The Gathering Of The Community
Hymn: Blue #154 Joy To The World
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.
Collect for Purity
All: Almighty God 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
Almighty God, you have shed upon us the new light of your incarnate Word. May this light, enkindled in our hearts, shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
The Proclamation of the Word
First Reading: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Hymn: Blue #132 Of The Father’s Love Begotten
Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Blue #143 Angels, from the Realms Glory
Sermon
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
Let us pray to our incarnate Lord, who has brought us out of darkness and into his own marvellous light. Christ born for us, Son of God given for us: help us to know you, to worship and to serve you … Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Wonderful counsellor, you order all things with your wisdom: help the Church to reveal the mystery of your love and fill her with the Spirit of truth … Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Mighty God, the government is on your shoulders: guide the leaders of the nations and bring in your kingdom of justice and righteousness … Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Everlasting Father, you call us to live together in unity: protect by your mercy all your children, bless our families and renew our communities …Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Prince of peace, you bring reconciliation through the cross: by your healing power give to all who suffer your gift of wholeness and peace. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, full of the Spirit, hear our prayer, receive our praises, fill our lives. Amen.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone, and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God. Amen.
The Peace
Leader: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
Hymn: Blue #145 Good King Wenceslas
A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
Leader: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never thirst…54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. (John 6)
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: Source of truth and joy, may we who have received the gift of divine life always follow the way of your Son. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Hymn: Blue #148 See Amid the Winter’s Snow
Leader: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Alleluia!
All: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
We pray for: Nell Bradshaw and Natasha Varjacic; Jeff Buchyns; Audrey and Wing Chan; Vivien and Isabel Chan; Jennifer Chan
Announcements
Christmas Basket
We would like to put together a basket of goodies for the Berberians for their Christmas celebration on Epiphany. If you would like to contribute small special food items for the family or gifts for the children please bring them to the church next Sunday, January 2.
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Riverdale,
135 First Avenue, Toronto ON, M4M 1W9
416-463-9720
The Rev Dr Catherine Sider-Hamilton – Priest-in-charge: 416-463-9720
The Rev Dr Ephraim Radner – Honorary Assistant
Please direct all enquiries to Bill Middleton, Peoples’ Warden or Audrey Chan, Rector’s Warden
