Fourth Sunday Of Advent - December 24, 2023

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

December 24, 2023 1

10:00am

Prelude

The Pastoral in F Major, BWV 590 Ken Stoops, organ

Welcome

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate

Candle Lighting

Celebrant: People:

Opening Hymn

J. S. Bach

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.

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

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The Hymnal 1982 #66

Collect of the Day Priest: People: Priest:

God 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 come. Amen.

The First Reading Reader:

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

A reading from Second Samuel.

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:

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

Thanks be to God.

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The Psalm

Psalm 80

REFRAIN 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.

REFRAIN 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.

REFRAIN 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.

REFRAIN 4

Psalms for Praying

The SECOND READING Reader:

Romans 16:25-27

A reading from Romans.

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:

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 till 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:

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. 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.

Deacon: People:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate

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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

People

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 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

Grateful Chelsie Cree and Grace Mauk

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Natalie Layne

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

Wayfaring Stranger

LEVAS #19

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I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger, I’m trav’ling through this world below; There is no sickness, toil, nor danger, In that bright world to which I go.

I’m going there to see my father, I’m going there no more to roam; I’m just a going over Jordan, I’m just a going over home.

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I want to sing salvations story, In concert with the blood-washed band; I want to wear a crown of glory, When I get home to that good land.

I’m going there to see my brothers, They passed before me one by one; I’m just a going over Jordan, I’m just a going over home.

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I know dark clouds will gather o’er me, I know my pathway’s rough and steep; But golden fields lie out before me, Where weary eyes no more shall weep.

I’m going there to see my mother, She said she’d meet me when I come; I’m just a going over Jordan, I’m just a going over home.

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I’ll soon be free from every trial, This form will rest beneath the sod; I’ll drop the cross of self-denial, And enter in my home with God. I’m going there to see my Saviour, Who shed for me His precious blood; I’m just a going over Jordan, I’m just a going over home.

Post Communion Prayer (Please rise.)

Prayers for the Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Eternal God, we thank you that in Christ you give yourself into our hands: may we who have tasted life proclaim the coming feast when many will come from east and west, from north and south, to greet the God of all; we ask this in his name. 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.

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Sending Hymn

Prepare ye the way

Dismissal Deacon: People:

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

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LEVAS #11

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 B, 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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