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December 18, 2011 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Please silence all cell phones prior to the service.

Holy Eucharist Rite I at 8:00 a.m. Book of Common Prayer, p. 323

Blessing of the Advent Wreath

Celebrant Lord, grant us your light.

People That being rid of the darkness of our hearts, we may come to the

true light which is Christ.

Holy Eucharist Rite II at 10:30 a.m.

Prelude Savior of the nations, come J. S. Bach

Please stand, as you are able.

Opening Hymn The angel Gabriel Hymnal 265

Welcome

Opening Acclamation BCP 355

Collect for Purity BCP 355

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

Prayer of Welcome

Holy Spirit living within us, guide our hearts and minds as we

welcome today all those who worship with us at St. Michael's.

Give us discerning hearts so that everyone who crosses our

threshold feels welcomed in the spirit of your love. Help us to

recognize each person as an individual sent by you who will enrich

our lives. And most of all, O God, let this be a place of love and

acceptance of all your children; in the name of your Child our

Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Kyrie Eleison Lord, have mercy Hymnal S-98

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 Je-

sus 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.

Please be seated.

First Reading 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

When the king was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from

all his surrounding enemies, the king said to the prophet Nathan, “Look! I‟m liv-

ing in a cedar palace, but God‟s chest is housed in a tent!” Nathan said to the

king, “Go ahead and do whatever you are thinking, because the LORD is with

you.” But that very night the LORD‟s word came to Nathan: Go to my servant

David and tell him: This is what the LORD says: You are not the one to build the

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temple for me to live in. In fact, I haven‟t lived in a temple from the day I brought

Israel out of Egypt until now. Instead, I have been traveling around in a tent and in a

dwelling. Throughout my traveling around with the Israelites, did I ever ask any of

Israel‟s tribal leaders I appointed to shepherd my people: Why haven‟t you built me

a cedar temple? So then, say this to my servant David: This is what the LORD of

heavenly forces says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be

leader over my people Israel. I‟ve been with you wherever you‟ve gone, and I‟ve

eliminated all your enemies before you. Now I will make your name great - like the

name of the greatest people on earth. I am going to provide a place for my people

Israel, and plant them so that they may live there and no longer be disturbed. Cruel

people will no longer trouble them, as they had been earlier, when I appointed

judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. And

the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make a dynasty for you. Our dynasty

and your kingdom will be secured forever before me. Your throne will be estab-

lished forever.

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

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

I will sing of the LORD‟s loyal love forever.

I will proclaim your faithfulness with my own mouth

from one generation to the next.

That‟s why I say,

“Your loyal love is rightly built - forever!

You establish your faithfulness in heaven.”

You said, “I made a covenant with my chosen one;

I promised my servant David: „I will establish your offspring forever;

I will build up your throne from one generation to the next.‟”

Once you spoke in a vision to your faithful servants:

I placed a crown on a strong man.

I raised up someone specially chosen from the people.

I discovered my servant David.

I anointed him with my holy oil.

My hand will sustain him -

yes, my arm will strengthen him!

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No enemy will oppress him;

no wicked person will make him suffer.

I will crush all his foes in front of him.

I will strike down all those who hate him.

My faithfulness and my loyal love will be with him.

He will be strengthened by my name.

I will set his hand on the sea.

I will set his strong hand on the rivers.

He will cry out to me: “You are my father,

my God, the rock of my salvation.”

Please stand, as you are able.

Gradual Savior of the nations Hymnal 54

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Gospel Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Na-

zareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.

The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one!

The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered

what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and

bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son

of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor Da-

vid. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be

no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel

said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High

will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called

Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a

son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will

be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it

be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

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Please be seated.

Sermon The Rev. Marianna Gronek

Please stand, as you are able.

Nicene Creed BCP 358

Prayers of the People

Reader’s words in plain text, people's responses in bold.

Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear when we pray in the name of your Son.

Therefore in confidence and trust we pray for the Church:

Father, enliven the Church for its mission, especially the congregations and clergy of

St. Katherine‟s, Williamston; St. Patrick‟s, Madison Heights; Grace Church, Mt.

Clemens.

That we may be salt of the earth and light to the world.

Breathe fresh life into your people.

Give us power to reveal Christ in word and action.

We pray for this world, especially all people who are struggling to bring just

government to their nations. Creator of all, lead us and every people into ways of

justice and peace.

That we may respect one another in freedom and truth.

Awaken in us a sense of wonder for the earth and all that is in it.

Teach us to care creatively for its resources.

We pray for the community: God of truth, inspire with your wisdom those whose

decisions affect the lives of others.

That all may act with integrity and courage.

Give grace to all whose lives are linked with ours, especially: Barbara Bertschinger;

Jan Jansen; Tim, Tonja, Joi, Mya, & Bromley Jansen.

May we serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.

Please join me as we pray for those in need, especially:

Doug Adams, Bill Ball, Martha Bangs, Greg Bertelsen, Ruth Bramble, Mary

Christopher, Linda Courie, Donny Gallivan, Roger Garzel, Star Gilezan, Jean

Grefenberg, Rosemary Hakim, Derold McDonald, Win Meredith, Alice

Murphy, Brian Oatley, Starr Richards, Ron Schulze, Scott Simon, Irene

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Stringer, Redina Trembath, Mary Walker, Randal Walker, Anthony

Warhurst, Gary Wright, Roger Wyatt, Bob, Jim, Judie, Laurie, Mary, & Terri.

Please offer your own prayers at this time, either silently or aloud.

Please pause for a moment of silence.

God of hope, comfort and restore all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.

May they know the power of your healing love.

Make us willing agents of your compassion.

Strengthen us as we share in making people whole.

Please offer your own prayers for loved ones who have died.

Please pause for a moment of silence.

We praise you for all your saints who have entered your eternal glory.

May their example inspire and encourage us.

Lord, you have called us to serve you.

In darkness and in light, in trouble and in joy,

help us, heavenly Father, to trust your love,

to serve your purpose, and to praise your name,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession of Sin BCP 360

Children’s Peace Procession

All children are encouraged to come forward

to help the Rev. Marianna share God’s peace.

The Peace BCP 360

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.

Please be seated.

Blessing of the Advent Wreath

Celebrant Lord, grant us your light.

People That being rid of the darkness of our hearts, we may come to the

true light which is Christ.

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Light one candle

Offertory

Offertory Anthem Drop down, ye heavens

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Children’s Offering

All are children of a loving God. Young ones are invited to

bring forward their offerings of money or notes to God at this time.

The Doxology

The Great Thanksgiving

ELCA, Eucharistic Prayer III

Please stand, as you are able.

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Preface for Advent:

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 be-

loved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of ever-

lasting 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:

Sanctus Holy, holy, holy Lord Hymnal S 129

Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:

Blessed are you for the birth of creation.

Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.

Blessed are you for your promise to your people.

Blessed are you in the prophets' hopes and dreams.

Blessed are you for Mary's openness to your will.

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Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;

broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for

you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:

This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the

forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace

and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with

hope for his coming.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your

Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of

peace on earth.

Come, Holy Spirit.

All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of

the Most High, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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

The Lord‟s Prayer BCP 364

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Agnus Dei Jesus, Lamb of God Hymnal S 164

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Communion Chant Wait for the Lord Taizé

Communion Hymn God himself is with us Hymnal 475

Eucharistic Visitors

Whenever Eucharistic Visitors are sent out to the sick and homebound, the following prayer is said by all:

We send you forth bearing these holy gifts that those to whom you go may share with

us in the communion of Christ's Body and Blood. We who are many are one body because we all share one bread, one cup. Amen.

Post-Communion Prayer

All God of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation;

you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

Please be seated.

Announcements, Anniversaries, Birthdays

Please stand, as you are able.

Final Blessing

Advent is a time of exiles. It is a time of waiting, a time of yearning for light to dispel the

darkness. O God, of exiles and strangers, find the homeless parts of us; guide them toward

yourself, for you are our promised land. Take the stranger inside of us and find familiar

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soil for it. Keep us mindful of Emmanuel, whose sojourn brought a glimpse of home.

Amen. Adapted from a blessing by Joyce Rupp

Closing Hymn People, look East Wonder, Love and Praise

Dismissal

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Deacon Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia!

People Thanks be to God, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Postlude March in Gregorian Tonality A. Guilmant

CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF CHRISTMAS FLOWERS AND GREENS to beautify the church this Christmas season are welcomed. You will find envelopes for this purpose in the pew racks. If your gift is a memorial, please include names of those to be remembered. Checks should be made payable to St. Michael‟s Church. Deadline to be included in the bulletin is today.

THE LITTLE THRIFT SHOP will be open today following both services. Also, the Christmas boutique items are now half off. On another note, workers, if you owe the shop, please pay up as it is the end of the quarter.

PHOTOS TAKEN TODAY FOR NEW PARISH DIRECTORY … A new format is being introduced for our yearly parish phone directory. It will be created and produced in-house and will include member photos. Once this directory with photos is created, the process of updating it annually will provide an effective way of helping all members come to know one another. Photos will be taken after the 8:00 service, and before and after the 10:30 service today. Also, appointments can be made in Sign-Up Central or by calling the parish office, 313-884-4820, or emailing Deborah Cooper at dcooper@stmichaelsgpw.org. Photos will be taken in Room 5.

A MUSIC IN THE WOODS CONCERT WILL BE HELD TODAY AT 4:00 P.M. This Christmas Organ Improvisations Festival will feature organ repertoire as well as original improvisations by Gavin Craig, Andrew Galuska and Joe Balistreri.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The “Greening of St. Michael‟s” takes place this Friday,

December 23 at 6:00 P.M. No need to sign up, just come in and help us transform the church. Pizza will be provided.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT A CASUAL, FAMILY FRIENDLY NEW YEAR’S@MIKE’S. The evening will begin at 8:00 on Saturday the 31st and include board games, Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows II at 9:00 and time for plenty of con-versation. Bring snacks and beverages to share. This is a good opportunity to use up the holiday napkins, Christmas treats you will inevitably have on hand. A popular feature of New Year‟s@Mike‟s is “Make your own Pizza.” The basics will be provided, but bring your favorite toppings to share. At midnight, the group will ring in the new year in the bell tower. In the past, a number of people spend the night at the church for more movies and laughter. Others, who treasure sleeping in their own beds,

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come back in the morning for Chef Marc‟s well-loved French Toast. Everyone is wel-come for breakfast even if you weren‟t available New Year‟s Eve. The breakfast will be served at 8:00 before the combined New Year‟s Eucharist at 9:30. You will find sign-up sheets in Yeoman Hall. Please sign up.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS … The Annual Meeting will be held Sunday, January

29. That morning we will have one service only, at 9:30. Committee and group heads are asked to submit material for the Annual report booklet no later than Sunday, January 22.

CRIBS FOR CHRISTMAS is the theme of the Outreach committee‟s annual Christmas

giving project. The cribs will benefit the Infant Mortality Program (IMP), which

parishioner Dr. Gorman and her nursing students lead in Highland Park. Infants born in

that area have a desperate need for cribs. This Christmas project will help purchase Pack

and Play units that can be used as both a crib and play pen. A donation of $60 will allow

IMP to purchase one Pack and Play. Donors can donate that amount or any amount they

wish, smaller or larger. Also, gifts such as diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, or toys for

infants are welcome. You will find the Sharing Hope Tree in Yeoman Hall where you can

make your donation or leave a gift. Sign an ornament and hang it on the tree ...

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADOPT A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS GIVING? The

Infant Mortality Program, our Outreach Christmas giving project this year, has given the

Outreach Committee names of needy families. If you would like to help out one of these

families, please stop at the table beside the Sharing Hope Tree and select a name. Gifts

need to be returned to the church by today. Thank you for your interest and caring!

THE WARM FUZZY TREE REMAINS UP IN YEOMAN HALL …

Friday Night @ Mike‟s has set up a Christmas tree for the collection of warm

hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, earmuffs and anything else that will help

children and adults stay warm this winter. These warm, fuzzy items will be

taken to Crossroads and Sunshine PreSchool in Detroit.

YOUR 2012 OFFERING ENVELOPE BOXES are available in the Information Center.

If you would like envelopes and don‟t find them there, please jot down your name on the paper tablet provided.

WHILE THEY LAST, On-Demand gift cards are available in the office.

AMAZON AFFILIATES PROGRAM! … In efforts to raise funds for the Choral

Scholars Program, St. Michael's has enrolled in the Amazon Affiliates Program.

Purchases made through the parish's Amazon Affiliates page will provide St. Michael's

with a percentage of your purchases (ranging from about 8-12%, depending on the items).

Helping us in this endeavor is simple. Just go to the parish website,

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www.stmichaelsgpw.org and click the Amazon.com link on the right side of the home

page. Then click on Shop at Amazon.com. Once you are there, you can make your

purchases as usual. Remember that you MUST access Amazon.com through the St.

Michael's website for this to work. If you just go to Amazon.com directly, St. Michael's

will NOT be able to receive any percentage of the money. We encourage you to take

advantage of this program as you do your Christmas shopping. If there are any items that

you are planning on ordering online, please go to our Amazon Affiliates page and see if

those items are available there. In doing so, you will help enrich our worship at St.

Michael's by providing us with funds to bring even more beautiful voices to our choir.

Thank you and God bless!

OUR CHURCH SUBSCRIBES TO CHURCHPOST, which provides a very secure platform for members to communicate with one another via e mail. ChurchPost.com is a web-based communication service that allows churches to better utilize e mail technology to manage and communicate their ministries, small groups and activities to members and visitors. One of the best things that ChurchPost does is to make our parish file of email addresses current. Updating an address in one ChurchPost group immediately updates the address universally. To sign up for ChurchPost, simply go to St. Michael‟s website: stmichaelsgpw.org and click on the “Get Connected” box on the left side of the home page. Once you have entered your name and e mail address, click on “My groups.” That will open all groups and areas of interest at St. Michael‟s for you. A good starting point is Parish Updates, which keeps you abreast of important things going on at the church. Group leaders are encouraged to keep their ChurchPost information up to date and utilize ChurchPost when sending emails to their parish groups and ministries. If you are not comfortable signing up for or using ChurchPost, please contact Deborah at dcooper.stmichaelsgpw.org or by phone, 313-884-4820. She will guide any group leader through ChurchPost and have step-by-step guides to take home.

COMMITMENT SUNDAY was a powerful stewardship experience as pledges were brought forth during worship. To date families have made commitments totaling $280,265. Pledge cards have been mailed out and many have been returned. Thank you! You can place your card in the offering plate or mail to the parish office. If you cannot pledge this year, please return your card with that indicated, so that our records will be complete. If you wish to have a personal conversation with a member of the Vestry, just hold on to your card. Follow-up calls began this week. So that the Vestry can plan for next year it is vital that we receive your card.

COFFEE HOUR AND ALTAR FLOWERS SIGN-UPS … A coffee hour sign-up sheet for the next few months is available at Sign-Up-Central in Yeoman Hall. If you would like to host one Sunday in any given month, or host together with your friends,

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family, group or committee, please sign up! Also, a new Altar Flowers schedule is posted on the right board of the Information Center.

ST. MARGARET’S GUILD IS COLLECTING NEW AND GENTLY USED BOOKS for the children at Sunshine Community Pre-school located in the Spirit of Hope Church on Detroit‟s west side. These children come from disadvantaged households, so books are a real treat to receive. Please remember the books are for preschoolers, ages 3 to 5 years old. Boxes for collection are located outside the worship centers in the education wing of the church. Today is the final collection day.

CALENDAR

Dec. 18 Thrift Shop open following both services Music in the Woods Christmas Organ Improvisation Festival, 4:00 P.M. 19 Rector‟s Sabbath Day Outreach Meeting, Yeoman Hall, 7:00 P.M. Creative Caring, Lounge, 7:00 P.M. 20 Vestry Meeting, Yeoman Hall, 7:00 P.M. 21 Business International group mtg., Yeoman Hall, 6:30 – 8:30 A.M Embracing Prayer and Faith, Conference Room, 10:00 A.M. 22 Choir Practice, 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. 23 Thrift Shop open, Receiving closed. Greening of the Church, 6:00 P.M. 24 Christmas Eve Family Eucharist 4:00 P.M. Christmas Eve Anthems and Carols 10:30 P.M. Christmas Eve Choral Eucharist Service 11:00 P.M. Thrift Shop closed, Receiving open.

Ministry Matters

Thanks to those who coordinated our various Christmas outreach projects

and all who contributed:

Rosemary Berger and the Outreach Committee for Cribs for Christmas.

St Margaret‟s Guild for the books for the Sunshine Community Pre-school at Spirit of Hope Church.

Thanks also to those who purchased gift cards this Christmas season, used their Kroger cards, and/or are participating in the Amazon Affili-ates Program. The Technology and Choral Scholars Funds benefit from your support.

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25 Christmas Day service 9:30 A.M. (one service only) 26 Parish Office closed. Rector‟s Sabbath Day 30 Thrift Shop open, Receiving closed. 31 Thrift Shop open. New Year‟s @ St. Mike‟s, 8:00 P.M. Jan. 1 New Year‟s Breakfast, 8:00 A.M. Combined Church Service, 9:30 A.M. 2 Rector‟s Sabbath Day 3 Youth & Young Adults (YAYA), Room 4a, 7:00 P.M.

CHRISTMAS SEASON SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

Christmas Eve Services

4:00 p.m. Children‟s Christmas Pageant & Eucharist

(Child Care available)

10:30 p.m. Lessons & Carols

11:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

(One service only)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1

9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

(One service only)

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ASSISTING AT OUR SERVICES

8:00 A.M. December 18 Dec. 25 (No service 8:00 A.M.)

Lector/Server Cheryl Mac Donald

Acolyte Tim Sinclair

Ushers Wilson Rogers, George Grayr

Altar Guild Margaret & Wilson Rogers

Coffee hr. hosts

10:30 A.M. December 18 December 25 (9:30 A.M.)

Greeters Steve & May Jean Chan The Colborn Family

Lectors Grant Gilezan Bill & Gail McQueen

Prayers Liz Palen

Chalice Bearers Bill Davenport, Pam Sherry Pam Sherry

Ushers Sally Graham, Judy Sheehy, George Solomon, Dale

Bob Sheehy, Fred Stringer, Pegg

Dave Zmyslowski

Acolytes Lauren Lewis, Sam Carpenter, Hannah Colborn, Will

Meaghan McSkimming, Erin Colborn, Liam O‟Connor

McSkimming,

Altar Guild G. Davenport, Win Meredith Liz Palen, Karen McCarthy

Coffee hr. hosts Wybo / Van Eckoute Karen Terry

Vestry

Class Of 2012 Class of 2013 Class of 2014

Paul Castelli Barbara Barringer (Jr. Warden) Jane Bashara

Al Hanson Julie Biermann Bill McQueen

Dale Pegg Derek Farr Laura O‟Connor

Dave Zmyslowski (Sr. Warden) Cheryl Mac Donald Barbara Pappas (Sec)

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The Rev. Marianna L. Gronek Rector

The Rev. Keith Mackenzie Deacon

Gavin D. Craig Music Director

Deborah Cooper Church School Director Mary Gage Parish Secretary

Kerry Lewis Treasurer

Sara Mansfield Sexton Angie Collens Missionary to Brazil

All Rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-7166

A special thanks to those serving at our Christmas Eve services:

4:00 P.M.

Greeters: Larry & Carrie Sullivan

Reader: Emma Streberger

Acolytes: Carlie Saunders, Carolyn Poleski, Jack Saunders, Nick

Saunders

Ushers: Bob Bashara, Jane Bashara, Drew McSkimming,

Sandy Streberger

Chalice Bearers: Stacey Fischer Lewis, Jim Thompson.

Pageant Keara Crook; Riley Crook; Samantha, Russell,

& Addison Hill; shepherds, angels, manger animals.

10:30 P.M.

Lector Bill Davenport

Acolytes Lauren Lewis, Liam O'Connor

Chalice Bearers Kathie Crook, Sally Graham

Prayers Win Meredith

Ushers Dave Zmyslowski, Norm Hahn, Kevin Hahn

St. Michael‟s Episcopal Church 20475 Sunningdale Park Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 Tel 313-884-4820

www.stmichaelsgpw.org office@stmichaelsgpw.org