S T P A U L ’ S C H U R C H I N E N G L E W O O D

WELCOME TO ST PAUL’S CHURCH

We are glad you are here, and we invite you to enter fully into worship today, and to receive Communion or a

blessing. Feel free to take any information about the parish located at the entrances. Don’t be afraid to tell us more

about yourself by filling out one of the cards located in each pew or on information tables.

Join us as we strive to make northeast Bergen County a place where God’s grace is freely known and shared by all!

SUNDAY MESSENGERTHE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 11, 2016

The Third Sunday of Advent again has as its central theme the ministry of John the Baptist. Jesus said of him, “Among those born of women has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. . . .” In today’s Gospel, John, who has been imprisoned by Herod Antipas, is facing death and wishes to know before he dies that he was correct in identifying Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus’ reply is to quote from the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah, demonstrating that he is indeed fulfilling the Messiah’s ministry as Isaiah foretold.

The Old Testament reading is the passage Jesus quotes in the Gospel reading. The sign of the Messiah is a new order of existence—God’s kingdom—in which health and salvation spring forth. This is another passage which envisions the Shalom of God, God’s reign of peace, justice and love. To a people who had suffered frequently from invasion, subjugation and exile, this imaginative prophecy would have brought great comfort. More recent visions of Utopian societies draw much from Old Testament passages like this.

The response to today’s first reading is the Magnificat (Song of Mary), Luke 1:46-55. It is one of the three so-called “Incarnation” canticles from the gospel of Luke and is

attributed to Mary the Mother of Our Lord at the time of her visit to Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. It sums up the hope of the lowly, the humble, the hungry, and the poor for the redemption and fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

The second reading is a call to patient waiting for the Lord to appear to inaugurate the kingdom of

God. Waiting for the Lord to come again soon was a prominent theme in many New Testament letters. Here James, believed to be the brother of Jesus, urges patience at a time when the faithfulness of the church was being tested. Only very reluctantly did the church realize that the Second Coming of Christ was not so imminent as first believed.

The distinction between John and even the least in the kingdom—ourselves—who are even greater, is that our birth is more than natural—it is the new birth by water and the spirit in Holy Baptism, which has made us members of the Body of Christ. We are commissioned for ministry in Baptism; a ministry like that of Jesus. In the Holy Eucharist we affirm our commitment to that ministry to all people which is the ongoing sign of Christ in the world.

About the Liturgy & Scripture of the Day

For those in need of immediate prayers: Kirk and Luke Brower, Pete and Dee McDougal,, LeNiece Douglas, Sean Fitzhenry, Jennifer, Cooper and Mason Ward, Mary and Jose Estremera.

For those in need of continuing prayer support: Stanley Haines, Anne Marie Ryan, Nazera Wright, Yvonne Baldwin, David Eversley, Lilliam Gonzalez, John Herbert, Ina Martinez, Jeffrey McAllister, Cynthia McDonald, Trey Nelson, Fredelia Smith, the Wohlford Family.

For those serving in the military or in harm’s way: Austin Herbert, Nicholas C. Basile, Kahlil Savery, Justin Sheldon and Nagelia Harrison Sheldon, Ken Lambert, Nadi Kassem, Justin Coca, Antonio Ramirez, Joseph Hill, Jerrod Wilson, Marc McDonald and Gregory Halstead.

For those celebrating birthdays this week: John Herbert, Melanie Nelson, Rev. James Warnke, Thomas Troy Johnson, Earl Hester and Susan Keene Garrison.

Cycle of Prayer, Anglican Communion: Kenya; in the Diocese of Newark: St. Andrew and Holy Communion, South Orange; St. Dunstan’s, Succasunna; St. Mary’s, Sparta.

Christ’s Mission through Light & Salt Korean Presbyterian Church, St. Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahado Church and Church of the Good Shepherd, Fort Lee.

For those who have died and those who mourn them: Shirley Cameron, Charles Brown (Brother in law of Thelma Baxter),Trevor Hall (Brother of Hugh Hall), Panchita Carter, Dayo Corley and Doris Daly (friends of Kai Alston), Charles F Dietsch (brother of Diana Lohse).

FLOWERS AND GREENS MAY BE GIVEN in memory of loved ones, or in thanksgiving. Please notify the Parish Office or sign up on the bulletin board in the Atrium. Flowers may be given at any time in memory of loved ones or in thanksgiving. Contributions are always welcome toward the weekly cost of $50.

THE WEEKLY PRAYER LIST in the Sunday announcements includes those members and friends of the Parish who are in a temporarily serious or critical situation. Names placed on the weekly list will be removed after thirty days unless the Parish Office is notified to keep them in continual prayer. Intercessions will remain on the continuing prayer support for an additional 60 days unless further intentions are requested. Please remember in your prayers all those listed.

Prayers

HOLY DOODLING OR YOUR NOTES FROM TODAY’S SERMON & WORSHIP

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 35:1-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11; Psalm 146:4-9.

ANNUAL MEETING, THIS SUNDAY: The 151st Annual Meeting of the Parish will be held in the Parish Hall Today, 9:15 am between the morning services. Kids’ Mass will resume on Sunday, December 18.

COFFEE HOUR: Please join us after the 10:30 service in the Parish Hall for fellowship and refreshments. Thanks to our hosts today, Morgan and Madison McDaniel.

ADVENT 2016: Please take a home devotional guide for your Advent payers and preparations through the Christmastide.

ADULT FORUM: Today and December 18. A biblical walk to Christmas through Advent. Join presenter Carrie Allport at 9:30 am Vestry Room. Everyone is welcome!

GIVING ENVELOPES FOR 2017: If you would like to receive giving envelopes for the coming year, please fill out a pledge card and indicate your request. Envelopes will be ready before the end of the year.

WEDNESDAY EUCHARIST & BIBLE STUDY IN DECEMBER: December 14: 6:30 pm Eucharist & 7 pm Bible StudyDecember 21: 6:30 pm EucharistDecember 28: Winter Recess

ADVENT COMMUNITY MISSION: 24 days-24 pieces to help the hungry. Can your family make Advent a season of preparation by collecting one food item for each day, and then bringing that box of food to Christmas? We’re asking every household to help with this Advent project. Just think of the life giving help you can provide! We will provide a suggested list of items and prayers that your household can share—you bring the food to Christmas Eve or Christmas Day worship.

GREENING OF THE CHURCH: We need your help on Saturday, Dec. 17, 9 am-Noon. Join us for a morning of festivities as we hang the greenery and trees in the Historic Sanctuary and Chapel as preparation for Christmas. We’ll have cocoa, cookies, and music. The more hands to help the better!

SCRIPTURE FOR NEXT SUNDAY: Isaiah 7:10-16; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18.

BAPTISM: The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, January 8, is the next Sunday offered for baptisms. If you know of anyone who desires the sacrament of Baptism, please contact the Parish Office.

BOOK GROUP: Will meet Saturday, January 21, at the home of Rheni Pasricha, 240E. Palisade Ave. Apt. B8, Englewood at 11:30 am. The group is reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho for the discussion. Please call Rheni with any questions 805.428.0163.

FUTURE DATES TO REMEMBER: Dec 17 Greening of the Church, 9amDec 18 High School Student Advent Party

Annual Lessons and Carols, 5 pmDec 24 Christmas Eve (5 pm & 10:30 pm Worship)Dec 25 Christmas Day (8 am, 9:45 am, 10:30 am

Worship)Dec 26 Christmastide holiday, Parish office closedDec 30 Parish Office closedJan 1 Feast of the Holy Name (8 am, 9:45 am, 10:30

am Worship)Jan 2 New Year’s holiday, Parish office closedJan 8 Visit by our Bishop in the Morning;

5 pm Evensong sung by the Choir School and choristers from Trinity, Asbury Park and Grace, Newark, with Burning of the Greens

Jan 16 Martin Luther King Day, Parish office closedJan 21 Book Group (Rheni Pasricha’s house)

REFLECTING THE DIVERSITY OF ST. PAUL’S: If you have a favorite nativity set or Christmas statue, please consider bringing it to St. Paul’s to include in one of our Christmas displays.

Announcements

STEWARDSHIP I S

COMMITT ING OURSELVES & OUR

RESOURCES TO JOIN GOD’S MISS IONCOMMITT ING OURSELVES & OUR

RESOURCES TO JOIN GOD’S MISS ION

HEAD OF THE CHURCHOur Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

BISHOP OF THE CHURCHThe Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, Bishop

THE MINISTERS OF THE CHURCHAll the People

2016 VESTRYThe Rev. Dr. William H. Allport, II, Presider

T. Patrick O’Neil, Senior WardenMichele Simon, Junior WardenBeverley Lannanman, Treasurer

Andrea Bills (20162) John Herbert (20171)George J. Hill (20160) Steve Im (20161)

Robin Jackson (20183)Rafael Martínez (20171) Max McDaniel (20171)Jonathan Stevens (20181) Coralius Noble (20182)

ST. PAUL’S STAFFThe Rev. Dr. William H. Allport II, Rector

The Rev. Joanne O’Neill, Deacon of the ParishKai Alston, Director of Christian Formation

Mark A. Trautman, Director of MusicJennifer Ward, Parish AdministratorLisa Keenan, Financial Accountant

José Sánchez, Interim SextonGary Mason & George Gill, Sunday Sextons

Marteze Golden, Housekeeper

GET THE LATEST NEWSJoin the electronic communications of the Parish by following

us on Facebook or signing up for daily messages (registration always available at the bottom of the website).

CONTACT INFORMATION201.568.3276 | office@stpaulsenglewood.org

113 Engle Street | Englewood, NJ 07631www.stpaulsenglewood.org

Special Announcements & Reminders

EGIVING AT ST PAUL’SPlease feel free to make a gift and offering in thanksgiving to God. To take advantage of our electronic giving options, please visit online through your electronic device: stpaulsenglewood.org/egiving.htmlor follow the qr code to the left with your capable electronic device.

Scan here

COMMITTED TO

MISSIONTOGETHER!

Pledges for Stewardship in 2017

If you have submitted a pledge of stewardship of your time, talents, and treasure ministry to join God’s call to Mission for St. Paul’s in 2017, thank you. If you would like to make a commitment and make a pledge of your time, talent and resources, there is still time. There are blue pledge cards on the information tables throughout the Parish facilities.

EXPECTING A SURPRISE

Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy. It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity. —Henri J. M. Nouwen

THINKING ABOUT STEWARDSHIP& TODAY’S GOSPEL

Jesus answers John’s question by pointing to the signs that God’s dream for creation are there for all to see. God’s dream for creation is that all live in “shalom,” a well-being that takes in everything and everyone. As one who wants to be a faithful steward, what am I

doing to help make this dream come true?

Year End GivingAs the end of the year approaches, please note that contributions will be included on your annual receipt from the church if they are postmarked or received by the church office no later than December 31. Checks dated in December but hand-delivered to the office after December 31 or postmarked in January will be receipted in the new calendar year.