Holy Communion

Sun 11th December 2022
10:45 am

Welcome

During this season of Advent we prepare ourselves both to celebrate the coming of Christ at Christmas and look ahead to when Christ will return at the end of time. It is a season of expectation and preparation as we pray together Maranatha – Our, Lord, come

If you are a visitor here today we hope you feel at home. The stewards wearing rainbow lanyards, will be happy to help you. Please introduce yourself. If you receive communion in any church you are welcome to receive the bread and wine here. If you need a gluten free wafer or wish to receive communion in your seat please let one of the stewards know.

Our services are usually live streamed, so those at home can worship with us. If you wish to ensure you are not seen on camera please sit on the right hand side of the church as you enter, please ask a steward if you are unsure. The cameras do not film people coming up for communion.

Children are always welcome in church and we understand that they do not always find it easy to be quiet! Please move around as you need to with them and if toddlers need a wander that is fine as long as they remain under your supervision. Church buildings are great places to explore but please be mindful of uneven floors, sharp edges and candles. Most weeks during term time Children’s Church takes place in Fearon Hall and families re-join us in the church building in time for communion.

We are part of the Inclusive Church network and as such we seek to challenge the church where it continues to discriminate against people on grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality. We believe in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ. We are a work in progress and welcome anyone who wishes to journey with us.

Before the service begins there is an informal welcome. Once the service starts please join in with the words in bold type. The parts in red are instructions or an indication of what is happening. You will find throughout the service there are notes to stand, sit or kneel. These are invitations not commands, so please do whatever helps you to worship.

The Gathering

The choir may sing an Introit a piece of choral music reflecting the theme of the seaseon or the music group may play a song that similarly leads us into worship.

Processional Hymn

All stand to sing the hymn as the music begins and the servers and ministers process.

Hark the glad sound! The Saviour comes

          Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes,
               the Saviour promised long:
          let every heart prepare a throne,
               and every voice a song.

         He comes, the prisoners to release
               in Satan's bondage held;
          the gates of brass before him burst,
               the iron fetters yield.

         He comes, the broken heart to bind,
               the bleeding soul to cure,
          and with the treasures of his grace
               to enrich the humble poor.

         Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
               thy welcome shall proclaim;
          and heaven's eternal arches ring
               with thy belovèd name.

The Greeting

Additional words of welcome from the president may be given and the theme of the service introduced.

Prayers of Penitence at the Advent Wreath

Each of the four Sundays in Advent remind us of who prepared for the coming of Christ and we follow these theme with the candles:

First Sunday of Advent The Patriarchs and Matriarchs

Second Sunday of Advent The Prophets

Third Sunday of Advent John the Baptist

Fourth Sunday of Advent Mary the mother of Jesus

The deacon or lay assistant invites us to confess our sins, you may wish to kneel.

A voice cries out in the wilderness,

‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’

So let us listen, and turn to the Lord in penitence and faith

While the advent wreath is lit we sing this Taize chant together

Words of confessions are said with the following responses

Lord, have mercy

Lord, have mercy

Christ have mercy

Christ have mercy

Lord, have mercy

Lord, have mercy

After a short silence the president says the prayer of absolution. At an all age service we are invited to put a smile on the forehead of our neighbour using the words ‘God gives you a new start.’

Almighty God,

who in Jesus Christ has given us

a kingdom that cannot be destroyed,

forgive us our sins,

open our eyes to God’s truth,

strengthen us to do God’s will

and give us the joy of his kingdom,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Advent Candle Hymn 26

We remain seated to sing the appropriate verse for this Sunday.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words ‘let us pray’. All remain seated or kneeling for the period of silence and the collect - the special prayer for the day - and all respond

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

Readings

We sit to listen to one or two readings appointed for the day taken from the Christian scriptures, the Bible. Usually this will be one reading from the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures as it is also called, and then the second from the New Testament which is mostly made up of letters sent to some of the earliest churches.

At the end of each reading the following is said:

Here ends the reading

Thanks be to God.

First Reading: Isaiah 35.1-10

35 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
    the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus 2 it shall blossom abundantly,
    and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
    the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord,
    the majesty of our God.

3 Strengthen the weak hands,
    and make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
    ‘Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
    He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
    He will come and save you.’

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
    and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6 then the lame shall leap like a deer,
    and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,
    and streams in the desert;
7 the burning sand shall become a pool,
    and the thirsty ground springs of water;
the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,
    the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

8 A highway shall be there,
    and it shall be called the Holy Way;
the unclean shall not travel on it,
    but it shall be for God’s people;
    no traveller, not even fools, shall go astray.
9 No lion shall be there,
    nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;
they shall not be found there,
    but the redeemed shall walk there.
10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
    and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
    they shall obtain joy and gladness,
    and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Here ends the reading

Thanks be to God.

Second Reading: James 5.7-10

7 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10 As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Here ends the reading

Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading

We stand and sing together Alleluia as the Gospel book is carried to the middle of the church and the congregation turns to face the reader. The Gospels are the books of the Bible which contain the stories and words of Jesus hence we stand to show how important they are to us.

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

Glory to you, O Lord.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 11.2-11

2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ 4 Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 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. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’

7 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? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 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.”

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

The Gospel for the day is proclaimed.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

We sing Alleluia as the gospel is carried back. We sit after the preacher offers an introductory prayer.

Sermon or All Age Talk

After the sermon an anthem, song or piece of music may be played or there is a brief pause for reflection and then all stand to declare the faith of the Church .

The Affirmation of Faith

We believe in God the Father,

God almighty, by whose plan

earth and heaven sprang to being,

all created things began.

We believe in Christ the Saviour,

Son of God in human frame,

virgin-born, the child of Mary

upon whom the Spirit came.

Christ, who on the cross forsaken,

like a lamb to slaughter led,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

he descended to the dead.

We believe in Jesus risen,

heaven’s king to rule and reign,

to the Father’s side ascended

till as judge he comes again.

We believe in God the Spirit,

in one Church, below, above:

saints of God in one communion,

one in holiness and love.

So by faith, our sins forgiven,

Christ our Saviour, Lord and friend,

we shall rise with him in glory

to the life that knows no end.

he descended to the dead.

Prayers of Intercession

All kneel for the prayers, which are led by a member of the congregation, sometimes from the back of the church or from their seat. One of the following responses may be used or another response may be given.

Lord in your mercy

hear our prayer.

Lord hear us

Lord graciously hear us

The prayers may conclude with these words:

Merciful Father,

accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Alternatively a creative response may be invited or this prayer song may be used

For the world and all people: Hear our prayer.

For all Christians in all places: Hear our prayer.

For the place that we live in: Hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus hear our prayer.

For the sick and the lonely: Hear our prayer.

For our friends and our family: Hear our prayer.

For me and my life: Hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus hear our prayer.

The Liturgy of the Sacrament

The Peace

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace

Members of the congregation turn to one another and greet their neighbours by saying ‘peace be with you’ and making a sign of peace.

Offertory Hymn

During this hymn bread and wine are brought forward and the altar-table is prepared. The offertory plate is presented, symbolic of the financial gifts of the people, and the president gives thanks for these while the deacon or lay assistant is laying up the altar-table.

O come, o come Emmanuel

         O come, O come, Emmanuel,
          and ransom captive Israel,
          that mourns in lonely exile here,
          until the Son of God appear:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

         O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
          thine own from Satan's tyranny;
          from depths of hell thy people save,
          and give them victory o'er the grave:

         O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
          our spirits by thine advent here;
          disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
          and death's dark shadows put to flight:

         O come, thou Key of David, come,
          and open wide our heavenly home;
          make safe the way that leads on high,
          and close the path to misery:

         O come, O come, thou Lord of Might,
          who to thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
          in ancient times didst give the law
          in cloud and majesty and awe:

Taking of the Bread and Wine

When the altar-table is prepared the president offers this prayer.

As the grain once scattered in the fields

and the grapes once dispersed on the hillside

are now reunited on this table in bread and wine,

so, Lord, may your whole Church soon be gathered together

from the corners of the earth

into your kingdom.

Amen.

The president washes their hands symbolising our desire to come together at the Lord’s table with pure hearts and minds.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord be with you

And also with you

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give thanks and praise.

Almighty God, good Father to us all,

Your face is turned towards your world.

In love you gave us Jesus your Son to rescue us from sin and death.

Your Word goes out to call us home

To the city where angels sing your praise.

We join with them in heaven’s song:

Holy, holy, holy, God ever reigning,

filling all the universe with glory, pow’r and light;

Blest is our Redeemer, sent from God to save us.

Hail and hosanna! Glory in the height!

The prayer continues and we join in with the following responses:

This is his/our story

This is our song;

Hosanna in the highest

The prayer concludes:

May we and all who share this food

offer ourselves to live for you

And be welcomed at your feast in heaven

Where all creation worships you,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

Blessing and honour and glory and power

be yours for ever and ever. Amen.

We kneel or sit and observe a period of silence

The Lord’s Prayer

As Jesus taught us, so we pray

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen.

Breaking of the Bread

Every time we eat this bread

and drink this cup,

we proclaim the Lord’s death

until he comes.

While the ministers break the remaining consecrated bread and the communion assistants come to the front the Advent Litany is sung. Please join in with the refrain in bold.

1. Word of justice, Alleluia, come to dwell here. Maranatha!

2. Word of mercy, live among us.

3. Word of power, live with-in us.

4. Word of freedom, save your people.

5. Word of healing, heal our sorrow.

6. Word of comfort, bring us hope now.

7. Word of gladness, fill our hearts now.

8. Word of wisdom, come renew us.

9. Word we long for, word we thirst for.

10. Key of David, Son of Mary.

11. Promised Saviour, true Messiah.

12. Cry of prophets, hope of ages.

13. Light of nations, light in darkness.

14. Risen Saviour, Lord of glory.

15. You we long for, you we thirst for.

16. Here among us, living in us.

Giving of Communion

Jesus is the Lamb of God

who takes away the sin of the world,

Blessed are those who are called to his supper.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,

but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

Please come forward when directed by the stewards. Christians of any church tradition are welcome to receive the bread and wine including children who have been admitted to communion, here or at another church. Alternatively you can come forward for a prayer of blessing, please indicate if this is your wish by crossing your arms across your chest.

As we share communion the choir or music group may sing an anthem or song and sometimes instrumental music will be played. We all join in singing the communion hymn(s) that follow, the number(s) for which can be found on the notice sheet and on the hymn board at the front of church.

Hymn: Sing we the praises of the great forerunner

         Sing we the praises of the great forerunner,
          tell forth the mighty wonders of his story:
          so may his Master cleanse our lips and make them
                       fit to extol him.

         Lo, God's high herald, swift from heaven descending,
          gives to thy father tidings of thy coming,
          telling thy name and all the tale of marvels
                       that shall befall thee.

         Oft had the prophets in the time before thee
          spoken in vision of the Daystar's coming;
          but when he came, ’twas thou that didst proclaim him
                       Saviour of all men.

Prayer after Communion

A brief silence is kept. The president says the post communion prayer for the day before we say the following prayer together:

Generous God,

you have fed us at your heavenly table.

Set us on fire with your Spirit

that when Christ comes again

we may shine like lights before his face,

who with you and the Spirit lives for ever.

Amen

The Dismissal

Notices and publishing of the banns of marriage

The Blessing

We stand for the president to give the blessing

Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you,

scatter the darkness from before your path,

and make you ready to meet him when he come in glory;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Recessional Hymn

As we sing our final hymn the servers and ministers process. Children are welcome to join the procession. Please turn to face the ministers for the dismissal.

Our Lord says, ‘I am coming soon.’

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

May the Lord, when he comes,

find us watching and waiting. Amen.

Bless the Lord, the God of Israel

         Bless the Lord, the God of Israel,
               who has come to set us free.
          He has raised for us a Saviour
               sprung from royal David’s tree.
          Through his prophets God had spoken
               of the hope the Christ would bring;
          of his faithfulness and mercy
               let each generation sing.

         Long ago God made a promise
               he would set his people free,
          that in all our life and worship
               we might know true liberty,
          to be holy, to be righteous
               in his sight throughout our days;
          now this child will be a herald
               making ready all God’s ways.

         Let all people know salvation
               through forgiveness of their sin,
          as our God in his compassion
               bids a shining dawn begin.
          So may all who dwell in darkness
               see the shadows disappear
          while he guides our feet in pathways
               where his peace is ever near.

         (Second half of tune)
          To the Father be all glory
               with the Spirit and the Son,
          as it was, is now and shall be
               while eternal ages run.

You are warmly invited to stay for refreshments which are served most weeks after the service

Giving financially at All Saints

There is no charge for coming to church, everyone is welcome whatever your

circumstances

however, as a charity, we rely on the generosity of both occasional and

regular givers to fund the mission and ministry of the church and to ensure the upkeep of this historic building. Giving

generously is also part of our response to God, an expression of our worship.

If All Saints is your church please consider signing up to give regularly through your bank, if you are able, via the Parish Giving Scheme.