Please stand at the ringing of bells.

Transcription

1 Celtic Meditations: The Longest Night December 20, :00 pm Welcome to the Longest Night Meditations. This time has been called the "long dark night of the soul" in which memories of past experiences and the pain of present experiences can become overwhelming. We invite you to offer the pain, the loneliness, and the sadness you may feel to God for healing and transformation. We pray that you will find hope and comfort in knowing that you are not alone, remembering that God knows your pain and loves you unconditionally. Opening Meditation In the Bleak Midwinter Cranham Please stand at the ringing of bells. Opening Invocation based on Psalm 130 Out of the depths I have cried to You, Lord, hear my voice. Out of the deep, I cry to you, O Lord; let your ears consider my lamentation. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits for him; more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. We come as we are, with our grief and pain, because you invite us to come; and you have promised never to turn us away. Lord, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You trace my journeys and my resting-places and are acquainted with all my ways. Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, but you, O Lord, know it altogether. You press upon me behind and before and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain to it. Where can I go then from your Spirit? where can I flee from your presence? If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I make the grave my bed, you are there also. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there your hand will lead me and your right hand hold me fast. If I say, Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night, Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike. For you yourself created my inmost parts; you knit me together in my mother s womb. I will thank you because I am marvelously made; your works are wonderful, and I know it well. -Psalm 139

2 Opening Hymn #36 Precious Lord, take my hand American Tune Evening Prayer Lord, it is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God. From The New Zealand Prayer Book It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities. In your name we pray. Amen. The Reading Paraphrase of Luke In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors forever. Silence Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God s people. Thanks be to God. Reflection Two minutes of silence follows. Kathleen Tone Music for Meditation O come, o come Emmanuel Veni, veni, Emmanuel Candle Lighting Prayers We light this first candle to remember those whom we have loved and lost. We pause to remember their names, their faces, their voices, the memories that bind them to us in this season. (Silence). Gracious God, may your eternal love surround them. We light this second candle to redeem the pain of loss: the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss of health. We pause to gather up the pain of the past and offer it to God, asking that from God s hands we receive the gift of peace. (Silence). Gracious God, refresh us, restore us, and renew us. Lead us into your future. We light this third candle to remember ourselves this Christmastime. We pause and remember these past weeks and months: the disbelief, the anger, the down times, the joy and sorrow of memories, the hugs and handshakes of family and friends who care for us. We give thanks for all the support we have known. (Silence). Gracious God, let us remember that even after night has fallen, the dawn of a new day will follow.

3 We light this fourth candle to remember our faith and the gift of hope that the Christmas story offers to us. We remember that God, who shares our life, promises us a place and a time of no more pain and suffering. (Silence). Let us remember, let us remember the One who shows us the way, who brings truth, and who bares the light for us all. Amen. Light Prayers Jesus says, Come to me you who are troubled and I will give you rest. So come, you who are broken in body or in spirit, you who are torn by relationships and doubt, you who feel deeply within yourselves the divisions of the world. Come, for Jesus invites us to bring our brokenness. From now until the end of the service, you are invited to come to the Lady Altar and light a candle and kneel at the rail for prayers. The laying on of hands is also offered at the healing station near the door at the back of the Chapel. Please feel free to move about as the Spirit leads you. Music during Prayers Oikan Ayns Bethlehem (The Birth in Bethlehem) Manx Gaelic Tune Wexford Carol English Tune Hymn during Prayers #37 Silent Night German Carol The Grace God, you sent your Son into the world that we might live through him: Grant us grace to love one another as he first loved us, and know the fullness of joy. Amen. The Peace The peace of heaven s vastness the peace of ocean depths the peace of earth s stillness the peace of all that is the Lord s be always with you. All And also with you. Announcements Please feel free to exchange the peace in any way you feel comfortable. The Holy Communion Music at the Offertory Bring a torch French carol Eucharistic Prayer The Lord be with you. And also with you Lift up your hearts We lift them to the Lord Let us give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give God thanks and praise.

4 It is our joy and delight to give you thanks and praise Emmanuel, God with us. We give you thanks and praise for your hallowing of human flesh. We rejoice at your light which shines out of darkness and enlightens all who seek you. We praise you that you brought forth new life in the family of Mary and Joseph as you do today from all who faithfully await the fulfillment of your word. We praise you that you were known first by poor shepherds and wise seekers as you are known today by the poor and outcast. We rejoice with the angels at your promise of peace for those who trust in you. We rejoice that the extraordinary is given birth in the ordinary places of life. So with the angels who sing Glory and with all the saints and ancestors who have known you to be with us, we sing together: Sanctus #27 English Folk Mass We bless you for Jesus, born of the Spirit s love and a woman s body and blood. We bless you for Jesus who shows us how to live the fullness of our humanity and thus become one with you. We remember Jesus who laughed and wept and felt tiredness and fear; who praised Mary when she anointed him for death and blessed a woman of the city who washed his feet with tears. We remember Jesus who touched lepers and the sick and feasted with tax collectors and sinners. We remember Christ who lives on in all who courageously and faithfully bring forth the light of your love in earth s darkest places. We remember Jesus who, on the night before he died, shared a meal with his friends. He took bread, blessed it and broke it and gave it to them saying: Take and eat. This is my own body given for you. Do this to remember me. After supper he took a cup of wine, gave thanks and gave it to them saying: This is my life-blood given for you. Do this to remember me. So we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Come now, Spirit of God, and as we eat and drink these bodily things, make us one body, food for the world, one blood to be poured out for the life of all Touch us with your gentle creativity and fire us with longing for the new age of justice and peace. We ask this through Jesus who gave his body that we might be one and his blood that we might find new life. With him, and through him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, be to you, O God, all honor and glory forever. AMEN. The Lord s Prayer The Breaking of the Bread Lamb of God #28 English Folk Mass This is the table, not of the Church, but for of the Lord. It is made ready for those who love him and for those who want to love him more. So come, you who have much faith and you who have little, you who have been here often and you who have not been here long, you who have tried to follow and you who have failed. Come, because it is the Lord who invites you. It is his will that whose who want him should meet him here. Communion All are invited to come and feast at God s table. You may receive the bread in your hand, and if you wish, drink from the cup.

5 Music during Communion Voluntary William Byrd Concluding Prayer All Lord Jesus Christ, you have put new life into our hands; now we put our lives into yours. Take us renew us and remake us. What we have been is past; what we shall be, through you, still awaits us. Lead us on. Take us with you. Amen. Concluding Blessing May the stillness of God be yours this night, that you may sleep in peace. May the awareness of the angels be yours this night, that you may be alert to unseen mysteries. And may the life of Christ be yours this night, that you may be kindled in love. Amen. Concluding Hymn #34 My soul sings out Irish Tune Dismissal All Go forth in the name of the promised Christ. Thanks be to God. Concluding Meditation Fairytale of New York Irish Carol All are welcome to stay and pray or receive the laying on of hands. When you leave, please do so quietly. May God s blessings be upon you and all whom you love. Participants Reflection given by Musicians Opening Lesson Prayers of the Assisting at God s Table Assisting at the Healing Station Greeters Preparing the Space The Reverend Debbie Phillips Kathleen Tone Ryan Patten, keyboard Eric Wagner, guitar Debbie Phillips, flute Ryan Patten Kathleen Tone Susie Faria Priscilla Lemons Jane Stewart Jane Stewart David Ashton Joanne Moar Kathleen Tone Jane Stewart If you would like to be a part of this sacred time, we welcome readers, musicians, greeters and those to assist with setup, the healing station and communion. Please see anyone of the participants listed above if interested. All music has been reprinted with permission through RiteSong and St. James Music Press. Photograph reprinted with permission from the photographer.

6 Prayer Requests Lt. Col. Mike Usovicz, USMC Ret., Ayo Ogunbor, Faith Aroko s mother; continued recovery of Helen Harris, Pam Gaither s mother; Mike Salvatore, Jane and David Knight, Alexandra D., Gerry Porter and Barbara, Jan Linker, Kathy Crotty, Giffy Russell, G. Oliver Papps, Fred Fox, Melissa Reynolds, David Latinik, Dan Maurno, Sr. Jane SFN, Elsie Telford, Sue Morey, The Madden Family, David, Joe L Heureux, Joe Doherty, George and Sue Erickson, Kathleen Hoff, Pauline Grady, Pauline Zwicker, Vivien Forbes, Colin, Todd Cheney, Corey and Suzanne MacNeil, Karen Tucker, David, Sally Coleman, Don, Jeanne Parler, Jeff Bowie, Gary Young, Jr., Elisabeth Thomas, Cindy Carr, Ross Dolloff, Fran Nalipinski, The Tache Family, Alison, Blair and family, Jeff and family, John Mason, Karen, Susan Warren, Camilo Notario, Jr., Esmunda Notario, Tom D., Robert Duff, Stephen Duff, Rick Rizoli, Ashley Galvin, Gerry M., Mary K., the Castiello Children, Eric Rielly, Maureen Joyce, Linda and Patrick Grant, the soul of Carol Sczerba Rielly, Glenn Murer, Carpenter Family, Karin O'Brien, Judy Rao, Marge Bastos, Patricia McDuffe, Beatrice Jideofor, Rachel Davis, Dr. Elizabeth Prout, Albert Engelken, Mary Carter, Harry Davis, Kori Rodriguez, Mary Manning, Pat Carr, Love, Tiffanie Surabian, Nate, Phoebe and family, Jannett, Marcie, Andrew Rossi, Norman Belanger, Joanna Morse, Virginia Steadman, Soiesette Robinson, Lisa J., Nancy Moore, Sarah Fialho, Jeannie and Harry W, Hank and Ann Cook, Doña Yoya, Patrick O'Donoghue, Kathleen Hoff, George and Sue Erickson, the Diocese of Jerusalem, the Diocese of Massachusetts, the Salem Public Schools, especially the Nathaniel Bowditch School,; for those experiencing pain, anxiety and grief during this season, the people of Palestine and Israel, victims of racism, all communities of faith, those seeking the good and holy in their lives, for peace, for justice, and for love. Announcements Christmas Caroling: Immediately following this service, we will go a-wassailing in the neighborhood, spreading Christmas cheer. Bowditch Holiday Cheer: This morning, members of the congregation gathered to bake cookies to be decorated by the fifth graders at the Nathaniel Bowditch School. Please consider joining us at the school from 1:45 until 2:30 to help them with this holiday project. Half of the decorated cookies will go to shut-ins in Salem. (The students get to keep the other half). Christmas Gifts: Everyone is welcome to come as you are to our services, especially the Celtic Service. However, if you would like to make a gift tonight, there is a basket on your way out. If you would like to make a pledge, (a commitment for the year), please take a pledge card found on the table at the door, fill it out and place it in the plate. Any amount to support this important ministry is greatly appreciated. Looking for more information about Grace Church? If you would like to speak to the priest, The Reverend Deborah Phillips, please her at gcis1@verizon.net or call her at to set up a time convenient for you. You may also visit our website at We invite you to Like our Facebook page, Celtic Meditations.

7 Christmastide at Grace Church Christmas Eve 4pm Christmas Pageant The annual pickup pageant. All are welcome to be a part. 10:30pm Candlelight Service Carols, Anthems, and Holy Communion Christmas Day 9:00am Holy Eucharist with Carols Sunday, December 27 10:30am Holy Eucharist with Carols 5:00pm Celtic Christmas Sunday, January 3 10:30am Holy Eucharist Carols, Anthems, and Holy Communion 5:00pm Celtic New Year The Chalking of the Door and other New Year traditions

8 Grace Episcopal Church A parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts The Right Reverend Michael B. Curry Presiding Bishop The Right Reverend Alan M. Gates Bishop Diocesan The Right Reverend Gayle E. Harris Bishop Suffragan The Reverend Deborah A. Phillips Rector Ryan Patten Director of Music Tom and Karen Tucker Property Stewards Hugh MacKay and Joanne Moar Vergers Vestry Joanne Moar David Ashton Peggy Carter Willand Jesse Angeley Jonathan Davis, Tom Lemons, Angela Williams Melissa Barnes, Jonathan Davis, Eric Fialho, Ingrid Fox, Tom Lemons, Caroline Watson-Felt Senior Warden Junior Warden Clerk Treasurer Assistant Treasurers Members of Vestry