Second Sunday After Advent - December 10, 2023

The Second Sunday of Advent Eucharist Rite II (Expansive Language Version)   

December 10, 2023 1

10:00am

Prelude

O Come O Come Emmanuel

arr. by Raymond H. Haan

(Ken Stoops, organ)

Welcome

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate

Candle Lighting

Celebrant: People:

Opening Hymn

Christ Be Our Light

Spirit and Song 1, #105

We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ.

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

The Hymnal 1982 #56

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O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

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O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

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O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

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O come, thou Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by thy drawing nigh; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadow put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

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Collect of the Day Priest: People: Priest:

God be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

God of unveiled truth, faithful flame in times of darkened sun and waning moon: lift up our unknowing hearts, and waken our sleeping love to announce the coming dawn of unexpected peace; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

The First Reading Reader:

Isaiah 40:1-11

A reading from Isaiah.

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.

All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever.

Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.

He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.

A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 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.

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

A voice says, “Cry out!”

And I said, “What shall I cry?”

Reader: People:

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

Thanks be to God.

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The Psalm

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

REFRAIN O Beloved, how gracious You are to your people; You restore their souls time and time again.

You forgive their distractions when they wander far from You; You give them new Life.

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will embrace one another.

Wisdom will spring up from the ground and truth will look down from the sky.

Yes, the Eternal Giver will grant what is good, and the lands will yield abundantly.

Mercy and compassion are Love’s way; You will guide our footsteps upon the path of peace as we recognize with open hearts that You are our peace.

Listen, O people, in the silent Chapel of your heart; and the Beloved will speak of peace to you, to the hidden saints, to all who turn their hearts to Love.

Surely new life is at hand for those who reverence Love; O, that harmony might dwell among the nations.

REFRAIN

REFRAIN

The SECOND READING Reader:

Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill

2 Peter 3:8-15a

A reading from Second Peter.

Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

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Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Reader:

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

Thanks be to God.

People:

Sequence All are invited to join.

Thy Word is a Lamp

Augsburg Hymns for Worship

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, still you’re right there beside me, And nothing will I fear as long as you are near, please be with me til the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

The Gospel Deacon: People:

Mark 1:1-8

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Mark.

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Deacon: People:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate

Musical Reflection

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The Affirmation of Faith (Please rise.)

Liturgy for the Whole Church: Multigenerational Resource

We believe in God who said, “Let there be light,” and there was!

With that light, God made the world and all people in whom, and through whom, the Light burns on, strong and true.

We believe!

We believe in Jesus, the true Light, who went down to darkness to overcome death, and rose again, to unveil our own brightness, in the victory of whose love a path shines home to God’s heart where all will live forever.

We believe!

We believe in the Spirit, blazing with hope, speaking the truth into every darkness, warming our lives with God’s gifts and call.

We believe!

We believe in the church, where God’s Light is praised, and from where we are sent to love and serve the world.

We believe!

We ask today that a gentle breath blow from above on the light that is in us, the light that is among us, and enflame us anew with the courage of love.

Enflame us, O God! Amen.

The Prayers of the People Leader People Leader People Leader People Leader

People Leader

People

Emily Williams Guffey Creator of the stars of night, which keep watch when our own faith is dim: Awaken hope and kindle our longing for your return. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set your people free: Release us from our sins and fears, that we may live in your light and truth. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

O come, Desire of nations: bind in one the hearts of humankind. Dissolve our sad divisions, and strengthen us to work for peace. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

Comfort all who sit in the darkness of illness, grief, or distress, especially those we now name: (all are invited to offer, aloud or silently, names of those in need) Speak to them your peace, which passes all understanding. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

Welcome into your glory those we love but see no longer, especially those we now name: (all are invited to offer, aloud or silently, names of those who have died) May light perpetual shine upon them, bright as sun and moon together. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.

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Leader With the angels who announce your coming with shouts of joy, let us name the blessings of our lives: (all are invited to offer, aloud or silently, prayers of thanksgiving) You have lifted up our lowliness in many marvelous ways. Lord, in your mercy People Hear our prayer.

Celebrant Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay; give new courage to your people, who trust in your love. By your coming, raise us to share in the joy of your kingdom on earth as in heaven, where you live and reign, one God for ever and ever.

People Amen.

The Confession and Absolution

Liturgy for the Whole Church

Deacon:

Let us confess our sins to God.

Deacon: People: Deacon:

Emmanuel, we want to believe you are with us, dwelling in this and every moment, But we pine for the past and rush toward the future.

We want to be found wide awake, alert with love, as you appear in this and every moment, But we slumber through and laze away the miracle of ordinary days.

We want to wait for you alone, with desire and hope, But our trust fails, our longing grows cold, and our hope dims.

We want to make room in our hearts, a safe and warm place, for you to be born, But we close our hearts, and harden them to you and your people.

We confess our failures at love.

We are sorry; we ask your forgiveness.

People: Deacon: People: Deacon: People: Deacon: People:

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 Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

THE PEACE Celebrant: The peace of Christ be always with you.

People: And also with you.

Announcements & Offertory Invitation Loose offerings (cash or checks) can be placed in the Offertory Plate when it is passed.

To give online, use the attached QR code or visit www.trinitytoledo.org/online-giving/, choose GIVE NOW and today’s date. You can also text the word “Give” to 419-OMG-LOVE (419-664-5683) to make your weekly offering.

Offertory

All is Quiet (Trinity Choir)

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Josh Sparkman

Eucharistic Prayer Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People: Celebrant: People:

Book of Common Prayer (Expansive Language Version)

God 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: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again with power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing. 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

The Sound of My People

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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 Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. For in these last days you sent Jesus to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In Christ, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In Christ, 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 Savior 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 Jesus 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, Celebrant and People We remember Christ’s death, We proclaim Christ’s resurrection, We await Christ’s coming in glory; And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Savior 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 in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through whom we are acceptable to you, 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 [ _______ and] all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your people; through Jesus Christ our Savior, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and for ever. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray: 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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The Fraction: Breaking of the Bread Celebrant: People: Celebrant:

Enriching Our Worship

We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ.

We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.

The Gifts of God for the people of God; holy food for holy people.

Invitation to Communion Please be seated until you are invited to come forward to receive communion. We offer both bread and non-alcoholic wine at the time of communion. BREAD- please extend your hands to receive a piece of bread (or ask for a gluten-free cracker) WINE- we ask that you drink from the chalice as it is offered to you. Please let an usher know if you would like the bread/wine brought to you and if you would like a gluten free option.

Communion Song

Maybe/Tomorrow

Maybe far away Or maybe real nearby He may be pouring her coffee She may be straightening his tie Maybe in a house All hidden by a hill She's sitting playing piano He's sitting paying a bill Betcha they're young Betcha they're smart Bet they collect things Like ashtrays and art Betcha they're good Why shouldn't they be?

Their one mistake Was giving up me So maybe now it's time And maybe when I wake They'll be there calling me "baby" Maybe Betcha he reads (Betcha he reads) Betcha she sews (Betcha she sews) Maybe she's made me a closet of clothes (Closet of clothes) Maybe they're strict As straight as a line Don't really care As long as they're mine So maybe now this prayer's (Maybe now this prayer's) The last one of it's kind Won't you please come get your "baby" Won't you please come get your "baby" Maybe

from Annie by Andrea McArdle

The sun'll come out Tomorrow Bet your bottom dollar That tomorrow there'll be sun Just thinkin' about Tomorrow Clears away the cobwebs And the sorrow 'til there's none When I'm stuck with a day That's gray and lonely I just stick out my chin And grin and say, oh The sun'll come out Tomorrow So ya gotta hang on 'Til tomorrow come what may Tomorrow, tomorrow I love ya tomorrow You're always, a day away The sun'll come out Tomorrow So ya gotta hang on 'Til tomorrow come what may Tomorrow, tomorrow I love ya tomorrow You're always, a day away Tomorrow, tomorrow I love ya tomorrow You're always, a day away

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Post Communion Prayer (Please rise.)

Chelsie Cree

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Heavenly Creator, you have blessed us with the gift of sharing in the outward and visible sign of the covenant you have made with us. Now send us out into the world to do the work you have given us to do, where in darkness once cold hands and feet can become warm again; through the teachings of your son, Jesus Christ: the hearth and hope of the world.

Amen.

Blessing

Dear Evan Hansen Even when the dark comes crashing through When you need a friend to carry you When you’re broken on the ground You will be found So let the sun come streaming in You’ll reach up and rise again Lift your head and look around You will be found

Celebrant: May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path, and the blessing of God Almighty, Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Sending Hymn

Soon and Very Soon

Soon and very soon we are going to see the king Soon and very soon we are going to see the king Soon and very soon we are going to see the king Hallelujah hallelujah We are going to see the king

No more crying there we are going to see the king No more crying there we are going to see the king No more crying there we are going to see the king Hallelujah hallelujah We are going to see the king

Soon and very soon we are going to see the king Soon and very soon we are going to see the king Soon and very soon we are going to see the king Hallelujah hallelujah We are going to see the king

No more dying there we are going to see the king No more dying there we are going to see the king No more dying there we are going to see the king Hallelujah hallelujah We are going to see the king

Dismissal Deacon: People:

Go in peace to and serve our Loving, Liberating, Life-Giving God! Thanks be to God. 11

Andrae Crouch

Vestry Leadership Donna Steppe, Sr. Warden, Jeffrey Albright, Jr. Warden Karen Keune, Clerk, Margaret Baehern, Treasurer Dennis Degnan, Becky Koskinen, Fritz Hany, Gary Franklin, Leah Reed & Jamie Paul

Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate, Interim Rector The Rev. Dcn. Meribah Mansfield, Deacon The Rev. Robert Gahler, Assisting Priest, Retired Heather Meyer, Director of Operations George M. Benson, Director of Community Engagement Chelsie Cree, Director of Music and the Arts Grace Mauk, Assistant Director of Music and the Arts ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & COPYRIGHT INFO: Collect of the Day: Prayers for an Inclusive Church, Steven Shakespeare.

Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary Psalm: From Psalms for Praying © 2007 Nan C. Merrill, Reprinted with permission of the publisher The Great Thanksgiving: The Book of Common Prayer, #2, Expansive Language Version.

Lord’s Prayer: Traditional.

Bulletin Images: Swanson, John August. Festival of Lights, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56546 [retrieved November 13, 2023]. Original source: Estate of John August Swanson, https://www.johnaugustswanson.com/.

Fraction, Breaking of the Bread: Enriching Our Worship.

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

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