High Mass
Fourth Sunday of Advent | December 22, 2013 | 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 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 9:45 AM 10:30 AM 5:00 PM
Rosary Prayers, Lady Chapel High Mass followed by Coffee Hour Evening Prayer, Blessed Sacrament Chapel
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The image on the front cover shows four of the seven Altar lamps, silver containers, each cradling a copper vessel which holds enough oil to burn for six weeks. Each container is engraved in memory of a particular parish member from the early years of the 20th century. These sanctuary lamps, which date from the old church, represent the seven lamps of fire burning before the throne of God as mentioned in the Book of Revelation. from Allan Duncan’s Tour of St. James’
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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’. Children may remain in the Church during the service: there is a play area with toys and colouring books in the back of the church. 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—The O-Antiphons
O Oriens O Dayspring, splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. O Rex Gentium O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save us, whom you formed from dust. O Emmanuel O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the desire of all nations and their Saviour:Come and save us, O Lord our God. O Virgo Virginum O Virgin of virgins! how shall this be? There was never one like you, nor will there ever be. Daughters of Jerusalem, why wonder at me? Come and behold a divine mystery.
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Notes
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Entrance Rite PRELUDE A Mediaeval Lullaby — Anonymous Hark, A Thrilling Voice — Malcolm Archer At the entrance of the clergy and servers all stand.
Stand
INTROIT Let showers fall down from the heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One. Let the earth open and bring forth the Saviour. Psalm The heavens declare the glory of God: the firmament shows his handiwork. Rorate (Mode I)
KYRIE ELEISON Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Kyrie eleison Setting: Missa l’hora passa — Ludovico da Viadana
COLLECT OF THE DAY Celebrant All
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
All
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, who didst choose the Virgin Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour, now fill us with thy grace, that we in all things may embrace thy will and with her rejoice in thy salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
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The Liturgy of the Word OLD TESTAMENT READING Reader
Be seated
A reading from the Book of Isaiah Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted." Isaiah 7:10-16
Reader Alll
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
PSALM
A cantor sings the antiphon first; all repeat it thereafter.
Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim. Restore us, O God of hosts; show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. Antiphon O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angered despite the prayers of your people? Restore us, O God of hosts; show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. Antiphon Psalm 80:1, 3-4, 7
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EPISTLE READING Sub-deacon
A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-7
Sub-deacon Alll
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
ALLELUIA
A cantor begins the alleluia; all repeat it thereafter.
Stand
Alleluia. Come, O Lord, and tarry not: forgive the misdeeds of thy people. Alleluia. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh give thanks unto his holy Name. Alleluia. Veni, Domine (Mode V)
HOLY GOSPEL
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All stand and turn to face the book of the Gospels
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25
SERMON
Be Seated Fr. Matthew Johnson (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. Kneel
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.
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
Hail Mary, full of grace: the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Ave Maria (Mode VIII)
OFFERTORY HYMN
Stand
The People sing the hymn while the People’s gifts of bread, wine and money are brought forward. 89 Blue Hymn Book (Common Praise) – O come, O come, Emmanuel
SURSUM CORDA & PROPER PREFACE
Stand
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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 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. Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt cæli et terra Gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. + Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis. Setting: Missa l’hora passa — Ludovico da Viadana
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THE 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.” +
Alll Celebrant
Alll
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. HIGH MASS | 15
THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
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Kneel
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 l’hora passa — Ludovico da Viadana
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. When you receive the Holy Bread consume it immediately. It is no longer permissible to intinct the Holy Bread in the Holy Wine. You may choose not to receive the Holy Wine from the chalice at this time. If so, once you have received the Holy Bread please remain kneeling and fold your arms to indicate that you do not wish to receive from the chalice.
MOTET Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung, of Jesse’s lineage coming as seers of old have sung. It came, a blossom bright amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night. Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind; with Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind. to show God’s love aright, she bore to us a Saviour, when half spent was the night. O Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, dispel in glorious splendour the darkness everywhere; true man, yet very God, from sin and death now save us, and share our every load. Es ist ein Ros entsprungen — Hugo Distler
COMMUNION HYMN
Sit or kneel
268 Blue Hymn book (Common Praise) – Gabriel’s message does away HIGH MASS | 17
Concluding Rite PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Celebrant All
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
All
Let us pray. Faithful God, in this sacrament we receive the promise of salvation. May we, like the Virgin Mary, be obedient to thy will. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
BLESSING Celebrant
All
Kneel The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: 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.
THE DISMISSAL
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Stand
Be Seated
Stand
ANGELUS
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HYMN 8 Green Hymn book (New English Hymnal) – Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates POSTLUDE Fantasy on ‘Veni Emmanuel’ — Robert Lau During the postlude you are encouraged to remain quietly in the nave, or to move to the Bishops’ Room 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.
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The Thurible RECTOR’S NOTES Images of Jerusalem, snowcovered, have swirled through media outlets these last few weeks. Whilst living in Jerusalem, in the early nineties, I spent a Christmas in the Holy City and that winter “Snow had fallen, snow on snow” with an unusually heaviness. A brilliant peace had blanketed that place which has long cried out for the holiness of reconciliation. One night I wended my way onto the roofs of the Old City and stumbled upon a snow-ball “fight” of epic proportions: Israeli soldiers had put down their weapons and Palestinians had exchanged their ammunition of stones for snow. It was a remarkable sight: within view were the domes of the Church of the Resurrection (the Holy Sepulchre) and the Dome of the Rock, and enemies played – momentarily forgetting their struggles. That Advent there were no prefigurations of Christmas. Where was the tinsel? Where were the Christmas trees? Where was Santa? The trappings and accoutrements of Christmas were nowhere to be seen. The Feast of the Nativity was only what the Churches observed: the cultural context – Islamic and Jewish – was
unornamented by the mystery of an unmarried teenage pregnancy. I treasure that privilege of experiencing an “essential” Christmas – so different to the Merry Christmas / Seasons Greetings / Happy Solstice / Happy Holidays we experience in the West. As I write, Vancouver is temporarily bleached with snowfall and many refugees from the conflict in Syria fight for survival due to the unusually harsh wintry conditions.
Inform. Inspire. Invite. INSIDE: •
Today at St. James’
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Formation on Sunday
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Resourcing our Faith
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Stewardship Campaign
The Nativity of Jesus Christ is just one celebration of the incarnational cycle which stretches from Advent Sunday through the Presentation (Candlemas). In this mystery the Church professes that the Word became flesh – God became human so that humanity might become divine.
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Advent
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Liturgy at Christmas
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Outreach to the World
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Relationships &
How will we more fully live the mystery of the incarnation in our lives, as a community of faith, as a diocesan and national Church – when many of our brothers and sisters around the world suffer persecution for their faith – especially in the Holy Land and surrounding nations? Fr. Mark Greenaway-Robbins
Fellowship •
Saints This Week
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Office Reminders
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Annual Vestry
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Parish Council
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Quote of this Week
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Growing in the Knowledge of God
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Dido’s “Did You Know?”
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Mass this Week
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Daily Lectionary THE THURIBLE | 21
TODAY AT ST. JAMES MORNING PRAYER 8:00 am in the Church.
RESOURCING OUR FAITH SERMON NOTES: Copies of recent sermons, including “Waiting Amidst Confusion” from Mtr. Joyce Locht, are now available in the Narthex.
LOW MASS 8:30 am in the Church. FORMATION SESSION 9:30 am in the Bishops’ Room. ROSARY PRAYERS – THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES 9:45 am in the Lady Chapel. HIGH MASS 10:30 am in the Church. Followed by Coffee Hour in the Bishops’ Room. EVENING PRAYER 5:00 pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel REFLECTIONS ON ADVENT AT VST An Advent Reflections booklet created by the Vancouver School of Theology – a compilation of reflections by students, staff, faculty, board members, alumni and emeriti – has contributions which include past and present clergy at St. James! http://www.vst.edu/main/2013/12/03/adventreflections-booklet SERMONS ON VIDEO Don’t forget to check out videos of our sermons online, at www.stjames.bc.ca. FEATURED RESOURCE THE ADVENT ANTIPHONS With Scripture references and paraphrases: http://anglicanhistory.org/usa/acahall/antiphons.html A brief introduction and scriptural meditation on the O-Antiphons. Photo by Christine Hatfull 22 | THE THURIBLE
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN INTENTION CARDS – UPDATE Parishioners have now completed 54 intention cards totalling $122,786 (as of Dec. 15th). Our target amount in 2014 is $230,000 – which is the projected total of all regular giving and donations to Parish expenses. Don’t forget: if you are part of the pre-authorized debit arrangement (PAD) from your credit card, or bank account, please fill out a new intention card for 2014. Remember, if your circumstances change you are not bound to give the amount you pledged. It is an expression of commitment which can change during year depending on your circumstances. St. Jam es' Target Budget
$250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 DEC. 15 AMOUNT
TARGET AMOUNT
ADVENT ROSARY PRAYERS ON SUNDAYS Rosary prayers - the Joyful Mysteries - will resume on Sundays before High Mass during Advent. 9.45 am in the Lady Chapel. Please speak to Fr. Mark if you would like to know more, or be willing to share in leading this devotion.
LITURGY AT CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS WORSHIP AND EVENTS Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 5:00 pm: First Evening Prayer of Christmas at 5:30 pm: Vigil Mass of the Nativity - a family Liturgy in the Lady Chapel with carols and nativity costumes. Come dressed as a sheep, a king, a cow, a Mary, a Joseph, a star, an angel, even Herod! at 10:00 pm: Musical Prelude at 10:30 pm: Solemn High Mass of the Nativity with procession and blessing of the Creche. At the High Mass of the Nativity, December 24, 2013 the St. James’ Choir will be joined by members of the Richmond-Delta Youth Orchestra as they present the Messe de minuit pour Noël by the French baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Based on traditional French carols, Charpentier’s setting is at once charming, rustic, and brilliant. Mass begins at 10:30pm, and is preceded by a prelude of music for choir, orchestra, and organ, including the Christmas Concerto of Arcangelo Corelli at 10:00pm. Additional music includes beautiful seasonal works by Hugo Distler and William Mathias. Wednesday, Dec 25 at 8:00 am: Morning Prayer at 8:30 am: Low Mass of the Dawn 10:30 am: Procession to the Creche & Solemn High Mass of the Day 5:00 pm: Second Evening Prayer of Christmas Monday, January 6 at 6:30 pm: The Epiphany—Procession to the Creche with the Blessing of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh & Solemn High Mass followed by potluck dinner.
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OUTREACH TO THE WORLD COMING HOME SOCIETY NEWS The Coming Home Society’s annual newsletter is available in the Narthex. Please take one and read about the Society’s work with young Aboriginal women at Young Wolves Lodge in 2013, and the celebration of its 10th Anniversary! On January 1st the Coming Home Society will be launching its first website. You will find us at www.cominghomesociety.com so check in regularly for news and updates. The website will make it easy for you to contact us, and easy for you to help in this important work of healing and reconciliation. In 2014 the Coming Home Society will not be one of the programs sponsored through the “Care & Share” diocesan outreach program. Its mandate has changed to providing seed money for new programs. The Coming Home Society now needs your support more than ever. You can give here at St. James through your offering envelopes. Our Envelope Secretary will forward your donations directly to the Coming Home Society. Our new website will also offer multiple ways for you to make contributions to the Society. Just visit the “Donate” page, click on the Canada Helps and PayPal buttons, and explore the options to find one that’s right for you. The Coming Home Society is a registered charity, and all donations will receive a charitable tax receipt. In 2013 two of our program graduates returned to Young Wolves Lodge as staff members! It doesn’t get any better than that! Please help us continue to offer healing and transformation in the lives of young Aboriginal women and their children. Linda Adams, Coming Home Society 24 | THE THURIBLE
RELATIONSHIPS & FELLOWSHIP CEREMONY, FEAST & TALKING CIRCLE Wednesday, January 8 Noon to 2 pm in the Crypt, St. James’ Church 280 Gore Ave. South (ring the doorbell) You are invited to come together to talk about how St. James’ can be even more welcoming to and inclusive of urban Aboriginal Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Métis): to assist the church in its ministry with the Aboriginal Peoples, and, in particular, attention to the infusion of Aboriginal theology into the Christian theological world. A salmon feast with bannock will be provided by Elder Kelvin Bee of the Kwak’waka’wakw Nation and a member of St. James’.
SAINTS THIS WEEK Saint Stephen Deacon and Martyr December 26
The Holy Innocents December 28
Stephen appears in the Book of Acts when the church at Jerusalem was experiencing internal troubles. Its membership was drawn from two groups of Jews – those who were native Palestinians and those who belonged to “the Dispersion.” The latter group consisted of Jews who had been born and raised in other lands; their native tongue was Greek, and so they were called “the Hellenists.” Rivalry between these two groups had been a feature of Jewish life for a long time, and converts to Christ brought it with them when they entered the Church. It made the Greekspeaking members quick to complain that their widows were not getting a fair share of the community’s food and financial support. To resolve the problem, the apostles appointed seven of the Hellenists to administer the Church’s resources and care for its poor. Stephen, described as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” was one of these seven. Set apart by prayer and the laying-on of hands he became the first to do what the Church considers to be the work of a deacon.
The story of the Holy Innocents is found in the Gospel according to Matthew, and it is the story of an atrocity.
Just before he died . . . Stephen prayed that Jesus would receive his spirit and forgive his murderers. He thereby became the first Christian martyr – not only because he died for his witness to Christ, but also because he bore witness to God’s will that all, even our worst enemies, may know forgiveness in Jesus Christ.
The Holy Innocents may also be considered the patron saints of our own age. For we live in an age of atrocities, in a time infamous for the slaughter of innocent bystanders who never chose the causes for which they have been made to die. By celebrating this feast, we perform an office for the Holy Innocents and all other victims of massacre. We become their voice and cry out for God to remember the slaughter – and to remember them for the sake of Christ, himself the great Innocent who was crucified by “the rulers of this age.”
For All the Saints: Prayers and Readings for Saints’ Day, ABC, 1994
Herod the Great was titled “king of the Jews,” but he held his throne at the pleasure of the Roman emperor. The precariousness of his power made him all the more ruthless in defending it. Thus, when he learned that the Christ, the true king of the Jews, had been born at Bethlehem, Herod wanted to do away with him. But he did not know the exact identity of the child, so he sent his troops to slaughter all the infants of Bethlehem on the chance that one of the victims would be the Christ-child. The murdered infants never had an opportunity to know Jesus or to confess him in their own right. But they all died for the sake of Christ, and Herod’s atrocity sealed the name of Christ on each one of them. The Holy Innocents are therefore considered the prototype of all Christian martyrs.
For All the Saints: Prayers and Readings for Saints’ Day, ABC, 1994 THE THURIBLE | 25
OFFICE REMINDERS CHRISTMAS OFFICE HOURS The Church Office will be closed December 23, 24, 25 and 26. Regular office hours will be kept on December 27 & 28. RECTOR ON LEAVE Fr. Mark will be on leave December 26th – January 4th. PARISHIONER PARKING RENEWAL FOR 2014 The time has come to renew parishioner parking passes for the year. If you wish to renew or obtain parking, please see Reece Wrightman or the church office. The fee will remain at $125.00 for the next year. If you know your fob number, please note it with your payment. ORDO CALENDARS ON SALE NOW The 2014 ORDO calendars are now for sale at a price of $15 each. Please see Reece Wrightman to purchase one.
ANNUAL VESTRY ANNUAL REPORTS FOR FEBRUARY 2014 VESTRY MEETING Please submit the Annual Report for your group or guild by December 31, 2013. The Office needs time to compile the reports for the Annual Vestry Meeting on Sunday, February 23 2014, so the earlier we receive your submissions the easier it will be for us. Thank you! Linda & Deanna, Office Managers
PARISH COUNCIL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Saturday, January 25, 2014 All parishioners are invited to attend the next Parish Council meeting to be held after the 10:15 am mass. This meeting will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. As usual, coffee and delicious refreshments will be provided. If you have items you would like to request be added to the agenda, please forward them to us. Jane will contact you to discuss your item and allocate the time needed during the council meeting. The deadline for submitting items is Wednesday January 8, 2014. We look forward to having you join us on January 25th. Jane Turner
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QUOTE OF THIS WEEK
DIDO’S “DID YOU KNOW?”
Our task is not to lounge around on couches wearing soft robes, but to train for the work before us, and to gather up every possible friend and partner in making the world whole. We’re sent out on that Holy Way that Isaiah speaks of, that John the Baptist came preparing, to live as Jesus’ body in this world. That’s our mission. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori Sermon on Third Sunday of Advent, 2013. http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/third-sundayadvent-wood-memorial-chapel
GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD SUPERVISED MINISTRY PLACEMENT AT ST. JAMES' Jenny Scott is fulfilling part of her supervised ministry course requirements at St. James’. Jenny is using this opportunity to gain more exposure around ordained ministry and have some opportunities to practice various aspects of church ministry, including pastoral care, preaching, teaching and observing a variety of meetings. Jenny is involved with St. James’ for approximately 3 hours a week and will complete the rest of her requirements through the ministry she is involved in with Servants. Jenny has been attending St. James’ for over 3 years and has been a member of the servers’ guild for most of this time. She comes from Pennsylvania via New Zealand and India. Jenny moved to Vancouver to study at Regent College where she is studying for a M.Div. Jenny lives in the DTES with the Servants community.
“Maranatha” is one of the earliest prayers of the Church! It most probably meant “O Lord, come!” It is a prayer for the Parousia – the second and final coming of Christ. Maranatha expresses both the Church’s belief in the risen Jesus as Lord and its hope in his glorious coming at the last day, already anticipated and guaranteed by Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. Maranatha is an Aramaic expression used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:22. It is thought to have originated in the early Aramaic-speaking Church of Palestine. The Book of Revelation ends with these words, including at the very end Maranatha: “The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). How might the Church today recover praying this prayer? Advent is the season – when we joyfully expect the second coming of Christ – to pray Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus! THE THURIBLE | 27
MASS THIS WEEK 2013
MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS
MON. DECEMBER 23
12:10 pm in the Lady Chapel
Advent 4
For the Flower Ministry 9:30 am in the Lady Chapel
TUES. DECEMBER 24
5:30 pm Vigil Mass of the Nativity
Vigil of the Nativity
10:30 pm Solemn High Mass of the Nativity with procession and blessing of the Creche For God’s blessing on all who will attend the liturgies of Christmas
WED. DECEMBER 25
8:30 am Low Mass of the Dawn
Christmas Day
10:30 am Procession to the Creche & Solemn High Mass of the Day
THU. DECEMBER 26 St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr
9:30 am in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel For all called to diaconal ministry
FRI. DECEMBER 27
12:10 pm in the Lady Chapel
St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
For the life and witness of the Society of St. John the Evangelist, the Cowley Fathers
SAT. DECEMBER 28 The Holy Innocents
SUN. DECEMBER 29 The Holy Family
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For all children, especially those suffering persecution 8:00 am 8:30 am 10:30 am 5:00 pm
Morning Prayer Low Mass with anointing High Mass with anointing Evening Prayer (not Evensong & Benediction)
DAILY LECTIONARY DATE
DAILY MASS
MORNING PRAYER 9:00 AM
EVENING PRAYER 5:00PM
MON. DECEMBER 23
Mal 3:1-5 Ps 25:1-14 Lk 1:57-66
Ps 93, 96 Bar 4:21-29 Gal 3:15-22
Ps 148, 150 Is 33:17-22 O Emmanuel Lk 1:67-80
TUES. DECEMBER 24
2 Sam 7:1-16 Ps 89:1-4, 19-29 Lk 1:67-79
Ps 45, 46 Bar 4:36 – 5:9 Gal 3:23 – 4:7 Mt 1:18-25
Ps 89:1-29 Is 59:15b-21 Phil 2:5-11
WED. DECEMBER 25
Isaiah 52:7-10 Ps 98 Hebrews 1:1-4 John 1:1-14
Ps 2, 85 Mic 4:1-5; 5:2-4 1 Jn 4:7-16
Ps 110:1-5, 132 Zech 2:10-13 Jn 3:31-36
THU. DECEMBER 26
Jer 26:1-9, 12-15 Acts 6:8 – 7:2a, 51c-60 Ps 31:1-7, 16 Mt 23:34-39
Ps 28, 30 Chr 24:17-22 Acts 6:1-7
Ps 118 Wis 4:7-15 Acts 7:59 – 8:8
FRI. DECEMBER 27
Gen 1:1-5, 12-19 1 Jn 1:1-9 Ps 92:1-2, 11-14 Jn 20:1-8
Ps 97, 98 Pr 8:22-30 Jn 13:20-35
Ps 145 Is 44:1-8 1 Jn 5:1-12
Jer 31:15-17 Ps 124 Mt 2:13-18
Ps 2, 26 Is 49:13-23 Mt 18:1-14
Ps 19, 126 Is 54:1-13 Mk 10:13-16
Is 63:7-9 Ps 148 Heb 2:10-18 Mt 2:13-23
Ps 93, 96 1 Sam 1:1-2, 7b-28 Col 1:9-20
Ps 34 Is 62:6-7, 10-12 Lk 2:22-40
SAT. DECEMBER 28
SUN. DECEMBER 29
Public prayer is offered every day in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel which is 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. THE THURIBLE | 29
NOTES
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NOTES
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CLERGY
PARISH STAFF
Rector: Father Mark Greenaway-Robbins rector@stjames.bc.ca / 778-316-7941 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
Deacon: Mother Joyce Locht joyce.locht@gmail.com Street Outreach: Father Matthew Johnson streetoutreachinitiative@gmail.com
Building Manager & Assistant: Art Cuthbertson: Mon-Thu, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM 604-329-7567 Darren Campbell: Sat, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
604-685-7522 (non-emergency #) Days off: Monday & Saturday Honorary Assistants: Mother Alexis Saunders, Priest Sister Mary Christian Cross, Deacon
Organist & Choirmaster: Gerald Harder Assistant Organist: Bruce McKenzie
CLERGY AVAILABILITY
PARISH OFFICERS
Clergy may be contacted through the Office: 604-685-2532 For immediate contact or within a few hours please contact the Rector on his cell phone at: Father Mark Greenaway-Robbins: 778-316-7941 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
Rector’s Warden: Brian Rocksborough-Smith 604-291-9852 wardens@stjames.bc.ca People’s Warden: Reece Wrightman 604-872-4129 wardens@stjames.bc.ca Associate Warden: Betty Carlson 604-522-4412 wardens@stjames.bc.ca Trustee: Leslie Arnovick Trustee: Graham Murchie Trustee: Paul Stanwood Treasurer: Angela Van Luven Envelope Secretary: Philip Green Parish Privacy Officer & Vestry Clerk: Linda Adams PARISH COUNCIL Chair: Jane Turner Secretary: Erin Kenny
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 Parish Office hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 am-4:00pm