THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 8 , 2024
THE FATHER IS MY HOPE; THE SON IS MY REFUGE;
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PROTECTION.
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 Second Sunday in Advent has traditionally been known as “ Bible Sunday” on account of today’s Collect and Epistle reading from Romans where St. Paul points us to the crucial role the Scriptures play in instructing us in the faith and providing us with steadfastness, encouragement, and most importantly hope, which through the Holy Spirit fills us with joy and peace. Our Gospel lesson picks up our Advent theme of the coming of Christ in glory to judge the living and the dead, and teaches us to see the collapse of the present world order, and the resulting chaos and confusion, not as on occasion for despair but signs of the coming of Him who makes all things new.
THE LESSON : Romans 15.4-13
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise thee among the Gentiles, and sing to thy name”; and again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”; and again, “Praise the Lord, all Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”; and further Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, he who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
THE GOSPEL : Luke 21. 25-33
And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
PARISH LIFE NOTES
OPERATION ANDREW UPDATE. Following the example of St. Andrew the Apostle, we are seeking to do draw others to come to know, follow, and love Jesus Christ in the fellowship of His Church. Our main task is to pray and then invite others to “Come and See.” ( John 1. 39) Last Sunday we gathered in 120 names for our “Operation Andrew Prayer List”, which will be offered up to God at services St. Mary’s throughout this Advent. Copies of the list are available at the back for you to take home and include in your prayers.
FINANCIAL UPDATE AND APPEAL. Did you know that our annual parish budget for 2024 was $ 198,000 which enables us to pay our staff, take care of our building, support our ministries, and the work of the Church across our Diocese and throughout this land, especially in northern Canada. The amounts to $10,300 per week, which is met mainly through the tithes and free will offerings of the congregation, with the addition of parish fundraising activities, rental and investment income. As of October 31, our balance sheet shows a deficit of $36,421.12. According to your means, we ask for you to make an additional gift this Christmas in support of the ministry of the Gospel in this place.
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE. To date we have received a pledges for a total of $ 96,460. We are close to nearing our goal of $130,000. If you have not returned your pledge form yet, please do so as soon possible!
Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift, as we offer to you our pledges for the coming year, teach us to render to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you, not with our lips only, but with our whole lives, turning the duties, the sorrows, and the joys of all our days into a living sacrifice to you; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
2025 DONATIONS PLANS. Please let Blair know if you would like to change how you donate next year. Envelopes are available for weekly and monthly donations. Monthly Automatic withdrawals can be set up for your bank account. Or you can donate any time via e-transfer. Thanks.
HELP NEEDED: NURSERY VOLUNTEERS Our nursery is in need of more volunteers. With only 3 helpers, we’re finding it difficult to cover all 4 Sundays—and sometimes even the 5th Sunday in the month. Your time, just once a month, would make a big difference in providing a loving and safe space for our children. We truly appreciate your support and thank you for considering this important opportunity to serve. If you can help, please contact Yvonne at the office at 306-522-6052 or email stmarysanglican@sasktel.net
BIRTHDAY PARTY INVITATION to celebrate the birthdays of Katherine and Lyndon this Saturday from 1.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. at Malty National Brewpub at 1130 15th Avenue. Join us for drinks, snacks and games. There are alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available. You are also free to bring a favorite takeout treat or meal for yourself. Families with children are welcome as there are plenty of games available.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, IN PROSE, BEING A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS. Join us this Wednesday evening at 7.30 at the home of Rev’d Claude and Hilary for read aloud of stave 1 and 2 of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic. Please let us know you are coming by sending an e mail to stmarysanglican@sasktel.net
RECTOR’S BOOK CLUB “Everywhere Present: Christianity in a One Story Universe “meets today in the lounge at 12.15, and the mid-week meeting will take place on Wednesday at 10.30.
ST. MARY’S LESSONS AND CAROLS. Invite and bring a friend or neighbour!
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Morning Prayer: Tuesday to Friday at 8.30 a.m.
Evening Prayer: Wednesday at 5.30 p.m.
Holy Communion: Wednesday at 9.30 a.m.