DECEMBER 12-19, 2010

While Rose Sunday (or Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent) is always about Mary, this year the lectionary follows with a Gospel narrative of Joseph, the earthly father of the Christ Child.

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

THIS WEEK AT INCARNATION

Tuesday, December 14

8:00 am.  Morning Prayer in the Chapel of the Nativity. All are welcome. Coffee and pastries are served after the prayer service.  Enter at 25 East 35 Street.

Wednesday, December 15

12:15 pm. Holy Eucharist.

Friday, December 17

12:15 pm. Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing.

6:30 pm. Greening of the Church.  The Men’s, Twenties and Thirties, and Women’s Groups decorate the church for Christmas. Please enter the church at 25 East 35 Street. The Rector will host a holiday reception in his apartment following the greening.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

8:30 am:  Holy Eucharist Homily: the Rector

10:00 am: Adult Forum meets in the Parish House Dining Room. We will be discussing “Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years,” by Diarmaid MacCulloch. In addition to his bestselling book, the author produced a series for BBC that we will view in half-hour segments and discuss. You need not purchase or even read the book in order to participate, but copies are available for 20% off the list price, that is, $36. Coffee and tea are provided.

11:00 am: Holy Eucharist Sermon: the Rector. Music of Bach and Brahms

Nursery Care and our Sunday School program, Godly Play, are available for children during the 11 o’clock service.

Godly Play, a Montessori-based method of Biblical Storytelling, invites children to respond to the stories of the people of God and express themselves through art and imaginative play. For children ages 3 to 9. Contact the Associate Rector, amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org, for more information and/or to register your child.

5:00 pm: Festival of Lessons and Carols with Choir, Organ and Chamber Orchestra

Bach – Brandenburg Concerto no. 3 in G, BWV 1048. Handel – Organ Concerto in B-flat major, op. 7, no. 6. Choral Music of Holst, Warlock, Bassi and Poulenc with traditional carols arranged by Willcocks, Rutter and Near.

Followed by the Parish Christmas Party in the Assembly Hall.  Call the church office, 212-689-6350, or speak with the Associate Rector, amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org, if you would like to contribute a sweet or savory item for the party.

The Scripture Readings for Sunday: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25.

COMING UP AT INCARNATION

Friday, December 24

Christmas Eve

12:15 pm. Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing

10:30 pm. Service of Preparatory Music for choir and organ, featuring soloists from the choir.

11:00 pm. Festival Eucharist. Haydn: Missa Brevis St. Joannis de Deo (Kleine Orgelmesse). Adame: O Holy Night. Widor: Toccata (from Symphony V).

Saturday, December 25

Christmas Day

11:00 am. Holy Eucharist with soloists from the Choir. Visit to the Crèche for children.

Sunday, December 26

Usual services at 8:30 am, 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.  Godly Play will be held.  There will not be Adult Forum.

Monday, December 27

Church and Parish House closed.

Friday, December 31

Church and Parish House closed.

Sunday, January 9

12:30 pm. Annual Meeting of the Parish will be held in the Assembly Hall. Leaders of parish organizations are reminded that annual reports of their activities during 2010 should now be mailed or emailed to me; the reports will be printed and distributed to those who attend the Annual Meeting. The meeting is open to everyone; if you are 18 years of age or older, a member of the parish and a recorded contributor, you are also entitled to vote.

Supper/Brunch Groups: You can sign up for the Brunch and Supper groups at Coffee Hour or by calling the Parish office, 212-689-6350. Eight to ten parishioners share monthly dinners or brunches in each other’s homes. These gatherings offer members of the church opportunities to meet new people and enjoy one another’s company in a casual social setting.  The first of four meals is planned for sometime in January. For further information, speak with the clergy.

Be well.

~the Rev. Amanda Kucik: amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org

More details available online: www.churchoftheincarnation.org

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