Liturgy At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church December 20, 2015 + 10:30 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Advent
Prelude Partita on Savior of the nations, come Kenneth T. Kosche (b. 1947) O Antiphon O Emmanuel The O Antiphons have been cherished for Christians for centuries. Each antiphon uses a title for Christ taken from the Hebrew scriptures, and each one is the basis for a stanza of the beloved Advent hymn, O, come, o, come, Emmanuel. Help Us Create SACRED SPACE by powering down Please do not use cell phones and other electronic devices. All sing: O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. Gathering The ringing of the meditation bowl calls us to silence, centering and reflection as we prepare for worship. Following the introduction to the hymn, please stand and face the font at the rear of the nave. Turn to face the cross as it enters; you may bow as the cross passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. Incense, used in Christian and Jewish worship since ancient times, is part of our multi-sensory liturgy. The assembly, gospel book, and table all signs of Christ's presence among us are honored with incense, representing the rising of our prayers and praise. With this last antiphon our expectation finds joy now in the certainty of fulfillment. We call Jesus by one of the most personal and intimate of his titles, Emmanuel, God-with-us. We recall that in his birth from Mary God takes on our very flesh and human nature: God coming nearer to us than we could have ever imagined! Confession / Kyrie All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Responses as indicated by the presider. [2]
We praise you, O God, for this wheel of time that marks our days of preparation for Christ s advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, open our eyes to see your presence in the lowly ones of this earth. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may sing of your advent among us in the Word made flesh. Grant this through Christ our Lord whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. Amen #263 Savior of the Nations, Come The presiding minister bows toward the assembly which is the body of Christ and the primary symbol of God s presence in the liturgy. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. Let us pray Amen ~ be seated ~ Word The passage from Micah is set next to the Advent story of the visitation because of its references to a pregnant woman, to Bethlehem, and to the coming one who will rule to the ends of the earth. Christians see this hope of Micah fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Blessing of the Advent Wreath Gathering Hymn Greeting Prayer of the Day First Reading Micah 5:2-5a Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. [3]
Canticle Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) Setting: Charles Thatcher The choir sings the refrain and the assembly repeats. The choir sings the verses. Second Reading Hebrews 10:5-10 Gospel Acclamation Setting: John Ferguson The choir sings the refrain and the assembly repeats. Refrain: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servant; from this day all generations will call me blessed: Refrain You, the Almighty, have done great things for me, and holy is your name. You have mercy on those who fear you, from generation to generation. Refrain You have shown strength with your arm and scattered the proud in their conceit. Casting down the mighty from their thrones, and lifting up the lowly. You have filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. Refrain You have come to the help of your servant Israel, to remember the promise of mercy, the promise made to our forbears, to Abraham and his children forever. Refrain The Hebrews passage is set next to the Advent story of the visitation because of its emphasis on doing God s will. Throughout his infancy narratives, Luke stresses that Mary willingly accepted and embodied the will of God. In the Bible, to accept God s will is to live in grace; it is God s will for us to be saved. Only recently have some Christians equated God s will with a detailed personal plan for one s life. The author of Hebrews writes theology, not biography, when putting these words into Christ s mouth. This is one example of how formative for early Christian beliefs were the psalms. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Stand to welcome the gospel and turn to face the book as the gospel is read in the midst of the assembly. [4]
Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word. (Luke 1:38) Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Mary, Elizabeth, and all the baptized have been filled with the Holy Spirit. God s promise comes especially to the downtrodden, the hungry, the lowly. We are thus called to stand with these people, as Elizabeth did, and be surprised to discover in them the presence of God. The holy gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. ~ be seated ~ Following the sermon there is a time of silence for reflection and quiet meditation. Our liturgy is not only made up of words, gestures and music, but also moments of silence. ~ please stand ~ #258 Unexpected and Mysterious After each petition: Let us pray. Come, Lord Jesus. The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. ~ be seated ~ Meal We invite newcomers to fill out the yellow welcome slip and place it in the offering plate. Please note more about offerings on the inside back cover. Today s loose offering is designated for The Night Ministry. Checks and envelope offerings support Holy Trinity s overall ministry unless designated otherwise. Gospel Luke 1:39-45 As the gospel is announced, you may trace a small cross on your forehead, lips and breast, a prayer that the Word may dwell in our minds, on our lips and in our hearts. Sermon Silence Hymn of the Day Prayers of Intercession Peace The assembly is invited to share God s peace with one another saying, Peace be with you, or similar words. Offering [5]
Offertory Hymn Though Famed in Israel's Royal History ~ please stand ~ [6]
Great Thanksgiving Dialogue and preface The thanksgiving includes the following: Holy, Holy The thanksgiving uses the seven O Antiphon images for Christ: Wisdom, Lawgiver, Branch of Jesse's tree, Key of David, Dawning Day, Sovereign, and Emmanuel. Eucharistic Prayer [7]
The Lord s Prayer As a sign of openness to the divine presence, you may join the presider in praying the Our Father with the ancient gesture of extended hands. Wait for the Lord Sung three times. Please remain standing. ~ be seated ~ [8]
All are welcome at Christ's table, including children. Bread is received in the hands. Wine is received either by drinking from the (silver) common cup, or by saving the bread and dipping it in the second (glass) cup. Gluten-free wafers are available from the presiding minister. Those not communing may come forward for a blessing, keeping your hands extended over your chest. For those unable to consume either wine or bread, communion is received fully in either element alone. Maria walks amid the thorn, Kyrie eleison! Which for seven years no leaf hath borne, She walks amid the wood of thorn, Jesus and Maria. What 'neath her heart doth Mary bear? Kyrie eleison! A little child doth Mary bear Beneath her heart he nestles there, Jesus and Maria. And as the two are passing near, Kyrie eleison! Lo! Roses on the thorns appear! Lo! Roses on the thorns appear! Jesus and Maria. (English text: Henry S. Drinker, 1880-1965) ~ please stand ~ #267 Joy to the World Go in peace. Christ is coming soon. Thanks be to God! Sending Having heard the word and shared the eucharist, we are sent to live our baptism through words and deeds, making known the love of Christ, and working for justice and peace in our families, communities, and world. Turn to face the cross as it recesses, you may bow as it passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. Communion Communion Anthem Maria walks amid the thorn Traditional Setting: Christoph Lahme (b. 1968) Silence Prayer Blessing Sending Hymn Sending Postlude Toccata on Antioch Craig Phillips (b. 1961) [9]
Following the liturgy, several things happen simultaneously: some folks greet one another and converse; others listen to the organ postlude; and others move to the front of the church for a time of refreshments and social time. Presiding Minister Pr. Michelle L. Sevig Preaching Minister Pr. Craig M. Mueller Minister Of Music David R. Brackley Assisting Minister Ryan LaHurd Sacristan / Incense Megan Eichhorn Serving in this Liturgy Crucifer Greg Zinkl Torchbearers Cassie Moran, Molly Moran Communion Assistants Tom Braham, Ginger Devaney Intercessor Katie Mineck Readers Katie Bickel, Kent Swanson Altar Guild Rich Campbell Ken Duckmann Meditation Bell Katie Mineck Welcome Hospitality Erica & Michael Moriarty, Eric Breese & Mark Stolt December: A Month For Generosity Consider a special year-end gift to Holy Trinity. It has been a wonderful year and we are grateful for vibrant ministries of worship, music, service, children's programs, spiritual formation, and outreach. Your gift will help us make up a current gap in income/expenses and assure a strong start to 2016. Holy Trinity depends on strong December offerings. Most people give online (giving.htchicago.org) but we still pass the offering plate! Either way, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! [10]
Parish Notes Constitution Update Congregation Meeting Jan 10 Join us for a congregational meeting immediately following worship on January 10 in which we will hold a vote to approve the changes to the constitution put forth by council. Proposed changes include: + Amendments to constitution related to quorum and size of council + Continuing resolution regarding antiracism training for leaders With questions, speak to a council member or Josh in the office (office@htchicago.org) Annual Meeting of the Congregation Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, January 31 following the 10:30 a.m. service. + Bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch. Church Office Closed Our Parish Administrator, Josh, will be on vacation and the office will be closed Dec 28 Jan 8. Commemorations for the Week Katharina von Bora Luther December 20 Born to an impoverished nobleman, Katie eventually took vows as a nun, but around age twenty-four she and several other nuns who were influenced by the writings of Martin Luther left the convent. Six children were born to Katie and Martin. Stephen December 26 Stephen was a deacon and the first martyr of the church. He was one of those seven upon whom the apostles laid hands after they had been chosen to serve widows and others in need. Later, Stephen's preaching angered the temple authorities, and they ordered him to be put to death by stoning. Book Group Meeting Eat, Drink, Read. The first book group meeting of the new year will be on Monday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room at church. We'll be discussing Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, an interesting novel where one woman's life begins and ends several times, each time with a different outcome. The book for February is The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins if you like to read ahead. Please join us for drinks, snacks and discussion, whether you have time to read the book or not! [11]
Christmas Schedule Thursday, December 24 + 4:30 p.m. - Christmas Eve Eucharist (especially for families with children) + 9:45 p.m. - Pre-service music + 10:00 p.m. - The Christ Mass Friday, December 25 + 10:00 a.m. - Christmas Day Eucharist HTLoop Saturday, December 26 + NO SERVICE AT HTLoop Sunday, December 27 + 10:30 a.m. - Christmas Eucharist (No 8:30 a.m. service or Sunday School) Sunday, January 3 + 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist + 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School + 10:30 a.m. Christmas/Epiphany Festival Eucharist Worship Acknowledgements Text and music for the liturgy is reprinted from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2007 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License # 26481. Holy, Holy, Holy, Acclamation, Amen. Music: A Community Mass, Richard T. Proulx (b. 1937) 1971 GIA Publications. Wait for the Lord. Text: Taize Community, Music: WAIT FOR THE LORD, Jaques Berthier, 1923-1994 1984 Les Presses de Taize. Unless otherwise noted, all other music and text reprinted under permission of OneLicense.net #A-707777. [12]
What We Value Our worship is ancient and new We celebrate a liturgy based on ancient patterns and rituals that go back to the early centuries of Christianity. We gather for worship to hear the scriptures and wrestle with their meaning for our lives today. We share the sacred meal of bread and wine and depart to serve a world in need. Though ancient, worship is always fresh and new as the gospel of Christ comes alive for our contemporary context. Time unplugged from electronic devices allows reflection and centering. Open to the Mystery we connect, strengthen and serve with joy. Things we re for Radical inclusivity regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or religious/spiritual background. Embodied gathering in real time and sacred space. Multisensory liturgy that helps us delight in God s beauty. Intentional engagement with contemporary social, theological and spiritual issues. User-friendly liturgies. Preaching that is honest about the struggles of life and the grace of God. Robust congregational singing. Reverence and joy in worship that spills over into everyday life. Cultivating empowering relationships, not only at church but everywhere. Openness to questions and faith struggles. Treasuring mystery above certainty. Things we re against Power and privilege that lead to prejudice and oppression. Racism, sexism, heterosexism and ableism. A religion that claims to have all the answers. Senseless violence. Negative and hateful partisanship. Superficial responses to life s painful and difficult realities. Boring sermons. Church services that don t connect with everyday life. Equating Christianity with the Religious Right. Indifference to injustice and suffering. Misuse of the earth and its resources. [13]
Newcomer or First Time? Welcome! + Whoever you are, wherever you're from, whatever the color of your skin, whomever you love or marry, or whatever your feelings about religion or spirituality, you are welcome here. + Please fill out a yellow slip in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate. + More information on Holy Trinity, Lutheranism, worship practices, marriage and baptisms at the welcome table. Upcoming baptism dates: January 10, April 3, May 22, July 24 + To families with small children: We are glad you are here! If your child needs a break from the service, feel free to walk to the narthex/back of the church. Nursery: open 9:15-10:30 a.m. Use the garden entrance on Addison; nursery is inside the door. Special children's bulletins are on a table at the back of the church. + Assisted hearing devices are available for those hard of hearing. Speak to an usher for details. + Offerings: We rely on the generosity of members and friends to support the programs, staff, building, and ministries of Holy Trinity and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A large number of the congregation gives their offerings through Electronic Funds Transfer. You can also donate online at giving.htchicago.org, or just scan the QR code to the right with your smartphone. We still pass the offering plate as well! We appreciate your contributions of time, talent, and financial support! MEET KATIE Meet Katie Mineck, our Community Life Coordinator, at the back of the church following worship. She would be happy to answer questions or make an introduction. Contact her at clc@htchicago.org or Pr. Craig Mueller at cmueller@htchicago.org. NEW TO HOLY TRINITY?: Intro to Holy Trinity Event Next session: Feb. 4 7pm DO YOU CONSIDER HOLY TRINITY YOUR CHURCH HOME? Register by filling out the yellow slip in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate or register online at holytrinitychicago.org/register. You will receive our e-newsletter. [14]
Sponsor Poinsettias & Greens Sponsor the greens and poinsettias that will decorate our church at Christmas in honor or in memory of a friend or relative. Please make a check or envelope earmarked Christmas Greens in the amount of $20 - $100: Donations can also be made online at our giving website, giving.htchicago.org. Donor s name In Memory of In Honor of In Thanksgiving for All donations must be received by TODAY in order to publish names and dedications in Christmas bulletins. [15]
PURPOSE STATEMENT Open to the Mystery Connect, Strengthen, and Serve with Joy! GUIDING PRINCIPLES Act with courage Be radically inclusive Cultivate empowering relationships Delight in God s beauty Engage with intention Holy Trinity: Lakeview 1218 W. Addison Street office@htchicago.org Holy Trinity: Loop 637 S. Dearborn Street info@htloop.org Lead Pastor Craig M. Mueller cmueller@htchicago.org Associate Pastor Michelle L. Sevig msevig@htchicago.org Assistant Pastor HTLoop Ben Adams badams@htchicago.org phone: 773.248.1233 web: holytrinitychicago.org Staff Parish Administrator Joshua R. Judd-Herzfeldt office@htchicago.org Minister of Music David R. Brackley dbrackley@htchicago.org Community Life Coordinator Katie Mineck clc@htchicago.org Accountant Paul Strome pstrome@htchicago.org Music Assistant Sean Diller music@htchicago.org A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America [16]