December 16, 2009
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This weekend we celebrate th Fourth Sunday of Advent. The Gospel focuses on Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Gospel features Mary's song, The Magnificat, which expresses her praise of God and hope for the liberation of the poor and downtrodden.
You are invited to join us for Advent Reflections, a time to reflect on the season and the scriptures of Advent, on Sundays, 9:30-10:15 am. Led by Marianne Evett, the group will reflect on the lessons for each of the Sundays of Advent. You can find the assigned passages if you click here.
You are invited to our Christmas Eve worship services, Thursday, December 24, at 3:30 pm and 10:30 pm. For information on our Christmas season services, please click here.
This is the season that we make our personal pledge of time, talent, and treasure in response to the abundance of gifts that we have received. For information about making a pledge, please click here.
For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here.
Please note that the we are now using the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) reading.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
For Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor,
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, click here.
To download the Children's, Youth & Family Ministries newsletter, please click here.
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The reading from Micah presents the prophecy of the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem: "But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel." (Micah 5:2-5a)
The reading from Hebrews speaks of the Messiah worshipping God through doing God's will: "When he said above, 'You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings' (these are offered according to the law), then he added, 'See, I have come to do your will.'" (Hebrews 10:5-10)
The reading from Luke is the account of Mary's visit to Elizabeth; Mary speaks her praise of God in the prayer known as the Magnificat (Latin: Magnify): "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." (Luke 1:39-55)
Please join us for the Holy Eucharist this weekend, Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 10:30 am.
Sincerely,
David A. Killian
Rector
Worship Services for
The Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19-20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, at 5:00 pm — Preacher: The Rev. Laurie Rofinot
Sunday, December 20, at 10:30 am - Preacher: The Rev. Laurie Rofinot
Events at All Saints Parish
Taizé Holy Eucharist is offered Wednesdays at 6:15 pm. For more information, please click here.
The Men's Group will meet on Saturday, January 9 at 8:00 a.m. to discussThe Language of God, by Francis Collins, chapters 1-4. For more information, please contact Peter Stringham at peter.stringham@gmail.com.
The Women's Book Group will meet next on Saturday, December 12, at 9:00 a.m. to discuss The Question of God, by Armand Nicholi. All are welcome. For information, please contact Anne Harrington at anneharringtontechwriter@yahoo.com.
For the Adult Faith Formation booklet with the schedule of activities, courses and retreats for 2009-2010, please click here.
Web Resources
For "All Saints Smiles" and news about events, activities, programs, ministries and the staff of our parish, please click on the All Saints web site: www.allsaintsbrookline.org.
For a Schedule of Worship services, please click here.
For information about our Church School for pre-school to grade 12, click here.
To see the current issue of Saints Alive, our newsletter, please click here.
To browse past issues of the All Saints Weekly, click here.
We want your feedback!
Please tell us :
- if you find All Saints Weekly a helpful spiritual resource
- if you have trouble seeing this email or opening the links
- or if you do not wish to receive this e-newsletter.
Please let Barbara know at office@allsaintsbrookline.org. THANK YOU!
