1. family and parenting
2. children

Holy Trinity Church, Thornhill
Established in 1830
140 Brooke Street, Thornhill, ON L4J 1Y9
Phone: 905 889 5931 ● Fax: 905 889 5632
www.holytrinity-thornhill.ca ● [email protected]
“Something good is happening here!!”
First Sunday after Christmas Day
December 28, 2014
OUR RULE OF LIFE
As members of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, we will try to
 LIVE for God, our Church, and others
 STUDY a passage of Scripture every day and ask “what is God calling me to be or to do
today?”
 PRAY at least twice a day
 GIVE regularly to support the life and ministry of our Church
We extend a warm welcome to all visitors and newcomers. Please sign our “Visitors’ Book” and
join us for Coffee in the Auditorium following the 10 a.m. service.
 All baptised members of the Christian Church are invited to share in the sacrament of Holy
Communion or to receive a blessing.
 All services are found in The Book of Alternative Services (BAS) and may be found on our
website Follow the service on your smartphone or tablet. Go to the “Worship” link on the
side www.HolyTrinity-Thornhill.ca and select “Order of Services” from the menu.
 You may use our wifi. Connect to HTC-Guest with the password: 9058895931
Holy Trinity Church, Thornhill
Established in 1830
140 Brooke Street, Thornhill, ON L4J 1Y9
Phone: 905 889 5931 ● Fax: 905 889 5632
www.holytrinity-thornhill.ca ● [email protected]
“Something good is happening here!!”
TODAY’S COLLECT, READINGS & MINISTERS
The Collect of The Day
1st Reading
Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm
148
2nd Reading
Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel
Luke 2:22-40
pg 276
Bible pg 692
pg 907
Bible pg 189
Bible pg 592
TODAY’S MINISTERS
Celebrant & Preacher
Lay Assistants/Lectors
Eucharistic Ministers
Sidespersons
The Rev. Canon Stephen Fields
Glenville Simpson, Robin Parravano (EM) (8:00); Pat
Johnson, Dianne Rimmer, Eric Symes, Barry Pipes
(10:00)
Jean Glionna, Susan Hogeboom
Louise Meikle, Peter Paterson (8:00) June Alexander
Peter Paterson, Ray Downer, Ann Young (10:00)
PARISH STAFF
Incumbent
Honorary Assistant
Parish Nurse
Office Administrator
Director of Music
Church School Coordinator
Custodian
The Rev. Canon Stephen Fields
The Rev. Canon Stephen Crowther
Susan Rodgers, R.N.
Swan Li
Elaine Pudwell
Judith Sophie Sinclair
Jesús Cruz Arángo
ext 23
ext 29
ext 21
ext 30
ext 24
OUR SERVICE SCHEDULE
Sunday
Wednesday
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist & Homily
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Sung Eucharist & Sermon
3rd Sunday - Sung Eucharist, Sermon & Prayers for Healing
5th Sunday - Choral Mattins & Sermon
2
8:00 a.m. - HOLY EUCHARIST & HOMILY
OPENING SENTENCE
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in
you richly. Colossians 3.15, 16
THE GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY (Page 230)
Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
All: And with thy spirit.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from
whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the
inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily
magnify thy holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE SUMMARY OF THE LAW
Celebrant: Our Lord Jesus Christ said: hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is
one Lord; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first
and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the
prophets.
All: Lord, have mercy upon us, and write both these thy laws in our hearts,
we beseech thee.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
THE GLORIA
Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace, good will towards men. We
praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to
thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly king, God the Father
almighty.
O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God,
Son of the Father, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sin of the world, receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the
Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
3
THE COLLECT
Celebrant: Let us pray
Almighty God, you have shed upon us the new light of your incarnate Word.
May this light, enkindled in our hearts, 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.
THE FIRST READING: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he
has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe
of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride
adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a
garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause
righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. For Zion's sake I will
not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication
shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall
see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a
new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in
the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
PSALM 148 (Page 907)
1
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights.
2
Praise him, all you angels of his; praise him, all his host.
3
Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.
4
Praise him, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens.
5
Let them praise the name of the Lord; for he commanded, and they were
created.
6
He made them stand fast for ever and ever; he gave them a law which shall
not pass away.
7
Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea-monsters and all deeps;
8
Fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing his will;
9
Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars;
10
Wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and winged birds;
11
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world;
4
12
Young men and maidens, old and young together.
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name only is exalted, his
splendour is over earth and heaven.
14
He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal
servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, creator of heaven and earth; you open our
eyes to see the wonders around us, and our hearts and mouths to praise you.
Now give us strength for loving service, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
13
THE SECOND READING: Galatians 4:4-7
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born
under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might
receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the
Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a
slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
THE GOSPEL
Reader: The Lord be with you.
All: And with thy spirit.
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (2:2240)
All: Glory be to thee, O Lord.
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Jesus'
parents brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in
the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the
Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the
Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in
Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking
forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had
been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had
seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and
when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary
under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master,
now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my
eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all
peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
5
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about
him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is
destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will
be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will
pierce your own soul too." There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of
Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her
husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eightyfour. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night
and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about
the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they
had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee,
to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with
wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
Reader: The Gospel of Christ.
All: Praise be to thee, O Christ.
HOMILY
THE NICENE CREED (Page 234)
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 the
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; through
whom all things were made: who for us 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, 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, the giver of life, who proceedeth
from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is
worshipped 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.
6
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Today’s Cycle of Prayer… Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, Fred our
Primate, Colin, Archbishop & Metropolitan, Peter our area Bishop,
Stephen our priest
Anglican Cycle… Kushtia, Bangladesh, Bishop Sunil Mankhin
Diocesan Cycle… our Diocesan family
Deanery Cycle… Holy Trinity School, The Rev. Canon Stephen Crowther
Parish Cycle… Eileen & Leslie Carter (Dylan & Keegan), Jean Challoner,
Lily Chin-Yee, Jason Chin-Yee, Merle & Hewley Chung
College & University Students: Greg Archibald, Annie Armstrong, Ashley
Bent, Stephanie Birrell, Jennifer Boss, Justin Brown, Malcolm Carter,
Nicholas & Mitchell Cheung, Cheyene Coy, Drake Drieberg, Jacqui
Getfield, Natalie Jones, Katie MacPherson, Laura Pound, Matthew
Sanderson, Christopher Zealey.
The Residents and staff of Glynwood Retirement Home
The Sick: Members... Babs Dinsmore, Carol Drieberg, Jean Downer,
Marilyn Elrick, D. Ford, Winston Holder, Mable Hyde, Betty Payne,
Arnott Richardson, Cleo Simpson, Bill & Fran White.
The Sick: Parish Friends… Kelly Chung, Joanna Claridge, Linda Cosetti,
Andre des Vignes, Norma Fleming, Ruth Hand, Geoff Kirk, Cam
Pfanner, Simon Pudwell, David Rimmer, Kervin Rolle, Ross, Carole &
Don Wharton, Shirley Young, the families of Donovan & Morrien Irving
and Clarence & Sheree Mann.
THE CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION (Page 238)
Celebrant: Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that
truly turn to him.
Come unto me all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.
Matthew 1.28
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 eternal life. John 3.16
Hear also what Saint Paul saith.
This is a true saying, and worthy of all to be received, that Christ Jesus came
into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1.15
Hear also what Saint John saith.
If anyone sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but
also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2.1,2
Let us humbly confess our sins to almighty God.
7
All: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things and
judge of all people: we acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and
wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by
thought, word and deed, against thy divine majesty. We do earnestly repent,
and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings. 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 honour and glory of thy name; Through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Celebrant: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath
promised forgiveness of sins to all them that 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.
All: Amen.
THE PEACE
Celebrant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And with thy spirit.
Please greet one another with a sign of peace.
OFFERTORY (O Come All Ye Faithful)
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
God of light, in the birth of your Son we see your glory. May we who share
in this mystery grow daily in your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus
Christ the Lord. Amen.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER A (Page 241)
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And with thy spirit.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up unto the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
People: It is meet and right so to do.
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, creator and preserver of all things.
8
Because thou didst give Jesus Christ thine only Son to be born as at this time
for us; who, by the operation of the Holy Spirit, was made very man of the
substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; and that without spot of sin, to
make us clean from all sin.
Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven,
we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee and saying:
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 or sit as you are able.
Celebrant: Blessing and glory and thanksgiving be unto thee, almighty God,
our heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus
Christ to take our nature upon him, and 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 memorial of that his precious death,
until his coming again.
Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee; and grant that
we receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our
Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and
passion, may be partakers of his most blessed body and
blood; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took
bread; and, when he had given thanks, he brake it; and gave
it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is
Given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”
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 covenant, 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.”
Wherefore, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we thy humble servants,
with all thy holy Church, remembering the precious death of thy beloved
Son, his mighty resurrection, and Glorious ascension, and looking for his
coming again in glory, do make before thee, in this sacrament of the holy
bread of eternal life and the cup of everlasting salvation, the memorial
which he hath commanded:
All: We praise thee, we bless thee, we thank thee, and we pray to thee, Lord
9
our God.
And we entirely 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 we pray that by the power of thy
Holy Spirit, all we who are partakers of this holy communion may be
fulfilled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, by whom and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour
and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Celebrant: And now, as our Saviour Christ hath taught us, we are bold to
say,
People: 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 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.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Celebrant: Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world: have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world: have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world: grant us thy peace.
Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
COMMUNION (O Holy Night)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Source of truth and joy, may we who have received the gift of divine life
always follow the way of your Son. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ
the Lord. Amen.
10
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we
can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the
Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE BLESSING
Celebrant: May the joy of the angels,
the eagerness of the shepherds,
the perseverance of the wise men,
the obedience of Joseph and Mary,
and the peace of the Christ-child
be yours this Christmas;
and the blessing of our gracious God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with
you all.
All: Amen.
Minister: Our worship is ended! Our service continues! Let us go in peace,
to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
RECESSIONAL (Hark The Herald Angels Sing)
11
10:00 a.m. - SUNG EUCHARIST & GUEST SPEAKER
OPENING SENTENCE
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in
you richly. Colossians 3.15, 16
PROCESSIONAL HYMN 118 O Come, All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come, and behold him, born the King of angels;
Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
God from God, Light from Light eternal,
Lo! he abhors not the Virgin's womb;
Very God, begotten not created: Refrain
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God, in the highest: Refrain
See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw with lowly fear;
We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps; Refrain
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing: Refrain 
THE GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY
Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
All: And also with you.
Celebrant: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and
from you no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the
inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily
magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
GLORY TO GOD
Celebrant: Glory to God in the highest,
All: and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly king, almighty
12
God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your
glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take
away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand
of the Father: receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the
Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
THE COLLECT
Almighty God, you have shed upon us the new light of your incarnate Word.
May this light, enkindled in our hearts, 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.
THE FIRST READING: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he
has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of
righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride
adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a
garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause
righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. For Zion's sake I will
not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines
out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see
your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new
name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the
hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
PSALM 148 (Page 907)
1
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights.
2
Praise him, all you angels of his; praise him, all his host.
3
Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.
4
Praise him, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens.
5
Let them praise the name of the Lord; for he commanded, and they were
created.
13
6
He made them stand fast for ever and ever; he gave them a law which shall
not pass away.
7
Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea-monsters and all deeps;
8
Fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing his will;
9
Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars;
10
Wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and winged birds;
11
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world;
12
Young men and maidens, old and young together.
13
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name only is exalted, his
splendour is over earth and heaven.
14
He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal
servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, creator of heaven and earth; you open our
eyes to see the wonders around us, and our hearts and mouths to praise you.
Now give us strength for loving service, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE SECOND READING: Galatians 4:4-7
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born
under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might
receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the
Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a
slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL HYMN 123 Once in Royal David’s City
Once in royal David's city stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.
He came down to earth from heaven, who is God and Lord of all,
And his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall.
With the poor and mean and lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.
THE GOSPEL
Reader: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
14
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (2:2240)
All: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Jesus'
parents brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in
the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the
Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the
Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in
Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking
forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had
been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had
seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and
when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary
under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master,
now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my
eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all
peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about
him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is
destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will
be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will
pierce your own soul too." There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of
Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her
husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eightyfour. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night
and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about
the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they
had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee,
to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with
wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
Reader: The Gospel of Christ.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by,
We shall see him; but in heaven, set at God's right hand on high,
When like stars his children crowned, all in white shall gather round. 
SERMON
THE APOSTLES’ CREED (Page 189)
Celebrant: Let us confess the faith of our baptism, as we say,
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All: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the
power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the
dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated
at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and
the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life
everlasting. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Today’s Cycle of Prayer… Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, Fred our
Primate, Colin, Archbishop & Metropolitan, Peter our area Bishop,
Stephen our priest
Anglican Cycle… Kushtia, Bangladesh, Bishop Sunil Mankhin
Diocesan Cycle… our Diocesan family
Deanery Cycle… Holy Trinity School, The Rev. Canon Stephen Crowther
Parish Cycle… Eileen & Leslie Carter (Dylan & Keegan), Jean Challoner,
Lily Chin-Yee, Jason Chin-Yee, Merle & Hewley Chung
College & University Students: Greg Archibald, Annie Armstrong, Ashley
Bent, Stephanie Birrell, Jennifer Boss, Justin Brown, Malcolm Carter,
Nicholas & Mitchell Cheung, Cheyene Coy, Drake Drieberg, Jacqui
Getfield, Natalie Jones, Katie MacPherson, Laura Pound, Matthew
Sanderson, Christopher Zealey.
The Residents and staff of Glynwood Retirement Home
The Sick: Members... Babs Dinsmore, Carol Drieberg, Jean Downer,
Marilyn Elrick, D. Ford, Winston Holder, Mable Hyde, Betty Payne,
Arnott Richardson, Cleo Simpson, Bill & Fran White.
The Sick: Parish Friends… Kelly Chung, Joanna Claridge, Linda Cosetti,
Andre des Vignes, Norma Fleming, Ruth Hand, Geoff Kirk, Cam
Pfanner, Simon Pudwell, David Rimmer, Kervin Rolle, Ross, Carole &
Don Wharton, Shirley Young, the families of Donovan & Morrien Irving
and Clarence & Sheree Mann.
THE CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION (Page 191)
Celebrant: Dear friends in Christ, God is steadfast in love and infinite in
mercy; he welcomes sinners and invites them to his table. Let us confess our
sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.
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Silence
All: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in
thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left
undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our
neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the
sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may
delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name.
Amen.
Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you
from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you
in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE PEACE
Celebrant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: And also with you.
Please greet one another with a sign of peace.
OFFERTORY HYMN 136 While Shepherds Watched Their Flock
While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around.
“Fear not, said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind,
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind.
“To you, in David’s town this day is born of David’s line,
The Saviour, who is Christ the Lord; and this shall be the sign.
“The heav’nly Babe you there shall find to human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands, and in a manger laid.
Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus addressed their joyful song.
“All glory be to God on high, and to the world be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to earth begin, and never cease.”
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
God of light, in the birth of your Son we see your glory. May we who share
in this mystery grow daily in your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus
Christ the Lord. Amen.
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EUCHARISTIC PRAYER 1 (Page 193) (With Christmas Preface)
Celebrant: The Lord is with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we
give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who in the
mystery of his incarnation was made perfect man of the flesh of the Virgin
Mary his mother; in him we have seen a new and radiant vision of your glory.
Therefore with all the angels of heaven, we lift our voices and sing our joyful
hymn of praise to proclaim the glory of your name.
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are
full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the
name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Please kneel or sit as you are able.
Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In
the fullness of time, you sent your Son Jesus Christ, to share our human
nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father
of all. He healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he
opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom
to the poor and to those in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will.
On the night he freely gave himself to death, our Lord Jesus
Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “ Take, eat: this is
my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of
me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given
thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “ Drink this, all of you: this is
my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the
remembrance of me.”
Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by
raising him to life you give us life for evermore. Therefore we proclaim the
mystery of faith.
All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming
again in glory, we offer you, Father, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy
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Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who eat and drink at this table
may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ, our
Lord. Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, all glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Celebrant: As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
People: 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 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.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD – 6 (page 213)
Celebrant: We break the bread of life, and that life is the
light of the world.
People: God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us
to light and life.
THE COMMUNION
Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
COMMUNION HYMN 137 What Child is This
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
Refrain:
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate, where ox and donkeys are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him. 
COMMUNION HYMN 154 Joy To The World
Joy to the world! the Lord is come: Let earth receive the King;
Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
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Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; let us glad songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let wrongs and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow far as our sin is found,
Far as our sin is found, far as, far as our sin is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love,
And wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love. 
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Source of truth and joy, may we who have received the gift of divine life
always follow the way of your Son. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ
the Lord. Amen.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we
can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the
Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE BLESSING
Celebrant: May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds,
the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary,
and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas;
and the blessing of our gracious God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with
you all.
All: Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RECESSIONAL HYMN 138 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark, the herald-angels sing “Glory to the new-born King,
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hark, the herald-angels sing “Glory to the new-born King.”
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the God-head see: Hail, the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as one of us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark, the herald-angels sing “Glory to the new-born King.”
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Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace: Hail, the Sun of Righteousness.
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die,
Born to raise each child of earth, born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald-angels sing “Glory to the new-born King.” .
Minister: Our worship is ended! Our service continues! Let us go in peace,
to love and serve the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
SOME ANNOUNCEMENTS
ORDER OF THE DIOCESE TORONTO
 In 2013, the Archbishop of Toronto and the College of Bishops, with the approval of the
Diocesan Council, created an award titled the Order of the Diocese of Toronto. The
purpose of the Order is to recognize and honour those members of the laity in the
Diocese who have given outstanding service over a significant period of time in their
volunteer ministry. The Area Bishops approves one nomination from each parish in the
designated deaneries for that year.
 In addition to the parish nominations, the Archbishop of Toronto may name additional
Awards of the Order. Typically, such nominees will be persons whose service has been
diocesan wide, or if mainly at the parish level, has had an impact in the Diocese beyond
the parish where the service has been made
 Our deanery is not scheduled to submit nominations until 2016. However, The Wardens
and Canon Stephen believed that Peter Paterson’s ministry rises to the standard of the
Archbishop’s direct nomination and they submitted his nomination to the Archbishop.
 We are pleased to announce that Peter will receive the award of ORDER OF THE DIOCESE
TORONTO on New Year’s Day in the cathedral following the Archbishop’s Levee which
starts at 12:30 with a Eucharist.
 The presentation will be at 3:30 p.m. following a suite of Festive Music at 3 p.m.
 All are invited.
Anniversary News… On Sunday, January 4, we will launch the celebration of our 185th
anniversary of ministry in Thornhill. There will be a special presentation by the Chair of the
185th Anniversary Committee, Vic Steyck, and the Archives Committee.
TAX RECEIPTS.. Please be reminded that in order to qualify for 2014 Tax Receipts,
contributions need to arrive in church office by December 30, 2014.
The office will be closed from December 23 and will reopen on Monday, January 5th. For
emergencies, call Canon Stephen (416 710 1815)..
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