Christmas Eve
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Glenside, Pennsylvania December 24, 2020 5:00 P.M.
The Music of Christmas St. Peter’s Adult Choir & Bell Choir Joyce Chen, Minister of Music Kathy Flaherty, Bell Choir Director & Pianist Kathy Flaherty, Meredith Flaherty, Tim Flaherty, Soloists Tess Varley, Violinist Rachael Lipson, Soprano
Fantasia on Greensleeves
Ralph Vaughan Williams Tess Varley, Violin soloist
Voluntary on Angels We Have Heard On High Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Douglas Wagner St. Peter’s Bell Choir J.S. Bach St. Peter’s Virtual Choir
Ding Dong Merrily On High
arranged by Colburn & Willberg Rachael Lipson, soprano Joyce Chen, harpsichord
O Holy Night
Adam Adolphe Meredith Flaherty, soprano solo Kathy Flaherty, piano
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Gathering In Opening Hymn: 83, O come, all ye faithful
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Salutation Celebrant: Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given. People: O come, let us adore him.
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Hymn of Praise: 96, Angels, we have heard on high
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Collect for the Nativity
BCP 212
Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray. Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly festival of the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, the light of the world; grant that we, who have known the revelation of that light, may shine with its radiance so that through us the world may know the wonder and power of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.
Listening for God’s Word The First Reading - Isaiah 9:2-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 96 1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.
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2 Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations and his wonders among all peoples. 4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is more to be feared than all gods. 5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; but it is the Lord who made the heavens. 6
6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary! 7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; ascribe to the Lord honor and power. 8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; bring offerings and come into his courts. 9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him. 10 Tell it out among the nations: "The Lord is King! he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity." 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that is therein. 12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord when he comes, when he comes to judge the earth. 13 He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with his truth.
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Gospel Hymn: 89, It came upon the midnight clear (vv. 1 & 4)
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The Gospel - Luke 2:1-20 Before the Gospel the people respond: Glory to you, Lord Christ. In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So 9
they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After the Gospel the people respond: Praise to you, Lord Christ. Gospel Hymn: 109, The first Nowell (vv. 1 & 2)
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The Sermon
The Rev. Emily Richards
The Nicene Creed
BCP 358
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.
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The Prayers of the People
written by The Rev. Bosco Peters
At the end of each prayer, the intercessor will say, “God of love” and then the people will respond, Hear our prayer. God of darkness and silence, you have pierced the quiet of this night by the utterance of your Word in our flesh. May your word of compassion and reconciliation resound in us and through us. In this holy night angels proclaimed the peace of your unconquered Sun of righteousness. Strengthen all who work for peace and justice. God of love, hear our prayer. In this holy night you came to us in a child cradled in a borrowed bed of straw as there was no room in the inn. Open our hearts to the needs of the homeless and the hungry. God of love, hear our prayer. In this holy night shepherds and outcasts heard your good news. Give us grace to spread your gospel of joy and liberation. God of love, hear our prayer. In this holy night we rejoice at the coming of this time of re-creation. Enrich our rejoicing, and strengthen the bonds between us. God of love, hear our prayer. In this holy night Christians throughout the world are celebrating Christ's birth. Unite us in one family that we may shine with the one light that scatters all our darkness. God of love, hear our prayer. In this holy night your living Word leaped down, shedding light on all who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Give strength and peace to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. We remember this night all on our parish prayer list especially Lynn, Mark, Benita, Jessie, Raleigh, Chris, Tim, Greyson, Mohamed, Jeanné, Ben, Josh, Kristin, Debbie, Angie, Frances, Katie, Bob, Hannah, Art, Doris, Warren, Kathy, Mary, Barbara, Linda, Rhonda, Ruth, all those suffering from COVID-19, and all those we name now. God of love, hear our prayer.
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In this holy night heaven and earth embrace and in your true child you give us power to be your children. Fulfill in your love all who have gone before us in the faith; remembering those who have died, especially those in whose memory the Christmas flowers have been given and all those we name now... May we, like them, remain faithful to the mystery of the Word made flesh and live in your eternal light. God of love, hear our prayer. The Celebrant offers this concluding prayer. Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Peace Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.
Celebrating Holy Communion The Offertory Each year the Christmas offering is divided between St. Peter’s Church and selected ministries beyond our walls. This year we are dedicating a portion of the offering to our five companion parishes in Guatemala who are caring for their communities in the aftermath of two hurricanes. Thank you for your generosity. Offertory Music Organ Prelude “Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen” Choral Anthem “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
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Brahms Praetorius
The Presentation Hymn: 87, Hark! the herald angels sing
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The Great Thanksgiving, Eucharistic Prayer B Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant:
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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 our thanks and praise. 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:
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Sanctus: S-130, Holy, holy, holy Lord
Franz Schubert
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The Celebrant continues We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me." After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me." Therefore, according to his command, O Father,
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Celebrant and People We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory; The Celebrant continues And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with Mary, Joseph, Peter and Philip and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. 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 forever. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, The Lord’s Prayer
BCP 364
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. 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 The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. A period of silence is kept. 19
Fraction Anthem: S-164, Jesus, Lamb of God
Franz Schubert
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People: Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia. The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. The Communion of the People Communion Music: Carol of the Bells
M. Leontovych St. Peter’s Bell Choir 20
Communion Hymn: 111, Silent night
The Post-Communion Prayer during a Time of Separation Priest and people together Lord of the Feast, we thank you for gathering us as your people. We call to remembrance the many times we have been fed at your table and we lament our distance now. Be present Lord Jesus as you were present with your disciples, be known to us in the breaking of the bread, and may your Holy Spirit sustain us and all your Church until we can gather together again. We ask this for the sake of your love. Amen. 21
Sending Out The Christmas Blessing Closing Hymn: 100, Joy to the world!
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The Dismissal Celebrant: Let us go forth in the name of Christ our newborn King. Alleluia! Alleluia! People: Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
St. Peter’s Worship Services Sundays at 10:00 a.m., Livestreaming Holy Eucharist, Rite II Mondays-Fridays at 5:30 p.m., Livestreaming Evening Prayer Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., Healing Morning Prayer Service on Zoom Go to: www.stpetersglenside.org to access all the services.
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The poinsettias decorating our church this Christmas have been given to the glory of God and in memory of…... †
Loved Ones by Shirley Smith
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Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Relyea and Leslie Relyea, Jr. by James C. Matejik
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Frank & Margaret Moeller by Jane Moeller Leffingwell and Michael Moeller
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Bruce Sibley, Richard Sibley, Henry & Gertrude Jones and Walter & Estelle Sibley by Barbara Sibley
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Carol Barr and Mary Lou Richards by Daniel, Emily & Maggie Richards
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Sister Mary Willard Reagan and Amy Ironside by Nancy Ironside and George and Charlie Beall
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Allan & Suzanne Perry, Frank & Chris Hartung by Wendy and Bob Hartung
And in thanksgiving for…… †
The Altar Guild by Donna Kulp and Karen Sayer
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Announcements Our 139th Anniversary In 1881, Russell Smith gave the plot of land on which our congregation’s first wood frame church was built. The building was funded by Thomas Smith (no relation to Russell) and completed in early December. The first worship service was held on Christmas Day in 1881 at 3:00 p.m. A Special Thank You to our Tech Team, Worship Ministers, Altar Guild Members, Flower Arrangers, Choir Members, Musicians, Bell Ringers, and St. Peter’s Staff for making this virtual Christmas season such a beautiful and joyous one! Christmas Blessings, Emily+ Many Thanks! to all who supported our wider community this season through the food cupboard, Mitten Tree donations and Carson Valley Children’s Aid gift cards. End of Year Giving As we come to the end of such a challenging year, we give thanks for the generosity of our community! And we humbly ask that you take a look at your pledge commitment for 2020 and if you are able to fulfill it to please do so by Dec. 31. For those of you who did not pledge or have already fulfilled your pledge, we invite you to consider giving an end of year donation to our community. Particularly during these Advent and Christmas seasons, we appreciate being a part this faith community and what it means for us and our families. Your gifts help us to continue our ministry, creating a place for all who need to experience the light and love of Christ. Thank you for being part of St. Peter’s. Your Vestry.
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The Nativity of our Lord Tonight Christians throughout the world celebrate the birth of our Savior. Our Christmas pageant was written in 1994 for St. Peter’s Church by Elizabeth Lawson. The pageant was written to incorporate the scriptures appointed for Christmas Eve, which remind us that the Messiah’s birth was a strong hope of God’s people and came to Bethlehem though not everyone knew it at that time. It also includes the prayers of the people, with the characters offering a petition that relates to their part in the story of humanity as we worship God and share in the presence of God’s Son, our Savior, Christ Jesus, the Lord. In the birth of Christ we celebrate more than an idea, more than a philosophical truth. We celebrate that, at a specific time and place, he, through whom all was created, came to be part of his own creation and began his life among us as one of us. “In the days of Caesar Augustus...when Quirinius was governor of Syria. . . in the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.” What Isaiah had hoped for in the seventh century B.C. came, bringing light to the nations. “Unto us a child is born. . . his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” In story and song, Word and Sacrament, we celebrate this coming and the call to be God’s people - to return to God who is the source of our life and salvation. Adapted from The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 1998 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Inc.., New York.
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