St. Paul s Episcopal Church Christmas Eve Service December 24, 2018 276 Church Street, Montrose, PA 18801, 570-278-2954 stpaulsmontrose@epix.net http://stpaulschurchmontrose.org https://www.facebook.com/stpaulsmontrose Office Hours: 8:15am until 1:00pm Monday Thursday Serving Montrose and surrounding communities With God s Love through Jesus Christ Since 1831 ~ 1 ~
CHRISTMAS EVE 5:00 P.M. THE HOLY EUCHARIST The Prelude Lighting of the Advent Candles The Introit Lighting of the Advent Candles The Gathering Hymn O come, all ye faithful Hymn 83 v 1-4 Blessing of the Crèche V. The glory of the lord has been revealed: R. And all flesh shall see the salvation of our God. Most merciful and loving God, you have made this day holy by the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, and by the child-bearing of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Grant that we your people may enter with joy into the celebration of this day, and may also rejoice for ever as your adopted sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Collect for Purity BCP Page 355 The Gloria S 280 The Collect of the Day BCP Page 212 The Lord be with you And also with you Let us pray The First Lesson 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 ~ 2 ~
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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for 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. Reader: People: The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God The Response: Please respond by the half verse to our reading of Psalm 96, found on page 725 in your prayer book. Reader: People: Amen! Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. The Epistle: Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Reader: People: The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God The Sequence Hymn Once in royal David's city Hymn 102 v 1-2 The Gospel The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke Glory to you Lord Christ ~ 3 ~
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" [When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.] The Gospel of our Lord Praise to you Lord Christ The Homily The Nicene Creed BCP Page 358 ~ 4 ~
The Prayers of the People As we join the angels and shepherds to celebrate with joy the birth of Jesus Christ, let us offer prayers to God who shines the light of Christ on all creation, saying: For the Church in all places, remembering especially Michael our Presiding Bishop and Kevin our bishop, that our worship and praise may give glory to God, and our witness and ministry bring new hope to many. Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on the people of St. Paul s as we anticipate and prepare for the person you will raise up for us to be the next rector of our parish. May we receive a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries. For this Parish Family, that by the grace of Christ s coming among us we may live upright and godly lives, and bear witness to God s love. For all who live in Bethlehem and the hill country of Judah, and for Christians, Jews and Muslims everywhere, that God s spirit will open new pathways of peace and hope to all who live in danger and fear. For those who live and work in places of trouble and violence, that the Prince of Peace will guide all hearts to strive for peace and justice. For all who find Christmas difficult, for those whose lives are touched by fear, anxiety or depression, and for the sick and the suffering, remembering especially Margaret, Brad, Kathy, Joe, Esther, Charlotte, Alice, Jean, Charlotte, Esther, Jeanette, Jeanne, Bart, Steve, Martha, Kristina, Richard, Jane.; that Christ will bring healing and light to their hearts. ~ 5 ~
For all the blessings God has given us, that we may receive them thankfully and rejoice that Christ is born again in our hearts and lives. For all those suffering from addictions, that they may desire a clean and sober life, and find the resources for their bodies, minds and spirits that will allow them to do so; for all those who love someone who is addicted, that comfort and support be provided in their journeys; for all in the healing community assisting recovery, that the Holy Spirit will refresh and strengthen them; for ourselves, that we share the power of God's healing and transforming love with all touched by this addictions epidemic; for St. Paul's that a spirit of unity in witness and action will be among us. Merciful God, accept the fervent prayers of your people. For those who have died, remembering especially all those in whose memory the Christmas flowers and decorations are given, that they may rejoice in the light of God s incarnate Word. Lifting our voices with all creation, with Mary the God-bearer, and with all the saints and angels, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. Glory to you, O Lord our God. Celebrant: Source of light and gladness, accept the prayers we offer on this joyful feast. May the Rising Sun of Christ spread across the world and brighten all humanity. Glory to God for ever and ever. AMEN. Confession and Absolution BCP Page 360 The Peace HOLY COMMUNION The Offertory O holy night, by A. Adams Choir Soloists - Tom Undercoffler, Stephanie Calby, Esther Welden, Mary Zalewski, Ben Zalewski ~ 6 ~
The Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow Hymn 380, v3 The Eucharistic Prayer A BCP Page 361 The Sanctus Hymn S128 The Lord s Prayer The Breaking of the Bread The Fraction Anthem S 154 The Communion Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming Hymn 81 BY CANDLELIGHT The Hymn: Silent Night Hymn 111 Please hold the unlit candle over the lit candle when passing. Christmas Blessing May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one, things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace; 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: Alleluia Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord Thanks Be to God Alleluia The Parting Hymn Joy to the world! Hymn 100 Our Ministers Today: Presider and Preacher: The Rev. John Wagner Organist & Choir Director: Catherine Hammons Altar Guild: Barb Undercoffler, Carol Lasher, Betty Smith & Carol Marker Announcements: Lynne Graham Camera & Broadcast: Al Leigh & Andrew Wurth Acolyte: Benjamin Zalewski or Sean Eckert Counters: Dan Graham & Steve Kupscznk Chalice Bearer: Jerry Sock Lector: Vickie Calby Intercessor: Esther Welden Greeter/Usher: Sandy Seeger & Marsha Jones ~ 7 ~
Christmas Flowers 2018 In Memory Of: Naomi & Bob Arnold Gregory, Nicole, Jeffrey, Elaine Blye Corey & Robert Wurts Blye Loved Ones Vida Finlon Robert Blye & Elaine Blye Corey & John & Jeanne Graham Glen Paul Kiefer Reed & Lasher Loved Ones Robert James McLaughlin Ed Seeger & Loved Ones Loved Ones Loved Ones Bernard Zalewski Warren & Mary Morgan Given By: Naomi Bennett Karen Blye-McAbee Margaret Burgh Vida A. Kiefer, John & Nancy Finlon Dan & Lynne Graham Vida A. Kiefer Jack & Carol Lasher John & Esther McLaughlin Sandra Seeger Maggie & Jerry Sock Betty Smith Ben & Mary Zalewski Mary Zalewski In Honor of: Loved Ones Richard & Carol Marker ~ 8 ~