The Riverside Church. in the City of New York DECEMBER 24, 2017 THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

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1 The Riverside Church in the City of New York DECEMBER 24, 2017 THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

2 Welcome to The Riverside Church Interdenominational Interracial International Open Affirming Welcoming Worship is at the center of the life of The Riverside Church. As you prepare yourself for Worship, we invite you to reflect quietly on these words: Wouldn t take nothing for my journey now. Maya Angelou The Liturgical Year The Riverside Church follows the liturgical calendar to mark the seasons of our life together. We are currently in the season of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas in which we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Christ child. Advent is signified by purple paraments and clergy stoles representing the sovereignty of Christ (except for Communion Sundays when the liturgical color is white). Each week we light a candle in the wreath on the Nave floor (mirrored in the hanging wreath above) for the four themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy (pink) and love. If this is your first visit: Complete a Welcome Card and place it in the offering plate as it passes. Join us for Fellowship Hour in South Hall Lobby directly after Worship. As you leave the Nave, take a right and follow the hallway past Christ Chapel. Signs and greeters are available to provide direction. You ll find fair trade coffee from Javesca Coffee, a children s play area, a greeting area to learn about membership at Riverside, and indoor seating. A church tour is offered each Sunday after Worship free of charge. Meet in the 1st balcony. Tours also take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. leaving from the Gift Shop. No reservations are necessary. Assistive hearing devices and large print bulletins are available upon request from an usher.

3 P GATHERING We gather as a community and prepare our hearts to worship God CARILLON Dionisio Lind, Carillonneur ORGAN Chorale Prelude on Divinum Mysterium Pastorale LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY PROCESSIONAL HYMN 15 Rejoice! Rejoice, Believers John Blackburn Keith Chapman Rev. Amy Butler Aurelia CALL TO WORSHIP One: All: One: All: One: All: Rev. Rachel Johnson We come, O God of the Journey, people from different places, different lives, different dreams. We come hoping to find companionship for the road, strength for the journey and solidarity for the struggle. We journey together to the stable and a newborn child, ears attuned to the song of angels, eyes alert for Bethlehem s star. We journey together to hear the story about the poor being taxed by the government, weary travelers with no place to stay and people looking for the promised Messiah. We have traveled here because we have heard a promise of peace, a rumor of justice, and a whisper of hope. Today we have reached the end of our Advent journey and a new one begins. Come let us worship! INTROIT Creator of the Stars of Night Conditor alme siderum INVOCATION All who are able, please stand

4 LISTENING We listen for the word of God through song, Scripture, and preaching LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES The Fertil-Cole Family ANTHEM O Thou That Tellest from Messiah G. F. Handel O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, and be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Nicole Mitchell, alto HEBREW SCRIPTURE LESSON Exodus 15:19-21 (page 62 in the Old Testament) One: All: The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. HEBREW SCRIPTURE LESSON Ruth 1:16-19 (page 241 in the Old Testament) One: All: HYMN 16 The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God. The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came GOSPEL LESSON Luke 1:26-38 (page 56 in the New Testament) One: All: This is the Gospel of Christ. Thanks be to God. Mr. Kurt Adams Rev. Rachel Johnson Gabriel s Message Ms. Monique Fortune RESPONDING We respond to the hearing of God s word through confession, offering, passing the peace, and monthly communion SERMON Simple Gifts: When a Letter is Not Enough What journey has changed your life? Rev. Butler All who are able, please stand

5 PASSING OF THE PEACE One: The Peace of the Lord be with you. All: And also with you. HYMN Tis the Gift to be Simple 1 Refrain: Simple Gifts PASTORAL PRAYER One: The Lord be with you. All: And with your spirit. One: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them up unto the Lord. Rev. Kevin Wright THE LORD S PRAYER Pray in the language or version of your heart. 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. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. All who are able, please stand

6 CHORAL AMEN INVITATION TO GIVE AND SERVE Rev. Bertram Johnson OFFERTORY ANTHEM Mary s Magnificat Andrew Carter Softly a light is stealing, sweetly a maiden sings, ever wakeful, ever wistful. Watching faithfully, thankfully, tenderly her King of kings. My soul doth magnify the Lord: And my spirit hath rejoiced, rejoiced in God my Savior. Mary her song to Jesus Softly, serenely sings: I will love you, I will serve you, may my lullaby glorify, magnify my King of kings. Catherine Tyrrell, soprano AT THE PRESENTATION: VENI EMMANUEL The congregation rises row by row as ushers pass to symbolize offering of our whole selves to God O come, desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; Bid envy, strife, and discord cease; Fill all the world with heaven s peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING & DEDICATION Rev. B. Johnson Today we celebrate the ministry of our Flower Guild which provides the gift of beauty through floral and plant arrangements for our worship services and throughout our building. SENDING We are sent out into the world to love God and our neighbors BENEDICTION RECESSIONAL HYMN 12 People, Look East Rev. Butler Besançon POSTLUDE Postlude on Wachet Auf Johann Gottfried Walther All who are able, please stand

7 Special thanks to our congregational leaders: Mr. Kurt Adams and Ms. Monique Fortune Liturgical Resources for Today: 1 Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A Life of Our Community For announcements of programs and events in the church, please pick up the Life of Our Community bulletin located in the back of the pew or outside the Welcome Center. Or visit our website All who are able, please stand

8 In Luke 1:26-38, an angel comes to Mary and tells her she'll be pregnant with Jesus soon. Even though she's confused and afraid, Mary says she will be a part of God's plan, because she is God's. Follow the path of letters. Each time you come to a capital letter write it down at the bottom of the page. When you get to the end of the path, see what message is spelled out below.

9 After Mary is visited by the angel she sings a song praising and thanking God for choosing her to be Jesus' mom. Draw a picture of Mary singing her song to God.

10 CHRISTMAS FLOWER GIFTS 2017 Thank you to everyone who made generous contributions this year. This is a partial list of donors and their honoree messages. A complete list of all donors and honoree messages will appear in this space on December 31. Contributions for flowers have been given by: Beth Ackerman For Dad with love. Patricia Ali In honor of my mother. Clarence Anderson Clarence and Emily Anderson, in memory of their parents, Albert and Bertha Anderson, and Curtis and Justine Butler. Jeff Andrilenas In memory of Joyce James Andrilenas Anonymous Gordon K. Balkcom In memory of Nathaniel and Sharon Balkcom. Don Bickford In memory of Paul Edwards. Joycelyn James Braaf In loving memory of Richard and Marjorie James Pastor Amy Butler With deep love and gratitude for the faithful, prophetic congregation of The Riverside Church. Suzanne C. Carothers In memory of Mrs. Julia D. Carothers, Mrs. Lillian B. Alexander, Mrs. Effie Rodgers, Mrs. Shirley E. Massey, Mrs. Vivian Collins, Mr. Donald Grigsby, Mr. B.B. DeLaine, and Dr. Ina King. Helen Charles In loving memory of my father, Henry Carolissen and my son, Craig Charles. P

11 Joy S. Cooke To remember my mother-ruth Shipley, my brother-charles Ridglely Shipley, and my husband-frederick Rommel Cooke, with loving memories, Joy S. Cooke. Evelyn Davis In loving memory of my mother, Lillie E. Davis. My father, Ashley Davis, and my brother, Daniel Keith Davis, sincerely, Evelyn Davis M.D. Alexa Donaphin For unto us a Child is born; Unto us a son is given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) Family of Marinela Reyes In memory of her 1st death anniversary. Linda Fentiman Given in Memory of Our Parents and Grandparents, Janet R. F. Crandell and Donald S. Fentiman, by Linda Fentiman, Arthur Levine, Jamie Levine, and Rachel Levine. Olivia C. Hector In loving memories of her sister Shirley Hector Moore and her brother, Albert Hector. Patricia L. Holloman For honor and memory of Christina. John Johnson In memory of Phyllis E. Johnson, from John N. Johnson and Essais Johnson Aida L. Montero In loving memory of Joseph Montero, beloved husband, father, and Papa whose love continues to illuminate our paths. P

12 TALK WITH THE PREACHER Read Pastor Amy s blog online at talkwiththepreacher.org. Printed copies are also available in the Welcome Center/Gift Shop. Pastor Amy is available for conversations with members by appointment. Please srminister@trcnyc.org or call to arrange an appointment. CONNECT WITH RIVERSIDE S PASTORAL & PROGRAM STAFF Senior Minister s Office Rev. Dr. Amy Butler Senior Minister - abutler@trcnyc.org Rev. Michael Livingston Senior Executive Minister - mlivingston@trcnyc.org Rev. Dr. James Forbes Senior Minister Emeritus Communications Rev. Rachel Johnson Executive Minister of Communications - rjohnson@trcnyc.org Rev. Jim Keat Associate Minister of Digital Strategy & Online Engagement - jkeat@trcnyc.org Faith Formation Rev. Kevin Wright Executive Minister of Programs - kwright@trcnyc.org Ms. Amanda Meisenheimer, MDiv Associate Minister of Children and Families - mmeisenheimer@trcnyc.org Rev. Bruce Lamb Interim Associate Minister of Youth and Young Adults - blamb@trcnyc.org Music Mr. Christopher Johnson Director of Music and Organist - cjohnson@trcnyc.org Parish Care Rev. Debra Northern Minister of Parish Care - dnorthern@trcnyc.org Rev. Lynn Casteel-Harper Associate for Parish Care lharper@trcnyc.org Social Justice Rev. Bertram Johnson Minister of Justice, Advocacy & Change - bjohnson@trcnyc.org Stewardship & Development Ms. Christian Peele, MDiv Executive Minister of Institutional Advancement - cpeele@trcnyc.org Ms. Farley Lord, MDiv Associate Minister of Stewardship & Development - flord@trcnyc.org Rev. Dustin Pickett Associate Minister of Stewardship & Development - dpickett@trcnyc.org Worship & the Arts Rev. Ellen Robison Minister of Worship & the Arts - erobison@trcnyc.org Contact Us: To contact the church with general questions, call or communications@trcnyc.org. For full staff directory visit trcnyc.org/directory The Riverside Church is a member of the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. and the United Church of Christ and cooperates with the Council of Churches in the City of New York, and with the New York State, National, and World Council of Churches. trcnyc.org Parking - 12/24/2017 Parking is available in the garage below the building. Present this bulletin to the attendant before 6:00 p.m. for a reduced rate of $4.00 cash or $5.00 credit card.

The Riverside Church. in the City of New York DECEMBER 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The Riverside Church. in the City of New York DECEMBER 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT The Riverside Church in the City of New York DECEMBER 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Welcome to The Riverside Church Interdenominational Interracial International Open Affirming Welcoming Worship is at