Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Welcome to Emmanuel, founded in 1844 and located in historic
Chatham, Virginia.

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Upcoming Events and Recent News:

Upcoming Events

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Regular Sunday Schedule:  

   9:45 am -       Sunday School for Young Children

10:00 am -       Adult Class - G2R with Dr. Smith

11:00 am -       Holy Eucharist

12:00 pm -      Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall

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February 12 - 14 -      118th Diocesan Council Meeting

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Recent News

January 17 -      Emmanuel Serves as Venue for Concert Series

January 13 -      Emmanuel Hosts Chatham Main Street Churches

January 10 -      Emmanuel Installs New Vestry Members

January 4 -        Pruden Parish Press for January 2010 Is Online

January 3 -        Why are they here? by  Dr. Smith

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Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect -

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of The Martyrs of Japan

The Collect -

O God our Father, source of strength to all your saints, you brought the holy martyrs of Japan through the suffering of the cross to the joys of eternal life; Grant that we, encouraged by their example, may hold fast the faith we profess, even to death itself; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about The Martyrs of Japan, 1597.

Feast of Cornelius the Centurion

The Collect -

O God, by your Spirit you called Cornelius the Centurion to be the first Christian among the Gentiles; Grant to your Church such a ready will to go where you send and to do what you command, that under your guidance it may welcome all who turn to you in love and faith, and proclaim the Gospel to all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Cornelius the Centurion.

Feast of Anskar

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, you sent your servant Anskar as an apostle to the people of Scandinavia, and enabled him to lay a firm foundation for their conversion, though he did not see the results of his labors: Keep your Church from discouragement in the day of small things, knowing that when you have begun a good work you will bring it to a fruitful conclusion; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Anskar, Archbishop of Hamburg, Missionary to Denmark and Sweden, 865.

Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

The Collect -

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Feast of Brigid (Bride)

The Collect -

Everliving God, we rejoice today in the fellowship of your blessed servant Brigid, and give you thanks for her life of devoted service. Inspire us with life and light, and give us perseverance to serve you all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about St Bridget of Kildare, Abbess, 523.

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Thomas Aquinas

The Collect -

Almighty God, you have enriched your Church with the singular learning and holiness of your servant Thomas Aquinas: Enlighten us more and more, we pray, by the disciplined thinking and teaching of Christian scholars, and deepen our devotion by the example of saintly lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Friar, 1274.

Feast of John Chrysostom

The Collect -

O God, you gave your servant John Chrysostom grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching, and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, 407.

Feast of Timothy and Titus

The Collect -

Almighty God, you called Timothy and Titus to be evangelists and teachers, and made them strong to endure hardship: Strengthen us to stand fast in adversity, and to live godly and righteous lives in this present time, that with sure confidence we may look for our blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Timothy and Titus, Companions of Saint Paul.

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

The Collect -

O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about the Apostle Paul.

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect -

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Phillips Brooks

The Collect -

O everlasting God, you revealed truth to your servant Phillips Brooks, and so formed and molded his mind and heart that he was able to mediate that truth with grace and power: Grant, we pray, that all whom you call to preach the Gospel may steep themselves in your Word, and conform their lives to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Phillips Brooks, Bishop of Massachusetts, 1893.

Feast of Vincent

The Collect -

Almighty God, your deacon Vincent, upheld by you, was not terrified by threats nor overcome by torments: Strengthen us to endure all adversity with invincible and steadfast faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Vincent, Deacon of Saragossa, and Martyr, 304.

Feast of Agnes

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, you choose those whom the world deems powerless to put the powerful to shame: Grant us so to cherish the memory of your youthful martyr Agnes, that we may share her pure and steadfast faith in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Agnes, Martyr at Rome, 304.

Feast of Fabian

The Collect -

O God, in your providence you singled out the holy martyr Fabian as worthy to be chief pastor of your people, and guided him so to strengthen your Church that it stood fast in the day of persecution: Grant that those whom you call to any ministry in the Church may be obedient to your call in all humility, and be enabled to carry out their tasks with diligence and faithfulness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Fabian, Bishop and Martyr of Rome, 250.

Emmanuel Serves as Venue for Concert Series

An estimated 100 music lovers gathered on Sunday afternoon, January 17, to kick off the 2010 Chatham Concert Series, organized by Choirmaster Kevin Zakresky of Chatham Hall.         

The world-class Saturn String Quartet brought us a delightful program of music.  From the opening number -- a Mozart Divertimento -- to the encore -- the prettiest version of Charlie Daniels’ Devil Went Down to Georgia that we’re likely to hear -- the string musicians held the audience in their thrall.

Two of Chatham’s own also performed.  Representing the next generation, ten-year-old violinist Staley Lyle brought us a Vivaldi-esque concertino by Ferdinand Kuchler; and Kevin Zakresky, singing tenor, showed his dramatic flair with songs by Peter Warlock.

 

Kevin Zakresky (center) enjoying a lighter moment with

the Saturn String Quartet, (l to r) Charles Shafer, violin, Louise Grévin, cello,

Bryan Matheson, viola, and Kevin Matheson, First Violin.

Emmanuel Hosts Chatham Main Street Churches

On Wednesday, January 13, the house was packed as Emmanuel hosted the Chatham Main Street Churches for Dinner.  We were joined by Watson Memorial Methodist, Chatham Presbyterian and Chatham Baptist Churches for social hour, dinner, and David Smith’s talk on “The Episcopal Church and the New World Order.”

David wrapped up his presentation with an informative and thoughtful riff on Robin Williams’ comedic “Top 10 Reasons for Being an Episcopalian.” Look for more details in the next issue of the Pruden Parish Press coming in March.

 

Did you get the t-shirt?

Feast of Wulfstan

The Collect -

Almighty God, your only-begotten Son led captivity captive and gave gifts to your people: Multiply among us faithful pastors, who, like your holy bishop Wulfstan, will give courage to those who are oppressed and held in bondage: and bring us all, we pray, into the true freedom of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095.

Feast of the Confession of Saint Peter

The Collect -

Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Saint Peter, Apostle.

Second Sunday after Epiphany

The Collect -

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Collect -

Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last; Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights Leader, 1968.

Tonight: The Episcopal Church in the New World Order

Please join members of the Main Street Chatham Churches for this evening's dinner program - The Episcopal Church in the New World Order - hosted by Emmanuel in the Parish Hall.

The speaker will be the Reverend Dr. David Smith, priest-in-charge at Emmanuel.

5:00 pm Social Hour

5:30 pm Meal

6:15 pm Program

Cost is $5.00

Feast of Hillary

The Collect -

O Lord our God, you raised up your servant Hilary to be a champion of the catholic faith: Keep us steadfast in that true faith which we professed at our baptism, that we may rejoice in having you for our Father, and may abide in your Son, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit; who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Hillary, Bishop of Poitiers, 367.

Feast of Aelred

The Collect -

Pour into our hearts, O God, the Holy Spirit's gift of love, that we, clasping each the other's hand, may share the joy of friendship, human and divine, and with your servant Aelred draw many to your community of love; through Jesus Christ the Righteous, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Aelred, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167.

Emmanuel Installs New Vestry Members

New Vestry Members Beth Coles and H. Victor Millner were installed by the Reverend Dr. David Smith during the Sunday morning service on January 10th.

Elected at the Parish Annual Meeting in December, Coles and Millner will serve three-year terms on the Vestry beginning with 2010. They join continuing Vestry members Richard Camp, Ron Irby, Jayne DePaulo and Linda Swanberg.

For more information about the Vestry, click here.

First Sunday after Epiphany

The Collect -

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Feast of William Laud

The Collect -

Keep us, O Lord, constant in faith and zealous in witness, that, like your servant William Laud, we may live in your fear, die in your favor, and rest in your peace; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Click here to learn more about William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645.

Feast of Julia Chester Emery

The Collect -

God of all creation, you call us in Christ to make disciples of all nations and to proclaim your mercy and love: Grant that we, after the example of your servant Julia Chester Emery, may have vision and courage in proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our light and our salvation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Julia Chester Emery, Missionary, 1922.

Phyllis Tickle to Lecture at Chatham Hall

Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence, will lecture at Chatham Hall on Thursday, February 18th.

The following events are open to the public:

4:30-5:30 p.m. - round table Q&A (open to public) (Van Voorhis lecture hall)

5:30 -6:15 - Dinner (Open to Public) (lecture hall)

                         6:30-7:30 - address (open to public) (lecture hall)

Rooted in the observation that massive transitions in the church happen about every 500 years, Tickle shows readers that we live in such a time right now. She compares the Great Emergence to other “Greats” in the history of Christianity, including the Great Transformation (when God walked among us), the time of Gregory the Great, the Great Schism, and the Great Reformation.

Combining history, a look at the causes of social upheaval, and current events, The Great Emergence shows readers what the Great Emergence in church and culture is, how it came to be, and where it is going.

Feast of Harriett Bedell

The Collect -

Holy God, you chose your faithful servant Harriett Bedell to exercise the ministry of deaconess and to be a missionary among indigenous peoples: Fill us with compassion and respect or all people, and empower us for the work of ministry throughout the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Click here to learn more about Harriett Bedell, Deaconness and Missionary.

Feast of the Epiphany

The Collect -

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Pruden Parish Press for January 2010 Is Now Online

The January 2010 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is being published this week. The current issue includes:

• Emmanuel Celebrates 2009;  Elects Coles and Millner to Vestry,

• 2nd Annual Winter Cocktail Party,

• Vestry Notes from the Senior Warden,

• Calling all writers and photographers!

• Calendar of Parish events for Jan.  - Mar. 2010,

• Chatham Concert Series Returns to Emmanuel,

• The Priest's Corner by Dr. Smith,

• The Briar Ridge Ramblers at Oak Grove, and

• Emmanuel's Treasures.

Click here to read the January issue online.

Earlier issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.

To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.

Homily for the Second Sunday of Christmas - Why are they here?

The Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12

Homily by the Rev. Dr. David Smith

Why are they here?

As roles go in the annual Christmas pageant, most girls want to play Mary, and no boy wants to be Joseph; mainly because every girl wants to be Mary. Inevitably whatever boy gets tapped to be Joseph must suffer a torrent of taunts from his buddies….”Joseph and Mary sittin’ in a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G. First comes love then comes marriage, then comes Joseph with a baby carriage.” 

Being a shepherd was O.K., but the costumes were always drab and shepherds got relegated to the background, playing third fiddle to the angels, Joseph, Mary and of course the Wise men.  The role every boy really wanted was to be a Wise man.  They had, by far, the coolest costumes, usually some fancy brocade number with a spiffy turban.  They got to carry something too, and their entrance was usually accompanied with much pomp and fanfare.  The taped music would have trumpets blowing and all the shepherds would offer a little genuflect as they approached the manger.

Interestingly enough, we really don’t know how many there were, or who they were.  We have based our assumptions of three on the number of gifts, and their names, Melchior, Gaspar, and Baltasar were more than likely imagined by the Venerable Bede, an 8^th century English monk.

But for the original readers, the story we read today was a shock.  Matthew never intended this sort of royal treatment of the Wise men to emerge.  In fact the presence of the Wise men in the story was scandalous and the first readers would have known that.

Second Sunday after Christmas

The Collect -

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of the Holy Name

The Collect -

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Feast of Frances Joseph Gaudet

The Collect -

Merciful God, who raised up your servant Frances Joseph Gaudet to work for prison reform and the education of her people: Grant that we, encouraged by the example of her life, may work for those who are denied the fullness of life by reasons of incarceration and lack of access to education; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Frances Joseph Gaudet, Educator and Prison Reformer, 1934.

Feast of the Holy Innocents

The Collect -

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of St. John

The Collect -

Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light, that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about St. John, Apostle and Evangelist.

First Sunday after Christmas

The Collect -

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of Saint Stephen

The Collect -

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Day

The Collect -

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Chatham Concert Series Begins Jan. 17th at Emmanuel

The Chatham Concert Series, founded by Chatham Hall Choirmaster Kevin Zakresky, begins its second  annual spring festival, consisting of four recitals of classical chamber music, on January 17th.

The Concert Series provides a venue for art music in the town of Chatham by hosting artists from all over the United States and Canada. Its mission is to foster a love of classical music in our community as well as to create opportunities for young people to perform alongside professionals.

All performances will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Admission is by Donation.

Concert 1 - Sunday 17 January 3:00pm

Saturn String Quartet

Kevin Matheson, violin

Just back from a performance at Carnegie Hall, violinist Kevin Matheson, a member of the Classic Strings Duo, performs regularly in America and Europe. Kevin performs with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, is a faculty member with the Renaissance Music Academy and with Virginia Tech’s Fine Arts Initiative.

Charles Shafer, violin

Studying in the Masters program at the UNC School of the Arts, violinist Charles Shafer performs regularly all over the United States.  Charles has a special interest in chamber music and plays regularly with several orchestras in the area.

Bryan Matheson, viola

Violist Bryan Matheson, recent winner of the Ibla Grand Prize international competition in Italy, has performed in Europe and America as a member of the Classic Strings Duo. He plays with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, is a faculty member with the Renaissance Music Academy and with the outreach program at
Virginia Tech.

Louise Grévin, cello

French cellist Louise Grévin has studied in Paris, Strasbourg and Toulouse.  Most recently, she has played with l’Orchestre de Chambre de Toulouse, and has appeared as a soloist with the Chamber Orchestra of the Toulouse Music Academy.  She is currently working on a Master of Music Degree at the UNC School of the Arts.

Concert 2 - Friday 26 February 7:00pm

Aaron Hill, oboe

Oboist Aaron Hill is on the faculty of the University of Virginia and is principal oboe in the Charlottesville symphony.  In 2008, Aaron received his MM and Artist Diploma from Yale University.  Aaron has performed with orchestras all over the United States, Europe and Asia.

  

Kevin Zakresky, piano

Kevin Zakresky is a choral conductor, pianist and vocalist who regularly performs in Canada and the United States.  He is conductor of the British Columbia Chamber Choir, director of the Southern Virginia Baroque Youth Orchestra and Choirmaster at Chatham Hall.  Kevin holds an MMA degree from Yale University in Choral Conducting.


Concert 3 - Friday 26 March 7:00pm

Justin Craig, classical guitar

Justin Craig is an active performer of both Jazz and Classical Guitar styles throughout Southwestern Virginia.  He received his Bachelors and Masters in Music from Radford University where he studied Classical Guitar with both Valerie Hartzell and Dr. Robert Trent. His performances always include a variety of solo guitar styles, including works by the Classical Era virtuosi, Brazilian Jazz, Spanish guitar favorites, and expansive 20th Century creations.


Concert 4 - Friday 30 April 7:00pm

Liz Frazer, soprano

Soprano Liz Frazer performs regularly in concerts and operas in Virginia and North Carolina.  She is a student in the doctoral program at UNC Greensboro, where she most recently won the University’s concerto competition.  Recent roles include Blanche in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, and the title role in Tchaikovsky’s Iolanthe.

Minjung Seo, piano

Korean pianist Minjung Seo holds a Masters degree in Collaborative Piano from the Juilliard School and is currently in the DMA program at UNC Greensboro.  She has been staff pianist at the Banff Centre in Canada and the Heifetz International Music Institute, as well as a fellow at the Aspen Music Festival.

Feast of Saint Thomas

The Collect -

Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Saint Thomas, Apostle.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Collect -

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Third Sunday of Advent

The Collect -

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.

Feast of Ambrose

The Collect -

O God, you gave your servant Ambrose grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, 397.

Second Sunday of Advent

The Collect -

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of Clement of Alexandria

The Collect -

O God of unsearchable wisdom, you gave your servant Clement grace to understand and teach the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, the source of all truth: Grant to your church the same grace to discern your Word wherever truth is found; through Jesus Christ our unfailing light, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Clement of Alexandria, Priest, c.210.