The third Sunday before Advent

The Gathering

Our worship begins at the sound of the bell, please stand as the sacred ministers enter, during which the introit hymn is sung.

All my hope on God is founded;
He doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
Only good and only true.
God unknown,
He alone
Calls my heart to be his own.

God’s great goodness aye endureth,
Deep his wisdom, passing thought:
Splendour, light and life attend him,
Beauty springeth out of naught.
Evermore
From his store
New-born worlds rise and adore.

Daily doth th’Almighty giver
Bounteous gifts on us bestow;
His desire our soul delighteth,
Pleasure leads us where we go.
Love doth stand
At his hand;
Joy doth wait on his command.

Still from man to God eternal
Sacrifice of praise be done,
High above all praises praising
For the gift of Christ his Son.
Christ doth call
One and all:
Ye who follow shall not fall.

Words: R. Bridges (1844-1930)
 based on the German of J. Neander (1650-1680)
 Music: H. Howells (1892-1983)
 Hymn Tune: MICHAEL

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

Words of Welcome

Invitation to Confession

God has called us to follow Christ,
and has formed us into a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
to declare the wonderful deeds of him who has called us
out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Let us confess the times when we have failed to heed this call.

Silence is kept.

Lord Jesus, you said to your disciples:
‘You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.’

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, we know that the harvest is plentiful
but the labourers are few.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you appointed us to go and bear fruit that will last.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

May almighty God,
who sent his Son into the world to save sinners,
bring you his pardon and peace, now and for ever.

Amen.

Gloria in Excelsis

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

The Collect

The president introduces a period of silent prayer with the words ‘Let us pray’.

Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,
that in their vocation and ministry
they may serve you in holiness and truth
to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

Please sit.

A reading from the first book of Samuel.

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3.1-10

This is the word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand as the gradual hymn is sung. During the hymn a procession will make its way to the centre of the nave from where the Gospel for the day is read. To symbolise our desire to turn to Christ in our daily lives, at the end of the hymn we remain standing and turn to face the place where the Gospel is proclaimed.

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of thy love;
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Ev’ry pow’r as thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it thine:
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart: it is thine own;
It shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At thy feet its treasure-store;
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for thee.

Words: F. R. Havergal (1836-1879)
Music: W. A Mozart (1756-1791) adapted
Hymn Tune: NOTTINGHAM

Gospel Reading

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5.14-16

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Please sit after the preacher leads us in prayer.

An Affirmation of Faith

Please stand with the president.

Do you believe and trust in God the Father,
source of all being and life,
the one for whom we exist?

We believe and trust in him.

Do you believe and trust in God the Son,
who took our human nature,
died for us and rose again?

We believe and trust in him.

Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,
who gives life to the people of God
and makes Christ known in the world?

We believe and trust in him.

This is the faith of the Church.

This is our faith.
We believe and trust in one God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Following an invitation to pray from the intercessor we kneel or sit to pray.

The response to the bidding:

Lord, in your mercy.

Hear our prayer.

then at the end:

Merciful Father,

accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

The Liturgy of the Sacrament

Please stand with the president.

The Peace

To crown all things there must be love,
to bind all together and complete the whole.
Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

Colossians 3.14,15

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

This is usually a handshake shared with those near you.

Preparation of the Table

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it.

A hymn is sung. During this hymn a collection, our financial offering in support of the work of the church both at St. Mary’s and across our diocese, is taken.

You can place cash or giving envelopes in the collection plates as they are passed around. If you would prefer, or if you miss the plate, you can also give by tapping your contactless card or device on the giving kiosk by the door as you leave, or on our donations page.

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them.
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

Words: D. L. Schutte (b. 1947) based on Isaiah 6
Music: D. L. Schutte (b. 1947)

Taking of the Bread and Wine

Heavenly Father,
as we set before you these gifts of bread and wine,
bless also the gift of our hearts and minds
as we offer our lives in your service;
for Jesus Christ’s sake.

Amen.

The Eucharistic Prayer (E)

Please sit.

The Lord is here.

His Spirit is with us.

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.

It is indeed right and good, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks
through your servant Jesus Christ our Lord.

At his baptism he was revealed as your beloved Son
and coming among us as one who serves,
he taught that they are greatest in your kingdom
who make themselves least and the servants of all.
Although he was their teacher and their Lord,
he washed the feet of his disciples,
and commanded us to do the same.

Through your Holy Spirit you bestow upon your people
a rich diversity of gifts and ministries,
and from this royal priesthood
you raise up men and women to proclaim your word,
to care for your people
and to be the stewards of the mysteries of Christ.

You call them to serve the world your Son redeemed
and build up his body, the Church,
to the greater glory of your name.
And so with angels and archangels
and all the heavenly host,
we proclaim your glory
and join their unending hymn of praise:

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.

We praise and bless you, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord;
and as we obey his command,
send your Holy Spirit,
that broken bread and wine outpoured
may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.

On the night before he died he had supper with his friends
and, taking bread, he praised you.
He broke the bread, gave it to them and said:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.

When supper was ended he took the cup of wine.
Again he praised you, 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.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did,
in him we plead with confidence his sacrifice
made once for all upon the cross.
Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation,
we proclaim his death and resurrection
until he comes in glory.

Great is the mystery of faith:

Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.

Lord of all life,
help us to work together for that day
when your kingdom comes
and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth.
Look with favour on your people,
gather us in your loving arms
and bring us with Blessed Mary,
Willibrord of York, Margery Kempe
Leo the Great, Martin of Tours and all the saints
to feast at your table in heaven.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father,
for ever and ever.

Amen.

Silence is kept.

The Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us.

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,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Breaking of the Bread

The president breaks the consecrated bread.

Every time we eat this bread
and drink this cup,

we proclaim the Lord’s death
until he comes.

The Agnus Dei is sung as the bread is broken for distribution.

Jesus, Lamb of God,
have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins,
have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,
grant us peace.

Invitation to 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.

The president and people receive communion. All baptised Christians are welcome to receive the sacrament. Please follow the guidance offered by the stewards.

If you are not baptised, or would prefer to not receive then do still come forward for a blessing bringing this book with you so the president knows your intention.

The sacrament is available in both kinds, however if you wish to only receive the bread please do so and then return to your place. Receiving in one kind is still considered to be full communion by the Church of England. Please do not dip bread in the wine (sometimes called ‘intincting’).

For those at home it might be helpful to use this prayer during the distribution.

Lord,
I thank you for the gifts you have given me,
especially for life, love, family and friends.
Help me to know myself better and to know my talents,
as I pray, study and decide on my life’s work.
Help me to see and understand
the path that you have opened for me.
Help me to choose a life’s work
which will be in response
to my potential and your plans for me.
Give me a generous heart to respond to your call
and the strength to follow you wherever you lead me.
Amen.

Choir Anthem

‘Jesu, joyaunce of my heart’

Jesu, joyaunce of my heart,
Blessèd Jesu;
Bliss unto my soul thou art,
Holy Jesu;
Sure defence from Satan’s dart,
Sweetest Jesu;
Jesu, sweetest Jesu.

Thousand times I think of thee,
My Redeemer;
Only yearn thy face to see,
My Redeemer;
Longing for thy company,
My Redeemer;
Jesu, my Redeemer.

Feed me, every want supply,
Bread of heaven;
Slake my thirst, or else I die,
From thy fountain;
Let me in thy blessing lie,
Gentle Jesu;
Jesu, sweetest Jesu.

Words: J. Flittner (1618-1678)
translated by G. R. Woodward (1848-1934)
Music: Chorale melody by J. R. Ahle (1625-1673)
harmonised by J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
arranged by S. G. Lindley (b. 1948)

One or two communion hymns may be sung during the distribution as time allows. Please remain seated.

Let us talents and tongues employ,
Reaching out with a shout of joy:
Bread is broken, the wine outpoured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again,
Pass the word around: loaves abound!

Christ is able to make us one,
At his table he sets the tone,
Teaching people to live to bless,
Love in word and in deed express.
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again,
Pass the word around: loaves abound!

Jesus calls us in, sends us out
Bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
Gives us love to tell, bread to share:
God-Immanuel everywhere!
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again,
Pass the word around: loaves abound!

Let us talents and tongues employ,
Reaching out with a shout of joy:
Bread is broken, the wine outpoured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again,
Pass the word around: loaves abound!

Words: F. H. Kaan (1929-2009)
Music: Jamaican folk song, adapted by D. Potter (1925-1980)
Hymn Tune: LINSTEAD

Now let us from this table rise,
Renewed in body, mind and soul;
With Christ we die and live again,
His selfless love hath made us whole.

With minds alert, upheld by grace,
To spread the Word in speech and deed,
We follow in the steps of Christ,
At one with all in hope and need.

To fill each human house with love,
It is the sacrament of care;
The work that Christ began to do
We humbly pledge ourselves to share.

Then give us courage, living God,
To choose again the pilgrim way,
And help us to accept with joy
The challenge of tomorrow’s day. 

Words: F. Kaan (1929-2009)
Music: Swiss traditional melody arr. R. H. Lloyd (1933-2021)
Hymn Tune: SOLOTHURN

The Post Communion Prayer

Please stand with the president who introduces a time of silent prayer with the words ‘Let us pray’.

Lord of the harvest,
you have fed your people in this sacrament
with the fruits of creation made holy by your Spirit:
by your grace raise up among us faithful labourers
to sow your word and reap the harvest of souls;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

We thank you, Lord,
that you have fed us in this sacrament,
united us with Christ,
and given us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet
prepared for all peoples.
Amen.

A hymn is sung.

Now thank we all our God, 
With heart and hands and voices, 
Who wondrous things hath done, 
In whom his world rejoices; 
Who from our mother’s arms 
Hath blessed us on our way 
With countless gifts of love, 
And still is ours today. 

O may this bounteous God 
Through all our life be near us, 
With ever joyful hearts 
And blessèd peace to cheer us; 
And keep us in his grace, 
And guide us when perplexed, 
And free us from all ills 
In this world and the next. 

All praise and thanks to God 
The Father now be given, 
The Son, and him who reigns 
With them in highest heaven, 
The one eternal God, 
Whom earth and heav’n adore; 
For thus it was, is now, 
And shall be evermore. 

Words: M. Rinkart (1586-1649)
translated by C. Winkworth (1827-1878)
Music: J. Crüger (1598-1662)
Hymn Tune: NUN DANKET

The Dismissal

The Blessing

May the boldness of the Spirit transform you,
may the gentleness of the Spirit lead you,
may the gifts of the Spirit equip you
to serve and worship God;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

Acclamation

There are varieties of gifts,

but the same Spirit.

There are varieties of service,

but the same Lord.

There are different kinds of working,

but the same God is at work in all.

There is one body, one Spirit, one hope in God’s call;

one Lord, one faith, one baptism.

There is one God, Father of all, over all and in all,

to whom Christ ascended on high.

And through his Spirit he gives us gifts:

some are apostles, some are his prophets;

evangelists, pastors and teachers he gives us,

so that we can minister together

to build up his body,
to be mature in the fullness of Christ.

The Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.