C alvary Episcopal Church

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The Calvary Family is pleased to WELCOME you as we celebrate the birth of Christ during the season of .... committees ar
Calvary Episcopal Church

5:00 PM Family Service with Carols 8:00 PM Christ Mass Christmas Eve-

The Fourth Sunday of Advent "Growing Faith in Christ Through Worship and Community"

Sunday, December 24, 2017 10:15 AM -Rite II Eucharistic Prayer A * Year B www.calvaryepiscopalbatavia.church

Prayer for the Mission of Our Parish

Growing Faith in Christ Through Worship Join us for Worship

Loving God, Through your grace guide us, the people of Calvary Episcopal Church, to joyfully carry out our mission of growing faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may develop a living faith that deepens our understanding of you and strengthens our awareness of the needs of others. May we be a transforming light within our parish and within the community. All this we ask in the Name of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Communion Services Sunday: 8 AM and 10:15 AM Tuesday: 7 AM Wednesday: 9:30 AM Thursday: 1PM (Michealsen) 5:45 PM (Calvary) Join us for Study Adult Bible Study Classes Wednesday: 10:15 AM Sunday: 9:10 AM Children’s Christian Ed Sunday: 10 AM VBS: Jul/Aug 4th

Adult Christian Ed Monday of the Month: 7 AM

4th

Book Study Group Monday of the Month: 3 PM Spiritual Enrichment Seasonal Retreats

Join us in Our Outreach Programs Hesed House/PADS Mission Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry Literacy Programs International Mission Assistance Meal Assistance Join us in Fellowship Whenever we are together

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The Calvary Family is pleased to WELCOME you as we celebrate the birth of Christ during the season of Christmas. On Sundays, we normally have two distinct liturgies (services). Both include the Eucharist (Communion). During Lent, our 8 AM Sunday Service celebrates the Eucharist with the words of our traditional Rite I liturgy from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. The 10:15 AM Service uses the more contemporary language of our Rite II Liturgy. Nursery care is available during the 10:15 AM Service as well as Sunday School for children and youth. Adults and Children of all ages are welcome to all the services at Calvary. We encourage you to try each of them and see which service fits you best. At Calvary, we believe that each member of our congregation should have an opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist. We pray that these worship experiences will be a wonderful way to connect all parishioners through a community of faith, hope and compassion at a church that welcomes all of God’s children. Please complete a visitor’s card found in the pew rack and place it in the collection tray. We invite you to join us following the service for coffee and fellowship in the south end of the Education Wing.

The Reverend Michael D. Rasicci, Rector 222 South Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510-2564 (630) 879-3378 * [email protected] www.calvaryepiscopalbatavia.church 3|Page Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS Our Responsibility: What better evidence exists to prove the Grace and Love of our Lord, Jesus Christ than the childhood development of our children? At Calvary, we take that responsibility very cheerfully, yet extremely seriously. Our Director of Youth Christian Ed, Adam McCluskey is a graduate of the General Theological Seminary in New York and completed his studies as a Seminarian at St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church in New York City. Adam is well trained for his role. The entire staff at Calvary as well as those volunteers directly responsible for your son or daughter’s Christian Education are subject to a background investigation and must complete the Keeping God’s Children Safe Program. Your child’s safety is as important to us as is his or her Christian Education. Your active participation is not only welcome, but is essential to your child’s Christian development!

INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH Nursery Care: Nursery Care is available for infants and toddlers during the 10:15 AM Sunday Service. Youth Christian Education: Youth Christian Education begins at 10:00 AM on Sunday. Our program provides the foundation for a life guided by Christ, emphasizing “love thy neighbor” and service to others. The program is focused on building new relationships and emphasizing that church is fun and that God loves everyone, without exception. Here, we invite all children and families into our ministry. At Calvary, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve God by teaching and forming the next ambassadors of the church. You are always welcome; please join us! First Holy Communion: Youth participation in preparation for their first Holy Communion is coordinated by the Director of Youth Christian Education. Adults should contact the Rector. Confirmation: Youth Confirmation is coordinated by the Director of Youth Christian Education. Confirmation for adults requires participation in Confirmation Classes scheduled in the Spring.

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Information Position Rector

Name Email Address Fr. Michael D. Rasicci [email protected]

Senior Warden Junior Warden Vestry Clerk

Brandon Crawford Erik Turner S&H Dalmasso

Treasurer Joe Nemedi Dir Youth Christian Ed Adam McCluskey Musician Office Manager Sexton

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Tx. Number Ext W: (630) 879-3378 302 H: (630) 879-5178 C: (630) 338-7324 C: (312) 505-0299 C: (630) 621-7961 H: (630) 326-9860

Matthew Blanks [email protected] Dave Evensen [email protected] [email protected] Jeremy Barkei [email protected]

H: W: C: C: W: C: C:

(630) 466-0168 (630) 879-3378 303 (330) 277-6368 (301) 221-0068 (630) 879-3378 301 (630) 215-3222 (630) 806-6171

Dave Sperry Jennifer VanDuyn Heather Dalmasso Craig Keller David Bald Joel Montgomery Patti Lackman Fr. Michael D. Rasicci

H: H: H: C: C: C: H: W:

(630) 879-2323 (847) 742-4324 (630) 326-9860 (847) 774-9833 (630) 945-5652 (630) 639-7337 (630) 879-1539 (630) 879-3378 302

Ministries Buildings & Grounds Christian Ed Adult Communications Finance Outreach Stewardship Welcome Care Comfort Worship

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

The Diocese of Chicago www.episcopalchicago.org (312) 751-4200 The Episcopal Church www.episcopalchurch.org (800) 334-7626 www.calvaryepiscopalbatavia.church Follow us on Facebook Receive weekly news via email or traditional mail

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Visitors and Guests- Our Greeters and Ushers remain ready to assist you in any way. If you are unfamiliar with our service, please ask an Usher for the Visitors’ Bulletin. If you want to learn more about the Calvary Family, please fill out a visitor’s card and drop it in the collection plate. Ask an Usher for a Visitor’s Information Package to take with you when you leave. Bulletin Articles- Articles or information for inclusion in the upcoming Sunday Bulletin should be received by the Parish Office by 9:00AM on the preceding Tuesday Room Reservations for Meetings or non-Calvary Events- To ensure room availability, ministries and committees are asked to notify the Parish Office at least 24 hours in advance of meeting room requirements. Having the meeting announcement, location, date and time included in the Monthly Schedule is preferred to provide all interested parishioners sufficient time to plan for the meeting/event, however 11th hour requests can be approved assuming availability of space. NonCalvary Events will require a signed agreement and may include a fee. Lost Articles- May be claimed in the Church Library only if they have been recovered. Non-recovered lost articles may not be claimed until recovered. Our experience is that recovered items are never claimed, and items sought for claiming are never recovered. So, if you do go to the library and actually find a lost article for which you were searching, let us know and we'll throw a party.

Sacrament of Baptism- Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. All parents of children to be baptized or adults wishing to be baptized should make an appointment with the Rector to learn more about this important first step as a Christian. Marriage- Calvary is available for weddings of most denominations. Couples wishing to be married by our Rector with the Episcopal Liturgy must attend pre-marriage counseling sessions. For more information, please visit the Church Office Anointing of the Sick- Please notify the Parish Office if you or someone you know will be confined to home or hospitalized and would like to be anointed by the Rector. Wednesday and Thursday Holy Eucharist include the Healing Rite for those who can attend. Visit the Sick- If you are aware of any parishioner who is homebound and would benefit from a pastoral visit and/or the receiving of Communion, please notify the Parish Office. Meals and Transport Available- If following a hospital stay or serious illness at home you need assistance in the preparation of meals, please notify our Parish Office. If you need transportation to or from services or other church events, please notify the Parish Office. The Calvary Family is committed to serving members of the Parish Family and the community for “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” Genesis 20:28

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+The Word of God+ Advent 4

Rite II

Opening Hymn “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Hymn 66

[All hymns may be found in the Blue Hymnal located in the pew racks unless otherwise indicated]

Priest: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Collect for Purity Priest: 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. All: Amen.

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The Collect of the Day Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Priest:

Let us pray.

Faithful

God, you fulfilled your promise to dwell with humankind when the Virgin Mary gave her assent to the message of an Angel: Let her faith inspire your people to welcome with joy your coming among us and make known the mystery of your love to all; through Jesus Christ 8|Page Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

Nathan receives a prophecy that the Lord will have an enduring relationship with David and his descendants. This kingdom will be everlasting because of the Lord’s favor.

our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. People: Amen. Please be seated.

The First Reading LEM:

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 A reading from the Second Book of Samuel

Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, "See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent." Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is with you." But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" 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; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my 9|Page Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

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, 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. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever. LEM: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

The Gradual Psalm

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

Please Chant the Psalm to the following tone

1

Your love, O LORD, for ever will I sing; * from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness. 2

For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; * you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens. 3

"I have made a covenant with my chosen one; * I have sworn an oath to David my servant: 10 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

4

'I will establish your line for ever, * and preserve your throne for all generations.'" 19

You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people: * "I have set the crown upon a warrior and have exalted one chosen out of the people. 20

I have found David my servant; * with my holy oil have I anointed him. 21

My hand will hold him fast * and my arm will make him strong. 22

No enemy shall deceive him, * nor any wicked man bring him down. 23

I will crush his foes before him * and strike down those who hate him. 24

My faithfulness and love shall be with him, * and he shall be victorious through my Name. 25

I shall make his dominion extend * from the Great Sea to the River.

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Paul’s letter to the Romans ends by acclaiming God’s glory and challenging Christians to be strengthened by obedience to Jesus’ preaching. 26

He will say to me, 'You are my Father, * my God, and the rock of my salvation.'"

The Second Reading

Romans 16:25-27 Reader: A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans:

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 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—to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen. Reader: The word of the Lord People: Thanks be to God.

The Gospel Acclamation “The Angel Gabriel”

Hymn 265 v: 1-2

The Holy Gospel

Luke 1:26-38 +The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to

Priest: Luke. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In the sixth

month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he 12 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 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. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 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. 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. For nothing will be impossible with God." 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. Priest: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Gospel Acclamation “The Angel Gabriel”

The Homily

Hymn 265 v: 3-4

Fr. Rasicci

The Nicene Creed Priest: All:

Let us profess our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed. We believe in one God, 13 | P a g e

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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, 14 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

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.

The Prayers of the People Priest: Extend your greeting to your favored ones, O God, and let your Holy Spirit overshadow us, that we may proclaim your love to our generation, as we await the coming of Christ, saying: Let your faithfulness and love be with us; for your love is established forever. LEM: Make of your Church, O Holy One, a house that shall be made sure forever before you, that we, like Mary, may respond in faithfulness and be bearers of the Christ Child to all the world [Pause for silent prayer…] Let your faithfulness and love be with us; People: For your love is established forever. LEM: Raise up just leaders, Almighty One, and guide the nations of the world, that people may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and that evildoers shall afflict them no more [Pause for silent prayer…] Let your faithfulness and love be with us; People: For your love is established forever. LEM: Compassionate One, let the prophetic writings be made know to all the nations to bring release and comfort to all those who are 15 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

oppressed, to lift up the lowly and to fill the hungry with good things [Pause for silent prayer…] Let your faithfulness and love be with us; People: For your love is established forever. LEM: Loving God, empower your Holy Spirit to come upon this community that we may be the servants of the Lord and live graciously according to your word. [Pause for silent prayer…] Let your faithfulness and love be with us; People: For your love is established forever. LEM: Gracious One, visit all for whom we pray with your mysterious love, and honor the intercession of your people as we pray for all those who are victims of hunger, fear, injustice, oppression, those who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble, all those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy; all on our Intercessory Prayer List, or whose names and needs are noted in the Intention Books or in the bulletin today, especially those we now speak out: …………………………….. Let your faithfulness and love be with us; People: For your love is established forever. LEM: Hear our glad tidings as we offer you our praise and thanksgiving, especially for the Diocese of Yola, Nigeria, all those celebrating a birthday this week…Ruben Sanmiguel and Stephanie Cruz. Are there any others? And for Jack and Jerri McCabe who celebrate their wedding anniversary…are there others? ……….. Let your faithfulness and love be with us; People: For your love is established forever. 16 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

LEM: Raise up into your glorious eternal presence those who have died, especially those who have recently given their lives in service to their country, all who have died in this past week due to the violence, hatred, abuse or neglect of others, and all those we would like to mention now: ………………………………………… Let your faithfulness and love be with us; People: For your love is established forever. Priest: Holy One, cast out all fear by your Word of perfect love, the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, that we may joyfully bring about the obedience to faith to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever. People: Amen.

Prayer for Mission [The Mission Prayer may be found on the inside front cover of this Bulletin]

The Confession of Sin Priest:

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

[Pause for silent examination of conscience]

All: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

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For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Priest: 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. People: Amen.

The Peace Priest: The Peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.

+The Holy Communion+ Offertory Versicle Priest: Father, let the Holy Spirit, who overshadowed the blessed Virgin Mary and made her womb fruitful… People: Now make our Eucharist bear abundant fruit in the service of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Offering Hymn

Solo

“I Wonder as I Wander”

The Great Thanksgiving+

Eucharistic Prayer A

[Please stand]

Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. 18 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

Priest: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord. Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Priest:

Your Eternal Word adorned the face of heaven with splendor and in the glory of the Incarnation filled the Virgin’s womb and made it fruitful, so that the radiance of new light might shine on all, and that from Mary, Virgin and Mother, salvation might come forth for the whole human race. Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Sanctus

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Priest: Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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.” [Acolyte strikes the chime to remind us of Christ’s presence under the form of bread]

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.” [Acolyte strikes the chime to remind us of Christ’s presence under the form of wine]

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Priest: We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. 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. People: Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer Priest: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say: All: 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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Fraction Anthem

“Jesus, Lamb of God”

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The Invitation to Holy Communion Priest: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. [In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If you cannot receive the Body and Blood of Christ, you may come forward as others do and kneel at the Communion Rail, crossing your arms over your chest, and receive a blessing]

Communion Hymn “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”

Hymn 324

The Prayer after Holy Communion Priest: Let us pray. All: God, our Hope, grant that we, receiving the promise of redemption, may prepare ourselves well for the coming of Christmas, and thus celebrate worthily the mystery of your Son’s birth; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Announcements The Solemn Blessing Priest: May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. People: Amen.

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Priest: May he whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. People: Amen. Priest: May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at his second Advent be rewarded with unending life. People: Amen. Priest: And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. People: Amen.

Closing Hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

Hymn 56

The Advent Dismissal Priest: Let us bless the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Calvary Community Connection Calvary connects with our community through its Mission of “Growing Faith in Christ through Worship and Community” every day. To learn more: Please continue reading! 25 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

CALVARY CURRENT Merry Christmas to the Calvary Family from the Calvary Staff! Our Christmas Eve Services: 5:00 PM- Family Eucharist with Carols 8:00 PM- Christ Mass Our Christmas Day Services and Events: 10:30 AM- Christmas Day Mass Noon- Christmas Luncheon in Rectors’ Hall Our Christmas Week Services: Tuesday at 7:00 AM- Holy Eucharist (St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr) Wednesday at 9:30 AM- Holy Eucharist (St. John Apostle & Evangelist) Thursday at 1:00 PM- Holy Eucharist at Michealsen Health Center at 5:45 PM- Holy Eucharist (The Holy Innocents) Friday at 9:30 AM- Holy Eucharist (Octave of Christmas) Saturday at 9:30 AM- Holy Eucharist (Octave of Christmas) Adult Christian Education This Week Sunday Adult Bible Study Continues Today at 9:10 AM. Adult Bible Study will be held this week on Wednesday at 10:15 AM. 2018 Altar Flowers. The sign-up list for 2018 Altar Flowers is now available in Memorial Hall. Please place your name on the list next to the date on which you wish to sponsor flowers. Also, you should fill 26 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

out an Altar Flower (postcard) Form which provides spaces to show how you would like your bulletin listing to read as well as the disposition of the flowers after Sunday services. You may submit your payment when you submit your Flower Form to the Parish Office, otherwise payment is due by the end of the month of the sponsorship. 2018 Stewardship Campaign has begun. Please, prayerfully consider what you will pledge to the parish and, ultimately, to God, of your time, your talents, and your treasure for our next year together. Our community of faith has been serving God and the world in and around Batavia for over 162 years. Won’t you consider making it possible to continue our growth and service as the Lord leads? We thank you for your patience, kindness and generosity. Christmas Offering and 2018 Altar Flowers. Envelopes for your special Christmas Offering are now available in the pews. Christmas Offering Envelopes may be submitted anytime during the Season of Christmas. The 2018 Altar Flower Reservation List is now available in Memorial Hall. Please write your name on the reservation list next to your date of choice. If you are sharing the date with someone else, please write both names on the list. We suggest you fill out the reservation postcard at the same time and either place it in the collection plate or 27 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

forward it to the Parish Office. Payments for altar flowers ($50.00) may be submitted with the reservation but are due at the end of the month of the date requested. Batavia Toy Access. Thank you to everyone who brought Christmas Gifts to our tree for the Batavia Toy Access. Calvary Christmas Stockings This Christmas we are trying out what we hope will become a new tradition here at Calvary. An anonymous donor has provided Christmas Stockings for all the Calvary Kids which will be hung in the Education Hallway. (The stockings will be hung, not the kids) We have entered into an arrangement with Santa to fill these stockings on Christmas Eve between the morning services and the 5:00 PM Family Eucharist when no one is here at Calvary. (Santa does not like an audience peering over his shoulder.) Our kids will be able to check the stockings out after the Family Service. Another anonymous donor has offered to underwrite half of the cost by matching dollar for dollar all donations made for this event up to $125.00. (The overall cost is expected to be $250.00) The special collection stocking for this is right outside of the Parish Office. Thanks.

CALVARY CREDITS Thank you, Jack Irwin and Dan Kirkpatrick (8 AM) and Fred Bauernschmidt and the Schroeders (10:15 AM) for hosting Coffee Hour Fellowship last Sunday. 28 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

CALVARY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Calvary Study Group. The Calvary Study Group meets on the 4th Monday of the month at 3:00 PM in Memorial Hall. Led by Gary Leonard, the group reads, studies and discusses books across a wide spectrum of issues considered important today. The Group has just finished reading “They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky, a compelling story of the Lost Boys of the Sudan. Stay tuned for their next book selection. This group will next meet on February 26, 2018. Adult Bible Study. Calvary offers two opportunities to read and study the Bible in a small and friendly group setting each week. The Sunday group is led by Jennifer VanDuyn and meets the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday of each month between the two Eucharist Services starting at 9:10 AM. (It is currently on winter vacation until January 7, 2018) The Wednesday Group is led by Fr. Mike and meets on Wednesdays throughout the year. (The 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Wednesdays of each month.) E-U Class. The official name of this class is Everything You Wanted to Know About the Church but Never Had the Time to Ask. Led by Fr. Mike, this class helps individuals gain a greater understanding of our church home and its place in the Episcopal Church of America and in the Worldwide Anglican Communion. It is an unscripted attempt to answer whatever questions are important to you. Held on the 4th Monday of the month at 7:00 PM. 29 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

Calvary Library. Our Library is open for business whenever the church is open. In it, you will find reference materials, various versions of the Bible, historical non-fiction, works of fiction as well as videos and books on tape of spiritually themed topics. The library, when it is unstaffed, is happily self-help with instructions detailing check-out procedures. When our Librarian, Amy Cooper or any of her volunteers, are at the Librarian’s desk, they will be happy to assist you however they can.

WEEKLY BIBLE READINGS Day Monday Tuesday

1st Lesson

Response*

Isa 52: 7-10

98

Heb 1: 1-12

Jer 26: 1-9, 12-15

31

Acts 6: 8 – 7: 2a, Matthew 23: 34-39 51c-60

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Jer 31: 15-17

124

Rev 21: 1-7

Matthew 2: 13-18

I John 1: 1-9

John 21: 9b-24

Exodus 33: 18-23 92 1 John 2: 7-11

2nd

96: 1-9

John 1: 1-14

Luke 2: 22-35

1 John 2: 12-17 96: 7-10 Isa 61: 10- 62:3 147

The Gospel

Luke 2: 36-40 Gal 3: 23-25, 4: 4-7

John 1: 1-18

The response is from Psalms unless otherwise noted.

Sunday Bible Lessons and Gospel. The Sunday Bible Readings are available in advance on the table outside of Rectors’ Hall. 30 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

OUR COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ St. Stephen * Deacon and Martyr St. John * Apostle and Evangelist The Holy Innocents St. Thomas Becket * Archbishop of Canterbury Frances Joseph-Gaudet * Educator and Prison Reformer

1170 1934

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Please hold these people in your daily prayers. We also ask that you pray for the forgotten, the poor and the oppressed.

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Growing Faith in Christ- Through Community Special Collections. Each month, on the 4th Sunday, our Outreach Ministry directs a special “Red Bowl” collection be taken to support local, national or global charities or philanthropic initiatives. Our 2017 Collection Results are: January 24 February 19 February 26 March 26 April 23 May 28 June 25 July 23 August 27 September 3 September 24 October 22 November 26 December 24

Companion Dioceses √ ($400.00) Bishop’s Discretionary Fund √ ($258.00) World Mission Sunday √ ($244.00) Easter Baskets for Batavia √ ($309.00) Interfaith Food Pantry √ ($364.00) Mutual Ground √ ($ 99.00) Tri-City Health Partnership √ ($ 79.00) Tri-City Family Services √ ($ 204.00) Lazarus House √ ($ 151.00) Hurricane Victims- Episcopal Relief √ ($497) Food for the Poor √ ($125) CASA √ ($218) Chip-In √ ($134) Suicide Prevention Services TODAY

Rector’s Discretionary Fund. On the 3rd Sunday of each month, any money placed in the collection plate not designated by the giver as a pledge is directed to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. Fr. Rasicci has 33 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

provided direct payments to those in need to assist with transportation, medical, housing and food costs. Since 2011, $43,975 has been given to assist those in immediate need within our community. Compassion International.

Through the offices of Compassion

International, Calvary has supported children in Guatemala for over ten years giving over $4,000. Our support provides food and educational financial resources for the child to thrive. We are now supporting our second child in this program. Melany is 10 years old and lives with her brothers, sisters and parents in the State of Huehuetenango in western Guatemala. This program is supported by voluntary giving by parishioners. The collection jar is on a table outside of the Sunday School Room containing a display about Melany. Your giving is appreciated. Public Action to Deliver Shelter/PADS.

HESED House in Aurora

provides temporary shelter to those who would otherwise be homeless in the southern Fox Valley Region of Kane and Kendall County. Hesed House relies on a strong partnership between them and faith based and corporate sponsors who provide daily staffing of the shelter each evening. Calvary Hesed House rotation is the third Tuesday of every second month. We also routinely collect items essential to the operation of Hesed House as well as clothing for the guests. Our dates for 2017 were: January 17, March 21, May 16, July 34 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

18, September 19 and November 21 and were all successfully accomplished. The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. The mission of the Food Pantry is to provide food relief to the economically disadvantaged residents of Batavia and Batavia Township. The Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) notfor-profit, volunteer agency that is directed and operated by community and local church volunteers residing throughout the greater Fox Valley. Those who visit and use the Food Pantry are neighbors and friends and people with disabilities, seniors, low income families, and families who have lost their jobs. The Batavia Food Pantry has been in operation for over 30 years. Currently it serves over 1200 individuals monthly. This would not be possible without the active support of community volunteers like Calvary who donate people, time and money. We staff the Pantry on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and Donna Womack is our Food Pantry Volunteer Coordinator.

Calvary Support of Other Faith Based OrganizationsThe following organizations are co-located in our church and provide the listed services or functions. The Just Food Initiative. JFI maintains their offices here at Calvary and schedules periodic demonstrations within our facility. The Just Food Initiative of the Fox Valley is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization 35 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

of individuals committed to building just and sustainable food systems. The Batavia Islamic Center. Calvary has enjoyed a very friendly relationship with the Muslims of the Islamic Center for over 30 years. Both have shared celebrations and opportunities to learn and understand more about each other. In 2016, the Islamic Center joined Calvary in supporting the PADS Mission at Hesed House. What You Should Know Before You Give: Recognizing there is a tax advantage to charitable giving, and that giving requires detailed records, we routinely provide Giving Statements to parishioners and guests. In order to properly identify the donor, we ask that you provide a check or place your gift in a Special Giving Envelope found in each pew where you can indicate your name and address and how you would like the gift to be used. Or you may use a numbered envelope available to parishioners at the beginning of the year. If you give cash and want to receive tax credit for it, you should use a special or numbered envelope. Loose cash placed in the collection plate is provided to the general fund. Every 3rd Sunday, the Open Plate Collection (meaning loose cash) placed in the plate is directed automatically to the Rector's Discretionary Fund. During a special Red Bowl Collection (generally occurring on the 4th Sunday of the month), all gifts (checks and cash) are provided to the announced charity which is listed in the bulletin. And, as always, thank you for your generous financial support!

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The Collection Will Continue in Memorial Hall Through New Years Eve

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What are you doing New Year’s Eve? Have your New Year’s Eve plans fallen through with the First Family at Mar a Lago? Has you Tux inexplicably shrunk since you last wore it at Senior Prom? Was the last time you actually stayed up until New Year’s in Batavia was before Jeff Schielke was Mayor? (Ronald Reagan was still in his first term of office) If your plans are open, join us at Calvary for our New Year’s Eve Vigil Eucharist at 6:30 PM followed by our New Year’s Eve Party at about 8 PM. Share champagne and appetizers (soft drinks will be available) with your Calvary Friends to ring in the New Year as it occurs somewhere over the Atlantic and be in bed by 9:30 PM CST.

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Please Make Every Effort to Fulfill Your 2017 Pledge. Your Generosity is Appreciated!

In order to make your financial support of Calvary’s Mission a much easier process for your pledged and special holiday giving, consider using TITHE.LY. TITHE.LY may be obtained from your Apple or Android APP Stores.

www.calvaryepiscopalbatavia.church

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