LITURGY AT HOLY TRINITY SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR C) DECEMBER 9, 2012 10:30AM WELCOME TO HOLY TRINITY! It is a joy to have you join us for worship this morning. 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. TO PARENTS WITH SMALL CHILDREN: We are glad your family is worshipping with us. If you or your child needs a break from the service, feel free to walk to the narthex/back of the church. We also have a nursery available and it is open from 8:15 11:30. Please use the garden entrance (on Addison); the nursery is right inside the door. Children s bulletins are available from the ushers. 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!
ABOUT TODAY S LITURGY: Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the Baptizer's voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi's prophesy could as easily herald the coming Lord Jesus as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of the Lord and assist all flesh in capturing a vision of the "salvation of God." Please turn off all cell phones before the liturgy begins. GATHERING The ringing of the meditation bowl calls us to silence, centering and reflection as we prepare for worship. PRELUDE Fantasie John Dowland (1563-1626) At the conclusion of the organ prelude, please stand and face the font at the rear of the nave. *CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Following an invitation please remain standing. Silence is kept for reflection. 2 Almighty God, We confess that we have sinned against you, and against our sisters and brothers. Our words and deeds have not proclaimed your reign of justice and truth. We have failed to watch and pray for the signs of your advent among us. Forgive our sin, and come quickly to save us. Amen.
The presiding minister announces God s forgiveness. Turn to face the cross as it enters; you may bow as the cross passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. *SONG Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah *LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH We praise you, O God, for this circle of light that marks our days of preparation for Christ s advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, kindle within us the fire of your Spirit, that we may be light shining in the darkness. Enlighten us with your grace that we may welcome others as you have welcomed us. Grant this through Christ our Lord whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. *GATHERING HYMN #249 On Jordan s Banks the Baptist s Cry *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. Turn to face the cross as it enters; you may bow as the cross passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. *PRAYER OF THE DAY 3
WORD FIRST READING: Malachi 3:1 4 The Lord announces a covenant with Israel. A messenger like Malachi (his name means "my messenger") shall prepare the way for the coming of the Lord by purifying and refining God's people, as silver and gold are refined. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. CANTICLE: Luke 1:68 79 Setting: Carolyn Jennings Refrain is sung by the choir and repeated by the assembly. Verses are sung alternating between the cantor and the assembly. Refrain: Tone: Blessed are you, Lord, the God of Israel, you have come to your people and set them free. You have raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of your servant David. Refrain. Through your holy prophets, you promised of old to save us from our enemies, from the hand of all who hate us, to show mercy to our forebears, and to remember your holy covenant. This was the oath your swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship you without fear, holy and righteous before you, all the days of our life. Refrain. 4
And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to pre- pare the way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shad- ow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Refrain. SECOND READING: Philippians 1:3 11 The apostle Paul was the pastor of many new churches. He writes in this letter about his joy to be in partnership with the Christians of Philippi. Listen to how tender-hearted Paul, sometimes a stern preacher, is with his friends as he encourages them to grow in love and knowledge. 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 ACCLAMATION Sung by the cantor then repeated by the assembly. John Ferguson Prepare the way of the Lord. All flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:4, 6) Alleluia, alleluia. *GOSPEL: Luke 3:1 6 John the Baptist is a herald of the saving Lord, whose way is prepared by "repentance for the forgiveness of sins." As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord. 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. (sung as above) Alleluia, alleluia. SERMON 5
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 *PRESENTATION Assembly response: We do. BAPTISM *PROFESSION OF FAITH Renunciation of Evil Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, 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, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? 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. *THANKSGIVING AT THE FONT The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. 6
*BAPTISM After the baptism the following is sung twice Text: Galatians 3:27, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Music: BAPTIZED IN CHRIST, Howard Hughes, b. 1930 Text 1969 ICEL; Music 1977 ICEL. Clothing with a White Robe Laying on of Hands Signing with the Cross *WELCOME Presentation of a Candle Let us welcome the newly baptized. We welcome you into the body of Christ and the mission we share; join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God s creative and redeeming word to all the world. *PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us pray: Come, Lord Jesus. *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 THE TABLE Guests are invited to fill out the welcome slip in the pew and place it in the offering plate. OFFERTORY HYMN #247 Come, Now, O Prince of Peace stanzas 1 & 4 cantor; stanzas 2 & 3 all 7
*GREAT THANKSGIVING The following acclamations are sung during the thanksgiving: 8
During the prayer the assembly speaks/sings these responses. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. 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 9
*COMMUNION *SONG O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Be seated. 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 Hark, the glad sound! Thomas Haweis (1734-1820) Hark, the glad sound! The Savior comes, The Savior promised long; Let ev ry heart prepare a throne And ev ry voice a song. He comes the broken heart to bind, The bleeding soul to cure, And with the treasures of his grace To enrich the humble poor. Our glad hosannas, Prince of peace, Your welcome shall proclaim, And heav n s eternal arches ring With your beloved name. (Text: Philip Doddridge, 1702-1751) 10
ANTHEM Come, thou long-expected Jesus W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835 SILENCE Stand. *PRAYER Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee. Israel s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art, Dear desire of ev ry nation, joy of ev ry longing heart. (Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788) 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 Turn to face the cross as it recesses, you may bow as it passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. *SENDING HYMN #250 Blessed Be the God of Israel *SENDING Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE Fling wide the door Klaus Uwe Ludwig (b. 1943) Join us for social time and refreshments following worship. Take this opportunity to meet someone new in our ever-changing community. 11
SERVING IN THIS LITURGY PRESIDING MINISTER Pr. Craig M. Mueller PREACHING MINISTER. Pr. Michelle L. Sevig MINISTER OF MUSIC David R. Brackley CHILDREN'S CHOIR DIRECTOR Heather DeSouza GUITAR John Kregor ASSISTING MINISTER Ken Duckmann SACRISTAN Clyde Andrew Walter CRUCIFER Josh Judd-Herzfeldt READERS Josh Thurbee, Alison Strickler COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Fred Cadena, James Perez ALTAR PREP Mary Buschmann BREAD BAKER Ken Duckmann MEDITATION BELL Meggen Saka COFFEE HOSPITALITY Benjeman Nichols, Ed Beach WELCOME HOSPITALITY.. Jeff & Alicia Tegt Mathew Steiner, Patrice Macken PARISH NOTES No Flash Photography, Please. Out of respect for our sacred space, the church asks that no flash photography be taken during the baptism ceremony. Thank you for your cooperation. Today We Welcome in Baptism:» Emily Carolynn Hopwood; parents Steven and Jennifer Hopwood; sponsors Theodore and Heather VanBlyenburgh. Make Today an Advent Retreat Consider making this afternoon an Advent retreat. After worship, join us for lunch and conversation, walk the labyrinth and sing some music at our annual Advent Lessons and Carols. Or come to whatever events you are able. 11:45 a.m. Lunch and Conversation We will consider conversation around themes of Advent spirituality, facilitated by Sr. Louise Williams and Pr. Craig Mueller. Please sign up at the back of the church if you plan on attending the lunch, and if you are willing to bring soup, bread or salad. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Walk the labyrinth in Passavant Hall 4:00 p.m. Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent Led by the Holy Trinity Choir and Holy Trinity Strings 12
Fair Trade Goods for Sale Missed the Christmas Boutique last weekend? Don't have your Advent Calendar yet? Still need to pick up some Christmas gifts? Along with the usual coffee, tea, and chocolate items, other assorted fair trade goods including Christmas ornaments, jewelry, scarves, baskets, musical instruments and more will be available for sale at the back of the sanctuary after the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday. Come stop by! Daytimers in December Daytimers of Holy Trinity will meet for lunch and conversation on Thursday, Dec. 13, around 11:30 a.m. at Rick Boyum's condo on Wilton. Rick will provide a main dish and coffee. Those planning to attend are asked to bring an appetizer, salad, rolls, or dessert. Please RSVP to Rick. Each person is also asked to have a favorite Christmas memory of his/her own childhood to share with the group. NOTE: The Wednesday Bible Study group will NOT meet on December 12. Meals for Newborns The newborn hospitality group is seeking additional volunteers to provide meals to new families. Those first couple of weeks adjusting to a newborn in the home are quite hectic, and it is a blessing to receive prepared meals to help alleviate the stress. If you love meeting newborn babies and enjoy cooking/hospitality, please contact Pastor Sevig (msevig@htchicago.org) to be added to the list of volunteers. When a child is born, an e-mail with a link to a meal schedule is sent to you; then you can sign up if you are available. Please help us to welcome new members into our growing community of faith through this generous and tangible ministry. Christmas Decorating Party On Sunday, December 23 following worship, come help us ring in the Christmas season while we decorate the tree, put up lights, arrange flowers, set up the creche and fellowship together! If you are able to help, please Josh in the office know. 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 13
SONGS OF THE SEASON Come and sing the music of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany in an ecumenical, informal, sing along atmosphere. Sponsored by Holy Trinity, Church of Our Saviour Episcopal (Lincoln Park) and the Sisters of the Cenacle (Roman Catholic). Next Saturday, December 15, 3:00 p.m. at the Cenacle, 513 W. Fullerton. Childcare provided. Reception following. Songfest leaders: Dent Davidson, from the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and Scott Weidler, from the national office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. 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. Holy Holy and Amen. Music: Missa Emmanuel, Richard Proulx, 1991, GIA Publications, Inc. O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Text: Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Koln, 1710; tr. Composite. Music: VENI, EMMAUNEL, French processional, 15 th cent. Text sts. 2, 6, 7 1997 Augsburg Forterss. Unless otherwise noted, all other music and text reprinted under permission of OneLicense.net #A-707777. 14
Next Sunday Forum: THE WORD WAS MADE FRESH Sunday, December 16 9:30 a.m. The basis of our beliefs and worship practice, just like all of our thinking, is language. The world has changed tremendously but our scriptural and worship vocabulary has not changed very much in two thousand years. Contemporary linguistics studies are revealing new insights into how language and brain work together. This discussion, led by Ryan LaHurd, will explore some of the ways these insights give new perspectives on the language of religious thought. ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE SUNDAYS IN ADVENT 8:30 a.m. Eucharist and Blessing of the Advent Wreath 9:30 a.m. Sunday Forum Dec. 16 The Word Was Made Fresh Dec. 23 Ave Maria for Lutherans? 10:30 a.m. Eucharist and Blessing of the Advent Wreath WEDNESDAYS IN ADVENT --Worship at 7:15 p.m. *** NO WEDNESDAY service on December 26.*** LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR ADVENT --Sunday, December 9, 4:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, Monday, December 24 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Eucharist (especially for families with young children) 10:00 p.m. The Christ Mass Festival Eucharist 15
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE December 9 (Today) @ 11:30a Lunch and Conversation @ 1:00p Walk the Labyrinth @ 4:00p Advent Lessons and Carols December 10 (Mon) @ 7:00p Meditation Group December 11 (Tue) @ 6:00p HTLC at Lakeview Pantry December 12 (Wed) @ 11:30a Daytimers (at Rick Boyum's) @ 7:15p Advent Service December 13 (Thur) @ 7:15p Congregation Council Meeting December 15 (Sat) @ 2:00p Songfest (at The Cenacle) @ 7:00p HTLC at the Crib Shelter December 16 (Sun) @ 8:30a Eucharist w/advent Wreath Blessing @ 9:15a Choir Rehearsal @ 9:30a Sunday School Passavant Hall @ 9:30a Sunday Forum St. Mark s Room @ 10:30a Eucharist w/advent Wreath Blessing COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK Thursday, December 13 Lucy, martyr, died 304 Lucy was a young Christian of Sicily who was martyred during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Her celebration became particularly important in Sweden and Norway, perhaps because the feast of Lucia (whose name means "light") originally fell on the shortest day of the year. Friday, December 14 John of the Cross, renewer of the church, died 1591 John was a member of the Carmelite monastic order, and worked to reform it. His writings reflect a deep interest in mystical thought and meditation. From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2012 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26481. 16
Our worship is ancient and new We celebrate a liturgy based on ancient patterns and rituals that go back to the early centuries of Christianity. We gather each Sunday to hear the scriptures and wrestle with their meaning for our lives today. We share the sacred meal of bread and wine and depart to serve a world in need. Though ancient, worship is always fresh and new as the gospel of Christ comes alive for our contemporary context. Time unplugged from electronic devices allows reflection and centering. Open to the Mystery we connect, strengthen and serve with joy. Things We re For Radical inclusivity regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or religious/spiritual background. Embodied gathering in real time and sacred space. Multisensory liturgy that helps us delight in God s beauty. Intentional engagement with contemporary social, theological and spiritual issues. User-friendly liturgies. Preaching that is honest about the struggles of life and the grace of God. Robust congregational singing. Reverence and joy in worship that spills over into everyday life. Cultivating empowering relationships, not only at church but everywhere. Openness to questions and faith struggles. Treasuring mystery above certainty. Things We re Against Power and privilege that lead to prejudice and oppression. Racism, sexism, heterosexism and ableism. A religion that claims to have all the answers. Senseless violence. Negative and hateful partisanship. Superficial responses to life s painful and difficult realities. Boring sermons. Church services that don t connect with everyday life. Equating Christianity with the Religious Right. Indifference to injustice and suffering. Misuse of the earth and its resources. 17
SPONSOR POINSETTIAS AND GREENS We are in need! 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. In Memory of In Honor of In Thanksgiving for Donor s name All donations must be received by Wednesday, December 19 18
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. 1218 West Addison Street Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 248-1233 holytrinitychicago.org office@htchicago.org A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 19