THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 15 , 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.
In this season of Advent the Church is inviting and encourgaing us to be awake, attentive, watchul for Jesus Christ who is the Comong One. “He came to us in great humility”, and He will” come again in His Glorious Majesty” to judge both the living and the dead. But Advent is also about His Coming to us in the present time, which is both Judgement and Grace. In our Epistle lesson, St. Paul directs us to entrust “pronouncing judgement” to Christ, whose Judgement will be just. Our Gospel lesson presents us with the figure of John the Baptist, as the great exemplar of watching and waiting, and who came to prepare the way of the Lord. But John, much like ourselves, found himself wondering, in the face of so much injustice, whether he had misjudged the situation in pointing people to Christ. Jesus directs John (and us) to be attentive to signs of His Coming, and the presence of His kingly reign and rule in our midst.
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 GOSPEL : Matthew 11:2-10
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me. ’As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”
PARISH LIFE NOTES
CELEBRATING ST. NICHOLAS. On Saturday December 7, ST. Mary’s welcomed over 200 members of the community to join them in celebrating St. Nicholas. Festivities included a Outdoor Bonfire and Grill, Christmas Market, Children’s Activities, Coffee House with Live Music, Signs and Wonders Church Tour with the Rector, concluding with a Family Vespers Service and Visit from St. Nicholas .
CO MMUNITY KITCHEN UPDATE there will be no Community Kitchen in December. We look forward to welcoming you back on January 20th. Wishing all our helpers and participants a joyful and blessed holiday season!
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.
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
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE. To date we have received 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!
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.
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.