LITURGY AT HOLY TRINITY THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD THE CHRIST MASS DECEMBER 24, 2012 10:00 PM Welcome all wonders in one sight! Eternity shut in a span. Summer in winter, day in night, heaven in earth, God as human. Great little one whose all-embracing birth brings earth to heaven, stoops heaven to earth.
A Blessed Christmas To All! Please turn off all cell phones before the liturgy begins. Prayer of Blessing of the Nativity Scene for use at home Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. With Mary and Joseph, with the angels and the shepherds, and with the animals in the stable we gather around your Son, born for us. Bless us, and fill us with joy and wonder as we look upon this manger scene. Inspire us to care for those who have no place to dwell: the migrant worker, the homeless, the refugee. Be with us that we might share Christ s love with all the world, for he is our light and our salvation. Blessed be God forever. WELCOME TO HOLY TRINITY! It is a joy to have you join us for worship this evening. Wherever you re from, wherever you are in life, spirituality, or religion, we are glad you are here. We invite guests to fill out the yellow slip handed out with this bulletin and place it in the offering plate. Visit the Welcome Table in the narthex to pick up information about Holy Trinity, Lutheranism, worship practices, marriages and baptisms. LOOKING FOR A CHURCH HOME? Holy Trinity could be the place for you. On the yellow slip in the pew rack there is a place to request more information, or your interest in membership. Orientation sessions are held four times per year. OFFERINGS: We rely almost entirely 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. Many members give their offering through Electronic Funds Transfer; you can also donate online at giving.htchicago.org. We appreciate your contributions of time, talent and financial support! 2
GATHERING PRE-SERVICE MUSIC Pastoral Symphony (from Messiah) George F. Händel (1685-1759) HYMN #282 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Text: Edmund H. Sears, 1810-1876 Music: CAROL, Richard S. Willis, 1819-1900 ANTHEM In the Bleak Midwinter Harold Darke (1888-1976) 3
HYMN #278 Away in a Manger 4 Text: North American, 19th cent. Music: CRADLE SONG, William J. Kirkpatrick, 1838-1921; arr. David Willcocks, b.1919 Arr. From Carols for Choirs 1, Oxford University Press 1960. At the conclusion of the introduction to O Come, All Ye Faithful please stand. Turn to face the cross as it enters; you may bow as the cross passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. Incense, used in festive processions, adds the sense of smell in worship and shows the significance of our bodies and all of God s creation.
*ENTRANCE HYMN #283 O Come, All Ye Faithful 5
*GREETING 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. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In him was life, and the life was the light of all. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not o- vercome it. The Word become flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory. From his fullness we have received grace u- pon grace, (from John 1) *CANTICLE OF PRAISE (Tune: Gloria) 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 *PRAYER OF THE DAY 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 6
WORD FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:2 7 This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah's king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God's passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this! Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. RESPONSE #272 Lo, How a Rose E er Blooming (stanza 3 choir) 7
SECOND READING: Titus 2:11 14 The appearance of God's grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior's final appearance. 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. *GOSPEL PROCESSION #281 Silent Night (Stanzas 1-2) 8 Text: Joseph Mohr, 1792-1849; tr. John F. Young, 1820-1885 Music: STILLE NACHT, Franz Gruber, 1787-1863
*GOSPEL: Luke 2:1 14 God's greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the "good news of great joy" and proclaim God's blessing of peace. The holy gospel according to Luke. 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. Glory to you, O Lord. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. *GOSPEL PROCESSION #281 Silent Night (Stanza 3, p. 9) SERMON 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. SILENCE *HYMN OF THE DAY #268 From Heaven Above stanzas 1-4 all; stanza 5 women; stanza 6 men 4 Look, look, dear friends, look over there! 5 Welcome to earth, O noble Guest, What lies within that manger bare? through whom this sinful world is blest! Who is that lovely little one? You turned not from our needs away; The baby Jesus, God's dear Son. how can our thanks such love repay? 6 O Lord, you have created all! How did you come to be so small, to sweetly sleep in manger-bed where lowing cattle lately fed? 9
Please turn and face the crèche. BLESSING OF THE NATIVITY SCENE God, our Father, on this night your Son Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary for us and for our salvation: bless this manger and nativity scene 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. *HYMN (cont.) stanzas 7-9 all 10 7 Ah, dearest Jesus, holy child, prepare a bed, soft, undefiled, a quiet chamber in my heart, that you and I may never part. 8 My heart for very joy now leaps; my voice no longer silence keeps; I too must sing with joyful tongue the sweetest ancient cradle-song: 9 "Glory to God in highest heav'n, who unto us the Son has giv'n." With angels sing in pious mirth a glad new year to all the earth! *NICENE CREED 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.
*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. *PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. The assembly is invited to share God s peace with one another saying, Peace be with you, or similar words. MEAL GATHERING OF GIFTS AND SETTING OF TABLE Guests are invited to fill out the welcome slip in the pew and place it in the offering plate. OFFERTORY HYMN O Little Town of Bethlehem Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893 Music: FOREST GREEN, English folk tune 11
*GREAT THANKSGIVING The following acclamations are sung during the thanksgiving: During the prayer, the assembly sings these responses: 12
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 LORD S PRAYER Be seated. COMMUNION HYMN #490 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence 13
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. Those not communing may come forward for a blessing, keeping your hands folded or extended over your chest. For those unable to consume either wine or bread, communion is received fully in either element alone. ANTHEM Nativity Carol John Rutter (b. 1945) SILENCE Stand. *PRAYER Born in a stable so bare, born so long ago; Born neath light of star, he who loved us so. Far away silent he lay, born today, your homage pay, For Christ is born for aye, born on Christmas day. Cradled by mother so fair, tender her lullaby; Over her son so dear angel hosts fill the sky. Wise men from distant far land, shepherds from starry hills Worship this babe so rare, hearts with his warmth he fills. Love in that stable was born into our hearts to flow; Innocent dreaming babe, make me thy love to know. 14 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 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.
Turn to face the cross as it recesses, you may bow as it passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. *SENDING HYMN #288 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice *SENDING Go in peace. Let your light shine. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE In dulci jubilo J. S. Bach (1685-1750) SERVING IN THIS LITURGY PRESIDING MINISTER Pr. Craig M. Mueller MINISTER OF MUSIC David R. Brackley ASSISTING MINISTER Ken Duckmann CRUCIFER Megan Eichhorn INCENCE Benjeman Nichols TORCHBEARERS Justin and Forrest Stewart READERS Andrew Bozio, Patty Erickson COMMUNION ASSISTANTS. Ben Stewart, Dee Downing, Ernest Vasseur ALTAR PREPARATION Rich Campbell WELCOME HOSPITALITY Patrice Macken, Kristi Harreld Musicians: VIOLIN Sean Diller, Greg Zinkl VIOLA. Ayriole Frost, AJ Yoeckel OBOE Ruth McAdams 15
PARISH NOTES Church Office Closed Josh, our Parish Administrator, will be on vacation Dec. 25 - Jan. 5. The church office will be closed during that time. Sundays After Christmas --Dec. 30 One service @ 10:30 a.m. (no 8:30 service or Sunday school) --Jan. 6: 8:30 a.m. Eucharist 9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Adult Forum 10:30 a.m. Epiphany Festival Eucharist: A Light to All Nations (Carols from around the world) Holy Trinity Orientation Sunday, January 20, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Would you like to find out more about Holy Trinity? Grow in faith, spirituality, and service? Come and learn about Holy Trinity and its ministry, and ways you can get connected. Whether you plan to be in the area a short or long time, whether you are a lifer-lutheran, of another religious background, or even ambivalent about the whole church thing, you are welcome to make Holy Trinity your church home. No pressure at the orientation; you can get as involved as you want. Some may affiliate as members or associate members; others may attend as they are able. (The session will include the Team Trinity volunteer fair listed below). We will meet in the Choir Room at 9:00 a.m. FLOWER SPONSORS NEEDED FOR 2013! See the flower signup sheet at the back of the church and write a check to Holy Trinity for $32 with flowers in the memo line or give through our online giving found at our website. NEXT BAPTISM DATES: Jan. 13, Apr. 7. See information brochure in the narthex. NEXT HOLY TRINITY ORIENTATION DATES: Jan. 20, Apr. 7 More info at our website: holytrinitychicago.org/about/orientation 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 Come, All Ye Faithful. 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. Lo, How a Rose. Text: German carol, 15th cent.; tr. Theodore Baker, 1851-1934, sts. 1-2; Harriet R. Krauth, 1845-1925, st. 3; John C. Mattes, 1876-1948, st. 4. Music: ES IST EIN ROS, Alte catholische gestliche Kirchengesange, Koln, 1599; arr. Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621. From Heaven Above. Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship; 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: VON HIMMEL HOCH, attr. Martin Luther; V. Schumann, Geistliche Lieder, 1539 Let All Mortal Flesh. Text: Liturgy of St. James, tr. Gerard Moultrie, 1829 1885, alt. Music: PICARDY, French folk tune, 17th cent. Unless otherwise noted, all other music and text reprinted under permission of OneLicense.net #A-707777. 16
POINSETTIAS AND GREENS SPONSORS SPONSORS Ed Beach In memory of Pamela Beach. Molly Beran In honor of her grandfather, Ken Kohl. Richard Bough & David Easterbrook In memory of Anthony J. Reisman and in thanksgiving for the many blessings received from their Holy Trinity family in recent months. Rick Boyum In memory of John and Anna Boyum, Albert and Bertha Refvem. Thomas Braham & Greg Zinkl In memory of Elvina Moen and her service to Holy Trinity. Mary & Joseph Buschmann In thanksgiving for their Holy Trinity church family. Rich Campbell & Jon Niehus In thanksgiving for God's many blessings. Erin Daubert In thanksgiving for all the many blessings in her life. Kerry Fleming. Andy Halvorson & Scott Nelson in memory of Bruce Bartosek. Keith Kanthak & Judy Mayer In thanksgiving for the beauty and joy of life. Geraldine & Tony Kruse In thanksgiving for the love and blessing of Holy Trinity. Lisa McDaniel & Jeff Stang In thanksgiving for Ellie & Evelyn Stang and all the children of Holy Trinity. Brendan & Amanda O Brien In thanksgiving for Caitlyn Noelle O'Brien. Jennifer Plaskota In thanksgiving for family and friends. Mary & Roy Ruckdeschel In memory of Lola, Popper, Abby, Casey, Penny. Angela Smith In memory of Rosann McCormick-Sattler. Karol Weigelt In honor of Esley Stahl and Tom Yeates' marriage and thanks to God for blessings. Rebecca Sims & Randy Wilson In thanksgiving for Hope's fifth and Blake's second birthdays. 17
HOLY TRINITY S 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 THE SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER has offices at Holy Trinity, offering counseling and spiritual direction. Brochures are available at the back of the church. No checks or cash on hand? Make a Donation from your smartphone by scanning the QR code to the left! You will be taken to Holy Trinity s secure, mobile giving site. STAFF Pastor Craig M. Mueller cmueller@htchicago.org Associate Pastor Michelle L. Sevig msevig@htchicago.org Minister of Music David R. Brackley dbrackley@htchicago.org Music Assistant. Sean Diller music@htchicago.org Parish Administrator Joshua R. Judd-Herzfeldt office@htchicago.org Accountant Lynn Horn lhorn@htchicago.org Office Hours: Mon Thurs., 9 a.m. 4 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m. 1 p.m. 18 1218 West Addison Street Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 248-1233 holytrinitychicago.org office@htchicago.org A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America