Christ Church

Christmas Eve 2017

7:30 and 11:00 PM

The Rev. Douglas G. Tompkins, Rector The Rev. Judith Buck-Glenn, Associate Rector

Rev. John Weicher, Youth Director Ms. Janet Kaido, Organist

Church Office 610-521-1626

104 Nevin St. Ridley Park, PA 19078

www.ChristChurchRidleyPark.org

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Merry Christmas! Welcome to Christ Church! We are delighted that

you are worshipping with us. All baptized persons of every

denomination are welcome to receive communion at our altar. Please

introduce yourself to one of our greeters. You are invited to put on a

nametag as you come into church. You are also welcome to fill out a

pew card and place it in the offering plate or give it to an usher.

Please let an usher know if you are unable to come to the railing for

Communion and the clergy will come to you.

Are you looking for a church home? You are welcome to fill out a

pew card and place it in the offering plate. On it you can indicate

that you would like the clergy to call on you.

Out of respect for neighbors wishing for quiet time to pray before

the liturgy begins, please refrain from LOUD talking in the nave.

Flower Memorials The flowers in the aisle vases are given today in

loving memory of Bullard and Ethel Ross, by Floss Scattolini; and in

loving memory of Win Frese, Civita Gaul, O. Frank Gaul, Sr., O.

Frank Gaul, Jr., and Edwin and Minna Childs, by Mrs. Win Frese.

Thank you to all who have assisted with preparations for our

Christmas Eve and Christmas services! Thank you to our altar guild,

flower guild, the choir, the clergy, the office staff, our property

managers, our acolytes and ushers. It was a team effort! Thank

you!

The Christmas Poinsettias are given by the Individuals/ Families

whose names and whose Loved Ones’ names appear below:

Gerry Martz In Memory of Charlie Martz & the

Robbins Family

Ron & Kathy Okarski In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. James

Murray and Mr. & Mrs. Walter Okarski

Mary Lou Patton In Memory of deceased members of the

Murray and Patton Families

Kristen Axe In Memory of John McFaul

Gladys & David Roman In Memory of Roman & Burke Families

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Ken & Joanne Daws In Memory of Loved Ones

Carole & Ray Burke In Memory of Howard Walker, Janet

Marino, Eric Marino, Ray & Dorothy

Burke and Loved Ones

Scattolini Nephews In Memory of Ethel & Bullard Ross

and Nieces

Carol & Paul King In Memory of John Houpt & Scott Kost

Michael Trinder In Memory of Patricia Trinder and

Winifred & Eric Trinder

Elsie Witman In Memory of Tom Witman & Helen &

John Hadfield

Linda Smith & Sons In Memory of Arthur K. Smith, Jr.

Linda Smith In Memory of Charles, Doris and Mary

Matthews

Kenyon, Leska & In Memory of Florence & Ed Goldhahn,

Sauselein Families Mae & Cole Leska, Ester & Bill

Kenyon

Debbie & John Saul, LJ In Memory of Ann & Earl Hough,

& James Florence & Ed Goldhahn, Anna & Harry

Saul, Clarence & Evelyn Wylie, Loved

Ones.

In Honor of our veterans; past,

present, future

Elizabeth Kirkpatrick In Memory of Harry & Helen

Hesselbacher, Joseph and Grayce

Kirkpatrick, & Walter Way

Jack & Nancy Signor In Memory of Betty & Jack Signor,

& Family Carolyn & Curtis McCray & Loved Ones

Jack & Eva Signor & In Memory of Paula Bandura, Christine

Family Kegal & Loved Ones

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Barbara & Harry Hoyt In Memory of Fr. Bill Musselman

Barbara Moore In Memory of Virginia, Robert, and Brian

And Family Cantafio, Jace Christopher Hudson,

George & Thomas Moore, Tommy Bello

Jim, Jimmy & Emily In Memory of Kathy Cooper, Bill Smith,

Cooper Betty Cooper

The Cooper Family Father Bill & Janet Musselman

Sue McFaul & In Memory of John McFaul

Family

John & Bette Anderson In Memory of Howard & Frances Bailey,

Henrietta & Logan Anderson

Ann Platt In Memory of James Platt & John

Abramchuk

Ollie & Floss Rhine In Memory of William & Florence

Conner, James & Sarah Rhine, Jack

McFaul, Tom Connor, Hannah Schickley

Winifred Haines William Haines, Sr., William Haines, Jr.,

Burt Children, Mr. & Mrs. H. A. Haines,

Mr. & Mrs. Winfield Burt, Muriel

Amrhein

Carol Pindar In Memory of William K. Pindar, Fanny

E. Kahl, Denise Androulakis, Betty

Johnson and Peggy Hammond

Sue Dowling In Memory of Cameron Lessly, Kris

Durfor and Peg Hammond

The Mobley Family In Memory of Beatrice and Lewis Mobley,

Dorothy, Adam & George Hrimnak

Fran Johnson Buz Johnson, George & Isabel Knorr,

Freida, George & Harry Knorr & Sister

Magdalene

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Charles Cloud In Memory of Peg Hammond

Eileen & Mike Capozzoli In Memory of Loved Ones

Maripat & Julia King In Memory of Dad & PopPop Thomas J.

King

Julia King In Memory of Josh Wachter and Alan

Holmes

Maripat King In Memory of Betsy Lowe, Terry Wilson,

Bill Fryer, & Sam Iacono

Shirley Kelly In Memory of Thomas Kelly & Loved

Ones

Ginger Cain In Memory of Katharine & Carrell

Atkinson & Raymond Cain

Eleanor Humes In Memory of Albert Humes, Eleanor &

John Preole, Humes Family

Rev. Judy Buck-Glenn In Memory of Dr. Conrad & Mrs. Joan

Buck, The Rev. John A. Farmakis

Kathryn Twesten In Memory of Charles Twesten, Sr., Lucy

Miller, Melvin Miller, Jr., Molly Houtz &

Eleanor Gillespie

Kristine & Tim Schickley In Memory of Hannah & Grace

Dave & Susan Kalodner In Memory of Jack Kalodner, Jay and

Tillie Brandt, Ray and Ann Kalodner and

Bud and Josephine Morris

George Cooper In Memory of Betty Cooper, Kathy

Cooper, Elwood & Martha Cooper and

Elwood, Jr., Christopher & Laura

Henderson and Chris Jr., Father Bill &

Janet Musselman

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The Christmas letter was sent December 18th, which included an

offering for our Outreach Fund. This is one of our major sources of

funds for our outreach work in the community. Please offer your

generous support.

The December Newsletter is available at the back of church.

No Meetings this week

Christian Education Meeting on Tuesday January 2. Because of the

New Year Holiday, the Christian Education Committee will meet on

Tuesday Night, January 2, 2018, at 7 PM in the Deppich Room,

rather than the first Monday of the Month.

Advent coin folders may be found at the back of church. All

proceeds benefit ministries supported by the Outreach Committee.

There are also a few Advent devotional books and a small Advent

calendar for children available on a table by the water cooler – for a

minimal fee.

Epiphany Items Needed The youth are in need of items for the

auction on January 28th

. We need new or as good as new items,

including items for children, antique or collectible items, or sports

memorabilia. We also welcome: handicrafts such as knit items, quilts,

spreads, jewelry, woodworking, etc, special baked goods (as opposed

to donated desserts for the luncheon), gift certificates from area

businesses, tickets for sporting or other events, offer of services, etc.

(This is also good way to let people in the parish know about your

business or service.) Please mark “Epiphany Dinner” or “Auction

“on any donations and either leave them with the office or with Rev.

Judy. We request that we have all donations by Sunday January 21 at

the very latest, because we need time to create the auction booklet.

Interested in running for the Vestry? Please speak to Judy Yorke

or any current Vestry member. To be eligible to run for Vestry, you

will need to have been a financially contributing member of Christ

Church for at least two years.

Our Every Member Canvass continues. We ask that you return your

pledge card as soon as possible. Thank you!

Our Christ Church Savings Cards for 2018 are now available for

sale! The card gives you discounts at 15 different restaurants and

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businesses in our area such as The Gaslight, Langguth’s Gift Shop,

MacDade Bowl, Casey’s, Pretzel Factory, Stargate Diner and Double

Decker. Several new businesses have been added to this year’s card.

The cost of the card is $20.00 and they can be purchased in the church

office, through our church website or by seeing Maripat King, Judy

Yorke or Joanne Daws. Our savings cards make great stocking

stuffers so be sure to pick yours up soon!

The Youth Booth has many wonderful items available. Please check

it out in the Deppich Room! Thanks to Sharon Mobley for donating

so many gorgeous hand-crafted jewelry items to our table, and to

Nan Garthwaite, Ruth Pottier, Ruth Raymond, and Carol King for

things sewn and/or knitted!

If you would like a loved one memorialized with Altar flowers, please

contact Janice Kordowski at 610-731-5252 for information.

We have been given an opportunity to get involved on a Habitat for

Humanity House build. The Outreach Committee has agreed to look

for someone who might be interested in coordinating a team. Speak to

Judy Buck-Glenn if you are interested in organizing a team to get

involved in a hands-on build. All who participate must be over 18.

Seamen’s Ditty bag collection for 2017 is complete Thank you so

much for your compassionate concern for these seafarers, so far from

home and family at Christmas!

Life Center Update Our next date to serve is Wednesday, February

14th, 2018. We are planning to serve hearty chili, so if you have a

recipe you'd like to share, please do so! With much appreciation and

gratitude, The Outreach Committee.

We have a gluten-free option for Communion If you require this,

please give your name and contact information to the office. We need

advance notice of your need.

Cradles To Crayons Update Please continue to place your new and

gently used children's books and clothing- sizes infant to children's

14 in the bin upstairs. As always, thank you for your generosity.

Military Service:

U.S. Army John C., Nick M., Richard W., Eric C.,

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Michael S., Chris W., Mark R., Michael B.

U.S. Navy Nicole G.

U.S. Air Force David B., Tony G.

U.S. Marine Corps Timothy N., Jerome S., William S., Austin

U.S.M.C. Reserve Neil S.

National Guard Robert W.

First Responders: Michael D., Marianna, Josh P., Doug C., Art R.,

Lee E., Jesse F., Marshal N., Wayne M., Mitchell H.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYERS REQUESTED FOR: Mrs. Ruiz, Hayden,

Dominic

CONTINUING PRAYERS REQUESTED FOR: Jessica Davenport,

Megan, Cameron, Terri M., Talon, McKenzie, Rita, Shawna, Carol

Burgett, Austin, Steve Haupt, Antonella, Chuck H., Kristen, Violet,

Jean McCaul, the people of Puerto Rico, Steven, Linda, Robin

Gilmour, Jane B., Frank B. 3rd

, Theresa Thompson, Frank B., Jr.,

Sandy Thompson, Sharon M., Richard H., Charlotte, Virginia

Mottola, Missy Wilbur, Shirley M., CathyAnn S., John Peter, Janet

C., Elizabeth King, Michael, Joyce, Those affected by the California

wildfires, Kathy Hawke, Robert R. King III, Rodger W. White, the

Horne Family

Names will remain on the continuing prayer list for a four week period. If we do not hear

from you, we will assume that prayers have been answered and the name(s) will be

removed from the list.

Flower Memorials: Bullard and Ethel Ross, Win Frese, Civita Gaul,

O. Frank Gaul, Sr., O. Frank Gaul, Jr., and Edwin and Minna

Childs.

Participants Today

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Altar Guild Ushers Acolytes Lay Readers

All available Altar Guild members are asked to help set up and clean up before and after each service

10:00AM

General Backup 5:00PM

Keith Laird

general backup

7:30 PM

Keith Laird

general backup

11:00PM

Pat O’Neill Keith Laird Ollie Rhine general backup

5:00 PM

S: Michael Huber

T: Delanie Hollar

T: Riley Signor

C: Kevin Huber

7:30 PM

S: Ken Mobley T: TBD T: TBD C: TBD 11:00 PM

S: Gordon Buchan C: Dana Buchan

10:00 AM

Kathie Klee 5:00 PM

Pageant readers

7:30 PM

Paul King, Sr. Carol King 11:00 PM

Carole Buchan Dana Buchan

Chalice Bearers Counters Newcomer Greeters

LEMS

5:00 PM

Cheryl Huber Dave Roman 7:30 PM

Ken Mobley Maripat King 11:00 PM

Floss Rhine Betsy Kirkpatrick

Christmas Count:

All available counters are asked to come on December 26

th for

the Christmas Count

JI, MPK, KM, B&MW

Would you like to establish a fund for Christ Church through your

estate planning? Your restricted gift will ensure the continuation of

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the ministry of Christ Church and will benefit your parish friends

and family for generations to come. Please speak to the rector if you

would like assistance in establishing such a fund.

On your travels, whether near or far, please bring back your unused

hotel toiletries (soap, shampoo, creams, deodorant, toothbrush,

dental floss, etc…) and donate them for a good cause. There is a bin

by the green doors for your donations to the homeless. Every year on

Martin Luther King, Jr. Volunteer Day we will distribute to the

Salvation Army in Chester. We create bags to give to the homeless

from all of the samples that get donated. Thank you, your help is

appreciated.

Clara and Mac-Mac need your help! The children of the Sunday

School support two children through ChildFund. Clara is from

Guatemala and Mac-Mac lives in the Philippines. The money to

support these children comes from the Sunday School collection,

children’s mite boxes, and our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, as

well as the Children’s Pew envelopes. Some concerned parishioners

also donate. Their support costs $1200 a year. Parents, it would help

if you could send your child to Sunday School with money for the

collection, or have them put it in a CHILDREN’S pew envelope in

church. Adults can also make a donation in a CHILDREN’S pew

envelope, or you can write a check to the church and put

“ChildFund” in the memo. Clara and Mac-Mac thank you.

Do you need a Christening gift or a gift for a godchild – or any child?

The Youth Group is selling copies of The Toddler’s Bible and The

Children’s Bible, on the table in the Deppich Room.

Episcopal Community Services (ECS) offers ECS Home Care. This

program provides non-medical care to Episcopalians, their family,

and friends. This program offers compassionate, reliable caregivers

at market rates from a source you can trust – ECS. The proceeds

from this program support the charitable mission of ECS. Caregiver

services include personal care, companionship and overnight and

Live-in Care. Call (855) 631-1112.

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2017 Schedule of

Christmas Services

December 24

10:00 AM Service - Advent 4

5 PM Children’s Pageant

7:30 PM Family Eucharist

10:30 PM Music Presentation

11 PM Festival Eucharist

There will be a livING manger outside church

from 2:15 PM to 6:15 PM

December 25

10 AM Eucharist

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10:30 PM Music Presentation

Congregational Carol: Hymn #88, Sing, O Sing

Choral Anthem: “There Is No Rose” – Gerald Near

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Congregational Carol: Hymn #81, Lo, How a Rose

Choral Anthem: “Rise Up, Shepherd” - African-American Spiritual

Congregational Carol: Hymn #110, The Snow Lay On the Ground

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Choral Anthem: “Small Wonder the Star” – Paul Edwards

Congregational Carol: “Still, Still, Still” – arr. Robert Wetzler

Choir, vs. 1-3 (Julie Wickland, soloist)

Congregation joins, vs. 4:

Still, still, still, within thy holy will.

To thee, great God, my voice I’d raise,

With awe and wonder, sing thy praise.

Still, still, still, within thy holy will.

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Choral Anthem: “The Flemish Carol” – arr. Anna Laura Page

Congregational Carol: Hymn #112, In the Bleak Midwinter

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Choral Anthem: “African Noel” – arr. André J. Thomas

Organ Prelude: “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!” – arr. Johann

Sebastian Bach

Holy Eucharist

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Christmas Day

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Prelude

7:30: O Holy Night - Adolphe Adam (Julie Wickland, soprano)

"Alleluia" from Exsultate, Jubilate - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Julie

Wickland, soprano, and Shannon Arnold, alto)

A Christmas Carol - Charles Ives (Julie Wickland, soprano)

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Liturgy of the Word

Entrance Rite

O come, all ye faithful Hymnal 83

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The Celebrant says

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever.

Amen. The Celebrant says

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from

you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the

inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and

worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The following is sung, all standing

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Collect of the Day

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.

Celebrant Let us pray.

God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the

brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the

mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in

heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God,

in glory everlasting. Amen.

First Reading Isaiah 62:6-12

All sit.

A Reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels; all day and all

night they shall never be silent. You who remind the Lord, take no rest,

and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it

renowned throughout the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand

and by his mighty arm: I will not again give your grain to be food for

your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink the wine for which you have

labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those

who gather it shall drink it in my holy courts. Go through, go through the

gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway,

clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. The Lord has

proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to daughter Zion, “See, your

salvation comes; his reward is with him, and his recompense before

him.” They shall be called, “The Holy People, The Redeemed of the

Lord”; and you shall be called, “Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.”

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Psalm

Remain seated.

O

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Psalm 97

Dominus regnavit

1 The LORD is King;

let the earth rejoice; *

let the multitude of the isles be glad.

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him, *

righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.

3 A fire goes before him *

and burns up his enemies on every side.

4 His lightnings light up the world; *

the earth sees it and is afraid.

5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, *

at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare his righteousness, *

and all the peoples see his glory.

7 Confounded be all who worship carved images

and delight in false gods! *

Bow down before him, all you gods.

8 Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, *

because of your judgments, O LORD.

9 For you are the LORD,

most high over all the earth; *

you are exalted far above all gods.

10 The LORD loves those who hate evil; *

he preserves the lives of his saints

and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light has sprung up for the righteous, *

and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.

12 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, *

and give thanks to his holy Name.

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Second Reading Titus 3:4-7

A Reading from Paul’s letter to Titus.

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he

saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done,

but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by

the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus

Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might

become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Reader The Word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

Sequence

All stand.

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Once in royal David’s city Hymnal 102

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Holy Gospel Luke 2:1-20

All stand for the Gospel Procession.

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to

Luke.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

n those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the

world should be registered. This was the first registration and was

taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own

towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in

Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was

descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered

with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And

she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth,

and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch

over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But

the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you

good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the

city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign

for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a

manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the

heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest

heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said

to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has

taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with

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haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about

this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told

them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her

heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they

had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon The Rev. Douglas Tompkins

Nicene Creed

All stand.

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven:

by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

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With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People

All remain standing.

Let us pray for the Church and for the world.

Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in

your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of

justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common

good.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may

use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and

glory.

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may

serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.

Here the names of those serving in the military and first responders are remembered

Silence

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Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them

courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your

salvation.

Here the names of those on the parish prayer list are remembered

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them

may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in

your eternal kingdom.

Here the names of the departed are remembered

Silence

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask, help us to

ask only what accords with your will; and those good things which we

dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your Son

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession of Sin

All kneel.

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence.

Minister and People

Most merciful God,

we confess that we have sinned against you

in thought, word, and deed,

by what we have done,

and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart;

we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

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We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,

have mercy on us and forgive us;

that we may delight in your will,

and walk in your ways,

to the glory of your Name. Amen. The Priest stands and says

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our

Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of

the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Peace

All stand.

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People And also with you. Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Announcements

Holy Communion

The Celebrant says

Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; bring offerings and come

into his courts. Psalm 96:8

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Offertory Anthem: What Can I Give to the Holy Child – Robert Lau

O little town of Bethlehem Hymnal 79

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Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of bread and wine, and

money or other gifts, to the deacon or celebrant. The people stand while the offerings are

presented and placed on the Altar.

Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow / praise him, all creatures here

below / praise him above, ye heavenly host / praise Father, Son, and

Holy Ghost.

Great Thanksgiving

The people remain standing.

The Celebrant proceeds

It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you

alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before

time and for ever. Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made

all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in

the splendor of your radiance. Countless throngs of angels stand before

you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your

presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving

voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your

Name, as we sing,

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The people stand or kneel.

The Celebrant continues

We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works

reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving

the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator,

we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took

us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your

mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you.

Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the

prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.

Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent

your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the

Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he

proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the

sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and,

rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.

And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died

and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who

believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the

sanctification of all. When the hour had come for him to be glorified by

you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world,

he loved them to the end; at supper with them he took bread, and when

he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and

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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.” Father,

we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ’s

death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and

ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering

to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we

praise you and we bless you.

Celebrant and People

We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you, and we pray to you,

Lord our God.

Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may

descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing

them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup

of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that all

who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a

living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name. Remember, Lord,

your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of

your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.

Remember Michael, our presiding bishop, Daniel, our diocesan bishop,

and all who minister in your Church.

Remember all your people, and those who seek your truth. Remember

the souls of those in whose loving memory Christmas flowers are given.

Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose

faith is known to you alone; bring them into the place of eternal joy and

light.

And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin

Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and all the saints

who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with

them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are

yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever

and ever. AMEN.

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The Celebrant then continues

And now, as our Savior

Christ has taught us,

we are bold to say, People and Celebrant

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.

Breaking of the Bread

A period of silence is kept.

Alleluia. Christ our passover is sacrificed for us

Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Celebrant says

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.

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S 163

All baptized persons, whatever your denominational affiliation, are welcome to receive

Holy Communion at our altar. You may stand at the altar rail if your knees do not permit

kneeling. Please assist the chalice bearer by gently holding the base of the chalice.

Please do not hold the top of the chalice. If you wish, you may intinct (dip) the host

(consecrated bread) in the chalice. If you do not wish to receive the wine, fold your arms

over your chest. Baptized children may receive with parent's permission, otherwise they

will receive a blessing.

Communion Anthem: Suo Gân (Lullaby) -- Welsh, arr. George Guest

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Communion Hymn

A stable lamp is lighted Hymnal 104

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After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

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, Father, 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 for ever. Amen.

The congregation remains kneeling for the singing of “Silent Night” as the

lights are dimmed.

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Silent night, holy night Hymnal 111

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Blessing

The priest blesses the people, saying

ay Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon

him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin,

and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.

May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s

birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.

May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth

to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy

Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

M

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Postcommunion Hymn

Hark! the herald angels sing Hymnal 87

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Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia.

People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

Postlude: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing -- David Cherwien

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Publishing, Inc. S 163 — Setting: Copyright © Church Publishing, Inc. Reprinted under

OneLicense.net #A-710779.

Merry Christmas!