The Propers (Collect and Lessons) for the Second Sunday in Advent.

The Book of Common Prayer 1928. 

The Collect.

BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.   

The Epistle. Rom. xv. 4.

WHATSOEVER things were written afore time were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers : and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; In him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.   

The Gospel. St. Luke xxi. 25.

AND, there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Be hold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So like wise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 

Announcements for the Week of Sunday, December 4th, 2022 (Advent II)

If you are a visitor:

Welcome! Thank you for being here. We are very pleased to have you with us, and hope that your worship at Christ Church Anglican is a blessing to you. Please sign the guest book on the table in the narthex, and provide appropriate contact information. Include your email address to be placed on our parish email list: you won’t be bombarded, but it’s a good way to keep in touch. And may God bless you!

Christmas Poinsettias

Anyone desiring to purchase Christmas poinsettias can place an envelope in the offering plate labeled for Christmas Poinsettias with your name and the name of those who are honouring, and payment, or you can contact Susan Saulsbury (410-984-4401). The cost for each poinsettia is $17. Thank you!

Reverse Advent Calendar

For those who wish to donate to purchase food items for the Reverse Advent Calendar, rather than buying the items yourself: the deadline to contribute will be Sunday, December 10^th. The requested donation is $50 to supply a single family.

All Saints Christian Academy Christmas Fundraiser

All Saints Christian Academy, in which our assisting priest Fr. John Taylor Brantley is deputy head-teacher, is conducting a fundraising via Lynch Creek Farm: evergreen wreaths, swags, centerpieces, garlands, etc. If you are interested in making a purchase or a donation, please visit the website:

https://www.lynchcreekfundraising.com/teams/299507-all-saints-christian-academy

There will be additional details in the bulletin insert, but the above link is clickable!

Acolytes / Altar Servers and Lay Readers

We welcome and invite inquiries from men or boys wishing to serve as Acolytes, Altar Servers, and Lay Readers. Please see George Hillard if you are interested!

Midweek Service: Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock

We offer a weekly service of Holy Communion at 10 o’clock on Wednesdays. This is also an opportunity for the anointing with oil and laying on of hands for healing (of body, mind, heart, or soul) for those who desire it.

Year-end Charitable Giving

Please contact McNeil Chestnut (918-910-8904) for information on how charitable donations to our parish prior to the year’s end can assist you financially at tax time.

Stewardship

Speaking of financials: it is not too early to begin thinking about what you will be giving to the work of God through this parish, in the coming year!

A few things to keep in mind, both theological and practical: first, the Lord loves a cheerful giver! This should not be be undertaken with a sense of dread and teeth-gritted obligation, but with cheerfulness and gratitude in our hearts, as a thank-offering in response to all the gifts God has already given us, beginning with life itself.

Second, please remember that the Biblical standard of giving is the tithe: a tenth-part of our “substance,” offered back to the Giver of all things through supporting the work of the local church, and the Diocese. If our circumstances do not allow that at present, let us consider it as a goal to be worked toward.

And third and finally, in practical terms, please pledge. Pledges greatly assist the Vestry and Treasurer in putting together a budget, so as to know with confidence how much to expect that we’ll have coming in, so that we can plan accordingly, rather than having to extrapolate from the last year.

There are pledge cards in the narthex, or just ask me, one of our other clergy, or a member of the Vestry. Many thanks, and may God bless you for your generosity toward His work!

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Fr. Tom Harbold