The Second Sunday of Advent

December 7 2025 

Holy Eucharist

11:00 A.M. 

BISHOP: The Rt. Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer

PRESIDER AND PREACHER: The Rev. Steven Metcalfe

MUSIC DIRECTOR and ORGANIST: Stephen Kennedy 

We seek to serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
We strive for justice and peace among all people,
respecting the dignity of every human being.

Welcome

We seek to mirror the love of God and the hospitality of Jesus in our worship and our service to others. We are a community welcoming all races, ethnicities, faiths, genders, orientations, and abilities. Our worship is open to all, and every person is invited to receive communion.

CHRIST CHURCH OFFICE HOURS – TELEPHONE: 585.454.3878

TUESDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

THURSDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

As discussed during the Annual Meeting, the Rector Search Committee is interested in your input!  Click here and leave us a message https://songforchristchurch.org/contact and share your thoughts.  Members of the Search Committee will be available after church during Coffee Hour, too, to answer any questions, and the boards will be available through the month of February.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST: RITE TWO

From The Book of Common Prayer

Vater Unser im Himmelreich BWV 682             Johannes Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

THE ENTRANCE RITE      Please stand, as able.

HYMN 59 Hark a thrilling voice is sounding

OPENING ACCLAMATION

Presider: Blessed be the One Holy and Living God.

People:   Glory to God for ever and ever. Amen.

Collect for Purity

Presider Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; 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.

THE WORD OF GOD

Presider God be with you.

People And also with you.

Presider Let us pray. (Silence)

COLLECT OF THE DAY

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     

Please be seated.

First Lesson Isaiah 11:1-10

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide by what his ears hear;

but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;

he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,

the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.

They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;

for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Lector The word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

GRADUAL: Psalm 122 Laetatus sum

Cantors:

1 Give the King your justice, O / God, *
and your righteousness / to the King's Son;

All:

2 That he may rule your people / righteously *
and the / poor with justice;

3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the / people, *
and the little / hills bring righteousness.

4 He shall defend the needy among the / people; *
he shall rescue the poor and crush / the oppressor.

5 He shall live as long as the sun and / moon endure, *
from one generation / to another.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the / mown field, *
like showers that / fall upon the earth.

7 In his time shall the righteous / flourish; *
there shall be abundance of peace till the / moon shall be no more.

18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of / Israel, *
who a-/ lone does wondrous deeds!

19 And blessed be his glorious Name for / ever! *
and may all the earth be filled with his glory. /Amen. Amen.

Second Lesson Romans 15:4-13

Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

"Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles,
and sing praises to your name";

and again he says,

"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people";

and again,

"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples praise him";

and again Isaiah says,

"The root of Jesse shall come,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope."

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lector The word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Please stand, as able.

The Holy Gospel Matthew 3:1-12

Gospeler The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

All Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.’”

Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Gospeler The Gospel of the Lord.

All Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon The Rev. Steven Metcalfe

The Nicene Creed

recited in unison.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God, begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven:

By the power of the Holy Spirit he became Incarnate from

the Virgin Mary, and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

And his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

With the Father and the Son, he is worshipped and glorified.

He has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

And the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the People

Prayers of the People for Advent

As we joyfully await the full manifestation of God’s reign in Christ, let us pray for the needs of the church and the world.

O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High and reach from beginning to end, mightily and sweetly ordering all things. Behold and bless your church, remembering especially our presiding bishop Sean, our bishop Kara, and all ministers. Be present in guiding life of this and every congregation.

Come and teach us the way of prudence.

O Adonai, God of the Covenant, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and on Mount Sinai gave your law. Forgive us when we stray from your guidance and will.

Come and redeem us for our life together.

O Root of Jesse, before you rulers will shut their mouths, and nations will bow in worship: We pray for your peace and justice throughout the whole world; be present with all whose lives are ravaged by and violence, war, and injustice. Guide the leaders of this and every nation into the paths of peace and goodwill.

Come save us and do not delay.

O Key of David, you open and no one can shut, you shut and no one can open: Guide us to open the doors of hope for the unemployed, the unhoused, the imprisoned, and all who are suffering; and to closing the doors of oppression, discrimination, poverty, and injustice.

Come and help us loose the bonds of oppression.

O King and Desire of the Nations, you are the cornerstone that makes us one: We pray for those in any need, sickness, or trouble, remembering especially those on our parish prayer list.

Come and heal the people you fashioned out of clay.

O Dayspring, radiance of the Light Eternal and Sun of Righteousness: Bring into the light of your love all who have died, and bring comfort to all those who mourn.

Come and enlighten all who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

O Emmanuel, Expected One and Savior, we give thanks for all the blessings of this life; Make each of us ready to receive you into our hearts, to serve you in all whom we meet, and to greet you in the fullness of your glory at the day of your appearing.

Come and save us, O Lord our God. 

Presider Let us pray together for Christ Church’s search process for the next Rector.

All  Loving God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on this parish and guide those who shall discern and choose its next rector, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Confession

Presider Let us confess our sins to God. (Silence)

Minister and people

God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives.

We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created.

We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf.

Forgive restore and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your

love and serve only your will. Amen.

Absolution

Presider Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ,

strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Peace

Presider  The peace of Christ be always with you.

People And also with you.

We share a greeting of peace with each other.

Parish announcements and offertory sentence

OFFERTORY- To donate electronically, please scan this QR code.

Your monetary offering- whether given in the offering plate or by online donation- supports the worship, pastoral care, and outreach of Christ Church as we seek to love and serve God and our neighbors. Thank you for your generosity.

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE HOLY COMMUNION

368 Holy Father, great creator

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Great Thanksgiving Rite II Eucharistic Prayer B, Expansive language

All who are able stand

SURSUM CORDA

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God,

Creator of heaven and earth. Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and

death, and to make us heirs of everlasting life; that when Christ shall come again in power and great

triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing.

Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this

hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

SANCTUS            

Celebrant and People:

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation;

in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days, you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin

Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world.  In Christ, you have delivered us from evil, and made

us worthy to stand before you. In Christ, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, our Savior 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 Jesus 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.”

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

We remember Christ’s death,

We proclaim Christ’s resurrection,

We await Christ’s coming in glory;

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Savior of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through whom we are acceptable to you, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with Mary, the mother of God, and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your children, through Jesus Christ our Savior, the first born of all creation, the head of the church, and the author of our salvation.

By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours almighty God now and forever. AMEN.

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

A period of silence is kept.

FRACTION ANTHEM  

Invitation to Communion

Presider The gifts of God for the people of God.

Everyone, without exception is welcome to receive Holy Communion.

If a gluten free wafer is better for you, please tell the minister when you come forward.

The bread and the cup are given with these Words:

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Please respond: Amen.

The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Please respond: Amen.

Communion anthem

Expectans Expectavi Charles Wood (1866-1926)

This sanctuary of my soul,

Unwitting I keep white and whole,

Unlatched and lit, if Thou should'st care

To enter or to tarry there.

With parted lips and outstretched hands,

And listening ears, Thy servant stands.

Call Thou early, call Thou late,

To Thy great service dedicate.

My soul, keep white and whole.

Please stand, as able.

65 Prepare the way, O Zion

Post-Communion Prayer

Presider Let us pray. (Silence)

All Eternal God, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen

The Blessing and dismissal

May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of this

blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen.

May Christ, whose second Coming in power and great glory we await,

make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen.

May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at his second Advent be rewarded with unending life. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be upon you and those you love and remain with you forever. Amen.

Presider Go in peace to love and serve our Savior Jesus Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.

People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

DEO GRATIAS

Creation -- James Jeffery

PARISH PRAYER LIST

Please keep these people and intentions in your prayers this week-

The wardens, vestry, search committee, and clergy of this parish.

The sick and the suffering, Kevin Finnigan, Ellen Iaia (Steve’s mother),

Judy (Kevin Finnigan’s cousin), Chris Brennan and John Ford

In thanksgiving that Kristy’s Liddell’s mother, Kina Knight, has completed

treatment and is in remission.

Capt. Charles Lewis, deployed to the Middle East.

Refugees and immigrants, those lacking housing, employment, and the necessities of life.

Those affected by recent storms, flooding, and wildfires.

All those afflicted by poverty, bigotry, violence, war, and oppression.

Those who have died and those who mourn.

Upcoming PARISH Events and Activities

ADVENT GATHERING FOR CONTEMPLATIVE LECTIO DIVINA

Dear Christ Church family, we invite you to welcome the beautiful quiet Advent season with Sunday morning contemplative prayer (Lectio Divina).  Starting on Sunday, Nov, 30th we’ll meet each of the four Sundays during Advent at 9:30-10:30 am in the Guild Room.  (It’s fine if you need to come late or leave early.)  There will, of course, be snacks. 

What is Lectio Divina?  The roots of this practice lie in ancient Jewish meditative reading during which the faithful recited, memorized, or “chewed over” the words of the Scripture.  Early Church writers continued to teach that Scripture should be read inwardly, leading the reader to communion with God.  The practice continues in various forms to this day.  

Val Jutsum & Shirley Ricker

MUSIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Compline by the Schola Cantorum serves a nearly full church each Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. We therefore need more ushers and candlelighters. Please consider participating in what the City Newspaper branded as “the place to be on Sunday nights”.   

First Sunday Candlelight Concerts and Receptions:

On the first Sundays of each month, a Candlelight Concert at 8:30 pm precedes Compline, and a reception in the Guild Room follows Compline. RECEPTION VOLUNTEERS AND BAKERS are needed in order to continue to offer this hospitality to those who join us.  Please SIGN-UP to co-host or bake cookies or help with clean-up. Sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board outside Wilder Hall. Thank you for helping with hospitality for these very popular musical offerings.

THIS IS THE LAST WEEK FOR DONATIONS -GIVING TREE TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER

The collection of Christmas gifts for the Domestic Violence Center is one of Christ Church's Outreach programs.  These families’ lives have been disrupted by violence and relocation. New toys can give a child in crisis a sense of normalcy and hope.  Along with the normal toys, books, etc. personal care items and bath towels, bathrobes, and journals for the mothers are always welcomed too.

Please select an Angel (or two) and return your UNWRAPPED gift(s) to the church no later than Sunday, December 7th.  If you have any questions, please contact Eleanor Peet.  Thank you in advance for your continued generous support.               

Ordinations at Christ Church

You are all invited

MUSIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Christ Church Youth Ensemble has returned, and all kids are invited to participate. Rehearsals are on Sundays following 11:00 am Eucharist for about 20 minutes.  Kids will sing and play instruments together.  They will learn music reading skills, music improvisation skills and learn to work together as a team of musicians.  Jimmy Jeffery, Assistant Organist, will rehearse and direct this ensemble.

Compline, by the Schola Cantorum has returned on the first Sunday in October and will be preceded by the first Candlelight Concert.  Compline is observed every Sunday at 9:00 pm (October through April) and Candlelight Concerts are on the first Sunday of each month at

8:30 pm.  Receptions follow Compline in the Guild Room on First Sundays. Volunteers are sought to help with ushering and hospitality on Sunday evenings.

Our Lectors-

1st Reading-  Elizabeth Dugdale

2nd Reading-  Kevin Finnegan

Prayers of the People-  Christine Hill

Vestry- Jeremy Cooney, Jim Ford, John Fields, Norma Hopcraft, Kristy Liddell,

Nancy Norwood, Shirley Ricker, Craig Smith, Jim Kurmis

Wardens- Valerie Jutsum & Deb VanderBilt

David Jutsum- Clerk of the Vestry

Organists 

Stephen Kennedy, director of music and organist

Jimmy Jeffery, assistant organist

Dominic Fiacco, VanDelinder Fellow

David Higgs and William Porter, associate organists

Choral Scholars

Anna Bjerken 

Amelia Harkey

Maya Watters 

Mary Reins

Caroline Barata

Andrea McGaugh 

Caleb Meyerhoff 

Daniel Perez (ESM/CC Choral Scholar)

CHRIST CHURCH OFFICE HOURS &Staff -

The Rev. Dr. Julianne Buenting, Interim Rector

Stephen Kennedy, Director of Music, stephenk@rochester.rr.com

           Steve Iaia, Sexton, stepheniaia9@gmail.com

           Lori Frank, Office Administrator, office@christchurchrochester.org.

Office Hours:

TUESDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  

WEDNESDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  

THURSDAYS - 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK

TODAY: December 7

1:00-3:00 “Let’s Build Together”

9:00 Compline

MONDAY, December 8

10:00 am Zoom Morning Prayer

https://songforchristchurch.org/monday-morning-prayer

TUESDAY, December 9

Tuesday Pipes 12:10pm

WEDNESDAY, December 10

6:30 Choir Rehearsal

7:00 pm Zoom Evening Prayer

https://songforchristchurch.org/wednesday-evening-prayer

THURSDAY, December 11

11:30 Holy Eucharist in the chapel

7: 30 The Company Theatre Presents: “Persuasion” in the Christ Church Theatre

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

11:00 Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests

Remember to “like” and “subscribe” to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkbAzGxOtsMI1dhb_3dGvg/videos

visit the website, http://www.christchurchrochester.org and

The Song, https://songforchristchurch.org often, for any updates and to access free recordings.

LITURGICAL CALENDARS 2024 or 2025

Please let the office know if you are interested in receiving a calendar.

Email: office@christchurchrochester.org 

Phone: 585-454-3878

FORWARD DAY BY DAY PUBLICATION 

Please let the office know if you are interested in receiving a copy.

Email: office@christchurchrochester.org 

Phone: 585-454-3878

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Christ Church would like to make sure our parishioner records are up to date! Please remember to update the office with your contact information if you have recently changed address, your email address or your phone number.
Email: office@christchurchrochester.org