Special worship features in Advent: You will notice a few different things in the Sunday liturgies for Advent. On the first Sunday of Advent, we use the great litany rather than prayers of the people. A form of this litany was the first piece of liturgy written in English (1544) when the Church of England began using the vernacular. We use it to mark the new church year. On the second and third Sundays of Advent, we use the penitential order with the Ten Commandments. The penitential order is a means of preparation for meeting Christ at his return and when we recall his coming in ministry and incarnation. The point is not to make us feel guilty but to remind us that at baptism we promise to follow Jesus Christ and that we will return to the Lord when we stray. Finally, on the fourth Sunday of Advent we use the penitential order with an exhortation to worthy reception of holy communion. The exhortation is meant to be a reminder of the sacredness of the sacrament and the privilege we have in receiving it.

Sunday School is this Sunday, November 30th

St. Paul’s will be open for prayer Wednesdays 5:30-6:30. Stop for quiet devotions or pray with a member of the church.