Advent 4C - December 23, 2018

Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE  INCLUSIVE  CREATIVE  DOWNTOWN

Advent Liturgy: Advent IV

Holy Eucharist Rite II 

December 23, 2018 10:00am

   Invitation & Instructions for  Receiving Holy Communion     Welcome to Trinity Episcopal Church

We are a faith community welcoming all and affirming the many diverse and wonderful ways God has made us. Wherever you find yourself on your journey, know that this is your sacred home today, shared by others who are caring and committed to being a welcoming, expansive, generous, risk-taking community for the sake of finding, experiencing and spreading God’s love. May you find both sanctuary and Sabbath this day, and may you never forget that you are loved.

Here at Trinity we welcome all to the Table set for us at the time of Communion.

Recently, we have made a decision to move exclusively to non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread as a sign and symbol of solidarity with all who are living with addiction and/or are intolerant of gluten. We believe this is a significant statement and gesture to communicate our collective desire to welcome all. This is, of course, still an individual’s choice and simply our attempt to be as radically inclusive as possible.

To receive the gluten-free bread, please put your hands together palms up. To receive the nonalcoholic wine, you may either drink directly from the cup or dip the bread in the cup before eating.

During the time of Communion, we also offer individual prayer at the back of the church and all are welcome to make use of this special time for prayers requests.

The Holy Eucharist SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The Christian calendar begins its new year not on January 1, but on the first Sunday of Advent — which is always four Sundays before Christmas (December 25) and the Sunday closest to St. Andrew’s Day (November 30). Our word “Advent” derives from the Latin Adventus, which means “coming,” and originally referred just to the coming of the feast of Christmas. But over time the season of Advent took on a double meaning. Today it refers both to the “first coming” of Jesus Christ in his birth at Christmas and to his “second coming” at the end of time.

It is important to remember that Advent is not just a season in which we recall an event of the past — Jesus’ birth — but also a time in which we look to the present and the future. When will Jesus come again? When will we see the kingdom of God on earth, as it is in heaven? Of course, no one knows.

And so, the more important questions are: What can we do as the Church, Christ’s body here on earth, to welcome God’s reign of justice and peace today? What can we do as individuals to reorder our lives in the light of God’s love? What would it mean to live as a people who believe in Jesus as the Savior of all the earth and who expect him to come again at the fulfillment of time?

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liturgy of the word  

Prelude Gathering Song

Hail Holy Queen (Canterbury Choir) Love Came Down at Christmas

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The Hymnal 1982 #84

WELCOME Candle Lighting

One Voice

Ruth Moody

Collect of the Day Celebrant: People: Celebrant:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

God made known in the friendship of women, the word of greeting and unseen life enwombed: give us the courage of the teenage mother who brings into the world a song of joyful revolt and a God who needs her love; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

Please be seated for the Lessons.

The First Lesson Reader:

Micah 5:2-5a

A reading from Micah

You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel.

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

Reader: People:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People.

Thanks be to God.

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Psalm

Psalm 80:1-7

The cantor will sing the refrain once before the congregation is invited to join.

Refrain

Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; * shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.

2 In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, * stir up your strength and come to help us.

Refrain 3 Restore us, O God of hosts; * show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

4 O LORD God of hosts, * how long will you be angered despite the prayers of your people?

Refrain 5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; * you have given them bowls of tears to drink.

6 You have made us the derision of our neighbors, * and our e03012nemies laugh us to scorn.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts; * show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

Refrain 1

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The second Lesson Reader:

Hebrews 10:5-10

A reading from Hebrews

When Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.

Then I said, 'See, God, I have come to do your will, O God' (in the scroll of the book it is written of me)."

When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Reader: People:

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People.

Thanks be to God.

GraduaL Please stand as you are able.

In the Bleak Midwinter (Verses 1&4)

The Hymnal 1982 #112

1.) In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

4.) What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb, if I were a wise man, I would do my part, yet what I can I give him- give my heart.

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The Gospel Celebrant: People:

Luke 1:39-55 The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Celebrant: People:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to You, Lord Christ.

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Sermon

Becky Roth, Trinity Member

Affirmation of Faith

(From Iona, A Wee Worship Book)

Please stand as you are able.

We believe in the God of Life, who creates and loves people, who acts in history.

We believe in Jesus of Nazareth, who is our brother, who wants not to be idolized but to be followed.

We believe that we dwell in the presence of the Holy Spirit; without Her we are nothing; filled with Her we are able to become creative, lively and free.

We believe in the Church of Jesus Christ, a community where we find companions and courage for the struggles of life, where we grow in our understanding of the faith, through worship, prayer, nurture and service.

We believe that God has a use for us in this time and place, that though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we are called to be instruments of God’s peace.

We believe in living, hoping, laughing, and enjoying the good of the earth.

We believe that people can change, and that God keeps pulling us to life and to a new world of joy and peace. Amen.

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Prayers of the People Intercessor:

People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor:

People: Intercessor:

People: Intercessor: People: Celebrant:

Walking in the light of the coming Savior, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who await the dawn of God's justice.

O God, who by your Spirit prepares the way, make us ready to receive the Light of Lights, and enable us to engage our Advent waiting with courage.

We pray to the Lord, show us your light.

Anoint the whole church with your Spirit so that we may proclaim your freedom where we see captivity and oppression.

We pray to the Lord, show us your light.

Make us sensitive to the needs of the whole human family, the unemployed, the homeless, the addicted, the brokenhearted and all who are ill or who are grieving losses in this season of celebration, especially those we now name...

We pray to the Lord, show us your light.

Give us strength to cry out into the wilderness of our world that in Jesus you have come to bind up, to heal, and to forgive. For those on our Trinity prayer list especially‌ and others we name silently or aloud‌ Hear our prayers.

We pray to the Lord, show us your light.

United with those who have gone before in the communion of saints, may we walk in the light of your eternal presence now and forever.

We pray to the Lord, show us your light.

Show us your light, O God, and bring us to see the day of our redemption, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession of Sin Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Celebrant and People: God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.

Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.

Amen.

The Peace Celebrant: People:

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

Announcements 9

Liturgy of the Table

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Offertory sentence Offertory

Ave Maria (Canterbury Choir)

Franz Biebl

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 our thanks and praise.

Celebrant: Truly it is right and good to glorify you at all times and in all places, by offering you our thanksgiving, O Lord. You spoke and the light shattered darkness, order arose from confusion. You breathed into the dust of the earth and we were formed in your image.

Through your Son, our Lord Jesus, you came to us while we wandered. He met us as a refugee, a threatened child. He called us by name to leave what is comfortable to be his disciples, friends and partners.

With his outstretched arms on the cross, and through his death he bore our sins and through his resurrection we are saved. And through your Holy Spirit you brood over the chaos we create, mothering us and shaping a new creation.

You enlighten everyone coming into the world. You inspired the prophets and the apostles to find the right word at the right time. You liberate, equip and commission your people for the continuance of your mission to make everything new.

Therefore, with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we proclaim and sing your glory:

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Sanctus

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord

The Hymnal 1982 #S130

The Celebrant continues: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night in which he was betrayed, took the bread and when he had given thanks to you, broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat: this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

The same way after supper, he took the cup and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying: 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. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.

Celebrant and People: Lord, we commemorate your death on the cross, we celebrate your resurrection and we await your coming.

The Celebrant: Eternal God, let your Holy Spirit move in power over us and over these earthly gifts of bread and wine, that they may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ, and that we may become one in him.

May his coming in glory find us ever watchful in prayer, strong in truth and love, and faithful in the breaking of the bread. Then, at last, all peoples will be free, all divisions healed, and with your whole creation, we will sing your praise, through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Celebrant:

And now, 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.

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.

Fraction

Lamb of God: Agnus Dei

The Hymnal 1982 #S164

Invitation Celebrant: People:

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast.

Celebrant:

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Holy food for holy people.

(Please be seated until you are invited to come forward to receive communion.)

We welcome ALL to come forward to receive Communion as a sign of God’s love in and for our lives.

To receive the gluten-free bread, please put your hands together, palms up. To receive the non-alcoholic wine, you may either drink directly from the cup or dip the bread in the cup before eating. If you are unable to come forward and wish to have Communion brought to you, please inform a greeter.

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Need prayer for yourself or someone else? During communion, come to the prayer station near the back of our worship space.

Prayers may be requested for healing, medical procedures, safe travels, and more. Blessings for birthdays, anniversaries, and other events may also be requested. This can also be a time of quiet prayer for you to seek out God's love in silence.

There is also a basket where you can write down your prayer requests; the team will keep you in their prayers.

All are welcome to take advantage of this opportunity, but no one is required; know that you are welcome and wanted just as you are.

Communion Music

Virgin’s Slumber Song (Denise Ritter-Bernardini) Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

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Max Reger

The Hymnal 1982 #66

The Post Communion Prayer

Please stand as you are able.

Eternal God, you have graciously accepted us as living members of 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 Savior. Amen.

Blessing Sending Song

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

(Congregation joins on the refrain printed below.)

And the bells are ringing (peace on earth) Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth) In my heart I hear them (peace on earth) Peace on earth, good will to men!

Dismissal Celebrant: People:

Let us go forth rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.

Thanks be to God.

Postlude

Three-Fold Amen

Danish

Parish Staff

Vestry Leadership

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector Nate Leonard, Director of Music & the Arts Heather Meyer, Director of Operations & Community Development Lynzi Miller, Next to New Manager and Communications Coordinator Amy Saylor, Seminarian Jane Bueche, Parish Accountant Elizabeth Cousino, Special Projects Coordinator Alma Shebib, Nursery Attendant CJ Meeks, Parish Verger

Alice Todd, Senior Warden Becky Roth, Junior Warden Greg Shumaker, Treasurer Jamie Paul, Asst. Treasurer Darrell Cousino Dennis Degnan Jill Hunt Karen Johnson-Webb Tim Reeder

Copyright Info: All printed music from The Hymnal 1982, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, My Heart Sings Out, Wonder, Love, and Praise was used by permission through purchase of riteseries.org.

All other printed music is used by permission through purchase of CCLI #11294600 All printed music from Gather was used by permission through purchase of onelicense.net License # A-700000

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Trinity Episcopal Church

Advent 4C December 23, 2018

Progressive  Inclusive  Creative  Downtown 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH trinitytoledo.org 419-243-1231

Trinity Pages #LOVE IS THE WAY!

This week (12/23)

Good morning and “welcome home” to Trinity!

Whether you are new to our community or have found yourself coming back again and again, we want you to know you are both welcome and wanted here among us.

For some, church is as comfortable and familiar as a good pair of jeans, or like coming back to your childhood home (if it is one filled with good memories). For others, church might be like visiting a foreign country where you experience unfamiliar language or customs. And then, sadly, for some church has become equated with feelings of hurt, rejection, or shame. We get all of that, and believe that church can be different.

We hold in real tension the beauty of our tradition with Jesus’ mandate to welcome all, no exceptions.

And we get that if people are brave enough to walk through the doors of a big, Gothic-looking church in downtown Toledo, we’d better be serious about being progressive, inclusive and creative.

We love our Episcopal tradition, but we love people from all walks of life even more. It is our hope and prayer that together we will navigate our way through each gathering, worship service, outreach activity, class, meal and social time with humility, grace and laughter.

So thank you for being here today; for trusting the yearning that brought you through those ancient doors.

May we all find our way into the heart of God’s love as we make room for each and all of us at the Table of love we set together week after week.

May you never forget you are loved,

Lisa (lisa@trinitytoledo.org) (Rector)

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Next Week (12/30)

10:00 Service 10:00 Service Reader Guild: Reader Guild: Dave Beckwith Sherre Smith Bettye Jo Hansbarger Bob Meeker Pat Squire Becky Roth Elizabeth Cousino Liturgical Assistants: Darrel Cousino Mary Wabeke Pat Squire Mary Beroske Terry Kahler Altar Guild: Jamie Paul

Altar Guild: Amy & Keith

Bread Guild: Jolene Miller

Greeter Guild: Lucy Russell

Greeter Guild: Katherine Dzenis Vestry Close: Darrell Cousino Hospitality: 9a Kim & Nancy C. 11:15a Amy & Dennis

December Birthdays 17 17 19 21 22 22 30

Dave Beckwith Darrell Cousino Lucy Russell Courtney McClellan, II Alice Todd Kim Tucker-Gray Jane Zohn

Vestry Close: Dennis Degnan Hospitality: 9a Elizabeth Cousino 11:15a Alice & Sherre

Altar Flowers Given for the Glory of God If you are interested in an altar flower dedication, email the office. trinity@trinitytoledo.org

THIS WEEK

Announcements TODAY Sunday 12/ 23, 11:30-12:30 During Advent we have offered a range of speakers/presentations to honor our Advent theme from our year-long program focus on Reclaiming Jesus. The focus this season is: “We believe we are made in the image of God”. Today’s presentation is about the new Food For Thought initiative, led by Scott Delaney, and will take place in My Brother’s Place on the 2nd floor.

SAVE THE DATE(S) Monday 12/ 24, 5p & 11p – Christmas Eve Services  5pm Join us for a 45-minute service of familiar songs and the Christmas story told by all of us together. Childcare will be provided for this service.  10:30pm Choral Prelude featuring Canterbury Choir and Jobst Scholars.  11pm Service is a traditional celebration of the Eucharist as we rejoice in the birth of Christ this holy night.

All are welcome and wanted!

Sunday 12/ 30, 10a – Lessons & Carols Celebrate the birth of Jesus for a combined Christmastide Lessons and Carols!

Called to Serve?

Sunday, December 23 9:00-10:00 Breakfast 9:15-9:45 Lovingkindness Meditation 10:00-11:15 Worship 11:30-12:30 Made in the Image of God Series: Food For Thought 3:30-5:30 Universal Orthodox Worship 5:00-6:30 Small Advent Group Monday, December 24 Next to New Shop Closed 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting

Office Closed

Tuesday, December 25 Merry Christmas AA Meeting Cancelled

Office Closed

Wednesday, December 26 AA Meeting Cancelled Healing Eucharist Cancelled

Office Closed

Thursday, December 27 Next to New Shop Closed 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting

Office Closed

Friday, December 28 Office Closed 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting 6:00-7:30 Food for Thought (PBJ Making) Saturday, December 29

Sundays at 9a - Community Breakfast Ministry Are you interested in preparing, serving or hosting Sunday morning breakfast up in My Brother’s Place? If so, please contact Kim Henkel at kimberlyhenkel@hotmail.com.

Trinity Prayer List

Office Closed

Sunday, December 30 9:00-10:00 Breakfast 10:00-11:15 Lessons & Carols Worship 3:30-5:30 Universal Orthodox Worship

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Please remember those who have asked for our prayers: Kim Knuff Yvonne Soldan Lou Woellner Brenda Kuntz Mark Childers Amira Holly To have your name or the name of someone you love on the Prayer List, please contact the office at trinity@trinitytoledo.org.

Office Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00-4:00pm Email: trinity@trinitytoledo.org

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PROGRESSIVE INCLUSIVE CREATIVE DOWNTOWN 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 243-1231 www.trinitytoledo.org Facebook.com/TrinityEpiscopalToledo