Advent III - December 15, 2019

Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE  INCLUSIVE  CREATIVE  DOWNTOWN

 Holy Eucharist: Rite II  Advent Liturgy: Advent III 

December 15, 2019

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Breakfast 9:00am Eucharist 10:00am

Welcome to Trinity Episcopal Church 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, shame or rejection. We get all of that and believe church can be different. We are a diverse community of seekers, believers, and doubters held together by the hope that together we are better, kinder, and more courageous when we stand side by side and face into the challenges of our lives and in the world together.

We challenge the practices of our tradition that have at times kept others out and instead embrace Jesus’ mandate to welcome all, no exceptions, as a core value. And, we get that if people are brave enough to walk through the doors of a big gothic-looking church in downtown Toledo we better be serious about being explicitly progressive, inclusive and creative in all we say and do.

We love our Episcopal tradition, AND 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, opportunity to serve, class, meal and social time together with humility, grace and laughter all infused with radical hospitality.

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 other at the Table of love set for us week after week.

Welcome Home!

May you never forget you are loved, Lisa Tucker-Gray

Notes about Trinity at Advent SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2019

THE THIRD 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? Each Advent we turn to these questions anew.

(Excerpt from: Daily Prayer for All Seasons, Church Publishing, 2014)

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liturgy of the word

9:00-9:45 Community Breakfast 10:00 Prelude Gathering Song

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(Upstairs, all are welcome!)

Noel

Angels from the Realms of Glory

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Todd Smith 1982 Hymnal #93

WELCOME & Candle Lighting

People Get Ready

Curtis Mayfield

People get ready, there's a train a-coming You don't need no baggage, you just get on board.

All you need is faith to hear diesels a-hummin', You don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord.

Celebrant: People:

We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.

Every valley shall be lifted up and every mountain and hill be made low; The uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.

Collect of the Day Celebrant: People: Celebrant:

People:

(from Prayers for an Inclusive Church)

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray. God of the burning sand and thirsty ground: you called John into the wilderness to announce a new creation far from palaces of royal power; make us ready for your intensity, the judgement that opens our senses to the poverty of our world and calls to life what lingers in death; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come.

Amen.

(Please be seated for the Lessons.)

The First Lesson Reader:

Isaiah 35:1-10 A reading from Isaiah.

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.

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And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Reader: People:

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

Thanks be to God.

Psalm

Psalm 146:4-9

(From Psalms for Praying)

The Psalm will be chanted responsively by half verse. The cantor will begin, and the congregation will respond.

TONE

Blessed are those whose strength is in the Be- / loved, whose trust / is in You, O Divine Lover, Who gave birth to the / universe the heavens, earth, and sea and all that is / within them.

You are ever-faithful, bringing balance and harmony / to earth, nourishment to / body and soul.

You free us from the bonds / of fear; You give insight to those / who would see.

You lift up the faint-hearted, giving / succour to / those who weep.

You watch over those on / journey, sending guides and angels to / lead the way; O, that we might become beacons / of light to those / in darkness.

The second Lesson Reader:

James 5:7-10

A reading from James.

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Reader: People:

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

Thanks be to God.

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Gradual

Winter Song

Ingrid Michaelson

This is my winter song to you.

The storm is coming soon, It rolls in from the sea My voice; a beacon in the night.

My words will be your light, To carry you to me.

Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive?

Is love alive? Is love alive? Is love alive?

The Gospel Celebrant: People:

Matthew 11:2-11 The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind?

What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Celebrant: People:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to You, Lord Christ.

Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

The Affirmation of Faith

From the United Church of Canada

(Please stand as you are able.)

We are not alone, we live in God's world.

We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit.

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We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God's presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.

We are not alone.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

Prayers of the People Intercessor:

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

Walking in the light of the coming Savior, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who await God’s justice (a brief silence). Like a potter working clay, shape and mold our church leaders into vessels fit to serve your people and the world according to your purpose.

Help us remember, O God. Guide us as a shepherd throughout this Advent season; turn us away from the temptations of consumerism and lead us to see and respond to the needs of those in our community.

Help us remember, O God. Stir up your might and bring justice to all lands. Where there is war, bring peace; where there is ethnic strife, bring reconciliation; where there is hunger, provide food; and where there is oppression, bring freedom.

Help us remember, O God. Remember with mercy the children of our congregation, that their excitement and anticipation during this season matures into joy and lasting peace in the revelation of the gift of your Son. Help us remember, O God. God of goodness, all creation proclaims your glory; open our eyes to see your power and majesty in the beauty of our world, and open our hearts to be gentle caretakers of the earth.

Help us remember, O God. God of peace, you promise to turn mourning into dancing. Comfort all who mourn, bring healing to the sick, and give hope and reconciliation to those estranged from family.

Help us remember, O God. (Prayers Continue‌ ) 7

Intercessor: People: Celebrant: People:

Let us pray for our own needs and those of others, including those on our Trinity Prayer List... You may now offer your prayers aloud or in the silence of your heart (pause). Hear us, O God. Help us remember, O God. Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your steadfast love and faithfulness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Confession of Sin & Absolution Celebrant: Let us confess our sins to God. (silence may be kept) 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: People:

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 Christ be always with you.

And also with you.

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Liturgy of the Table ď ˜

Announcements & Offertory sentence Offertory

Christmas Joy (Canterbury Choir)

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Roger Emerson

The great Thanksgiving

BCP Eucharistic Prayer A

God

Celebrant continues‌ ‌Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Sanctus

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord

1982 Hymnal #S129

The Celebrant continues: Holy and gracious Lord: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Creator of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

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On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, 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 we proclaim the mystery of faith,

Celebrant and People: Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O God, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, O God, now and for ever. AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer As 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.

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Fraction

Agnus Dei

1982 Hymnal #S164

Invitation to Communion 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 bread (or gluten-free wafer), 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.

Communion Song

Blessed be the God of Israel

Communion Song

Joy to the World

See Insert Matt Podd

(Women of Canterbury Choir)

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

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Dismissal Celebrant: People:

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

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See Insert

trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE

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INCLUSIVE 

CREATIVE 

DOWNTOWN

Vestry Leadership Alice Todd, Senior Warden Greg Shumaker, Trust Fund Liaison, Jane Bueche, Treasurer Roberta Durham, Clerk, Becky Roth, Administration Commission Chair Dennis Degnan, Property Commission Chair, Robert Meeker, Finance Commission Chair Jeffrey Albright, Donna Steppe, & Jamie Paul, Asst. Treasurer

Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector Nate Leonard, Director of Music & the Arts Heather Meyer, Director of Operations and Community Development Lynzi Miller, Next to New Manager & Communications Coordinator Nick Zurawski, Sexton 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 Opening Collect from: Prayers for an Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare, 2009 Psalm from: Psalms for Praying, Nan C. Merrill, 1996 Readings from: lesson texts of the Episcopal (TEC) Eucharistic Lectionary; lectionarypage.net, 2019 Affirmation of Faith from: United Church of Canada Confession & Absolution from: Enriching Our Worship The Great Thanksgiving & a standard version of the Lord’s Prayer from: Book of Common Prayer, 1977 Bulletin Image from created by: Lisa Tucker-Gray

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH PROGRESSIVE 

INCLUSIVE

(419) 243-1231

Please join us in the back immediately following the service for coffee and conversation.

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Communion Song

Blessed be the God of Israel

Michael Perry

Music: Hal Hopson, (1933- ); Merle’s Tune

Sending Song

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Charles Wesley

.Music: Christian F. Witt’s Psalmodia Sacra, 1715; adano, bt Henry J. Gauntlett, 1805-1876

Order your poinsettia today!

There is still time to place your Christmas Poinsettia order in honor or memory of a loved one. We will list those names in our Christmas Eve service bulletin. You may place your order in a number of ways: you can fill out an order form found at the Poinsettia station, located next to the Columbarium in the back of the Sanctuary, and drop it into the Sunday offering plate or mail it to the church office at 316 Adams St., Toledo, OH 43604. Or you can place your order online by visiting: https://www.trinitytoledo.org/christmaspoinsettia/.

Payment may be made by cash or check (made out to Trinity Episcopal Church) or on our website under the Online Giving tab.

Orders are due by Thursday, December 19, 2019.

Please feel free to take your Poinsettia home after the Christmas Eve services!

Advent III December 15, 2019

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

Trinity Pages Serving this week & Next: Sunday, December 15 9:00-9:45 Community Breakfast 10:00-11:15 Eucharist 11:15 Coffee & Conversation 11:30-12:00 Parish By-Laws Info Mtg.

Advent III My Brother’s Place Trinity Sanctuary Back of Sanctuary Living Room

Monday, December 16 9:30-3:00 Next To New Shop Open 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting

Lower-level Lower-level

Tuesday, December 17 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting Wednesday, December 18 9:00-9:20 Staff Huddle 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting 12:10 Midweek Eucharist

Every Sunday we come together to connect, grow and serve as we walk the way of love.

It takes many hands and hearts, and all are invited to get involved as soon as possible in ways that help grow your faith.

TODAY (12 / 15)

Next Week (12 / 22)

Advent III

Advent IV

Lower-level

9:00 Community Breakfast

9:00 Community Breakfast

Walbridge Rm Lower-level

10:00

10:00

Bread Guild: Taylor Tennant

Bread Guild: Kim Tucker-Gray & Lu Pilgrim

Chapel

Thursday, December 19 9:30-3:00 Next To New Shop Open 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting 7:00 Choir Rehearsal

Lower-level Lower-level Choir Room

Friday, December 20 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting 6:00-7:30 FFT PB&J Making

Lower-level My Brother’s Place

Saturday, December 21

Trinity Offices Closed

Sunday, December 22 9:00-9:45 Community Breakfast 10:00-11:15 Eucharist 11:15 Coffee & Conversation

Advent IV My Brother’s Place Trinity Sanctuary Back of Sanctuary

Birthdays 12/11 Abby Pettit 12/12 Larry Meyer 12/17 Dave Beckwith 12/17 Darrell Cousino 12/19 Stan Johnson 12/22 Kim Tucker-Gray 12/22 Alice Todd 12/23 Grant Jones Anniversaries 12/9 Su & Ian Elliot 12/16 Sam & Lindsey Melden 12/20 Dave Beckwith & Lindsay Potts Email the office at admin@trinitytoledo.org to be added to our list!

Jolene M., Donna S. Dave. B., Wayne N., Amy S. & Dennis D. & Elizabeth C.

Greeter Guild Greeter Guild Bettye Jo Hansbarger Sande & Stan Johnson & Paula Mayes Reader Guild: Reader Guild: Elizabeth Cousino Nancy Colpaert Roberta Durham Amy Saylor Becky Roth Darrell Cousino Chalice Guild: Chalice Guild: Jason Rahe & Mary Wabeke & TBD Mary Beroske Altar Guild: Altar Guild: Sue Smitley Kyle Grefe

11:30 Hospitality: Mary Beroske Counters: Mary Wabeke & Jane Bueche

11:30 Hospitality: TBD Counters: Sherre Smith & TBD

There are specific times throughout the year designated for baptisms. The following are the dates available in 2020: ❖ The Baptism of Our Lord – January 12, 2020 ❖ Pentecost – May 31, 2020 ❖ The Feast of All Saints – November 1, 2020 Inquiries into other possible baptism dates or how to begin the baptism process, please contact Lisa Tucker-Gray by phone at 734-834-0132 or email at lisa@trinitytoledo.org.

If you haven’t had a chance, there are still plenty of paper bags and crafting supplies at the Poinsettia Station and the Kids Area in the Sanctuary ready to be decorated for our special Christmas Eve Luminary display! We invite both young and old to grab a bag (or 5) and give it some holiday love! The bags can be returned to the baskets when you are done!

Please remember those who have asked for our prayers: Bettye Jo Hansbarger Mary Helen Darah Joy Dunn Sheilah Wilson Joni Zechman Mary Wabeke Lilian Schroepfer Marcia Cindy Wood Elizabeth Lawson Please remember those who have recently died: Sue Beckert Please sign the prayer book at the Prayer Station to be added to the Prayer list.

TODAY 12/15, 11:15, Coffee & Conversation – Join us immediately after service for coffee and conversation in the back of the Sanctuary. All are welcome and wanted!

TODAY 12/15 , 11:30-12:00, Trinity ByLaws Informational Meeting – Join members of the Admin Commission at 11:30am in the Living Room today to learn about the proposed by-law revisions that will be voted on at our Annual Parish Meeting. Printed copies of the current and the newly proposed Trinity By-laws will be available for you to read and ask questions about.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend this informational meeting!

Thursday 12/19, Poinsettia Orders Due – Please submit your Christmas Memorial Poinsettia order to the office

by December 19th. Order forms can be found at the Poinsettia station in the back of the Sanctuary (in front of the Columbarium) or on-line on our Website. The names provided in honor or memory of loved ones will be listed in the bulletins on Christmas Eve. Tuesday, 12/ 24, 4:00 & 11:00 – Christmas Eve Services - We are offering 2 services on Christmas Eve! At 4:00, join us for an Intergenerational Service with Pop-Up Pageant and Eucharist. This service is great for kids! Then we will gather back in the Sanctuary at 10:30 for a musical prelude to our 11:00 Traditional Christmas Eve Eucharist.