First Sunday of Advent - December 1, 2023

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

December 3, 2023 1

10:00am

Prelude

Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending

Wilbur Held

(Ken Stoops, organ)

Welcome

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate

Advent Wreath 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.

My Lord, What a Morning

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LEVAS #13

Collect of the Day Priest: People: Priest:

Prayers for an Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare

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.

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The First Reading Reader:

Isaiah 64:1-9

A reading from Isaiah.

O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence-as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil-to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence!

When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.

From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.

You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways.

But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.

We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD, and do not remember iniquity forever.

Now consider, we are all your people.

Reader: People:

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

Thanks be to God.

The Psalm

Psalm 80

All are invited to join on the refrain. A soloist will offer the verses.

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Psalms for Praying

REFRAIN Eternal Listener, give heed to your people, You, who are our Guide and our Light!

You, who dwell amidst the angels, shine forth into the heart of all nations!

Enliven your people with compassion that peace and justice might flourish.

Restore us, O Holy One; let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!

Gentle Teacher, help us to turn to You in prayer, fasting from our negative thoughts.

REFRAIN In your steadfast Love, You weep with our tears, tears that rise from fear, doubt, and illusion.

You uphold us when we feel the sting of pride, when our anxiety threatens to paralyze us.

Restore us, O Holy One; let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!

May those who have borne the fruit of love radiate your Spirit into the world!

May we always walk and co-create with You; receive the gratitude of our hearts, as we share in the Great Plan!

Restore us, O Holy One! Let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!

REFRAIN

The SECOND READING Reader:

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

A reading from First Corinthians.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind-- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reader: People:

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

Thanks be to God.

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

The Gospel Deacon: People:

Mark 13:24-37

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

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, “In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

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

Does the World Say? (Trinity Choir)

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Kyle Pederson

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

Mass of New Beginnings

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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

Desert Song

Post Communion Prayer (Please rise.)

See insert.

Chelsie Cree

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Heavenly Creator, thank you for blessing us by sharing in the gift of the outward and visible sign of our covenant with you. Now send us out into the world to do your great work, where even in the 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

There’s a Voice in the Wilderness

Dismissal Deacon: People:

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

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See insert.

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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