High Mass
Second Sunday of Advent | December 4, 2016 | 10:30 am
Welcome We acknowledge our presence on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. Welcome to St. James’, especially if you are a newcomer or visitor. Children of all ages are fully welcome at every liturgy. We hope that you will enjoy your visit here with us. Please help us to get to know you by introducing yourself to one of the clergy. VISION STATEMENT Discovering the beauty of holiness in our lives and neighbourhood, by living a Christ-centred sacramental life rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. MISSION OBJECTIVES To be a beacon for all as a neighbourhood and destination church where we invite and welcome friends, family, and strangers into our midst; To deepen our life of prayer and formation in Christ; To develop relationships and fellowship in open, honest, and spiritual ways among parishioners, with our neighbours, and those in need; To pursue and practice justice and mercy for the imparting of the Kingdom of God within and beyond the Parish; To strive to maintain financial equilibrium, develop our reserves, and optimize the use of our assets to ensure the preservation of our sacred space and ministry from generation to generation, to the everlasting glory of God. ______________________________________________________________________ TODAY 8:00 am Morning Prayer, Blessed Sacrament Chapel 8:30 am Low Mass, Lady Chapel 9:15 am Coffee Hour, Rectory 10:30 am High Mass, Church 12:00 am Coffee Hour, Blessed Sacrament Chapel 5:00 pm Evening Prayer, Blessed Sacrament Chapel ______________________________________________________________________ This booklet is printed on recycled paper. Discarded copies will be recycled. 2 | HIGH MASS
Before Mass If you require assistance at any time, please speak to one of the welcomers at the Church entrance (narthex). As a friendly reminder, please turn off all electronic devices that might disrupt worship. In the interest of security, please keep purses and other valuables with you at all times. Wireless hearing amplifiers are available. Washrooms can be accessed through the doors on the left hand side at the back of the Church on the opposite side to the entrance. Your family is welcome at St. James’. There is a play area with toys and colouring books at the back of the Church. Godly Play will take place in this area during the first part of the service. The sacrament of reconciliation (confession) is available. Speak with a priest to make an appointment. The Mass booklet contains all the prayers and information required to participate in the Mass. The directions given in this booklet to stand, sit, and kneel are offered as guidelines to those who are able. The symbol + indicates when to make the sign of the Cross. It is also customary to make a discreet bow at the name of Jesus. You are encouraged to take the opportunity before Mass for silence, stillness, and prayer. Please refrain from talking before Mass begins. We adore you, most Holy Lord Jesus Christ here and in all your churches throughout all the world; and we bless you because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. St. Francis of Assisi
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A Reflection BEHOLD, the Bridegroom cometh: go ye out With lighted lamps and garlands round about To meet Him in a rapture with a shout. It may be at the midnight, black as pitch, Earth shall cast up her poor, cast up her rich. It may be at the crowing of the cock Earth shall upheave her depth, uproot her rock. For lo, the Bridegroom fetcheth home the Bride: His Hands are Hands she knows, she knows His Side. Like pure Rebekah at the appointed place, Veiled, she unveils her face to meet His Face. Like great Queen Esther in her triumphing, She triumphs in the Presence of her King. His Eyes are as a Dove’s, and she’s Dove-eyed; He knows His lovely mirror, sister, Bride.
He speaks with Dove-voice of exceeding love, And she with love-voice of an answering Dove. Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: go we out With lamps ablaze and garlands round about To meet Him in a rapture with a shout. The Poetical Works of Christina Georgina Rossetti, with a Memoir and Notes by William Michael Rossetti, MacMillan & Company, London, 1904: p.156
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Notes
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Entrance Rite PRELUDE Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen — Johannes Brahms At the entrance of the clergy and servers all stand.
Stand
INTROIT People of Zion, look up! The Lord is near at hand to redeem the nations; and in the gladness of your hearts the Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard. Populus Sion (Mode VII)
KYRIE ELEISON
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
Setting: Missa brevis — Matyas Seiber
COLLECT OF THE DAY Celebrant All
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The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. Almighty God, who sent thy servant John the Baptist to prepare thy people to welcome the Messiah, inspire us, the ministers and stewards of thy truth, to turn our disobedient hearts to thee, that when the Christ shall come again to be our judge, we may stand with confidence before his glory; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word OLD TESTAMENT READING Reader
Be seated
A reading from the Book of Isaiah. A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-10
Reader Allll
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
PSALM
A cantor sings the antiphon first; all repeat it thereafter.
Give the King your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the King's Son; That he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice; That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the little hills bring righteousness. Antiphon HIGH MASS | 7
He shall defend the needy among the people; he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor. He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another. He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth. Antiphon In his time shall the righteous flourish; there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds! And blessed be his glorious name for ever! and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen. Antiphon Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
EPISTLE READING Reader
A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name"; and again he says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; and again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him"; and again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:4-13
Reader Allll
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
ALLELUIA
A cantor begins the alleluia; all repeat it thereafter.
Stand
Alleluia. I was glad when they said unto me: we will go into the house of the Lord. Alleluia. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Alleluia. LĂŚtatus sum (Mode V) 8 | HIGH MASS
HOLY GOSPEL Deacon People Deacon People
All stand and turn to face the book of the Gospels The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. Glory be to thee, O Lord. In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Matthew 3:1-12
Deacon People
The Gospel of Christ. Praise be to thee, O Christ.
SERMON
Be Seated Fr. Kevin Hunt (At the conclusion of the sermon, silence is kept)
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NICENE CREED
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Stand
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Celebrant
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All
After each petition this response is said: Lord in thy mercy. Hear our prayer.
All All
Stand
After the petition for the departed: + Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord. And may light perpetual shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. HIGH MASS | 11
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION Deacon
Let us humbly confess our sins to almighty God.
All
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things and judge of all people: We acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we from time to time most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy divine majesty. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Celebrant
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him: have mercy upon you; + pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Kneel
All
Children return from Godly Play PEACE
Stand
The ministers and people may greet one another in the name of the Lord in the customary way. You may choose not to shake hands at the Peace. A simple exchange of “Peace be with you” with eye contact and a nod, or a bow, is a good substitute. 12 | HIGH MASS
The Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist OFFERTORY & PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS
Be seated
Will you not turn, O God, and give us life again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Deus, tu convertens (Mode III)
HYMN
Stand The People sing the hymn while the People’s gifts of bread, wine and money are brought forward. 12 Green Hymn Book (New English Hymnal) — On Jordan’s bank, the Baptist’s cry On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry announces that the Lord is nigh; come then and hearken, for he brings glad tidings of the King of kings. Then cleansed be every Christian breast, and furnished for so great a guest! Yea, let us each our hearts prepare for Christ to come and enter there. For thou art our salvation, Lord, our refuge and our great reward; without thy grace our souls must fade and wither like a flower decayed. Stretch forth thine hand to heal our sore, and make us rise, to fall no more; once more upon thy people shine and fill the world with love divine. All praise, eternal Son, to thee, whose advent sets thy people free; whom with the Father we adore and Spirit blest, for evermore. HIGH MASS | 13
SURSUM CORDA & PROPER PREFACE
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, creator and preserver of all things. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the fullness of time came among us in our flesh and opened to us the way of salvation. Now we watch for the day when he will come again in power and great triumph to judge this world; that we, without shame or fear, may rejoice to behold his appearing. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee and saying:
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Stand
SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt cĂŚli et terra Gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. + Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. + Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. Setting: Missa brevis — Matyas Seiber
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PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Celebrant
Kneel
Blessing and glory and thanksgiving be unto thee, almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memorial of that his precious death, until his coming again. Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee; and grant that we receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread; and, when he had given thanks, he brake it; and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.” + Likewise after supper he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all, of this; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins: Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.” +
Allll Celebrant
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Wherefore, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we thy humble servants with all thy holy Church, remembering the precious death of thy beloved Son, his mighty resurrection, and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming again in glory, do make before thee, in this sacrament of the holy bread of eternal life and the cup of everlasting salvation, the memorial which he hath commanded: We praise thee, we bless thee, we thank thee and we pray to thee, Lord our God. And we entirely desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion; And we pray that by the power of thy Holy Spirit, all we who are partakers of this holy communion may be fulfilled with thy grace + and heavenly benediction; through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Kneel
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
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AGNUS DEI Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: dona nobis pacem.
Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world : have mercy upon us. Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us. Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: grant us thy peace. Setting: Missa brevis — Matyas Seiber
COMMUNION Celebrant All
+Behold the Lamb of God, behold him that taketh away the sins of the world. O Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof, but speak the word only and my soul shall be healed. All who are baptized and believe Christ present in this sacrament are invited to come forward for communion. Those who are unable to receive communion, or do not yet receive, are invited to come forward for a blessing. To indicate you wish a blessing, fold your arms rather than holding out your hand for the Sacrament. When coming forward to receive, please approach from the centre aisle only and follow the directions of the attendant standing at the head of the aisle. Please return to your seat via the side aisles.
MOTET People look East. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People, look East, and sing today: Love the Guest is on the way. Furrows be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there: Give up your strength to nourish, that in course flower may flourish. People look East, and sing today: Love the Rose is on the way.
Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim one more light the bowl shall brim, shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as sun and moon together. People, look East, and sing today: Love the Star is on the way. Angels announce to man and beast Him who cometh from the East. Set every peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming. People look East and sing today: Love the Lord is on they way. People, look East — Besançon carol / arr. Barry Ferguson 18 | HIGH MASS
HYMN
Sit or kneel 303 Green Hymn Book (New English Hymnal) — O Word Immortal of Eternal God O Word immortal of eternal God, only-begotten of the only Source, for our salvation stooping to the course of human life and born of Mary's blood; sprung from the ever-virgin womanhood of her who bare thee, God immutable, incarnate, made as man with man to dwell, and condescending to the bitter Rood; Save us, O Christ our God, for thou hast died to save thy people to the uttermost, and dying tramplest death in victory; one of the ever-blessèd Trinity, in equal honor with the Holy Ghost, and with the eternal Father glorified.
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Concluding Rite PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Celebrant All
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
All
Let us pray. Faithful God, we thank thee for feeding us with this heavenly banquet. Help us always to hear the prophet's call to turn our hearts to thee; in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
BLESSING Celebrant
All
Kneel Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, shine upon you, scatter the darkness from before your path, and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory. And the blessing of God Almighty, the +Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen. Notices and announcements may be given.
DISMISSAL
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Stand
Be Seated
Stand
ANGELUS
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HYMN 116 Blue Hymn Book (Common Praise) — Thy Kingdom Come "Your kingdom come" — on bended knee the passing ages pray; and faithful souls have yearned to see on earth that kingdom's day.
But the slow watches of the night not less to God belong; and for the everlasting right the silent stars are strong. And lo, already on the hills the flags of dawn appear. Gird up your loins, you prophet souls; proclaim the day is near: the day in whose clear shining light all wrong shall stand revealed, when justice shall be throned in might, and every hurt be healed; when knowledge, hand in hand with peace, shall walk the earth abroad— the day of perfect righteousness, the promised day of God. POSTLUDE People, Look East! — Besançon carol / arr. Kristina Langlois During the postlude you are encouraged to remain quietly in the nave, or to move to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel to enjoy coffee hour conversation.
For prayer requests, please contact the office or speak to a member of the clergy. Please notify the Parish Office (604-685-2532) when a parishioner/friend/family member is hospitalized or housebound. The Office will arrange visitation, Holy Communion or Anointing with the Parish Clergy Team and Pastoral Care Ministry Coordinator. If entering hospital, please inform the hospital on arrival that you (or the patient you are with) are Anglican and ask for the hospital’s Anglican chaplain. 22 | HIGH MASS
The Thurible
Inform. Inspire. Invite.
CLERGY NOTES Creation—Not for Sale Gracious God, this day you call us to actions which speak at least as loudly as our words and to words which indicate a change of heart and growing regard for your creation. Bless us in our Advent journey as we seek your incarnate presence in every aspect of our lives. Amen. Matthew 3:1–12 In today’s Gospel reading we hear John the Baptist calling the crowds to repentance, to a turning around of their lives, to a turning to God. This turning must not be shallow, flaky, or fickle, but rather, deep, whole-hearted and unwavering. “Bear fruit” he cries out, “worthy of repentance” (v8). Let it be seen that your life indeed has turned around, that your focus is reframed, and your priorities are reset. Let it be seen that your actions line up with your expression of repentance. As we consider God’s creation, there is an urgency of concern about the global environmental crisis. We can no longer deny the harsh realities of islands drowning as sea levels rise; of deserts expanding in the face of unchecked deforestation; of weather patterns changing and growing violent as global warming continues; of lifestyles and livelihoods disappearing as the Arctic ice cap melts.
Really coming to terms with these realities was very much the focus of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference— COP21—held in Paris. “COP21” refers to the ”Conference of Parties” and to those countries which have adopted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In the midst of that great gathering of political and religious world leaders, and among thousands of ordinary citizens from every corner of the globe, a huge ecumenical service was held in Notre Dame Basilica. I had the great privilege of being there.
This “conversion” is the very thing that renowned environmentalist David Suzuki calls “the necessity for a massive change of spirit” on the part of leaders in government and industry and on the part of consumers in society…which includes us all. Suzuki has said he looks to both business communities and faith communities to provide leadership in calling for this “change of spirit”.
A message from the Council of Christian Churches in France included the following:
“Creation is suffering because of us. The land has deteriorated. Jesus Christ calls us to vigilance and commitment. Our common home is damaged. The poorest are excluded. Jesus Christ calls us to solidarity and sharing.
“Aware of the impact of the lifestyle of most of the developed countries, we need to call into question the logic of our consumption and to allow our attitude and witness to experience conversion—practising restraint and simplicity, not as a form of heroic renunciation, but as a form of joyful sharing. Our hope as Christians rests in our belief that our world is not destined to despair, but to transformation, and that human beings capable of self-destruction are also capable of uniting and choosing what is good.”
The liturgy in that great basilica concluded with a litany of repentance and of pledges to have us think and act differently. Here is an excerpt:
Before you Creator God, we pledge to take specific actions and to change our practices. Jesus Christ calls us to conversion.” We pray that by our decisions, and by our actions upon them, we may “bear fruit worthy of our repentance.” Fred Hiltz is the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada.
TODAY AT ST. JAMES’ SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT MORNING PRAYER 8:00 am in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel LOW MASS 8:30 am in the Lady Chapel COFFEE HOUR After Low Mass in the Rectory HIGH MASS 10:30 am in the Church COFFEE HOUR After High Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel EVENING PRAYER 5:00 pm in the Church
OUR PARISH CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS Again this year Fr. Matthew and the Street Outreach are accepting gift cards to distribute during the Advent and Christmas seasons on the street. Cards for McDonalds are the most favoured, with Tim Hortons also very popular. Suggested card amount is $10 to $20. If possible include sales receipt for card when giving. Any questions contact Heather at 604-685-7522. Sincere thanks to all who can contribute. ADVENT FOOD COLLECTION FOR FIRST NATIONS YOUTH Please pick up a food donation package from the Narthex before you leave this morning. It contains an information sheet about how to make your donation, plus the latest Coming Home Society 20 | THE THURIBLE 24
newsletter with all the news about the “Wisdom of Elders” program. Your food donations support this program, which connects vulnerable First Nations youth with Aboriginal Elders who can give them cultural and spiritual guidance. These young people are struggling with many challenges that include homelessness and addiction. Many are single parents, and all are living at, or below, the poverty line. These young folks exhaust their food resources over the holidays, and are in desperate need of healthy food to get them through the long month of January. Your help will mean the world to them! PWRDF CHRISTMAS CARDS PWRDF Christmas cards are available for a suggested donation of $20 at Coffee Hour following the Low and High Masses today and following High Mass on December 11. For more info contact Peter Goodwin at 604-929-6143. FENTANYL Members of our DTES community are dying daily in the current Fentanyl-laced drugs crisis. The votive lamp burning in the SE corner of the nave, by the Lady Chapel, is a symbol of our prayer for all those who are suffering and for those who seek to bring relief and an end to this crisis. 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Nov. 25, marked the beginning of 16 Days of Activism, when we, including Global Mothers’ Union, campaign against Gender Based Violence. The Mother’s Union at St. James’ is proud to support this campaign and invites parishioners to wear a white ribbon during these days. They are available in the narthex y. CHRISTMAS FLOWER DEDICATIONS Any parishioner planning to donate flowers during the Christmas season should phone in their dedication by Dec. 12 if they wish to have their
dedication printed in the Christmas leaflet. It will not be possible to designate a particular altar to which you wish your flowers to be dedicated simply write Christmas donation. We are in need of greenery for arrangements, especially holly with berries or any other branches bearing red berries. If you have any suitable greenery in your garden which you can spare, please bring it in a plastic garbage bag to the Church by Thurs. Dec. 22, and leave either in the Flower Room or in the passage ways by the Rectory and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Many thanks. The St. James’ Flower Guild KIDS’ CORNER Vision: To help children and their parents find new ways to more fully participate in mass and aid in their spiritual formation. This is the second Sunday in Advent. Advent means to get ready! The Gospel this week tells us about John the Baptist. We find out that John the Baptist wore camel skin clothes and a big leather belt. He ate locusts and honey! He spent a lot of time in the wilderness telling everyone who came to see him that Jesus was coming soon and that they should get ready, by saying sorry to God for what they had done wrong, and then asking God to help them do the right thing. John the Baptist then baptized them in the river Jordan. A prophet named Isaiah had told everybody hundreds of years before that this would happen, and so it did! Isaiah had said "A voice will call in the wilderness. Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the paths straight for him". John the Baptist was doing just that! Prayer Hello God. Please help us prepare for the birth of Jesus by turning away from wrong things and doing good, loving you and our neighbour as you ask us to do. Amen.
RELATIONSHIPS & FELLOWSHIPS SJMA JUNIOR CHRISTMAS CONCERT Thur. Dec. 8 at 5:30 pm With the Seniors out of the way, it's now time for the Junior program students to shine and showcase their adorable talents with instrumental, and choir performances. Friends, family, and supporters celebrate together. The concert is free by donation and starts at 5:30pm. Come early, at 5 pm, and enjoy refreshments in the Parish Hall before the show. MVA LISTENING SESSION Sun. Dec 11, after High Mass Coffee Hour Please join in a conversation with Metro Vancouver Alliance. What community issues are you concerned about as we head towards a provincial election? Let us hear your voice! St. James’ is a corporate member of MVA, a non-partisan organization working for the common good. MVA works on issues that have been raised by members, currently affordable housing, public transportation, social inclusion and economic justice. We are listening now to see if these are the issues to raise with our provincial party leaders. Everyone welcome. EASTVAN TAIZE@STJAMES’ Wed. Dec. 7 at 7:30 pm Blessed Sacrament Chapel An ecumenical time of prayer with music, song and silence in the style of the Taize community. For more info go to eastvantaize.wordpress.com.
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COMMEMORATION
St. Clement of Alexandria Priest, c.210 December 5 Clement of Alexandria was a second-century theologian who taught that God’s Word was spoken not only in Scripture but also in the heritage of pagan philosophy. By this teaching he enabled the Church to see its gospel as the revelation and fulfillment of the true desire for God which was hidden in all human cultures.
Clement spent his youth wandering from one eastern city to another in search of a satisfying philosophy until he came to Alexandria, where he found what he was looking for in the teachings of the Christian Church. After his baptism he became a presbyter and around the year 190 was appointed head of the Christian academy at Alexandria — a school which not only instructed new converts in the Christian faith and prepared them for baptism, but also provided Christian thinkers with an opportunity for “advanced studies” in theology. Clement worked in this school for over a decade, but then renewed persecution of the Church forced it to close its doors and its principal to flee Alexandria. He made his way to Asia Minor, where he died around the year 210. Clement’s own history made him seek a way of bringing pagan philosophy home to Christ, in whom its whole purpose, which was the love of true wisdom, would be satisfied beyond measure. He once wrote: “Philosophy was necessary to the Greeks for righteousness, until the coming of the Lord; and even now it is useful for the development of true religion, as a kind of preparatory discipline for those who arrive at faith by way of demonstration. For God is the source of all good, either directly as in the Old and New Testaments or indirectly as in the case of philosophy. But it may even be that philosophy was given to the Greeks directly; for it was a schoolmaster to bring Hellenism to Christ, as the Law was for the Hebrews. Thus philosophy was a preparation, paving the way for the person who is brought to perfection by Christ.” For All the Saints, Prayers and Readings for Saint’s Days, ABC, 1994 20 | THE THURIBLE 26
COMMEMORATION
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 8 Today we commemorate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a feast which has its origins in a legend from the second century. The story goes like this: In Israel there lived a husband and wife named Jo′-a-chim and Anne; they were righteous and kept all the commandments of God, but they had not been able to have any children. Their neighbours reproached them for their childlessness and even refused to let Joachim present his sacrifices in the Temple, saying, “It is not fitting for you to offer your gifts first, because you have begotten no offspring in Israel.” Jo′-a-chim admitted the justice of this reproach and in his grief departed into the wilderness to fast for forty days and forty nights. Meanwhile his wife Anne remained at home and carried her own grief in her heart. One afternoon she went into her garden and sat down beneath a laurel tree. She looked up and, seeing a nest of sparrows, uttered this lament: “Woe is me; to what may I be likened? I am not like the birds of heaven, for even the birds of heaven are fruitful before you, O Lord. Nor may I be likened to this earth, for even this earth brings forth its fruit in due season and praises you, O Lord.” Immediately an angel visited her with this message: “Anne, Anne, the Lord has heard your prayer, and you shall conceive and bear a child, and your offspring shall be spoken of in all the world.” True to God’s word, she conceived and gave birth to Mary — who did indeed come to be spoken of in all the world as the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. For All the Saints, Prayers and Readings for Saint’s Days, ABC, 1994
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DAILY LECTIONARY DATE
DAILY MASS
MORNING PRAYER 9:00 AM
EVENING PRAYER 5:00 PM
MON. DECEMBER 5 St. Clement of Alexandria, Priest, c.210
Col 1:11-20 Ps 103:1-4, 13-18 Jn 6:57-63
Ps 25 Is 5:8-12, 18-23 1 Th 5:1-11
Ps 9, 15 Am 7:1-9 Lk 21:20-28
TUES. DECEMBER 6 St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c.342
1 Jn 4:7-14 Ps 107:33-43 Mk 10:13-16
Ps 26, 28 Is 5:13-17, 24-25 1 Th 5:12-28
Ps 36, 39 Am 7:10-17 Lk 21:29-38
WED. DECEMBER 7 St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Teacher of the Faith, 397
2 Cor 6:1-13 Ps 27:5-11 Lk 12:35-37
Ps 38 Is 6:1-13 2 Th 1:1-12
Ps 119:25-48 Am 8:1-14 Jn 7:53 – 8:11
THU. DECEMBER 8 The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
Is 49:1b-3 Ps 139:1-12 Lk 1:34-38
Ps 37:1-18 Is 7:1-9 2 Th 2:1-12
Ps 37:19-42 Am 9:1-10 Lk 22:1-13
FRI. DECEMBER 9 Prophets of the Old Testament
Hos 14:1-7 Ps 103:6-14 Mk 1:1-11
Ps 31 Is 7:10-25 2 Th 2:13 – 3:5
Ps 35 Hag 1:1-15 Lk 22:14-30
SAT. DECEMBER 10 Feria
Sir 48:1-11 Ps 80:1-3, 14-18 Mt 17:9-13
Ps 30, 32 Is 8:1-15 2 Th 3:6-18
Ps 42, 43 Hag 2:1-9 Lk 22:31-38
SUN. DECEMBER 11 Advent 3
Is 35:1-10 Ps 146:4-9 Jas 5:7-10 Mt 11:2-11
Ps 63:1-8. 98 Is 13:6-13 Heb 12:18-29
Ps 103 Am 9:11-15 Jn 3:22-30
28 | THE THURIBLE
OFFICE & MASS TIMES 2016
MASS TIMES
MON. DECEMBER 5 St. Clement of Alexandria, Priest, c.210
12:10 pm in the Lady Chapel
TUES. DECEMBER 6 St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c.342
5:30 pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
WED. DECEMBER 7 St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Teacher of the Faith, 397
12:10 pm in the Lady Chapel
THU. DECEMBER 8 The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
9:30 am in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
FRI. DECEMBER 9 Prophets of the Old Testament
12:10 pm in the Lady Chapel
SAT. DECEMBER 10 Feria
SUN. DECEMBER 11 Advent 3
8:00 am 8:30 am 10:30 am 5:00 pm
Morning Prayer Low Mass High Mass Evening Prayer
Public prayer is offered Monday - Saturday in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel accessed on East Cordova Street through the Chapel Walkway: Morning Prayer 9.00 am. Evening Prayer 5.00 pm. Please be on time since the gate may be closed once prayers have begun. On Sundays: Morning Prayer 8.00 am. in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Evening Prayer: 5.00 pm. in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, please check the weekly bulletin for exceptions.
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CLERGY
PARISH STAFF
Interim Priest-in-Charge: Father Kevin Hunt fr.kevin@stjames.bc.ca 778-984-3208 Days off: Friday & Saturday
Office Managers: Linda Adams: Mon – Wed, 9:00 am-4:00 pm Deanna Ferguson: Thu – Sat, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Street Outreach: Father Matthew Johnson streetoutreachinitiative@gmail.com 604-685-7522 (non-emergency #) Days off: Monday & Saturday Deacon: The Revd Joyce Locht joyce.locht@gmail.com 604-614-9915 Deacon: The Revd Lucy Price lucy@stjames.bc.ca 604-362-9959 Days off: Friday & Saturday Honorary Assistant: Sister Mary Christian Cross, Deacon
CLERGY AVAILABILITY Clergy may be contacted through the Office: 604-685-2532. Parish Office hours are: Mon. to Sat. 9 am to 4 pm. For immediate contact or within a few hours please contact Father Kevin Hunt on his cell phone at: 778-984-3208. You may need to leave a message if we are engaged in a pastoral matter and we will promptly return urgent calls. We seek to be available to all in any circumstances and encourage you to contact us and request an opportunity for a pastoral appointment.
For pastoral care and support you may also contact our Pastoral Care Ministry Coordinator: joyce.locht@gmail.com | Joyce Locht 604-614-9915
Children & Families Coordinator: Louisa Farrell louisafarrell237@gmail.com Organist & Choirmaster: Gerald Harder Assistant Organist: PJ Janson Custodial Staff: Building Manager, Art Cuthbertson: Mon-Fri, 9:00 am-2:00 pm 604-329-7567 Darren Campbell: Sat, 7:00 am-1:00 pm, Sun, 7-10 am
PARISH COUNCIL Chair: Annie Grant Secretary: Doug Ibbott
PARISH OFFICERS Bishop’s Warden: Brian Rocksborough-Smith 604-291-9852 wardens@stjames.bc.ca Warden: Rhodri Windsor-Liscombe 604-222-3053 wardens@stjames.bc.ca Warden: Pat McSherry 604-687-6844 wardens@stjames.bc.ca Trustee: Leslie Arnovick Trustee: Jerry Adams Trustee: PJ Janson Treasurer: Christopher Orr Envelope Secretary: Philip Green Parish Privacy Officer & Vestry Clerk: Linda Adams Archivist: Paul Stanwood St. James’ Anglican Church Diocese of New Westminster Anglican Church of Canada 303 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1L4 T: 604-685-2532 | Fax: 604-685-7605 E: office@stjames.bc.ca | Web: www.stjames.bc.ca