Trinity@316 - Third Sunday in Advent - Dec. 12, 2021

Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE  Inclusive 

CREATIVE  DOWNTOWN

Third Sunday in Advent Trinity@316 

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December 12, 2021

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11:00am

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 either walk through the doors of a big gothic-looking church in downtown Toledo, or tune in to Trinity@Home on line, 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 in this community and this world- we believe we are better and love more when diversity is celebrated and the bounds of God’s love are stretched wide.

This bulletin is a guide to accompany you through the “liturgy”- meaning the “work of the people”- which is how our tradition approaches worship. It does indeed take a village bringing all of its gifts together to create our expression of gratitude and devotion week after week.

Here is a quick little guide to help you follow along as we worship together: • • •

Italicized Print = singing Bold Print = everyone is invited to join in reciting a prayer/reading Bold & Italicized Print = everyone is invited to join in singing.

Welcome Home!

May you never forget you are loved, Lisa The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector www.trinitytoledo.org 2

 The Liturgy of the Word  Prelude

Noel!

Todd Smith

(Trinity Singers)

Welcome Opening Hymn

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

Prepare Ye the Way of The Lord

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LEVAS II #11

Candle Lighting Leader: People:

We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.

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.

Collect of the Day Leader: People: Leader:

Prayers for an Inclusive Church

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

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 a hope that will not be quenched; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

Reading 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:

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Gradual

Chosen Family

Verse will be offered by a soloist.

Chorus:

Rina Sawayama & Elton John

We don't need to be related to relate We don't need to share genes or a surname You are, you are My chosen, chosen family So what if we don't look the same?

We been going through the same thing, yeah You are, you are My chosen family

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THE GOSPEL

Luke 3: 7-18

Deacon: People:

The Holy 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 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.

Deacon: People:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon

Amy Saylor, guest preacher Trinity Member

Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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The Prayers of the People Based on liturgy from the Episcopal Standing Committee on Liturgy & Music’s subcommittee on Racial Reconciliation and Justice.

Deacon:

People:

Deacon:

People:

Deacon:

People:

Deacon:

People:

Deacon:

People:

Deacon: People:

Deacon: People:

Deacon:

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.

You who dwell in darkness and light, in silence and sound, dwell in the hearts of your people. In hope, peace, and joy may we await with anticipation the coming of Christ the Morning Star. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.

You who framed the brightness of the first light in creation, dispel the arrogance, animosity, and anger that shatter the unity of your holy Church. Fill your faithful people with the radiant light of truth. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.

You who delivered your people from the misery of bondage in slavery to the land of promise, set us free from enslavement to division, disunity, and distrust in our public life and labor. Illumine those in authority with the light of vision. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.

You who patterned the stars and called the sun into being, who appointed the moon and chartered the cosmos, pattern the hearts of people everywhere to see in each other the beauty of the universe and the splendor of creation, that divisions of race, class, gender, and ethnicity may be recreated into one common humanity. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.

You who shower comfort and hope to the lowest, the lost, and the least, shower the light of compassion on the sick, the sorrowful, and the suffering especially those on our Trinity Prayer List. Help us to be your compassion and hope in the world. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.

You who welcome into the brilliant light of eternity those who have died, welcome those whose lives have been cut short by violence, warfare, and strife. Shine the light of hope. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.

You who delight in the complexity and splendor of creation, help us to delight in the diversity of this earth, our island home. Inspire your people to care for all you have made. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts.

May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find us ever burning with the light of love, the spirit of truth, and the wellspring of hope. Amen.

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The Confession of Sin & Absolution

Enriching Our Worship

Priest: People:

Let us confess our sins to God. (silence may be kept) Creator God, long-suffering, full of grace and truth, you create us from nothing and give us life abundant.

You give us new life in the water of baptism.

You never turn your face from us, nor cast us aside.

We confess we have turned against you and against our neighbor, in thought, word and deed.

We have wounded your love and marred your image in us.

Restore us for the sake of your Son, and bring us to heavenly joy, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Priest:

May the God of love bring you back to all that is good in you.

May you be forgiven of all wrongdoing and welcome God’s grace anew in your life this day.

May God’s assurance strengthen your resolve to begin again in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE PEACE Deacon: People:

The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

Announcements Offertory Invitation To give online, visit www.trinitytoledo.org/online-giving/, choose GIVE NOW and Sunday, December 12. You can also text the word “Give” to 419-OMG-LOVE (419-664-5683) to make your weekly offering.

This season we will not “pass the plate” at the time of the offertory; offerings can be deposited in our Giving Box stationed at the back of the sanctuary.

Offertory

White Winter Hymnal (Trinity Choir)

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Robin Pecknold

 The Liturgy of the Table  The Great Thanksgiving Celebrant: All: Celebrant: All: Celebrant: All:

A Wee Worship Book, Iona Community

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 God thanks and praise.

We praise you, O God, whom eternity cannot contain, for coming to earth and entering time in Jesus. We praise you for his life which informs our living, for his compassion which changes our hearts, for his clear speaking which contradicts our harmless generalities, for his disturbing presence, his innocent suffering, his fearless dying, his rising to life breathing forgiveness and restoring us forever to you. For these gifts we praise and worship you.

All that is spectacular, all that is plain have their origin in you. All that is lovely, all who are loving, point to you as their fulfillment. Therefore we gladly join our voices to the song of the Church on earth and in heaven:

Sanctus

Grayson Warren Brown

Jesus was always the guest. In the homes of Peter and Jairus, Martha and Mary, Joanna and Susanna, he was always the guest. At the meal tables of the wealthy where he pled the case of the poor, he was always the guest. Upsetting polite company, befriending isolated people, welcoming the stranger, he was always the guest.

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But here, at this table, he is the host. Those who wish to serve him must first be served by him. Those who want to follow him must first be fed by him. For this is the table where God intends us to be nourished. This is the time when Christ can make us new.

So come, you who hunger and thirst for a deeper faith, for a better life, for a fairer world. Jesus Christ, who has sat at our tables, now invites us to be guests at his.

On the night on which he was betrayed, and as they were sitting at a meal, Jesus gave thanks, took a piece of bread and broke it. He gave it to the disciples saying, “This is my body. It is broken for you. Do this to remember me.”

Later, after they had eaten, he took a cup of wine, gave thanks and said, “This cup is the new relationship with God made possible because of my death. Drink this all of you, to remember me.”

So now we do as Jesus did. We offer this bread and this wine, the produce of the earth and the fruit of human labor to you, O God. Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith: Celebrant and People Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

We ask, merciful God, that you send, in kindness, your Holy Spirit to settle on this bread and wine and fill them with the fullness of Jesus. Let that same Spirit rest on us, converting us from the patterns of this passing world, until we conform to the shape of him whose food we now share. Amen.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,

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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.

To receive the bread (or gluten-free wafer), please put your hands together, palms up. If you are unable to come forward and wish to have Communion brought to you, please inform a Worship Leader.

Communion Hymns

Just as I Am

See Insert.

I will Remember the Love of the Lord

See Insert.

The Post Communion Prayer

(Please stand as you are able.)

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, God, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

An Advent Blessing May we know that nonviolence is the only credible response to violence.

May we know that revenge and retaliation always perpetuate the cycle of anger, fear, and violence.

May we know that the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate action of its members. (-Coretta Scott King) 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.

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Sending Hymn

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Dismissal Deacon: People:

Let us go forth to love and serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

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The 1982 Hymnal #324

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.” In this season of connecting in new ways, we are introducing 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, Bob Meeker & Jamie Paul

Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector The Rev. Megan Allen, Transitional Deacon, Curate Heather Meyer, Director of Operations and Community Development Chelsie Cree, Choir Director Grace Mauk, Trinity@316 Accompanist, Brian Buckner, Trinity@Home Accompanist Lynzi Miller, Next To New Manager & Communications Coordinator ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & COPYRIGHT INFO: Collect of the Day: Prayers for an Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare, 2009.

Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary: lectionarypage.net, 2021.

Apostles’ Creed: From the Book of Common Prayer.

Prayers of the People: Based on liturgy from the Episcopal Standing Committee on Liturgy & Music’s subcommittee on Racial Reconciliation and Justice.

Confession & Absolution: From Enriching Our Worship.

Lord’s Prayer: Traditional Lord’s Prayer, Spoken.

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

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH PROGRESSIVE  INCLUSIVE CREATIVE 

DOWNTOWN

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

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