to administer Holy Communion, a Fraction Anthem is sung.

FRACTION ANTHEM: AGNUS DEI –“Jesus, Lamb of God” – Hymnal *S-164 Deutsche Mass: F. P. Schubert

Jesus, Lamb of God: have mercy on us.Jesus, bearer of our sins: have mercy on us. Jesus, redeemer, redeemer of the world: Give us your peace, give us your peace.

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The COMMUNION of the PEOPLEFacing the People, the Celebrant says the Invitation to Holy Communion.

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.

On behalf of those viewing the service via Livestream, the Prayer of St. Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) is said by ALL.

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You, dear Lord Christ. Amen.

ALL Baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion in The Episcopal Church!

Because of COVID-19 precautions, we are currently receiving only the Bread.

Please use the social distancing markings on the center aisle as you come forward.

Remove your mask as you wait. Cup your hands to receive the Consecrated Bread.

Remember that receiving Communion in one form IS considered Full Communion!

Baptism, the ancient service though which one joins Christ’s Church, may be arranged.

We warmly invite you to contact the Clergy about scheduling your Baptism.

The Postcommunion Prayer – Said by ALL

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as livingmembers 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.

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Amen.

The Priestly BlessingThe mercy, grace and blessing of God Almighty, the Father [],

the Son [], and the Holy Spirit [], be upon you and remain with you this day and always. Amen.

RECESSIONAL HYMN 438, “Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!” Woodlands

[ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]

Silent Prayer – All are invited to kneel for a moment of silent prayer before the Dismissal.

The Dismissal

Deacon or Celebrant: Let us go forth in the Name of Christ!

People: Thanks be to God!

Organ Voluntary

© 2020 Saint Thomas’ Parish, Hancock, Maryland – All rights reservedCCLI License 3010338

Streaming License 2039863PROCESSIONAL HYMN 66, “Come, thou long-expected Jesus” Stuttgart

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SEQUENCE HYMN 59, “Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding” Merton

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RECESSIONAL HYMN 438, “Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!” Woodlands

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St. Thomas’ Parish Prayer List: December 13 – 19, 2020

INCLUDED IN THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THIS WEEK: Birthdays – December 13: Alan Pryor, Gwynne Cavey, James Bowman, Lindsay Donahue; 15: Mason Boyer; 16: Bobby Hoopengardner,

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Richie Strong; 17: Christine Knable, Aaliyah Orndorff, Odin Long; 18: Sylvia Moats; 19: Tonya Rowe, Lauren Close, Alexis Shaw, Hudson Arnold.

Military Service – Dakota Ritz, Andrew Shaw, Aaron Hull, Nicholas Robeson, Taylor Robeson, Susie Hoopengardner, Spencer Hose, Chris Krause, Vince Biggs, Cody Hovermale, Lucas Trunkle, Philip Corbett, Cameron Meadows, Matt Lacy, Jake Michael, Allen Foshee, Taylor Shafer, Josh Stotler, Justin Johnson.

ONGOING: All Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and Other Medical Personnel, All Military, Law Enforcement and Fire & Rescue Personnel, Correctional Officers, All Teachers and Other Workers in our Schools, Colleges and Universities, Truck Drivers, Warehouse Workers, Grocery Store Personnel

We pray for healing for all suffering from the corona virus. We pray for prompt distribution of the vaccines now developed against the virus.

Parish Sick/Ongoing Concern – Theron Reed, Richard Strong, Melvin Tritapoe, Rob Weatherholt, Tim Smith, Mary Lee Yost, Cathy Hoopengardner, Willis & Rose Hendershot, Bob & Virginia McDonald, Michael Schetrompf, Ron Jones, Jim Lloyd, Steve McKinley, Alice Gerber, Debbie Henderson, Stephanie Shives, Douglas Parker, Ryan Shifflet, Larry Shoemaker, Ramona Creek, Frank Thomas, Lisa Obrecht, Sue Hinckle, Tom Mossellem, Pat Poland, Betty Sipes, Cindy Lambert, John Robinson, Bobby Duncan, Virginia Coleman, Ron Hinckle, Jayden Sweet, Jack Joynt, Atlee Unger, Gregory Phillips, Dave Creek, Rodney Weaver, Tim Stotler, Tina Brown, Tina Aaron, Stephanie Kennedy, James Walter, Alethea Shiplett, Jason Roderick, Diane Diehl, Allen Wilt, David Walter Sr., Alda Lashley, Robbie Barnhart, Tori Anderson, Ronnie Zimmerman.

Shut-ins – Pam Trumpower, Sally Fost, Don Reed, Ralph Wachter, Frances Younker, Mary Ann Mortzfeldt, Beverly Hershberger, Ernie Truax, Pat McKinley, Catherine Durst, Barbara Smith, Janice Trail, Edna Younker, The Rev. Charles McGinley.

Recently Departed – Selvia Swaim, Della Wachter

We pray for all those who have died from the corona virus, and we ask God’s help and comfort for their loved ones.

THE FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR TODAY are given to the Greater Glory of God and in loving memory of Chester & Dana Sensel, Kenneth & Stella Hendershot, Harold & Virginia Martin, Paul Hendershot, Edward Whiteside and William Trumpower by Meredith & Kent Hendershot.

Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Parish – Founded 1835 A.D.

Hancock, Maryland 21750The Reverend F. Allan Weatherholt, Jr., Rector

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The Reverend Anne O. Weatherholt, Priest-in-ResidenceThe Reverend Kirk E. DeVore, DeaconJ. Gwynne Cavey, Minister of MusicPamela J. S. Mann, Office Assistant

Tracy L. Salvagno, Church School Coordinator

PARISH NEWS for The THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT – December 13, 2020

TODAY OUR ADVENT JOURNEY BRINGS US to The Third Sunday of Advent. The theme of the Season lightens as we focus on the joy that will be ours in Christ’s Coming at Christmas. So it is that this day, for centuries, has had the Latin nickname of Gaudete Sunday, meaning “Rejoicing Sunday” or the Sunday of Joy. We Anglicans also call this “Stir Up Sunday”, a reference to this day’s ancient Collect, which begins with those words. We light the rose, or pink, candle in our Advent Wreath as a symbol of our joy and sing of this in our hymns and other music. Isaiah speaks of “good news”, while Paul, in I Thessalonians, calls us to “rejoice”. That powerful figure of Advent, John the Baptist strikes a balance as, in the Gospel reading, he continues to speak to us of repentance and of opening our hearts to the Light of Christ. Enjoy our worship today as this wonderful Advent Season moves swiftly along!

WE CONTINUE TO OFFER ‘PARKING LOT WORSHIP’! Park along High Street or in the Parish Parking Lot. From your car, follow the livestreamed 10:A.M. service on Facebook, using your cell phone or tablet. At the Closing Hymn, Fr. Allan, masked, will come out and bring you Holy Communion in your vehicle. A masked Acolyte will accompany him to offer you Advent calendars, devotionals, etc. Restrooms will be open in the Lower Parish Hall for use as needed. This is the best way we know for parishioners to worship and receive Holy Communion during the pandemic, so please come and encourage others to do the same!

DURING ADVENT we are dressing the Crèche for Christmas.  Since our children cannot be present, Ms. Tracy will join Fr. Allan on their behalf.  We will add to the Crèche each week through the Fourth Sunday!  Be sure to watch as the Message of Christmas unfolds!

OUR MONTHLY LUTHERAN EUCHARIST is this evening at 7:P.M. at Zion Church, Buck Valley. Fr. Allan is the Celebrant/Preacher and all are welcome to join him there. Customarily, Zion Church does not hold services in January, February or March but will resume in April for Easter.

10:A.M. LITURGICAL MINISTERS THIS WEEK: Lector: Gene Mellott

Choral Ensemble: Tracy Salvagno, Sylvia Moats, David Walter, Ralph Salvagno

Altar Guild This Month: Rachele True, Sylvia Moats

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