St Pauls Church Drighlington

2nd Sunday before Advent 17 November 2013

Holy Communion and the Baptism of Adam Daniel Oakes

We stand to sing CP 555 Praise My Soul Praise, my soul, the King of heaven, To his feet thy tribute bring; Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Who like me his praise should sing? Praise him! Praise him! Praise him! Praise him! Praise the everlasting King. Praise him for his grace and favour To our fathers in distress; Praise him still the same as ever, Slow to chide, and swift to bless: Praise him! Praise him! Praise him! Praise him! Glorious in his faithfulness. Father-like, he tends and spares us, Well our feeble frame he knows; In his hands he gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes: Praise him! Praise him! Praise him! Praise him! Widely as his mercy flows. Angels, help us to adore him; Ye behold him face to face; Sun and moon, bow down before him, Dwellers all in time and space: Praise him! Praise him! Praise him! Praise him! Praise with us the God of grace.

The Lord be with you and also with you We rejoice today with the family and friends of Adam Daniel as he comes for Baptism.
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Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord our God, though we have rebelled against him. Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith. Lord, you are gracious and compassionate: Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy. Lord, you are loving to all and your mercy is over all your creation: Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Your faithful servants bless your name and speak of the glory of your kingdom: Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy. Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. COLLECT, prayer for the day Heavenly Lord, you long for the worlds salvation: stir us from apathy, restrain us from excess and revive in us new hope that all creation will one day be healed in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. We sit for The First Reading from Isaiah 55.6-11 Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; 7 let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them,
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and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it
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This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God We stand and sing as the Gospel Book is brought to the people. All turn to face the centre of church. Abba Father, let me be Yours and Yours alone. May my will for ever be Evermore Your own. Never let my heart grow cold, Never let me go. Abba Father, let me be Yours and Yours alone Hear the GOSPEL of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew Glory to you, O Lord
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Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. 2Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3And he told them many things in
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parables, saying: Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9Let anyone with ears listen! Hear then the parable of the sower. 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.
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At the end the reader says This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you O Christ We sit for the ADDRESS THE PRESENTATION The baptism party is invited to come forward Faith is Gods gift. In baptism God is adding to our number those whom he is calling. People of God will you welcome Adam Daniel and support him in his new life in Christ?
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With the help of God we will

Parents and Godparents, The church receives Adam Daniel with joy. Today we are trusting God for his growth in faith. Will you pray for him, draw him by your example into the community of faith and walk with him in the way of Christ? With the help of God we will Parents and Godparents, In baptism Adam Daniel begins his journey of faith. You speak for him today. Will you care for him and help him to take his place within the life and worship of Christs Church? With the help of God we will THE DECISION Parents and Godparents, In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising into new life with him. Therefore I ask: Do you turn to Christ? I turn to Christ Do you repent of your sins? I repent of my sins Do you renounce evil? I renounce evil THE ANOINTING IN OIL WITH THE SIGN OF THE CROSS Adam Daniel, Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross. Parents and Godparents are invited to make the sign of the cross on his forehead

Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified. Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life. May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, restore in you his image and lead you in the light of Christ always. Amen We all stand for the procession to the font as we sing Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Lord God Almighty. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Lord God Almighty. Who was and is and is to come, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is the Lord. PRAYER OVER THE WATER Praise the God of all creation who keeps his promise for ever We thank you for the gift of water to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life. Over the water the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through water the Israelites were led from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the promised land. In water Jesus was baptised by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit to lead us from the death of sin to newness of life. Bless this water that those who are washed in it may be made one with Christ in his death and resurrection, to be cleansed and delivered from all sin. Send your Holy Spirit on them that, renewed in your image, they may walk by the light of faith and continue for ever in life eternal. Amen AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Let us affirm with Adam Daniel and his family and friends our common faith in Christ Jesus
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Do you believe and trust in God the Father source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist? I believe and trust in him Do you believe and trust in God the Son who took our human nature, died for us and rose again? I believe and trust in him Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world? I believe and trust in him This is the faith of the Church This is our faith We believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit THE BAPTISM Adam Daniel I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen May God, who has received you by baptism into his church pour upon you the riches of his grace that within the company of Christs pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory. Amen Generous and loving God, bless all who care for Adam Daniel. Grant him your gifts of love, wisdom and faith. Pour upon him your healing and reconciling love, and protect his home from all evil. Fill him with the light of your presence and give him the joy of your Kingdom. Amen We sing as we return to the front of church where Adam Daniel will be welcomed. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Lord God Almighty. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Lord God Almighty. Who was and is and is to come, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is the Lord.
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This is one Lord, one faith, one baptism: by one Spirit we are all baptised into the one body. We welcome you into the fellowship of faith: we are children of the same heavenly Father; we welcome you. We remain standing for THE PEACE God is love and those who live in love live in God and god lives in them. The peace of the Lord be always with you and also with you Let us offer one another a sign of peace (we shake hands with those around us) During this hymn THE COLLECTION is taken and the bread and wine brought to the altar CP 455 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim though this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand; Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore. Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow; let the fiery cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through; strong Deliverer, be thou still my Strength and Shield. When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside; bear me through the swelling current, land me safe on Canaan's side; songs of praises, I will ever give to thee.
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we remain standing PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING The Lord is here His Spirit is with us Lift up your hearts We lift them to the Lord Let us give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give thanks and praise Lord of all life, you created the universe, where all living things reflect your glory. You give us this great and beautiful earth, to discover and to cherish. And now we give you thanks for the hope to which you call us in your Son, that following in the faith of your saints, we may run with perseverance the race that is set before us, and with them receive the unfading crown of glory. You made us all, each wonderfully different, to join with the angels and sing your praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of powr and God of might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest; Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he who comes in the name, he who comes in the name of the Lord. hosanna in the highest; Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

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We thank you, loving Father, because, when we turned away, you sent Jesus, your Son. He gave his life for us on the cross and shows us the way to live. Send your Holy Spirit that these gifts of bread and wine may be for us Christs body and his blood. On the night before he died, when darkness had fallen, Jesus took bread. He gave thanks, broke it, and shared it with his disciples, saying: This is my body, given for you. Do this to remember me. After they had eaten, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and shared it with his disciples, saying: This is my blood, poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. So Father, with this bread and this cup we celebrate his love, his death, his risen life. As you feed us with these gifts, send your Holy Spirit, and change us more and more to be like Jesus our Saviour. Help us, Father, to love one another, as we look forward to that day when suffering is ended, and all creation is gathered in your loving arms. And now with Paul and all your saints we give you glory, through Jesus Christ, in the strength of the Spirit, today and for ever. Amen. we sit and silence is kept As our Saviour taught us so we pray: Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be your name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
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BREAKING THE BREAD We break this bread to share in the body of Christ Though we are many we are one body because we all share in the one bread Jesus, Lamb of God, Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Jesus, Lamb of God, Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Jesus, Lamb of God, Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us your peace, grant us your peace. INVITATION TO COMMUNION The Gifts of God for the people of God Jesus Christ is holy Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father The Servers & Choir receive communion followed by the congregation. Everyone is welcome to come to the altar rail to receive a blessing or the bread and the wine We sit as we sing the hymns during Communion Anthem: Shout for joy! (Bullard)

All I once held dear, built my life upon All this world reveres and wars to own All I once thought gain I have counted loss Spent and worthless now compared to this
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Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You There is no greater thing Youre my all, Youre the best Youre my joy, my righteousness And I love You Lord Now my hearts desire is to know You more To be found in You and know as Yours To possess by faith what I could not earn All surpassing gift of righteousness Oh to know the power of Your risen life And to know You in Your sufferings To become like You in Your death, my Lord So with You to live and never die. when everyone has been to the altar rail we say together

Gracious Lord, in this holy sacrament you give substance to our hope: bring us at the last to that fullness of life for which we long; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. THE BANNS OF MARRIAGE and NOTICES GIVING OF A LIGHTED CANDLE Adam Daniel and his parents come to the front God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and has given us a place with the children of light. You have received the light of Christ walk in this light all the days of your life. Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father.
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We stand for the blessing The love of the Lord Jesus draw you to himself, the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen you in His service, the joy of the Lord Jesus fill your hearts and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen
CP 538

O Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end; be thou for ever near me, my Master and my friend: I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side, nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide. O let me hear thee speaking in accents clear and still, above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will; O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control; O speak, and make me listen, thou guardian of my soul. O Jesus, thou hast promised to all who follow thee, that where thou art in glory there shall thy servant be; and, Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end: O give me grace to follow, my Master and my friend.
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O let me see thy foot-marks, and in them plant mine own; my hope to follow duly is in thy strength alone: O guide me, call me, draw me, uphold me to the end; and then in heaven receive me, my Saviour and my friend. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord In the name of Christ. Amen Please stay for Coffee after the Service

Notices
Morning Prayer will take place every Thursday at 9.00 at St Pauls. The church will remain open for prayer and Holy Communion this week is at 11.45 on Thursday. There will be no service at St Pauls on the 24 November as we will be attending a United Toy Service at Drighlington Methodist church at 10.30am Wednesday 20 NovemberWe will be bringing Christmas trees and baubles etc up from the cellar at 9.00am - if anyone is available to help. Christmas Tree Festival and Craft FairSaturday 23 November 10.003.00. Donations towards the Raffle and Tombola stalls would be very much appreciated and Lynne would be delighted to hear from anyone prepared to do some baking for the cake stall. Beer and Hymns 24 November at the Gildersome Conservative Club, Street Lane 7.00 pm onwards. Invite a friend or neighbour for an evening of praise and fellowship.
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Funzi Annual Show at St PetersDecember 7. Three course dinner + entertainment. Theme this year is All Creatures Great & Small Come in fancy dress on animal theme. Tickets - which are getting snapped up10 adults and 5 children. Please see Felicity if you would like tickets. Funzi clothing appealThank you to those who donated their time, turned up, made soup or gave clotheswe raised 1,120! Advent Carol Service 6.00 pm Sunday 1 December. Christingle at St PaulsSunday 8 December at 4.00pm All Age Nativity Sunday 22 December at 10.00 amHear the Christmas Story with music and drama from our children and young people. Carols by CandlelightSunday 22 December at 6.00pm Midnight Communion Tuesday 24 December at 11.30 pm. Christmas Morning Wednesday 25 December Holy Communion at 10.00 am.

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