Celebrations of Christmas mark one end of the yearly liturgical arc which invites us into the earthly life of Jesus. While the feast of the Nativity is centered upon the occasion of Jesus’ birth to the Virgin Mary as foretold by the prophets, the task of the Christmas liturgies is to recall us, amid all the joyful customs and celebrations, to the central truth of Christ the Word made flesh for our salvation. Festive liturgical celebrations of Christ’s nativity originate at the end of the third century. The Christmas creche and the nativity pageant can both be said to descend from the tableau of Christ’s birth that Francis of Assisi arranged when he celebrated Christmas at Greccio in 1223. The singing of Christmas carols was a medieval tradition, which became notably redeveloped from the end of the nineteenth century onward. Today, we celebrate Christmas once again bound up in the Presence of Jesus made known to us in the Sacraments of the Church. The traditional Latin chant for Christmas immerses us in the joy and wonder of this festal occasion:
O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord, lying in a manger! O blessed virgin, whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia!
The Christmas season is often celebrated for twelve days, ending with the Fest of the Epiphany (Jan. 6). Contemporary use has sought to express an alternative tradition, in which Christmas lasts for a full forty days, ending with the Feast of the Presentation on 2 February. Whatever the tradition, we are meant to remember the sacred and hopeful truth of Emmanuel, “God with us” throughout the liturgical year.
This Week & Upcoming
Vestry Elections Upcoming
Warden and Vestry elections will be held in Jan. 2025. Election packets will be sent out via physical and digital mailings. Candidate statements are available in the back of the church, or online at saintlukesnyc.org/vestry-elections. Candidate Meet & Greets will take place on January 5 & 12 during coffee hours.
The Feast of the Epiphany
Monday, January 6 at 6:30pm
A parish party will be held following the Mass. The Church will provide the holiday hams and drinks, and the parish life team is asking parishioners to contribute holiday sides, cakes. cookies, or other baked desserts to share. Volunteers are also needed to help us prepare the hams, mulled wine/cider, and more on Sunday the 5th after the 11:15 Mass. All are welcome! Please contact Fr. Ancona, Michael Turner, or Jack Spencer for more information.
The Holy Eucharist Rite II
The Prelude calls us to prepare for worship. Please silence your cell phone, end any conversations you may be having, and use the music to mentally bring you into sacred space. Child-care is available for children under age 6; please ask an usher for directions; all children are welcome in worship, and we encourage parents to bring children to Communion.
PRELUDE Noel for the flutes
Louis-Claude Daquin )
A bell sounds. All stand as they are able.
ENTRANCE HYMN 102 · Irby Sung by all, standing.
THE ACCLAMATION
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS Hymnal S280
Robert Powell
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE FIRST READING Jeremiah 31:7-14
Thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.” For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the Lord.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
PSALM 84:1-8
Read by all, remaining seated
How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts! * My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; * by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Happy are they who dwell in your house! * they will always be praising you. Happy are the people whose strength is in you! * whose hearts are set on the pilgrims’ way.
Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, * for the early rains have covered it with pools of water. They will climb from height to height, * and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.
Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; * hearken, O God of Jacob. Behold our defender, O God; * and look upon the face of your Anointed.
THE SECOND LESSON Ephesians
1:3-6,15-19a
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for
you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe.
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
SEQUENCE HYMN 98 · Puer nobis nascitur
Sung by all, standing.
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 2:13-15,19-23
Deacon The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”
Reader The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE HOMILY The Reverend Victoria Lewis
THE NICENE CREED
Said by all
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: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 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. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He 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.
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Prayers of the People are one of the most important parts of the liturgy. We include prayers for the universal Church, the world and our local community, those in need, the sick and suffering, and the dying. In addition to the printed prayers, we are invited to pray for those concerns in our own hearts. You may stand or kneel during this time.
The Deacon reads the intercessions for the parish. Then the leader says In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence
Intercessor For all people in their daily life and work; People For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Intercessor For this community, the nation, and the world; People For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Intercessor For the just and proper use of your creation; People For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Intercessor For the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit as we work towards an anti-racist society.
People For racial justice in our church, our city, our nation and in the world.
Intercessor For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; People For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Intercessor For the peace and unity of the Church of God; People For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Intercessor For Justin, the out-going Archbishop of Canterbury; Sean, our Presiding Bishop; Matthew, Allen and Mary, our own Bishops; and for all the clergy and people;
People For all who serve God in the Church.
Intercessor For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence may be kept. Personal petitions are invited either silently or aloud.
Intercessor Hear us, Lord; People For your mercy is great.
Intercessor We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence may be kept. Personal thanksgivings are invited either silently or aloud.
Intercessor We will exalt you, O God our King; People And praise your Name for ever and ever.
Intercessor We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence may be kept. Names of those remembered may be said either silently or aloud.
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; People Who put their trust in you.
Intercessor We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Said by all Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Celebrant says the Absolution Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
THE PEACE
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
Then the Ministers and People greet each other in the name of the Lord. Then the Celebrant says an offertory sentence.
THE OFFERTORY
After the peace, the celebrant invites the people to offer their gifts to God. This is a time when we are asked to think intentionally about how we can give back to the Church in support of God’s mission in an effort to make our own proclamation of the Good News. It is important to remember that gifts come in many forms including time, talent, and treasure. What gifts can you give to God, and share with others today?
During the Offertory a hymn or anthem is sung. The gifts of money are brought with the bread and wine for the Eucharist to the altar and presented to God.
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Ralph Vaughan Williams
The blessed Son of God only In a crib full poor did lie With our poor flesh and our poor blood Was clothed that everlasting good. Kyrie eleison.
The Lord Christ Jesu, God’s son dear, Was a guest and stranger here; Us for to bring from misery, That we might live eternally. Kyrie eleison.
All this did he for us freely, For to declare his great mercy; All Christendom be merry therefore, And give him thanks for evermore. Kyrie elesion.
OFFERTORY HYMN 247 · Coventry Carol Sung by all, standing.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Celebrant continues
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name.
SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS Hymnal S129
Robert Powell
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Prayer B, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 367
All are invited to stand or kneel while the Eucharistic Prayer is read by the Celebrant. During the prayer, the Celebrant says Therefore, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;
The Celebrant concludes By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,
Said by all
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
The Celebrant breaks the bread. A short period of silence follows.
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Celebrant The gifts of God for the people of God.
HOLY COMMUNION
This is the Lord’s Table; all are welcome to come forward. Please follow the ushers’ directions, coming down the center aisle. Gluten free wafers are available from the Priest on the pulpit side of the altar. If you are not baptized, or do not wish to receive, you are encouraged to come forward for a blessing. Signal this by crossing your arms across your chest.
After receiving Communion, please return to your pew via the nearest side aisle, crossing over at the rear (by the font) as needed.
COMMUNION MOTET
The Shepherd’s Cradle Song Karl Leuner, arr. Charles MacPherson
O sleep Thou heaven-born treasure, Thou, Sleep sound, Thou dearest Child; While angel wings shall fan Thy brow With breezes soft and mild. We shepherds poor are here to sing A simple lullay to our King.
Lullaby, lullaby, sleep, sleep softly, lullaby.
See, Mary has with mother’s love A bed for Thee outspread
While Joseph stoops him from above, And watches at Thy head, The lambkins in the stall so high, That Thou may’st sleep have hush’d their cry.
And when Thou’rt big and art a man Full woe’s in store for Thee; For cruel men Thy death will plan, And hang Thee on a tree. So sleep, my Baby, whilst Thou may, ‘Twill give Thee rest against that day.
POSTCOMMUNION HYMN 480 · Kingsfold
Sung by all, standing.
POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Said by all.
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE BLESSING
May Christ, who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
The Deacon bids the Dismissal.
Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Noel suisse
Louis-Claude Daquin
The flowers and greens at today’s worship service are given in memory of Peter S. Komor by Valerie Komor, the beloved family members of Leslie Evans who have gone before, and in thanksgiving
for many blessings, to the honor and glory of God from Steve Novak, Anonymous and the Kurt Weyrauch Memorial Flower Fund.
SUNDAY JANUARY 5 2nd after Christmas
9:15 am Holy Eucharist*
10:30 am Youth Confirmation Aud
11:15 am Holy Eucharist*
MONDAY JANUARY 6 Epiphany
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist
6:30 pm Feast of the Epiphany
7:00 pm AA Aud
TUESDAY JANUARY 7
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist
7:00 pm AA Aud
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist
6:00 pm Holy Eucharist
7:00 pm AA Aud
THURSDAY JANUARY 9
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist
7:00 pm Friends of Shelly LH
7:00 pm Centering Prayer Zoom
AROUND THE BLOCK
Barrow St. Gardens Open
Monday - Saturday, 10am - dusk
Sunday, 12:00pm - dusk
Thrift Shop Open
Wednesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm.
212.924.9364
thriftshop@stlukeinthefields.org
FRIDAY JANUARY 10
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist 7:00 pm AA Aud
SATURDAY JANUARY 11
2:00 pm Community Closet LH
4:00 pm Art & Acceptance School Aud
SUNDAY JANUARY 12 Baptism of our Lord 9:15 am Holy Eucharist*
10:30 am Youth Confirmation Aud 11:15 am Holy Eucharist*
* Childcare for children ages 6 and under is available.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Sign up for our newsletter: saintlukesnyc.org/newsletter
Consider deepening your relationship with St. Luke’s by pledging your time, talent or treasure. Look for pledge forms in the back of the church. You can also pledge and sign up for volunteer opportunities online at saintlukesnyc.org/pledge.
2025 Stewardship Pledge Campaign
Our annual Fall Stewardship Campaign is underway! This season features Stewardship moments in person and online. There will also be ministry tables set up during coffee hours each week. To learn more about the Fall Stewardship Season, visit stlukeinthefields.org/give.
Donate to St. Luke’s St. Luke’s relies on donations to help maintain and grow mission-centered programming. If you would like to make a one-time donation, scan the QR Code or visit stlukeinthefields.org/give. We welcome both general and restricted gifts, such as our gardens, Concert Series, Outreach Programs, and Clergy Discretionary Fund.
Legacy Giving
Another way you can support the mission of St. Luke’s is through estate planning. Learn more: saintlukesnyc.org/legacygiving Contact: Hannah Sohn, Development and Outreach Manager hsohn@stlukeinthefields.org
Volunteer for a Liturgical Guild!
As we prepare for the Fall season, we welcome you to sign up to be an usher, reader, or acolyte. If you would like to help before and after services, consider the Altar Guild. Contact information for each guild is below.
Acolyte Guild: Michael Cudney (Mcudney55pte@gmail.com)
Altar Guild: Sean Scheller (seanscheller@gmail.com)
Lectors Guild: Amanda Durant (atdurant@gmail.com)
Ushers Guild: Stephen Novak (stevenov13@gmail.com)
Music & Arts: Melissa Cocco (melissacoccomelissa@gmail.com)
LIFE AT ST. LUKE’S
Sermons Online
Sermons are available in audio on the web at stlukeinthefields.org/ sermons.
Antiracism Ministries
saintlukesnyc.org/antiracism
Weekly Book Discussions Mondays at 7pm on Zoom.
Seasonal film screenings and author talks.
See our website for the full schedule.
Daily Office on Zoom
Monday & Wednesday at 5:30pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 8am
Contact: Michael Cudney (mcudney55pte@gmail.com)
Centering Prayer Thursdays 7 pm on Zoom
Contact: Richard (718.698.7514 | interiorsilence@gmail.com)
FORMATION AT ST. LUKE’S
Please see website for our full schedule
Formation for Children and Youth
Sunday School
10:20am in the School Auditorium
Classes for PreK-Grade 5
Youth Formation
Sundays 10:20am in the School Auditorium For Grades 6-12.
Youth Confirmation
For teens Grades 8-12. Contact Mo.
Lewis for more information.
Formation for Adults
Text Talk Bible Study
Sundays 10:20am in the School Dining Room
Catechumens: Ethical Decision Making
Discovery Series
January 12 at 1:15pm in Laughlin Hall
Seasonal Retreats
Lenten Retreat: April 4-6 at Holy Cross Monastery
Contact Lily in the Parish House
OUTREACH
Get more information about all of our Outreach programs on our website: saintlukesnyc.org/outreach outreach@stlukeinthefields.org
Donations to our programs are appreciated: choose “Outreach” in the drop down menu on our Giving Form: saintlukesnyc.org/donate.
Donations can be dropped off to any office or facilities staff member. The Parish Office is open on weekdays from 9am-5pm. Staff are available to receive donations on Saturdays in Laughlin Hall.
Community Closet
Saturdays from 2 - 4pm.
Art & Acceptance
Saturdays from 4 - 7pm
Clothing Donations Wanted
We’re in great need of gently used fall/winter clothing, jackets, sneakers, comfortable walking shoes and boots for men, women and children. T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, sweaters, light jackets, rain gear, umbrellas, backpacks and rolling suitcases, new men’s briefs, women’s underwear, size 6 diapers and period products, travel sized toiletries in bulk (shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, soap etc.) are also in demand. Drop off at St. Luke’s, 487 Hudson St. Mon-Fri 9-5pm.
Check our Amazon wish list seasonally to find the most current needs for our programs. Thank you for supporting Outreach at St. Luke’s! saintlukesnyc.org/outreach_wishlist
Parish Intercessions
Parish Intercessions are read during services and/or circulated to our Intercessory Prayer Group. Persons listed below are prayed for weekdays by name at the 12pm Eucharist and on other occasions throughout the week. Due to the large need, the list is kept to family, loved ones, and close friends of parishioners only; names remain on the list for two weeks. To add a name, provide an update, or to have a name removed from the list, please e-mail prayerlist@stlukeinthefields.org or call the front office at 212.924.0562.
For Those Who are Ill or in Need of Intercession
Michael E. Cericola, father of Caitlin & Michael
Stephen Hammel, brother of Anne & friend of Dan Connelly
For Those Who Have Recently Died
The Rev. Cn. Jerome “Jerry” Nedelka
Leroy, brother of Barbara Rucker
For Those Whose Memorial of Death Falls
This Week
Mabel O’Shaughnessy, mother of Mary
Henry Theodore Vetter, Jr., father of Janet
Lee Hollingsworth
John L Carey, husband of Dorothy
Michael Patrick Schuller, father of David
Scheller-Schuller
Edna Radano, mother of Linda
Dianne Weyers,
For Those Preparing for Marriage
Natalie Bryt & Nickolas Mannarino
Hannah Mix & Grant Hattenhauer
For Those Children Preparing for Baptism
Sigrid Krause-Hurn
For Those Adults in the Catechumenate process
John “Jack” Beeson (Confirmation)
Arin Canfield (Confirmation)
Diana Yichu Cao (Baptism)
Bella Deng (Confirmation)
Robertson McAnulty (Renewal of Vows)
Trent McKnight (Reception)
Grady Tarplee (Confirmation)
For our Parish of St Luke in the Fields
Our Seminarians and those in discernment in this parish
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
The Diocese of New York
Anglican Cycle of Prayer
The Church in Wales
The Church of St. Luke in the Fields
487 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014 | Telephone: 212.924.0562 | Email: info@stlukeinthefields.org Please email any clergy member in the event of an emergency. Website: www.stlukeinthefields.org
The Reverend Caroline Stacey, Rector 212.924.0562 | cstacey@stlukeinthefields.org
The Reverend Andrew Ancona, Senior Associate | 212.924.9327 aancona@stlukeinthefields.org
David Shuler, Director of Music & Organist 212.633.2167 | dshuler@stlukeinthefields.org
The Reverend Victoria Lewis, School Chaplain & Associate 212.924.5960 | vlewis@stlukeinthefields.org
The Reverend Thomas Miller, Assisting Clergy
ADMINISTRATION
Craig King, Director of Business and Financial Operations | 212.633.7817 cking@stlukeinthefields.org
