Christmas Eve December 24, 2016 The Holy Eucharist Rite II

Transcription

1 Christmas Eve December 24, 2016 The Holy Eucharist Rite II St. Alban s Episcopal Church An Open and Affirming Congregation Meeting at Theatre Arlington Carols beginning at 5:00 p.m. 1

2 The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came 2

3 The First Nowell 1 The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields as they lay, keeping their sheep, on a cold winter s night that was so deep. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel. 2 They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far, and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Refrain 3 And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. Refrain 4 This star drew nigh to the northwest, o er Bethlehem it took its rest, and there it did both stop and stay right over the place where Jesus lay. Refrain O Little Town Of Bethlehem 1 O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. 3 How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in. 2 For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! and praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth. 3

4 Good Christian Friends Rejoice 4

5 O Holy Night O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine. Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever, O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine. Go Tell It On The Mountain Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born! 1 While shepherds kept their watching o er silent flocks by night, behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. Refrain 2 The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior s birth. Refrain 3 Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Refrain 5

6 Opening Hymn Oh Come All Ye Faithful Hymnal 83 Verses 1-3 6

7 All Stand The Word of God Lighting of the Christ Candle Child: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them the light has shined. (the Christ candle is lighted) The People: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests on his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Prince of Peace. Opening Acclamation BCP 355 The people standing, the Celebrant says Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. The Celebrant may say 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. Song of Praise Angels We Have Heard on High Hymnal 96 7

8 The Collect of the Day The Celebrant says to the people People Celebrant The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. The Word of God First Reading Isaiah 9:2-7 A reading from the Prophet Isaiah The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God 8

9 Canticle 16, The Song of Zechariah 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 savior, * 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 of peace. Second Reading Titus 2:11-14 A reading from St. Paul s letter to Titus For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God All stand as you are able All children are invited forward to share in the telling of the Gospel. Sequence Hymn Away in A Manger LEVAS 27 1 Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, 3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. close by me for ever, and love me I pray. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.. 2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. 9

10 Gospel Luke 2:1-20 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Christ Jesus according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors! When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. The Gospel of the Lord People Praise to you, Lord Christ Congregation may be seated The Sermon All Stand and say together Fr. Kevin Johnson Nicene Creed BCP 358 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 worshiped 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. 10

11 Prayers of the People (from the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer) Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear when we pray in the name of your Son. Therefore in confidence and trust we pray for the Church: Father, enliven the Church for its mission that we may be salt of the earth and light to the world. Breathe fresh life into your people. Give us power to reveal Christ in word and action. We pray for the world: Creator of all, lead us and every people into ways of justice and peace. That we may respect one another in freedom and truth. Awaken in us a sense of wonder for the earth and all that is in it. Teach us to care creatively for its resources. We pray for the community: God of truth, inspire with your wisdom those whose decisions affect the lives of others that all may act with integrity and courage. Give grace to all whose lives are linked with ours. May we serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us. We pray for those in need: God of hope, comfort and restore all who suffer in body, mind or spirit. May they know the power of your healing love. Make us willing agents of your compassion. Strengthen us as we share in making people whole. We remember those who have died and those who mourn: We remember with thanksgiving those who have died in the faith of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone. Father, into your hands we commend them. Give comfort to those who mourn. Bring them peace in their time of loss. We praise you for Blessed Alban, Blessed Mary and all your saints who have entered your eternal glory. May their example inspire and encourage us. Lord, you have called us to serve you. Grant that we may walk in your presence: your love in our hearts, your truth in our minds, your strength in our wills; until, at the end of our journey, we know the joy of our homecoming and the welcome of your embrace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 11

12 The Deacon or Celebrant says Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Silence may be kept. Minister and People Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. The Celebrant concludes with an absolution or a suitable Collect. The Bishop, when present, or the Priest, stands and says 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 People The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. The congregation exchanges the peace with one another Congregation may be seated Announcements Birthday and Anniversary Blessings For a Birthday 51 BCP 830 Watch over your child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he falls; and in his heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For an Anniversary BCP 431 O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 12

13 Offertory God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Hymnal 105 Congregation stands Doxology Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The Holy Communion Eucharistic Prayer B BCP 367 The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest, faces them and sings or says People Celebrant People Celebrant People 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 him thanks and praise. 13

14 Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds It is right and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. For our sins he was lifted high upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to himself; and, by his suffering and death, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him. 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: Celebrant and People Sanctus Hymnal S 129 The Celebrant continues 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 him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or to lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated. On the night before he died for us, our Lord 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 he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink his, 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, Celebrant and People We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory; 14

15 And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord 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 to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, 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 Blessed Alban and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN. Lord s Prayer Celebrant Celebrant and People As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now 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, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The Breaking of the Bread The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept. Then may be sung or said Fraction Anthem Christ our Passover S154 15

16 We want you to know that the Table is not an Episcopal Table or a St. Alban s Table, but that Jesus Christ is the host. Therefore, you are welcome to receive Communion or be blessed at this Table. Come forward at the direction of the ushers. Receive the bread in the palm of your hand. Proceed to the next available chalice bearer and drink from the cup. If you prefer, you may slightly dip the bread in the cup and consume the elements in that manner. Gluten free wafers are available; please indicate this when the bread is served. If you prefer to receive a blessing instead of Communion, cross your arms over your chest and the Priest will bless you. If you are unable to come to the Communion station, indicate this to the usher and we will be honored to bring Communion to you. The Priest invites the people to communion These are Holy Gifts of God; for you, Holy People of God. Congregation may be seated Communion Hymn #1 Hark the Herald Angels Sing Hymnal 87 16

17 Communion Hymn #2 What Child Is This Hymnal

18 Communion Hymn #3 It Came Upon A Midnight Clear Hymnal 89 18

19 All Stand You are invited to light your candle at this time. Postcommunion Hymn Silent Night Hymnal

20 Postcommunion Prayer New Zealand Prayer Book 527 Celebrant and People Welcome, welcome, Jesus Christ our infant saviour, baby who makes every birth holy. May we, who like the shepherds have witnessed in the stable a new kind of love, return to our work with joy. May we, for whom the heavens have opened to proclaim that God is with us, we who have fed on living bread and drunk the wine of heaven, go out to be instruments of your peace, day by day. Amen. The Blessing New Zealand Prayer Book 528 Celebrant May the blessing of the God of Abraham and Sarah, and of Jesus Christ born of our sister Mary, and of the Holy Spirit, who broods over the world as a mother over her children, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. Closing Hymn Joy to the World Hymnal

21 The Dismissal Deacon: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit in the Grace of the Incarnation. Alleluia. Alleluia. People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia. Merry Christmas to you all from St. Alban s! 21

22 The Altar Flowers are given to the Glory of God to adorn the altar for this Christmas Eve service by: Gloria Bender in memory of William H. Gatlin Debra Bills in thanksgiving for my beautiful healthy children Dave & Shirley Burrows in memory of Margaret Kennett, Linda Blackman, and Nigel Burrows and in thanksgiving for our son David John, and our daughter Jennette and her family Walt & Marjorie Cabe in memory of our son Christopher Charles Goins and in thanksgiving for the joyous blessing of our grandchildren Mia, Max, and Mason Grubbs and the blessing of family and friends Katherine Davis in memory of Joe Davis Cheryl Dosher in memory of my mother Geen Carroll and in thanksgiving for life Pat & Laura Emmons in memory of our wonderful parents Betty Jo Everett in memory of Bill Everett, Betty Wallace, Dan Krenek, Bessie Lee & Wilbur Krenek, and in thanksgiving for friends, especially Michael and Rita, Lisa & Gus, and grandchildren Sean, Ben, and Marie Sandy Flory in memory of Steve Karen Henry in memory of Joan Watzke, Betty Watzke, Arta & James Watzke and Nan Gibson Doug & Ellen Hunt in thanksgiving for our children Sam, Joe, and Vivien Jeri Jarzabski in memory of Carrie Lee and Walter Poindexter Kevin & Sandy Johnson in memory of Delores Johnson and Paul Belisch Jane Kane in thanksgiving for Rebecca, Alison, and Jessica Franceen Lyons in memory of my husband Gordon Shunk Elizabeth McPherson-Darrow in memory of Anastacia and in thanksgiving for Dorothy Helen s birthday Kandee & David Morgan in memory of David Jr. and our parents Dr. Patricia Newlin in memory of Dr. Robert Gray and his wife Josie, Jesse Blair Newlin, Joey Woodard, Nola Pegram Duffy, James Darrell Pegram, Amy Sarvay, Rachel McPherson Newlin Hall and General Dewey Hall, Reta Pegram, Elizabeth McPherson Newlin, Annie Morrow Newlin, Carol s Charlie, Kirk Armstrong and in thanksgiving for peace, good health and joy to St. Alban s family. Peggy Pate in memory of Raymond and Becky Pate and in thanksgiving for Christmas Past, Present and future George & Donna Post in memory of our parents John & Priscilla Promise in memory of Pam Hardesty Katy Rudolphy & Ron Hart in thanksgiving for Roxie and Diamond Michael Silvester in memory of Patrcia Silvester Robin Vaughn in memory of Jerry Vaughn and Dewey Wright 22

23 Prayer List for Week of December 18, 2016 We pray for healing for: Vernon Green, Mickey Tryon, Jeph Abara, Bud and Bobbye Phifer, Sherry Gatlin, Basil Shamburger, Clayton Darrow, Cheryl Johnson-Shamburger, Marjorie, Gaylon, Sheila Green, Mallory Basore, Betty Jo Everett, Fr. Ed Kresowaty, Dee Wheeler, Jeffery G, Jeanne, Larry, Cindy, Elaine, Jane, Scarlett, Gayle Reece, Jennie, Beth, Sharon, Jody, Marie, Margaret, Cathy Sova, Gerry, Ray, Michael, Roy, Winnie, Mel, Lucy Dosher, and Laura Burrows. For safe travel for: Beth Marshall Weekly Collections First Sunday: Global Needs (ERD and UTO) Second Sunday: Paper collection (Paper Towels and Toilet Paper for Arlington Life Shelter; Copy paper for Office (20 lb. 92 Brightness)) Third Sunday: 17 on the 17 th : Collection for 4Saints Food Pantry Fourth Sunday: Discretionary Fund (For Clergy use for those in financial need) Fifth Sunday: St. Cecilia s Music Fund (for music program use) The Week of December 18, 2016 We Pray Also For: First Responders: Police Officers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Personnel, and their families Our military Personnel & their families including: the Darkhorse 3 rd Battalion 5 th Marines Those seeking Holy Orders: Sinclair Ender, Nick Busken, Christopher Thomas and Corrie Cabes We Celebrate: Birthdays Donna Post (19 th ) Taylor Warmann (20 th ) Joseph Short (20 th ) Matthew Hardaway (22 nd ) Corinne Starr (23 rd ) Anniversaries We Remember Sunday: Fourth Sunday in Advent Worship: 9:30 am Adult Formation: 10:45 am Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: 10:45 Vestry Meeting 12:00 pm Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: No 1:00 pm or 7:00 pm Bible Study this week Friday: Saturday: Christmas Spirit VI race 8:30 am Christmas Eve service 5:00 pm Sunday: Christmas Day Worship: 9:30 am (in theatre lobby) No Catechesis Sunday New Year s Day, Jan. 1 Worship 9:30 am (in theatre lobby) No Catechesis * Bible Study 1:00 venue TBD Group Contact: Kathi Davis **Bible Study 7:00 pm in Classroom 3 (upstairs in Education Building) Group Contact: Katy Rudolphy ***Ladies Lunch Bunch Contact Kandee Morgan 23

24 Server Schedule DUTY DATE 12/24/2016 VERGER USHER K. Rudolphy F. Morgan " D. Hunt MINISTERS 1st READING PSALM 2nd READING G. Bender G. Bender S. Burrows All Members of the Congregation PEOPLE YOU MAY MEET TONIGHT The Rev. Kevin Johnson, Priest-in-Charge Christopher Thomas, Postulant for Holy Orders John E. Dosher, Music Director Corinne Starr, Director of Children s Formation Walt Cabe, Director of Adult Formation VESTRY & OFFICERS Pam Hardaway Sr. Warden Jeri Jarzabski Jr. Warden, Patricia Newlin, Elizabeth McPherson-Darrow, Betty Jo Everett, Corinne Starr, Sandy Flory, Darryl Green, Fred Morgan Walt Cabe Treasurer Priscilla Promise Clerk ACOLYTE S. Johnson CRUCIFER S. Johnson CHALICE D. Burrows CHALICE C. Thomas TELLER P. Promise " P. Newlin HEALING L. Emmons FLOWERS Christmas SCRIPTURES Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2: 1-20 We work in partnership with: The Most Rev. Michael Curry-Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church The Rt. Rev. Scott Mayer, Provisional Bishop, Diocese of Fort Worth The mailing address for St. Alban's is: St. Alban's Episcopal Church 316 W Main Street Arlington, TX