Christmas Eve
24 December
5 PM in the sanctuary and via Zoom
Join Zoom Worship on computer/smart device: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84777567039
Call-in to Zoom Worship: 1-646-876-9923, Enter Meeting ID 84777567039#
If you are new to Zoom, be sure to download the Zoom software or app a few minutes prior to start of worship.
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Good Evening! We are indeed glad that you are here.
This is a place where we nurture souls with prayerful worship.
If we can help you in any way, please let us know!
Church Office: 570-563-1564 Rev. Lou Divis: 570-878-4670 Rev. John Davis: 570-575-8689
Please stay in touch!
24 December
5 PM in the sanctuary and via Zoom
Join Zoom Worship on computer/smart device: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84777567039
Call-in to Zoom Worship: 1-646-876-9923, Enter Meeting ID 84777567039#
If you are new to Zoom, be sure to download the Zoom software or app a few minutes prior to start of worship.
Zoom for Android
Zoom for Mac
Good Evening! We are indeed glad that you are here.
This is a place where we nurture souls with prayerful worship.
If we can help you in any way, please let us know!
Church Office: 570-563-1564 Rev. Lou Divis: 570-878-4670 Rev. John Davis: 570-575-8689
Please stay in touch!
Prelude
Processional hymn #100 Joy to the World!
1 Joy to the world! the Lord is come: let earth receive her king;
let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
2 Joy to the world! the Savior reigns; let us our songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3 No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.
4 He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove
the glories of his right-eousness, and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
Lighting the Advent Wreath:
Light the Christmas candle now,
At His crib we humbly bow,
Birthday candles for the King,
Let the alleluias ring.
Candle, candle burning bright,
Shining in the cold winter night.
Candle, candle burning bright,
fill our hearts with Christmas light.
Opening Prayer
Celebrant Blessed be God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thought 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.
The Gloria: Hymnal #S 280 Glory to God in the highest
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Collect
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen
A reading from the Second Book of Samuel, chapter 7 verses 1-16
When the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.” But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. But I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 89:1-4,19-26, read by a lector.
1 Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing; *
from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
2 For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; *
you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.
3 “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; *
I have sworn an oath to David my servant:
4 ‘I will establish your line for ever, *
and preserve your throne for all generations.’”
19 You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people: *
“I have set the crown upon a warrior and have exalted one chosen out of the people.
20 I have found David my servant; *
with my holy oil have I anointed him.
21 My hand will hold him fast *
and my arm will make him strong.
22 No enemy shall deceive him, *
nor any wicked man bring him down.
23 I will crush his foes before him *
and strike down those who hate him.
24 My faithfulness and love shall be with him, *
and he shall be victorious through my Name.
25 I shall make his dominion extend *
from the Great Sea to the River.
26 He will say to me, ‘You are my Father, *
my God, and the rock of my salvation.’”
27 I will make him my firstborn *
and higher than the kings of the earth.
28 I will keep my love for him for ever, *
and my covenant will stand firm for him.
29 I will establish his line for ever *
and his throne as the days of heaven."
Gospel: Hymnal #78 O Little Town of Bethlehem
1. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
and praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
3. How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.
4. Where children pure and happy pray to the blessed Child,
where misery cries out to thee, Son of the mother mild;
where charity stand watching and faith holds wide the door,
the dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.
5. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (1:67-79) Glory to you, Lord Christ
Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty saviour for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ
Sermon
The Nicene Creed
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.
Prayers of the People Please kneel, sit or stand. The People respond: Shine in our hearts.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5
You who fashioned this holy time with the radiance of the Christ Child, fill our hearts with the song of the angels that we may be makers and pursuers of peace.
Silence.
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who framed the brightness of the first light in creation, dispel the arrogance, animosity, and anger that shatter the unity of your holy Church. Fill your faithful people with the radiant light of truth.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who delivered your people from the misery of bondage in slavery to the land of promise, set us free from enslavement to division, disunity, and distrust in our public life and labor. Illumine those in authority with the light of vision.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who patterned the stars and called the sun into being, who appointed the moon and chartered the cosmos, pattern the hearts of people everywhere to see in each other the beauty of the universe and the splendor of creation, that divisions of race, class, gender, and ethnicity may be recreated into one common humanity.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who shower comfort and hope to the lowest, the lost, and the least, shower the light of compassion on the sick, the sorrowful, and the suffering especially Canon Bill & Fran; Rev. Tom; Maureen; Mary-Jo & the Cliff family; Irena; Mason; Jim; Jackie; Bill; Arja; Addie; Wendy; Gail; David D.; Robert; David; the Johnson family; Tristan; Nancy & Derry; Joyce; Michael, Mikey, Allie; Rick; Carol; Luke; Wilmer; Pat; Mason; Beth; James, Laura & Cristina; Ryan & Michelle; Mel; Donna; Paula; Mike and the residents & staff at Abington Manor; Jimmy; Adele; Molly; Judy; John; Amy and Jim; Beth; Jack; Susan; Scott; Lynn; Richelle; Kim; Ceil; Jim; Don; Eleanore & George; Amy & Todd; Sandi; Bob; Betsy & Ed; Jane; Louise; Daryl; Addiction Sufferers & their families; all whose lives are touched by COVID-19; for Children killed by gunfire, and their families; for Epiphany School in Uganda, its Primary Class Seven.
Help us to be your compassion and hope in the world.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who welcome into the brilliant light of eternity those who have died, welcome those whose lives have been cut short by violence, warfare, and strife.
We pray for Richard & Lois Little; and Richard III & Grace Hough Little, in whose memory the Altar Flowers are offered.
For Joanne Matechak in whose memory the Rood Screen flowers are given.
And for Elizabeth & Amil Loch, in whose memory the Narthex door wreath is given.
Shine the light of hope.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who delight in the complexity and splendor of creation, help us to delight in the diversity of this earth, our island home. Inspire your people to care for all you have made.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
Presider:
May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find us ever burning with the light of love, the spirit of truth, and the wellspring of hope. Amen.
Confession
The Deacon or Celebrant says: Let us confess our sins to God. Silence may be kept.
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 Bishop, when present, or the Priest, stands and says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
God’s Peace is shared
Announcements & Opportunities!
Prayer For a Birthday (#50 BCP page 830)
O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on you servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer For those we Love (for anniversary #54 BCP page 831)
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Offertory sentence
Please remember that you can give on-line at www.onrealm.org or by texting BREAD to 73256.
Thank you for your financial support!
Offertory Anthem: Epiphany’s Adult Choir
(or Hymnal #101) Away in a Manger
1 Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
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 on the hay.
2 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.
3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
close by me forever and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care;
and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer 2
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 our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: 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 gave Jesus Christ your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children. 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:
Hymnal #S 128: Sanctus
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him,
being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with [ and] all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
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.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray (BCP p. 364):
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
Hymnal #S 154 Fraction Anthem: Christ our Passover
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Prayer of Spiritual Reception:
In union, O Lord, with the faithful at every altar of Thy Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, we desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving. We present to you our soul and body with the earnest wish that we may always be united to you. And since we cannot now receive you sacramentally, we beseech you to come spiritually into our heart. We unite ourselves to you, and embrace you with all the affections of our soul. Let nothing ever separate you from us. May we live and die in your love. Amen. (Adapted from The Armed Forces Prayer Book 1951)
Communion: Hymnal #93 Angels, from the Realms of Glory
1 Angels, from the realms of glory,
wing your flight o'er all the earth;
ye, who sang creation's story,
now proclaim Messiah's birth:
come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
2 Shepherds in the field abiding,
watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with you is now resid-ing;
yonder shines the infant Light:
come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
3 Sages, leave your contemplations;
brighter visions beam afar:
seek the great Desire of nations;
ye have seen his natal star:
come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
4 Saints before the altar bending,
watching long in hope and fear,
suddenly the Lord, descending,
in his temple shall appear:
come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
Prayer after Communion – BCP pg. 365
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.
Hymn by candlelight #111 Silent Night
A moment of silence for Christ to be born in each one of us as the candles are lighted.
1 Silent night, holy night,
all is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace.
2 Silent night, holy night,
shepherds quake at the sight,
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
3 Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Dwell in the silence.
Blessing & Dismissal
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God!
Recessional: Hymnal #99 Go Tell It on the Mountain
Refrain: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born!
1 While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. [Refrain]
2 The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth
rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]
3 Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain]
Christmas blessings to all at home and on-line. There is no ‘coffee hour’ today.
Processional hymn #100 Joy to the World!
1 Joy to the world! the Lord is come: let earth receive her king;
let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
2 Joy to the world! the Savior reigns; let us our songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3 No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.
4 He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove
the glories of his right-eousness, and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
Lighting the Advent Wreath:
Light the Christmas candle now,
At His crib we humbly bow,
Birthday candles for the King,
Let the alleluias ring.
Candle, candle burning bright,
Shining in the cold winter night.
Candle, candle burning bright,
fill our hearts with Christmas light.
Opening Prayer
Celebrant Blessed be God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thought 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.
The Gloria: Hymnal #S 280 Glory to God in the highest
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Collect
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen
A reading from the Second Book of Samuel, chapter 7 verses 1-16
When the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.” But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. But I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 89:1-4,19-26, read by a lector.
1 Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing; *
from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
2 For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; *
you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.
3 “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; *
I have sworn an oath to David my servant:
4 ‘I will establish your line for ever, *
and preserve your throne for all generations.’”
19 You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people: *
“I have set the crown upon a warrior and have exalted one chosen out of the people.
20 I have found David my servant; *
with my holy oil have I anointed him.
21 My hand will hold him fast *
and my arm will make him strong.
22 No enemy shall deceive him, *
nor any wicked man bring him down.
23 I will crush his foes before him *
and strike down those who hate him.
24 My faithfulness and love shall be with him, *
and he shall be victorious through my Name.
25 I shall make his dominion extend *
from the Great Sea to the River.
26 He will say to me, ‘You are my Father, *
my God, and the rock of my salvation.’”
27 I will make him my firstborn *
and higher than the kings of the earth.
28 I will keep my love for him for ever, *
and my covenant will stand firm for him.
29 I will establish his line for ever *
and his throne as the days of heaven."
Gospel: Hymnal #78 O Little Town of Bethlehem
1. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
and praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
3. How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.
4. Where children pure and happy pray to the blessed Child,
where misery cries out to thee, Son of the mother mild;
where charity stand watching and faith holds wide the door,
the dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.
5. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (1:67-79) Glory to you, Lord Christ
Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty saviour for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ
Sermon
The Nicene Creed
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.
Prayers of the People Please kneel, sit or stand. The People respond: Shine in our hearts.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5
You who fashioned this holy time with the radiance of the Christ Child, fill our hearts with the song of the angels that we may be makers and pursuers of peace.
Silence.
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who framed the brightness of the first light in creation, dispel the arrogance, animosity, and anger that shatter the unity of your holy Church. Fill your faithful people with the radiant light of truth.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who delivered your people from the misery of bondage in slavery to the land of promise, set us free from enslavement to division, disunity, and distrust in our public life and labor. Illumine those in authority with the light of vision.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who patterned the stars and called the sun into being, who appointed the moon and chartered the cosmos, pattern the hearts of people everywhere to see in each other the beauty of the universe and the splendor of creation, that divisions of race, class, gender, and ethnicity may be recreated into one common humanity.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who shower comfort and hope to the lowest, the lost, and the least, shower the light of compassion on the sick, the sorrowful, and the suffering especially Canon Bill & Fran; Rev. Tom; Maureen; Mary-Jo & the Cliff family; Irena; Mason; Jim; Jackie; Bill; Arja; Addie; Wendy; Gail; David D.; Robert; David; the Johnson family; Tristan; Nancy & Derry; Joyce; Michael, Mikey, Allie; Rick; Carol; Luke; Wilmer; Pat; Mason; Beth; James, Laura & Cristina; Ryan & Michelle; Mel; Donna; Paula; Mike and the residents & staff at Abington Manor; Jimmy; Adele; Molly; Judy; John; Amy and Jim; Beth; Jack; Susan; Scott; Lynn; Richelle; Kim; Ceil; Jim; Don; Eleanore & George; Amy & Todd; Sandi; Bob; Betsy & Ed; Jane; Louise; Daryl; Addiction Sufferers & their families; all whose lives are touched by COVID-19; for Children killed by gunfire, and their families; for Epiphany School in Uganda, its Primary Class Seven.
Help us to be your compassion and hope in the world.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who welcome into the brilliant light of eternity those who have died, welcome those whose lives have been cut short by violence, warfare, and strife.
We pray for Richard & Lois Little; and Richard III & Grace Hough Little, in whose memory the Altar Flowers are offered.
For Joanne Matechak in whose memory the Rood Screen flowers are given.
And for Elizabeth & Amil Loch, in whose memory the Narthex door wreath is given.
Shine the light of hope.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
You who delight in the complexity and splendor of creation, help us to delight in the diversity of this earth, our island home. Inspire your people to care for all you have made.
Silence
Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.
Presider:
May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find us ever burning with the light of love, the spirit of truth, and the wellspring of hope. Amen.
Confession
The Deacon or Celebrant says: Let us confess our sins to God. Silence may be kept.
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 Bishop, when present, or the Priest, stands and says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
God’s Peace is shared
Announcements & Opportunities!
Prayer For a Birthday (#50 BCP page 830)
O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on you servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer For those we Love (for anniversary #54 BCP page 831)
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Offertory sentence
Please remember that you can give on-line at www.onrealm.org or by texting BREAD to 73256.
Thank you for your financial support!
Offertory Anthem: Epiphany’s Adult Choir
(or Hymnal #101) Away in a Manger
1 Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
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 on the hay.
2 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.
3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
close by me forever and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care;
and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer 2
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 our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: 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 gave Jesus Christ your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children. 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:
Hymnal #S 128: Sanctus
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him,
being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with [ and] all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
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.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray (BCP p. 364):
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
Hymnal #S 154 Fraction Anthem: Christ our Passover
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Prayer of Spiritual Reception:
In union, O Lord, with the faithful at every altar of Thy Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, we desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving. We present to you our soul and body with the earnest wish that we may always be united to you. And since we cannot now receive you sacramentally, we beseech you to come spiritually into our heart. We unite ourselves to you, and embrace you with all the affections of our soul. Let nothing ever separate you from us. May we live and die in your love. Amen. (Adapted from The Armed Forces Prayer Book 1951)
Communion: Hymnal #93 Angels, from the Realms of Glory
1 Angels, from the realms of glory,
wing your flight o'er all the earth;
ye, who sang creation's story,
now proclaim Messiah's birth:
come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
2 Shepherds in the field abiding,
watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with you is now resid-ing;
yonder shines the infant Light:
come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
3 Sages, leave your contemplations;
brighter visions beam afar:
seek the great Desire of nations;
ye have seen his natal star:
come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
4 Saints before the altar bending,
watching long in hope and fear,
suddenly the Lord, descending,
in his temple shall appear:
come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
Prayer after Communion – BCP pg. 365
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.
Hymn by candlelight #111 Silent Night
A moment of silence for Christ to be born in each one of us as the candles are lighted.
1 Silent night, holy night,
all is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace.
2 Silent night, holy night,
shepherds quake at the sight,
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
3 Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Dwell in the silence.
Blessing & Dismissal
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God!
Recessional: Hymnal #99 Go Tell It on the Mountain
Refrain: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born!
1 While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. [Refrain]
2 The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth
rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]
3 Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain]
Christmas blessings to all at home and on-line. There is no ‘coffee hour’ today.
++++++
Officiant: Mo. Lou Divis
Assistant: Deacon John Davis
Organist: Mary-Jo Cliff
Choir Director: Melissa Driscole
Broadcast Media: Rick Little
Crucifer: Phoebe Mattes
Acolytes: Hayden Driscole, George Sutton
First Lesson: Bruce Rivera
Psalm: George Ginader
Intercessor: Brenda Spangenberg
Ushers: Lee Rancier, Nickolai Sutton (Youth Asst.)
Altar Guild: Melissa Driscole, Mary-Jo Cliff, Adrien Lambert, Lori Moran
Social Media Director: Barbara Little
Sexton: Jeff Napierala
Admin: Adrien Lambert
Officiant: Mo. Lou Divis
Assistant: Deacon John Davis
Organist: Mary-Jo Cliff
Choir Director: Melissa Driscole
Broadcast Media: Rick Little
Crucifer: Phoebe Mattes
Acolytes: Hayden Driscole, George Sutton
First Lesson: Bruce Rivera
Psalm: George Ginader
Intercessor: Brenda Spangenberg
Ushers: Lee Rancier, Nickolai Sutton (Youth Asst.)
Altar Guild: Melissa Driscole, Mary-Jo Cliff, Adrien Lambert, Lori Moran
Social Media Director: Barbara Little
Sexton: Jeff Napierala
Admin: Adrien Lambert
++++++
Christmas Flowers
Given to the Glory of God for: By:
Our Loved Ones Letha & Ken Reinheimer
our Parents: Bill and Dena Jones
Mr & Mrs Jones and Bill & Marie Clark
Thank Offering for A church Home Carol & Jim King
Roger & Dinny Mattes; The Mattes Family
Philip Mattes, III; Izzy & Raychel Cohen
John Lengel Alice Lengel & family
Robert and Mary Prye; Mike Nardella Bob and Gail Prye
Our Loved Ones Derry & Nancy Bird
Mary, George & Joseph Tierney and Maureen & Ross Wezmar
John, Marian & Karl Wezmar
Fr. Graham; Jim & Pegge Romberger Mary-Jo, Andrew & Norah Cliff
My Loved Ones Brenda Spangenberg
Carol G. VanBacker Gretchen VanBacker
Rev. Edward Lowe and the Evans family Louise Lowe
My parents, Charlie & Elaine Trentalange Leann Magakis
In Thanksgiving for Baby Norah! The Castanzo Family
Altar Flowers
Richard & Lois Little; Linda, Chris, Rick, & Barbara
Richard III & Grace Hough Little
Rood Screen Flowers
Joanne Matechak Jack & her Family
Narthex Door Wreath
Elizabeth and Amil Loch Ruth Lynne Loch & John Polger
Christmas Flowers
Given to the Glory of God for: By:
Our Loved Ones Letha & Ken Reinheimer
our Parents: Bill and Dena Jones
Mr & Mrs Jones and Bill & Marie Clark
Thank Offering for A church Home Carol & Jim King
Roger & Dinny Mattes; The Mattes Family
Philip Mattes, III; Izzy & Raychel Cohen
John Lengel Alice Lengel & family
Robert and Mary Prye; Mike Nardella Bob and Gail Prye
Our Loved Ones Derry & Nancy Bird
Mary, George & Joseph Tierney and Maureen & Ross Wezmar
John, Marian & Karl Wezmar
Fr. Graham; Jim & Pegge Romberger Mary-Jo, Andrew & Norah Cliff
My Loved Ones Brenda Spangenberg
Carol G. VanBacker Gretchen VanBacker
Rev. Edward Lowe and the Evans family Louise Lowe
My parents, Charlie & Elaine Trentalange Leann Magakis
In Thanksgiving for Baby Norah! The Castanzo Family
Altar Flowers
Richard & Lois Little; Linda, Chris, Rick, & Barbara
Richard III & Grace Hough Little
Rood Screen Flowers
Joanne Matechak Jack & her Family
Narthex Door Wreath
Elizabeth and Amil Loch Ruth Lynne Loch & John Polger
This Week's Opportunities
Parish Intercessions December 19-25
Birthdays: Holly Gilpin, Peter Bower
Anniversaries: Scott & Rev. Demery Bader-Saye.
For the Pygmy Ministry, Fr. Charles & Alice their principal
For: Mo. Lou, our Priest-in-Charge, and Rev. John, our Deacon
For: Our Vestry & Staff
Special Services at Epiphany:
Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist, celebrating the birth of Christ, will be held at 5:00 pm December 24.
All are welcome to worship, sing, and receive communion!
Note that this is a one time Zoom link just for Christmas Eve - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84777567039
Or on your telephone, dial: +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) then enter Meeting ID: 847 7756 7039#
December 26 at 10:00 am, Church of the Epiphany, Glenburn, and St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Tunkhannock will celebrate the joy of Lessons and Carols. This tradition began in the 1870's in England, and is a favorite combination of the Biblical story of the coming of Christ, interspersed with Christmas carols and hymns. All are welcome! There is no Eucharist at this service. (Use the regular links below for this service.)
Regular Sunday Services at Epiphany:
8 AM Holy Eucharist in the church
11 AM Holy Eucharist at Epiphany – You may join us in church or online
Join Virtual Worship at 11 AM via Zoom on your PC or smart-device here: https://zoom.us/j/99005230944
Call-in via telephone: +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) – enter Meeting ID: 990 0523 0944#
Go to www.epiphanyglenburn.org for the Zoom worship link and bulletin. Be sure to download Zoom software or app a few minutes prior to start of worship.
Acolyte Schedule:
December 26 - 10am
Crucifer - Phoebe
Acolyte -
January 2 - 11am
Crucifer - George "Miami"
Acolyte - Nickolai YR
2021 Parish Reports DUE: If your committee or group has a report to offer the Parish during its Annual Meeting Jan. 30, 2022, please submit for printing to the office @ cote@epix.net
For Our Common Life:
Two remaining sessions of this four-part virtual formation series Thursday, January 13 from 7:00-8:45pm focuses on issues of racial reconciliation and the calling of the Church and our diocese to strive for justice and peace among all people. This series was born of the work and study of the diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Task Force and diocesan staff. We have worked together to create a series of guided interviews with authors and speakers from across the Church that will prompt group discussions and, hopefully, ministry in our congregations and action in our communities. Any questions, email office@diobeth.org Introduction & Glossary doc: https://diobeth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/FOCL-INTRO-GLOSSARY-draft-2.pdf
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsde-rqzIjGtS2swtkxaygEIa1_wO_8S4L
Christmas Gifts for Our Homebound:
We have purchased ‘2022 Walking in Grace’ (formerly Daily Guidepost) books in large-print for our homebound parishioners. Please consider a donation of any amount to provide this present of a book from their Epiphany family. Place donation in Sunday offering plate, drop at office, mail to PO Box 189, Clarks Summit Pa 18411.
2021 Inventory of Racial Justice and Truth-telling Ministries:
For the second year, The Episcopal Church has gathered data from more than 70 dioceses—as well as more than 140 congregations and institutions—detailing regional and local ministries of racial justice, reconciliation and healing. This year’s inventory includes an emphasis on ministries of truth-telling about our churches and race. Session #3: Taking the First Steps Wednesday, Jan. 12, 3 - 4:30 p.m. Eastern. Inspiring leaders share best practices and ideas for truth-telling, reckoning and healing work, to help other Episcopal groups jump-start or enhance their efforts. Learn more Racial Reconciliation Ministries https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/racial-reconciliation/
ChurchNext Offering:
Praying with Visual Art with Roger Hutchinson. Visual art enriches life. We go to museums, purchase and create art, fill halls and homes with it. But how often do we use visual art as a prayer tool? Roger paints regularly with his hands as a prayer practice. He also takes time in his prayer life to engage with paintings by other artists, including Pine Trees at Sunset by Vincent Van Gough, which he discusses. Focusing on quiet time with God, conversation with God and exploring the imagination, Roger takes us on a tour of key pieces that have influenced him and deepened his spiritual journey and invites us to find our own journey. $10 per course Register here: https://www.churchnext.tv/library/praying-with-visual-art-with-roger-hutchison-169789/367616/about/
Episcopal Migration Ministries resettles its 100,000th refugee:
Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM)—one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders in partnership with the U.S. government—is pleased to announce the welcome and resettlement of 100,000 individuals since EMM was formally established in the 1980s.
For more information: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org or 1-800-334-7626
Upcoming Dates for Events at Epiphany:
Epiphany office will be closed Dec 15, 29, and 30 in addition to usual days.
Birthdays: Holly Gilpin, Peter Bower
Anniversaries: Scott & Rev. Demery Bader-Saye.
For the Pygmy Ministry, Fr. Charles & Alice their principal
For: Mo. Lou, our Priest-in-Charge, and Rev. John, our Deacon
For: Our Vestry & Staff
Special Services at Epiphany:
Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist, celebrating the birth of Christ, will be held at 5:00 pm December 24.
All are welcome to worship, sing, and receive communion!
Note that this is a one time Zoom link just for Christmas Eve - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84777567039
Or on your telephone, dial: +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) then enter Meeting ID: 847 7756 7039#
December 26 at 10:00 am, Church of the Epiphany, Glenburn, and St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Tunkhannock will celebrate the joy of Lessons and Carols. This tradition began in the 1870's in England, and is a favorite combination of the Biblical story of the coming of Christ, interspersed with Christmas carols and hymns. All are welcome! There is no Eucharist at this service. (Use the regular links below for this service.)
Regular Sunday Services at Epiphany:
8 AM Holy Eucharist in the church
11 AM Holy Eucharist at Epiphany – You may join us in church or online
Join Virtual Worship at 11 AM via Zoom on your PC or smart-device here: https://zoom.us/j/99005230944
Call-in via telephone: +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) – enter Meeting ID: 990 0523 0944#
Go to www.epiphanyglenburn.org for the Zoom worship link and bulletin. Be sure to download Zoom software or app a few minutes prior to start of worship.
Acolyte Schedule:
December 26 - 10am
Crucifer - Phoebe
Acolyte -
January 2 - 11am
Crucifer - George "Miami"
Acolyte - Nickolai YR
2021 Parish Reports DUE: If your committee or group has a report to offer the Parish during its Annual Meeting Jan. 30, 2022, please submit for printing to the office @ cote@epix.net
For Our Common Life:
Two remaining sessions of this four-part virtual formation series Thursday, January 13 from 7:00-8:45pm focuses on issues of racial reconciliation and the calling of the Church and our diocese to strive for justice and peace among all people. This series was born of the work and study of the diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Task Force and diocesan staff. We have worked together to create a series of guided interviews with authors and speakers from across the Church that will prompt group discussions and, hopefully, ministry in our congregations and action in our communities. Any questions, email office@diobeth.org Introduction & Glossary doc: https://diobeth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/FOCL-INTRO-GLOSSARY-draft-2.pdf
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsde-rqzIjGtS2swtkxaygEIa1_wO_8S4L
Christmas Gifts for Our Homebound:
We have purchased ‘2022 Walking in Grace’ (formerly Daily Guidepost) books in large-print for our homebound parishioners. Please consider a donation of any amount to provide this present of a book from their Epiphany family. Place donation in Sunday offering plate, drop at office, mail to PO Box 189, Clarks Summit Pa 18411.
2021 Inventory of Racial Justice and Truth-telling Ministries:
For the second year, The Episcopal Church has gathered data from more than 70 dioceses—as well as more than 140 congregations and institutions—detailing regional and local ministries of racial justice, reconciliation and healing. This year’s inventory includes an emphasis on ministries of truth-telling about our churches and race. Session #3: Taking the First Steps Wednesday, Jan. 12, 3 - 4:30 p.m. Eastern. Inspiring leaders share best practices and ideas for truth-telling, reckoning and healing work, to help other Episcopal groups jump-start or enhance their efforts. Learn more Racial Reconciliation Ministries https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/racial-reconciliation/
ChurchNext Offering:
Praying with Visual Art with Roger Hutchinson. Visual art enriches life. We go to museums, purchase and create art, fill halls and homes with it. But how often do we use visual art as a prayer tool? Roger paints regularly with his hands as a prayer practice. He also takes time in his prayer life to engage with paintings by other artists, including Pine Trees at Sunset by Vincent Van Gough, which he discusses. Focusing on quiet time with God, conversation with God and exploring the imagination, Roger takes us on a tour of key pieces that have influenced him and deepened his spiritual journey and invites us to find our own journey. $10 per course Register here: https://www.churchnext.tv/library/praying-with-visual-art-with-roger-hutchison-169789/367616/about/
Episcopal Migration Ministries resettles its 100,000th refugee:
Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM)—one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders in partnership with the U.S. government—is pleased to announce the welcome and resettlement of 100,000 individuals since EMM was formally established in the 1980s.
For more information: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org or 1-800-334-7626
Upcoming Dates for Events at Epiphany:
Epiphany office will be closed Dec 15, 29, and 30 in addition to usual days.
- Dec 24 – 5pm Christmas Eve Service at Epiphany
- Dec 26 – 10AM Lessons & Carols for Christmas at Epiphany with St. Peter’s Parish – NO 8am service at Epiphany – NO 9.15am service at St. Peter’s
- Dec 28 - 8.30am – Check Request Fulfillment, Epiphany Office
- January 6, 2022 – EPIPHANY!
- Jan 8 - 11.30am-1pm – Monthly Food Giveaway, Benton Twp Community Bldg, Fleetville Corners *Volunteers needed 8.30-noon, 11.00am-2pm https://www.facebook.com/NLCFoodSharing/
- Jan 9 - 12.45-5pm – Spinners Web, Parish Hall
- Jan 12 - 3-4.30pm – The Episcopal Church’s Truth-telling Ministries #3: Taking the First Steps –
- Jan 13 - 7pm – For Our Common Life – Virtual Formation series #2 with Diocese of Bethlehem
- Jan 13 Welsh Cookies available for Pick-up at Waverly UMC, 105 Church St, $5/dozen 586-8166
- January 23 – 3pm Holy Hootenanny @ St. Benedict’s Church – Area choirs welcome!
- Jan 30 – Epiphany Annual Parish Meeting & 2021 Presentation of Reports
Please visit our Facebook page for most current events.
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Watch for our E-Weekly newsletter in your inbox each Thursday afternoon. Sign-up HERE if you are not already receiving the latest Epiphany news, photos, and links.
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set-up online one-time or recurring gifts via ACH transfer, Credit/Debit card.
