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November 27, 2022 – The First Sunday in Advent
9:30 a.m. In Person and Hybrid Service
A Warm Welcome to All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore
All Saints welcomes all people, without exception, to our church. We know that Christ is present in each person here, and we celebrate the diversity of the body of Christ. If this is your first visit, please introduce yourself today, and please visit again sometime. If you’ve been away, welcome back. If you are here every week, it’s always great to see you! We worship in the Anglican tradition, and are a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, which is part of the Episcopal Church USA. We honor individuals of every age, gender, ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, and religious background. We respect the dignity of every human being.
Land Acknowledgement
For thousands of years, First Nations people walked on this land in Danvers; their relationship with the land is at the center of their lives and spirituality. All Saints is gathered on the traditional territory of the Naumkeag, and we give thanks to them, and acknowledge their stewardship of this land throughout the ages. They followed the seasons, hunted, fished, raised families, grieved for their dead, nourished their living, shared the stories of their ancestors, and considered themselves the caretakers of this place.
Newcomers’ Welcome
If you’re new to All Saints, or just visiting, and we missed you at the door, please accept our warmest welcome. We hope you will experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our worship together. Please greet the Celebrant as you leave. We hope to see you again! A restroom is located on the left side of the front lobby.
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Prelude
Welcome, and an invitation to a moment of silence after the ringing of the bell.
Processional Hymn 65
Prepare the Way, O Zion
Celebrant: Wake up, you sleepy Christians!
People: The night is gone. The day is here.
Celebrant: Be ready because God is at work in the world.
People: Let us worship and serve God together.
Celebrant: Today we light the first candle of the Advent wreath. Each candle has a meaning. This first candle is HOPE/WAITING.
Lighting of the Advent Candle Carol Bouffard
The Candle of Hope Psalm 33:20
“We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.”
(Together) Eternal God, as we await the coming of our savior, give us the courage to hope. Give us grace to see your plans of redemption in our lives, for this community and for the world. Through Jesus Christ, the source of our redemption and hope. Amen.
Collect for Purity
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.
Opening Collect
God be with you
And also with you.
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Hebrew Testament Bernadette Benman
Isaiah 2:1-5
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
Thanks be to God.
Pause to reflect on reading.
Psalm 122 (please read together the bolded lines)
I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord."
Now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city
that is at unity with itself;
To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord,
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the Name of the Lord.
For there are the thrones of judgment,
the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May they prosper who love you.
Peace be within your walls
and quietness within your towers.
For my brethren and companions' sake,
I pray for your prosperity.
Because of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek to do you good."
A Reading from the Greek Testament Erika Bianchi
Romans 13:11-14
You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn 56
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, vs. 1
The Gospel Matthew 24:36-44
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sequence Hymn 56
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, vs. 2 (see above)
Homily Ginna Coulson
Nicene Creed
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,
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 again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and 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 worshipped 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.
Prayers of the People Bruce Symmes
God of hope, who brought love into this world, be the love that dwells between us. God of hope, who brought peace into this world, be the peace that dwells between us. God of hope, who brought joy into this world, be the joy that dwells between us. God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be the center, the focus of our lives always, and particularly at this Advent time.
Bless Your Holy people, Lord.
God of hope, be with us in our Advent journey to the stable and beyond; be with us in our meeting, and in our traveling together; be with us in our worship, and our praying together; be with us in our Advent journey to the stable and beyond, our God of hope.
Bless Your Holy people, Lord.
For every church in every place. For every community of faith throughout the world where love is proclaimed as the core of our lives and our living. We give you our thanks, and praise for our friends and family who require your healing power and presence. Today we pray especially for: Joe Maher, Paula and Sam Noyes, Sean Grogan, Bruce and Maureen Murden, Mary Ellen Murphy, Andrew B., Cathy Doyle, Dean Carter, Mary Carney, Mark and Barbara Winkler, Rebecca Hill Larsen, Don McAllister, Judy Donovan, Priscilla Quealy, Ina Jean Wagner, Phyllis, Max Gettings, Piper, Laura and Tess, Paul, Brian O’Donovan, Ann Gentry, Robin, Brayden, Jan Eschanauzier, Katie, Debbie, Paul Rutter, Janet Kelly, Donnie Mailloux, Dexter and Marcia, Paula Gates and Linda Servin. Are there others?
Bless Your Holy people, Lord.
We pray that we may see the sacred in each of our everyday lives, believing with our brothers and sisters in faith that we can make a difference. We pray for our blessings today, and those who celebrate their birthdays, especially Leslie Blake and Melissa Healy. Are there other blessings to offer?
Bless Your Holy people, Lord.
We pray for those who have gone before us as the saints in light, especially Sophie, who this week went to heaven. Are there others?
Bless Your Holy people, Lord.
In our Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for the Parishes of the Alewife Deanery: Church of Our Saviour, Arlington; St. John’s Church, Arlington; Order of St. Anne & Bethany House of Prayer, Arlington; The Standing Committee, and the Brotherhood of St. Gregory. In our Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for The Nippon Sei Ko Kai.
Bless Your Holy people, Lord.
We pray for all who come to the “halls” of All Saints seeking healing from addiction. Look with compassion on all who have lost their health and freedom. Restore the assurance of your unending love and unfailing mercy; remove the fears that disable; strengthen the work of recovery; and to those who care for those suffering from addiction, give patient understanding and persevering love.
Bless Your Holy people, Lord.
“It is Advent every time you let God love others through you...yes, it is Advent every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.” (Adapted - Mother Teresa)
Bless Your Holy people, Lord. AMEN.
Confession
Lord God, we praise you for sending light into this world. We confess that we live as though the light had never defeated darkness. We confess that we ignore the Savior you sent to be among us and to live in us. We’ve kept the birth of your Son confined to the Christmas season, and do not yearn for his coming each moment in our waiting hearts. Forgive us for not opening our eyes to Jesus. Prepare us for His return. Help us rejoice in the light so that your grace can illuminate the darkened places of our hearts. Amen.
Absolution
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins, through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
The Passing of the Peace
Christ is here right now making peace among us.
The peace of the Lord be always with you!
And also with you.
Offertory Sentences
Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to give to you all that we have and all that we are. Put together as one congregation in three locations, bless our gifts!
The offertory plate is now distributed to our congregation.
A link is available in the chat or right here for your gifts!
Offertory Hymn 60
Creator of the Stars of Night
The offertory plate is now brought forward.
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Christ, all people here below;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
The Sanctuary Lamp burns in honor of the Blessed Sacrament.
Eucharistic Prayer and Agape Meal Prayer
(Agape is the Greek word for love, and it was a love feast of the early Christians. This meal is another way of living out Jesus’ commandment to love one another. We give thanks for the invitation to be at our tables, for here we are shown our lives.)
Celebrant: O come, Emanuel, into our longing hearts
People: We lift our hearts to You
Celebrant: As we gather around this table
People: In expectation and hope.
Celebrant: We embrace all that is holy as we say:
Sanctus: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
In this season of waiting, of shorter, darker days, and of preparation for Christmas, we hear of the coming of Jesus. We hear from the prophets of God’s new straight path in the desert and of the hoped for shepherd to feed his flock. We hear from John the Baptist of one coming after him, one who will baptize with Holy Spirit. We hear from Jesus of signs and omens, heralding a sudden coming of the Son of Man, the Son of God, and we are warned to be ready. We hear from the angel of the baby, conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb, who will be a king, a prince of peace who will save his people.
As we open our hearts to this coming, and puzzle as to its meaning for us and for the world, we can’t help but remember the rest of the story. Even as we celebrate Jesus’ birth, we remember his life, his teachings and healings and compassion. Even as we remember the beginning, we know well of Jesus’ suffering and death and Resurrection. We remember how, on the night before he died, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance
of me.”
We remember how, after supper, he took the cup of wine, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; this is my blood poured out for you and for everyone. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
By the power of the Holy Spirit, may this bread and wine be the body and blood of Christ for us. May we receive them as symbols of Jesus, who came long ago, and who comes to us still as God’s power in our humanity to fire our hearts and minds and wills for love and service. AMEN
Celebrant: And now, as Jesus has taught us, we pray,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant: These gifts of bread and wine, gifts of God for all people. Be what you see; receive who you are.
-from Progressive Christianity
This is the table not of the church, but of the Lord. It is to be made ready for those who love God and want to love God more. So come if you have followed, come if you have stumbled, come if you have been here often, or if you have never been here before. Come because it is God who invites you. It is one of God’s purposes, that those who want to find God, will find God here.—Adapted from the Iona Community.
(Now each person is invited to take a portion of food and drink, joining with the entire congregation on three platforms in our love feast.)
Post Communion Prayer
God of all grace, may we live in expectation and hope, and may the gifts we have received at this table remind us not only of the gift of your Christ, but of your steady presence among us, that we may act faithfully in response to your love.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image, and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now send us forth, a people forgiven, healed, renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.
Announcements and Alleluia Prayers for Birthdays, Anniversaries and Travel!
Final Blessing
Go now, strengthened by the light of Christ. Keep alert and wait for the revealing of how to do right, and remember God in your ways. And may God enrich you in speech and knowledge of every kind; May Christ Jesus strengthen you to the end; And may the Holy Spirit guide you in faithful living until Christ comes again. Amen.
Recessional Hymn 66
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Benediction
God be with you till we meet again;
By his counsels guide uphold you;
With his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Dismissal
We go into the world to walk in God's light, to rejoice in God's love and to reflect God's glory.
Thanks be to God.
Postlude
(Usage of music images is authorized through Church Publishing, Inc., for The Riteseries Online. Reprinted/podcast/streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE A-726450. All rights reserved.)
Special thanks to our worship assistants this morning:
Celebrant: The Rev. Marya DeCarlen
Homilist: Ginna Coulson
Hybrid Hosts: Lisa Palmer
Gail Arnold
Greeter/Usher: Ginna Coulson
Zoom Prayer Host: Erika Bianchi
Liturgical Assistant: Bruce Symmes
1st Lesson and Psalm: Bernadette Benman
2nd Lesson: Erika Bianchi
Voice of the People: Bill Hooper
Musicians: Allen Hill
Mary Gordon
Counters: Gail Arnold
Bruce Manning
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