Parish Office Telephone No. (914) 949-2874   Fax No. (914) 949-1202 Grace Episcopal Church / La Gracia 33 Church Street, White Plains, NY 10601 Monday to Friday 9:00 AM — 3:00 PM   Clergy and Staff   The Rev. Judith Lee, Interim Rector The Rev. Adolfo Moronta, Associate Priest, ext. 14  The Rev. Deacon Martha Jane Dunphy, Deacon Ms. Maria Campos, Secretary, ext. 10, mcampos@gracechurchwhiteplains.org Mr. Peter Roberts, Director of Music, ext 18 Mr. Arturo Ortiz, Director of Music, La Gracia Ms. Marilyn Castillo, Vocalist, La Gracia Mr. Taurino Juarez, Sexton, ext.13   Vestry Members   Joseph Gallo - Sr. Warden Malik Bradford - Jr. Warden Hilary Fleming - Treasurer Sorraya Sampson Elliot - Clerk   Malik Bradford, Sorraya Sampson Elliot,  Hilary Fleming, Karen Odom, Marisol Ortega, Amy Auld Owens, Michael Heffner, Charlotte Roberson, Daisy Calderon, Trisha McGuinness

The Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2019 8 AM & 10 AM Rite II BCP 355 Prelude: Once He Came in Blessing Bach Please stand Hymn: 59 Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding The Opening Acclamation Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for Purity 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. Kyrie (Hymnal S-91) H. Willan 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. THE WORD OF GOD Please be seated The First Lesson Isaiah 35:1-10 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it, they shall not be found there but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 146:4-9 4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! * whose hope is in the LORD their God; 5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; * who keeps his promise for ever; 6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, * and food to those who hunger. 7 The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind; * the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; 8 The LORD loves the righteous; the LORD cares for the stranger; * he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked. 9 The LORD shall reign for ever, * your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah! The Epistle James 5:7-10 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand Sequence Hymn: LEV&S 11 Prepare ye the way of the Lord The Holy Gospel The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to Matthew 11:2-11 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” The Gospel of the Lord Praise to You Lord Christ. Sermon Rev. Dr. Chip Graves Youth Prayer Father in heaven, we thank you for allowing us to wait. We thank you for reminding us of the importance of waiting. We thank you for reminding us that waiting can make us better and more patient; and help us better prepare. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Please stand The Nicene Creed BCP 358 J2A Prayers of the People Please join us as we pray for the Church and the world. For the love and kindness from God, let our sins be washed away. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord give us strength. For our priests, Father Chip and Father Adolfo, and for our past priests that brought Grace to where it is today. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord give them guidance. For all the leaders of the world. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord help them make the world a better place. For the Westchester community we pray for a safe environment where people can be their true selves. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord give us protection. For the people with the skill set to grow and provide us with food. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord give them good weather. For the good Earth, God has given us, give us the ability to prevent climate change. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord give us wisdom to change. For those who are traveling, let them learn new things and have new experiences. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord grant them curiosity. For those who can no longer take care of themselves and for those struggling to get by day to day. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord give them peace and comfort. For Donna and Paxton as they continue in their recovery, and any other members of the congregation who are in recovery from any illness or surgery or suffering for any reason. Especially those we now name silently or aloud (please name those in your prayers currently). Let us pray to the Lord. Lord place your healing hands upon them. For those who now live with God in his eternal kingdom, especially those we now name either silently or aloud (please name those in your prayers at this time) and for all the saints who’ve gone before us. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord thank you for their presence on earth and in heaven. The Confession BCP 360 The Absolution BCP 360 Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The Peace BCP 360 Please be seated Announcements The Offertory Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. Anthem: Kyrie Betsi Slagle Mayo Hymn: 67 Comfort, comfort ye my people THE HOLY COMMUNION Eucharistic Prayer B BCP 367 Celebrant: The Lord be with you People: And also with you. Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to the Lord. Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give him thanks and praise. Sanctus and Benedictus H. Willan Missa de Santa Maria Magdalena The Lord’s Prayer BCP 364 At the Breaking of the Bread Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, Alleluia. Agnus Dei (Hymnal S- 158) H. Willan The Invitation BCP 364 The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. Everyone who seeks a closer relationship with God through Christ is invited to receive communion. Anthem: All on a silent night Betsi Slagle Mayo Hymn: 13 LEV&S My Lord, what a morning The Prayer of Thanksgiving BCP 365 Sending forth of the Eucharistic Visitors: In the name of this congregation I send you forth bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the communion of Christ’s body and blood. We who are many are one body because we share one bread, one cup. Amen. The Advent Blessing May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. Hymn: 14 LEV&S Soon and very soon Dismissal Postlude: O thou of God the Father Bach ________________________________________ Ministers of the Liturgy Celebrant & Preacher: Rev. Dr. Chip Graves Assisting Priest: Rev. Adolfo Moronta Organist: Peter Roberts St Nicholas Choir Eucharistic Visitors: Eileen Mc Clean, Ray Williams, Lisa Daley Lector 8AM: Linda Heusser 10AM: John Mitchell, Andrea Hamilton Intercessor: Vika O’Hanlon Altar Minister 8AM: Brinda Bradley 10AM: Melanie Jackson, Lauren Reid Acolytes 10AM: Anna Kristina O’Hanlon, Nikolas O’ Hanlon, Vika O’ Hanlon, Cameron Owens Ushers 10AM: Mary Bloomfield, Delroy Chang, Bob Soso, Shirley Spencer, Jean Wilson Coffee Hour Host: Carmen & Peter Roberts Assistants: Team 3 Nursery Care: available during 10AM Service ________________________________________ Grace Church Prayer List: Grace Church Prayer List: We hold the following people in prayer: Lee Aldrich, Bernice Burton, Gloria Chang, Cynthia Cole, Lydia Coleondro, Inez Dale, Jimmy Delaney, Carol DiGilio, Vincent Doria, Bill Dunphy, Cathy Dunphy, Sandra Esannason, Laura Fields, Lynda Gravenese, Lydia Green, Sylvia Howard, Jackie Jansky, Ivy John, Paul Nair, Evgeniy Kaufman, Nellie King, Peshotan Kotval, Tim Lewis, Manoris Long, Donna Louis, Paxton Louis, Dorothy Lynch, Janice Moore, Selena Perry, Gladstone Reid, Leroy Reid, Renee Reid, Uriel Reid, Charlotte Roberson, Al Sargent, Marilyn Seimia, Sonia P. Smith, Norman Stanton, Susan Stanton, Dominick Vita, Marthe Watkins, Ray Williams Calvary Hospital: Verna Brown Cedar Manor, Ossining: Robert Auld The Grove Rehabilitation Center, Valhalla: Cynthia Cole Serving in the Armed Forces: Kenny Duffy, Denny J. Edmondson, Christopher P. Halstead, David Packer, Sgt. Christopher Vigliotti, Gunnery Sgt. Les Yearwood Please contact Sandy McAllister if you would like to place someone's name on our prayer list ________________________________________ Birthdays Dec. 15th Ramona Williams Dec. 16th Andrea Spencer Dec. 9th Gloria Chang ________________________________________ The advent greens on the altar are given in loving memory of Cecilia Peagler by Walter and Sylvia Simon. ________________________________________ To the Parishioners of Grace La Gracia, Thank you for your support during our time of sorrow. We appreciate your kindness. The Newlands Cecilia Peagler Family ________________________________________ Any person or group of parishioners interested in underwriting a worship service at Grace Church, please contact Fr. Chip for more information. ________________________________________ I want to request our church parishioners to please welcome our visitors and let us share the love of God together. Fr. Chip ________________________________________ If you are visiting with us for the first time, we welcome you to Grace Church! Our liturgy is found in the Book of Common Prayer. Our communion is open to all baptized Christians. Please take the time to fill out one of our visitor cards which the ushers have available. Your presence is a blessing to us; may our worship together be a blessing to you. ________________________________________ The Right Reverend Andrew ML. Dietsche, Bishop The Right Reverend Allen Kunho Shin, Bishop Suffragan The Right Reverend Mary Glasspool, Assistant Bishop The Reverend Dr. Chip Graves, Rector The Reverend Adolfo Moronta, Associate Priest Peter Roberts, Director of Music of Grace Church Juan Carlos Abreu, Director of Music of La Gracia Donna Louis, Youth Ministry Coordinator Maria Campos, Administrator Taurino Juárez, Sexton The Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2019 33 Church Street White Plains, New York 10601 www.gracewhiteplains.org 914-949-2874 VESTRY Joseph C. Gallo, Senior Warden Michael Heffner, Junior Warden Hillary Fleming, Treasurer Sorraya Sampson Elliott, Clerk Class of 2019: Trisha McGuinness, Charlotte Roberson Class of 2020: Daisy Calderon, Hillary Fleming, Michael Heffner Class of 2021: Irene Alves, Sorraya Sampson Elliott, Eileen McClean Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God’s love in Christ through our life together and our service to the wider community. All are welcome.

The Winter 2019 Angelus

Restoring hope to Westchester County’s men, women and children in need by providing them with food, shelter and support– and lifting them to greater self-sufficiency with dignity and respect. Vision Statement Lifting Up Westchester respects the dignity and full potential of every individual. We assist those struggling to overcome the challenges of poverty, homelessness, hunger, health and education. We work with men, women and children as they create their own unique path to a more fulfilling, healthy and independent life. Striving to never turn anyone away, we enlist the generosity of a caring community through donations and volunteerism. https://www.liftingupwestchester.org/our-mission-vision/

Clips from Recent Concerts - 2016/2017 Season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUm1TV3BnaE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWohxaB6yDQ&feature=em-subs_digest About DTMusic http://dtmusic.org/ Downtown Music at Grace is a non-profit performing arts organization located in the heart of White Plains, NY, a small city located a half hour north of New York City. Downtown Music was founded in 1988 by Timothy Lewis, Music Director and Organist of Grace Church. The mission of Downtown Music is to provide an oasis of art and culture in the heart of White Plains. The organization's current programs include Noonday Getaway Concerts, half- hour concerts taking place on Wednesdays at noon; Weekend Discoveries , which are full length concerts taking place on Sunday afternoons or Saturday evenings; Concerts on Tour, our outreach program consisting of 30+ concerts annually in nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers; and Downtown Music’s Arts-In-Education Program, a series of three concerts specially designed for schoolchildren in grades K-12. Downtown Music’s roster of artists features high-quality professional musicians who enjoy the opportunity to make music in an intimate, beautiful setting. Many of our artists have performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and major international venues. Resident Ensembles Our three resident ensembles enable Downtown Music to offer a more diverse program of music. Downtown Sinfonietta is composed of professional musicians from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and other major New York ensembles, and performs several concerts throughout the season. Downtown Music Chorus features 16 professional singers, drawn from the ranks of New York’s finest choirs. West Point Brass, a small ensemble of eight players, is called on for special celebratory performances throughout the season. Guest Artists Downtown Music provides a prestigious showcase for professional musicians, 70% of whom return often to perform. Guest artists include internationally-recognized artists and local professional performers across a wide spectrum of musical talent. Noted for its diversity of programming, Downtown Music stars have included Mariachi Real de Mexico, the Voices of Ascension, several members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, as well as jazz great Jay Hoggard.