Liturgy At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church December 14, 2014 + 10:30 a.m. Third Sunday of Advent
Prelude Freu dich Sehr Egil Hovland (b. 1924) Comfort, comfort now my people Gerald Near (b. 1942) Comfort, comfort these my people Michael Burkhardt (b. 1957) Penitential Rite O Antiphon O Dayspring 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. Blessing of the Advent Wreath [2] Help Us Create SACRED SPACE by powering down Please do not use cell phones and other electronic devices. ::: 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. 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. This title is variously translated morning star, Dayspring, rising sun, radiant dawn, orient. All beautifully express the idea of light shattering the darkness of night, of sin and death, of sickness and despair, with its brightness bringing healing and warmth to cold hearts. Jesus is indeed the true light, the radiance of his Father's splendor. All sing: O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer; O Sun of justice, now draw near. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadow put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. We praise you, O God, for this victory wreath that marks our days of preparation for Christ s advent. Strengthen our hearts as we await the Lord s coming in glory. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may serve our neighbors in need. Grant this through Christ our Lord whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. Amen
#242 Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn 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 ::: Because Christians have seen Jesus Christ as the one who embodies the Spirit of God and so transforms the world, this joyous poem is chosen to accompany John's testimony. Jesus brings good news, release, comfort, justice, the covenant, righteousness. And so the poet speaks of the joy of the wedding and the springtime. Last week the Isaiah reading placed us in the wilderness and likened us to dying grass; today we are a forest of oak trees, a sprouting garden. Gathering Hymn Greeting Prayer of the Day First Reading Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. [3]
Psalm 126 Setting: Mark Sedio The refrain is sung by the cantor and repeated by the assembly. The cantor and assembly sing alternating verses. Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Refrain: Tone: When the Lord restored the for- tunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed. Restore our for- tunes, O LORD, like the watercourses of the Negeb. Refrain Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carry- ing the seed, will come again with joy, shoulder- ing their sheaves. Refrain The baptized assembly has been given the Spirit, which too often is quenched. Paul calls us to live blamelessly according to the will of God. In our weekly intercessions, we attempt Paul's call to pray without ceasing. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. [4]
Stand to welcome the gospel and turn to face the book as the gospel is read in the midst of the assembly. Gospel Acclamation Setting: John Ferguson Sung by the cantor, repeated by the assembly I am sending my messenger before you, who will prepare your way before you. (Matt. 11:10) Alleluia, alleluia. As the northern hemisphere darkens day by day, the Gospel of John points to Christ as the light. Whenever God comes in the past in the history of Israel and the incarnation of Jesus, in the present in the word and sacrament of each Sunday, and in the future at the end of all things we join John the Baptist to make a straight path for the Lord. The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. (sung as above) Alleluia, alleluia. ~ 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. Gospel John 1:6-8, 19-28 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 ~ please stand ~ [5]
Hymn of the Day Now the Heavens Start to Whisper Prayers of Intercession Peace The assembly is invited to share God s peace with one another saying, Peace be with you, or similar words. Text: Mary Louise Bringle (2005) 2006 GIA Publications, Inc. Music [JEFFERSON]: Alexander Johnson s Tennessee Harmony (1818). After each petition: Let us pray. Come, Lord Jesus. The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. ~ be seated ~ [6]
::: Meal ::: If this is your first time, or if you have been attending awhile and would like to get to know us better, please fill out the welcome slip in the pew and place it in the offering plate. Today s loose offering is designated for The Night Ministry. Checks and envelope offerings support Holy Trinity s overall ministry unless designated otherwise. #815 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light ~ please stand ~ Offering Offertory Hymn The Great Thanksgiving The thanksgiving includes the following responses: [7]
Music: Missa Emmanuel, Richard Proulx, 1991, GIA Publications, Inc. The thanksgiving ends with this prayer: 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. 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. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus be our guest. Let these gifts to us be blessed. Blessed be God who is our Bread. May all the world be clothed and fed. Amen. [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. Communion Song Wait for the Lord Sung three times Text: Taize Community, Music: WAIT FOR THE LORD, Jaques Berthier, 1923-1994 1984 Les Presses de Taize. ~ be seated ~ Text may be found in hymn 254 ~ please stand ~ #248 People, Look East ::: 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. Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. Thanks be to God! [9] Communion Anthem Come, thou long expected Jesus Jean Philippe Rameau (1683-1764) Silence Prayer Blessing Sending Hymn Sending Postlude Veni, Emmanuel Robert J. Powell (b. 1932)
Presiding Minister Pr. Michelle L. Sevig Preaching Minister Pr. Ben Stewart Minister Of Music David R. Brackley Cantor Deanne McDonald Violin Sean Diller Assisting Minister Ann Sanders ::: Serving in this Liturgy ::: Sacristan Julie Sevig Incense Marcus Lohrmann Crucifer Greg Zinkl Torchbearers Ellie Stang, Jake Johnson Communion Assistants Tom Braham, Kristin Vicknair Intercessor Marcus Lohrmann Readers Aana Vigen, Dan McAdams Bread Baker Greg Zinkl Altar Guild Emily Anderson Ken Duckmann Meditation Bell Richard Bough Welcome Hospitality Kacy & Matt Dicke, Belle Craig, Adam Damerow 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 2014. 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 ::: Guest Preacher Today Pastor Ben Stewart and his wife, Beth, and their children, Forrest and Justin joined Holy Trinity in 2009. Ben teaches worship at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and has been the village pastor at Holden Village and served a small, Appalachian community in Ohio. One of his interests is the connection between liturgy and ecology. Advent Holden Evening Prayer Join us for a quiet, contemplative liturgy, Marty Haugen's beloved Holden Evening Prayer. Wednesdays, December 17 at 7:15 p.m. HTLC Endowment Fund Grants Holy Trinity's Mission Endowment Committee is pleased to announce for the second year in a row the availability of a small number of grants that will extend our commitment to and support of mission beyond our congregation. Registered charities qualified under IRS 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply for grants of up to $1,000 with the endorsement and signature of a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The grant deadline for 2015 annual grants is January 15, 2015. You can download the application form at holytrinitychicago.org/endowment. Any questions which are not answered by reading the form may be directed to David Easterbrook, Mission Endowment Fund Committee Chair (dleaster@northwestern.edu). Clothing Donations For Grace Place Bring to church clothing ( it can be used, but clean and in good condition), including winter items. These items are distributed on the last Sunday of the month when a hot meal is served to homeless neighbors in the South Loop. We are grateful for our partnership with the South Loop Campus Ministry and campus pastor, Ben Adams. Worship Acknowledgements Cover image: Throne of God with Elders and Four Evangelist symbols from the Bamberger Apocalypse at the Staatsbibliothek in Bamberg. 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. Unless otherwise noted, all other music and text reprinted under permission of OneLicense.net #A-707777. [11]
[12] The program will be followed by a lasagna dinner up in Passavant Hall. All are welcome!
::: Advent & Christmas ::: Sundays in Advent + 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/blessing of Wreath + Festival of Music for Advent and Christmas - Dec. 14, 4:00 p.m. (followed by lasagna dinner) Wednesday, December 17 + 7:15 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer Wednesday, 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 Thursday, December 25 + 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day Eucharist (Grace Place, 637 S. Dearborn) Sunday, December 28 + 10:30 a.m. - Christmas Eucharist (No 8:30 a.m. service or Sunday School) Sunday, January 4 + 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist + 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School + 10:30 a.m. - Epiphany Festival Eucharist (carols and hymns from around the world) [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 11; April 12 + 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 8:15-11:30 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 Thursday, January 22 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 5 7:00 p.m. 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 Wednesday, December 17 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 Pastor Craig M. Mueller cmueller@htchicago.org Associate Pastor Michelle L. Sevig msevig@htchicago.org Parish Administrator Joshua R. Judd-Herzfeldt office@htchicago.org phone: 773.248.1233 web: holytrinitychicago.org ::: Staff ::: Minister of Music David R. Brackley dbrackley@htchicago.org Community Life Coordinator Katie Mineck clc@htchicago.org Accountant Lynn Horn lhorn@htchicago.org Music Assistant Sean Diller music@htchicago.org Seminarians Megan Clausen Paul Eldred Marcus Lohrmann A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America [16]