5 pm The Well leaflet 12/31/23 by Christ Church Cathedral

Order of Worship Christ Church Cathedral December 31, 2023 5:00 p.m.

We welcome you to Christ Church Cathedral. Since 1839, this Christian community has gathered for worship. The Cathedral is equipped with a hearing loop for assisted listening via telecoil.

The First Sunday after Christmas five o’clock in the evening The Rev. Ray Wilson, Assisting Priest Celebrant Good evening and welcome to The Well. The order of service has been adapted to observe the holy season of Advent, preparing our hearts to welcome the coming Christ child. We are so glad that you are here. Come close, draw near, and receive the grace of God.

Opening Music Traditional English and Welsh Tunes At the sound of the bell, please stand.

Hymn

& œ.

1. Come 2. An 3. Flute

& œ.

set Prince let

& œ.

God death thank

& œ.

Christ go Fa -

j œ œ

Come and hear the joyful singing œ

and hear the gels of His and peo - ple,

j œ œ

joy - ful birth are shout in

the harps of of Peace all the mer - ry

j œ œ

the Lord and hell our God

j œ œ

sing - ing, tell - ing, won - der,

Al Al Al

œ œ œ œ œ.

ia! Glo ri - a! ia! Glo - ri - a! ia! Glo - ri - a!

us fa - vour — de - feat Him: a - ma - zing,

Al - le - lu - ia! Al - le - lu - ia! Al - le - lu - ia!

Glo - ri - a! Glo - ri - a! Glo - ri - a!

œ œ œ œ œ.

œ.

j œ œ

heav - en ring - ing: powers ex - cel - ling; 'cel - lo thun - der;

shown not love

is born to to Beth - le ther, Son, and

be our hem and Spir - it

Sav - iour. greet Him: prais - ing.

Al Al Al

le - lu le - lu le - lu

j œ œ œ ú

has can for

œ œ œ œ œ.

le - lu le - lu le - lu

œ œ œ œ œ œ

Al Al Al

le - lu le - lu le - lu

j œ œ œ ú œ

œ ú

j œ œ œ ú

ia! Glo ri - a! ia! Glo - ri - a! ia! Glo - ri - a!

Music: NOS GALAN arr. © John Barnard / Jubilate Hymns, 4 Thorne Park Road, Chelston, Torquay TQ2 6RX <enquiries@jubilate.co.uk> Text: Michael Arnold Perry, 1942-1996; alt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. CCL # 11426131 and onelicense.net # 726591-A

A Prayer for the Evening Stay with us, Lord, since the day is far spent and the night is coming; kindle our hearts on the Way, that we may recognize you in the scriptures, in the breaking of the bread, and in each other. Amen. Please be seated.

Psalm 147:13-21

Magnificat

Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; * praise your God, O Zion; For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; * he has blessed your children within you. He has established peace on your borders; * he satisfies you with the finest wheat. He sends out his command to the earth, * and his word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool; * he scatters hoarfrost like ashes. He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; * who can stand against his cold? He sends forth his word and melts them; * he blows with his wind, and the waters flow. He declares his word to Jacob, * his statutes and his judgments to Israel. He has not done so to any other nation; * to them he has not revealed his judgments. Hallelujah!

Collect of the Day God of David’s fragile house of hope and expectation: in the time of empires, yoµr word is born to those who have no place and sung to those who watch in the wild· ‘ may his birth unsettle our world with hidden glory and untold peace; through Jesus Christ, the Child of Promise. Amen. Please stand.

The Holy Gospel Priest People

John 1:1–18

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, 2

and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 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. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. Priest People

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.

A period of silence is observed.

The Reflection Two minutes of silence is observed following the reflection.

Prayers of the People Holy and Most Gracious God, we pray for our siblings who live in every state of need this night. We pray for those in need of shelter, and the dignity that comes from having a place to call home. We pray for those around the world, around the country, and in this very city who will go to sleep hungry this night. We pray for those who are persecuted and punished for the color of their skin, what they believe, where they come from, how they worship, or who they love. We pray for those whose desperation, vulnerability and innocence are leveraged for profit. We pray for those who are afflicted in body, mind, and spirit, and call out in the night for relief. We pray for those who live in constant fear of violence on their streets, from their skies, in their houses of worship and in their homes. 3

We pray especially for children who have never known a life free of fear and need. We pray for those who have died and see no more, especially for those who have given the last full measure of devotion for the cause of freedom and dignity, that they may find rest in the place you have prepared for them. Grant us, O God, a sense of purpose to use our many blessings, talents, and privilege to house the homeless, feed the hungry, liberate the persecuted and oppressed, heal the sick, comfort the grieving, make peace in our world, and by your grace bring about your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Additional Prayers of Intercession & Thanksgiving Following the Prayers of the People during the instrumental music and hymn, and at any time hereafter, you are welcome to come forward to light a votive candle as a symbol of your prayer. As we see others light candles, we recognize that we are all carrying prayer concerns known to us alone, and we are reminded to treat one another with kindness and care. Tapers and votives are located to the right of the altar and in front of the transept to the left. Please feel free to go to either of these places to light a candle.

Hymn

& b 44 œ .

See! in yonder manger low

j œ œ

1. See! in yon - der 2. Lo! with - in a 3. Sa - cred In - fant,

j œ

& b œ.

œ.

j œ ú

œ.

j œ ú

man - ger low, man - ger lies all Di - vine,

see! the ap - pears ten - der Lamb he who, throned in height sub - lime, thus to come from high - est bliss

& b œ.

1–3. Hail,

& b œ.

Sing

œ J

thou

j œ œ

ev - er - bless - ed morn!

through all

œ.

j œ ú

sa - lem,

born for us on he who built the what a ten - der

prom - ised from sits a - mid down to such

œ.

Hail,

œ.

œ J

j œ œ

is born

j œ ú

œ.

j œ ú

earth be - low, star - ry skies, love was thine,

e - ter - nal years. che - ru - bim. the world as this! a

re - demp - tion's

'Christ

œ.

œ œ

hap - py

dawn!

œ œ ú

Beth - le - hem!'

The Peace The Celebrant says.

The still of night is broken by a baby’s wordless cry; the gods of power are shaken by the nakedness of love; for in his flesh, he makes peace and ends the war of all against all. Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.

The people greet one another in the name of the Lord, after which the people are seated for brief announcements.

Offertory Hymn

& 43 œ

You

&ú

shine

You aresing thethelight thethree world We will entireof hymn times œ

are

the

light

and

dark - ness

the

shall

world let

shine,

ú.

let

Ó.

The people stand.

The Holy Communion The Great Thanksgiving Celebrant People Celebrant People Celebrant People

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.

We thank you loving God, for you did not abandon us or stand far off but came in awful nearness with the urgency of love. In creation’s dawn, you gave birth to all that is; to the people of Israel you revealed yourself a Father and shared the human story. Now we praise you for the Word made flesh born of Mary’s body, nurtured in her womb, cradled in her arms, greeted by her song. 5

The fullness of God dwells in his flesh, a touch of welcome for the one thrown aside, good news of bread for the hungry and poor, a shepherd to find those who are lost. Now we are caught up, body and soul resound with the glory of music divine, echoing through the hallowed earth: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. We ask that your Holy Spirit will fall upon us and upon these gifts that these fragile, earthly things may be to us the body and blood of our lord and brother, Jesus Christ; who, on the night that he was betrayed, gathered with his faltering friends for a meal that tasted of freedom. Calling them to his table, he took bread and broke it and said: ‘this is my body, which is given for you. do this to remember me.’ In the same way after supper, he took the cup saying: ‘this cup is the new covenant in my blood. do this, whenever you drink it, to remember me.’ As on that night, so here and now he offers himself in touch and taste beyond all words can hold. Great is the mystery of faith: Christ has died Christ is risen Christ will come again. Therefore, in our eating and drinking we are filled with the life-giving presence of Christ; we proclaim him as creation’s host, transforming poverty in to plenty in the reckless generosity of love. Inspire us with the hope that one day death and greed will be no more and people without number will come from east and west, north and south to share the kingdom meal. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom and with whom and in whom in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory be yours, Mother of blessings, forever and ever. AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. 6

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking Of The Bread Celebrant People Celebrant People

We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ; We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread. Bread and wine; the gifts of God for the people of God. May we who share these gifts be found in Christ and Christ in us.

Post Communion Prayer Celebrant Let us pray.

We thank you that our hunger finds its rest in him who offers body and blood for the life of the waiting world: earth our wandering spirit and show yourself to us in the face of every other. Amen.

The Blessing May we who have been touched by the Word made flesh be his body for the world, his hands to bring blessing, his senses to glory, in the promise of creation restored; and the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, be with you this night and always. Amen.

Hymn 250

Sixth night

The Dismissal Celebrant Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to

People

you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the Son of God to you. Deep peace, deep peace. Thanks be to God.

Closing Music Traditional Irish Tune Becky Baxter, Music Coordinator and Harpist for The Well Dr. Kimberly Clark, flautist Sally Keller, cellist The Book of Remembrance This week we remember Donald McDonald.

Welcome

Sunday, December 31, 2023 Announcements TODAY 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. Starry Night Express • On Sunday, January 7, stargazers of all ages are welcome to join the Houston Museum of Natural Science in their Discovery Dome. Find constellations, planets, the Moon, and more from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. Each showing is 20 minutes, and will be offered in both English and Spanish. Registration is recommended: www.christchurchcathedral.org/starrynight Epiphany Evensong • On Sunday, January 7, join the Cathedral Choir to celebrate the feast of Epiphany. Invite a friend to start the new year with an evening of beautiful music and prayer. There will be an organ recital at 4:15 p.m., and the service will begin at 5 p.m. in place of The Well. A reception will follow Evensong, and everyone is welcome. Costa Rica Mission Trip • The deadline for registering for the mission trip to Costa Rica is January 12. The mission trip is for adults, high school youth, and eighth graders in confirmation class. To register visit: www.christchurchcathedral.org/youthcostarica Annual Parish Retreat at Camp Allen • Join your Cathedral family for the Parish Retreat at Camp Allen, January 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. 31 and Jan. 7. To register or learn more: www.christchurchcathedral. org/parishretreat Dean’s Hour: Secondhand Religion • Our Secondhand Religion series returns January 14 at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Hall. Dean Katz shares more on spiritual ancestors whom we celebrate as saints, whether living or dead. Annual Parish Meeting • The Cathedral’s annual parish meeting will be held Sunday, January 21 during the 10 o’clock hour in Reynolds Hall. All are welcome to hear an update on the Cathedral and elect new vestry members. Live translation of English to Spanish will be available. After-Hours Emergency Pastoral Care Line • 713-826-5332

Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral! We are blessed by your presence. If you are new to the Cathedral, please fill out the W E L C OM E card in your pew and put it in the offering plate or give it to an usher. Tours of the Cathedral are available after the 5 p.m. service on the third Sunday every month. If you would like a tour, meet the tour guide by the eagle lectern.

Portions of this service come from “Prayers for an Inclusive Church” by Steven Shakespeare, published by Church Publishing, Inc. Please be advised that our services are Livesteamed 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. 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.