The Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2023 11 a.m. We welcome you to Christ Church Cathedral. Since 1839, this Christian community has gathered for worship. To learn more about the ministries we share in this place, you are invited to fill in one of the welcome cards found in the pew rack. We are glad you are here! The Cathedral is equipped with a hearing loop for assisted listening via telecoil.
The Holy Eucharist: Rite One The Very Rev. Nathaniel Katz, Dean Celebrant The Liturgy is found in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Hymns and service music (S) are in The Hymnal 1982.
Opening Voluntary
Prelude on Winchester New
Alan Bullard (b.1947)
Choral Introit
Tone VII V. Rejoice ye in the Lord, and again I say, rejoice ye; let your moderation be known unto all men, the lord is at hand: R. Be careful for nothing, nor troubled; but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Hymn 56 (verses 1, 5, and 6)
Veni, veni, Emmanuel
The Word of God Celebrant People
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. BCP page 323 And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
The Collect for Purity and the Summary Trisagion S 102
page 323
Alexander Archangelsky (1846–1924)
The Trisagion is sung three times, first by the cantor and then twice by the congregation and choir.
The Collect of the Day Celebrant People Celebrant
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit. Let us pray.
Stir up thy power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let thy bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
The First Reading Reader People
Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 126
Simplified Anglican chant
When the LORD restored the fortunes 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 in/deed. Restore our fortunes, O / LORD, * like the watercourses of the / Negev. Those who sowed with / tears * will reap with songs of / joy. 2nd half of chant Those who go out weeping, carrying the /seed, * will come again with joy, shouldering their / sheaves.
The Second Reading Reader People
1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Hymn 75
Ascension
Alleluia
Tone II
V. Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; R. He has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor. Alleluia.
The Holy Gospel Priest People
John 1:6–8, 19–28
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory be to thee, O Lord. After the Gospel reading, the Priest says
People
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to thee, O Christ.
The Sermon The Nicene Creed The Prayers of the People
The Rev. Elizabeth Parker, Assisting Priest page 326 Form IV, page 388
The General Confession
page 331
The Peace Celebrant People
The peace of the Lord be always with you. And with thy spirit.
The people greet one another in the name of the Lord, after which the people are seated for brief announcements.
The Holy Communion Offerings of alms and bread and wine are received.
At the Offertory Anthem
John Gardner (1917-2011)
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day: I would my true love did so chance To see the legend of my play, to call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love; this have I done for my true love. Then was I born of a virgin pure, of her I took fleshly substance; Thus was I knit to man’s nature, to call my true love to my dance: In a manger laid and wrapped I was, so very poor this was my chance, Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass, to call my true love to my dance:
Then afterwards baptized I was; the Holy Ghost on me did glance, My Father’s voice heard from above, to call my true love to my dance.
— anon. text.; first appearing in William B. Sandys’ “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern,” 1833
The Great Thanksgiving
Eucharistic Prayer II, page 340
Sursum Corda S 112 Sanctus and Benedictus S 117
James McGregor (1930-2022) after Verbum caro factum est, Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612)
The Eucharistic Prayer continues
page 341
Fraction Anthem Celebrant People
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Agnus Dei S 157
John Merbecke (c.1518- c.1585)
The sacrament of Holy Communion has been precious to Christians for 2,000 years. It is a way in which many sense the reality of God’s forgiveness, our union with God and each other, and the eternal life to which we belong. Please know that you do not have to be an Episcopalian to receive Communion. To receive, you may kneel or stand at the altar rail. Receive the Bread in the palm of your hand and the Wine either by drinking from the cup or by intinction, touching the Bread to the Wine. Gluten-free Bread is available; simply ask at the altar rail. If you need Communion brought to you in the pew, please tell an usher.
At the Administration Anthem
Thomas Ravenscroft (c.1582–1635)
Remember, O thou man, Thy time is spent: Remember, O thou man, How thou cam’st to me then, And I did what I can, Therefore repent.
In Bethlem was he born, For mankind dear: In Bethlem was he born For us that were forlorn, And therefore took no scorn, Our sins to bear.
Remember God’s goodness, And promise made: Remember God’s goodness, How his only Son he sent, Our sins for to redress: Be not afraid.
Give thanks to God always With hearts most jolly; Give thanks to God always Upon this blessed day: Let all men sing and say, Holy, holy. — Thomas Ravenscroft
Prayer after Communion
page 339
The Blessing Hymn 76
Winchester New
The Dismissal Priest People
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Closing Voluntary
Epilogue on Winchester New
Eric Thiman (1900-1975)
To learn the history of Christ Church Cathedral, meet the tour guide by the lectern after the service.
Readings this Week from the Revised Common Lectionary The Old Testament
Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion — to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
The Epistle
1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
The Gospel
John 1:6–8, 19–28
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
The Book of Remembrance This week we remember Clyde Barrington Holloway. The Beauty of Flowers The flowers on the Cathedral Altar are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Robert C. and Madie M. Richter by Bob Richter Jr. The flowers on the Cathedral Altar are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Cherry Gulledge by her children and grandchildren.
Christmas Services Christmas Eve
Sunday, December 24
4 p.m.
8 p.m.
Family Eucharist, Rite II, and the Christmas Play (Childcare is available)
Choral Eucharist, Rite II, with Parish Choir (Childcare is available)
6 p.m.
Prelude with the Cathedral Choir and Instrumentalists
10:30 p.m.
Festival Eucharist, Rite II, in Spanish
7:30 p.m. Organ Prelude
11 p.m. Festival Eucharist, Rite I, with the Cathedral Choir and Instrumentalists with incense
Christmas Day
Monday, December 25 10 a.m.
Eucharist and Carols
Welcome
Sunday, December 17, ,2023 Announcements TODAY Gran Posada and Sancocho Supper • All are welcome to join this evening at 5:45 p.m. in Reynolds Hall, as we break bread and enjoy sancocho, a traditional Dominican soup. Following the meal, we’ll journey together as the Cathedral grounds become our home for the Las Posadas walk. Mendeliz will provide the music, and we’ll have seasonal treats for all ages. There is still time to fulfill your 2023 EMC pledge and to pledge for 2024 • Submit your pledge by dropping a pledge card in the offering plate or scan the QR code to pledge online. To pay a remaining pledge balance you can make a payment online, via PayPal, or even text to give by visiting: www.christchurchcathedral. org/give Questions? Contact CFO Patrick Saccomanno at psaccomanno@ christchurchcathedral.org or 713-220-9759. Las Posadas • All are welcome to commemorate the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. Join us each night through Dec. 23 from 7-9 p.m. in various locations. For details visit: www.christchurchcathedral.org/posadas The Longest Night Service • This a tender, candle-lit service that provides a reflection on loss and hope. Join us in the Cathedral on Wed., Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. as we hold space for sorrow and struggles alongside joy. This service will also be livestreamed for those who may not be able to attend in-person. Annual Parish Retreat at Camp Allen • Join your Cathedral family for the Parish Retreat at Camp Allen, Jan. 12-14, 2024. Reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and renew your relationship with God. Questions? Stop by the cloister table on Sundays, Dec. 17, 24, and 31 or Jan. 7. To register or learn more: www.christchurchcathedral.org/parishretreat Costa Rica Mission Trip • The deadline for registering for the mission trip to Costa Rica is Jan. 12. The mission trip is for adults, high school youth, and eighth graders in confirmation class. To register visit: www. christchurchcathedral.org/youthcostarica Childcare is available during worship services • Follow Agnus the Lamb to the Jones Building where you can find childcare for various ages (6 weeks–5 yrs). Have questions? Contact KariAnn Lessner at kalessner@christchurchcathedral.org Cathedral offices will be closed Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 • The Cathedral offices will be closed in observance of the Christmas holiday Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26. Offices reopen with regular hours Wednesday, Dec. 27. After-Hours Emergency Pastoral Care Line • 713-826-5332 Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun. Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly. Please be advised that our services are livestreamed to Vimeo and Facebook. Your participation in the service serves as your consent to the broadcast of your image and voice and to the broadcast of the image and voice of your participating minor children.