WELCOME TO ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH The Reverend Geoff Howson, Priest-in-Charge Organist and Choir Director, Canon Dr. Giles Bryant Shines in the Darkness by Jan Richardson DECEMBER 24, 2014 7 pm Christmas Eve BAS p. 185 235 Rubidge Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 3N9 Church Office: (705) 876-1501 saints@allsaintspeterborough.org www.allsaintspeterborough.org Contact information for Father Geoff Howson eghandjma@gmail.com or (705)742-0366 or (607)592-2614
DECEMBER 24TH, 2014 CHRISTMAS EVE - 7:00 p.m. NATIVITY OF THE LORD FAMILY EUCHARIST Organ Variations on The Huron Carol Giles Bryant Please stand The Gathering Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord. Now the Word is made flesh and laid in a narrow manger. From eternity to eternity you are God, and now we see you as a newborn child. Processional Hymn O Come, all ye faithful O Come Ye Faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. God of God light of light Lo he abhors not the virgin's womb; Very God begotten not created: O come, let us adore Him, See how the shepherds summoned to his cradle, Leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear; We too will thither hend our joyful footsteps; O come, let us adore Him, Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word. Give to our Father glory in the Highest; O come, let us adore Him, Yea! Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, Adeste Fideles. 1
The clergy process to the crib The Greeting The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. Blessing of the Crib Dear friends, as we meet to celebrate the birth of Christ, let us pray that God will bless this crib, that all who worship his Son, born of the Virgin Mary, may come to share his life in glory. God, our Father, on this night your Son Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary for us and for our salvation: bless this crib, which we have prepared to celebrate that holy birth; may all who see it be strengthened in faith and receive the fullness of life he came to bring who is alive and reigns for ever. Amen Lighting of the Advent Wreath Reader Reader Unto us a child is born. Unto us a Son is given. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father s only Son. (John 1:4-5, 14) We light this candle to remind us of the great light that comes at last with the birth of Jesus, the Word of God made human for us. As we welcome him in the poor stable in Bethlehem, we offer ourselves to bring his transforming love to birth in all dark places, and to serve him in all our brothers and sisters. The Christmas candle is lit Let us pray. O God, your love was so great for us that you gave us your Son to shine out in our darkness. Help us to make that love known to all the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.. 2
Hymn Glory to God on High Darwall Glory to God on high, And peace to all on earth. We worship you, we give you thanks, Our heavenly King. We give you praise, Almighty God and Father blessed In glory bright. Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, The Father s only Son, The sacrificial Lamb, Who saves the world from sin, Have mercy Lord. Beside the Father s hand enthroned, Now hear our prayer. You only are the Lord. You only are most high. You only are the holy one, Lord Jesus Christ. And now you reign With Father and with Spirit one In glorious light. Please remain standing and say together The Collect for Christmas Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. As we have known the revelation of that light on earth, bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen Please be seated. 3
The Liturgy of the Word Reading Isaiah 9:2-7 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. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy: they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 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 or the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Hymn Away in a Manger Cradle Song Away in a manger, no crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, The little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love you, Lord Jesus look down from on high And stay by my side until morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay Close by me forever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with you there. Today Christ is born: eluia Today the Saviour has come: eluia Today the angels sing on earth: eluia. Glory to God in the highest. Gospel A re-telling of the Gospel of Luke by The Rev. Canon Milton Barry (Luke 2:1-20) Reader The Gospel of Christ. 4
Homily Please be seated The Reverend Canon Milton Barry The Apostle s Creed Please stand I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Prayers of the People Please take a position of prayer In peace let us pray to the Lord. Father, in this holy night your Son our Saviour was born in human flesh. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ. Holy God On this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love those who have no home and all who live in poverty. Holy God On this holy night Mary, in the pain of labour, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand [...and] all who are in pain or distress. Holy God On this holy night our Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to [.] all who suffer in the sadness of our world. Holy God. 5
On this holy night the angels sang, Peace to God s people on earth. Strengthen those who work for peace and justice in [...and in] all the world. Holy God In this holy night shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy. Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ s redemption. Holy God On this holy night strangers found the Holy Family, and saw the baby lying in the manger. Bless our homes and all whom we love. Holy God On this holy night heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your hand [...and] all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom. Holy God On this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ s birth. Open our hearts that he may be born in us today. Holy God Father, on this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger throne. Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary, Joseph and the saints through him who is your Word made flesh, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen Please stand The Liturgy of the Sacrament The Peace This holy night the angels sang, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all in whom he delights. The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you.. 6
The Offertory Gifts of bread and wine are prepared on the altar and a collection is taken for presentation in prayer before the altar, sides people remain at the altar until after the prayer over the gifts. Offertory Hymn Angels from the realms of glory Angels, from the realms of glory wing your flight o'er all the earth; You who sang creation's story now proclaim Messiah's birth. Come and worship, come and worship Worship Christ, the newborn King. Shepherds in the field abiding Watching o'er your flocks by night God with man is now residing Yonder shines the infant Light. Come and worship, come and worship Sages, leave your contemplations Brighter visions beam afar; Seek the great desire of nations You have seen his natal star. Come and worship, come and worship Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear, suddenly the Lord, descending in his temple shall appear. Come and worship, come and worship Though an infant now we view him He shall fill his Father's throne Gather all nations to him Every knee shall then bow down. Come and worship, come and worship. 7 Regent Square Prayer over the Gifts Source of light and gladness, accept all we offer on this joyful feast. May we grow up in him who unites our lives to yours; For he is Lord now and for ever. Word made flesh, life of the world, in your incarnation you embraced our poverty: by your Spirit may we share in your riches. Amen
Please kneel or sit for the remainder of the Eucharistic prayer. The Eucharistic Prayer The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. glory and honour be yours always and everywhere, mighty creator, ever-living God. We give you thanks and praise for your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, who for love of our fallen race humbled himself, and on this night was born of the Virgin Mary by the power of your Spirit, and lived as one of us. In this mystery of the Word made flesh you have caused his light to shine in our hearts, to give knowledge of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in the love of the God we cannot see. Therefore with all the angels of heaven we lift our voices to proclaim the glory of your name and sing our joyful hymn of praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, Proulx (CP 732) God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil,. 8
The Lord s Prayer and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, our Lord Jesus Christ 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. Therefore, Father, according to his command, we remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming in glory; and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen. Rejoicing in the presence of God here among us, let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us 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, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.. 9
The Breaking of the Bread We break the bread of life, and that life is the light of the world. God here among us, light in the midst of us, bring us to light and life. The Giving of Communion Christians of all denominations are invited to receive Communion. Sidespeople will direct you to a place at the altar rail - those in the side aisle pews please come forward first. Hymn at Communion Silent Night Stille Nacht Silent night! holy night! is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace! Silent night! holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight: Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing eluia, Christ, the Saviour, is born! Silent night! holy night! Son of God, love s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth. Prayer after Communion The celebrant invites the people to pray, please stand in silence Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ s body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.. 10
The Dismissal Gospel Deacon Hear the good news of the Word made flesh according to John. Glory to you, O Lord. John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. 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. This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Blessing May the Father, who has loved the eternal Son from before the foundation of the world, shed that love upon you his children. Amen. May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with joy and peace. Amen. May the Holy Spirit, by whose overshadowing Mary became the God-bearer, give you grace to carry the good news of Christ. Amen. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen. The Dismissal Deacon Go in peace. Proclaim the Word made flesh. Glory, thanks and praise to God.. 11
Recessional Hymn: Hark! The herald angels sing Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King, Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem Hark! the Herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King. Christ, by highest heaven adored Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold him come, Offspring of a virgin s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail, the incarnate deity, Pleased as Man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! the herald... Hail, the heaven-born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald... Mendelssohn Organ Variations on The Huron Carol Giles Bryant. 12
Ministry Through the Liturgy Lector Tom LaBranche, Eucharistic Geoff Matthews, Russell Cook, Peggy and David Watton Ministers Servers Helen Coldwell, Deanna Hurford Intercessor Sandy LaBranche Deacon The Reverend Suzanne McMillan Preacher The Reverend Canon Milton Barry The Reverend Geoff Howson Chancel Lynda Mercer, Mary Edwards, Dianne Pagett, Doreen Taylor, Shirley Trussler, Kimberly Broderick, Diana Lehman Visitors The parishioners of Saints' extend a welcome to all who are visiting us on this joyous occasion. We pray that you will find comfort and solace amongst us and that, through our Christmas Liturgy, you will be blessed. Residents of Peterborough area who are not affiliated with another Christian Community and are seeking a spiritual home are invited to consider Saints. If you wish to make a contribution for God s work in this parish we invite you to use the envelope provided. If you include your name and postal address we will be happy to send you a receipt. With all good wished for a Blessed Christmas. Saints' Wardens UPCOMING SERVICES AT ALL SAINTS December 24 Christmas Eve 11 pm Midnight Eucharist December 25 th Christmas Day 10 am Holy Eucharist with Carols December 28th Christmas I 8:30 am Holy Eucharist 10:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist. 13
CHRISTMAS MEMORIAL FLOWERS Flowers in the Church today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of: Bill Baker from his wife Isabel and Family Lewis & Marjorie Blackwell, Norma Klue, Barbara Quinlan, Gordon Blackwell, Sydney and Florence Rendell from Faye, Norm & Family Loved Ones from Eleanor Bond Stanley Boyle from Lillian Boyle and family Bernice and Stan Coldwell and Dorothy, and Bob King from John and Helen Coldwell and family Michael John Connolly from his wife Barbara and daughter Sarah Glen Davies from his wife Barbara Davies Hilda and Roy Dunlop from their daughter Carol Druce and Family Husband Richie Edwards and mother Kate Owen from Mary Edwards and Family Laurel June Gray from Mary and Brian Beckett and Family Leonard & Marjorie Larry from their daughter Doreen, son Raymond and Families Frank Lehman from Diana, Sarah & Russell Cook and family, Ashely Lehman and Tyler Turkington Walter, Frances & Karen Lloyd, Tom, Maud, an & Eric Jackson from Ralph, Mary, and Susan Lloyd Joan Mercer from daughter Lynda Douglas Taylor from his wife Doreen and Family Darrell Willshaw from his wife Wilma and Barbara and Mark Mary & Charlie Wraight, sons Doug & John, Cecilia & Joseph Heslop, son Donald, Fredi Meade, Mary Ferguson, and granddaughter Brianne from Barb Wraight and Family Gertie & Elwood Seabrooke and Edison & Opal Kimball from Mel and Karen Kimball. 14
Thank you to all those who have contributed to the beauty of tonight s service and best wishes for a Happy Christmas. Your Clergy and Wardens. 15