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What a strange week this has been! At this writing, the investigation continues into the attacks on two electrical substations that resulted in most of Moore County – and many members of this parish – being out of power from Friday night until sometime on Wednesday (power here at the church came back at shortly before 11 o’clock Wednesday morning, as we were wrapping up our midweek Eucharist in semi-darkness), but at least the power has been restored.
While Duke Energy is by no means to be confused with Christ our Lord, it is nonetheless a blessing that, thanks to the efforts of the former and the blessing of the latter, the Advent message that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” has been illustrated in a more tangible-than-usual fashion! Let us pray that there is no repeat of this event, and that the investigation bears fruit. And let us give thanks that it was not worse than it was!
But I am very pleased to be able to say that – barring something else utterly unexpected – we will be holding service here at the church at t0:30 this Sunday. (Many thanks to Chris and George, who were here to inform a few folks who had not gotten the email, last Sunday!) I look forward to seeing you, and to worshiping together with you! And all the more, since last week’s cancellation. So without further ado, here are the Propers and Announcements. God bless you!
Faithfully,
Fr. Tom Harbold
Propers for the Third Sunday in Advent.
The Book of Common Prayer 1928.
The Collect.
O LORD Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Epistle. 1 Cor. iv. 1.
LET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
The Gospel. St. Matt. xi. 2.
NOW when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he whoso-ever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Announcements for the Week of Sunday, December 4th, 2022 (Advent III)
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 is today – Sunday, December 11th. The requested donation is $50 to supply a single family. Please see or contact Crystal Champaigne (410-952-7268) or Bud Saulsburgy (443-324-9852) following the service!
Year-end Charitable Giving
Please contact McNeil Chestnut (918-910-8904), our Stewardship Committee chairman and a man with much professional experience in financial management, for information on how charitable donations to our parish prior to the year’s end can assist you financially at tax time.
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
Bishop’s Visitation and Potential Confirmations
The tentative date for Bishop Paul C. Hewett, SSC, to conduct his annual visitation of our parish is Sunday, February 5th, 2023. If you are a baptized Christian who has not already been confirmed by a bishop in apostolic succession and would like to be, this is your opportunity! Please contact Fr. Tom Harbold and let me know, so that I can determine whether we will need to have a Confirmation class or whether individual preparation would make more sense. And if you aren’t sure, or aren’t quite clear on what “a bishop in apostolic succession” actually consists of, please let me know that, too! We do have one confirmand, but if there will be others, it’d be good to know that as soon as possible. Many thanks!
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.
Saints’ Days and Holy Days for This Week
Sunday, December 11th – III Advent; Gaudete (Rose) Sunday
Tuesday, December 13th – St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr (Sankta Lucia)
Friday, December 16th – O Sapientia (Sarum [English] Use)
Saturday, December 17th – O Sapientia (Western [Roman] Use)
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Fr. Tom Harbold
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