C alvary Episcopal Church

Calvary Episcopal Church

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

Sunday, December 3, 2017 8:00 AM -Rite I Eucharistic Prayer 1 * 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 begin our exploration of the path leading to the birth of Christ during the season of Advent. 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. During the Season of Pentecost, both Sunday services follow the 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.


Contact 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] Jason LeKander [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) 877-7102

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


+ The Rite of Blessing and Lighting of the Advent Wreath + Advent 1

Rite 1

Please stand.

OPENING ACCLAMATION Priest: +Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Priest: +The Lord has made known his victory, People: God’s righteousness is shown to the nations. Priest: In righteousness shall God judge the world. People: And all the peoples in peace and equity. Priest:

Let us pray.

Holy and Eternal God, giver of live and light, bless [+] we pray thee, this ring of evergreen and circle of candles, that as our way is illumined in this season by the growing radiance of Christ, so also we may be firmly grounded in thy constant love; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and forever. People: Amen. [Wreath is sprinkled with Holy Water] 6|Page Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

[As the first candle is lighted]

Priest: O Lord, how manifold are thy works! People: In wisdom you have made them all. [The ministers proceed to their places, during which the “Lord, have mercy,” is sung or spoken]

Priest: Lord, have mercy upon us. People: Christ, have mercy upon us. Priest: Lord, have mercy upon us.

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Priest:

. The people of Israel are suffering because of the sins they have committed. On their behalf, the prophet pleads with God for mercy.

Let us pray.

Almighty

God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. People: Amen. Please be seated. 7|Page Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

The First Reading LEM:

Isaiah 64: 1-9 A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence—as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil—to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. LEM: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. 8|Page Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

The Gradual Psalm

Psalm 80: 1-7, 16-18

[Prayed responsively – Please divide each verse at the asterisk*] 1

Hear,

O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; * shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim. 2

In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, * stir up your strength and come to help us. 3

Restore us, O God of hosts; * show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. 4

O LORD God of hosts, * how long will you be angered despite the prayers of your people? 5

You have fed them with the bread of tears; * you have given them bowls of tears to drink. 6

You have made us the derision of our neighbors, * and our enemies laugh us to scorn. 7

Restore us, O God of hosts; * show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. 16

Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, * the son of man you have made so strong for yourself. 9|Page Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

17

And so will we never turn away from you; * give us life, that we may call upon your Name. 18

Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; * show the light of your countenance, we shall bespiritual saved. gifts. Paul gives thanks for new believers who haveand received many He encourages them to remain faithful as they await the Lord’s coming.

The Second Reading

1 Corinthians 1: 3-9 Reader: A reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you—so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. Please stand

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The Holy Gospel

Mark 13: 24-37 +The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to

Priest: Mark: People: Glory be to thee, O Lord.

said, “But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."

Jesus


Priest: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise be to thee, O Christ.. Please be seated

HOMILY – Fr. Rasicci Please stand

PROFESSION OF FAITH

The Nicene Creed

All: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; 12 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE LEM: world.

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church and the

LEM: Almighty and everliving God, who in thy holy Word hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks for all men: Receive these our prayers which we offer unto thy divine Majesty, beseeching thee to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do 13 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

confess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Diocese of West Buganda, Uganda, their Bishop, clergy and faithful. In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Organizations of Episcopal Charities and Community Services: Ravenswood Community Center; Shelter Care Ministries; Holy Family School; St. Leonard’s Ministries; St. Mary’s Services; and Youth Guidance. We also pray for the organizations of our Companion Dioceses of Southeast Mexico and Renk, South Sudan. People: We beseech thee to hear us, O Lord. LEM: Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers, especially Justin of Canterbury, Michael our Presiding Bishop, Jeffery our Bishop, and Mike our Rector, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments. People: We beseech thee to hear us, O Lord. LEM: And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace, and especially to Lynn Mueller, Steven Steging, Brenda Schroeder, Merrida Carlson and Georgia Sanborn celebrating their birthdays. Are there others? And to those celebrating their anniversaries: Are there any? And to this congregation here present; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive thy holy Word, truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. 14 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

People: We beseech thee to hear us, O Lord. LEM: We beseech thee also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land especially Barack, President of the United States, and all federal, state, and local officials, that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world. People: We beseech thee to hear us, O Lord. LEM: Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works, that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, they may honor thee with their substance, and be faithful stewards of thy bounty. People: We beseech thee to hear us, O Lord LEM: And we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succor all those affected by the fighting in Afghanistan, Syria, Gaza, Iraq, Oman and Yemen, those listed in today’s bulletin, all those names in our intention books and on the Intercessory Prayer list and all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. Are there others? And the response, People: We beseech thee to hear us, O Lord LEM: And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear, especially all those who have died this past week in Afghanistan from our military, the coalition forces, or the civilian population, and all those who have died this past week by violence, abuse or neglect. Are there others?...


(pause)….beseeching thee to grant them continual growth in thy love and

service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good examples of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis Xavier and of all thy saints, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom. Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. People: Amen.

PRAYER FOR MISSION [The prayer for mission may be found on the inside cover of this bulletin]

CONFESSION OF SIN Priest: Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways: Draw near with faith, and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling. All: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men: We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, 16 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us, the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Priest: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. People: Amen. Priest:

Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him.

God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16


THE PEACE Priest: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And with thy spirit.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+The Holy Communion+ OFFERTORY AND PRESENTATION OF GIFTS All: All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thy own have we given thee.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING+ Eucharistic Prayer I [Please stand]

Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Priest: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up unto the Lord. Priest: Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. People: It is meet and right so to do.. Priest: It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God. 18 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

Because thou didst send thy beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing. Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

THE SANCTUS All: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts: Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. [Please kneel]

Priest: All glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that thou, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again. For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, 19 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [Acolyte strikes the chime to remind us of Christ’s presence under the form of bread]

Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.” [Acolyte strikes the chime to remind us of Christ’s presence under the form of wine]

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Savior Jesus Christ, we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before thy divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same. And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood. 20 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant that, by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we, and all thy whole Church, may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee that we, and all others who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him. And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses, through Jesus Christ our Lord; By whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. All: Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER Priest: say:

And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to

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

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.

BREAKING OF THE BREAD Priest: O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, People: Have mercy upon us. Priest: O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, People: Have mercy upon us. Priest: O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, People: Grant us thy peace.

PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS All: We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

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. 22 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

[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]

THE PRAYER AFTER HOLY COMMUNION Priest: Let us pray. All: Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

SENDING FORTH HOLY COMMUNION 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. 23 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

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 Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. People: Amen.

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! 24 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

CALVARY CURRENT Adult Christian Education This Week Sunday Adult Bible Study Continues Today at 9:10 AM. Wednesday Adult Bible Study will not be held this week. 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 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. Calvary Christmas Cookie Exchange. The Calvary Christmas Cookie Exchange will occur today at Noon. Bring homemade cookies to exchange for an equal number of homemade cookies. Try something new this Christmas Season. Try the Cookie Exchange!

CALVARY CREDITS Thank you, Barb Gavin and Roger Vogtmann (8 AM) and Fred Bauernschmidt (10:15 AM) for hosting Coffee Hour Fellowship last Sunday. 25 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

Thank you to Patti Lackman for organizing refreshments for the Memorial Service yesterday and to everyone who helped serve at the following luncheon.

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. 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. 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 26 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

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. 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 Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1st Lesson

Response*

2nd

The Gospel

Isaiah 2: 1-5

122

Matthew 8: 5-13

Isaiah 11: 1-10

72: 1-8

Luke 10: 21-24

Isaiah 25: 6-9

23

Matthew 15: 25-39

Isaiah 26: 1-6

118: 19-24

Matthew 7: 21-27

Sunday

Isaac 40: 1-11 85: 1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3: 8-15a Mark 1: 1-8

Isaiah 29: 17-24 27: 1-6, 17-18

Matthew 9: 27-31

Isaiah 30: 19-21, 147: 1-12 23-26

Matthew 9: 3510: 1, 5-8

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.

OUR COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

St. Francis Xavier * Far East Missionary St. John of Damascus * Priest St. Clement of Alexandria * Priest St. Nicholas * Bishop of Myra St. Ambrose * Bishop of Milan Richard Baxter * Pastor and Writer

1552 760 210 342 397 1691

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!


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


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

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

pledge is directed to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. Fr. Rasicci has 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 31 | P a g e Please turn off or silence all personal electronic devices

guests. Our dates for 2017 are: January 17, March 21, May 16, July 18, September 19 and November 21. 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 32 | 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.

Calvary Classified Advertisements- 12/03/2017 Digital Giving Today!

Compassionate Chefs NOW WANTED-

Pay your Pledge on your smart phone. Never write another check again! Call Parish Office for details. Fellowship Hosts Needed on Sundays. Please see Bev Sperry or Heather Dalmasso for details.

Do you like to cook for others? Are acts of service your love language? We are looking to update our list of people who are willing to cook meals, do light household chores, run errands and give rides for fellow parishioners when they are in need. Please sign up with your name, phone and email on the bulletin board, and what you can help with. Although these requests are extremely infrequent, it is helpful to have a list of volunteers in advance. You will typically be called or emailed, using a website called Meal Train. Any questions, please ask Mary Baffes (626) 376-2496 or Grace Leonard ([email protected]).


TURN YOUR FAVORITE WE NEED RECIPES INTO LASTING YOUR PHOTO SMILES We are collecting It’s not too recipes for our 2018 Cook Book. The Collection Point is in Memorial Hall. Recipe Forms may be obtained at the Collection Point.

late. Turn in your Photo Directory photo by Thanksgiving

Cookie Exchange on December 3rd at Calvary following the 10:15 AM Service.

Would you like to take your service to a higher level? Become a LEM. See Dave E for details


The Collection Bin Will Be in Memorial Hall

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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
