St.

Stephen’s Episcopal
Church

1 9 0 Ra ughl e y Hi l l Rd.
Ha rri ngton, De l aw are
3 0 2 -39 8 -3 71 0
www.ststephensde.org

O ur Mi s s i on i s to grow a c ongre ga ti on tha t

w el c ome s a l l , to c ome toge the r to c e l e bra te
our be l i e f i n J es us Chri s t through bi bl i c a l
te a c hi ngs a nd pra ye r w hi l e s tri vi n g to a c hi e ve
a s pi r i tual c onnec ti on a nd fe l l ow shi p w i thi n i ts
m e m be r s hi p a nd c ommuni t y w e s er ve .

Holy Eucharist
December 1 s t ,2024
1st Sunday of Advent
 Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
B u i l d i n g o f th e C re ch e/ L i gh t i n g th e A d ven t C an d l e

Processional S tan d H 66

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our
hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may
perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us Pray.

The Collect:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of

darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of
this mortal life in which your 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
living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
The Lessons:

A Reading from Jeremiah 33: 14-16: Selena Fry

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the
promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In
those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to
spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness
in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will
live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called:
"The LORD is our righteousness." The Word of the Lord. Thanks
be to God

Psalm: 25: 1-9: Janet Voss

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my

trust in you; *
let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies
triumph over me.
2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; *
let the treacherous be disappointed in their
schemes.
3 Show me your ways, O LORD, *
and teach me your paths.
4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation;
in you have I trusted all the day long.
5 Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love, *
for they are from everlasting.
6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my
transgressions; *
remember me according to your love
and for the sake of your goodness, O LORD.
 7 Gracious and upright is the LORD; *
therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
8 He guides the humble in doing right *
and teaches his way to the lowly.
9 All the paths of the LORD are love and faithfulness *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

The Epistle-1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13: Selena Fry

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the
joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and
day, we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face
and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our
God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to
you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you.
And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you
may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of
our Lord Jesus with all his saints. The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God

Gospel Hymn- Stand H 433

The Gospel- Luke 21: 25-36: Rev. Bruce Lomas

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People: Glory to you Lord Christ

Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of
the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding
of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens
will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a
cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to
take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption
is drawing near." Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree
and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for
yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when
you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of
God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away
until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away. "Be on guard so that your hearts
are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the
worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a
trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole
earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength
to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before
the Son of Man." The Gospel of the Lord! Praise to you Lord
Christ

Sermon Rev. Bruce Lomas

The Nicene Creed:

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
 For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People- Form VI: Janet Voss

The Leader and People pray responsively

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

For all people in their daily life and work;

People-For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those

who are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world; We pray for those
in the Military: Christopher Dawson, Justin Garey, Jaime Grimes,
Russell Knaub, Amber Mabrey, Jared Farmer, Garrett Burris,
Bruce Carroll, Darren Hearn and John Hearn.

People-For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;

People-For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and
oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; we pray
for the following:
Sick, and/or issues:
J ohn M acce y R egi na Mi l l er Karen Hi l l
Lex i M i l es S hi rl e y Bowden P aul a S wi ft
Em m a Fi s her Bri st ol Herd Ti m W al t ers
J ean M os s P rest on Bowden Karen W ri ght
Donal d Fr az i er Mark Mal one y Barb ara Faj no r
M i chael C l ul e y J i m Fri el R ose W arren
Berni e Dupr as Don Hea rn Andrea T a yl or
Hunt Hacket t Li nda S m el i k J ason Dean
M ar yAnn P rui ksm a C al vi n Hi l l P at Bake r
For Good Health in Older Years:

People-For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and

the needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;

People-For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the
Truth.

For [Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe, Presiding Bishop and The RT. Rev.
Kevin S. Brown our Diocesan Bishop, Bruce Lomas, Priest, Vestry
Group: Susan, Lee, Alyce, George, Selena, & Sonny and the
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer- St. Peter’s Church, Smyrna, The Rev.
Donna Jean Kiessling, Rector and for all bishops and other
ministers;

People-For all who serve God in his Church.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions

Hear us, Lord;

People-For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life. I ask your
thanksgiving for the:

Birthday of Nancy Burris

Baptism of Jennifer Crouse-Hood
Anniversary of Doug & Lisa Poore

Silence
The People may add their own thanksgivings

We will exalt you, O God our King;

People-And praise your Name for ever and ever.

We pray for all who have died, especially Mollie Revels and
Flowers on Altar are In Memory of Ralph Fletcher given by
Sonny Davey that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

Silence
The People may add their own petitions

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;

People-Who put their trust in you.

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

Silence may be kept.

Leader and People

Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant concludes with an absolution or a suitable Collect

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins
through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and
by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Peace

All stand. The Celebrant says to the people

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People- And also with you.

Offertory Stand H 616

The Great Thanksgiving

Eucharistic Prayer B

The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or

priest, faces them and sings or says

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every-

where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of
heaven and earth.

Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on

other occasions as appointed.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and

Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever
sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Celebrant and People

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

The people stand or kneel.

Then the Celebrant continues

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love

which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling
of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the
prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your
Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from
the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy
to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error
into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to

hold it, or to lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the
cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel
containing wine to be consecrated.

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took
bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and
gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body,
which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given
thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you:
This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you
and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink
it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People

We remember his death.

We proclaim his resurrection.
We await his coming in glory;

The Celebrant continues

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you,

O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this
bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon
these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of
Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your
Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him,
being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time,
put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to
that heavenly country where, with [ and] all your
saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and
daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all
creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our
salvation.

By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and
for ever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior

Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,

People and Celebrant

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept.

Then may be sung or said

[Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.]

In Lent, Alleluia is omitted, and may be omitted at other times

except during Easter Season. In place of, or in addition to, the
preceding, some other suitable anthem may be used. Facing the
people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

And may add- Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you,
and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then

immediately deliver it to the people.

The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these
words

The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in

everlasting life. [Amen.]

or with these words

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.]

After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.
Celebrant and People

Eternal God, heavenly Father,

you have graciously accepted us as living members
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Announcements

The Blessing

Recessional Stand H 539

Dismissal

Alleluia, Alleluia, Let us go forth into the world rejoicing in the

power of the Spirit! Thanks be to God, Alleluia, Alleluia
Announcements:

-Poinsettia’s Order Form- All orders and forms are

due back next Sunday Dec. 8th. Please place it in the
plate or mail it the church.

-Pledge and Time and Talent Forms are due back no

later than Dec. 29th.

- Code Purple Donations- Our outreach will

be to Code Purple. All Checks get make out
to the church. Please mark on your check
code purple. If you give cash please put in an
envelope mark Code Purple. All donations
are due by Dec. 22 n d .

Looking Ahead:
-Greening of the church will take place following
church service on Dec. 22nd.

-Christmas Eve Service- Our Christmas Eve service

will be at 7:00pm on Dec. 24th.