Welcome to St Margaret’s Church IfieldLoved as you are

Sunday 13th December 2015 The Third Sunday of Advent

All are welcome to St Margaret’s and we encourage all to take part fully in this service. If you have mobility issues that make it difficult for you to

come and receive communion or laying-on-of-hands for healing, should you want to, then do please notify our sides-people, and we will come to you.

Please do stay for coffee served at the back of church after the service. There is a toilet at the back of church should you need to use it during the

service.

THE GATHERINGWe stand at the entrance of the choir and clergy and sing:

The race that long in darkness pinedhas seen a glorious light;the people dwell in day, who dweltin death's surrounding night.

To hail thy rise, thou better Sun,the gathering nations come,joyous as when the reapers bearthe harvest-treasures home.

To us a Child of hope is born,to us a Son is given;him shall the tribes of earth obey,him all the hosts of heaven.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

His name shall be the Prince of Peacefor evermore adored,the Wonderful, the Counsellor, the great and mighty Lord.

His power increasing still shall spread,his reign no end shall know;justice shall guard his throne aboveand peace abound below.

THE GREETING

Celebrant The Lord be with youAll and also with you

THE PRAYER OF PREPARATION

All Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: 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.

PRAYERS OF PENITENCE

Celebrant Our Lord Jesus Christ said: The first commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength’. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

There is no other commandment greater than these. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

All Amen. Lord have mercy.

The Advent Wreath is lit as a symbol of the light of Christ coming into the world and into the darkness of our own lives.

Celebrant When the Lord comes, he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Therefore in the light of Christ let us confess our sins.

All Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen

Celebrant Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and keep us in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

The Kyrie Eleison(A Gregory Murray, OSB©1975,1987 McCrimmon Publishing Co Ltd)

All Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercyChrist, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy

THE COLLECTCelebrant O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your

messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

We sit for the readings. THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading Zephaniah 3:14-end

This is the word of the Lord.All Thanks be to God

Second Reading Philippians 4:4-7

This is the word of the Lord.All Thanks be to God

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Hymn

On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cryannounces that the Lord is nigh;awake, and hearken, for he bringsglad tidings of the King of kings.

Then cleansed be every Christian breast,and furnish for so great a guest!Yea, let us each our heart prepare,for Christ to come and enter there.

For thou art our salvation, Lord,our refuge, and our great reward;without thy grace our souls must fade,and wither like a flower decayed.

Stretch forth thy hand to heal our sore,and make us rise to fall no more;once more upon thy people shine,and fill the world with love divine.

All praise, eternal Son, to theewhose advent doth thy people free,whom with the Father we adoreand Holy Ghost for evermore.

Remain standing and turn to face the Gospel:

The Gospel ReadingLuke 3:7-18

The Lord be with you.All And also with you.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

All Glory to you, O Lord.

At the end:This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All Praise to you, O Christ.

Remain standing until the Priest has introduced the Sermon:THE SERMON

We stand for:AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

All 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, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and 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.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who 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.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSIONPrayers for the Church, the world, and for all human need. After each petition the following responses may be used:

Lord in your mercyAll Hear our prayer

and at the end of the prayers: Merciful father,All accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE SACRAMENTWe stand to share the peace:The PeaceCelebrant In the tender mercy of our God, the dayspring from on

high shall break upon us, to give light to those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

The peace of the Lord be always with you. All And also with you.Deacon Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

As the Body of Christ receives its life from God, and offers its life to God, so ‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’

(Romans 15:7)

we, as members of that Body, greet each other in love.The Preparation of the TableThe Taking of the Bread and Wine

To God be the glory! great things he hath done!So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,who yielded his life an atonement for sin,and opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!Let the earth hear his voice!Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!Let the people rejoice!O come to the Father through Jesus the Son;and give him the glory, great things he hath done!

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!To every believer the promise of God;the vilest offender who truly believes,that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! etc.

Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done,and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son:but purer and higher and greater will beour wonder, our worship, when Jesus we see!Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! etc.

Should you wish to make a donation to the work of St Margaret’s Church a collection bowl is situated by the entrance/exit door. If you are a UK Tax Payer do please consider placing your gift in one of the

yellow GiftAid envelopes provided and complete the required details as this will enable us to claim back 25p/£1 donated. Thank you!

Celebrant Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation; through your ‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’

(Romans 15:7)

goodness we have this bread and wine to offer which the earth has given and human hands have made. They will become for us the bread of life and cup of salvation.

All Blessed be God for ever.

We sit or stand for:The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord is hereAll His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.All We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.All It is right to give thanks and praise.

Celebrant It is indeed right and good to give you thanks and praise, almighty God and everlasting Father, through Jesus Christ your Son. He is the one foretold by all the prophets, whom the Virgin Mother bore with love beyond all telling. John the Baptist was his herald and made him known when at last he came. In his love Christ fills us with joy as we prepare to celebrate his birth, so that when he comes again he may find us watching in prayer, our hearts filled with wonder and praise. And so, with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your glory, and join in their unending hymn of praise:

A Gregory Murray, OSB 1905-1992©1975, 1987 McCrimmon Publishing Ltd

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

All Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,Heaven and earth are full of your glory.Hosanna in the highest.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.Hosanna in the highest.

We praise and bless you, loving Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; and as we obey his command, send your Holy Spirit, that broken bread and wine outpoured may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.

On the night before he died he had supper with his friends and, taking bread, he praised you. He broke the bread, gave it to them and said: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

When supper was ended he took the cup of wine. Again he praised you, 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. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did, in him we plead with confidence his sacrifice made once for all upon the cross. Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation, we proclaim his death and resurrection until he comes in glory.

Deacon Christ is the bread of life:All When we eat this bread and drink this cup,

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

We proclaim your death,Lord Jesus,Until you come in glory.

Lord of all life, help us to work together for that daywhen your kingdom comes and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth. Look with favour on your people, gather us in your loving arms and bring us with St Margaret and all the saints to feast at your table in heaven. Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father, for ever and ever.

All Amen.

The Lord’s PrayerAll Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done,on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins,as we forgive those who sin against us.Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yoursnow and forever. Amen.

The Breaking of the BreadThe Priest breaks the consecrated bread

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.All Though we are many, we are one body,

because we all share in one bread.

The Giving of Communion

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Draw near with faith. Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ which he gave for you, and his blood which he shed for you. Eat and drink in remembrance that he died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

All We do not presume to come to this your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him and he in us. Amen.

We sing the Agnus Dei. A Gregory Murray, OSB 1905-1992©1975, 1987 McCrimmon Publishing Ltd

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.

All are welcome to either come and receive Communion or a blessing.

Laying on of hands for healing is offered in the south aisle chapel during the distribution of communion. This ministry is offered for your own

needs or for someone who maybe on your heart and mind at this time.

Those who are going into hospital in the coming week, or for some other reason, and who would like to be anointed with oil of healing and prayed

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

for by a priest please do have a word with a priest after the service – they will gladly offer you this ministry.

Communion HymnsTaize©Ateliers et Presses de Taize, 71250 Taize Community, France.Wait for the Lord, his day is near.Wait for the Lord be strong take heart!

Prepare the way for the Lord.Make a straight path for Him.

The glory of the Lord shall be revealed.

All the earth sees the Lord.

Rejoice in the Lord always.He is at hand.

Seek first the kingdom of God,Seek and you shall find.

Joy and gladnessFor all who seek the Lord.

I waited for the Lord;He heard my cry.

Our eyes are fixed on the Lord our God.

O Lord, show us your way.Guide us in your truth.

Prepare the way of the Lord.Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;the stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,the little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stayclose by me for ever, and love me, I pray.Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,and fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.

The Prayers after CommunionCelebrant We give you thanks, O Lord, for these heavenly gifts;

kindle in us the fire of your Spirit that when your Christ comes again we may shine as lights before his face; who is alive and reigns now and for ever. Amen

All Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen

THE BLESSING‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’

(Romans 15:7)

Celebrant May God the Father, judge all-merciful,make us worthy of a place in his kingdom. Amen.

May God the Son, coming among us in power,reveal in our midst the promise of his glory. Amen.

May God the Holy Spirit make us steadfast in faith,joyful in hope and constant in love. Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

THE DISMISSALDeacon Our Lord says, ‘I am coming soon.’

All Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Deacon May the Lord, when he comes,find us watching and waiting.Amen.

Hymn

Glorious things of thee are spoken,Zion, city of our God;he whose word cannot be brokenformed thee for his own abode.On the rock of ages founded,what can shake thy sure repose?With salvation’s walls surrounded,thou mayest smile at all thy foes.

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

See, the streams of living waters,springing from eternal love,well supply thy sons and daughters,and all fear of want remove.Who can faint while such a riverever flows their thirst to assuage:grace which, like the Lord the giver,never fails from age to age?

Blest inhabitants of Zion,washed in their Redeemer’s blood:Jesus’ whom their souls rely on,Makes them kings and priests to God.‘Tis his love his people raisesOver self to reign as kings,And as priests, his solemn praisesEach for a thank-offering brings.

Saviour, since of Zion’s cityI through grace a member am,let the world deride or pity,I will glory in thy name.Fading is the worldling’s pleasure,all his boasted pomp and show;solid joys and lasting treasurenone but Zion’s children know.

Calamus Licence No: 95 C.C.L. Licence No: 210222The service material in this booklet is taken from Common Worship. © Copyright 2000

The Archbishop’s Council

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Notices

Services next Sunday:Advent 4

Said Holy Communion (8am)Sung Eucharist (11am)

For our prayersThe Parish:

The Sick:

The Departed:

Year’s mind:

Also for our Prayers:

Trist Way, Tweed Lane and Warren Drive, Horley Road, Ifield Road and Ivanhoe

Patients of Langley Green Hospital and Jean Bovis and Elston

Jim Williams

George Buckley, Edward Dorrington, Len Pattenden, Helena Thorn-Davis, Eva Neenan, Ronald Scott, Jason Simmonds, Arthur Billington, Brian Lloyd and David McDowell

For the Alzheimer’s Society and those it supports

For all who will receive the Travelling Crib into their homes

Thanksgiving for the Lighthouse Project, taking Christianity into schools

Thanksgiving for all our church musicians

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

Notices Continued

Finance 2015

The position for November was:

Income £9610

Expenditure £5957

Surplus £3653

The projected surplus for the year is £13200.

Many thanks, Claire and Ray

Copies Of The First Issue Of Our New Magazine, Mag.net, are being distributed with the church Christmas card to everyone who lives in Ifield. For those who live elsewhere, there are copies available in church for you to collect today.

Planned Giving Envelopes for 2016 are now ready for collection and are on the table by the north door

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)

A Christmas Card Tree will be set up in church from this Sunday. Instead of writing individual Christmas cards people can write their message on a card to their friends in the congregation and hang it on the tree, making a donation which this year will go to Water Aid. Many thanks Lindsey.

Please can you make or donate Mince Pies to be enjoyed along with a glass of mulled wine after the Carol Service on Sunday 20th December. All donations can be left with Lindsey Plunkett after the services on Sunday or at the Parish Office between 9 -12 am Mon – Thu. Thank you very much, Lindsey. 01293 539116 or lplunkett@tiscali.co.uk

See www.stmargaretschurchifield.org for service times, The Buzz, current service sheets, Church groups and events

‘Accept one another for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.’ (Romans 15:7)