The Gathering of the Community
Hymn: Blue #89 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
All: And also with you
All: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you 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.
Collect of the Day
Leader: God of power and mercy, you call us once again
to celebrate the coming of your Son.
Remove those things which hinder love of you,
that when he comes, he may find us waiting in awe and wonder for him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146: Praise the Lord!
Second Reading: James 5:7-10
Gradual Hymn: Blue #104 Joy Shall Come
The Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11
The 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 worshipped 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.
The Prayers of the People
In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid we pray to Jesus.
Come to your Church as Lord and judge. We pray for … Help us to live in the light of your coming and give us a longing for your kingdom.
Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come to your world as King of the nations. We pray for …Before you rulers will stand in silence.
Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come to the suffering as Saviour and comforter. We pray for …Break into our lives, where we struggle with sickness and distress, and set us free to serve you for ever.
Maranatha:Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come to us as shepherd and guardian of our souls. We remember … Give us with all the faithful departed a share in your victory over evil and death.
Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come from heaven, Lord Jesus, with power and great glory. Lift us up to meet you, that with [N and] all your saints and angels we may live and reign with you in your new creation.
Maranatha: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay; give new courage to your people, who trust in your love. By your coming, raise us to share in the joy of your kingdom on earth as in heaven, where you live and reign with the Father and the Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you
All: And also with you.
Offertory Hymn: Blue#111 Herald! Sound the Note of Judgement
The Holy Eucharist
A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
Leader: Jesus said, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:54-58)
All: 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, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
All: Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people gathered around every altar of your Church, and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
Leader: Merciful God, may this eucharist free us from our sins, fill us with unending joy, and prepare us for the birthday of our Saviour. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord now and for ever.
Hymn: Blue #362 Tell Out, My Soul
Leader: Let us go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
We pray for: Jeff and Janice Shewchuk, and Lindsay; Naomi Shewchuk and Patrick Larkin
Announcements
| Advent Lessons and Carols: December 18, 4:30 p.m. In this beautiful candlelight service of Bible readings and carols we celebrate God’s love in the Christ child who is coming. As a sign of that love and hope we will invite donations to support our new refugee sponsorship. Join us next Sunday; bring your friends. Refreshments needed! We would like to welcome our guests with good cheer: please consider bringing a few goodies to share after the service. |
| Grand Piano Needed One thing that makes our Lessons and Carols service and other concerts possible is our grand piano. Our current piano has been on a 5-year loan to the church and is going back to its home in June. We are seeking leads on a grand piano in good repair to replace it: if you know someone who might have a piano to donate, or be willing to help purchase one, please speak to Mtr Catherine or Sam Tam. |
| Poinsettia Fund Each Christmas, we decorate our church with poinsettia plants to celebrate the birth of the infant Jesus. We have an annual fund to pay for them. If you would like to remember a loved one or give thanks through contributing to this fund, please place your donation in the envelope inserted into your bulletin. Clearly print your name and memorials on the envelope and place it on the collection plate at the front of the church. Donations can also be given through e-transfer. Any amount is gratefully received. The last day to contribute is Sunday, December 18th |
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Riverdale
135 First Avenue, Toronto ON, M4M 1W9
416-463-9720
