+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening prayer:
God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me.
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 18:12-14 (NLT)
The triptych of the Parable of the Lost Sheep was drawn by Lilias during her early years in North Africa. She captures, in three frames, a sequence which illuminates the story of the straying lamb from start to finish.
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.
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“Comfort Ye My People” – Lamb ~ Joel Chernoff & Rick Coghill
No more will you turn to another for help
Nor will you turn to yourself, to yourself
Nor will you say, “My God” to some other
For in Me you’ll find mercy, wo-o-o-o
I will heal your wrong ways
I will love you so freely
You will dwell beneath my shadow
I will be as the dew to my people
And they will blossom as the lilly, wo-o-o-o
Your beauty will be like the olive tree
Your fragrance as Lebanon, Lebanon
You will live as a well watered garden
And you will flourish like the vine, wo-o-o-o
I will heal your wrong ways
I will love you so freely
You will dwell beneath my shadow
I will be as the dew to my people
And they will blossom as the lilly, wo-o-o-o
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Canticle:
Teach me, dear Lord, to number my days; that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. Oh, satisfy me early with Thy mercy, that I may rejoice and be glad all of my days. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon me; and establish Thou the work of my hands.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Blessing:
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to help me.
One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.
A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 1:26-38 (NLT)
“Head And Shoulders Of The Virgin Mary, With The Angel Gabriel Descending To The Left” Joachim Von, I Sandrart
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.”
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
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Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Maria, gratia plena,
Maria, gratia plena,
Ave, Ave, Dominus,
Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus,
Et benedictus fructus ventris (tui),
Ventris tui, Jesus.
Ave Maria!
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Canticle:
Teach me, dear Lord, to number my days; that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. Oh, satisfy me early with Thy mercy, that I may rejoice and be glad all of my days. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon me; and establish Thou the work of my hands.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Blessing:
May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening prayer:
Advent begins today. During the first part of the season, the Church focuses on the end of time, when Christ will come in glory.
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Rend the heavens and come down, O God of all the ages! Rouse us from sleep, deliver us from our heedless ways, and form us into a watchful people, that, at the advent of Your Son, He may find us doing what is right, mindful of all You command. Grant this through Him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7 (NLT)
Surely you are still our Father! Even if Abraham and Jacob would disown us, Lord, you would still be our Father. You are our Redeemer from ages past. Lord, why have you allowed us to turn from your path? Why have you given us stubborn hearts so we no longer fear you? Return and help us, for we are your servants, the tribes that are your special possession.
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Sometimes it seems as though we never belonged to you, as though we had never been known as your people.
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As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame!
When you came down long ago, you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! You welcome those who gladly do good, who follow godly ways.
But you have been very angry with us, for we are not godly. We are constant sinners; how can people like us be saved? We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. Yet no one calls on your name or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore, you have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 (NLT)
Show us your mighty power. Come to rescue us! Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.
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Take care of this grapevine that you yourself have planted, this son you have raised for yourself. For we are chopped up and burned by our enemies.
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Then we will never abandon you again. Revive us so we can call on your name once more. Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 (NLT)
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way — with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 13:33-37 (NLT)
And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!
“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return — in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
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Intercessions:
O God, our ever-present help, come to us now in this our time of trouble. Lord, hear our prayers:
+ For believers everywhere who wait for the Lord’s coming – that this Advent may help us prepare…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all the people who look forward to the celebration of Christmas – that Christ’s heart and mind may find a place to dwell in our lives…. Lord, hear us
+ For the nations where there is no peace, especially Israel, Palentine and the Middle East – that war may soon become a distant memory…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people suffering because of sickness and disease – that they may experience healing and support from the people of God…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who are infirmed in mind or body – that they may know Christ’s healing power…. Lord, hear us
+ For people trying to rebuild their lives after any betrayal of trust – that they may feel the tender love of Christ, on whom they can rely…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all those who have died in Christ – that God’s light may shine on them and on all who grieve their loss…. Lord, hear us.
God of hosts, Your hand protects Your chosen people: listen to our prayers, we ask You, through Christ our Lord. Amen
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Benediction:
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening prayer:
At the end of time, Christ the King will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will ask how we treated the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, those sick or in prison, promising a great reward to those who show love.
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Almighty God, You have conferred upon Christ Jesus sovereignty over every age and nation. Direct us, in the love of Christ, to care for the least of His brothers and sisters, that we may be subject to His dominion and receive the inheritance of Your kingdom. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; to his feet your tribute bring. Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore his praises sing. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise the everlasting King!
Praise him for his grace and favor to his people in distress. Praise him, still the same as ever, slow to chide, and swift to bless. Alleluia, alleluia! Glorious in his faithfulness!
Fatherlike he tends and spares us; well our feeble frame he knows. In his hand he gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes. Alleluia, alleluia! Widely yet his mercy flows!
Angels, help us to adore him; you behold him face to face. Sun and moon, bow down before him, dwellers all in time and space. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace!
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A Reading from the Old testament: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 (NLT)
The Parable of the Good Shepherd Separating the Sheep from the Goats, Scenes from the Life of Christ. (Mosaic) Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search and find my sheep. I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.
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“I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign Lord. I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes — feed them justice!
“And as for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says to his people: I will judge between one animal of the flock and another, separating the sheep from the goats.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 23 (NLT)
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:20-26, 28 (NLT)
So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.
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God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 25:31-46 (NLT)
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
“Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’
“And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
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Intercessions:
Shepherd God, You care for all the flock. Hear our prayers –
+ For those in leadership roles in the Church – that they may show the kindness of the Good Shepherd…. Lord, hear us.
+ For leaders of governments – that they may work for justice and truth…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who visit us as strangers – that we may give them a warm welcome…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our brothers and sisters in prison – that we may support them and their families…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those suffering because of the Ebola Virus in West Africa – that they have the care they need…. Lord, hear us
+ For the people we love — particularly those in need of support at this time…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have recently died – that they may dwell in the Lord’s house for ever…. Lord, hear us.
Loving God, caring shepherd, You look after Your people at every moment of their lives: hear the prayers we offer, in trust and faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen
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Benediction:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
(1 Th. 3:12-13)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening prayer:
Bountiful God, from whose own abundance all gifts and skills are lavishly bestowed, encourage us to use our talents as generously as You have allotted them, so that, being faithful to Your purpose, we may become sharers in Your glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice; him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell. Come ye before him and rejoice.
O enter then his gates with praise; approach with joy his courts unto; praise, laud, and bless his name always, for it is seemly so to do.
Because the Lord our God is good; his mercy is forever sure; his truth at all times firmly stood, and shall from age to age endure.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 (NLT)
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
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Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
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Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 (NLT)
How joyful are those who fear the Lord — all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!
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Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.
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That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him. May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (NLT)
Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.
But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 25:14-15, 19-21 (NLT)
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
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“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”
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Intercessions:
Brothers and sisters, let us pray to the Lord, who blesses those who trust in Him:
+ For every member of a Christian community — that we may use our talents well, putting them at the service of all…. Lord, hear us.
+ For an increase in volunteer servants — that good works offered in Your name may not lack for help…. Lord, hear us.
+ For wives and husbands — that they may value each other’s gifts, and be generous to the needy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For families, and those who love and care for them – that their hard work and virtue may be rewarded…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prisoners and their families, particularly those who have been incarcerated because of their faith — that they may trust in God, who never forgets them…. Lord, hear us
+ For victims of crime and violence — that they may see justice done and find healing…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who are sick, in mind, body or spirit — that our prayers and practical concern may support them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have recently died, particularly those who have died tragically – that those who grieve may be consoled…. Lord, hear us.
Eternal God, You bless those who trust in You: hear our prayers we offer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Benediction:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Peanut Gallery 