MARBLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH

Transcription

1 MARBLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH Dr. Michael B. Brown, Senior Minister Christmas Eve - Sunday, December 24, 2017 Fifth Avenue at West 29th Street, New York City

2 Prelude u 6:10 and 8:10pm PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES. Once the prelude begins all are invited to listen silently in preparation for worship. In Dulci Jubilo (In Sweetest Joy) Michael Praetorius In dulci jubilo nun singet und seid froh. In sweet joy let us sing and be glad. Unsers Herzens Wonne leit in praesepio Our heart s delight lies in the manger und leuchtet als die Sonne, Alpha es et O. and shines like the sun, Beginning and the End. Sing Lullaby...Herbert Howells Sing lullaby while snow doth gently fall, Sing lullaby to Jesus born in an oxen stall, Sing lullaby to Jesus born now in Bethlehem, The naked black thorn s growing to weave His diadem. Sing lullaby, while thickly snow doth fall, Sing lullaby to Jesus the Savior of all. F. W. Harvey Flourishes and Textures on Ding Dong Merrily on High! Traditional, arr. Derek J. Weagle Sweet Little Jesus Boy... Robert MacGimsey, arr. Kenneth Dake Danielle Buonaiuto, soprano Ave Maria Daniel Elder Ave maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum, Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, Benedicta tu in mulieribus, Blessed art thou among women, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesu. and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Holy Mary, Mother of God, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, pray for us sinners, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Service of Worship u 6:30 and 8:30pm INTROIT The Birth of Light Kenneth Dake Darkness cradles the birth of light. Darkness empowers the angels flight. Darkness surrounds in silent glory. Darkness reveals salvation s story. Sing the darkness, sing the light, sing the wonder of this night. Ronald Patterson CALL TO WORSHIP (Please stand, as able.) 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. 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 light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it. LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE 2

3 HYMN 195 O Come, All Ye Faithful Adeste Fideles, arr. Kenneth Dake INVOCATION AND THE LORD S PRAYER (use debts ) OLD TESTAMENT LESSON... Isaiah 60:1-6, 9 (Pew Bible, page 602) ANTHEM O Magnum Mysterium Kevin Memley O magnum mysterium, O great mystery, et admirabile sacramentum, and wondrous sacrament, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, that animals should see the new-born Lord jacentem in praesepio! lying in their manger! Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia. to bear the Lord Christ. Alleluia. CHRISTMAS PRAYER SOLO (6:30pm) I Wonder as I Wander... Spiritual, arr. Calvin Hampton Chad Kranak, tenor HYMN 218 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice In Dulci Jubilo READING OF THE SCRIPTURE Luke 2:1-20 (Pew Bible, page 832) Following the reading, The Word of God for the people of God. All: Thanks be to God. MEDITATION O HOLY NIGHT... Dr. Michael B. Brown ANTHEM See Dat Babe... African-American Spiritual, arr. Stacey Gibbs HYMN 196 Hark, the Herald Angels Sing Mendelssohn WELCOME AND CALL FOR OFFERING OFFERTORY O Holy Night Adolphe Adam, arr. Kenneth Dake Marie Mascari, soprano SACRAMENT OF THE LORD S SUPPER (8:30pm) This is the Lord s table. God is our host and we are all guests. Because it is God s table, it cannot belong to any one church or denomination. All who are moving toward the love of God demonstrated in Christ are invited to this Supper. (Served by intinction; our communion cups contain grape juice.) SOLO I Wonder as I Wander Spiritual, arr. Calvin Hampton Chad Kranak, tenor ANTHEM And You Will Sleep Philip Biedenbender The walls of a stable are not worthy of a king. You come, little one, borne on the songs of angels, the echoes of prophets, and the light of a strange star. You come, little one. Do not cry, though you must lie on this unforgiving wood. You will be wrapped in lengths of linen, and you will sleep. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, the death of the cross. These walls are not worthy of a king, little one. But your kingdom is not of this world. Laurie F. Gauger; Philippians 2:8 POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER 3

4 HYMN 216 Silent Night (Congregation seated; Verses 1-3) Stille Nacht BLESSING AND CHORAL RESPONSE POSTLUDE Finale from Symphony No Louis Vierne PARTICIPATING IN THE SERVICE Rev. Chad Tanaka Pack, Susanah Wade Don Batchelder, Jerry Bryant, trumpet; Sharon Moe, French horn Gilles Bernard, trombone; Deane Prouty, timpani / percussion THE MARBLE CHOIR Kenneth Dake, director Clark Baxtresser Joshua Bouchard Danielle Buonaiuto Malorie Casimir Emma Clune Tomás Cruz Michael Graye Phenisher Harris Paul Holmes Brian Hurst Aubrey Johnson Mark Johnson Heather Jones Marcus Jordan Emily Kennerley Lauren-Rose King U Chad Kranak Ka Yun Lam Marie Mascari Dominick Matsko Jonathan May Alex McCoy Joan Mohre Andrew Harrison Way All are invited to a Festive Coffee Hour at 7:45pm in the Marble Loft (next door, 274 5th Ave). Tonight s 6:30pm service is being streamed live at MarbleChurch.org, repeated at 8:30pm. Thank you to Marble members and friends who have given the poinsettias decorating the Sanctuary in honor and in memory of friends and loved ones. Their names are listed in this morning s bulletin. If you donated a poinsettia, it may be picked up next Sunday, December 31, at 12:45pm. We hope they can be shared with those who are homebound or hospitalized. U SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 Prayer Circle, 10:00am Led by Rev. Gregory Johnson CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON ABC-TV Christmas Worship at Marble Collegiate Church is a joyful program filled with a powerful message from Dr. Michael B. Brown, beloved carols and music from The Marble Choir. Made possible through our partnership with The Interfaith Broadcasting Commission. Tell family and friends around the country! Airs 12:00am Sunday night/monday morning in New York. (Check local TV listings for time.) Worship, 11:00am Full of Grace and Truth, Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton preaching, Holy Communion Festive Coffee Hour, 12:15pm All welcome! Marble Loft (next door, 274 5th Ave) Sanctuary Tour, 12:15pm Learn more about Marble s rich history, beautiful windows and discover little-known facts. Meet in center aisle after Worship. Approximately 30 minutes. Walk the Labyrinth, 1:00-3:00pm Celebrate the coming New Year with a walking meditation. Walk in your own way, at your own pace. Facilitator on hand. 4

5 Upcoming SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 12:15pm Sanctuary Tour Learn more about Marble s rich history, beautiful windows and discover little-known facts. Meet in center aisle by Communion Table. Approximately 30 minutes. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1:00-3:00pm Walk the Labyrinth Celebrate the coming new year with this walking meditation. Facilitator available to help guide you, while allowing you space to walk in your own way, at your own pace. TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 6:30pm Rev. Barbara Crafton s Weekday Bible Study The Holy Name of Jesus. January 9, The Wise Men. Please note, no class December 26. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 11:00am-12:00pm Wednesday Morning Prayers A time of prayer in Chapel. All welcome! Led by Rev. Gregory Johnson. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 12:00pm 60+ Fellowship Soup and sandwiches ($8), followed by program at 1:00pm: Swing into 2018 with Linda Ipenema and the Dixie Cats. Marble Loft. Please note, no 60+ December 27. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 6:15pm WeWo: Wednesday Worship A blend of traditional and contemporary worship styles, creating an informal and Spirit-filled mix. Daryl Paul Lobban preaching. Music by praise ensemble. Holy Communion first Wednesday of month. SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 10:00am Bible Study with Rev. Barbara Crafton: Promises, Promises We look at covenant in the Bible. Today: New Year s Resolutions. SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 12:30pm Reaffirmation of Vows All couples welcome for this annual ceremony. Led by Dr. Michael Brown in the Sanctuary. Childcare available. TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 6:30-8:30pm Stephen Ministry Open House Learn about this oneto-one ministry and how it can help you or others who are hurting, and also find out how to become a Stephen Minister. Light refreshments. No charge. Inquiries to Judy Tulin. SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 12:15pm GIFTS: LGBTQ Fellowship Coffee Hour All welcome! MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 6:00pm Adult Ministry Dinner & Discussion Hot Soup for a Warm Spirit... $15. Stay tuned to website for details. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Women s Spa Day for the Soul Save the date; stay tuned to website for details. Spotlight WE CELEBRATE REV. KIRSTY DEPREE! Sunday, January 7 Our friend and colleague, Rev. Kirsty DePree, preaches her farewell sermon at Marble before she moves on to her exciting new role as Senior Minister of First Reformed Church in Hawthorne, NJ. Please join us for this special Worship service followed by a reception in the Marble Loft, as we honor Kirsty and surround her with our love and prayers as she begins the next leg of her ministry journey. GOSPEL CONCERT: Citizens of The Kingdom Sunday, January 14, 3:00pm The Marble Community Gospel Choir celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with freedom songs, South African songs, and music of Gospel great Donald Lawrence. Directed by Stacy Penson. Advance pricing: $15; $10, seniors. Please note: advance pricing ends at 3:00pm, Thursday, January 11. At door: $20; $15, seniors. Purchase tickets at MarbleChurch.org. TRI-FAITH SUNDAY January 21,11:00am Worship & Talk Back Marble has a long and rich history of participating in interfaith activities and one highlight is our 11:00am Worship with a conversation among spiritual leaders of three faiths: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This year Dr. Michael Brown welcomes Ms. Laila Al-Askari and Rabbi Joe Potasnik. Includes extended Talk Back after Worship in the Sanctuary. For more information or full listing of all our programming, please visit MarbleChurch.org or stop by Welcome Center after Worship during Coffee Hour. 5

6 Love caused the incarnation. Love brought You down to me. Paul Gerhardt, Hymn Writer, This is the time of year when we experience anew the meaning of the incarnation, God s gift of Love to our world. At a time when there is so much pain around us, God comes anew into our midst with a message of hope and encouragement we are not alone. Our gracious God is with us and for us both Emmanuel and Advocate. Here at Marble this incarnate love is lived out every day through our many ministries, both those visible to all and others you might never see. 365 days a year lives are touched and changed by the love of God working through everyday people involved in this ministry: homes are constructed through Habitat for Humanity; assistance is provided to our sister congregation in St. Thomas after the devastating hurricanes; pastoral care is shared with people who need a listening ear and a caring heart; the stranger is welcomed on Sunday morning by dedicated Ushers who live out Marble s vision of being a place for all people; children and youth learn about the love of God through children, youth and family programs; people from around the country and world hear Good News through the work of MarbleVision and our Communications team, work that extends around the globe; and there is so much more. We invite you to consider supporting our shared ministry through an above and beyond gift to Marble this Christmas. This is a gift beyond your regular pledge, one specifically dedicated to helping us continue to share God s incarnate love. Please consider being generous with your gift this year; we rely upon faithful supporters like you to help us move into 2018 with strength and positivity. You can make your gift by using a Christmas Offering envelope in the pews or at MarbleChurch.org/Give (click Donate Now ). In addition, you can text your gift to or contact the Business Office directly, , ext Our goal this year is $45,000. Last year s goal was $40,000 and we surpassed that number! Please help us go above and beyond, that we may continue to share the life-giving, incarnate love of God through the incredible community of Marble Collegiate Church. Thank you.

7 Vision: We envision a world where we all become the individuals God created us to be. 1 West 29th Street, at Fifth Avenue New York, NY MarbleChurch.org Mission: Marble Collegiate Church is a diverse, inclusive community of God s people led by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We inspire everyone to become positive thinkers who make a difference in the world. MARBLE STAFF For full staff list and addresses, please visit MarbleChurch.org/Welcome/Staff. Ministerial Staff Dr. Michael B. Brown, Senior Minister; Rev. J. Elise Brown, Ph.D., Executive Minister Rev. Kirsty DePree, Senior Associate Minister; Rev. Chad Tanaka Pack, Associate Minister Dr. Kenneth Ruge, Minister of Counseling & Staff Consultation; Daryl Paul Lobban, Associate in Ministry Spiritual Teacher Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton Prayer Circle Rev. Gregory Johnson Program Leadership Kenneth V. Dake, Director of Music Kim Sebastian-Ryan, Director of Membership Christina Morano Keiser, Director of Media & Connecting Catherine Ortiz, Director of Marketing & Communications Susanah Wade, Director of Missions & Outreach Gayle F. Robinson, Chief Operating Officer Elders: Stephanie M. Bailey, Peter Barnett, T. Hunter Dare, Marcelle E. Doll, Rick Harper Sheila B. Moses, Eileen A. O Connell, John E. Rorer, II, Gregory W. Walker Clair J. Zak, Elder Emerita Deacons: Trenesa Danuser, Sandra Diaz, Nick Gilman Ted Gregory, G. Gregory Lozier, Barbara Sagan Serving as Deacons to Intersections International: Barbara Costigan, Urs Weber CONTACTS Address Changes/Membership Records... Shana Wolfe All Church Events/Concert Tickets... Kim Sebastian-Ryan, Siobhan Tull Archives/Sanctuary Tours... Kim Sebastian-Ryan Baptism... Kate Troy, Kirsty DePree Children, Youth & Families Ministry (CYF)... Daryl Paul Lobban, Jessica Scovel Contributions (Offerings and Pledges)... Shana Wolfe Facilities/Events... Stuart Cole Festival of Voices... Kenneth Dake, Derek Weagle Funerals/Memorial Services/Columbarium... Any Minister, Judy Tulin Gospel Choir... Stacy Penson, Derek Weagle Missions/Outreach... Susanah Wade New Members... Kim Sebastian-Ryan, Don Piper Outreach Volunteering... Tom Schneider Pastoral Care... Kirsty DePree, Judy Tulin Prayer Requests... Judy Tulin Small Groups... Kirsty DePree, Baleta McKenzie Stephen Ministry... Kirsty DePree, Judy Tulin Virtual Relations Siobhan Tull Weddings... Gary Thompson Welcome and Hospitality... Kim Sebastian-Ryan, Colleen Cosgrove, Siobhan Tull Fellowship Groups Adult Ministry (All Ages)... Colleen Cosgrove Arts Ministry Mario Sprouse Entrepreneurs... Gayle Robinson Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (GIFTS)... Chad Tanaka Pack, Don Piper Men s Ministry... Tom Schneider 60+ Fellowship... Colleen Cosgrove 20s&30s (Marble Connection)... Daryl Paul Lobban Women s Ministry (MWM)... Kirsty DePree, Don Piper DOWNLOAD THE MARBLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH APP! Live stream, catch up on last week s sermon, listen to podcasts, connect with ministries, make a gift and sign up to volunteer. This is the easiest way to connect with Marble anytime you want! Visit MarbleChurch.org or search for Marble Church in your app store.