Christmas Eve Pageant 5 p.m.

Christmas Eve: Go tell it on the Mountain!

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Glenside, Pennsylvania December 24, 2023 5:00 P.M.

Welcome to St. Peter’s Tonight, Christians throughout the world celebrate the birth of our Savior. If you are visiting or new to St. Peter’s, we encourage you to fill out a Welcome Card and give it to an usher, so we can send you information on parish happenings. We are so blessed to have you join us! Our mission is to be a community of people rooted in God’s love, growing through God’s grace, and reaching out to all.

We believe that everyone in life is on a journey, searching for meaning and a sense of belonging. Your journey, questions, and hopes are important to us. St. Peter’s strives to be a place of hospitality, joy, and connectedness.

If you would like to speak to a clergy person or learn more about our faith community, please contact the Rev. Barbara Ballenger at Stpeter654rector@gmail.com or call 215-887-1765.

Hymnal Tips: Our service is drawn from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer (BCP), which is red. We also use several hymnals. When songs are referred to simply by number, they come from the blue hymnal. We may also use Wonder, Love and Praise (WLP), which is green, and With One Voice (WOV), which is the thin, blue hymnal.

Facilities: An ADA-accessible bathroom is located off the back vestibule (narthex). Two additional bathrooms are located in the hall off the left entrance to the church (the piano side) Also, feel free to ask an usher for guidance.

Ways to Give: There are many ways to offer financial support for the work of St. Peter’s.

Envelopes for a Christmas offering can be found in the pews. In-person giving occurs at the collection. Feel free to visit our website at www.stpetersglenside.org for secure on-line giving, either one-time or ongoing. You can also use the QR code below:

2

Gathering in Joy Prelude: Merry Carols for Organ

Gordon Young

Opening Hymn: 83, O come, all ye faithful Salutation Presider: Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given.

People: O come, let us adore him.

Presider: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Presider: Let us pray.

Collect for the Nativity

BCP 212

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 Pageant Hymn: 99, Go Tell It on the Mountain (v 1 and 2) As Shepherds Washed their Sheep by Night: The Word of God in pageant form In this retelling from the Gospel of Luke, our parish children have added their own interpretation of what the familiar words mean and what the characters felt.

Reprise Go Tell it on the Mountain (v 3) The Prayers of the People Led by our pageant players. After the reader says “Lord in your mercy,” the congregation responds, Hear our prayer.

Hymn: 100, Joy to the world!

(The people stand)

The Peace Presider: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People: And also with you.

3

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 support the people affected by war in the Holy Land through Episcopal Relief & Development.

Thank you for your generosity.

Offertory Solo: ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime

Jesse Edgar Middleton Tim Flaherty, bass

The Presentation Hymn: 79, O little town of Bethlehem (vv. 1, 2 & 5) The Great Thanksgiving, Eucharistic Prayer B Presider: People: Presider: People: Presider: People: Presider:

BCP 367

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:

Sanctus: S-130, WOV 619a, Holy, Holy, Holy Lord

Marty Haugen

The Presider 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 4

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, Presider and People We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory; The Presider 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. Presider: 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, 5

and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread The Presider breaks the consecrated bread. A period of silence is kept.

Fraction Anthem: WOV 621, Lamb of God

Marty Haugen

Presider: 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 Please join us in gathering around God’s table of grace. You may receive both the bread and wine or just the bread. Please let the priest or Eucharistic Minister know if you would like a gluten-free wafer. Intinction, or dipping the bread in the wine cup, is not permitted for health reasons.

If receiving Eucharist is not your practice, you are invited to come forward and receive a blessing of the church. Please signify your desire for a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest.

Hymn: 115, What child is this Hymn: 89, It came upon the midnight clear The Post-Communion Prayer Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Hymn: 111, Silent Night

Sending Out

The Christmas Blessing May God, who sent angels and shepherds to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.

Closing Hymn: 87, Hark! the herald angels sing The Dismissal Celebrant: Let us go forth in the name of Christ our newborn King! Alleluia!

Alleluia!

6

People: Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Postlude: Fanfare on Mendelssohn

Gordon Young

Special thanks to all who helped write our script and to our Pageant Players (in general order of appearance): Rick DeKalb, Lana Fabijonas, Gabe McCrea, Alyssa Clemens, Henry Bennecoff, Rhys Bennecoff, Kaitlyn Monserrat, Olivia McCrea, Rocco Guerrero, Olive Linke, Kristina Marchuk, Nathan Clemens, Sophia Kelly, Rosalinda Ibañez-Memba, Brodie Memba Ibañez, Alistair McCrea, Josh Brenner, Ben Brenner and all walk-on performers.

Additional thanks to pageant helpers Jenna Linke and Missy Monserrat!

The poinsettias decorating our church this Christmas have been given to the glory of God and in loving memory of… †

Loved Ones by Shirley Smith

†

Theresa Bennecoff, Janet & Victor Walins by the Bennecoff Family

†

Lana’s Grandparents by the Fabijonas Family

†

Frank & Margaret Moeller by Michael Moeller

† Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Relyea; my cousin, Leslie Relyea, Jr.; all of whom are deceasdeceased by James Matejik †

Bruce & Richard Sibley & all Loved Ones by Barbara Sibley

†

Donald N. Stryker by Laurel & David Mosteller

†

Loved Ones by Kate Boyce

†

Family and Friends by Jeanne Robson

†

Loved Ones of the Murphy & Flaherty Families by the Flaherty Family

†

Our Altar Guild Angels: Pat Hoar, Doris DeKalb, Mary Couch, Phyllis Kelley, Marilyn Bryan, Lydia Brauer & Kathy Domenic by Karen Sayer

†

John, Kevin & Frank by Linda Toia

And in celebration… †

By Deborah and Frank Way Announcements Christmas Eve: Tonight’s Choral Eucharist at 9 p.m.

7

The “Music of Christmas” begins at 8:30 p.m. followed by the 9 p.m. Choral Eucharist. This service will offer an interpreter from the Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre (DHCC) to help individuals who are hearing- impaired worship with us!

Christmas Day: Monday, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m.

Tomorrow morning St. Peter’s will offer a quiet 10 a.m. service with pre-recorded music and Eucharist.

Take a selfie with Angel Wings and be featured in our Angel Photo Gallery Before you leave this evening, stop to take a selfie with our illuminated angel wings in the narthex at the back of the church. Send a copy to the office at stpeter654@gmail.com so we can post it on our angel board. Thanks to our tech genius PJ Linke for lending us these hand-crafted wings.

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 Christmas season such a beautiful and joyous one!

Christmas Blessings!

Looking ahead to the New Year: Water Day Retreat for families Saturday Jan. 6 from 10 am to 11:30 am to prepare for the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord on Jan. 7. See the leaflet for details.

Many Thanks to all who supported our wider community this season through the Food Cupboard and Angel Piano Gift Collection.

End-of-Year Giving As we come to the end of the year, we give thanks for the generosity of our community! You’re welcome to fill out a pledge card anytime. Physical cards are available outside the sanctuary and electronic pledge cards can be found on our website or by scanning the QR code below. 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 Our 142nd 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.

8

Worship Ministers Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Barbara Ballenger Acolytes: Max Clemens, Alex Stevers-Radtke Eucharistic Ministers: Kristina Marchuk, Rosalinda Ibanez-Memba Ushers: Rob DeKalb, Anne Gibson, Mary Rivera Vestry Steward: Karen Sayer Altar Guild: Karen Sayer Organist: Kathy Flaherty Tech Team: Mike Levin, PJ Linke, James Moore Vestry Meredith Flaherty: merflah@aol.com (Worship) Jeanné Hannum: jeannefhannum@aol.com (Tenant Relations) Nancy Ironside: ironsidebeall@gmail.com (Outreach) Dave Kipphut (People’s Warden): kipp1152@verizon.net Amy Michener-Wall: adwall@hotmail.com Dave Mosteller: davemos2010@gmail.com Amy Neske: amyh120@yahoo.com (Parish Life) Douglas Pneuma: douglas.pneuma@gmail.com (Faith Formation) Mike Reeve: (Accounting Warden) mreeve1128@comcast.net Karen Sayer: karmaflower@gmail.com (Worship) Linda Toia: (Rector’s Warden): linda.toia@verizon.net Staff The Rev. Barbara Ballenger (Rector) stpeter654rector@gmail.com Charlese Freeman (Communications Administrator) stpeter654@gmail.com Tim Valera (Caretaker) timvalera@gmail.com Kathy & Tim Flaherty (Organist and Choir Director) stpeter654music@gmail.com

9

Credits: Merry Carols for Organ. Contributor: Gordon Young. Used with permission. O come, all ye faithful. Contributor: John Francis Wade, 1711-1786; Frederick Oakeley, 18021880.Tune: ADESTE FIDELES. The Hymnal of 1982. Used with permission. While shepherds kept their watching. Contributors: John W. Work, b. 1901; Horace Clarence Boyer, b. 1935. Tune: GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN. The Hymnal of 1982.

Used with permission. Joy to the world! the Lord is come. Contributor: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748; Lowell Mason, 1792-1872; George Frederic Handel, 1685-1759. Tune: ANTIOCH. The Hymnal of 1982. Used with permission. 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime. Contributors: Marty Haugen, Jesse E Middleton. Tune: Arr. by Marty Haugen. Used with permission. O little town of Bethlehem. Contributor: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893; Lewis H. Redner, 1831-1908. Tune: ST. LOUIS. Used with permission. Holy, Holy, Holy Lord. Contributor: Marty Haugen, b. 1950.

Tune: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord (Mass of Creation). With One Voice. Used with permission. Lamb of God. Contributor: Marty Haugen, b. 1950.Tune: Lamb of God (Haugen 3). Used with permission. What child is this. Contributor: William Chatterton Dix, 1837-1898.Tune: GREENSLEEVES. The Hymnal of 1982. Used with permission. It came upon the midnight clear. Contributors: Edmund H. Sears, 1810-1876; Richard Storrs Willis, 1819-1900 Tune: CAROL. The Hymnal of 1982. Used with permission. Silent night. Contributors: Joseph Mohr, 1792-1848; John Freeman Young, 1820-1885; Carl H. Reinecke, 1824-1910; Franz Xaver Gruber, 1787-1863. Tune: STILLE NACHT. The Hymnal of 1982. Used with permission. Hark! the herald angels sing. Contributors: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788; William H. Cummings, 1831-1915; Felix Mendelssohn, 1809-1847. Tune: MENDELSSOHN. The Hymnal of 1982. Used with permission. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing from Ten Christmas Organ Voluntaries. Contributors: MENDELSSOHN, Gordon Young. Used with permission.

Reprinted/ Podcast / Streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE, License # A719834. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

The cover image from pixy.org is creative commons and used by permission.

Hymn permissions by Rite Song, a one-time use reprint license for congregational use.

10

11

ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 654 N. Easton Road Glenside, PA 19038-4310 (215) 887-1765 E-mail: stpeter654@gmail.com Website: www.stpetersglenside.org

12