High Mass
Third Sunday of Advent | December 11, 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
HIGH MASS | 3
A Reflection Leading Ewes With Care In the darkness of the worn country, the land holds a memory, as a people inherit a promise. Comfort, comfort to my people. As a voice cries out: In the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord. Steady as a grown man and yet as a youth ablaze. He called forth that every valley shall be filled, every mountain and hill shall be made low. The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, for the voice of the Lord has spoken. Crying out at the top of his voice, as a shepherd leads his flock, gathering lambs in his arms, and leading ewes with care. For this is what I proclaim: One mightier than I is coming. Is coming, will come, will baptize, in water, free flowing, life-giving, water. In the darkness of the depth of the river he stood. He called forth the light that was made in the darkness. Comfort, give comfort to my people walking in shadows of darkness Larry Gosselin, O.F.M. http://www.santabarbaraparish.org/?sermons=second-sunday-of-advent-poem Accessed November 22nd, 2016
4 | HIGH MASS
Notes
HIGH MASS | 5
Entrance Rite PRELUDE Comfort, comfort ye my people — Johann Pachelbel At the entrance of the clergy and servers all stand.
Stand
INTROIT Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice; let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Gaudete (Mode I)
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 — Antonio Lotti
COLLECT OF THE DAY Celebrant All
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
All
Let us pray. God of power and mercy, thou hast called us once again to celebrate the coming of thy Son. Remove those things which hinder love of thee, that when he comes, he may find us waiting in awe and wonder for him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
6 | HIGH MASS
The Liturgy of the Word OLD TESTAMENT READING Reader
Be seated
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 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 traveller, 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. Isaiah 35:1-10
Reader Allll
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
CANTICLE 363 Blue Hymn Book (Common Praise) — My Soul Proclaims Your Glory, Lord
My soul proclaims your glory, Lord, my spirit sings with thankful voice, for you my lowly prayer have heard: in you, my Saviour, I rejoice.
HIGH MASS | 7
Nations unborn will bless your name, giver of boundless grace to me, in every age you are the same: you make the humble whole and free. You have made bare your mighty arm to break the yoke of selfish power, and lift your broken ones from harm, bursting the gates of greed’s proud tower. You fill the hungry mouths with food, and show the poverty of wealth. Your ancient vow you have made good, and raised your children to new health. Glory to God, all being’s Spring, to God the Word, salvation’s voice, to God the Spirit, praise we sing: with all the ages we rejoice. Luke 1:46-56; para. Paul Gibson
EPISTLE READING Reader
A reading from the Letter of James. Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. James 5:7-10
Reader Allll
8 | HIGH MASS
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
ALLELUIA
A cantor begins the alleluia; all repeat it thereafter.
Stand
Alleluia. Stir up thy strength, O Lord: and come and help us. Alleluia. Restore us, O God: that we may be saved. Alleluia. Excita, Domine (Mode V)
HOLY GOSPEL
All stand and turn to face the book of the Gospels
Deacon People Deacon People
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.
Deacon People
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 offence at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go 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." Matthew 11:2-11 The Gospel of Christ. Praise be to thee, O Christ.
SERMON
Be Seated Fr. Matthew Johnson (At the conclusion of the sermon, silence is kept) HIGH MASS | 9
NICENE CREED
10 | HIGH MASS
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 Celebrant
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
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
You have been gracious to your land, O Lord; you have restored the good fortune of Jacob; you have forgiven the iniquity of your people. Benedixisti (Mode IV)
HYMN
Stand The People sing the hymn while the People’s gifts of bread, wine and money are brought forward. 7 Green Hymn Book (New English Hymnal) — Hills of the North, Rejoice Hills of the north, rejoice; Echoing songs arise, Hail with united voice Him who made earth and skies: He comes in righteousness and love, He brings salvation from above. Isles of the southern seas, Sing to the listening earth, Carry on every breeze Hope of a world’s new birth: In Christ shall all be made anew, His word is sure, his promise true. Lands of the East, arise, He is your brightest morn, Greet him with joyous eyes, Praise shall his path adorn: The God whom you have longed to know In Christ draws near, and calls you now.
HIGH MASS | 13
Shores of the utmost West, Lands of the setting sun, Welcome the heavenly guest In whom the dawn has come: He brings a never-ending light Who triumphed o’er our darkest night. Shout, as you journey on, Songs be in every mouth; Lo, from the North they come, From East, and West, and South. In Jesus all shall find their rest, In him the sons of earth be blest.
SURSUM CORDA & PROPER PREFACE
14 | HIGH MASS
Stand
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:
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 — Antonio Lotti
HIGH MASS | 15
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
Allll 16 | HIGH MASS
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
HIGH MASS | 17
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 — Antonio Lotti
INVITATION TO 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 Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Joannes. Hic venit in testimonium, ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine, et pareret Domino plebem perfectam.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came as a witness, to give testimony about the light, and to prepare for the Lord a perfect people. Fuit homo missus a Deo — G. P. da Palestrina
18 | HIGH MASS
HYMN
Sit or kneel 280 Green Hymn Book (New English Hymnal) — Deck Thyself, My Soul Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness, leave the gloomy haunts of sadness, come into the daylight's splendour, there with joy thy praises render unto him whose grace unbounded hath this wondrous banquet founded; high o'er all the heavens he reigneth, yet to dwell with thee he deigneth. Now I sink before thee lowly, filled with joy most deep and holy, as with trembling awe and wonder on thy mighty acts I ponder; how, by mystery surrounded, depths no man hath ever sounded, none may dare to pierce unbidden secrets that with thee are hidden. Sun, who all my life dost brighten; Light, who dost my soul enlighten; Joy, the sweetest man e'er knoweth; Fount, whence all my being floweth: at thy feet I cry, my Maker, let me be a fit partaker of this blessèd food from heaven, for our good, thy glory, given. Jesus, Bread of life, I pray thee, let me gladly here obey thee; never to my hurt invited, be thy love with love requited; from this banquet let me measure, Lord, how vast and deep its treasure; through the gifts thou here dost give me, as thy guest in heaven receive me. HIGH MASS | 19
Concluding Rite PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Celebrant All
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
All
Let us pray. Merciful God, may this eucharist free us from our sins, fill us with unending joy, and prepare us for the birthday of our Saviour. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord now and for ever. 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
20 | HIGH MASS
Stand
Be Seated
Stand
ANGELUS
Stand
HIGH MASS | 21
HYMN 108 Blue Hymn Book (Common Praise) — Hark, a Herald Voice Is Sounding Hark! a herald voice is sounding. "Christ is nigh," it seems to say; "Cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day!" Wakened by the solemn warning, let the earth-bound soul arise; Christ, our sun, all sloth dispelling, shines upon the morning skies. Lo, the Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heaven; let us all, with deep repentance, pray that we may be forgiven, that when next he comes with glory, and the world is wrapped in fear, with his mercy he may shield us, and with words of love draw near. Honour, glory, might, and blessing to the Father and the Son, with the everlasting Spirit, while eternal ages run.
22 | HIGH MASS
POSTLUDE Fuga sopra Magnificat (BWV 733) — J. S. Bach 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.
Please take this booklet away with you to aid in your own reflection, prayers, and for your information.
HIGH MASS | 23
The flowers on the High Altar are given to the Greater Glory of God and in loving memory of our parents, Bob and Irene Clarke, from Pat and Cliff Dyck & family and in loving memory of my dear father, Tony Goodwin,
from Peter & Joyce.
26 | HIGH MASS
The Thurible CLERGY NOTES Salvation—Not for Sale Open our eyes, O Gracious God, and bless our Advent journey. Enable us to look beyond the familiar and observe instead your presence before us and around us. Remove the blinders of resentment and fear, and by your Spirit help us to see Jesus in the face of both friend and stranger, for your love’s sake. Amen. Matthew 11:2–11
When John the Baptist sends messengers to inquire whether Jesus might be the Messiah, Jesus tells them to go back to John and report what they have seen: remarkable healings, changed lives, unimagined possibilities. As the messengers depart, Jesus goes on to ask those around him what they expected to see when they first encountered John in the desert. Perhaps they thought they would see someone dressed to impress, someone living the easy life. But what did they see? A true prophet, someone who challenged all their expectations. Elsewhere in Matthew’s Gospel, we find the story of Jesus looking in vain for figs on a barren fig tree, cursing it when he found none. His disciples were surprised since they themselves could see that the tree would not bear any fruit. Why was he so upset? What did he expect? That is the question, isn’t it? The
disciples saw what they expected to see. Jesus always sees beyond the expected. Jesus sees more. As twenty-first century followers of Christ, it is all too easy to take up with those earliest followers and only see the expected. If so, we will miss so much. Sure, we can pray and go to church and move forward knowing that God loves us…and all this is good. All this is of God. But God wants more for us. God wants us to do more than just settle in our faith. If we just settle in our spiritual rocking chairs, we will miss out on all the miracles, we will miss out on all the divine opportunities, we will miss out on all the unexpected possibilities that God wants us to experience. If we dare to open our hearts to God’s grace, if we dare to open the eyes of our spirits, then we will discover what the beloved old hymn says, “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.” As Christ’s followers today, as members of the Jesus Movement, we need to throw off the blinders that prevent us from experiencing the abundant life and remarkable ministry to which God calls each one of us. Let us follow not simply in the footsteps of those early disciples, but let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus himself who offered salvation freely. There are
still people to be touched, lives to be changed. But will we dare to open our eyes and see what God may be trying to show us? Will we dare to open our eyes and be evangelists, messengers of hope to those around us who may not even realize they desperately need that hope? When the earliest disciples were afraid to accept Saul of Tarsus into their community—because all they could see was an angry, dangerous person—it took Barnabas to look at Saul/Paul through a different lens and to see…not just what was…but what could be. Will we dare to open our eyes and be reconcilers, building bridges where chasms of hurt and resentment exist between people? When thirteenth-century crusaders looked at those who were different from them and saw only enemies, it took Francis of Assisi to view the situation in a different way, crossing through battle lines with courage and humility, and opening up crucial lines of communication with the Sultan himself. Will we dare to open our eyes and be true stewards of God’s creation? As those who would indeed follow Christ, let us open our eyes to see what we have all too often missed. Let us, by the power of the Spirit, become the evangelists, reconcilers, and stewards of creation, that God calls us to be, because salvation is not for sale. Michael Curry is the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church (United States).
TODAY AT ST. JAMES’
CONFESSIONS BEFORE CHRISTMAS Confessions by arrangement with any of the priests. Fr. Kevin will be in the confessional after High Mass on Sun. Dec. 18.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
ORDO KALENDAR 2017 Kalendars now available at $10. Please see Reece Wrightman or the office.
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 TODAY: MVA LISTENING SESSION 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? Everyone welcome. STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL So far 34 pledges have been received, with a total of planned donations at $78,500. There is still time to return your commitment card if you have not already done so. Please place it in the offering plate or bring it to the office. Thank you to all those who have already made these generous commitments.
28 | THE THURIBLE
GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC At the Midnight Mass of Christmas Eve, our choir will be presenting the Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo by Josef Haydn, accompanied by a string ensemble. You are invited to support our Christmas musical offering by underwriting the honoraria for our guest musicians, either anonymously or as a dedication. For more info contact Gerald Harder by e-mail (musicdirector@stjames.bc.ca) or in person. ANNUAL REPORTS DUE JANUARY 22 We all enjoy reading about the activities of our many groups, guilds and ministries each year in the Annual Report Book that is prepared for our February Vestry Meeting. If you are the person responsible for submitting a report on behalf of your group, please get it to the church office by Sun. Jan. 22 at the latest. The earlier we receive the reports, the easier it is for us to put the Annual Report Book together in time for the Vestry Meeting. Thank you, Linda & Deanna ADVENT FOOD COLLECTION FOR FIRST NATIONS YOUTH There are many First Nations youth – some single, some with children, and some who are homeless and on the street - who will be in need of grocery hampers to help them get through the long month of January when food is scarce. The people of St. James’ can help by donating healthy food items to go into these much-needed and appreciated hampers. You can pick up a donation bag from the Narthex containing all the information you need to make your donation. Thanks so much for your support! The Mothers’ Union
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. PWRDF CHRISTMAS CARDS PWRDF Christmas cards are available for a suggested donation of $20 at Coffee Hour following the Low and High Masses today. 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.
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 week in the Gospel we find out that poor John the Baptist is in jail, because he had told King Herod something that the king did not agree with. While in prison, John sends his friends to ask Jesus if he is the Messiah, the one everyone is looking for, or would it be someone else. Jesus sends them back to John, to tell him all about the things Jesus has been doing: going to different places healing people, performing miracles and talking about the Father’s Kingdom in heaven. Jesus assures them he really is the one they’ve been waiting for. When John’s friends are leaving Jesus, they hear him say how special a person John the Baptist is too. John stood up for Jesus even though it got him into trouble, and he encouraged everybody to get ready to welcome Jesus. Prayer Hello God, please help us to be a little like John the Baptist. Help us to spread the good news of your Son and to not stop just because some people do not believe what we do. Help us to prepare for the birth of your Son, by doing what we can in our own lives, to love you and our neighbour. Amen.
We are in need of greenery for arrangements, especially holly with berries or any other branches THE THURIBLE | 29 21
COMMEMORATION Our Lady of Guadalupe Patron of the Americas, 1531 December 12
In 1531, a scant ten years after the fall of the Aztec nation, a humble Indian named Juan Diego was walking over the hills just north of Mexico City. Land there is dry and rocky, favoring only cactus and lizards under a blistering sun. He passed by the hill of Tepeyac, once the site of the temple to Tonantzín, the gentle goddess of earth and corn, whose name means “our mother.” The conquering Spaniards had destroyed this and most of the other sacred places of the indigenous people, forbidding them to pray to their protecting spirits. They were spiritual orphans, they had to hide small idols and talismans, to worship and pray in secret. As he passed this once-revered place, Juan Diego stopped and stood still, disbelieving the heavenly fragrance and celestial music that surrounded the spot. Before him shone a radiance, like a glowing cloud surrounded by rainbows. Then the blessed Mother Mary emerged, robed in blue and gold and rose. She calmed his fears, calling him “little son,” and urging him to return to the city and request the bishop to build a shrine to her, on the very place of the fallen goddess. Of course the bishop did not believe the peasant and sent him on his way. Ashamed that he had failed her bidding, he avoided the spot, passing the next day on the other side of the hill. But she was not to be denied. She found him and urged him once again. It was not until the third time she appeared to him, that she sent proof of this miracle. She told Juan Diego to pick the Castilian roses, impossible to exist in that climate, but growing in abundance on that place. He gathered them in his tilma, a rectangle of muslin worn as a cape. She told him not to put them down until he was in the presence of the church dignitary. When he did this, in the cathedral of Tlatelolco, they saw that the front of his tilma was emblazoned with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the miraculous blossoms lay at her feet. She is the mother of all Mexicans, the succor of the indigenous spirit, protectress of the poor, dark, ailing and humble. She is the Dark Madonna of Indian features, who appeared just after the invasion by the white-skinned Europeans. She is miraculous and comforting, the emotional support to a conquered nation. Named Patron Saint of the Americas by Pope John Paul II, she is a beloved manifestation of the faith. http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/729-the-virgin-of-guadalupe-celebration-in-oaxaca [18 July 2011]
20 | THE THURIBLE 30
COMMEMORATION St. Lucy Martyr at Syracuse, 304 December 13
Lucy, or Lucia, was martyred at Syracuse, in Sicily, during Diocletian’s reign of terror of 303-304, among the most dramatic of the persecutions of early Christians. Her tomb can still be found in the catacombs at Syracuse. She was venerated soon after her death and her cult spread quickly throughout the church. She is among the saints and martyrs named in the Roman Canon of the Mass. Most of the details of Lucy’s life are obscure. In the tradition she is remembered for the purity of her life and the gentleness of her spirit. Because her name means “light,” she is sometimes thought of as the patron saint of those who suffer from diseases of the eyes. In popular piety, Lucy is perhaps most revered because her feast day, December 13, was for many centuries the shortest day of the year. (The reform of the calendar by Pope Gregory VIII (1582) would shift the shortest day to December 21/22, depending upon the year.) It was on Lucy’s day that the light began gradually to return and the days to lengthen. This was particularly powerful in northern Europe where the days of winter were quite short. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, Lucy’s day has long been a festival of light that is kept as both an ecclesiastical commemoration and a domestic observance. In the domestic celebration of Lucia-fest, a young girl in the family dresses in pure white (a symbol of Lucy’s faith, purity, and martyrdom) and wears a crown of lighted candles upon her head (a sign that on Lucy’s day the light is returning) and serves her family special foods prepared especially for the day. In praise of her service, the young girl is called Lucy for the day. Holy Women, Holy Men, Celebrating the Saints, Church Publishing, 2010
THE THURIBLE | 31
DAILY LECTIONARY DATE
DAILY MASS
MORNING PRAYER 9:00 AM
EVENING PRAYER 5:00 PM
MON. DECEMBER 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patron of the Americas, 1531
Zech 2:10-13 Ps 132:6-10, 13-14 Lk 1:39-47
Ps 41, 52 Is 8:16 – 9:1 2 Pet 1:1-11
Ps 44 Zech 1:7-17 Lk 22:39-53
TUES. DECEMBER 13 St. Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304
Song of Sol 6:1-9 Rev 19:5-8 Ps 131 Jn 1:9-13
Ps 45 Is 9:1-7 2 Pet 1:12-21
Ps 47, 48 Zech 2:1-13 Lk 22:54-69
WED. DECEMBER 14 St. John of the Cross, Mystic, Teacher of the Faith, 1591
Song of Sol 3:1-4 Ps 121 Jn 16:12-15, 25-28
Ps 119:49-72 Is 9:8-17 2 Pet 2:1-10a
Ps 49 Zech 3:1-10 Mk 1:1-8
THU. DECEMBER 15 Feria
Is 54:1-10 Ps 30 Lk 7:24-30
Ps 50 Is 9:18 – 10:4 2 Pet 2:10b-16
Ps 33 Zech 4:1-14 Mt 3:1-12
FRI. DECEMBER 16 O Sapienta Ember Day
Is 44:1-8 Ps 87 1 Pet 2:4-10 Jn 17:6-19
Ps 40, 54 Is 10:5-19 2 Pet 2:17-22
Ps 51 Zech 7:8 – 8:8 Mt 11:2-15
SAT. DECEMBER 17 O Adonai Ember Day
Is 44:1-8 Ps 87 1 Pet 2:4-10 Jn 17:6-19
Ps 55 Is 10:20-27 Jude 17-25
Ps 138, 139:1-17 Zech 8:9-17 Antiphon: O Sapientia Lk 3:1-9
Is 7:10-16 Ps 80:1-7, 16-18 Rom 1:1-7 Mt 1:18-25
Ps 24, 29 Is 42:1-12 Eph 6:10-20
SUN. DECEMBER 18 O Radix Jesse Advent 4
32 | THE THURIBLE
Ps 8, 84 Gen 3:8-15 Antiphon: O Adonai Jn 3:16-21
OFFICE & MASS TIMES 2016
MASS TIMES
MON. DECEMBER 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patron of the Americas, 1531
12:10 pm in the Lady Chapel
TUES. DECEMBER 13 St. Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304
5:30 pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
WED. DECEMBER 14 St. John of the Cross, Mystic, Teacher of the Faith, 1591
12:10 pm in the Lady Chapel
THU. DECEMBER 15 Feria
9:30 am in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
FRI. DECEMBER 16 O Sapienta Ember Day
12:10 pm in the Lady Chapel
SAT. DECEMBER 17 O Adonai Ember Day SUN. DECEMBER 18 O Radix Jesse Advent 4
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.
THE THURIBLE | 33
NOTES
34 | THE THURIBLE
NOTES
THE THURIBLE | 35
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