December 10, 2009
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This weekend we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. It is sometimes called "Gaudete Sunday," the Latin word for "Rejoice," which is the first word in today's reading from Philippians. We rejoice because the day of celebrating the birth of Christ draws near. The color for this Sunday is rose rather than purple, to symbolize joy rather than penitence.
This Saturday at the Celtic Holy Eucharist at 5:00 pm, we will celebrate Holy Baptism. This Sunday at 10:30 will feature a dramatization of the story of Christmas by noted actress Olivia Woodford. She will present the figures of Elizabeth and Anna and their personal responses to the news of the birth of the Christ child.
You are invited to join us for Advent Reflections, a time to reflect on the season and the scriptures of Advent, on Sundays, 9:30 - 10:15 am. Led by Marianne Evett, the group will reflect on the lessons for each of the Sundays of Advent. You can find the assigned passages if you click here.
You are invited to our Christmas Eve worship services, Thursday, December 24, at 3:40 pm and 10:30 pm. For information on our Christmas season services, please click here.
This is the season that we make our personal pledge of time, talent, and treasure in response to the abundance of gifts that we have received. For information about making a pledge, please click here.
For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here.
Please note that the we are now using the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) reading.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
For Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor,
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, click here.
To download the Children's, Youth & Family Ministries newsletter, please click here.
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The reading from Zephaniah expresses the joy of the people of Israel in anticipation of their salvation: "Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies ... At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD. (Zephaniah 3:14-20)
Canticle 9, The First Song of Isaiah, expresses confidence in God's saving action: "Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and he will be my Savior. Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing from the springs of salvation. And on that day you shall say, Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; Make his deeds known among the peoples; see that they remember that his Name is exalted. Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, and this is known in all the world." (Isaiah 12:2-6)
The reading from Philippians begins with the word "Rejoice" (Latin: Gaudete), which gives the name to today's Sunday: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)
The reading from Luke features John the Baptist, the prophet who heralds the coming of Christ. John's preaching called people to repentance. When asked how a person of faith was supposed to act, John gave a very practical answer: "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages." (Luke 3:7-18)
Please join us for the Holy Eucharist this weekend, Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 10:30 am.
Sincerely,
David A. Killian
Rector
Worship Services for
The Third Sunday of Advent, December 12-13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, at 5:00 pm — Preacher: Mr. Philip Major
Sunday, December 13, at 10:30 am — Dramatization: Ms. Olivia Woodford
Events at All Saints Parish
Taizé Holy Eucharist is offered Wednesdays at 6:15 pm. For more information, please click here.
The Men's Group will meet on Saturday, January 9 at 8:00 a.m. to discussThe Language of God, by Francis Collins, chapters 1-4. For more information, please contact Peter Stringham at peter.stringham@gmail.com.
The Women's Book Group will meet next on Saturday, December 12, at 9:00 a.m. to discuss The Question of God, by Armand Nicholi. All are welcome. For information, please contact Anne Harrington at anneharringtontechwriter@yahoo.com.
For the Adult Faith Formation booklet with the schedule of activities, courses and retreats for 2009-2010, please click here.
Web Resources
For "All Saints Smiles" and news about events, activities, programs, ministries and the staff of our parish, please click on the All Saints web site: www.allsaintsbrookline.org.
For a Schedule of Worship services, please click here.
For information about our Church School for pre-school to grade 12, click here.
To see the current issue of Saints Alive, our newsletter, please click here.
To browse past issues of the All Saints Weekly, click here.
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