First Sunday of Advent - November 27, 2022

Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE  INCLUSIVE  CREATIVE  DOWNTOWN

Trinity @ 316  Holy Eucharist: Rite II 

First Sunday of Advent 

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November 27, 2022 10:00 am

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, NOVEMBER 27, 2022

THE FIRST 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  Prelude

A Change is Gonna Come (Tajj Crowder and Grace Mauk)

Welcome

Sam Cooke

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

Candle Lighting

People Get Ready

Curtis Mayfield

People get ready, there 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 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.

Gathering Song

Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow

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LEVAS #24

Collect of the Day Celebrant: People: Celebrant:

(Prayers for the Inclusive Church)

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

Holy Thief, stealing away our false securities and idle vanity: awaken us from the dull sleep that clings to empty fear and vacant routine; unfold on us the time of crisis when love of truth floods a thirsty world; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

(Please be seated for the Lessons.)

The First Lesson Reader:

Isaiah 2: 1-5

A reading from Isaiah.

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!

Reader: People:

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

Thanks be to God.

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Psalm

Psalm 122

(Psalms for Praying)

All are invited to sing the refrain, and the choir will offer the verses.

REFRAIN

REFRAIN My spirit soared when a Voice spoke to me: “Come, come to the Heart of Love!”

How long I had stood within the house of fear yearning to enter the gates of Love!

The New Jerusalem, the Holy City, is bound firmly together; All who seek the Heart of Love, those who have faced their fears, Enter the gates in peace and with great joy, singing songs of thanksgiving.

REFRAIN There, in harmony with the cosmos, the community gathers united in love.

Pray for the peace of the world! May all nations prosper as one!

May peace reign among all peoples, and integrity dwell within every heart!

Then will friends and neighbours, and former enemies as well, cry out, “Peace be within you!”

For the good of the universe and in gratitude to the Beloved, Let us serve the Holy One, of all nations with glad hearts.

REFRAIN

The second Lesson Reader:

Romans 13:11-14

A reading from Romans.

You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.

Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Reader: People:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God. 5

Gradual

Thy Word is a Lamp

All are invited to join on the refrain. Verses offered by a soloist.

Augsburg Hymns for Worship

All: 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.

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

The Gospel Celebrant: People:

Matthew 24:36-44 The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

Celebrant: People:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to You, Lord Christ.

Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

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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.

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: 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.

People: Help us remember, O God. Intercessor: 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.

People: Help us remember, O God. Intercessor: Stir up your might and bring justice to all lands, (especially…). 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.

People: Help us remember, O God. Intercessor: 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. People: Help us remember, O God. Intercessor: 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.

People: Help us remember, O God. 7

Intercessor: 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.

People: Help us remember, O God. Intercessor: 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. People: Help us remember, O God. Celebrant: People:

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: be kept)

Let us confess our sins to God. (Silence may

Celebrant and People:

Celebrant: 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.

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 Offertory Invitation Loose offerings (cash or checks) can be placed in the Offertory Plate as it is passed during the Offertory or deposited in our Giving Box stationed at the back of the sanctuary.

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.

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Liturgy of the Table 

Offertory sentence Offertory

How Great Thou Art

The Hymnal 1982 #60

(Bradley Baker and Donzella Baker)

The Great Thanksgiving

BCP Eucharistic Prayer A

Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, O Lord, 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 in 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

Holy, Holy, Holy

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The Hymnal #S-129

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.

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, Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

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

John Bell

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. Please let us know if you would like the bread brought to you or if you would like a gluten free option.

Communion Song

In the Bleak Midwinter

The Hymnal 1982 #112

The Post Communion Prayer (Please rise.)

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Jesus, we have feasted on the bread of life. Together we have tasted the love of your kindom here on earth. In your risen power you have united us with all of those who have come before, with those gathered today, and with those yet to find their way to this table of love set and ready to welcome all. May the sense of a new heaven and a new earth strengthen and renew us today and in the days to come. Now, send us out into the world to do the work you have given us to do offering your fearless love and priceless peace to all we meet in the name of our loving, liberating life-giving God. Amen

Blessing May the rain fall off your shoulders when you’re caught in a storm.

When the frost comes a callin’ may it find you safe and warm.

May your place be set, and may your promises be kept.

And may you never forget that you are loved.

Sending song

People, Look East

Dismissal Celebrant: People:

Go in peace to serve our loving, liberating, life-giving God! Thanks be to God. 11

See insert.

Trinity’s Daily Bread- As a community of faith, we are called to love and be loved; to serve and be served, to give and to receive. In short, we don’t want anyone to “fall behind or drop out.” To continue our connection, we invite you to take part in Trinity’s Daily Bread.

Please let us know if you need prayer, assistance, or connection by filling out our Daily Bread form on our website, www.trinitytoledo.org!

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

Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector Heather Meyer, Director of Operations and Community Development Chelsie Cree, Director of Music and the Arts Grace Mauk, Assistant Director of Music and the Arts Brian Buckner, Trinity@Home Accompanist ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & COPYRIGHT INFO: Collect of the Day: Prayers for an Inclusive Church, Steven Shakespeare.

Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary: lectionarypage.net, 2022.

Psalm: Psalms for Praying, Nan Merrill.

The Great Thanksgiving: BCP Eucharistic Prayer A Bulletin front cover image: “The Genealogy of Christ” from Generation to Generation by Sanctified Art. 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 ritesong.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

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH PROGRESSIVE  INCLUSIVE CREATIVE 

DOWNTOWN

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