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Dear People of God,
We assemble each Sunday as a community in response to the Lord’s
invitation to celebrate His resurrection, to give thanks for His
redemptive work for humanity and creation, to recall and make
known His saving action in reconcilliation and the reign of His
Kingdom. These saving events have restored us from alienation
to wholeness to experience New life and a purposeful relationship
which has meaning in and through God’s grace. Let us not
forget that God is the Lord who creates, recreates and restores
His people for His purpose and His glory. (1 Peter 2:9-10.)
We gather as a “mixed bunch”, with different personalities
and temperaments, a wonderful assortment of people who have been
Baptized and sealed by the Spirit in Confirmation to be a visible
sign of Christ’s presence in the world as the church. We
who were once blind can now testify with certainty that now we
see. Life has taken on new meaning for us individually and collectively.
We now live to experience the light of Christ and to reveal that
light by our lives. “They brought no programs and no theories,
but wherever they went, the seeds of the kingdom sprouted, faith
was kindled, life was transfigured, things impossible were made
possible. They were witnesses; and when they were asked, “Whence
shines the light, where is the source of this power?” they
knew what to answer and where to lead men.” (For the Life
of the World, Alexander Schmemann.) Although the early Christians
had no telephones, cell phones or email access they were able,
through the quality of their lives, to make known the transforming
presence of Christ and reveal His light to the world.
On this our Patronal Festival and the Church’s New Year we
come to renew our commitment to the ONE who saves, and rededicate
our lives to His service and for His church. Let us remember that
we come to experience a special joy which is unique to St. Andrew
Parish Church and our worship and fellowship. We worship in His
presence, through His church; we serve in His name, through His
church, we witness for His Kingdom through His church, always
enabled by the power of His Spirit. Do we see the presence and
power of God working in and through the church? Are we able to
perceive the Lord’s purpose working in and through His church?
Let us demonstrate our commitment by our visible presence each
Sunday and by the offering of our presents and gifts of talent
and skill, time and monetary treasure to be used for the building
up of the Body of Christ; the church.
A warm welcome to all those who are visiting with us in celebrating
the beginning of Advent, Patronal Festival and the Church’s
New Year.
Sirrano Kitson
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Order of Service
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT and PATRONAL FEAST
Entrance: Organ Prelude
The clergy, servers and church workers process to the sanctuary.
The celebrant
prays,
May this incense, blessed by You, ascend to You, O Lord.
And may your protection descend upon us through the intercession
of Andrew your apostle. Amen.
The altar is incensed as the Choir sings
Introit: And the glory of the Lord (Handel)
The Procession:
Deacon: Let us go forth in peace
People: (+) In the name of Christ. Amen.
Hymn for the procession: Praise to the living God (Leoni)
Praise to the living God
All praise be to his Name
Who was, and is, and is to be,
For aye the same!
The one eternal God
Ere aught that now appears:
The First, the Last, beyond all thought
His timeless years!
Formless, all lovely forms
Declare his loveliness;
Holy, no holiness of earth
Can his express.
Lo, he is Lord of all!
Creation speaks his praise,
And everywhere, above, below,
His will obeys.
His Spirit floweth free,
High surging where it will:
In prophet’s word he spoke of old,
He speaketh still.
Established is his law,
And changeless it shall stand,
Deep written on the human heart,
On sea, on land.
Eternal life hath he
Implanted in the soul,
His love shall be our strength and stay
While ages roll.
Praise to the living God!
All praise be to his Name
Who was, and is, and is to be,
For aye the same!
Station at the North Door
Celebrant: I will exalt you, O God my King,
People: and bless your name forever and ever.
Celebrant: Let us pray…
We stand outside time, in a place not of earth. As our ancestors
before us bade, we join together and are One. By Your blessed
apostle Andrew our Patron Saint, by all Your holy angels, by all
Powers of Light and Shadow, we call You to guard and defend us
from all perils, O Most High.
All: Amen.
Hymn: O the deep, deep love of Jesus! (Ebenezer)
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free;
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Thy love;
Leading onward, leading homeward,
To my glorious rest above.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Spread His praise from shore to shore,
How He loveth, ever loveth,
Changeth never, nevermore;
How He watches o’er His loved ones,
Died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth,
Watches over them from the throne.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Love of every love the best:
‘tis a haven sweet of rest.
O the deep, deep, love of Jesus!
‘tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
For it lifts me up to Thee.
The Leader welcomes the people.
(+) Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
People: and also with you.
Introduction to the observance of Advent – Sunday
School
(Congregation sits)
THE BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
(Congregation stands)
Leader:
Dearly beloved, now we stand in the house of the Lord, at the
centre of a universe which is not ours as we know it. As we prepare
to worship the living God, let us call to mind in silence the
divine Presence that surrounds our lives. It is our Holy God who
calls us by name and draws us into the mystery of Christ Jesus
who is alive and in our midst.
Silence
You are just, O Holy One, great and amazing are your deeds, Lord
God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, King of the nations!
As you revealed your majesty in your Son Jesus the Christ at His
first coming. So may this Advent wreath and Candles Be to us a
sign of your presence during this Advent tide (+) Father, Son
and Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
First Candle - The Candle of Hope
Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord
All: Thanks be to God
O come, O come, Emmanuel, (A&M 49:1)
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
(The First Candle is lit)
| Leader: |
Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. |
| People: |
As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate
the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
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| Leader: |
Let us pray: |
| All: |
God of Abraham and Sarah and all the Patriarchs of old,
you are our Father too. Your love is revealed to us in
Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Son of David. Help us in
preparing to celebrate his birth, to make our hearts ready
and to place our hope in you. Help us today and every
day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your
will by sharing your hope with others. We ask it in the
name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen. |
THE TRISAGION
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and Immortal One,
Have mercy up on us.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and Immortal One,
Have mercy up on us.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and Immortal One,
Have mercy up on us.
Celebrant: The Lord is here
People: His Spirit is with us!
Celebrant: Let us pray
Silence
The Collects:
First Sunday of Advent [BCP page 157]
St. Andrew the Apostle [BCP page 182]
MINISTRY OF THE WORD (sit)
First Reading - Isaiah 2:1-5
The Psalm - 122 [BCP page 641]
Response: I rejoiced when I heard them say; “Let us
go to the house of the Lord.”
Second Reading - Romans 13:8-14
Sequence Hymn - Sing of Andrew, John’s disciple (Abbot’s
Leigh)
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Sing of Andrew, John’s disciple,
Led by faith through ways untrod,
Till the Baptist cried at Jordon,
“There behold the Lamb of God!”
Stirred by hearing this new teacher,
Andrew, freed from doubt and fear,
Ran to tell his brother Simon,
“God’s Anointed One is here!”
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Sing of Andrew, called by Jesus
From the shores of Galilee,
Leaving boats and nets and kindred,
Trusting in that ‘Follow me.”
When a lad’s small meal fed thousands,
When inquiring Greeks found care,
When the Spirit came in blessing,
Andrew faithfully was there.
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Sing of Andrew, bold apostle,
Sent to make the gospel known,
Faithful to his Lord’s example,
Called to make a cross his own.
So may we who prize his memory
Honour Christ in our own day,
Bearing witness to our neighbours,
Living what we sing and pray.
(The Alleluias are sung before and after the Gospel)
Gospel - Matthew 24:37-44
Homily - Rev’d. Major Sirrano Kitson
Pause for silent reflection
THE RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWS (Stand)
Leader:
In our baptism we died with Christ and were buried with Him, so
that we might rise with Him to a new life within the family of
His Church. We can never be baptized again, but we can, in response
to a movement of God’s Spirit, and after careful preparation,
renew the promises made at our baptism. As we look forward to
the return of Christ as Lord and Judge, I invite you who are ready
to do so to reaffirm your baptismal promises.
| Question: |
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Saviour? |
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Answer:
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I turn and accept Him. |
| Question: |
Do you put your trust in His grace and love? |
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Answer:
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I so put my trust. |
| Question: |
Do you promise to love God and obey Him as your Lord? |
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Answer:
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I promise. |
| Question: |
Do you renounce Satan, and all the spiritual forces of
wickedness? |
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Answer:
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I do. |
| Question: |
Do you renounce injustice and all the evil powers of this
world? |
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Answer:
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I do. |
Leader:
Now in allegiance to Christ, you must declare before God and His
Church that you accept the Christian faith into which you were
baptized, and in which you will continue to live and grow.
| Question: |
Do you believe and trust in God the Father who made the
world? |
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Answer:
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I believe and trust Him. |
| Question: |
Do you believe and trust in His Son Jesus Christ in whom
we have redemption? |
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Answer:
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I believe and trust in Him. |
| Question: |
Do you believe and trust in His Holy Spirit who gives
life to the people of God? |
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Answer:
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I believe and trust in Him. |
| Leader: |
This is the faith of the Church. |
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All:
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This is our faith. We believe and trust in One God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. |
| Leader: |
As we renew our commitment. Let us engage our hearts
to the Lord and resolve in His strength never to go back
on our ways. |
The aspersion with Holy Water
During the sprinkling of the people with Holy Water the following
shall be sung:
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Wonderful grace (MP 966)
that gives what I don’t deserve,
pays me what Christ has earned,
then lets me go free.
Wonderful grace
that gives me the time to change,
washes away the stains
that once covered me.
Refrain:
And all that I have
I lay at the feet
Of the wonderful Saviour
Who loves me.
- Wonderful love
that held in the face of death,
breathed in its latest breath
forgiveness for me.
Wonderful love,
whose power can break every chain,
giving us life again
and setting us free.
Refrain
Celebrant:
Let us in sincere dependence on His grace, and trusting in His
promise, yield ourselves again to Him.
All:
Almighty God and Heavenly Father, as part of my personal
response to You, I promise that I will more readily accept the
guidance and direction of your indwelling Holy Spirit in every
part of my life; that I will become more involved in the life
of
your church and use more of my time and my abilities to further
its work and witness by telling others about Jesus, like Saint
Andrew our Protector. I will also, as an expression of my
gratitude to you, support the work of your church by contributing
funds from my earnings on a regular, systematic and
proportionate basis. This is my solemn vow.
| Leader: |
Will you live in obedience to God’s purpose as a
loyal member of His Church? |
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All:
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With God’s help we will. |
| Leader: |
Almighty God who gives you the will to do these things,
grant you grace and power to perform them, that He may
complete the good work He has begun in you, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. |
| All: |
Amen. |
Leader:
Almighty God, we thank you for our fellowship in the household
of faith with all those who have been baptized in your name.
Keep us faithful to our baptism, and so make us ready for that
day when the whole creation shall be made perfect in your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
All: Amen.
THE PEACE
OFFERING OF THE EUCHARISTIC SACRIFICE
Offertory Dance: Behold He Comes…
Offertory Hymn: Where cross the crowded ways of life (Fulda)
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Where cross the crowded ways of life,
where sound the cries of race and clan,
above the noise of selfish strife,
we hear your voice, O Son of Man.
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In haunts of wretchedness and need,
on shadowed thresholds dark with fears,
from paths where hide the lures of greed,
we catch the vision of your tears.
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From tender childhood’s helplessness,
from human grief and burdened toil,
from famished souls, from sorrow’s stress,
your heart has never known recoil.
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The cup of water given for you
still holds the freshness of your grace;
yet long these multitudes to view
the strong compassion in your face.
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O Master, from the mountainside
make haste to heal these hearts of pain;
among these restless throngs abide;
O tread the city’s streets again,
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Till all the world shall learn your love,
and follow where your feet have trod;
till glorious from your heaven above,
shall come the city of our God.
Offertory Prayer
Celebrant:
My sisters and brothers in Christ, let us offer our
work and worship to our Heavenly Father, asking for
grace to transform the world we live in.
All: Father, we offer… [BCP page 126]
Sursum Corda [BCP page 126]
Offertory Rite ‘A’ [BCP page 131]
The Lord’s Prayer [BCP page 144]
Communion
Breaking of Bread [BCP page 145]
The Invitation
Agnus Dei
Hymns during Communion: MP 249 - How lovely on the mountains,
A&M 51, 533, 414 & 419
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How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him (MP 249)
Who brings good news, good news,
Proclaiming peace, announcing news of happiness,
Our God reigns, our God reigns!
Our God reigns, our God reigns,
Our God reigns, our God reigns!
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You watchmen lift your voices joyfully as one,
Shout for your King, your King.
See eye to eye the Lord restoring Zion:
Your God reigns, your God reigns!
Your God reigns, your God reigns,
Your God reigns, your God reigns!
- Waste places of Jerusalem break forth with joy,
We are redeemed, redeemed.
The Lord has saved and comforted His people:
Your God reigns, your God reigns!
Your God reigns, your God reigns,
Your God reigns, your God reigns!
Post Communion Prayer (all stand) [BCP page 148]
Then shall follow
Hymn: Now let the earth with joy resound (Wareham)
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Now let the earth with joy resound
And heaven the chant re-echo round;
Nor heaven nor earth too high can rise
The great Apostles’ glorious praise!
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Sickness and health your voice obey,
At your command they go or stay;
From sin’s disease our souls restore,
In good confirm us more and more.
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So when the world is at its end
And Christ to judgment shall descend,
May we be called those joys to see
Prepared from all eternity.
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Praise to the Father, with the Son
And Paraclete forever one:
To Thee, O holy Trinity,
Be praise for all eternity. Amen.
| Celebrant: |
The Lord and King of apostles. |
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All:
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Come, let us adore. |
| Celebrant: |
Blessed Andrew, seeing this cross shouted joyfully: “I
have ever been your lover, desiring to Embrace You, O
good Christ!” |
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All:
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O Glorious Saint Andrew, you were the first to recognize
and follow the Lamb of God. With your friend Saint John
you remained with Jesus for that first day, for your entire
life, and now throughout eternity. As you led your brother
Saint Peter to Christ and many others after him, draw
us also to him. Teach us to lead others to Christ solely
out of love for him and dedication in his service. Help
us to learn the lesson of the Cross and to carry our daily
crosses without complaint so that they may carry us to
Jesus. Amen. |
THE BLESSING
The President blesses the people
May God the Father, Judge all merciful,
Make us worthy of a place in His Kingdom. Amen.
May God the Son, coming among us in power,
Reveal in our midst the promise of His glory. Amen.
May God the Holy Spirit make us steadfast in faith,
Joyful in hope and constant in love. Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty,
The (+) Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
Be upon you and remain with you always. |
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Threefold Amen - Danish
Hymn for the Second Offering: God is Here; as we his people
(Blaenwern)
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God is here; as we his people
Meet to offer praise and prayer,
May we find in fuller measure
What it is in Christ we share.
Here, as in the world around us,
All our varied skills and arts
Wait the coming of his Spirit
Into open minds and hearts.
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Here are symbols to remind us
Of our lifelong need of grace;
Here are table, font and pulpit,
Here the cross has central place;
Here in honesty of preaching,
Here in silence as in speech,
Here in newness and renewal
God the Spirit comes to each.
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Here our children find a welcome
In the Shepherd’s flock and fold,
Here, as bread and wine are taken,
Christ sustains us, as of old,
Here the servants of the Servant
Seek in worship to explore
What it means in daily living
To believe and to adore.
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Lord of all, of Church and Kingdom,
In an age of change and doubt
Keep us faithful to the gospel,
Help us work your purpose out,
Here, in this day’s dedication,
All we have to give, receive,
We, who cannot live without you,
We adore you, we believe.
Welcome & Notices
Hymn: A&M 271- God is working His purpose out
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"Growing through Faith, Commitment and Action"
Almighty God, by your grace you have given us new life in
Jesus Christ and by your Spirit you have called us to
proclaim Him as Saviour by word and action. Teach
us to walk in your way more trustfully, to accept
your truth more faithfully and to share your life
more lovingly. By the power of the Holy Spirit guide
us in our work for the church, so that we may come
as one family to the Kingdom of the Father, where
you live and reign forever. Amen.
(A Prayer for Renewal and Mission)
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Parish News
 Condolences to the family
of Edna Brassington, her funeral service will be on December 7
at 11:00 a.m. and also to the family of Sylvia Hill former organist
of the St. Andrew Parish Church..
December 8, 15 & 22 |
Advent Devotions at 9:30 a.m. |
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December 16 |
Carol Service at 6:00 p.m. |
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December 19 |
Gift Day |
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December 24 |
Christmas Eve Service
11:00 p.m. - Carols
11:30 p.m. - Blessing of the Christmas Manger
11:45 p.m. - First Mass of Christmas & Solemn Procession
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December 25 |
Christmas Day - 7:30 a.m. Sung Eucharist
and Sermon |
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December 26 |
St. Stephen’s Day
- 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist |
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December 27 |
St. John the Evangelist - 6:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist |
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December 28 |
The Holy Innocents - 9:00 a.m. Holy
Eucharist |
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December 30 |
First Sunday after Christmas Day |
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December 31 |
New Year’s Eve - 11:00 p.m. Sung
Eucharist & Sermon |
Celebrations for the Home
SUNDAYS OF ADVENT
The family and guest(s) gather around the dinner table.
Leader: The Lord is our faith and our life.
All: May the Lord's peace be with us all.
Leader: And His love shine in our hearts.
All: Our hope is in the coming of the Lord.
One purple candle is lit (traditionally by
the youngest child or guest of honour)
Leader: Let us pray that our faith may be strengthened
for the coming of the Lord.
Pause for silent prayer.
Father in Heaven, our hearts desire the warmth of
your love and our minds are searching for the light
of your Word. Increase our longing for Christ our
Saviour and give us the strength to grow in our faith
so that the day of Christ coming may find us prepared
and filled with joy.
All: Amen.
Readings
1st Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 11: 1-10
2nd Sunday of Advent: Micah 5:2
3rd Sunday of Advent: John 1:19-34
4th Sunday of Advent: Revelation 21:1-4
The Grace for the meal is said.
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We are inviting
you to share your thoughts and suggestions relating to our ministry
here at St. Andrew's. Please email your comments to us at
standrewch@cwjamaica.com.
Activities this week ...
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Today's Services
First Sunday of Advent
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6:30 a.m.
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HOLY EUCHARIST |
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8:00 a.m.
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SOLEMN MASS WITH PROCESSION
(The First Sunday of Advent & Patronal Feast)
ORDER of SERVICE
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6:00 p.m.
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HOLY EUCHARIST and
SERMON |
| Introit |
49 |
| Old Testament |
Isaiah 2:1-5 |
| Psalm |
122 [BCP page 641] |
| Gradual |
54 |
| Gospel |
Matthew 24:37-44 |
| Sermon |
Rev. Major Sirrano Kitson |
| Offertory |
533 |
| Recessional |
31 |
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Activities This Week
Monday
December 3 |
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Bible Study
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Tuesday
December 4 |
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Holy Eucharist
Senior Choir Rehearsal
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Wednesday
December 5 |
6:30 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
5:15 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
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Holy Eucharist
Property & Building Committee
Women’s Auxiliary
Confirmation Class - Seniors
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Thursday
December 6 |
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Senior Choir Rehearsal
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Friday
December 7
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Holy Eucharist
Confirmation Class - Juniors
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Saturday
December 8
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9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
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Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
Little Brothers of St. Andrew
Youth Choir Rehearsal
Youth Fellowship |
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