16

THE CHRISTIAN YEAR

The Creeds of the Church are summaries of our basic beliefs in God’s activities in Holy Scripture. In order to celebrate these events yearly, the Church has designed a calendar.

SEASON CREEDS BIBLE -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. ADVENT “I believe in God the Father:’ Old Testament

2. CHRISTMAS -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. EPIPHANY “I believe in Jesus Christ, The Gospels

4. LENT His only Son our Lord

5. EASTER

6. ASCENSION -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. PENTECOST “I believe in the Acts of the Apostles,

(TRINITY) Holy (Ghost) Spirit” Epistles & Revelation -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are seven seasons of the Church’s Year:

ADVENT:

(From the Latin word “adventus’ which means coming or approaching), is the beginning of the Liturgical year. It reminds us to prepare for Jesus Who comes as a Baby in the manger at Christmas and as the Judge of the living (quick) and the dead at His Second Coming, Judgment Day. We also prepare continually for Christ Who comes to us in the Sacraments, in prayer and worship and Who is with us through all the changing scenes of life.

CHRISTMAS:

Is the celebration of the birth of Christ. This mystery is described as the Incarnation (being made flesh). “And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary and was made man.. .“ - Nicene Creed.

EPIPHANY:

Commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, that is, to all non-Jewish persons. It points out Jesus as the Saviour of the world. The Wisemen, who visited his cradle and brought gifts represented all the nations of the world. The word epiphany means to manifest or shine forth. Thus Christ shines forth as a Light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of my people Israel.

LENT:

Is a forty-day season of preparation for Easter. It is a time of spiritual discipline, prayers, extra acts of worship and self-denial. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. The last week of Lent is called HOLY WEEK, which begins on PALM SUNDAY. It includes MAUNDY THURSDAY when our Lord instituted the Eucharist in the Upper Room, GOOD FRIDAY when Jesus died on the Cross and HOLY SATURDAY.

(Originally the forty days of Lent which remind us of Our Lord’s Temptations in the wilderness were used to intensify the instructions in the Faith for those persons who were to be baptized on Holy Saturday during the Per Vigilium Easter Watch).

Sundays are not counted as days of Lent as they are always celebrations of Jesus’ Resurrection on the first day of the week.

EASTER:

Celebrates our Lord’s resurrection from the dead. Easter is called the “Queen of Feasts” because if Christ did not rise from the dead, our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). It is not only celebrated annually, but weekly because every Sunday is a little Easter. Formerly this season lasted for forty days and was called the “Greater Forty Days” while Lent is the “Lesser Forty Days.” In revised calendars Easter is extended to Pentecost thus now lasting for fifty days.

ASCENSION:

Recalls our Lord’s return to Heaven where as our Great High Priest He intercedes for us before His Father. It also reminds us that our human nature has been glorified with Christ. “Man with God is on the Throne” - A&M 148. “Mighty Lord in Thine Ascension we by faith behold our own.”

PENTECOST:

Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Church (Acts 2:1). In many modem liturgical calendars the Sundays after Trinity Sunday are now called Pentecost to emphasize the presence and operation of the Holy Spirit in the world.

Ember Days: There are four groups each of three days in the Church’s Year. The Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after 13th December, Ash Wednesday, Pentecost and Holy Cross Day (14th September) respectively, which are observed as days of fasting, prayer and abstinence in the Church.

Originally they were connected with planting and harvesting, but now they are associated with Ordinations. We pray on these days for more priests and more for our priests.

Octaves: These are the eight days which follow a major festival or the feast of title of a Church.

Eve: is the day before a Festival. - From “Instructions For Anglicans” by Bishop Gilbert Thompson

Sunday, 18th December, 2011

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The

Lord

Is

With

You

WELCOME TO ALL VISITORS! Welcome to our Parish Community.

We are delighted to have you worshipping with us today. If you are looking for a church home, we invite you to join us.

WELCOME & GOD BLESS!

Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas

2

St. Gregory’s Anglican Church

P. O. Box CR-56170, Carmichael Road, N. P., Bahamas Email: stgchanter@yahoo.com Group site: stgregorysgroupsite.shutterfly.com Diocesan Website: bahamasanglicans.org DYD: www.anglicandydonline.org/

Tel.: 361-3800 Fax: 341-3752

JESUS CHRIST - HEAD OF CHURCH Ministers - All Baptized Christians

His Grace Rt. Hon. John Holder - Archbishop The Rt. Rev’d Laish Z. Boyd - Bishop

The Most Rev’d Drexel W. Gomez - Assistant Bishop The Rt. Rev’d Gilbert A. Thompson - Assistant Bishop

The Ven. I. Ranfurly Brown - Archdeacon, West Central Bahamas

RECTOR

The Rev’d S. Sebastian Campbell P. O. Box SB-50488

Office: 361-3800 Home: 392-7303 Email: solomon.campbell@live.com

PRIEST’S WARDEN

Mr. Wilton Gibson 361-3690 H 324-2088 W

VESTRY SECRETARY

Mrs. Lynette Thompson 356-2745 H 322-1126 W

PEOPLE’S WARDEN

Mrs. Mary Basden 362-1825 H

PARISH TREASURER

Miss Roberta Hudson 361-2712 H 328-8324 W

15

LOOKING AHEAD

Sunday, 25th December, 2011

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: CHRISTMAS DAY Year: B Colour: White

Midnight Mass / 7 am - Solemn Holy Eucharist / 9:30 am - Family Eucharist M I N I S T R Y O F T H E W O R D

• SOLEMN PROCESSION…………….12PM “Once In Royal David’s City” - 665 CPWI • INTROIT HYMNS……12PM, 7AM & 9:30AM “Christians Awake” - 61 CPWI …7AM & 9:30AM “Joy To The World” - 73 CPWI • ENTRANCE ANTIPHON …………………. BCP p97 • PREPARATION, ETC ……………………… BCP p101 • THE COLLECT(S) …………………………… Christmas Eve / Christmas Day - BCP p158 • FIRST LESSON ………………………………. Isaiah 52:7-10 Readers: 7:00 AM- Melita Barr 9:30 AM- Sheral Curry • IN LIEU OF PSALM ………………7:00 AM “Angels, From The Realm Of Glory” - 60 CPWI • PSALM ……………………………….9:30 AM Ps. 98:1-6 - BCP p596 • SECOND LESSON …………………………. Hebrews 1:1-12 Readers: 7:00 AM- Shirley Braynen 9:30 AM- Sharon Clarke • GRADUAL HYMN …………………………. “O Christ, Redeemer Of Our Race” - 79 CPWI • THE GOSPEL ………………………………… John 1:1-14 • RESPONSORIAL ……………………………. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” - 65 CPWI • THE SERMON ………….……….. Rev’d S. Sebastian Campbell • SONG • CREED …………………………………………. BCP p104 / 106 • THE INTERCESSIONS: FORM F Readers: 7:00 AM- Randy Conliffe 9:30 AM- Roberta Hudson • THE ACT OF PENITENCE ………………. BCP p123 • THE PEACE ………………………………….. BCP p124 • SPECIAL PRAYERS ………………………… BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, TRAVEL, ETC • THE NOTICES • OFFERTORY HYMN ………………………. “Angels We Have Heard On High” • PRAYER • THE PRESENTATION OF THE OFFERING …BCP p126

M I N I S T R Y O F T H E S A C R A M E N T • EUCHARISTIC PRAYER FORM B - BCP p135 • PROPER PREFACE ………………………… BCP p129 • COMMUNION HYMNS …………………. 1. “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” - 507 CPWI 2. “O Come, All Ye Faithful” - 77 CPWI 3. “O Holy Night” 4. “Silent Night” • CHILDREN’S HYMN……………..9:30 AM “Once In Royal David’s City” - 665 CPWI • POST COMMUNION PRAYER ……….. BCP p148 • THE BLESSING ……………………………… BCP p150 • THE DISMISSAL ……………………………. BCP p152 • RECESSIONAL HYMN ……………..12PM “O Beautiful Star” 7:00 AM “Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing” - 68 CPWI 9:30 AM “Jesus, The Light Of The World” (Christmas Version)

(NOTE: For all masses programmes provided with all carols included)

Please Pray For Our Overseas Students!! PLEASE SUPPLY US WITH E-MAIL CONTACTS.

Shaynora Brown Toni Carey Shari Clarke Almarnio Curry

Deepa Gharbaran Crispin Greenslade Patrick Greenslade Marvell Major

Ashley Minnis Kadesha Mortimer Keithron Rolle Kyle Stubbs

Kyron Stubbs Chanel Williams Iyeasha Wright

14

SUNDAY SCHOOL Sundays at 9:30 am

Superintendent, Lenora Major-Brown 361-6362 H

USHER BOARD 1st Monday at 7 pm

President, Barbaramae Young 341-0851 H 327-5780 W

ANGLICAN CHURCH MEN 2nd Monday at 7 pm

President, Sam Cumberbatch 361-3525 H

STUDY HALL Tue & Thu at 4 pm

Co-ordinator, Burton Phillips 322-7725 H

PRAYER GROUP Tues. @ 7 pm & Fri. @ 5 am Pres. Pro-Tem, Fredrica Victor 341-8324 H 328-1661 W

ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN 2nd Thursday at 7 pm

President, Melita Barr 677-5767 H 322-3015 W

ST. GREGORY’S BAND &

PRAISE & WORSHIP TEAM Saturdays (as scheduled)

Leader, Norad Morgan 361-5313 H 424-0341 C

CHRISTIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT Fridays at 6:30 pm

President, Shashake’ Nabbie 361-4443 H

YOUTH DEPARTMENT Fridays at 6:30 pm

Youth Officer, Pam Gibson 361-3690 H 302-2659 W 434-8468 C

SENIOR CHOIR Fridays at 7 pm

Parish Organist, Edward Cox 328-4323 H 636-1507 C

ST. AMBROSE GUILD Saturdays at 10 am

Co-ordinator, Monica Stuart 392-2664 H

ALTAR GUILD Saturdays

Leader, Ellen Johnson 341-2144 H 393-6700 W

FAMILY LIFE & HEALTH CARE

Co-Chair, Sheldon Morris 362-1462 H 326-1766 W

Co-Chair, Celeste King-Dorsette 361-2621 H 356-6666 W

PASTORAL CARE & COUNSELLING

Leader, Anita King 361-3909 H 326-3730 W

SEXTON Mr. Noel Morgan

361-4263 H 565-6037 C

ST. GREGORY’S VESTRY 2011-2012

Fr. S. Sebastian Campbell —Rector Elected—2010-2012 Mary Basden —People’s Warden Appointed by Rector Wilton Gibson —Priest’s Warden Elected—2010-2012 Basil McIntosh Marcia Smith —Assistant Secretary Lynette Thompson —Secretary Montez Williams Elected—2011-2013 Lorne Basden Don Johnson Roberta Hudson —Treasurer Michelle Small Appointed by Rector—2011-2012 Juliette Dorsett Sheldon Morris Kim Saunders Hiram Victor —Assistant Treasurer Appointed by Rector Lenora Major-Brown —Sunday School Superintendent Pam Gibson —Youth Officer, Chr, Parish Youth Council Presidents of Parish Organizations 2011-2012: Usher Board: Barbaramae Young A. C. M.: Sam Cumberbatch A. C. W.: Melita Barr

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF PARISH ORGANIZATIONS 2011-12

Ang l ic an Ch ur ch Men President……………………........ Sam Cumberbatch Vice President………..…………. Eric Hepburn Secretary……………..…………… Tyrone Cunningham Treasurer…………….……………. Alan Edilall Chaplain……………...…………… Noel Morgan Ang l ic an Ch ur ch Wo me n President……………..……………. Melita Barr Vice President………...……...... Michelle Small Secretary……………...……........ Kim Saunders Ass’t Secretary………..……...... Lerlean Tejada Treasurer……………...……........ Beverley Pratt Ass’t Treasurer………..……...... Gwendolyn Edilall Appointed by the President: Chaplain……………….……........ Gloria Gibson Ass’t Chaplain………...……...... Shirley Braynen Prayer Gr ou p President (Pro-Tem)….…….... Fredrica Victor Secretary……………...……........ Vellora Sweeting Ass’t Secretary………..……...... Angela Rolle Treasurer……………...……....... Audrey Dorsett Ass’t Treasurer………..……..... Ruby Byer Usher B oard President……………….………… Barbaramae Young Vice President………...……..... Robertha Hudson Secretary……………..………….. Lerlean Tejada Ass’t Secretary……….………… Leslie Adderley Treasurer……………..………….. Donna Topey Ass’t Treasurer……….………… Toni Carey Chaplain…………………………… Rose Strachan Ass’t Chaplain………..………… Golda Scott Chr i st ia n Y ou th Mo ve men t President……………...…………. Shashake’ Nabbie Vice President………..………… Dominique Basden Secretary……………...…………. Sheddina Johnson Treasurer……………..………….. Toni Carey Chaplain……………………….….. T’Keyah Knowles Sgt-At-Arms……….….…………. Earvin Bodie

3

Be thoughtful, be silent, and be reverent, for this is the House of God. Before the service, speak to the Lord;

during the service, let the Lord speak to you; after the service, speak to one another.

Year: B Colour: Purple

7:00 am – Solemn Holy Eucharist 9:30 am – Family Eucharist

M I N I S T R Y O F T H E W O R D

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of Your Love. Send forth Your Spirit and we shall be created and You shall renew the face of the earth. O God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise, and ever rejoice in Your consolations, through Christ our Lord, Amen. PROCESSIONAL HYMN ………….…. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” - CPWI 48

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 once gave the law In cloud and majesty and awe.

LITURGY OF THE ADVENT WREATH

ALL: Blessed are You, Sovereign Lord, merciful and gentle: to You be praise and glory for ever! Your light has shone in our darkened world through the child-bearing of blessed Mary; grant that we who have seen Your glory may daily be renewed in Your image and prepared like her for the coming of Your Son, Who is the Lord and Saviour of all. Blessed be God for ever. God our Father, the angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she was to be the mother of Your Son. Though Mary was afraid, she responded to Your call with joy. Help us, whom You call to serve You, to share like her in Your great work of bringing to our world Your love and healing. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Light who is coming into the world. BLESSING AND LIGHTING OF CANDLE

4

ALL: Lord Jesus, Light of the world, blessed is Gabriel who brought good news; blessed is Mary Your mother and ours. Bless Your Church preparing for Christmas; and bless us Your children who long for Your coming. LITANY OF THE FOUR LAST THINGS God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit, three in one. Hear us from Thy heavenly throne, Spare us, Holy Trinity. Jesu, Life of those who die, Advocate with God on high, Hope of immortality Hear us, Holy Jesu. Thy Whose Death to mortals gave Power to triumph o'er the grave Living now from death to save, Hear us, Holy Jesu.

Thou before Whose great white Throne All our doings must be show, Pleading now for us, Thine own Hear us, Holy Jesu. Thou Who Death was borne that we, From the power of Satan free, Might not die eternally Hear us, Holy Jesu. Thou Who dost a place prepare, That in heavenly mansions fair, Sinners may Thy glory share, Hear us, Holy Jesu.

HEAVEN

Where Thy Saints in glory reign Free from sorrow, free from pain, Pure from every guilty stain Bring us, Holy Jesu.

Where the captives find release, Where all foes from troubling cease, Where the weary rest in peace, Bring us, Holy Jesu. Where the pleasures never cloy, Where in Angel's holy joy, Thy redeem'd their powers employ, Bring us, Holy Jesu.

Where in wondrous light are shown, All Thy dealings with Thine own, Who shall know as they are known, Bring us, Holy Jesu. Where, with loved ones gone before, We may love Thee and adore, In Thy Presence evermore, Bring us, Holy Jesu.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON …………………………………………………………………. BCP p97 PREPARATION, ETC ……………………………………………………………………. BCP p101 THE COLLECT(S) ……………………………… Fourth Sunday Of Advent - BCP p158

I WILL NOT TAKE MY STEADFAST LOVE FROM HIM! FIRST LESSON 7:00 AM- Don Johnson 9:30 AM - Audrey Dorsett Reader: A Reading from the Word of God written in 2 Samuel 7:4,8-16.

4

But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan…

8

Now therefore thus you shall say to My servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over My people Israel;

9 and I have been with you

wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before

13

St. Ambrose Guild Roster SUN

18

DEC

7:00am 9:30am 7pm BP: TH: CR:

1AC: 1AC: 2AC: 2AC:

2MC: 1MC:

-- Arnaldo Basden Hiram Victor Kirkland Munnings Harvey Victor - - Hiram Victor Shashake Nabbie

BP: TH: CR:

1AC: 1AC: 2AC: 2AC:

2MC: 1MC:

Benjamin Johnson Walton Sweeting Eurydice Rolle Lamar Nottage Sarah Jones Summer Jones Benjamin Sweeting Nicolette Nottage Shavaughn Thurston

BP: TH: CR:

1AC: 1AC: 2AC: 2AC:

2MC: 1MC:

Sunday School

Christmas Programme

SUN

25

DEC

7:00am 9:30am 7pm BP: TH: CR:

1AC: 1AC: 2AC: 2AC:

2MC: 1MC:

- Harvey Victor Arnaldo Basden Kirkland Munnings Shashake Nabbie - - Arnaldo Basden Hiram Victor

BP: TH: CR:

1AC: 1AC: 2AC: 2AC:

2MC: 1MC:

Elizabeth Davis Cassius Clarke Lamar Nottage Elvis Thurston Cierra Deleveaux Summer Jones Carla Cartwright Katie Longley Michael Johnson

BP: TH: CR:

1AC: 1AC: 2AC: 2AC:

2MC: 1MC:

Ushers Roster SUN 18 DEC 7am: Jennie Huyler, Vernell Miller, Melanie Munnings, Shirley Braynen —TC 9:30am: Leslie Adderley, Churaine Duncanson, Regeita Minns, Pam Moxey, James McCartney, JoVaughn Whyms, Louis Cooper—TC 7pm: Golda Scott, Norman Sturrup SUN 25 DEC 7am: Sheldon Morris, Margaret Pratt, Tonia Turnquest -Jr. Ush 9:30am: Michelle Deveaux, Robertha Hudson, Shirley Williams, Arthia Young -Jr. Ush, Barbaramae Young —TC 7pm: Jennie Huyler, Herbert Huyler

SUN 1 JAN 7am: Jennifer Morley, Anthon Moss, Rachel Nabbie, Dorcas Stubbs, Rosemary Benson —TC 7pm: Shirley Braynen, Vernell Miller

Daily Readings Year B Book of Common Prayer Lectionary. Online: bible.oremus.org (NRSV Anglicanized Version)

MON 19 DEC Purple.

Mn: Ps. 61, 62, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Titus 1:1-16 Ev: Ps. 112, 115, Isaiah 11:1-9, Luke 1:1-25

TUE 20 DEC Purple.

Mn: Ps. 66, 67, 1 Samuel 2:1b-10, Titus 2:1-10 Ev: Ps. 116, 117, Isaiah 11:10-16, Luke 1:26-28

WED 21 DEC ST THOMAS, Apostle. Red.

Mn: Ps. 23, 121, Job 42:1-6, 1 Peter 1:3-9 Ev: Ps. 27, Isaiah 43:8-13, John 14:1-7

THU 22 DEC Purple.

Mn: Ps. 80, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, Galatians 3:1-14 Ev: Ps. 146, 147, Isaiah 29:13-24, Luke 1:57-66

FRI 23 DEC Purple.

Mn: Ps. 93, 96, Baruch 4:21-29, Galatians 3:15-22 Ev: Ps. 148, 150, Isaiah 33:17-22, Luke 1:67-80 or Matthew 1:1-17

SAT 24 DEC Purple. CHRISTMAS EVE. White.

Mn: Ps. 45, 46, Isaiah 35:1-10, Baruch 4:3b-5:9, Gal 3:23-4:7 Ev: Ps. 89:1-29, Isaiah 59:15b-21, Philippians 2:5-11

SUN 25 DEC NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: CHRISTMAS DAY. White.

Euc: Isaiah 52:7-10, Ps. 98:1-6, Hebrews 1:1-12, John 1:1-14 Ev: Ps. 110, 132, Zechariah 2:10-13, John 3:31-36

SUN 1 JAN 2012 THE NAMING OF JESUS: NEW YEAR’S DAY. White.

Euc: Exodus 34:1-8, Ps. 8, Romans 1:1-7, Luke 2:15-21 Ev: Ps. 148, Genesis 17:1-12a, 15-16, Matthew 1:18-25

12

9. RELATIVES IN HOSPITAL

Please contact the church office immediately when a relative is admitted into the hospital so that pastoral care from the church can be given immediately.

10. BOYS BRIGADE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER

The Boys Brigade will be selling Christmas Trees in aid of their building fund on Dolphin Drive. Contact Person is Caption Curry at St. Barnabas.

Youth CORNER

CALLING ALL YOUNG MALES TO JOIN THE YOUTH CHOIR

Youth Department is closed. Reopens the second week in January.

Please remember to pray for, visit and call our Sick and Shut-in:

Parishioners With Health Challenges Raphe-enne Adderley Karen Brown 327-0193 Icelyn Campbell (Jamaica) 341-3647 Edith Lavern Dames ICU Bridgette Johnson 362-2392 Fr. Mervyn Johnson

Leanna Newbold 341-4133 Jennifer Sanchez 341-1204 Willahmae Scott Mildred Seymour 361-5254 Shyann Strachan Rochelle Thurston 341-4618

Home Bound Ortlise Coleby 361-5936 Cora Gibson 361-3690 Terricita Henderson 341-4570 Jefferson Hepburn 361-3505

Edith Palacious (Fla) Corina Stuart 361-7755 Wendy Stuart Coralee Sturrup 361-3505

Happy Birthday!!! “Look with favour, we pray, on Your Servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in Your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Happy Anniversary! “Knit together in constant affection those who, in Holy Wedlock, have been made one flesh; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY IS NOT LISTED OR IS LISTED INCORRECTLY, PLEASE LET US KNOW. THANKS!!

Sun, 18 Dec ~ Lisa Hall Mon, 19 Dec ~ Wesley Hart ~ Bryann Miller ~ Kim Rolle Tue, 20 Dec ~ Kendria Butler ~ Shernell Carey Wed, 21 Dec ~ Cassidy Clarke ~ Denise Newbold ~ Denisela Newbold ~ Beatrice Seymour

Thu, 22 Dec ~ Shura Pratt ~ Theodore Williams Fri, 23 Dec ~ Kemia Cooper --- Sun, 18 Dec ~ Mario & Catherine Coakley Thu, 22 Dec ~ Marvin & Regieta Minns Fri, 23 Dec ~ Josh & Nora Newbold

Condolences St. Gregory’s Parish family extends heart-felt condolences

to the following member(s) who have lost loved ones recently: > Hattie Moxey and family, on the passing of her mother, the late Christina Williams.

T: 341-4439. > Edward Cox and family, on the passing of his sister, the late Sherine Cox. T: 328-4323

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE.

Readers Rosta SAT 24 DEC 10:30pm: Sandra Johnson, Don Johnson

5

you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.

10 And I will appoint a place for My people Israel

and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly,

11 from the time that I appointed judges over My people

Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house.

12 When

your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.

13 He shall build a house for

My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14

I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to Me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings.

15 But I will not take My

steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.

16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made

sure for ever before Me; your throne shall be established for ever.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. IN LIEU OF PSALM - 9:30 AM … “Hark The Glad Sound! The Saviour Comes” - 40 CPWI PSALM …………………………………………………………..……. Ps. 132:8-15 - BCP p647

WITH FAITHFUL HEARTS THY WORD OBEY, AND THUS PREPARE TO MEET THEE!

SECOND LESSON 7:00 AM- Sidney Curry 9:30 AM - Eurydice Dean Reader: A Reading from the Word of God written in Romans 16:25-27.

25

Now to God Who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages

26 but is

now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—

27 to the only wise God, through

Jesus Christ, to Whom be the glory for ever! Amen.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. GRADUAL HYMN ………...... “Great God, What Do I See and Hear” - 52 A&M

Great God, what do I see and hear? The end of things created! The Judge of all men doth appear, On clouds of glory seated. The trumpet sounds, the graves restore, The dead which they contained before! Prepare, my soul, to meet Him.

The dead in Christ shall first arise At that last trumpet's sounding. Caught up to meet him in the skies, With joy their Lord surrounding. No gloomy fears their souls dismay, His Presence sheds eternal day On those prepared to meet Him.

6

The ungodly, fill’d with guilty fears, Behold His wrath prevailing. In woe they rise, but all their tears And sighs are unavailing. The day of grace is past and gone; Trembling they stand before His throne, All unprepared to meet Him.

Great Judge, to Thee our prayers we pour, In deep abasement bending; O shield us through that last dread hour, Thy wondrous love extending: May we, in this our trial day, With faithful hearts Thy word obey, And thus prepare to meet Thee.

+ THE GOSPEL + Reader: The Lord be with you. Response: And also with you. Reader: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 1:26-38. Response: Glory to Christ our Saviour.

26

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose

name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favoured one!

The Lord is with you.” 29

But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

30 The angel said

to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 31

And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name Him Jesus.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of

the Most High, and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His ancestor David.

33 He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and

of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel said to her, “The

Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; He will be called Son of God.

36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old

age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.

37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

38

Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Reader: This is the Gospel of Christ. Response: Praise to Christ our Lord. GOSPEL RESPONSE ……..………………………….. “All Hail King Jesus” - 839 CPWI

All hail King Jesus, all hail Emmanuel, King of Kings Lord of Lords, bright Morning Star; And thro out eternity I’ll sing His praises, And forever more I will reign with Him. (x2)

THE SERMON …… The Rev’d S. Sebastian Campbell CREED ………………………………………………………………………………………… BCP p104 INTERCESSIONS: FORM F …………………………………………………………… BCP p115 7:00 AM- Tara Edgecombe 9:30 AM - Sharon Clarke THE ACT OF PENITENCE ……………………………………………………………… BCP p123

11

Notices

1. SOCIAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME

Please support our outreach to the sick, shut-in and needy members of our church and community with regular donations of grocery items, food stamps, pennies or cash. Please place items in the basket provided by the Baptismal Font. Contact: Sis. Clara Morgan - 361-4263.

2. 150TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE

The 150th anniversary service of our Diocese which took place on Sun, 6 Nov at the Cathedral will be rebroadcast this Sun, 18 Dec at 1pm on TV 13.

3. CLERGY MATTERS Please pray for:

• Fr. Denrick Rolle to relocate in January, to the Diocese of S. E. Fla. He assumes the position of Rector Pro-Tem at St. Agnes until years end when, trough God’s grace, he will become Rector of their Bahamian initiated parish in Miami.

• Fr. Mario Conliffe leaves St. Andrew’s Parish, Exuma, to pursue studies for both a Masters and Doctorate degree in the US in early January.

We pray their every success in their new ventures.

4. TRAVEL TO THE HOLY LAND

At Walk Through The Bible Study on Wed, 14 Dec, the study group restated a desire to travel to the Holy Land that we may walk where Jesus walked. Here are the plans:

1. Travel Date: First half of 2013.

2. Down Payment $100: due on or before the end of January 2012

3. Instalments: Payments made incrementally each month (total amount for the trip will be determined in February 2012).

4. We Can Go? The more persons go the lesser the cost and the merrier the experience, we hope. So we need to attract as many persons as possible in and outside the church.

5. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary at the time? Or are you just in a generous spirit. Your church needs flowers, poinsettias, and other dressing for this season. Please let the office know or contact Ellen Johnson – T: 341-2144 E: dmcnealjohnson@hotmail.com.

6. NEW HYMN BOOK PILGRIMAGE

Secure a new hymnbook (CPWI), all Anglicans should own one. Check with our ushers today. Price $25.00 with music and $15.00 word only. Every effort is made to know, enjoy and sing brand new hymns. There are two hymns of the month each month. We practice on Sundays and at evensong. Open for suggestions.

7. A NOTE ON BAPTISM

Persons offering for baptism should be practicing members of the church. There is a counselling session at which all parents and godparents are to attend (leave babies at home). The first three godparents must be practicing Anglicans.

A commitment is made to see that children presented are brought up in the fear of the Lord and nurtured by the church.

Please collect certificates the week afterwards (parents).

It’s optional to make a donation for flowers on that given Sunday.

8. ACW CHRISTMAS PARTY POSTPONED TO FRI, 20 JAN, 2012

10

ST. GREGORY’S CALENDAR DAY SERVICE / EVENT TIME

SUN 18 DEC FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

SOLEMN HOLY EUCHARIST 7:00 am FAMILY EUCHARIST & SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 am

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 6:00 pm

MON 19 DEC

TUE 20 DEC MASS 6:00 am STUDY HALL (Free academic aid by trained teachers for students) 4-6:00 pmPRAYER GROUP 7:00 pm

WED 21 DEC ST. THOMAS

SENIOR CHOIR’S FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS

7:00 pm

THU 22 DEC FUNERAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE CHRISTINA WILLIAMS

10:00 am

STUDY HALL (Free academic aid by trained teachers for students) 4-6:00 pm

FRI 23 DEC MASS 6:00 am

SAT 24 DEC CHRISTMAS EVE

ACOLYTES PRACTICE 10:00 am THE T. A. R. A. PROJECT 12:30 pm

CAROLLING 10:00 pm BLESSING OF THE CRIB, SOLEMN PROCESSION & MIDNIGHT MASS

10:30 pm

SUN 25 DEC NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: CHRISTMAS DAY

SOLEMN HOLY EUCHARIST 7:00 am

FAMILY EUCHARIST & SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 am

YULETIDE AT ST. GREGORY 2011-2012 1. Sun, 18 Dec, 6pm - Christmas Concert (Sunday School)

2. Wed, 21 Dec, 7pm - Festival Of Nine Lessons and Carols (Choir & Congregation)

3. Sat, 24 Dec C H R I S T M A S E V E

10pm - Carolling 10:30pm - Blessing of The Crib, Solemn Procession and Midnight Mass

4 . Sun, 25 Dec C H R I S T M A S D A Y

7am - Solemn Procession & Sung Mass 9:30am - Solemn Procession & Sung Mass (no evening service)

5. Wed, 28 Dec - Holy Innocents Day Children’s Service & Treat (Sponsored by the Sunday school)

Note: ALL THE MASSES CHRISTMAS WEEK GO ON RECESS

6 . Sat, 31 Dec N E W Y E A R ’ S E V E

10:30pm - Carols rolling out of the old year and Mass of The Holy Name of Jesus

7. Sun, 1 Jan, 8:15am - Family Mass (no evening service)

8. Fri, 6 Jan E P I P H A N Y

7pm - Sung Mass

END OF CHRISTMAS SEASON

7

THE PEACE …………………………………………………………………………………. BCP p124 SELECTION ……………………………………………………………………. DANCE MINISTRY SPECIAL PRAYERS ………………… BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, TRAVEL, ETC. OFFERTORY HYMN …. “Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending” - 46 CPWI PRAYER OFFERTORY HYMN THE PRESENTATION OF THE OFFERING …………………………………….. BCP p126

M I N I S T R Y O F T H E S A C R A M E N T

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER …………………………………………………………..…… BCP p126 PROPER PREFACE ………………….......………………….............................. BCP p128 EUCHARISTIC PRAYER: FORM C …………….......…………………............. BCP p137 THE LORD’S PRAYER, ETC. …………….......…………………...................... BCP p144 COMMUNION HYMNS …

“The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns” - 54 CPWI “Sent Forth By God’s Blessing” - 618 CPWI Tune: “There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood”

“O Jesu, Blessed Lord To Thee” - 612 CPWI

CHILDREN’S HYMN - 9:30 AM ……………………………………. “When He Cometh” When He cometh, when He cometh, To make up His jewels, All His jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own. Like the stars of the morning, His bright crown adorning, They shall shine in their beauty, Bright gems for His crown.

He will gather, He will gather The gems for His kingdom, All the pure ones, all the bright ones, His loved and His own. Little children, little children, Who love their Redeemer, Are the jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own.

O QUICKLY COME: FOR GRIEF AND PAIN CAN NEVER CLOUD THY GLORIOUS REIGN!

POST COMMUNION PRAYER ………………………………………………..…... BCP p148 THE BLESSING ……………………………………………………………………………. BCP p150 THE DISMISSAL ……………………………………………………….…………………. BCP p152 RECESSIONAL ……………….. “O Quickly Come, Dread Judge Of All” - 204 A&M O quickly come, dread Judge of all, For, awful though Thine Advent be; All shadows from the truth will fall, And falsehood die, in sight of Thee. O quickly come: for doubt and fear Like clouds dissolve when Thou art near.

O quickly come, great King of all; Reign all around us, and within; Let sin no more our souls enthrall, Let pain and sorrow die with sin. O quickly come: for Thou alone Canst make Thy scatter’d people one.

8

O quickly come, true Life of all; For death is mighty all around; On every home his shadows fall, On every heart his mark is found. O quickly come: for grief and pain Can never cloud Thy glorious reign.

O quickly come, sure Light of all For gloomy night broods o'er our way; And weakly souls begin to fall With weary watching for the day. O quickly come: for round Thy Throne No eye is blind, no night is known.

PRAYER AFTER MASS (SERVERS PRAYER):

Glory to You Lord Jesus, glory to You. Grant that as I have served in Your presence, may we also come to serve in Your heavenly kingdom. In all things God be glorified. Amen.

Priest: The Mass is ended. Go in peace rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

People: Thanks be to God. Amen!!!

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT - 6PM

THE ADVENT WREATH

1. The Advent Wreath has four red, purple or blue candles in a ring around a white or gold candle. Sometimes it has three of the colours mentioned and one rose and one white. The first candle is lit on Advent Sunday; additional ones are lit, one on each Sunday, and the white or gold one on Christmas Day.

2. The new candle each week may appropriately be lit after the Introit Hymn.

3. All five candles may appropriately be alight during services through the Christmas season.

4. There are several traditions about the meaning or theme of each candle. The scheme that accords best with the Lectionary is:

Advent 1 - The Patriarchs, Advent 2 - The Prophets, Advent 3 - John the Baptist, Advent 4 - The Virgin Mary, Christmas - The Christ

5. Each of the four Sundays then reminds us of those who prepared for the coming of Christ. “The Patriarchs” can naturally focus on Abraham, our father in faith, and David, Jesus’ ancestor in whose city He was born. “The Prophets” give an opportunity to reflect on the way the birth of the Messiah was “foretold”. John, who proclaimed the Saviour, and Mary, who bore Him in her womb, completes the picture.

6. The prayers below reflect these four themes. The second and third prayers in each case are written with children in mind, and the third is to be said by the congregation together. Only one prayer need be used on any occasion, though the second and third fit well together in each case.

O COME, THOU KEY OF DAVID, COME, AND OPEN WIDE OUR HEAVENLY HOME!

9

The Meaning Of Christmas

The meaning of Christmas can only be seen against the backdrop of

tradition. The trimming of the tree with tinsels and lights, the cards of

greetings from our friends, the echoing refrains of carols, the excitement of

toys and gifts, the Christmas goodie, the fellowship with family and friends,

the Junkanoo Festival and most of all, the Christmas story which brings

peace. and goodwill

There is no time of year when millions of people, throughout the

earth, celebrate the season of peace and goodwill like the Christmas

Season, a season when people come to the knowledge that it is a time

when love, joy and peace, however hidden are manifested.

There is no season of the war when we feel warmer toward each

other, more kind in our relationships, more sympathetic toward others

needs, and are more expressive of our love than during the Christmas

season.

Well this is good because if there is anything this age of ’onward,

upward, together' needs now, it is love. The old adage that "loves makes

the world go round" may not be true for all, but it sure makes the world

worthwhile and we need more of it.

Our world today is so filled with hatred that consumes people land

bitterness that begets violence that in the midst of peace and goodwill

there are some who find Christmas a depressing time. We need to bring

the message of hope to these people, If we are not careful we will make

the same mistake and fail to hear the must important words ever written or

said; "For unto us is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is

Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).

The Christmas story tells us that we can go on with all our differences

as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, Who has come to dwell in our

hearts. It also means we shall never lose heart for this same Christ Who

came as a babe in Bethlehem, has died on the cross at Calvary and is

helping us to have a new life, new hope and new joy for He is alive in this

world through His Holy Spirit.

If Christmas has meant anything to us our greatest desire should be

that we bring love, joy and peace into the hearts of others.