THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 17, 2023
THE FATHER IS MY HOPE; THE SON IS MY REFUGE;
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PROTECTIOR.
ALL HOLY TRINITY, GLORY TO THEE!
LIVE AUDIO STREAMING during today’s service is available on the Order of Service page. Recorded audio will be added following worship.
GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY: PREVIEW OF THE READINGS.
THE LESSON: 1 Corinthians 4. 1-5
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then every man will receive his commendation from God.
THE HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 11. 7-11
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.”As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? Why then did you go out? To see a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings’ houses. Why then did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before thy face,
who shall prepare thy way before thee.’
PARISH LIFE NOTES
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Today we commemorate 110th anniversary of the first service which to took place at St. Mary’s on December 14th, 1913.
2024 PLEDGE CARDS will be presented at the altar this morning along with our regular weekly offering. Pledges may still be sent into or dropped off at the parish office.
MEMORIAL SERVICE for Min Ring will take place on Friday, January 5 at 11.00 a.m. May she rest in peace and rise in glory!
SENIORS’ COMMUNITY KITCHEN meets on Monday at 10 in the Upper Hall.
BIBLE STUDY on the readings for next Sunday follows the celebration of the Holy Communion on Wednesday at 10.00 a.m.
2024 ENVELOPES. Boxes of weekly and monthly donation envelopes will be available soon. If you would like to change how you give, please send Blair a note and he will make the appropriate arrangements. Weekly and Monthly envelopes are available as well as electronic donations through e-transfer and Pre-Authorized Debit Agreements.
CHRISTMAS OFFERING. The specially marked yellow Christmas offering envelopes are available for you to contribute to the Christmas gift to the Rector. Cheques should be made out to Revd. Claude Schroeder.
THIS WEEK AT ST. MARY’S
Morning Prayer:
- Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8:30 a.m.
- Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
Holy Communion:
- Wednesday at 10.00 a.m. followed by Bible study.
Evening Prayer:
- Wednesday at 5.30 p.m.
Next Sunday:
- 10.30 a.m. Advent 4 Morning Prayer followed by decorating bee.
- Christmas Eve
- 4.30 pm ‘Carols around the Crib’ Children’s Service
- 8:00 pm Holy Communion with Christmas Carols