Third Sunday of Advent The Holy Eucharist
five o’clock in the evening
The Rev. Bradley Varnell, Canon Missioner for Community Life and Young Adult Ministry Celebrant
The Cathedral is equipped with a hearing loop for assisted listening via telecoil.
Lighting of Votive Candles
Worshipers are encouraged to sit in front of the alms basin. During the opening contemplative music, you are invited to observe prayerful quiet or to come forward to light a votive candle in acknowledgement of a prayer, concern, or in memory of a loved one.
Opening Music
Traditional Scottish and Irish Tunes
At the sound of the bell, please stand.
The poem is read by the Celebrant.
Wild Geese
You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting — over and over announcing your place in the family of things.
— by Mary Oliver
1
1. God 2. God with with us, us, the the
œ œ j œ . œ Lord light of of liv glo ing, ry,
œ œ j œ . œ and va for tion's giv sto ing, ry,
with Us
hearts love for for lov our ing sal
œ œ j œ . œ Lord light of of liv glo ing, ry,
œ œ ú bright Christ ar be ray; shown: - - --
. œ j œ œ œ all love cre and a praise tion's to
. œ j œ œ œ or praise dered for round Christ's of e
- - -- - - -& # # . œ j œ œ œ
œ œ ú day Christ by a day. lone. God
œ œ ú work ter and nal play –throne –
∑ ∑- - -
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you.
. œ j œ œ œ year glo by ry year be and to
Celebrant Let us pray. Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen. The people sit.
The First Reading Isaiah 35:1–10
Reader A Reading from the Book of Isaiah. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 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 your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing
2 Hymn &
# # 4 4 . œ
j œ œ œ
& # # œ œ œ œ
God God with with us, us, the the
Text: ©Timothy Dudley-Smith (born 1926), alt. ~ Tune: COTTON WEAVER; Lancashire folk song, ©arr. Robin Sheldon (b. 1932) Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. CCL #11426131; onelicense.net # 726591-A
for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The reading ends in silence. After a pause, the people stand for the hymn.
Hymn
Glo ry and
We will sing the entire hymn twice.
Glory and gratitude
ú œ gra ti
ú œ tude and
. ú praise - -& # ú œ now let ú œ earth to
ú œ hea ven
. ú raise.& # œ œ œ Glo ry and
ú œ gra ti
. œ j œ œ of fer to
ú œ tude and
. ú praise: - -& # ú œ these we
. ú God. . ú -
Words: John L. Bell & Graham Maule ~ Music: John L. Bell ~ Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. CCL # 11426131; OneLicense.Net # 726591-A
The people sit. The Gospel Matthew 11:2–11
Reader A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go
3
& # 4 3 œ œ œ
out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
The reading ends without verbal response.
A minute of silence is observed.
The Reflection
Two minutes of silence follow the reflection. Prayers of the People (The People may remain seated)
The Leader begins Pray for this fragile earth, our island home. Pray that we would be its good stewards and it would withstand our abuse.
Silence Pray for the Church. Pray that where it is right God will strengthen it, and where it is in error God will direct it. Pray that God will fill the Church with all truth and peace.
Silence
Pray for the joy of human life, with all its wonder and surprises. Pray we would remember that all people are created in the very image of God.
Silence
Pray for the poor, the destitute, and the dying, in the full knowledge that God looks with special favor upon those in greatest need.
Silence
Pray for our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Silence
Pray in thanksgiving for all the blessings of this life, and for the promise of the next. Pray that we may live not by our fears but by our hopes, not only by our words but by our deeds.
4
The Confession and Absolution
Celebrant I confess to God, and in the presence of all God’s people, that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and I pray God to have mercy on me. People May God have mercy on you, pardon and deliver you from your sins, and give you time to amend your life.
Celebrant Amen.
People We confess to God, and in the presence of all God’s people, that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and we pray God to have mercy on us.
Celebrant May god have mercy on you, pardon and deliver you from your sins, and give you time to amend your life.
People Amen.
Celebrant Turn again, O God, and give us life. People That your people may rejoice in you. Celebrant Create in me a clean heart, O God, People And renew a right spirit within me. Celebrant Give us the joy of your saving help again, People And sustain us with your bountiful Spirit.
The Peace
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
The People greet one another in the name of the Lord, after which the people are seated for brief announcements.
4
the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. On the night he was betrayed, Jesus Christ took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends 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, gave thanks to you, 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.” Father, we now celebrate the memorial of your Son. By means of this holy bread and cup, we show forth the sacrifice of his death, and proclaim his resurrection, until he comes again. Gather us by this Holy Communion into one body in your Son Jesus Christ. Make us a living sacrifice of praise. 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 forever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
The Invitation to Communion Celebrant
So, come to this table, you who have much faith, and you who would like to have more; you who have been to this sacrament often, and you who have not been for a long time. You who have tried to follow Jesus, and you who have failed. Come. It is Christ who invites you to meet him here. All are welcome and encouraged to receive Communion, whatever one’s Christian tradition.
7
The Dismissal
Celebrant Go out into the world in peace, have courage, hold onto what is good, return no one evil for evil, strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering, honor everyone, love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
People Thanks be to God.
Closing Music
Traditional French and English Tune, 13th century
Becky Baxter, Music Coordinator and Harpist for The Well Brian Briones, flautist Sally Keller, cellist
The Book of Remembrance
This week we remember Nell Walker Jeffers.
The Beauty of Flowers
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar are given to celebrate the Advent needlepoint hangings to the glory of God in loving memory of Geraldine Campbell Naschke and her beloved husband John Hess Naschke by their three daughters Kathy Stites, Nancy Simonds, and Gerrie Bielefeld. The flowers on the Cathedral Altar are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Anne Randolph Bledsoe and in thanksgiving for Nancy Staub Wareing by their children.
Sunday, December 11, 2022
Announcements
TODAY
Welcome • If you are new or visiting Christ Church Cathedral, we are honored to have you worshipping with us. Please make yourself at home, and let us know how we can be helpful. Also, please fill out one of the welcome cards in the pews, and drop it in an offering plate or give it to a clergy person or usher. Call, visit, or email (info@christchurchcathedral.org) anytime. You are always welcome here.
Las Posadas • Members from all congregations gather in people’s homes across Houston to commemorate the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. Join us each night December 16–23 from 7 until 9 p.m. Contact Sylvia Garcia for details at: sgarcia@christchurchcathedral.org
Parish Retreat • Come to a relaxing weekend retreat at Camp Allen in the piney words just north of Houston. Reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and renew your relationship with God. All are welcome to join. The retreat takes place Jan. 13-15. Registration and details available online at: www. christchurchcathedral.org/parishretreat
Gran Posada • Join us on December 18 for a warming and enlightening Sancocho Supper. We’ll break bread together and enjoy sancocho, a traditional Dominican soup, as Jasminne Mendez, DominicanAmerican poet, playwright, translator and award-winning author of several books for children and adults, shares her work. At 6 p.m. in Reynolds Hall.
Christmas Camp and Pageant • Every year, we gather the kiddos to practice the Christmas Pageant, try on costumes, eat snacks, participate in an outreach project for The Beacon and have an indoor snowball fight. And it is EPIC every year. Join us for rehearsal Saturday, December 17 from 9:3011:30 a.m. Our pageant is held Christmas Eve at the 4 p.m. service, and attending the rehearsal is not required. All are welcome to participate.
Cathedral Choir Cabaret • The Cabaret is an evening of fabulous entertainment with cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and singing by your choir. It will be held January 21, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in Reynolds Hall with proceeds supporting the travel scholarship fund. The Cathedral Choir will be taking our song and voices to Ireland in July 2023 and would appreciate any donations to the Cabaret Silent Auction. Contact Wick Rowland, wickr@mac.com with questions or donations. Additional details and registration for the event are available at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/cabaret
Looking for Children’s Ministry • Looking for Children’s Ministry • Follow Agnus to the Jones Building for childcare for infants (6 weeks–5 years), or the Huffington Playground. Have questions? Contact KariAnn Lessner at kalessner@christchurchcathedral.org
Make Your 2023 EMC Pledge • There’s still time to make your annual pledge. We invite you to join us as we renew our commitment to our beloved Cathedral in time, talent, and treasure. To submit your pledge, simply drop a pledge card into the offering plate or visit www.christchurchcathedral.org/pledge to pledge online. If you have questions, contact Minister for Stewardship Karen Kraycirik at kkraycirik@christchurchcathedral. org or 713-590-3338.
After-Hours Emergency Pastoral Care Line • 713-826-5332
Christmas Services
Gran Posada and Sancocho Supper, Sunday, Dec. 18
6 p.m. In-Person, Reynolds Hall
The Longest Night, Wednesday, December 21
5 p.m. Sign up in advance to attend online via Zoom
6 p.m. In-Person
Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24
4 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II, In-Person, Facebook/Vimeo, (Pageant)
6 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II in Spanish, In-Person, Facebook/Vimeo
8 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II, In-Person, Facebook/Vimeo
11 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I, In-Person, Facebook/Vimeo
Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25
10 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I, In-Person, Facebook/Vimeo
1 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II in Spanish, In-Person, Facebook/Vimeo
WATCH LIVE AT WWW.CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG/CHRISTMAS
Weekday Services
Morning Prayer, 7:30 a.m., Monday-Friday on Zoom Evening Prayer, 6 p.m., Monday- Friday on Zoom Oración del mediodía, Mediodía, lunes y jueves en Facebook Contemplative Prayer, 11:15 a.m., Mondays in Mellinger Room
Holy Eucharist, Noon, Wednesdays in Golding Chapel Bilingual Holy Eucharist, 6 p.m., Wednesdays in Golding Chapel
Links available at: www.christchurchcathedral.org/weekdayservices
Portions of this service are adapted from the Iona Community Worship Book and the Prayer Books of the Church of Ireland, the Anglican Church of New Zealand, and the Northumbrian Community.
Please be advised that our services are Livesteamed to Vimeo and Facebook. Your participation in the service serves as your consent to the broadcast of your image and voice and to the broadcast of the image and voice of your participating minor children. Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun. Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly.
