Advent 3C - December 16, 2018

Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE  INCLUSIVE  CREATIVE  DOWNTOWN

Advent Liturgy: Advent III

Holy Eucharist Rite II 

December 16th, 2018 10:00am

    Invitation & Instructions for Receiving Holy Communion     Welcome to Trinity Episcopal Church

We are a faith community welcoming all and affirming the many diverse and wonderful ways God has made us. Wherever you find yourself on your journey, know that this is your sacred home today, shared by others who are caring and committed to being a welcoming, expansive, generous, risk-taking community for the sake of finding, experiencing and spreading God’s love. May you find both sanctuary and Sabbath this day, and may you never forget that you are loved.

Here at Trinity we welcome all to the Table set for us at the time of Communion.

Recently, we have made a decision to move exclusively to non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread as a sign and symbol of solidarity with all who are living with addiction and/or are intolerant of gluten. We believe this is a significant statement and gesture to communicate our collective desire to welcome all. This is, of course, still an individual’s choice and simply our attempt to be as radically inclusive as possible.

To receive the gluten-free bread, please put your hands together palms up. To receive the nonalcoholic wine, you may either drink directly from the cup or dip the bread in the cup before eating.

During the time of Communion, we also offer individual prayer at the back of the church and all are welcome to make use of this special time for prayers requests.

The Holy Eucharist SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2018

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?

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liturgy of the word  

Prelude Gathering Song

We Three Kings Lo! He Comes, With Clouds Descending

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arr. Nate Leonard The Hymnal 1982 #58

WELCOME Candle Lighting

One Voice

Ruth Moody

Collect of the Day Celebrant: People: Celebrant:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

God of flood and fire, calling us to turn from dead halls echoing with greed: may the gift of your spirit come to us from another place, burning with life and hope that will not be quenched; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

Please be seated for the Lessons.

The First Lesson Reader:

Zephaniah 3:14-20

A reading from Zephaniah

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!

The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies.

The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak.

The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.

I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it.

I will deal with all your oppressors at that time.

And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.

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At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD. Reader: People:

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

Thanks be to God.

Canticle 9

BCP, pg. 86

The cantor will sing the refrain once before the congregation is invited to join.

Refrain

Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing * from the springs of salvation.

And on that day you shall say, * Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; Make his deeds known among the peoples; * see that they remember that his Name is exalted.

Refrain Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, * and this is known in all the world.

Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, * for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Refrain

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The second Lesson Reader:

Philippians 4:4-7

A reading from Philippians

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reader: People:

Gradual

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

Thanks be to God. In the Bleak Midwinter (Verses 1&4)

The Hymnal 1982 #112

1.) 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.

4.) 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 3:7-18 The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to 6

clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Celebrant: People:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to You, Lord Christ.

Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

Affirmation of Faith

(From Iona, A Wee Worship Book)

Please stand as you are able.

We believe in the God of Life, who creates and loves people, who acts in history.

We believe in Jesus of Nazareth, who is our brother, who wants not to be idolized but to be followed.

We believe that we dwell in the presence of the Holy Spirit; without Her we are nothing; filled with Her we are able to become creative, lively and free.

We believe in the Church of Jesus Christ, a community where we find companions and courage for the struggles of life, where we grow in our understanding of the faith, through worship, prayer, nurture and service.

We believe that God has a use for us in this time and place, that though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we are called to be instruments of God’s peace.

We believe in living, hoping, laughing, and enjoying the good of the earth.

We believe that people can change, and that God keeps pulling us to life and to a new world of joy and peace. Amen.

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Prayers of the People Intercessor:

People: Intercessor: People: Intercessor:

People: Intercessor:

People: Intercessor: People: Celebrant:

Walking in the light of the coming Savior, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who await the dawn of God's justice.

O God, who by your Spirit prepares the way, make us ready to receive the Light of Lights, and enable us to engage our Advent waiting with courage.

We pray to the Lord, show us your light.

Anoint the whole church with your Spirit so that we may proclaim your freedom where we see captivity and oppression.

We pray to the Lord, show us your light.

Make us sensitive to the needs of the whole human family, the unemployed, the homeless, the addicted, the brokenhearted and all who are ill or who are grieving losses in this season of celebration, especially those we now name...

We pray to the Lord, show us your light.

Give us strength to cry out into the wilderness of our world that in Jesus you have come to bind up, to heal, and to forgive. For those on our prayer list especially‌ and others we name silently or aloud‌ We pray to the Lord, show us your light.

United with those who have gone before in the communion of saints, may we walk in the light of your eternal presence now and forever.

We pray to the Lord, show us your light.

Show us your light, O God, and bring us to see the day of our redemption, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession of Sin Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

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: 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.

Announcements 8

Liturgy of the Table



Offertory sentence Offertory

This is the Record of John (Jobst Choral Scholars)

arr. Orlando Gibbons

The Great Thanksgiving Celebrant: People Celebrant: People Celebrant: People

The Lord 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: Truly it is right and good to glorify you at all times and in all places, by offering you our thanksgiving, O Lord. You spoke and the light shattered darkness, order arose from confusion. You breathed into the dust of the earth and we were formed in your image. Through your Son, our Lord Jesus, you came to us while we wandered. He met us as a refugee, a threatened child. He called us by name to leave what is comfortable to be his disciples, friends and partners.

With his outstretched arms on the cross, and through his death he bore our sins and through his resurrection we are saved. And through your Holy Spirit you brood over the chaos we create, mothering us and shaping a new creation.

You enlighten everyone coming into the world. You inspired the prophets and the apostles to find the right word at the right time. You liberate, equip and commission your people for the continuance of your mission to make everything new. Therefore, with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we proclaim and sing your glory:

Sanctus

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord

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The Hymnal 1982 #S130

The Celebrant continues: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night in which he was betrayed, took the bread and when he had given thanks to you, broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat: this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

The same way after supper, he took the cup and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying: 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. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.

Celebrant and People: Lord, we commemorate your death on the cross, we celebrate your resurrection and we await your coming.

The Celebrant: Eternal God, let your Holy Spirit move in power over us and over these earthly gifts of bread and wine, that they may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ, and that we may become one in him.

May his coming in glory find us ever watchful in prayer, strong in truth and love, and faithful in the breaking of the bread.

Then, at last, all peoples will be free, all divisions healed, and with your whole creation, we will sing your praise, through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Celebrant:

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.

The Breaking of the Bread

Lamb of God: Agnus Dei

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The Hymnal 1982 #S164

Celebrant:

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

(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 gluten-free bread, 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.

Need prayer for yourself or someone else? During communion, come to the prayer station near the back of our worship space.

Prayers may be requested for healing, medical procedures, safe travels, and more. Blessings for birthdays, anniversaries, and other events may also be requested. This can also be a time of quiet prayer for you to seek out God's love in silence.

There is also a basket where you can write down your prayer requests; the team will keep you in their prayers.

All are welcome to take advantage of this opportunity, but no one is required; know that you are welcome and wanted just as you are.

Communion Music

Communion Music

Angels From the Realms of Glory

Light of the World (Canterbury Choir)

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The Hymnal 1982 #93

Lauren Daigle

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

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

(Congregation joins on the bold parts in the refrain printed below.)

And the bells are ringing (peace on earth) Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth) In my heart I hear them (peace on earth) Peace on earth, good will to men!

Dismissal Celebrant: People:

Postlude

Let us go forth rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.

Thanks be to God. Three-Fold Amen

Danish

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

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH PROGRESSIVE

INCLUSIVE CREATIVE DOWNTOWN 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 243-1231 www.trinitytoledo.org Facebook.com/TrinityEpiscopalToledo

Parish Staff

Vestry Leadership

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector Nate Leonard, Director of Music & the Arts Lynzi Miller, Interim Office Support Jane Bueche, Parish Accountant Elizabeth Cousino, Interim Communications Coordinator Heather Meyer, Community Outreach Coordinator Alma Shebib, Nursery Attendant

Alice Todd, Senior Warden Becky Roth, Junior Warden Greg Shumaker, Treasurer Jamie Paul, Asst. Treasurer Darrell Cousino Dennis Degnan Jill Hunt Karen Johnson-Webb Tim Reeder

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Trinity Episcopal Church

Advent 3C December 16, 2018

Progressive  Inclusive  Creative  Downtown 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH trinitytoledo.org 419-243-1231

Trinity Pages #LOVE IS THE WAY! 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, rejection, or shame. We get all of that, and believe that church can be different.

We hold in real tension the beauty of our tradition with Jesus’ mandate to welcome all, no exceptions.

And we get that if people are brave enough to walk through the doors of a big, Gothic-looking church in downtown Toledo, we’d better be serious about being progressive, inclusive and creative.

We love our Episcopal tradition, but 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, outreach activity, class, meal and social time with humility, grace and laughter.

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 and all of us at the Table of love we set together week after week.

May you never forget you are loved,

Lisa (lisa@trinitytoledo.org) (Rector)

This week (12/16)

Next Week (12/23)

10:00 Service Reader Guild: Elizabeth Cousino Terry Kahler Darrell Cousino

10:00 Service Reader Guild: Dave Beckwith Bettye Jo Hansbarger Pat Squire

Liturgical Assistants: Jason Rahe Wayne North

Liturgical Assistants: Mary Wabeke Mary Beroske

Altar Guild: Scott Dibling

Altar Guild: Jamie Paul

Bread Guild: Peggy Heider

Bread Guild: Jolene Miller

Greeter Guild: Jeffrey Albright

Greeter Guild: Katherine Dzenis

Vestry Close: Alice Todd

Vestry Close: Darrell Cousino

Hospitality: 9a Denise & Lucy 11:15a Alice & Sherre

Hospitality: 9a Kim & Nancy C. 11:15a Amy & Dennis

December Birthdays

Altar Flowers In Celebration of the anniversary of Wayne Anthony & Richard Archer

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Dave Beckwith Darrell Cousino Lucy Russell Courtney McClellan, Alice Todd Kim Tucker-Gray Jane Zohn

If you are interested in an altar flower dedication, email the office. trinity@trinitytoledo.org

Today 11:15am –Announcements Ministry Fair TODAY Sunday 12/ 16, 11:30-12:30 During Advent we are offering a range of speakers/presentations to honor our Advent theme from our year-long program focus on Reclaiming Jesus. The focus this season is: “We believe we are made in the image of God”. Today’s presentation is about the new Toledo Together Network initiative, led by Don Fothergill, and will take place in My Brother’s Place on the 2nd floor.

SAVE THE DATE(S) Thursday 12/ 20, 5:30p – Art Loop – Spirit & Song Join us for a night of spirit and song, starting at Trinity Episcopal Church to hear the Canterbury Choir, led by the Director of Music & Arts, Nate Leonard, from 6:307pm. Then follow the Belles of Christmas toward St Paul's Cathedral where Stateline Chorus barbershop quartet will perform from 7:30-8pm. Enjoy hot chocolate and kids crafts as well!

Friday 12/ 21 – Christmas Poinsettia Deadline Remember that the deadline to order poinsettias is Friday, December 21st. Order forms can be found in the back of the Sanctuary and may be turned into the office located in the Walbridge Room or scanned and emailed to admin@trinitytoledo.org.

Monday 12/ 24, 5p & 11p – Christmas Eve Service Please join us for two Christmas Eve services, one at 5pm and one at 11pm. At 5pm join us for a 45-minute service of familiar songs and the Christmas story told by all of us together. Bring young and not-so-young for a time to remember the love of God born anew in our hearts this night. Childcare will be provided for this service. The 11pm service, with a 10:30pm musical prelude, is a traditional celebration of the Eucharist as we rejoice in the birth of Christ this holy night. All are welcome and wanted.

Trinity Prayer List

THIS WEEK

Sunday, September 9

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Sunday, December 16 9:00-10:00 Breakfast 9:15-9:45 Lovingkindness Meditation 10:00-11:15 Worship 11:30-12:30 Made in the Image of God Series: Toledo Together Network

Monday, December 17 9:30-3:00 Next to New Shop Open 10:00-11:00 Staff Meeting 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting Tuesday, December 18 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting Wednesday, December 19 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting 12:10-12:40 Healing Eucharist 6:00-7:30 Advent Small Group Thursday, December 20 9:30-3:00 Next to New Shop Open 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting 5:30-9:00 Art Loop 7:00-8:30 Choir Rehearsal Friday, December 21 12:00-1:00 AA Meeting 6:00-7:30 Food for Thought (PBJ Making) Saturday, December 22

Office Closed

Sunday, December 23 9:00-10:00 Breakfast 9:15-9:45 Lovingkindness Meditation 10:00-11:15 Worship 11:30-12:30 Made in the Image of God Series: Food For Thought 3:30-5:30 Universal Orthodox Worship 5:00-6:30 Small Advent Group

Please remember those who have asked for our prayers: Kim Knuff Yvonne Soldan Lou Woellner Brenda Kuntz Mark Childers To have your name or the name of someone you love on the Prayer List, please contact the office at trinity@trinitytoledo.org.

Office Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00-4:00pm Email: trinity@trinitytoledo.org