The Last Sunday of Advent - December 20, 2020

Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE  INCLUSIVE 

CREATIVE  DOWNTOWN

ADVENT 2020

Fourth Sunday OF ADVENT Morning Devotion December 20, 2020 10:00am

 The Liturgy of the Word  Prelude

Do Not Be Afraid

Carol Arends

(Lisa Tucker-Gray)

WELCOME Opening Song

Angels from the Realms of Glory

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1982 Hymnal #93

Candle Lighting Family:

Elizabeth, Darrell, & Liam Cousino, Ayden Tennant & Gerry Wilson We light this fourth candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ.

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all the people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

People:

Opening Collect Priest: People: Priest:

Prayers for an Inclusive Church

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

God of impossible love, you needed Mary to give consent, to bear the scandal, to carry your word within herself: may her courage give hope to women and men who yearn to sing new songs of justice and find the world a dwelling place for God; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

FIRST Reading Reader:

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 A reading from Second Samuel

Read by Chris Nejvara

When the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, "See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent." Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you."

But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.

Reader:

People:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

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PSALm

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

From Psalms for Praying

(Offered Arika Michaelis, Executive Director of Toledo Streets Newspaper) The congregation is invited to join in reciting the Psalm.

I will sing of your steadfast love forever with my Beloved; with forthright voice I will proclaim your goodness to all generations.

For your abiding love rules the universe, your faithfulness extends throughout the firmament.

Your Covenant from the beginning of time encompasses all who choose to walk the path of Love; And to all generations that honor your Word, will Love make Itself known.

You have made yourself known to the faith-filled; You set them on the path of peace.

The Gift You sent to bring redemption invites us to eternal life!

Through the Heart of all hearts, You opened the way to Life.

Your steadfast Love came among us, we will not give in to doubt.

For your Love casts out our fear and gives rise to forgiveness of those who would do us wrong.

Yes, your faithfulness and your abiding love are with us, and in your name we can do all good things.

Through You is our consciousness lifted up, that we might know your Will and live it.

In our gratitude we cry out, “You are the Beloved, the Most High, our very Breath.”

Through You we are born anew, the Spirit of Truth comes to us.

Your enduring love is with us forever, and your Covenant stands firm throughout eternity.

We will know You as Loving Companion Presence now and in the life to come.

Psalm Response: Based on The Magnificat: A Song of Praise

The Work of the People

by Phuc Luu

My soul sings out loud to the Lord, My heart exclaims the work of God, my deliverer.

For God has seen the status of God’s lowly servant, And rightly, from this time forward all the generations will see that I was blessed.

For the Great one has done magnificent things through me And I call upon the mystery of God’s name (con’t) 4

God’s mercy is for those who honor God from generation to generation God has shown the hand of justice By scattering the proud, humbling their haughty thoughts God has brought down the powerful from their high places and lifted up all the lowly God has filled the hungry with God’s plenty and sent away the wealthy with empty hands God has helped God’s servant, Israel to remember God’s rich mercy, In accordance to the covenant made to our ancestors, To Abraham and to his children forever.

SECOND READING Reader:

Romans 16:25-27 A reading from Romans

Read by Lucy Russell

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

Reader: People:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Gradual

In the Bleak Midwinter

1982 Hymnal #112 (Vs 1. Sam Melden, Vs. 2 David Breen Vs. 3 Chris Joseph, Emily Olson, & Lisa Tucker-Gray Vs. 4 Kim Buehler, Chelsie Cree, Grace Hirt & Courtney Rahe)

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.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign: in the bleak midwinter a stable-place sufficed the Lord God incarnate, Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim throngèd the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

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.

THE GOSPEL Celebrant: People:

Luke 1:26-38 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 5

And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Celebrant: People:

Sermon

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Lisa Irwin, Trinity guest preacher UCC Pastor, grew up at Trinity, currently living in the UK at Durham University

The Apostles’ Creed

The Work of the People Please join in sharing the words of The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers of the People

Led by Elizabeth Cousino Based on liturgy designed by the Iona Community & Eggs & Ashes Please join us in sharing the response written in bold.

Intercessor: People:

Spirit of fire, inflame in us a passion for justice and equality. That we may know the cleansing of our prejudices and fears and proclaim your freedom, boldly caressing your Earth with humility.

Hear our prayers for freedom and justice for all.

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Intercessor: People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor:

Spirit of compassion, infuse us with your longings for wholeness and deep joy. That we may reach out to those who are hurting and alienated, enfolding one another with your love and tenderness.

Hear our prayers for healing and wholeness.

Spirit of wisdom, be within us in our journeying, gently guiding us along life giving paths. That we may be led towards transformation and new beginnings in our world.

Hear our prayers for courage to begin again.

Spirit of gentleness, touch us anew, releasing in us all that we are afraid of in this uncertain time. That we may know your acceptance of us, and freely accept and embrace others.

Hear our prayers for peace and acceptance.

Spirit of power, hold us in our powerlessness. That we may know your strength and become a voice for the voiceless, healing for the wounded and empowerment for the weak, and lost, and confused.

Hear our prayers for mercy and grace.

Spirit of judgement, be tender with us and show us your mercy. That we may humbly learn of you and not be afraid to be your prophets in the world.

Hear our prayers for the gift of witness.

Spirit of comfort, draw near to us in all grief, confusion and pain; in your graciousness, bring hope, consolation and renewal. That many may look inside and out and discover you in the midst.

Hear our prayers for consolation and comfort.

People:

Spirit of dance, be our playfulness and source of deep joy. That we may leap and laugh and enter moments of new life as we work to breathe deeply again.

Hear our prayers for gifts of life and joy.

Intercessor: People:

Give us confidence in life and assurance in death.

In God’s many names we pray, AMEN.

The Confession of Sin & Absolution Priest: Let us confess our sins to God. (silence may be kept) Priest 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, 7

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.

Priest:

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.

People: Amen.

The Peace Celebrant: People:

The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

Announcements Offertory A virtual offering plate, titled Sunday, December 20 Offering, has been created on our website’s Online Giving page. Through this online resource, you can make a regular Sunday offering or a pledge contribution: www.trinitytoledo.org/online -giving/ Text to Give is now available! You can simply text 419-OMG-LOVE (419-664-5683) to make your weekly offering.

Offertory

Breath of Heaven

Amy Grant

(Jobst Scholar, Kim Buehler)

Lord’s Prayer The congregation is invited to join.

Led by Cheryl Mack

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.

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Blessing

May the rain fall off your shoulders when you’re caught in a storm.

When the frost comes a callin’ may it find you safe and warm.

May your place be set, and may your promises be kept.

And may you never forget that you are loved.

Sending Song

Let It Be (Jobst Scholar, David Breen)

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be

REFRAIN: Let it be, let it be Let it be, let it be Yeah, there will be an answer Let it be, Let it be, let it be Let it be, let it be Whisper words of wisdom Let it be, Let it be, let it be (repeat)

And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be Let it be, let it be, Let it be, let it be Whisper words of wisdom, Let it be

And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me Shine until tomorrow, let it be I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken-hearted people living in the world agree there will be an answer, let it be For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see there will be an answer, let it be.

REFRAIN

Dismissal Leader: People:

John Lennon & Paul McCartney

Led by the Cousinos Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

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Trinity’s Daily Bread- As a community of faith, we are called to love and be loved; to serve and be served, to give and to receive. In short, we don’t want anyone to “fall behind or drop out.” In this season of connecting in new ways, we are introducing Trinity’s Daily Bread. Please let us know if you need prayer, assistance or connection by filling out our Daily Bread form on our website, www.trinitytoledo.org!

Trinity Episcopal Church Vestry Leadership Donna Steppe, Sr. Warden, Roberta Durham, Jr. Warden Leah Reed, Clerk, Jane Bueche, Treasurer, Jeffrey Albright, Dennis Degnan, Fritz Hany, Bob Meeker & Jamie Paul

Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector Heather Meyer, Director of Operations and Community Development Lynzi Miller, Next To New Manager & Communications Coordinator Nick Zurawski, Sexton Additional Resources & Copyright Info:

Opening Collect: Prayers for an Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare, 2009.

Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary: lectionarypage.net, 2020.

Psalm: Psalms for Praying: An Invitation for Wholeness, Nan Merrill, Continuum International Publishing, 2003 Prayers of the People: based on liturgy designed by the Iona Community & Eggs & Ashes. Video content from Heather Meyer and production by Owen Cappellini Confession of Sin: used with subscription permission through The Work of the People, Liturgy Project https://www.theworkofthepeople.com.

The Apostles’ Creed: used with subscription permission through The Work of the People, Liturgy Project https://www.theworkofthepeople.com.

Lord’s Prayer: Traditional, Spoken Bulletin Image: Artwork from Jan Richardson.

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 permission through purchase of CCLI Copyright license #20577215 Size B Streaming License #20577284 Size B Secular music permission through purchase of CCS WORSHIPcast Copyright license #13190 All printed music from Gather permission through purchase of onelicense.net License # A-700000

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

PROGRESSIVE 

INCLUSIVE

CREATIVE 

DOWNTOWN

316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 243-1231 www.trinitytoledo.org 10 Facebook.com/TrinityEpiscopalToledo

Trinity Episcopal Church Progressive  Inclusive  Creative  Downtown 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH  www.trinitytoledo.org

Trinity Pages

Advent IV December 20, 2020

A special thank you to today’s participants! Each week is truly a labor of love and an expression of the best of what it means to be building up our community.

Readers:

Musicians and Vocalists:

The Cousino Family – Trintiy Members Chris Nejvara – Trintiy Member Arika Michaelis – Community Partner Lucy Russell – Trintiy Member Elizabeth Cousino – Trinity Member Cheryl Mack – Trinity Member Lisa Irwin – Trinity Friend

Sam Melden – Trinity Member Chris Joseph – Trinity Friend Emily Olsen – Trinity Friend Chelsie Cree – Jobst Scholar Grace Hirt – Jobst Scholar David Breen – Jobst Scholar Kim Buehler – Jobst Scholar Courtney Rahe – Jobst Scholar

Please remember those who have asked for our prayers:

Pat Albright Bettye Jo Hansbarger John L., Gladys & Karen Johnson-Webb Olivia Carol Gray Pat Squire Don Keune The Loss Family Wes Paulin Tishie Bozeman Sheilah Wilson Barb Scott Godwin Nosa

Ethan & Alecia Grefe Judy Moon Regina Andrea Parmer Diane Suzanne Ronald B Mitchell

To add your name or the name of someone you love on the Prayer List, please email lynzi@trinitytoledo.org.

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Birthdays

Anniversaries

12/6 Vera Gagnon 12/14 Ellis Gagnon 12/19 Stan Johnson 12/23 Grant Jones

12/11 12/17 12/22 12/30

12/16 – Sam & Lindsey Melden 11

Abby Price Darrell Cousino Kim Tucker-Gray Jane Zohn

12/12 Larry Meyer 12/17 Dave Beckwith 12/22 Alice Todd

12/20 Dave Beckwith & Lindsay Potts

To add your birthday or anniversary to our list, please email lynzi@trinitytoledo.org.

TODAY 12/20, 11:00am, Virtual Coffee Hour – You are invited to join us for a 30-minute virtual coffee and conversation at 11:00am today, via Zoom! Starting this week, we will provide the Zoom MEETING ID on our website and Facebook and the PASSWORD will be shared by Lisa during service announcements each Sunday morning!

Thursday 12/24, 8:00pm, Holiday Toast – Join us immediately following the Christmas Eve service, on Thursday, December 24, for a short time of Christmas celebration and cheer. We will provide the Zoom MEETING ID on our website and Facebook and the PASSWORD will be shared by Lisa during the service announcements.

Saturday 1/9, 9:00am, Men’s Bible Study – All men in the Trinity community and their guests are welcome to join our monthly Bible study. We are gathering via Zoom during this time of social separation. Find the readings and Zoom link here: https://www.trinitytoledo.org/mens-bible-study/

Sunday, 1/17, 6:30pm, Virtual Book Club - Becky Koskinen and Kyle Grefe are looking for folks to be part of a Trinity virtual book club. We will be selecting books that you wouldn’t necessarily find in a religious bookstore; rather, we’d like book suggestions in which we can explore God moments in the book. Currently we are looking at fiction, but that can change if the group so chooses.

Our first book is This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. You may be able to download the book from Libby (a free, public library e-book app), or purchase yourself—we will not have copies available to you.

Our format for discussion will be straightforward: each of us will “grade” the story and then we will explore themes and story lines.

If you are interested in joining us, please let us know. You can email either of us (beckykoskinen@gmail.com or kagrefe@gmail.com). If you want to add a book to our list for consideration at a future date, click HERE. Our first virtual meeting is Sunday, January 17 at 6:30 pm.

The Zoom link will be made available closer to the date. Come join us!!

Next To New Closed – The Next To New resale shop will be closed Dec. 24 through January 7. We will reopen to the public on January 14 at 9:30am. We will maintain our COVID hours of Thursdays, 9:30-2:30 for the foreseeable future. You can still shop our online store; visit our website and Facebook page!

Ukulele Choir - Lisa and Chelsie invite you to join our new Ukulele Choir! We'll begin meeting in January! Sign up on our website www.trinitytoledo.org/ukulele-choir/ and we'll be in contact with you!!

Remaining December Trinity@Home Services 12/21 – The Longest Night Evening Devotion 7:00pm 12/24 – Christmas Eve Service 7:00pm 12/27 – Lessons and Carols 10:00am 1/3/2021 – Epiphany 10:00am Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland will livestream an12 intergenerational Christmas Day service of hymns, scripture, and prayer at 7:00 a.m. on Christmas Day. Visit their Facebook page to watch.