St. Alban's proclaims to all, through word and deed, the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

January 3, 2021 The Second Sunday after Christmas

9:00 AM CST Morning Prayer, Rite II

via Facebook Live and YouTube

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Prelude Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her (BWV 606) Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Hymn Angels, from the realms of glory Hymnal 93

MORNING PRAYER - 9:00 AMRite II, according to the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)

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Opening Sentence

Officiant Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10, 11

THE INVITATORY AND PSALTER Officiant Lord, open our lips.People And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Officiant and PeopleGlory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Words: James Montgomery (1771-1854), alt.Music: Regent Square, Henry Thomas Smart (1813-1879)

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The Jubilate is sung by the choir.

Jubilate Morning Service in E-flat major Ernest Moeran (1894-1950)

O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be ye sure that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name. For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting: and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

Glory be to the Father: and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; * As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

The Psalm is sung by the Cantor. Coverdale translation.

Psalm 84:1-9 Quam dilecta! Tone VIII.1

1 O how amiable are thy dwellings,* thou Lord of hosts!

2 My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord;* my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.

3 Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young;* even thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house;* they will be alway praising thee.

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee;* in whose heart are thy ways.

6 Who going through the vale of misery use it for a well;* and the pools are filled with water.

7 They will go from strength to strength,* and unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Sion.

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8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;* hearken, O God of Jacob.

9 Behold, O God our defender,* and look upon the face of thine Anointed.

Glory be to the Father: and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; * As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

Please be seated.

THE LESSONS

First Lesson Jeremiah 31:7-14

Thus says the Lord:

Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;proclaim, give praise, and say, "Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel."See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, "He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock." For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the Lord.

Lector The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.

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All stand.

Gloria in Excelsis Hymnal S-280

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Please be seated.

Children's Sermon

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Second Lesson Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Lector The Word of the Lord.People Thanks be to God.

The Sermon The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

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Please stand and affirm our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE PRAYERS

Officiant The Lord be with you.People And also with you.Officiant Let us pray.

The people kneel or remain standing.

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.

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Suffrages A

Officiant Show us your mercy, O Lord;People And grant us your salvation.Officiant Clothe your ministers with righteousness;People Let your people sing with joy.Officiant Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;People For only in you can we live in safety.Officiant Lord, keep this nation under your care; People And guide us in the way of justice and truth.Officiant Let your way be known upon earth;People Your saving health among all nations.Officiant Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;People Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.Officiant Create in us clean hearts, O God;People And sustain us with your Holy Spirit.

Collect of the Day O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer for Mission O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect in a time of PandemicO most mighty and merciful God, in this time of grievous sickness, we flee unto thee for succour. Deliver us, we beseech thee, from our peril; give strength and skill to all those who minister to the sick; prosper the means made use of for their cure; and grant that, perceiving how frail and uncertain our life is, we may apply our hearts unto that heavenly wisdom which leadeth to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The people may offer their own intercessions and thanksgivings. After the Officiant offers a concluding prayer, please be seated.

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Parish Announcements & Offertory

During the Offertory, as an act of gratitude and worship, we joyfully respond to God’s gift to us in Jesus Christ by giving an offering to the Lord. To give securely online, visit stalbanswaco.org and click the blue “Give” circle on our website. You may also mail a check to the church office. For more information, see page 16 of this bulletin.

The anthem is sung by the Choir.

Anthem Bethlehem Down Peter Warlock (1894-1930)

“When he is King we will give him the Kings’ gifts,Myrrh for its sweetness, and gold for a crown,Beautiful robes,” said the young girl to Joseph,Fair with her first-born on Bethlehem Down.

Bethlehem Down is full of the starlight —Winds for the spices, and stars for the gold,

Mary for sleep, and for lullaby musicSongs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.

When he is King they will clothe Him in grave-sheets,Myrrh for embalming, and wood for a crown,He that lies now in the white arms of Mary,

Sleeping so lightly on Bethlehem Down.

Here He has peace and a short while for dreaming,Close-huddled oxen to keep Him from cold,

Mary for love, and for lullaby musicSongs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.

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The people kneel or stand.

The General Thanksgiving

Officiant and PeopleAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

All stand.

Officiant Let us bless the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

OfficiantThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Hymn What star is this, with beams so bright Hymnal 124

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Words: Charles Coffin (1676-1749); tr. Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861, after John Chandler (1807-1876), alt.Music: Puer nobis, melody from Trier MS., 15th cent.; adapt. Michael Praetorius (1571-1621); harm. Hymns Ancient and Modern, Revised

Organ Voluntary Toccata on Antioch Craig Phillips (b. 1961)

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All music reprinted under Church Copyright License #11024469All music broadcast under Church Copyright Solutions License #12099

TODAY'S WORSHIP MINISTERSOfficiant & Preacher

Organist & Director of MusicAssistant Organist

CantorLectors

Video AssistantAudio Assistant

The Rev. Aaron M. G. ZimmermanEugene LaveryHolden MillerJustin KrollAthan Zimmerman, Brennon Arnold Stephanie DrumRobert Mattson

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Getting Connected at St. Alban's

Pastoral CarePrayer Lists: St. Alban’s maintains a published prayer list, a confidential prayer list (shared only with clergy and pastoral staff) and a prayer list for those on active military duty and their families. To add someone to a prayer list, please secure permission from the person to be added and then contact Hilary at (254) 752-1773 ext. 1002. Hilary needs at least the first name of the person being listed as well as your name and contact information. Individuals remain on our prayer lists for one month unless the request is renewed.

*denotes active military service

We have been asked to pray forJimmy Pancerella*Hunter Herbert*

Kenneth Scattergood*Joe Bozarth, IV*Blake Bostick*Michael Field*Jerrod Elliott*Vance Jones*Ashley Bass

The White FamilyTyler Willis

Bruce BundrantEva Lott

Carol LewisBilly Dilworth

Michelle M.Nancy R.

Local Mission PartnersCedar Ridge Elementary

The CovereVision

Mission Waco

Joanna Hill ByrnesMax Campbell

The Rev. Jerry Lyle Ann Kimmel

Donnie Kimmel Leigh Clark

Gladys StrakosSusanCarol

Lisa SaxenianJune BundrantHolly ShieldRon Harper

Steve ClaggettAinsley Guy

Steven KuceraCaitlin Young

Amelia BachofenAlexander Dempsey

Dean Riley, Jr.

Ellison RitterMichael Williams

Richard GuySeth Morris

Celebrating birthdays

Celebrating anniversariesBurl & Stacy Coker

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2021 VESTRY CANDIDATESThe vestry is composed of twelve members of the parish who are confirmed communicants in good standing. The following candidates have been nominated to fill the posts of the four members who are rotating off vestry this year: Donna Leas, Darren Metting, Amy Sielaff, and Meghan Watkins. All candidates were nominated by church members, attended a vestry discernment meeting, and agreed to serve if elected. They are nominated to serve the three-year term from January 2021 to January 2024. Vestry elections will take place at the Annual Parish Meeting, 10:15 AM in the Parish Hall, on Sunday, January 24, 2021.

Getting Connected at St. Alban's

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Getting Connected at St. Alban's

Prof. ELIZABETH (LIZ) M. FRALEYProfession: Law ProfessorJoined St. Alban's in 2017

"I am excited to help guide St. Alban’s through this challenging period of growth and strengthen the relationships that make St. Alban’s special."

VICTOR GALVANProfession: IT Director, Quest DiagnosticsJoined St. Alban's in April 2019

"I am excited to be part of this wonderful period of growth at St. Alban’s. I look forward to being included in the St. Alban’s Vestry to continue the remarkable groundwork that has been established to further the church’s mission and community outreach programs while maintaining the day to day work of the church."

JASON M. MILAMProfession: Attorney and Managing Partner at Milam & Fanning, PLLCJoined St. Alban's in 2016

"I’m excited to help support the mission of the church alongside fellow church-members. I look forward to learning from the experience of our clergy and the rest of the vestry and growing through service to the Lord and our community."

Dr. JOSH RITTERProfession: Assistant Director of Spirituality and Public LifeOffice of Spiritual Life, BaylorJoined St. Alban's in 2017

"I’m eager to meet some new folks and contribute to the church community in a meaningful way."

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Getting Connected at St. Alban's

PARISH FINANCIAL UPDATES

Giving regularly towards your 2021 pledge for our ministry budget is more vital than ever. Thank you for your faithful support. You can give in three ways:

• Make a gift online• Mail in a check • Drop a check in the church office mailbox

If you’re a regular giver, please consider setting up automated online giving through your bank or through our online giving option. If you make a gift online, please include your name in the form. Your name is required to apply your payment to the correct contribution statement. If you have questions about online giving, contact our Business Manager, Nancy Bennett, at nancy@stalbanswaco.org or visit www.stalbanswaco.org/give.

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Getting Connected at St. Alban's

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Getting Connected at St. Alban's

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Getting Connected at St. Alban's

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Getting Connected at St. Alban'sCOVID-19 Information and Resources

For the latest updates on our response to the coronavirus, please visit stalbanswaco.org. There you can find links to our livestreams, schedule updates, and more. In light of the clergy's continuing conversations with city leaders and the medical community and Waco, our parish has adopted a phased approach to re-gathering.

For St. Alban’s, this means:• We will re-gather following the phased approach recently unveiled by Bishop

Doyle which builds on guidelines from the White House and CDC.• We have in-person outdoor services of Holy Communion on Sundays at 7:30 AM

and 11:15 AM as well as Wednesdays at 12:00 PM. Those attending must RSVP via the website and must wear masks. Visit the website for more info.

• We will continue to offer a livestreamed service of Morning Prayer via YouTube and Facebook Live at 9:00 AM CDT.

1. Our offices are closed and staff members will be working from home. If you need to talk with a staff member, email or phone is the best way to reach them. A staff email directory is available at www.stalbanswaco.org/staff.2. If you would like to meet with a staff member, please do so via phone or video conference (via Zoom).3. Worship & teaching will continue via livestream. Small groups are meeting via Zoom video conferences. 4. We will communicate with you regularly via email, social media, and our website. The rector will send an email update every Friday. Email rebekah@stalbanswaco.org to be added to the email list. 5. For weddings, baptisms, and funerals, we are required to follow the City’s restriction of gatherings to 10 people or fewer. Please contact the rector with questions about these services.

Additional Information• Stay informed at cdc.gov and waco-texas.com• Please let us know if you have pastoral needs or financial difficulties. We are here

to help.• We are continuing to pay our hourly workers to ensure we can rapidly return to

regular worship when that becomes possible.• If you are able to deliver groceries or run errands for parishioners, contact

Deacon Alberto Melis at alberto@stalbanswaco.org. • While some church expenses are decreasing at this time, others are not. Our

vestry is monitoring our church finances closely. Thank you for your continued faithful giving to St. Alban’s.

• A COVID-19 relief fund has been established. Just select “COVID-19” from the funds listed in our online giving platform or write “COVID-19” on the memo line of your check.

• Please pray. Here is a prayer for all those affected by Coronavirus: Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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Getting Connected at St. Alban'sGetting Connected at St. Alban's