Holy Communion
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 season 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.
From heaven you came
From heaven you came, helpless babe,
entered our world, your glory veiled;
not to be served, but to serve,
and give your life that we might live.
This is our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.
There in the garden of tears,
my heavy load he chose to bear;
his heart with sorrow was torn,
‘Yet not my will but yours,’ he said.
Come, see his hands and his feet,
the scars that speak of sacrifice,
hands that flung stars into space
to cruel nails surrendered.
So let us learn how to serve,
and in our lives enthrone him;
each other’s needs to prefer,
for it is Christ we’re serving.
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 7.10-16
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. 13 Then Isaiah said: ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.
Here ends the reading
Thanks be to God.
Second Reading: Romans 1.1-7
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, 6 including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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 1.18- end
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ 22 All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel’,
which means, ‘God is with us.’ 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
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.
Gospel Alleluia
Iranian song:
Alleluia x6
Praise to your name, exalted Jesus
Setaiem name ghodusat Isa.
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.
or
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.
We have come to lift your name up/Gooyeem.Hallelujah
VERSE.(ENGLISH):
We have come to lift Your name up
And exalt You, worthy King.
We enthrone You in this place,God
Jesus, You are King of Kings
We celebrate with songs and praise
We glorify Your holy name.
We are here to seek Your face, God
Would you meet us here today?.
CHORUS.(ENGLISH):
We sing,"Hallelujah!" x3
to You, our King
All glory to Your name x3
oh worthy King
VERSE.(FARSI).:
Barafraazim name to raa
ey sarvaro paadeshaah
banaa konim bahrat takhti
taa joloos koni isaa
sorood haa o setaayesh haa
jalaal dahand naamat raa
aashkaar namaa rooye khod raa
Aknoon dar miyaane ma
CHORUS.(FARSI):
Gooyeem Halelujah x3
ey paadeshaah
Gooyeem jalaal bar to x3
ey paadeshaah
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.
Communion Hymn
Light Of The World
Light of the world you step down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that makes this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You
So here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that your my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in Heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth you created
All for love’s sake became poor
So here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that your my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross
I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross
(Chorus x2)
So here I am to worship….
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.
Lord, the light of your love is shining
Lord, the light of your love is shining,
in the midst of the darkness shining:
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us;
set us free by the truth you now bring us:
shine on me, shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine,
fill this land with the Father’s glory;
blaze, Spirit, blaze,
set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow,
flood the nations with grace and mercy;
send forth your word, Lord,
and let there be light!
Lord, I come to your awesome presence,
from the shadows into your radiance;
by the blood I may enter your brightness:
search me, try me, consume all my darkness:
shine on me, shine on me.
As we gaze on your kingly brightness
so our faces display your likeness,
ever changing from glory to glory:
mirrored here, may our lives tell your story:
shine on me, shine on me.
Our Lord says, ‘I am coming soon.’
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
May the Lord, when he comes,
find us watching and waiting. Amen.
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.