January 28, 2018 – Septuagesima


O GOD, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake our Lord. Amen.

Jeremiah 9:23-24; Psalm 97; 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27; Matthew 20: 1-16

This week’s bulletin

This week’s sermon

December 10, 2017 – Second Sunday in Advent

Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8

Bulletin for December 10th 2nd Sunday in Advent BCP

December 3rd, 2017 – First Sunday in Advent

Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty, to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever.  Amen

TODAY AT ST. MARY’S

Our Advent collect in the Book of Common Prayer speaks of casting off darkness and putting on light — as we keep our eyes on Christ, who came to us first in great humility, and will be returning in glory. We will be exploring this theme of turning from the dark into the light during the introits of our Advent services. We will begin each Sunday morning in the darkened church, reminding us that the world, in rejecting God, fell into darkness. Next, we will hear the proclamation of the light that Christ brought into our darkness, to banish sin and death. The bell is our calling, to wake up from sleep, and follow Christ by casting off our sinful nature and putting his nature, the armour of light. Our introit, “The Advent Prose” chanted to a haunting melody, consists of verses from Isaiah and are a plea from the prophets, the patriarchs, the whole church, who together await the Messiah. The imagery unites things heavenly and earthly as the heavens prepare for the Saviour to descend and the earth prepares to welcome him. As rain comes from the sky and quenches the earth, onto to evaporate, so too the Messiah will descend to save his people and ascend into heavenly glory. We recall past sins and seek forgiveness, as we await the birth of Christ for our redemption and the whole of creation. Continue reading “December 3rd, 2017 – First Sunday in Advent”

November 19th, 2017: Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity

O GOD, our refuge and strength, who art the author of all godliness: Be ready, we beseech thee, to hear the devout prayers of thy Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

TODAY AT ST. MARY’S

The Father is my hope; the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my Protector,
All Holy Trinity, Glory to Thee!

Prayer on Entering the Church

I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear I will worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before me, that with a clear mind I may glorify thee forever, One Divine Power worshipped in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Continue reading “November 19th, 2017: Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity”

November 12th, 2017 – Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity

LORD, we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

TODAY AT ST. MARY’S

“The Father is my hope; the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my Protector, All Holy Trinity, Glory to Thee!” Continue reading “November 12th, 2017 – Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity”