Organ Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar J.S. Bach ( )

Transcription

1 1

2 M U S I C NOTES Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar from the Orgelbüchlein (little organ book) sets one of Martin Luther s chorales for Christmas. It is a short setting that presents the chorale melody accompanied by cascading scales, as if to evoke the flight of angels. Like all of the settings in the Orgelbüchlein, this chorale prelude was originally intended to introduce the chorale for congregational singing in the Lutheran churches where Bach worked. Although this style of introducing hymns has mostly fallen out of favor in modern times, these Chorale Preludes are certainly interesting pieces and are well worth performing. Handel s Messiah is among the best known and most beloved pieces of music ever written. It is a grand Oratorio in three parts, which sets several scriptural texts surrounding Jesus s life, and it receives countless performances every year, especially around Christmas and Easter. It may have the distinction of being the only work ever written to be performed every year since its premiere in 1742, and some parts of it have even made their way into popular culture (notably the Hallelujah chorus, which closes the second part). However, it is interesting in that it has no characters at all; the story of Jesus is told entirely in the abstract. What we will hear today is taken from the first part, commonly known as the Christmas part, which largely sets Isaiah s prophecies foretelling the coming of the Messiah, and some of the Christmas story as found in the gospel. The Aria was originally scored for both Alto and Soprano, but we have adapted it for Soprano only. In an age before recording technology, hearing music was a special event. Whereas today we have recordings of any performer we could wish to hear at our fingertips, people used to have to either travel long distances to hear their favorite performers, or wait until they passed through their town. J.S. Bach, a great admirer of Dietrich Buxtehude, did just that. He traveled 280 miles each way, on foot, from Arnstadt to Lübeck to hear Buxtehude play. Buxtehude was a well-known organist and composer, famous for his flashy compositions for the organ and for his excellent sacred compositions. He composed in the free, improvisatory Stilus Phantasticus (Fantastic style). His Praeludium in C, one of his better known free works for organ, begins with an extended pedal solo before launching into two fugal passages with free sections in between. The work ends with a spritely chaconne, a type of dance with a repeating bass line. 2

3 T H E SUND A Y A F T E R CHRISTMAS DAY D E C E M B E R 27, 2015 H I G H MASS AT 10:30 A.M. Organ Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar J.S. Bach ( ) Introit Dum medium silentium Mode 8 Dum medium silentium tenerent omnia, et nox in suo cursu medium inter haberet, omnipotens sermo tuus, Domine, de caelis a regalibus When peaceful silence lay over all the earth, and night had run half of her swift course, your almighty Word, O Lord, leaped down from the heavens out of the royal throne. Ps. The Lord is sedibus venit. Ps. Dominus King, he has put on splendid apparel and girded regnavit, decorum indutus est: himself with strength. (Wisdom 18) indutus est Dominus fortitudinem, et praecinxit se. Kyrie Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena Healey Willan ( ) -`*vvvvsccxvvsxvcdxfcvvvfvcv]vvvexwcv]xcdxxfxcccgccvdcvvdx]vvvvrcxexvcvvv] Lord, have mer-cy up- on us. Lord, have mer-cy up- on us. -`*vvcfcvhcvjxhxvvvvgcccfccvfcc]cvvecvvwcc]]ccccdxcccdvvcccfcccvhcchcvv]vvcchcc%gvvvvvvyvvvvvv ] Lord, have mer-cy up- on us. Christ, have mer-cy up- on us. -`*cvvvjccccchccccvgvvvvvvdvvvvvdcvv]vvvvrvvvccrvvvvvv]vvvv%vgvvvvvvvvvvgvvvvvvvhvvvvvvvfvvvvvfvvvc]ccjchcc%tcc]vvrc]] Christ, have mer-cy up- on us. Christ, have mer-cy up- on us. -`*vvvvsccxvvsxvcdxfcvvvfvcv]vvvexwcccv]xcdxxfxcccgcvcvvdcvvdx]vvvvvrcvxexcvvv] Lord, have mer-cy up- on us. Lord, have mer- cy up- on us. -`*vvcfcvhcvjxhxvvvvgcccfccvfcc]cvvecvvwcc} Lord, have mer-cy up- on us. Gloria Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena Healey Willan -`*vvvvsxdvvvvgvvvgvxfxvgxvvycvv]vvvsxsvvvvdævvvfvxvtx]xvvfvvxyxvvv%gvvvvvvxyx] Glo-ry be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. 3

4 -`*vv\vvvfxvvvuxccvyccv]c\vvsxctxcvrccc]c\vvsxdçctccvcdcvccvfxcvhccc]cvvjécvocckvvvvvuvv] We praise thee, we bless thee, we wor- ship thee, we glo- ri- fy -`*cvvvyvxvhvvvvvvhvccvv]vvvvvvvvhvvvvvvvfvvvvvvvvjvvvvvvvvhvvvvvvgvvvvvvvvfvcvvv]vvvvtcvccveccvc]cccrvçvvvvyxuvvx] thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glo- ry, O Lord -`*cicccj_ckclckccuc]vcyxcyv»vvv]vvvyccrccwcvv]cvtcccrxgçchcv]vvu_chcgcy»cv]vvvyccocy»cv]vvvyc=v=v] God, heav n- ly King, God the Fa-ther al- migh- ty -`*vvrcvvvvuccccyccc]ccgìcvfccvcdcvcsccvvdccvvcfvcc]vcvwccvcemcvdccc]cvvcrccc]xrvxuxvvvyvvvc] O Lord, the on- ly be- got- ten Son, Je-sus Christ, O Lord God -`*vgÿcfcdcccscvvvdçcvfccc]cwcccvemvcdcc]vccrvvvvcrvvvvvvvrvvc]cvtcvvvtvvcyvvc]vcvjvvvcgcvvvîivvvcjvvchcc] Lamb of God, Son of the Fa-ther, that tak-est a- way the sins of the -`*vvvuvvvvvvvctccc]cchìvvvgvvvvyvvcrvvvc]cecvvvvecvvvvvvfvvvvvvvcfcvv]cvtcvvvtvvvcycv]cvvjcvvvgvcvîivvvvcvjvvvvhcv] world, have mer- cy up- on us. Thou that tak-est a- way the sins of the -`*vvuxvvtvcvvv]ccyìvvvrxtx]xyxcccchcxchx]ccuccctxhxhx]xuxcyxvvtx] world, re- ceive our prayer. Thou that sit- test at the right hand of -`*vvrçvvvyvcvvrvcc]cctxrxvvcrx]cccexwxecc]vcrxrcc=cc]ccsxcsxcdævvvfvcvvgvvvvvvdcvvv] God the Fa- ther, have mer-cy up- on us. For thou on- ly art -`*vfv_vyvv%gxyx]x\xsvxdxvfxgvxdx]xrvvvvvxyx]xhv_vvvfvvvjvvvvvvhvvvvvvgìvvvfvvvv] ho- ly. Thou on- ly art the Lord. Thou on- ly, O -`*vvtcccxdxdx]ccrçvvvyxucc]cciccxjv_kclckxux]vvvyvxvvvhxhx]vvvyxrxwxv] Christ, with the Ho- ly Ghost, art Most High in the glo-ry of -`*vvtìvvvrvvvgçvvvhvvv]vvvu_vvhvvvvgccy»c]cchcc\ccc]ccocicc]crccuccy»cv]vvvhcfcct,cdcc]cfcdçvscec]cwnv} God the Fa- ther. A men. 4

5 Collect of the Day Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray. Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. T H E LITURGY O F T H E W O R D First Reading Isaiah 61: 10 62: 3 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Reader People The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Gradual Psalm 147: Refrain Cantor, then all repeat VvexccxxycxxzzzzyvcrevczRmvtycxzzzzzzutvzrtvRcxxxzzzEv/ The Word was made flesh and dwelt a- mong us. Setting by James McGregor (b.1930) Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion; For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. All repeat the refrain 5

6 He has established peace on your borders; he satisfies you with the finest wheat. He sends out his command to the earth, and his word runs very swiftly. All repeat the refrain He gives snow like wool; he scatters hoarfrost like ashes. He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; who can stand against his cold? All repeat the refrain He sends forth his word and melts them; he blows with his wind, and the waters flow. He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and his judgments to Israel. He has not done so to any other nation; to them he has not revealed his judgments. Hallelujah! All repeat the refrain Second Reading Galatians 3: 23-25; 4: 4-7 Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father! So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. A brief period of silence is observed. Sequence Hymn 96 Angels we have heard on high Alleluia Mode 7 MzzzzzuzzzzzzzzzzizzzzzzzzopzzzzzzOcmcxzzoizzzzzzzyizzzzzzzzuyzzzzzzzzzTcxmvzyrzzzzzzzyiuzzzzzzzTzzzzzzzzzTv/ A- le- lu- ia, al- le- lu- ia, al- le- lu- ia. V. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. (John 1) All repeat the Alleluia 6

7 Holy Gospel John 1: 1-18 Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Vzzzzzzzzzzzzzz6zvvvcczdrvczzzYzzzzzzzzz/ People Glory to you, Lord Christ. 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. (John testified to him a nd cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known. Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. Vzzzzzzzzzzzzzz6vvvvzzzdrvccYvxx/ People Praise to you, Lord Christ. Homily Father Prator Nicene Creed Back of Hymnal Prayers of the People Form VII Let us pray for the holy Catholic Church throughout the world: that the Lord God would deign to keep it in unity, peace, and safety. 7

8 Here and after each petition is sung VzzzzyvrvyvtzvRv/vvrvztvzzzYvzzz/ V. Lord, in your mer-cy, R. Hear our prayer. Let us pray for Mark our bishop, for all bishops, priests, and deacons, and for all who minister in Christ s holy Church: that in their various callings they may serve God faithfully and devoutly. Let us pray for all who do not know God as he is revealed in Jesus Christ: that the light of the Gospel may shine in their hearts. Let us pray for all the nations and peoples of the world, and for those who bear authority among them: that in all their doings they may seek both peace and justice. Let us pray for the sick and the sorrowful, the hungry and the homeless, the desolate and the oppressed: that the Father of mercies would strengthen, support, and relieve them. Let us pray for the faithful departed: that the Lord our God would grant them refreshment, light, and peace. The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect. The Peace Celebrant People The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. T H E LITURGY O F T H E E U C H A R I S T See the special note below regarding receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Offertory Antiphon Benedic anima mea Mode 5 Benedic anima mea Domino, et noli oblivisci omnes retributiones Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits; for renews your youth ejus: et renovabitur, sicut aquilae, juventus tua. like an eagle s. (Psalm 1) Offertory Hymn 81 Lo, how a rose e er blooming 8

9 Eucharistic Prayer B Sanctus arr. by James McGregor MztyvzuczztycuyczzYv/czzzztycxuzczzyczzztvzYv/zxxxzzzzyz7zKiczzucxxyuzzzxxxxz V. The Lord be with you. R. And al- so with you. V. Lift up your MxYTv/zzvzzucyz7zKizczuvyuczyvYTv/vzzzzzzuvzuvuvzzyz7zKizzcuvzz hearts. R. We lift them to the Lord. V. Let us give thanks to MuvyuvyvYv/vxxuvucyz7zKicuvuzvuvzzyuvzzzzyvzxYTvzzzzzz/ the Lord our God. R. It is right to give him thanks and praise. It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever. Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance. Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day, and beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you and glorify your Name as we sing, -v`*vvvyvvvvrvv]vvvevvvvwvvvv]vvyvvvvšvvvv]vvvvyvvvv]vvvvvovvvvvvvivv]vvvvjvvvvvvvvvhvvvvvvvvvyvvvvv] Ho-ly, ho-ly, ho-ly Lord, God of pow r and might, -v`*vvhvvvvvvvvvjvvvvvvvvhvvvvvvvgvvvvv]vvvvfµvvvdvvvvvvfvvvvvvvhvvvv]vvvhºvv%vgvvvvvy,vc vvvvvhvvv] heav n and earth are full of your glo- ry. Ho- -v`*vv vvvvgvvvvvvfvvvvgvvvvvvevvvvvvÿwvvvvvv]]vvvvvvrvvvvvvvdvvvvvvdvvv]vcvsvvvvvvhv vvvvvhºvv%vgvv] san-na in the high-est. Bless-ed is he who comes -v`*vvhvvvvhvvvvl¼vvvvvkc]vvvvjcvcjcvvvcvy,vvv vvvvhvvv]vvv vvvvvgvvvvfvvvvgvvv]vvvevvvvvvwvv} in the Name of the Lord. Ho-san-na in the high-est. The people remain standing. The Celebrant continues We acclaim you holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into 9

10 our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to your help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation. Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new. And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all. When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he 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 this, 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. Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to you right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have give us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you. We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming in glory; Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name. Remember, Lord, your one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace. Remember all who minister in your Church. Remember all your people, and those who seek your truth. Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone; bring them into the place of eternal joy and light. And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ Our Lord. 10

11 Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. A M E N. Lord s Prayer The Celebrant begins MyvzYvztcxzzycxucxzuvcuvzzzyuzzzzzzzzyvzzzTcc,czztycxucxyuczzzycxzYcx/ And now as our Sa-vior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, MtyvzzzuzvuzzvyvizvuvzyvzzTv,cxuvytcxtycxucxyuvzYczzzz,zz Our Fa- ther, who art in hea- ven, hal- low- ed be thy Name, All continue MuzvizzvuvzzzYTv,zzzzyvuvyvYTv,cyvzzuvzyczzytcztycxzuvzz thy king-dom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in MyuvzzYv.vtvyczzuvicxzzucxzyczzuzzzzzzYTcx,zzycxzuvicxuczzzzyvycxz MtcxTczz,xyzzzzzyxzzzztxxxzyzzzzzzzczzuzzzzzzzzzzzzyzzzzzzzzuvcycxtccYzzzzzzzzzYzzzz.zzzzzzevztvyzzzzzzzz hea- ven. Give us this day our dai- ly bread, and for-give us our tres- MuczycxtcxzyvzytvTzzzmzzzzztzzzzzztzzzzzyzzzzzzyzzzzzyzzzzzzxuzzzzzzytzzzzzTzzzz.zzzzzevtvyzzzzzzyzzzzzzz pass-es, as we for-give those who tres- pass a-gainst us. And lead us not in- to temp- ta- tion, but de-liv- er us from e- vil. For thine is the MuzzzzzzzzzYzzzz,zzzztcxztzzvyvzzzycxzuzzzzzzytcxzTzzz,xxtczzyzzzzzyczzzuzzzzzytzzzzzTzzzz.zzzztzzzzTYx/ king-dom and the pow r and the glo- ry, for ev- er and ev- er. A- men. Breaking of the Bread MzcczzztvzzyvzuvuvzucxuzzzzzzizzzzzzzzzuccyvztzzzzzzzzTvx/ V. Christ our Pass- o- ver is sac- ri- ficed for us; McczzztvczyvzuvzuvzzzzyzvztzzvzYccc/ R. There- fore let us keep the feast. 11

12 Agnus Dei Missa Sancta Maria Magdalena -`cmcvüqcvwvvcv]]vvecvvvcvevbcvvvvrcv]vcy cctcvvcecvvv]vcêrcvvvvtcvvvycv]vcuîcvyvvvvtcv]cvvvrcvvvvecvvvrcvvc] O Lamb of God, that tak-est a- way the sins of the -`cn cc<c\c]cc=c=cwcv]vcvtccvvvycvcvuccv]vcvhv½gvyvrcvv]vcvecmcv]]cvuvvc ivvcocc]]cvvecvvvcvevbcvvvvrcv] world, have mer-cy up- on us. O Lamb of -`vcy cctcccvcecvvv]vvêrcvvvvtcvvvvycvvv]vvvcuîcvyvvvvvtcvvv]cvvrcvvvvecvvvvvrcvv]cvvvn cc< c\c]cc=c=cwvcv] God, that tak- est a- way the sins of the world, have -`cvtccvvvyccvcvuccv]vcvhv½gvyvrccvv]vccvecmcc]]ccuvcvhvv vgvcvrvc]]cvvecvvvcvevbcvvvvrcv]vcy cctcvvcecvv] mer- cy up- on us. O Lamb of God, that -`cêrcvvvvvtcvvvvvyvvvcv]vvcvcuîcvyvvvvvcvvtcvvvv]cvvrcvvvvvvecvvvvvrvvvvc]vvvvvvcn cc<cvc \vvvccvv]]vvv`*~(ccc tak- est a- way the sins of the world, -`*~(vvvvicvvcjcc vhvccvgcvvfvcc]]ccccemvºvc]cvev¼cvvvrcvvctccc]cvvvvfv¼cdccrvcx]ccvvccemccvx} grant us thy peace. Distribution of the Blessed Sacrament See the special note below regarding receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Healey Willan Communion Antiphon Domine Dominus noster Mode 2 Domine Dominus noster, quam O Lord our governor, how exalted is your admirabile est nomen tuum in name in all the world! (Psalm 8) universa terra! Recitative and Aria from The Messiah G.F. Handel ( ) Then shall the eyes of the blind be open d, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Come unto Him, all ye that labor, come unto Him, ye that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take his yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Various parts of Isaiah and Matthew 11:28-29) 12

13 Postcommunion Prayer Almighty Father whose Son Jesus Christ was born at this time to be Savior of the world: mercifully grant that as he has bestowed upon us the gift of new birth, so he may preserve us in life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Blessing & Dismissal Hymn 100 Organ Praeludium in C Joy to the world Dietrich Buxtehude (c ) Announcements Special Note about Receiving the Blessed Sacrament All people are welcome at the Altar. If one is not baptized or for any reason does not wish to receive Communion, he or she is most welcome to receive a blessing, indicated by crossing both arms over one s chest. If you wish to discuss or receive baptism (initiation into the Christian faith), please speak to the priest. You may receive the bread directly onto your tongue or into folded hands, and then after consuming the bread, may drink the wine from the chalice. If you keep the bread in your hands, it is our custom that a chalice bearer will dip it into the wine, and then place it on your tongue. The ministers will bring the Sacrament to those who tell an usher that they cannot easily climb the steps. Low-gluten bread is available upon request. If one does not wish to receive either the bread or wine, be assured that Christ is fully present in both. 13

14 WEEKLY GRACE NOTES DECEMBER 27, 2015 We welcome our visitors to Grace Church today. Please, if you will, complete a visitor s card in the pew, placing in the offering plate. FATHER BATES AWAY Father Bates is away this week after Christmas. Thank you especially to Father Prator for filling in this Sunday and Father Bowen for filling in during the weekdays! STEWARDSHIP Thank you to everyone who has submitted a pledge card for 2016! If you have not had a chance to submit your pledge card, please return it by mail or in the offering plate as soon as possible. Returning a pledge promptly is essential, since total pledge dollars has a direct effect on budgeting and programming for the upcoming year. Extra pledge cards are available from an usher. Oladele & Comfort Abogan Audrey Adams James and Ellen Annan Daphne Annibourne Richard Appelgren & Pete Kolonia Frederick Armah Samuel Armah The Rev. Dr. J. Brent Bates Ottie Blamah-Sah The Rev. Canon George Bowen Gilbert Beck Dr. Curtis Branch Henry Cadogan Ryan and Laura Callahan Kevin Clark Ernest Clay Louie Clay Franklin Coleman Jim Cramer and George Gavin Tracy Cummings 14 Anita Elisée Monique Eliseé The Rt. Rev. Jean Eliseé Elaine Davis James Drayton Hilary Fann Bruce Ford Fred and Marie Gaspard The Rev. Carr Holland and Tim Mundy James Hornsby Shelly Irby William Jaglowski Deleena Kayjay Norma Khurdan Steven Lane Robert May Hyacinth McCaulay The Rev. Peter and Lynn Nelson The Rev. Susy and Scot Norris Lloyd Prator

15 James Porter Laurence Richards Dr. Jason Scully Joshua & Rose Thompson-Quartey Gene and Miriam Wagner Peter Woolley and Kathryn Douglas INCOME & EXPENSES THROUGH NOVEMBER 2015 Actual Income YTD $217,312 Actual Expenses YTD $485,457 Actual Deficit YTD -$268,145 Income Budget YTD $229,153 Expense Budget YTD $494,267 Deficit Budget YTD -$265,114 Annual Income Budget $271,386 Annual Expense Budget $526,693 Annual Deficit Budget -$255,307 SPIRITUAL READING GROUP CANCELLED TODAY WHILE FATHER BATES IS AWAY You are invited to visit the new Spiritual Reading Group, which meets again next Sunday from 9:00-10:00 a.m. in the All Saints Chapel. Books are provided, no reading is required beforehand, and drop-ins are welcome. We have begun reading and discussing What is Anglicanism by Urban T. Holmes III. A $12 donation for the book will be welcomed. Please talk to Father Bates for more information. SCRIPTURE STUDY Beginning in the New Year Father Bates lead a weekly prayerful and reflective Scripture Study according to the Lectio Divina tradition on Thursdays from 11:00-12:00 before Mass in All Saints Chapel. FRIDAY FAMILY NIGHTS AT GRACE CHURCH The next Friday Family Night at Grace Church will be January 8 at 6:30 p.m. The cost will be $5 per person for food and collected at the door. All families with children (infants to teenagers) are invited every second Friday for an evening of dinner, a quick service project and/or fun activity, and Compline (prayer at the completion of the day). Please come and invite your friends with children. Please RSVP to Father Bates: rector@gracechurchinnewark.org or , ext

16 CONFIRMATION This year s Confirmation & Reception into The Episcopal Church is on Saturday, April 23, Any adults who are interested in being Confirmed or Received into The Episcopal Church should speak with Father Bates: rector@gracechurchinnewark.org or , ext. 1. THEOLOGY BOOK GROUP The Theology Book Group is being rescheduled until Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. Come join the Theology Book Group in the Rector s office, enjoy good company, insightful discussion, and sip a Mimosa. We will discuss Robert Curvin s 2014 book Inside Newark: Decline, Rebellion, and the Search for Transformation. Request a copy for $23 from Father Bates. Copies can also be ordered through any bookstore or at Amazon.com. Here is a summary of the book: Is Newark on the verge of revitalization? Robert Curvin, who was one of New Jersey s outstanding civil rights leaders, examines the city, chronicling its history, politics, and culture. Based on historical records and revealing interviews with over one hundred residents and officials, Inside Newark traces Newark s history from the 1950s, when the city was a thriving industrial center, to the era of Mayor Cory Booker. INSTALLATION OF JAMES HOPKINS AS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC We will officially install James Hopkins as the Director of Music at a service of Evensong & Benediction on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 4:00 P.M. Please mark your calendars and invite a friend! CHORISTERS Do you know a child who loves to sing? If so, they are most welcome to join our Chorister program. All girls from ages 8-18 and boys from 8 until adolescence (unchanged voices) are welcome, even if their talent for singing is not yet realized. The Choristers rehearse every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. and every Sunday from 12:30 1:30 p.m. Contact the Director of Music for more information. Please contact Jim Hopkins (choristers@gracechurchinnewark.org) or , ext

17 ST. DUNSTAN VOLUNTEER CHOIR The St. Dunstan volunteer choir rehearses on Thursday nights from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and is still accepting new members. Please contact Jim Hopkins or , ext. 2. COFFEE HOUR H OSTS NEEDED Coffee Hour Hosts are needed for January. Please sign up on the column near the piano in the Parish Hall, if you are able to help with this important ministry of hospitality. Coffee Hour can be as simple or as elaborate as desired. Instructions for making coffee and iced tea are posted on a closet door in the Parish Hall. FLOWER SPONSORSHIP Keep on the lookout for the sign up sheets for flowers in the New Year. ELECTRONIC GIVING Grace Church offers electronic giving as a way to automate your regular weekly offering. Electronic giving offers convenience for parishioners and provides much-needed donation consistency for our parish. Direct Debit Giving is used to automatically transfer funds from your checking or savings account to the church s bank account. Credit & Debit Card Giving lets you make offerings automatically on a pre-determined schedule using a credit or debit card. Online Giving lets you go to at any time to set up an automatic donation plan, change your donation plan, make a one-time donation or view your online donation history. Mobile Giving is accessed by simply scanning the image you see here with your phone s QR code reader: As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Authorization forms and additional information are available from our Church Treasurer Jim Cramer or the Parish Office. 17

18 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Today s liturgical ministers are: Raul Ausa, Master of Ceremonies; Raven Williamson, Thurifer & Boat Bearer; Elaine Davis & Brian Beekman, Servers; Sam Armah, Crucifer; Hyacinth McCauley & Max Thornton, Lectors; Sam Armah & Raul Ausa, Chalice; Anthony Kearney & Elizabeth Bacalso, Ushers. Today s Altar Guild team is Ottie Blamah-Sah, Deleena Kayjay, and Pete Kolonia. Thank you to everyone who donated for Christmas flowers! Happy Birthday to Edugie Igiehon and Lovely Phillips (Dec. 22), Oladele Abogan (Dec.25). Please notify the parish office (office@gracechurchinnewark.org) of any missing or incorrect birthdays. Thank you to Valerie Munro for providing today s coffee hour. Thank You to the parishioners who volunteered for the church during the past week: Richard Appelgren, Father George Bowen, Ethelyn Bowers, Jim Cramer, Elaine Davis, Sandra Durrell, Duncan Eyre, Bruce Ford, George Gavin, Rosemary Kearney, and James Porter. THIS WEEK AT GRACE CHURCH The First Sunday after Christmas, December 27 8:00 A.M. Said Mass (All Saints Chapel) 9:00 A.M. Spiritual Reading Group CANCELLED 10:25 A.M. Church School (Parish Hall) 10:30 A.M. High Mass (Church) 12:00 P.M. Refreshments (Parish Hall) Monday through Friday 10:00 A.M. Food Pantry 12:10 P.M. Mass (Church) The Feast of the Epiphany, January 3 8:00 A.M. Said Mass (All Saints Chapel) 9:00 A.M. Spiritual Reading Group (All Saints Chapel) 10:25 A.M. Church School (Parish Hall) 10:30 A.M. High Mass (Church) 12:00 P.M. Refreshments (Parish Hall) 18

19 PRAYER LIST Active members of our parish Victoria Richardson, André Devers, Michael Knowles, Norma Khurdan, Louie Clay, George Gavin, Brisco Kayjay, Miriam Wagner, Donna Cummings, Joan Knowles, Gil Beck, Fred Gaspard, Eleanor Hill, Laura Ausa, Henry Breton, Eugene Wagner, James Porter, Audrey Adams, Jim Cramer, Doris Moore, Daphne Annibourne, Henry Cadogan, Doreen Tanner, Jane Durham, Marie Gaspard, Jean Elis ée, George Bowen, William Carter, Cynthia Sears, Hervé Gaspard, Paula Breton, and Rhonda Dover. Departed Catherine Copeland Friends of our parish Troy Ray, Barney & Odessa, Arlease Friday, Nancy Spencer, Elijah Williams-Lassiter, Ronald Rodman, Nettie Wills, Ethel Thomas, Gordon C. Gladden, Wilfred Samuels, David Cope, Michael Redmond, Paula Ricca, Daniel Arndt, Roberta Whitaker, Zada Lee Colwell, Elizabeth Rhodes, The Nubani family, Bill Lehman, Debra Dussman, Kerry Beekman, Steven Beekman, Lewis Beekman, Louis Mangiaracina and his wife, Nila Wi lliams, Tom Durrell, Yvonne Dunn, Phyllis Smallwood, Shamar O Neil, Jean Emmanuel, Ann Clay, Eunice Clay, Claire Gaudiani, Charon Davis and family, Kim Shore, Ze Manuel Freitas, Luis Silva, Geoffery Tanner II, Larry Williams, Jason Harner, Roberta Dawson, Anne Power, Jonathan & Helen, Sean Devers, Jeannette Naeger, Michelle Portee, Ronney Davis, Steven Yang, Margaret Fields, Nate Williams and family, Liz and her family, Father Alan Crawford, Nicole Brevil, Joseph Jolly, Sharon Robinson, Henrietta Pemberton, Philip Ramstad, Connie Jeffrey, Mary Brady, Roseann Hendry, Jonathan Ballard, Elizabeth Mita, Mark Duodu, Mary Reid, Nell Lewis, Jean Wilkerson, Esther Thomas, Lois Plunckett, Monique Gaspard, Vanessa Astore, Richard Chambers, Cheryl Hart, Mark Baine, Dor othy Bedosky, Ariel Maldonado, Elsie Hodge, Madison Boyd -Oquendo, Onnie Good, Leslie McConnell, Rod Merlau, Shirley Marshall, Dolores Bacon, Louis Neblett, Marjorie Calloway, Wilner Altidor, Julia Mathis, Dolores Katz, Herbert Lloyd, Gwen Moten, Harvey Keys, Barbara Jones, John Canfield, Nicole Robinson, the Riddick family, Annie Myhand, and Arlene Stokes. 19

20 950 Broad Street Newark, NJ The Rev. Dr. J. Brent Bates, Rector James M. Hopkins, Director of Music Aaron M. Rogers, Parish Administrator & Grant Writer The Rev. Canon George H. Bowen, Rector Emeritus The Rev. Marjorie Lindstrom, Priest Associate The Rev. Lloyd Prator, Priest Associate James McGregor, Director of Music Emeritus Richard Appelgren & Ethelyn Bowers, Wardens Kevin Clark, Tracy Cummings, Hyacinth McCaulay, Vestry Class of 2016 Curtis Branch, Sandra Durrell, Hilary Fann, Vestry Class of 2017 Sam Armah, Shawn Barnes, Jim Cramer, Vestry Class of