Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise.
The people’s responses are given in bold.
ENTRANCE PROCESSION
The people are invited to stand as they are able as the sacred ministers enter the church from the south-east door.
THE GREETING
We share in the Apostolic Greeting.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
ACT OF PRAISE Gloria in Excelsis
We join the song of angels in praising God who we have gathered to worship.
Glory be to God on high,
and in earth peace, good will towards all.
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.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
The collect is the prayer appointed for the day that reflects the theme of the day or season, and which celebrates the attributes of God revealed in the readings of the day.
The Lord be with you;
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King, grant that the peoples of the earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his gentle and loving rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The people may be seated.
THE FIRST READING Jeremiah 23. 1–6 Todd Jarvis
Today’s reading builds on the common, ancient Near Eastern metaphor of the king as shepherd. Judah’s unjust rulers have caused their people, their “flock,” to be scattered. Nevertheless, God will raise up a new and righteous shepherd who will rule a restored Judah.
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM Canticle 19 The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1. 68–79)
On occasion, a canticle (a biblical song), is appointed for the day in the place of the Psalm. This is one of those days. This is the song which the priest Zechariah sang after the birth of his son, who he named John, as an angel had commanded him. John would be the forerunner of the Messiah, and be known to us as John the Baptist.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; * he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Saviour, * born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, * from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear, * holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation * by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way.
THE SECOND READING Colossians 1. 11–20 Todd Jarvis
An early Christian hymn praises the mystery of the political, personal, and mystical Christ, the one who was present at creation and is eternally reigning with God.
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 23. 33–43
Amid scoffing and slander from those who sarcastically call him Messiah and king, Jesus reveals that to be Messiah and king is to give one’s life for others. Here he uses his power to welcome a despised sinner to paradise but puts his own death into God’s hands.
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke.
Glory to thee, O Lord.
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. (Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing’). And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise be to thee, O Christ.
THE SERMON Adedayo Olomodosi
The sermon follows the readings and reflects on one or more the readings, relating them to our Christian discipleship and daily life.
The people are seated.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Nicene Creed
The Affirmation of Faith typically takes the form of one of the ancient creeds of the Church. The word ‘creed’ comes from the Latin ‘credo,’ translated as, ‘I believe.’
The people may stand for the creed.
Let us confess the faith, as we say,
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.
The people may be seated for the prayers.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Todd Jarvis
We pray for the Church throughout the world; the flourishing of creation; the nation, our King and all in authority under him; the needs of the world, the concerns of our community of faith, especially those who have requested our prayers; and for the departed.
The people are seated.
Gathered with one voice, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
We pray for the church in the world, its leaders, and its mission to share the good news of healing and restoration. With the worldwide Anglican Communion and in our cycle of prayer we pray for The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. In our Diocese of Niagara, we pray for St. Paul, Mount Hope, The Reverend Dr. John Stephenson, Priest-in-Charge; and the people of that parish. We pray for Susan and Colin our bishops; David, Sarah, and Patrick our priests, and for our other parish leaders and all the people. Inspire us to embody the beloved community in ways that faithfully witness to the Holy Spirit. Receive our prayer, O God,
your mercy is great.
We pray for the trembling mountains and glad streams of creation. Preserve and renew your coastlines, deep seas, forests, and grasslands. Guide all who tend flocks or care for creatures of all kinds. Receive our prayer, O God,
your mercy is great.
We pray for leaders and advocates in government, civic life, and public safety. We pray for Charles our King and all in authority under him. Bring peace to Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, Myanmar and Sudan. Support equity across the globe, and heal division with accountability and truth. Receive our prayer, O God,
your mercy is great.
We pray for any who are hungry, living in poverty or desperation, weary in body or spirit, or sick. We pray for all those who have requested our prayers: Bruce, Kevin, Eileen, Marlene, Moira, Madison, Brooke, Kathryn, Peter, Jas, Isabel, Cheryl, Mary, David H, Gary, Scott, and Cameron. Comfort all in need of your tender care. Receive our prayer, O God,
your mercy is great.
We pray for this part of the body of Christ gathered around word and sacrament. Bring us into authentic community where all ages are valued and experience God’s faithfulness together. Receive our prayer, O God,
your mercy is great.
We give thanks for all who have died in faith. We also remember Sherry Snelson and Jennifer Trapman in whose memory flowers have been given. May we remember them faithfully until we are gathered with you in the paradise you promise with St. Jude and all the saints. Receive our prayer, O God,
your mercy is great.
We offer these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your grace and unyielding love; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
Let us humbly confess our sins to almighty God.
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.
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. Amen.
THE PEACE
As forgiven and reconcile people we exchange words of peace with one another.
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And with thy spirit.
The people are invited to share words of peace with one another.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Eternal God, by your grace you have raised us up and enthroned us with Christ in the heavenly realms. Receive all we offer you this day, and lead us in those good works for which you have created us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
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, through Jesus Christ our Lord; whom thou didst exalt as Lord of all creation, that he might present unto thee an eternal and universal kingdom: a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee and saying:
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.
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:
We praise thee, we bless thee, we thank thee,
and we pray to thee, Lord 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
Lord, bring us to your kingdom and teach us to pray,
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.
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
FRACTION ANTHEM Agnus Dei
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.
THE COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
All people who seek to follow Jesus are welcome to receive the Holy Communion. The Holy Communion is distributed at the altar rail. You are welcome to kneel or stand to receive. You may receive Holy Communion in either, or both the bread and the wine. Gluten free bread is available; if you prefer gluten free, please ask the priest distributing the bread. Receive the bread in your open and outstretched hands, responding, Amen. The wine is offered from a common cup. To receive please assist by helping guide the cup to your lips. If you prefer not to receive the cup, cross your arms across your chest. If you prefer to receive a blessing rather than the bread and wine of communion, again, cross your arms over your chest as the priest comes to distribute the bread and the priest will bless you.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
The people may stand.
Almighty God, you have made us a royal priesthood in the kingdom of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Make known his victory through us, we pray, that all the world may see his light. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
ACCLAMATION
Lift up your heads, O gates; be lifted up, you everlasting doors;
and the King of glory shall come in.
‘Who is the King of glory?’
‘The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord who is mighty in battle.’
Lift up your heads, O gates; be lifted up, you everlasting doors;
and the King of glory shall come in.
‘Who is this King of glory?’
‘The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory.’
BLESSING
Christ our King make you faithful and strong to do his will, that you may reign with him in glory; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If it is needful that any announcements concerning the life and work of the church be made, they are given at this time.
DISMISSAL
The assisting minister dismisses the people to go forth to share in God’s mission in the world.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
As you are able, please remain standing as the sacred ministers make their way from the church.
Today’s Ministers. Presiding Celebrant: The Reverend Canon Dr. David Anderson, Rector. Preacher: Adedayo Olomodosi, Student Minister. Reader & Greeter: Todd Jarvis. Altar Guild: Betty Cook and Anne McCulloch.
Acknowledgements This liturgy is in the tradition of the Book of Common Prayer (Canada, 1962), and is adapted from the Book of Alternative Services, The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada (1984), and from other sources as follows. ‘The Prayers of the People’ are adapted from Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, © 2025, used by permission. The ‘Acclamation’ is adapted from Common Worship, The Church of England, © the Archbishop’s Council. Readings from Holy Scripture are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ (USA); used by permission. This liturgy is used at St. Jude’s Church by permission of the Bishop of Niagara.
Altar Flowers
The flowers on the right stand are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Sherry Snelson, given by her husband, Jon.
The flowers on the left stand are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Jennifer Trapman, given by Ashley & Andrew Trapman and family.
All are invited to make a gift to support
St. Jude’s ministry of sharing God’s love.
As the plate is passed or by scanning the QR code at the left or
online at stjudeschurch.net/give.
Thank you for your generosity.
St. Jude’s Church
www.stjudeschurch.net
office@stjudeschurch.net
905-844-3972
Clergy and Staff
The Right Reverend Dr. Susan J.A. Bell, Bishop of Niagara
The Reverend Canon Dr. David Anderson, Rector anderson@stjudeschurch.net
The Reverend Sarah Grondin, Priest Associate grondin@stjudeschurch.net
The Reverend Canon Dr. Patrick Patterson, Priest Assistant pat.macrae.pat@gmail.com
Adadayo Olomodosi, Student Minister
Sebastian Moreno, Director of Music choir@stjudeschurch.net
Dr. Andrei Streliaev, Associate Organist
Grace D’Mello, Choral Scholar
Carmen Almeida, Coordinator of Youth and Children’s Ministry carmen@stjudeschurch.net
Robert Clarence, Parish Operations Manager manager@stjudeschurch.net
Amanda Judd, Administrative Secretary office@stjudeschurch.net
Churchwardens
Kevin Coleman, People’s Warden peopleswarden@stjudeschurch.net
Nancy Coombs, Rector’s Warden rectorswarden@stjudeschurch.net
Martha Denning, Deputy People’s Warden
Henry Popp, Deputy Rector’s Warden
Nick Choules-Burbidge, Treasurer nwrburbidge@gmail.com
ANNOUCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, November 23 (after the 10:30am service) – Saying Goodbye to Robert
Please join us after the 10:30am service on Nov 23rd to say goodbye to Robert and Desire Clarence as they embark on a new adventure in BC. Robert has faithfully served St. Jude’s as a Warden, Kitchen Manager, and Operations Manager the past 5 years and will be greatly missed by all.
2026 Parish Calendars Now Available!
Our 2026 parish calendars are now available for $6 each. Please pickup from the office during office hours. Supplies are limited!
Thursday, November 27 @ 5PM - Contemplative Prayer with Sacred Images
Join us on Thursdays throughout Advent for Visio Divina, a contemplative prayer practice with sacred images. Rev. Sarah will lead a guided meditation on a different image each week. We will meet at 5pm in the sanctuary on Thursday, Nov 27th, Dec 4th, 11th, and 18th.
No experience is necessary, and all are welcome! Just sign up online or at the office.
“I pray that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you.” ~ Ephesians 1:18"
Tuesday, Dec 2 @ 12pm - St Jude’s Book Club Meeting
Join us in the library at 12pm to discuss 'The Messy Lives of Book People' by Phaedra Patrick. This is the story of two women whose paths and lives become surprisingly entwined.
Can’t make it this month but want to join? Email Amanda to get on the mailing list to get updates!
Saturday, December 6 at 3pm – Sing-Along Christmas Concert
Join us for a joyful afternoon of festive music with Intrada Brass at our annual Sing-Along Christmas Concert! Celebrate the season with your favourite carols and help support our community
through the Fare Share Food Bank.
Suggested donation: $25 per adult.
Non-perishable food donations are also warmly welcomed.
Wed, Dec 10 (after the 10:30 am service) – Parish Lunch
Don’t miss out on another amazing Parish Lunch, lovingly prepared by St. Jude’s volunteers. For only $8 you get a main course, salad, dessert, and a glass of wine! Coffee and tea are also available.
Sign up on our website or in the Church Office. Hope to see you there!
Sunday, December 14 at 4 pm – Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Experience the beauty and wonder of the Christmas story through Scripture and song at our Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. All are welcome to stay for a light reception in Victoria Hall following the service, hosted by The Tomato Ladies.
Christmas at St. Jude’s
Saturday, Dec 20
6:00 PM |Blue Christmas Service. This service acknowledges that Christmas is hard for a variety of reasons, and offers a quieter, gentler way of experiencing the hope and light of the Christmas story.
Wednesday, Dec 24, Christmas Eve
10:30 AM | Wednesday Service. Holy Eucharist for Wednesday in Advent (said without hymns) in the tradition of the Book of Common Prayer.
4 PM | Family Service. Holy Eucharist with a Children's Focus telling the Christmas Story.
6 PM | Festal Candlelight Choral Eucharist.
9 PM | Festal Candlelight Choral Eucharist.
Thursday, Dec 25, Christmas Day
10:30 AM |Service: Holy Eucharist with Christmas Carols.