Liturgy At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church December 24, 2014 + 10:00 p.m. The Christ Mass The Nativity of Our Lord
Prelude I wonder as I wander John Jacob Niles, setting: David Brackley Help Us Create SACRED SPACE by powering down Please do not use cell phones and other electronic devices. ::: Gathering Music ::: Hymn Silent Night Text: Joseph Mohr (1792-1849) tr. John F. young (1820-1885) Music [STILLE NACHT]: Franz Gruber (1787-1863) [2]
O little one sweet, O little one mild, Thy Father s will thou hast fulfilled; Thou camest here from heav n s domain To bring us comfort in our pain. O little one sweet, O little one mild, With joy thou hast the whole world filled; Then light in us they love s bright flame That we may give thee back the same. O little one sweet, O little one mild, Help us to do as thou hast willed. Lord, may we walk in thy good way, Show all we meet thy love each day. Anthem O little one sweet, O little one mild Trad. German, harm. J. S. Bach Choir God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay; Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan s power when we were gone astray. Hymn God rest ye merry, gentlemen David Willcocks Refrain: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy! Choir From God our heav nly Father a blessed angel came And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name. Refrain Choir and congregation sing verses and refrains as indicated. All All Fear not, then, said the angel, let nothing you affright: This day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright To free all those who trust in him from Satan s pow r and might. Refrain Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas all others doth efface: Refrain [3]
::: Gathering Rite ::: 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. Hymn Joy to the World Hymn can be found at #267 Gospel at the Nativity Scene Luke 2: 8-14 Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; let ev'ry heart prepare him room and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748 The holy gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. 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. Entrance Hymn O come, All Ye Faithful [4]
Text: attr. John Francis Wade (1711-1786); tr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880), sts. 1, 3-4; tr. Unknown, st. 2. Music [ADESTE FIDELES]: attr. John Francis Wade The presiding minister bows toward the assembly which is the body of Christ and the primary symbol of God s presence in the liturgy. Greeting 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. [5]
Canticle of Praise Tune: Gloria Prayer of the Day First Reading Isaiah 9:2-7 Glory be to God on high, peace on earth be giv-en! Angels sing, let all reply; good will breaks from heav-en. Refrain: Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Lamb of God, you take away sin and death, no more have sway. You who reign with God above, Mercy grant, O gracious Love. Refrain You alone, O God, we cry, Holy One, we name you. You alone are God most High One in three, we claim you. Refrain Let us pray Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus' presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen ~ be seated ~ ::: Word ::: That the angels in Luke name the child the Messiah, in Greek "Christ," recalls oracles such as Isaiah 9, and Christians have seen in Jesus Christ the ancient promises of a coming king fulfilled. Jesus is "wonderful Counselor and mighty God" among us. Thus Christians hear in this oracle references to the triune God. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. [6]
Psalm 96 Sing to the Lord a New Song As is often the case, the second reading indicates the implications of the gospel for the church: the appearance of God in Jesus Christ creates a people redeemed, purified, and dedicated to a life of good works. Christ among us changes our identity, our style of life, and the goal of our existence. Second Reading Titus 2:11-14 Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. [7]
Gospel Procession Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (st. 1) Stand to welcome the gospel and turn to face the book as the gospel is read in the midst of the assembly. Text: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) alt. Music [MENDELSSOHN]: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847); arr. William H. Cummings (1831-1915) [8]
Especially John's gospel guided the church into the mystery of the incarnation: the Jesus whose birth the church celebrates at Christmas is the Word of God, indeed God in the flesh. The church moves from the beloved narrative of Bethlehem to the central conviction of the Christian faith, that Jesus is God from before the creation of the world. Christmas celebrates God alive in glory and active among humankind. The holy gospel according to John. 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 ~ Gospel John 1:1-14 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. Gospel Procession Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (st. 2) Sermon Silence Hymn of the Day O Little Town of Bethlehem [9]
Nicene Creed 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 We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. After each petition: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. ~ be seated ~ ::: 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. [10]
Offertory Hymn What Feast of Love Text: Delores Dufner, OSB (b. 1939) Music [GREENSLEEVES]: English ballad, 16 th cent. ~ please stand ~ [11]
The Great Thanksgiving The thanksgiving includes the following responses: [12]
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. 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 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Text: Liturgy of St. James; tr. Gerard Moultrie (1829-1885) alt. Music [PICARDY]: French folk tune, 17 th cent. [13]
Communion Anthem In the bleak midwinter Harold Darke (1888-1976) Silence Prayer ~ be seated ~ In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan. Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone. Snow had fallen, snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago. Our God, heav n cannot hold him, nor earth sustain. Heav n and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter, a stable place sufficed The Lord God almighty, Jesus Christ. Enough for him whom cherubim worship night and day, A breast full of milk and a manger full of hay. Enough for him whom angels fall down before, The ox and ass and camel which adore. What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man I would do my part. Yet what I can I give him--give my heart. (Text: Christina Rosetti, 1830-1894) ~ please stand ~ ::: 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. Blessing May God the Father, who loved the eternal Son from the foundation of the world, shed the brilliance of divine light upon you. Amen. May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things heavenly and earthly, fill you with joy and peace. Amen. May the Holy Spirit, by whose overshadowing Mary became the Godbearer, 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. [14]
Sending Hymn Good Christian Friends, Rejoice Go in peace. Let your light shine. Thanks be to God! Sending Postlude In dulci jubilo J.S. Bach (1685-1750) [15]
Presiding Minister Pr. Craig M. Mueller Preaching Minister Pr. Michelle L. Sevig Minister Of Music David R. Brackley Oboe Ruth McAdams Clarinet Erin Meisner Flute Rita Schnell French Horn A.J. Diller ::: Serving in this Liturgy ::: Strings A. J. Diller, Sean Diller, Ayriole Frost, Greg Zinkl Incense/Intercessions Marcus Lohrmann Assisting Minister Ryan LaHurd Crucifer Ken Duckmann Torchbearers Patty Erickson, Ernest Vasseur Communion Assistants Michael Schnell, Kevin Strickland Readers Meggen Saka, Carol LaHurd Sacristan Patty Erickson Altar Guild Rich Campbell Welcome Hospitality James Perez, Marcellus Thompson, Norm Kaiser, Josh Judd-Herzfeldt ~ A Blessed Christmas To All! ~ 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 2015. 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! [16]
::: Christmas Schedule ::: Thursday, December 25 + 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day Eucharist (Grace Place, 637 S. Dearborn; free parking at Jones College Prep) Saturdays, December 27 and January 3 + 5:00 p.m. Eucharist at HTLoop (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) ::: Parish Notes ::: Parent's Night Out January 24 Holy Trinity welcome a new program to minister to our many families: a monthly Parent's Night Out, which begins on Saturday, January 24 from 5-8 p.m. + Cost: $10.00 per family (covers food) + Ages: infant 12 + Hosts: Patrice Macken & Laurie Empen If you are interested in taking advantage of this new program, contact Josh in the church office (office@htchicago.org; 773.248.1233). You will need to fill out a Child Entry Form. Volunteers are also needed to assist Patrice and Laurie. If you are interested, speak with Patrice (psmacken@gmail.com) or the church office. [17]
::: Poinsettias & Greens Sponsors ::: Ed Beach in memory of Pamela Beach. Molly Beran in memory of Wayne Thell. David Biggs in memory of Howard & Irene Biggs. Boin Family in memory of Joseph & Geraldine Boin. Richard Bough & David Easterbrook in memory of Anthony J. Reisman. Rick Boyum in memory of Art & Orpha Boyum. Rich Campbell & Jon Niehus in thanksgiving for God's many blessings. Megan Eichhorn in memory of David Clevenger. Carrie Egan in thanksgiving for the many blessings received. Steve, Amy, & Amanda Fanale in memory of Jose & Sylvia Somera, Marilyn Fanale; in honor of David Fanale. Lynn Horn In thanksgiving for the Holy Trinity family. Tony & Geraldine Kruse in thanksgiving for God's bountiful blessings. Debra Kullman in memory of all police officers killed in the line of duty and their families. Patrice & Michael Macken in thanksgiving for Matt, Anne, Lucy, and Caroline. Dan McAdams & Rebecca Pallmeyer in thanksgiving for our daughters, Ruth and Amanda. Benjeman Nichols in memory of Thomas Nichols. Tim, Janelle, Grant, & Reid Peterson in thanksgiving for Holy Trinity's love and support this past year. Rebecca Sims In Thanks for Hope's 7th and Blake's 4th birthdays. Deborah Stevens In memory of John Else Jr. & John Else III. Tom & Laura Spalla in memory of Ivan Crnkovich and Morry Spalla. Kent & Lora Swanson in memory of Irene Walz, Donald Swanson, Kenneth Brauns; in thanksgiving for the blessing of their children, Alana & Alex Ernest Vasseur & Craig Mueller in thanksgiving for the dedicated and talented Holy Trinity staff Karol Weigelt in memory of Claire Evans. Weigelt/Stahl Family in thanks for family. [18]
::: 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 + 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! 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. 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. O Little Town of Bethlehem. Text: Phillips Brooks (1835-1893). Music: FOREST GREEN, English folk tune Good Christian Friends Rejoice. Text: Medieval Latin carol; tr. John Mason Neale (1818-1866). Music [IN DULCI JUBILO]: German carol, 14th cent.; arr. Robert L. Pearsall (1795-1856). Unless otherwise noted, all other music and text reprinted under permission of OneLicense.net #A-707777. [19]
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 [20] A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America