Holy Eucharist 9:00 a.m.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 20, 2015

St. John’s Episcopal Church Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Welcome to St. John’s. We are very glad you have joined us for worship today.

Holy Eucharist, Rite II begins on page 355 of the Book of Common Prayer. The lessons are from the Holy Bible (New Revised Standard Version). The hymns, unless otherwise noted, are from the Hymnal 1982. All are printed here for your convenience.

Please silence all electronic devices.

Silence is kept following the lighting of the candles.

Prelude Creator of the Stars of Night Organ & Flute Choral Prelude Drop Down Dew James Chepponis At the sound of the bell, all stand and sing verses 1, 2, 4, & 5 of the following hymn.

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O come, O come, Emmanuel Hymnal 56

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All standing, the Celebrant says

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. The Celebrant says

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The following is sung, all standing

Collect of the Day

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray. Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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First Reading Micah 5:2-5a

All sit.

A Reading from the book of the prophet Micah.

You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

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Canticle 15, The Song of Mary: Magnificat S 247

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Second Reading Hebrews 10:5-10

A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews.

When Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written of me).” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

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All stand and sing the following hymn. Any child who wishes to attend is invited to “Children’s Chapel.” Those attending ‘Children’s Chapel” recess during the following hymn. The angel Gabriel from heaven came Hymnal 265

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Holy Gospel Luke 1:39-55

All stand.

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. Sermon The Very Rev. Dr. Charles Hawkins

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Nicene Creed

All stand.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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Prayers of the People

All stand or kneel.

With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”

For the peace from above, for the loving kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For this city, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

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For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O Lord, by thy grace. Lord, have mercy. In the communion of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God. To thee, O Lord our God.

Silence

Celebrant concludes

Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask, help us to ask only what accords with your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession of Sin

All kneel.

The Deacon then says

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence.

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Minister and People

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. The Priest stands and says

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Peace

All stand.

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you. Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Holy Communion The Celebrant says

Let us with gladness present the offerings and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord.

Offertory Nova! Nova! Tidings of Salvation Children’s Choir

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Presentation Hymn

Let all mortal flesh keep silence Hymnal 324

4 At his feet the six-winged seraph; cherubim with sleepless eye veil their faces to the Presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, “Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, Lord Most High!” Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the deacon or celebrant. The people stand while the offerings are presented and placed on the Altar.

Great Thanksgiving

The people remain standing.

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give him thanks and praise. The Celebrant proceeds

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

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The people stand or kneel.

The Celebrant continues

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

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The Celebrant continues

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

The Celebrant then continues

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, People and Celebrant

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Breaking of the Bread

A period of silence is kept.

The Celebrant says

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

All baptized persons are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

Communion Anthem Longing for the Light Children’s Choir

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Communion Hymn

Savior of the nations, come Hymnal 54

After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Blessing

The priest blesses the people, saying

May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Come, thou long-expected Jesus Hymnal 66

Dismissal

Deacon Let us bless the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Postlude Toccata in F Dietrich Buxtehude H 265 - Music: © 1961 B. Feldman and Co Ltd., trading as H. Freeman & Co. Reproduced by permission of EMI Music Publishing Ltd. 138-140 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H OLD, England.H 54 - Words: Sts. 3-4 © 1982, James Warring McCrady.S 100 - Copyright © 1981 GIA Publications, Inc.S 124 - Copyright © 1981 GIA Publications, Inc.S 161 - Copyright © 1981 GIA Publications, Inc.S 247 - Copyright © 1978 Celebration, Aliquippa, PA 15001.W 860 - © 1997 Leonard AthertonW 863 - © 1989 Malted Milk Music. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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A Note on Today’s Readings

The Fourth Sunday of Advent—Year C

The theme of the Fourth Sunday of Advent is the role of the Virgin Mary in the events that brought about our salvation. A related theme is the Lord’s human nature.

The first reading deals with the Messiah’s human origins. He will come from the village of Bethlehem within the clan of Ephratha, the smallest and least significant of all the clans of the Tribe of Judah. The importance of this prophecy from the book of Micah is that with the Messiah, as with all people, greatness comes from God rather than from human sources.

It was as an obedient human being that Jesus made the willing offering of himself for our salvation, says the author of the Letter to the Hebrews. The salvation of humanity was accomplished within human life not apart from it.

Human nature has a real and definitive role to play, a role revealed in the story of Mary. Today’s Gospel reading is the story of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Both Elizabeth and her unborn son rejoice in Mary’s role. Mary then praises God in the words used by the church at Evening Prayer, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” God’s blessing of Mary, the lowly servant, will be extended in the ministry of Christ to all, especially the poor and the lowly. In her acceptance and cooperation with God’s will, Mary becomes the model for our response to God and the human agent of God’s gift of the redeeming Christ to the world.

From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.

Prayers for the Week of December 20, 2015

Altar flowers are given to the honor and glory of God by Harold & Jan Roberts in memory of Margaret Keller.

The Sanctuary lamp is given to the honor and glory of God by Mary Nell Patrick in thanksgiving for the birthday of sister, Bonnie Levorn.

Madonna lamp is given to the honor and glory of God by Lynda Knight in memory of Butch Knight on their 51st wedding anniversary.

This week we remember Peter Anderson, Willard W. Spear, and Elisa Hentges. This week we celebrate the birthdays of Christopher Mouser, Pam Heard, Patricia Hynd, Mignon Cousins, Barkley Mereo, Mary Nell Patrick, William Hawkins, Christen Nichols, Glen Huff, Nic

Hartzler, David Pritchett, Ellen Blair, and Robert Baker.

This week we celebrate the anniversary of Steve and Debbie Miner. In our Diocesan Prayer Cycle we pray for Calvary, Michigan City; and Holy Innocent’s, Como.

On our Panamanian Prayer Cycle we pray for St. Mary’s Church, Bocas Del Toro. In the Anglican Prayer Cycle we pray for the Diocese of Yewa (Lagos, Nigeria).

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Prayer for those in the Armed Forces: Joey Ranson, Corey David Ingraham, Elizabeth Daniels, Thomas Daniels, Lance Simon and James Wise.

Prayers are offered daily by the Daughters of the King. Prayers for the Sick

Almighty God, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those who are sick and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their

weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Parish Family: Jerry Rich, Darlene Stuart, Lena Melton, Lois Hedges, Mary Jo Jones, Howard Newby, David Stephens, Bob Kluck, Gene Newman, Kay Woods, Ed Krecker, Marge Aldrich, Chuck Aldrich, Roselyn & Lindy Ross, Jim & Linda Shaw, Hazel Hall, Charlie Ashby, Jean Boley, Terry Armstrong, Amanda N., Pat Spear, Charlie Melton, William Lewis, Fran Newby, Jim Lancaster, Charles Fowler, Frank Hedges, Marilyn Hoard

Extended Family: Joseph Riley, Ann Kolesar, Stephen Griffies, Brett Ashley, Vera Barton, Marlene Mclean, Leota Ray, Gladys Efaw, Roger Collier, Lillian Delzell, Judy Braun, Will Newman, Frances Kennedy, Claudia Reda, Teri Coate, Keith, Blake Jackson, Judy Nash, Donna Brown, Emily Lee, Diane Hutchinson, Joan Mercer, Frannie Brown, David Kulick, Huron & Bessie Virden, Scott, Floyd Patrick, George Sparkman Greater Community: Ken Smith, Todd Penn, Jr., Judith Brown, Heather Ross Toche, Shirley Angus, Eric Smith, Jackson Tharpe, Karen Sock, Rosemary Gonzalez, Belle McCann, Judy Williams, Julia Gregg, Butch and Paula, Mikel Anthony, Karen Nelson, Gail Banks, Hannah Raymo, Monty Noblitt, Norma Langdale, Betty Smith, Melissa Lee, Dee Smelly, Connie Avera, Betty Page, Delores Carter, Gary Michaels, Brianna Medina, Robert, Kathy Grizzard, Glen Angus, Stacey Randall, Angela Clary, Daisy Clauselet Pilot, Arthur Carlisle, Helen Lloyd, Margaret Moniet, Leroy, Patrick, Victoria, Glenn, P. Bell,Tim Cyrus, Vanessa, Amy, Donna & Rodney, Brian Gurney, Kendall Lamb, Nichole Gilbert.

Welcome

Welcome! Thank you for worshiping with us today. If this is your first time to worship at St. John’s, please fill out the visitor’s card and place it in the alms basin. And, please join us between services for coffee in the Parish Hall.

Children’s Chapel is held during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday worship service each week. Children process to the Children’s Chapel during the “Sequence Hymn” (the hymn that follows that second lesson). All preschool and elementary school age children are invited to attend Children’s Chapel.

Nursery Care is available for young children during the 9:00 a.m. worship service, Adult Bible Study (or, Adult Forum), and the 11:15 a.m. service. The “Joy” Room next to the nursery has live video and audio of the service for parents with unhappy babies.

You can “Follow” and “Friend” St. John’s on Twitter and Facebook.

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Parish Announcements for the Week of December 20, 2015

GREENING OF THE CHURCH. Sunday, December 20th, will be the day for the traditional “Greening of the Church” at St. John’s. This is a day of great camaraderie and Christmas cheer as we hang the greens both inside and outside of the church. Don't be afraid to come... Only small ladders will be involved for volunteers! Workers will gather in the kitchen at 12:15 for the traditional ham and pimento cheese sandwiches before beginning. Wear your work clothes to the 11:15 service and join in the fun!

Christmas Pageant 2015. Christmas Eve, December 24 @ 4:00 p.m. If your child or grandchild or child's friend would like to be in the Christmas Pageant, please respond to Katherine Kingren at katherinekingren@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIAL FLOWERS. You may sign up to be a part of the Christmas memorial flowers by filling out one of the forms available on the large center table in the hallway leading to the Parish Hall. Envelopes are there for your form and check. Your donation may be made "in memory of”, “in honor of” or “in thanksgiving for” your designated person or persons. Any amount over $25.00 will be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. The donations will be used to provide the beautiful flowers and greenery for our Christmas services, enhancing our worship as well as honoring those of your choice.

Thank you for all the support – both financial and emotional – and for all your prayers and concern during our family’s recent loss (house fire). God promises to be there and provide our needs: he has done that and more through you. You are an amazing congregation and I thank God every day for each and every one of you. --The Clearmans (Grace, Wes, Amanda, Tripp, John and Pate)

Reminder: the church door locks were changed last week. I have a new key for you in my office. Please pick up anytime during office hours.

Thank you! Thank you to St. John’s for all your kindness and generosity! You have supplied the DOK with wonderful, useful, fun and creative items for 60 Shoe Boxes for Christmas! Yes indeed, smiles will appear on many childrens’ faces. DOK is also grateful to Ame Severson, Anne Stietenroth, Susan Ray, Faye Mallette, Kay Cox, Virginia Montgomery and Martha Thompson for wrapping and delivering the Shoe Box Project!

Adult Forum. Sunday, December 27 at 10:10 a.m. Dr. John Switzer, Professor of Religion at Spring Hill College will present “Insights Gained Teaching a Course on Qur'an for Non-Muslims." The presentation will be followed by a discussion led by John Switzer and Charles Hawkins (the Rector of St. John’s).

Merry Widows. The Merry Widows meet January 8 at 5:00 p.m. Note that this is an exception to the usual first Friday of the month schedule. Contact Ame Severson to RSVP at 228-327-0689.

Spanish Lessons. Are you interested in practical Spanish lessons? Margarita Swetman is available to teach Spanish lessons, starting in January 2016. Schedule to be determined by participants. Contact Margarita Swetman for more information or sign-up in the parish hall: 228-273-2425/ Donations to Spanish-speaking ministry gratefully accepted.

Coffee Hour. Sunday Coffee Hours are the perfect time to meet new and old friends. We host two coffee hours every Sunday morning: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Come to coffee hour and greet newcomers and meet parishioners who attend a different service.

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Jackson County Pet Shelter Donations. Please consider donating the following items to the Jackson County Pet Shelter: Clorox Bleach, Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter, Dawn Dish Soap, Animal Shampoo, Liquid Laundry Soap, Paper Towels, Newspaper; and Food—Dogs (Purina, Pedigree, Beneful), Puppies (Purina, Pedigree, Beneful), Cats (Purina, 9 Lives, Friskies, Meow Mix), Kittens (Purina). For more information about the Jackson County Pet Shelter contact Jill Roth.

Annual Diocesan Council (January 29-31, 2016). The congregations of the Gulf Coast are hosting this year’s diocesan council. If you would be willing to serve as an acolyte, lector, usher, intercessor, verger, etc. please contact Pat Warfield at 228-623-8691. Rehearsal for the Sunday service will be on Friday at 5:00 p.m. You will be asked to arrive for the service on Sunday at 8:00 a.m.

Did you know….? Parishioners who pledged financial support to the annual Stewardship campaign or to the Praying It Forward effort to reduce the parish hall mortgage may use one of two options to have funds drawn from an account: (1) Contact your bank to establish an auto bill pay, which will send checks to St. John’s for a specified amount and time period. Parishioners can modify the bill pay plan as desired; or, (2) A second option is available by way of an Automated Clearing House (ACH) apparatus. With consent of the parishioner, St. John’s can start this automatic payment process.

Odds & Ends

Grapevine via email. You can receive the Grapevine via email—delivered to your inbox!

Click the link on the parish website and follow the step by step instructions to sign up. Grapevine via US Mail. You can receive the Grapevine via the U.S. Postal Service—delivered

to your mail box! Call the parish office to have your name and address put on the Grapevine mailing list.

“Take me off the Grapevine US Mail List.” If you want to be taken off the Grapevine mailing list, (for instance, if you have signed up to get the Grapevine via email and no longer want a hard copy mailed to you), please notify the parish office.

Recycling Today’s Service Leaflet. Please take today’s service leaflet home with you if you wish to study it further (especially helpful is the weekly calendar and some of the announcements). If you no longer will be needing the service leaflets, however, please know that if you leave them at one of the entrances to the parish, the ushers will collect them and the sexton takes them to be recycled. The parish uses paper that is manufactured from recycled paper whenever possible.

We are a busy parish with many opportunities to play and pray together. Pick up a St. John's

Ministry Card and/or sign-up to participate in upcoming events. Sign-Up sheets are in the parish hall every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening.

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This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, December 20 7:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite I - Early Service 9:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II - Family Service 10:10 a.m. – Sunday School & Adult Bible Study 11:15 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II - Principal Service 4:00 p.m. – Spanish Language Holy Eucharist with the Rev. Margarita Swetman 4:30 p.m. – EYC Monday, December 21 9:00 a.m. – Ultreya 4:00 p.m. –Children’s Choir Caroling & Christmas Party 6:30 p.m. – Youth Led Bible Study for Youth Tuesday, December 22 6:30 p.m. – Vestry 7:00 p.m. – AA Wednesday, December 23 10:00 a.m. - Adult Bible Study with the Rev. Bruno Schroeder 4:30 p.m. – Ultreya 4:30 p.m. – Children’s Choir 5:30 p.m. – Public Service of Healing with the Holy Eucharist Note: No Wonderful Wednesday Dinner this week. 7:00 p.m. – AlAnon 7:00 p.m. – Adult Choir Thursday, December 24 4:00 p.m. – The Christmas Pageant and Holy Eucharist 7:00 p.m. – AA 8:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist 11:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist

Friday, December 25 10:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist

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Serving Today, Sunday, December 20

Sun, 7:30 AM - Fourth Sunday of Advent (Holy Eucharist, Rite I) Charles Hawkins Celebrant Charles Hawkins Preacher Jim Lancaster Deacon Lynda Knight Verger - Lead Verger Bill Angus-Barker Lector - First Lesson Roger Dean Lector - Second Lesson Merrill Markham Usher NOT FILLED Usher Sun, 9:00 AM - Fourth Sunday of Advent (Holy Eucharist, Rite II) Charles Hawkins Celebrant Charles Hawkins Preacher Jim Lancaster Deacon Barbara Mabry Verger - Lead Verger Harriet Perry Verger - Assisting Verger Sheree Ranson Lay Eucharistic Minister Julia Weaver Lector - First Lesson Robbie Johnson Lector - Second Lesson Foley Ranson Intercessor Amanda Kilduff (sub req.) Acolyte Jacob Gollott Crucifer Grant Gollott Torch Bearer Elliot McGraw Torch Bearer Terry Armstrong Usher Lee Armstrong Usher Stacie Zorn Chaplain for Children's Chapel Sun, 11:15 AM - Fourth Sunday of Advent (Holy Eucharist, Rite II) Charles Hawkins Celebrant Charles Hawkins Preacher Dennis Cowart Verger - Lead Verger Lena Melton Verger - Assisting Verger Toni Norman Lay Eucharistic Minister Amy Chataginer Lector - First Lesson Emily Lancaster Lector - Second Lesson Mike Montgomery Intercessor John Clearman Acolyte Sarah Heard Crucifer Zizi Foster Torch Bearer Caleb Little Torch Bearer Anne Stietenroth Usher Bill Stietenroth, Jr. Usher Barbara Campbell Teller Barbie Hughes Teller

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                                                 The  Vigil  of  the  Feast    of  the  Nativity  of  our  Lord    

(Christmas  Eve)      

4:00  pm  –  The  Christmas  Pageant          and  Holy  Eucharist            Prelude  at  3:45  pm  

 8:00  pm  –  Holy  Eucharist,  Rite  II  

       Prelude  at  7:45  pm    

11:00  pm  -­‐‑  Holy  Eucharist,  Rite  II  Service  of  Christmas  Carols  at  10:30  pm  

   

The  Feast  of  the  Nativity  of  our  Lord  (Christmas  Day)  

 

10:00  am  –  Holy  Eucharist,  Rite  II  

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Congratulations St. John’s!!! You promised it and now you are doing it. Can you believe that November 6, 2015 was the one year anniversary of our kickoff event that started “Praying it Forward”, our capital campaign to make St. John’s debt free? The campaign concluded with a celebration that we held on January 6, 2015. From the day of our celebration through November 30, 2015 we have collected $292,435 towards the total pledged amount of $730,704. Many of you are paying earlier than you pledged as shown by the fact that our collections are $81,261 above our projections. We thank you because your enthusiasm is reducing our interest expense. In fact, your giving has already reduced our interest expense by approximately $21,036. Reducing the interest expense allows St. John’s to use more of your dollars towards our mission to serve Christ. Please know that the leadership of the church is also keeping its promise. 100% of what has been collected has been paid to reduce the debt with the single anticipated exception of the money required to the satisfied our modest campaign expenses. The total debt remaining at this time is $382,883.90. Additionally, there are 15 generous individuals or families that did not make a campaign pledge, but have to date contributed a total of $8,892. This is a surprise which proves how infectious the spirit of giving is in our parish. We are sending this letter to all of the supporters of our parish. There may be those of you who were not here before aware of our campaign to pay off our debt. For our newcomers or those of you who have not pledged, we encourage you to please consider supporting this cause. If you need more information you are invited to contact either Herb or Greg. We know that generosity requires sacrifice and sacrifice requires dedication. Please accept our sincere thanks for your generosity and dedication to St. John’s. It is through each of you acting united in the one body of Christ that is enabling St. John’s to grow in programs and mission that are unique in Ocean Springs. Be proud St. John’s. Your generosity combined with your commitment to your pledge has made this a very joyous Christmas for the many that devoted themselves to the success of Praying it Forward. From the many that worked on this campaign please accept our sincere wish that you are blessed with a Very Merry Christmas. Faithfully and Thankfully, Herb Moore 228.990.4511 Greg Williams 228.327.8415 Co-Chairs of Praying it Forward  

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Outline of Holy Eucharist, Rite II 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Processional Hymn O come, O come, Emmanuel Hymnal 56 Opening Acclamation Book of Common Prayer, p. 355 Collect for Purity Book of Common Prayer, p. 355 Song of Praise Hymnal S-100

Collect of the Day Book of Common Prayer, p. 211 First Reading Micah 5:2-5a Canticle 15 Hymnal S-247 Second Reading Hebrews 10:5-10 Sequence Hymn The angel Gabriel from heaven came Hymnal 265 Holy Gospel Luke 1:39-55 Sermon The Very Rev. Dr. Charles Hawkins Nicene Creed Book of Common Prayer, p. 358 Prayers of the People Form I Book of Common Prayer, p. 383 Concluding Collect Book of Common Prayer, p. 394-395 Confession Book of Common Prayer, p. 360 Peace Book of Common Prayer, p. 360 Holy Communion Book of Common Prayer, p. 361 Offertory Offertory Sentence Book of Common Prayer, p. 343 Offertory

Presentation Hymn Let all mortal flesh keep silence Hymnal 324 Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer A Book of Common Prayer, p. 365 Proper Preface Book of Common Prayer, p. 377-378 Sanctus Hymnal S-124

The Lord’s Prayer Book of Common Prayer, p. 363-364 Fraction Book of Common Prayer, p. 364

Fraction Anthem Hymnal S-161 Communion Hymn Longing for the Light Children’s Choir

Communion Hymn Savior of the nations, come Hymnal 54 Postcommunion Prayer Book of Common Prayer, p. 365 Book of Common Prayer, p. 365 Blessing Book of Common Prayer, p. 366

Postcommunion Hymn Come, thou long-expected Jesus Hymnal 66 Dismissal Book of Common Prayer, p. 366