St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
In the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina
W.C. Bauer (American, 1862-1904) Christmas Eve 1885. Lithograph from a painting. Library of Congress
Sunday, December 24,2017
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
To Know Christ and to make Christ known…
St. Paul’s invites all people to the Christian Way of unity with God and neighbor
through a welcoming environment of worship and ministry
Please enter the church in silenceso that all may have quiet time to prepare hearts and minds for worship.
The Holy Eucharist
Voluntary Savior of the Nations, Come!J.S. Bach
Introit Ave Maria Jacob Arcadelt
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen.
The Word of God
Processional Savior of the Nations, Come! Hymnal 54
The Lighting of the Shepherd Candle
As shepherds were living in the field, keeping watch over their flocks, an angel stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, as the angel told them the good news of the birth of the Messiah.
The shepherds are placed in the crèche by the children at this time.
As the candle is lit:
Leader:Glory to God in the highest heaven,
People:and on earth peace among those whom he favors! (Luke 2:14)
Leader:Arise, shine; for your light has come,
People:and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.(Isaiah 60:1)
Bidding Prayer
Celebrant: Dear People of God: The season of Advent is a time to prepare with joy to hear once more the message of the Angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger. Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of God’s loving purpose fulfilled in the Child Jesus, and let us look forward to the yearly remembrance of his birth with hymns and songs of praise.
But first let us pray for the needs of God’s whole world:
The Prayers of the People (Form II) (standing) BCP 385
I ask your prayers for God’s people throughout the world; for Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Rob our bishop, Dena our rector; Kay, our deacon; Richard, our priest associate; for this gathering; for the vestry and lay ministers of this parish; and for all ministers and people. Pray for the Church.Silence
I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people. We pray for Donald, our president; Roy, our governor; and for all who govern and hold authority. Pray for justice and peace.
Silence
I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison, and for those on our parish prayer list: Ed, Greg, John, Earl, Karen, Curtis, Bob, Margaret, Audrey, Jere, Eleanor, Barbara, Barb, Bob, Joanne, Pat and those friends of the parish listed in the bulletin. Pray for those in any need or trouble.
Silence
I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of him. Pray that they may find and be found by God.
Silence
I ask your prayers for the departed. Pray for those who have died.
Silence
I invite your thanksgivings.
Silence
Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored. Pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day.Give thanks for the annual remembrance of Christ's Birth.
Silence
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
Reflection The Rev. Dena Whalen
A Reading from Jeremiah (31:31-34)
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
Carol:Creator of the stars of night (Text found on page 60 of the hymnal) arr. John Scott
Sung by the choir
Reflection The Rev. Dena Whalen
A Reading from Isaiah (7:10-16)
Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”
Carol: In the Bleak Midwinter (Text found on page 112 of the hymnal) arr. Harold Darke
Kyra Shynette, Carson Cavanaugh, trebles
Reflection The Rev. Dena Whalen
A Reading from Isaiah (65:17-25)
I am about to create new heavens and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord--and their descendants as well.
Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
but the serpent-- its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.
Hymn to Announce the Gospel Prepare the way, O Zion Hymnal 65
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to Luke (1:26-38)
People: 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: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Carol: Lo, how a rose e’er blooming Hymnal 81
The Collect of the Day BCP 212
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
(The people may be seated.)
The Peace
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Dedication of Madonna and Child statue
The Holy Communion
Choral Anthem Gabriel’s Message Sir David Willcocks
(Text found on page 60 of the hymnal)
The people stand.
Congregational ResponseHymnal 436, verses 1, 4 & 5
The Great Thanksgiving Enriching Our Worship, Prayer 3
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
CelebrantAll thanks and praiseare yours at all times and in all places,our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the waters with dry land; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind.Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; And so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy:
Sanctus (Land of Rest: Tune found at Hymnal 304)
Holy, holy, holy Lord
God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
(The people stand or kneel)
The Celebrant continues
Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise.
Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering.
Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.
We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said:
“Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said:
“Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ:
Celebrant and People
Dying you destroyed our death; Rising you restored our life; Lord Christ, come in glory.
The Celebrant continues
Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope, justice and love. Giver of Life, draw us together in the Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time gather us with all your people into the joy of our true eternal home.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise.
Celebrant and People
Blessed are you now and for ever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer Hymnal S 119 / BCP 364
The Breaking of the Bread
A period of silence is kept.
Fraction Anthem Hymnal S171
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Communion of the People
All are welcome to receive Holy Communion at the altar. For the bread, place one hand over the other and hold them up chest high so the minister can easily place the bread on the palm of your hand. You may then consume the bread or hold it to dip (intinct) into the wine and then place it in your mouth. If you wish to receive the chalice, please guide it to your lips. If you do not wish to receive the wine, indicate by crossing your arms. After you have received the bread and the wine, it is appropriate to say “AMEN.” Gluten free communion bread is available. Ask the priest.
Communion Music
Ye who claim the faith of Jesus Hymnal 268
Comfort, Comfort ye my people Hymnal 67
Wait for the Lord Taizé
After Communion, the Celebrant says
Let us pray.
The people stand or kneel.
People:Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Celebrant pronounces a blessing to which the congregation responds, “AMEN.”
The Wisdom of God, the Love of God, and the Grace of God strengthen you to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world, in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.
Processional O come, O come, Emmanuel (verses 1, 6 & 7) Hymnal 56
Dismissal
The Deacon dismisses the people, to which they reply: Thanks be to God.
Voluntary Voluntary in E minorJohn Stanley
Our worship is ended; let our service begin.
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Tonight:
- 5:00 p.m.: Children’s Christmas Pageant
- 5:30 p.m.: Holy Eucharist
- 8:00 p.m.: Christmas Music including Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, St. Paul’s Choir
- 8:30 p.m.: Solemn Holy Eucharist
December 25: Christmas Day
- 10:00 am Holy Eucharist
December 31: Christmas Lessons & Carols with Holy Communion
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADULT FORMATION HOUR
ADULT CLASS (Parish Hall)
Today: No class today
LIVING FAITH(Library) – An overview course on Christian faith and practice.
This 14-week class is especially for newcomers and those preparing for confirmation, but all are welcome.Rev. Dena Whalen, Cleve Callison and others will teach. (No classes today or Dec. 31.)
Section 4: How We Worship
January 7: Music in Our Worship
Wednesday, January 10: Mark your calendars for Paul Wilkes; author, social entrepreneur, speaker and documentarian. He will be speaking about the Homes of Hope India he founded in 2006. Mr. Wilkes has dedicated his life to rescuing, housing and educating orphan girls in India. Nine Homes of Hope orphanages provide a safe refuge for 1,000 endangered girls.
THE STEWARD’S CORNER: Growing in Light, Hope and Faith
Thanks to the 101 folks who have made pledges to the 2018 stewardship campaign, we are 85% of our way to our goal. The remaining 15% is essential if we are to meet our goal of funding St. Paul’s fixed costs through our pledges.
If you have not turned in your pledge for 2018, please do so by January 1.
If you have not completed your pledge for 2018, please try to do so by January 1.
Thank you for your support of St. Paul’s this year. I look forward to the coming year as, together, we share our time, talent and treasure to grow as a community of faith in Christ and to live into God’s dream for each of us and for St. Paul’s. Have a Blessed Advent and a joyous Christmas!
SANTA’S RENEWAL LIST FOR THE GENTLEMEN OF NOBLE POVERTY: For well over a decade, St. Paul’s Gentlemen of Noble Poverty (AKA the Thursday Men’s Group) have invested time, talent, sweat equity and more than a little of their own funds to maintain St. Paul’s facilities.