A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Sunday, December 17 4:30 pm

Transcription

1 A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 17 4:30 pm

2 Welcome to Christ Church WELCOME to our Service of Nine Lessons and Carols which, through story and song, foretells the birth of our Lord. We hope that this service is a meaningful part of your observance of Christmas. This service, however, is only a beginning. As beautiful as it may be, tonight s service serves only to shine a light and direct our gaze upon the Nativity itself, a birth for which we still wait and long. On that Holy Night of Christmas, I encourage you to make your way to your Church home to celebrate again the in-breaking of God s love and light. Of course, if you are looking for a church home, or if God is calling you into a closer relationship this Christmas, we welcome you here to Christ Church. Christ Church is a vibrant Christian community where you can deepen your relationship with God, experience God s presence and love in your life, learn how to be more faithful in your spiritual and daily life, and find ways to make a difference in the community. At Christ Church we have programs of Christian education and nurture for all ages. There is a thriving nursery and Church School for our children, a committed youth program, and opportunities for adults to learn and grow in faith. We encourage exploration of the spiritual practices of prayer, meditation, the labyrinth, and personal spiritual direction. The Music of Christ Church is both extensive and exciting, and fulfills an integral role within our worship, eliciting from us our very best in prayer and praise to God. In addition to the liturgical offerings of our choirs, we are fortunate to offer regular concerts throughout the year. We always welcome both those who make music and who love music to be a part of our community. We are committed also to service in our wider community. Our parishioners are active in many ways to help those who are in any kind of need, and Christ Church supports a wide range of agencies in our city. From giving assistance to those who come through our doors, to building houses for Habitat for Humanity, Christ Church continues its ministry to those in need. Our annual Christmas Gift Project program provides hundreds of gifts for the clients of City agencies, and the proceeds from our recent Gifts and Greens Sale and the entirety of our Christmas Offering will provide significant support to vital agencies serving metro-detroit. For many years Christ Church has striven to be welcoming and inclusive of all. We rejoice in the diversity of our Church and our willingness to ask the hard questions about life and faith. There are no easy answers in life, and there are no easy answers in faith. So we find that we explore these difficult questions best as a community, and we give strength to each other on our journey. Christ Church welcomes all those who seek a Christian community where all may find a home, regardless of race, sexual orientation, marital status, economic circumstances, or physical and mental challenges. We welcome you, too, if you have never been involved much in a spiritual community or church before. Christmas is an invitation to each of us here today to become more deeply involved, to be a part of something larger than ourselves. God calls each of us to a unique relationship of love and commitment, and we encourage you to enter into that exciting pilgrimage with us here at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, where you will find a warm welcome. The Rector, Staff, Wardens, Vestry, and People of Christ Church wish you a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

3 Organ Concert Dexter Kennedy, organist Music of Johann Sebastian Bach ( ) Concerto in G major, after Johann Ernst, Prince of Sachsen-Weimar, BWV 592 I. Allegro II. Grave III. Presto SchÜbler ChorÄles Wachet auf! ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel herunter, BWV 650 Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 547 The Welcome and Announcements The Reverend Andrew Van Culin festival of nine lessons and carols 3

4 The people stand at the sound of a bell. The Order of Service Hymn Once in royal David s city Irby arr. David Willcocks ( ) Choir sings verses 1 and 2. Choir and Congregation sing verses 3 through 6 together. 4 christ church grosse pointe

5 The Bidding Prayer Officiant Beloved in Christ, in this Advent season, let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this holy Child; and let us make this place glad with our carols of praise. But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for the mission and unity of the Church for which he died, and especially in this country and within this community. And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at this time remember in his name the poor and the helpless, the hungry and the oppressed; the soldiers far from home; the sick and those who mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all those who know not the love of God. Lastly, let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother, and all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one. These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the words which Christ himself hath taught us: People People 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 Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all. Amen. The people are seated. festival of nine lessons and carols 5

6 Invitatory A babe is born William Mathias ( ) A babe is born all of a may, To bring salvation unto us. To him we sing both night and day. Veni Creator Spiritus. There came three kings out of the East, To worship the King that is so free, With gold and myrrh and frankincense, A solis ortus cardine. At Bethlehem, that blessed place, The child of bliss now born he was; And him to serve God give us grace, O lux beata Trinitas. The angels came down with one cry, A fair song that night sung they In worship of that child: Gloria tibi Domine. A babe is born all of a may, To bring salvation unto us. To him we sing both night and day. Veni Creator Spiritus. Noel! 15th century First Lesson Genesis 3:8-15 read by: A Boy Chorister Adam and Eve rebel against God and are cast out of the Garden of Eden. They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, Where are you? He said, I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat? The man said, The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate. Then the Lord God said to the woman, What is this that you have done? The woman said, The serpent tricked me, and I ate. The Lord God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel. 6 christ church grosse pointe

7 Carol Jesus Christ, the apple tree Elizabeth Poston ( ) The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit and always green: The tree of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have brought: I missed of all; but now I see Tis found in Christ the apple tree. His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne er can tell, The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ the apple tree. I m weary with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest awhile: Under the shadow I will be, Of Jesus Christ the apple tree. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree. Divine Hymns or Spiritual Songs, compiled by Joshua Smith Carol Remember, O thou man Thomas Ravenscroft ( ) Remember, O thou man, O thou man, Thy time is spent: How thou art dead and gone, And I did what I can: therefore repent! Remember God s goodnesse, O thou man, And his promise made! How he sent his Sonne, doubtlesse Our sinnes for to redresse: Be not affraid! Remember Adam s fall, O thou man, From heav n to hell! How we were condemned all In hell perpetual, Therefore to dwell. The angels all did sing, O thou man, Upon the shepheard s hill; Praises to our heavenly King, And peace to man living, With a good will. 16th century English festival of nine lessons and carols 7

8 Second Lesson Genesis 22:5-18 read by: A Girl Chorister God promises to the faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed. The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, and said, By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice. Carol In dulci jubilo arr. Robert Pearsall ( ) In dulci jubilo [in sweet joy] let us our homage shew; Our heart s joy reclineth In praesepio, [in the manger] And like a bright star shineth Matris in gremio. [in the mother s lap] Alpha es et O! [Thou art Alpha and Omega] O Patris caritas, [O Father s goodness] O Nati lenitas! [O newborn gentleness] Deeply were we stainèd Per nostra crimina; [Through our sins] But thou hast for us gainèd Coelorum gaudia.[the joys of heaven] O that we were there! O Jesu parvule, [O Jesus, little one] I yearn for thee alway; Hear me, I beseech thee, O Puer optime, [O best of children] My prayer, let it reach thee, O princeps gloriae! [O Prince of glory] Trahe me post te! [Lead me after thee] Ubi sunt gaudia, where, [Where are the joys] If that they be not there? There are angels singing Nova cantica, [New songs] There the bells are ringing In Regis curia: [In the King s court] O that we were there! 15th century German The people stand for the hymn. 8 christ church grosse pointe

9 Hymn It came upon the midnight clear Noel arr. D. Willcocks The people are seated. festival of nine lessons and carols 9

10 Third Lesson Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 read by: The Head Acolyte Christ s birth and kingdom are foretold by 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. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, 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 onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Carol NoËl nouvelet arr. Stephen Jackson Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici. Dévotes gens, crions à Dieu merci! Chantons Noël pour le roi nouvelet. Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici. Nowelling anew, this carol let us sing. To all who pray may God His Mercy bring! Sing we Nowell for our King newly-born. Nowelling anew, this carol let us sing. L ange disait: Pasteurs, partez d ici, L âme en repos et le coeur réjoui; En Bethléem trouverez l agnelet. Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici. En Bethléem, étant tous réunis, Trouvent l enfant, Joseph, Marie aussi. La crèche était au lieu d un bercelet. Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici. Bientôt les rois, par l étoile éclaircis, De l Orient don t ils étaient sortis, A Bethléem vinrent un matinet. Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici. Voici mon Dieu, mon sauveur Jésus Christ, Par qui sera le prodige accompli De nous sauver par son sang vermeilet! Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici. God s angel spoke: You shepherds, go and sing, In joy and peace your heart and soul to bring To Bethlehem, where God s own Lamb is born. Nowelling anew, this carol let us sing. At Bethlehem, where all were gathering, They stood around his manger worshipping, And found the Babe of God and Mary born. Nowelling anew, this carol let us sing. Right soon the Kings, by starlight entering, Came from the East to make their offering, Reached Bethlehem one early winter s morn. Nowelling anew, this carol let us sing. Here lies my Lord, my Saviour Christ the King, His promise now to us accomplishing, With his red blood to save us he was born! Nowelling anew, this carol let us sing. Carol Sussex Carol arr. Philip Ledger ( ) On Christmas night all Christians sing, To hear the news the angels bring News of great joy, news of great mirth, News of our merciful King s birth. When sin departs before his grace, Then life and health come in its place; Angels and men with joy may sing, All for to see the newborn King. Then why should men on earth be so sad, Since our Redeemer made us glad, When from our sin he set us free, All for to gain our liberty? All out of darkness we have light, Which made the angels sing this night: Glory to God and peace to men, Now and for evermore. Amen. 10 christ church grosse pointe

11 Fourth Lesson Isaiah 11:1-4 read by: The Director of Music The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown. A shoot shall come out from the stock 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. Carol A spotless Rose Herbert Howells ( ) A spotless Rose is blowing, Sprung from a tender root, Of ancient seers foreshowing, Of Jesse promised fruit; Its fairest bud unfolds to light Amid the cold, cold winter, And in the dark midnight. The Rose which I am singing, Whereof Isaiah said, Is from its sweet root springing In Mary, purest Maid; For, through our God s great love and might, The blessèd Babe she bare us In a cold, cold winter s night. 15th century German; translated by C. Winkworth Fifth Lesson Luke 1:26-35 read by: The President of Hearts4Homes The angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of the Most High. 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, favoured 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 favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I am a virgin? The angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. festival of nine lessons and carols 11

12 Carol Angelus ad Virginem arr. Andrew Carter (b. 1939) Angelus ad virginem subintrans in conclave, Virginis formidinem demulcens, inquit, Ave! Ave, regina virginum; Coeli terraeque Dominum Concipies et paries intacta Salutem hominum; Tu porta coeli facta, Medela criminum. When the angel came secretly to the Virgin in her room, soothing the maiden s fear, he said, Hail! Hail, Queen of virgins. While yet untouched by man you shall conceive and bear the Lord of heaven and earth, salvation for mankind. You have become the gate of heaven, a remedy for sins. Quomodo conciperem quae virum non cognovi? Qualiter infringerem quod firma mente vovi? Spiritus Sancti gratia Perficiet haec omnia; Ne timeas, sed gaudeas, secura Quod castimonia Manebit in te pura Dei potentia. Ad haec virgo nobilis respondens inquit ei: Ancilla sum humilis omnipotentis Dei. Tibi coelesti nuntio, Tanti secreti conscio, Consentiens, et cupiens videre Factum quod audio; Parata sum parere, Dei consilio. Eia mater Domini, quae pacem redidisti Angelis et homini, cum Christum genuisti: Tuum exora filium Ut se nobis propitium Exhibeat, et deleat peccata: Praestans auxilium Vita frui beata Post hoc exsilium. How can I conceive, since I have not known a man? How can I break the vow I made with firm intent? The grace of the Holy Spirit shall bring all this to pass. Fear not, but rejoice, secure in the knowledge that pure chastity shall remain yours through God s mighty power. To this the noble Virgin replied, saying: I am the lowly handmaiden of Almighty God. I bend my will to you, O celestial messenger, who share so great a mystery, and I long to see performed what I now hear. I am ready to yield myself to God s design. Ah, mother of the Lord, who gave back peace to angels and mankind when you bore Christ, pray your son to be gracious to us, and wipe awayour sins, granting us aid to enjoy a blessed life after this exile. 12 christ church grosse pointe

13 Carol Bogoróditse Dyévo Arvo Pärt (b. 1935) Богородице Дево, радйся, Благодатная Марие, Господъ с Тобою. Благословена Ты в женах и благословен Плод чрева Твоего, яко Спаса родила еси душ наших. Rejoice, O mother of God. Virgin Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls. from the Liturgy of Vespers Sixth Lesson Luke 2:1-7 read by: The Director of Crossroads Jesus is born at Bethlehem. 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. Carol In the bleak midwinter Harold Darke ( ) In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign: In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed The Lord God almighty, Jesus Christ. Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day, A breast full of milk, and a manger full of hay. Enough for Him, whom angels, fall down before, The ox and ass and camel, which adore. What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet what I can I give Him, give my heart. Christina Rossetti ( ) festival of nine lessons and carols 13

14 Seventh Lesson Luke 2:8-16 read by: The Junior Warden The shepherds go to the manger. 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. Carol Lux aurumque Eric Whitacre (b. 1970) Lux, Calida gravisque pura velut aurum Et canunt angeli molliter modo natum. The people stand for the hymn. Light, warm and heavy as pure gold and angels sing softly to the new-born babe. Edward Esch, translated to Latin by Charles Anthony Silvestri Hymn God rest you merry gentlemen God Rest You Merry arr. D. Willcocks 14 christ church grosse pointe

15 The people are seated. Eighth Lesson Matthew 2:1-11 read by: The Senior Warden The wise men are led by the star to Jesus. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage. When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Carol The Three Kings Jonathan Dove (b. 1959) The first king was very young, O balow, balow la lay, With doleful ballads on his tongue, O balow, balow la lay, He came bearing a branch of myrrh Than which no gall is bitterer, O balow, balow la lay, Gifts for a baby King, O. The second king was a man in prime, O balow, balow la lay, The solemn priest of a solemn time, O balow, balow la lay, With eyes downcast and reverent feet He brought his incense sad and sweet, O balow, balow la lay, Gifts for a baby King, O. The third king was very old, O balow, balow la lay, Both his hands were full of gold, O balow, balow la lay, Many a gaud and glittering toy, Baubles brave for a baby boy, O balow, balow la lay, Gifts for a baby King, O. festival of nine lessons and carols 15

16 Ninth Lesson John 1:1-14 read by: The Rector The Word was made flesh and we have seen his glory. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. The people stand for the hymn. Hymn O come, all ye faithful Adeste fideles arr. D. Willcocks 16 christ church grosse pointe

17 The people are seated. The Offertory An offering is received to support the ministries of Christ Church. Carol Tomorrow shall be my dancing day arr. D. Willcocks Tomorrow shall be my dancing day: I would my true love did so chance To see the legend of my play, To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love, my love, my love; This have I done for my true love. Then was I born of a virgin pure, Of her I took fleshly substance; Thus was I knit to man s nature, To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love, my love, my love; This have I done for my true love. In a manger laid and wrapped I was, So very poor this was my chance, Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass, To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love, my love, my love; This have I done for my true love. English Traditional festival of nine lessons and carols 17

18 Carol Ding Dong! merrily on high arr. Mack Wilberg (b. 1955) Ding dong! merrily on high in heav n the bells are ringing: Ding dong! verily the sky is riv n with angel singing. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! E en so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungen And i-o, i-o, i-o, by priest and people sungen. Refrain. Pray you dutifully prime your matin chime, ye ringers; May you beautifully rime your evetime song, ye singers. Refrain. George Ratcliffe Woodward ( ) The people stand for the hymn. Hymn Joy to the world! the Lord is come Antioch 18 christ church grosse pointe

19 The people kneel. The Collect Officiant People People The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of our human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Blessing People May Christ who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. Orison A Welsh Lullaby (Suo Gan) arr. K. Lee Scott (b. 1950) Hush, my dear one, sleep serenely; Now, my lovely, slumber deep. Mother rocks you, humming lowly; Close your eyes, now go to sleep. Angels hover ever nearer, Looking on your smiling face. I will hold you, close enfold you; Close your eyes, go to sleep. The people stand for the hymn. Lovely darling, I will guard you, Keep you from all woe and harm. Softly, gently I will rock you, Resting sweetly on my arm. May you slumber e er so softly; Dream of visions wondrous fair. I will hold you, close enfold you; Close your eyes, now go to sleep. festival of nine lessons and carols 19

20 Hymn Hark! the herald angels sing Mendelssohn arr. D. Willcocks Voluntary In dulci jubilo, BWV 729 J. S. Bach 20 christ church grosse pointe

21 Christmas at Christ Church Please Join Us to Celebrate the Messiah s Birth The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 4 pm Crèche Procession & Festival Eucharist with Choir* 8 pm Festival Eucharist with Choir 11 pm Festival Eucharist with Choir & Brass Choral Prelude at 10:30 pm (Incense used) The Nativity of Our Lord MONDAY, DECEMBER am Festival Eucharist with Choir* * Childcare provided. NOTE: Services for the 4th Sunday of Advent will be held at 5:30 pm on Saturday, December 23 and at 8 & 10 am on Sunday, December 24. festival of nine lessons and carols 21

22 Christ Church Grosse Pointe Wherever you are in your journey of faith, there is a place for you here. Worship The worship of God lies at the center of all that we do at Christ Church and forms the foundation of our Christian community. Each week, each day even, we gather in prayer to offer our gratitude to God from who all life proceeds. And it is from this great well of gratitude that our lives and ministries our hospitality and fellowship, our service to the poor within our community, and our formation as Christians collectively flow. Music Music is at the heart of our Christ Church community and is one of the primary ways in which we worship, love, and serve our Lord Jesus Christ. Our choirs sing at over 100 choral worship services every year. The choirs also sing at special liturgies, including the Advent and Epiphany Processions, Christmas and Easter Lessons and Carols, and the triduum liturgies in Holy Week. Connect Many people find the anonymity of a large parish safe when they first begin attending. At some point, however, most seek a community, a way to join with a group of people sharing the same journey. We gather all the time in different kinds of groups: for prayer, study, to help others, and just for fun. Whether you don t know what a nave is or you are an expert at navigating Coffee Hour, there is a community here for you. Serve At Christ Church we believe that the expression of our Christian faith and life is made complete in the life of service. Throughout the year our Outreach Ministries provide opportunities for members to bring God s love into the our community and world through acts of compassion and service. In partenrship with area agencies we build homes, feed the hungry, visit the sick and homebound, and clothe the poor. Children & Youth Christ Church is a place where children are loved and valued, and we strive to provide fertile ground for our children to grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially. The Church School offers a variety of regular classes and activities for children through the 5th grade. We work together to lead our children through age-appropriate lessons, crafts, and interactive discussions as they explore a new theme each week. Learn Christian Formation is a multi-faceted and life-long process of transformation. Christian Education gives language to our experiences of the Holy and provides us a place to explore the deep questions and implication of our faith. It is our profound hope that the Educational programs offered at Christ Church for children, youth, and adults will aid you and your children in your journey of faith. 22 christ church grosse pointe To learn more please contact the Rev d Drew Van Culin at , ext. 106 or visit christchurchgp.org

23 Music at Christ Church Grosse Pointe Pre-concert lectures will occur before each concert (except Bon Voyage Concert) beginning at 3 pm (free and open to the public). Concerts NOTE: All concerts and other musical events have open, non-reserved seating. If tickets are required, they can be purchased either in advance at the church office or at the door. St. John Passion Johann Sebastian Bach Palm Sunday, Mar. 25, :30 pm Christ Church Chorale, Soloists, and Orchestra As we begin the journey of Holy Week, the Chorale performs Bach s gripping masterpiece retelling the arrest, trials, death, and burial of Jesus. Tickets $20 Easter and Ascension Oratorios Johann Sebastian Bach Sunday, May 6, :30 pm Christ Church Choirs Join the choirs in the final concert of the season marking the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. Featuring two of J. S. Bach s most dramatic cantatas written for the season of Easter. Freewill Offering Bon Voyage Concert Wednesday, July 18, 2018* 7 pm Christ Church Choirs The choir presents selections from their upcoming tour to England where they will be in residence at Durham Cathedral. *Concert date subject to change. Please see our website for final concert details. Freewill Offering Special ServicesFree and open to the public. Epiphany Procession Friday, January 5, pm A service of readings and music celebrating the Manifestation of God in the form of Jesus Christ. Feast of the Presentation Friday, February 2, pm A Candlemas procession followed by a Solemn Holy Eucharist celebrating the Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple. Easter Lessons and Carols Sunday, April 15, :30 pm A service of readings and music celebrating the Resurrection of Our Lord. Feast of the Ascension Thursday, May 10, pm Solemn Holy Eucharist celebrating the ascension of Jesus to heaven. For information: or festival of nine lessons and carols 23

24 61 Grosse Pointe Boulevard Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan