Trinity Episcopal Church 44 East Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

“Feeding All in Body, Mind, and Soul”

A Community of God’s People All are Welcome

Christmas Eve:

The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Sunday, December 24, 2017

4:00 pm Musical Prelude 4:30 pm Family Christmas Eve Service

Large Print Copies of the Bulletin are Available from the Ushers

Trinity Episcopal Church

44 East Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

www.trinitybeth.org

Email: info@trinitybeth.org

Phone: (610) 867-4741 Fax: (610) 867-5206

We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, confused, filthy rich, comfortable or dirt poor. We extend a special welcome to wailing babies and excited toddlers. We welcome you if you sing like Pavarotti or just growl quietly to yourself. You’re welcome here if you’re just browsing, just woken up or just got out of prison, We don’t care if you’re more Christian than the Archbishop of Canterbury or haven’t been to church since Christmas ten years ago. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown

up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome keep-fit moms, football dads, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, and junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. We welcome you if you’re having problems, are down in the dumps or don’t like ‘organized religion.’ (We’re not that keen on it either!) We offer a welcome to those who think the earth is flat, work too hard, don’t work, can’t spell, or are here because granny is visiting and wanted to come to church.

We welcome those who are inked, pierced, both or neither. We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down their throat as kids or got lost in the city and wound up here by mistake. We welcome pilgrims, tourists, seekers, doubters . . . and you!

--with the kind permission of Coventry Cathedral

Trinity Episcopal Church 44 East Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

A Community of God’s People – All are welcome

Worship Services

Monday, December 25, 2017

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ 10:00 am Holy Eucharist with Carols

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist 11:30 am Holy Eucharist

Sunday, December 31, 2017 The First Sunday after Christmas

There is no 8:00 am Service Today 10:30 am Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist

The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Holy Eucharist Rite Two

All who are baptized are welcome to share

in the Sacrament of the Altar. To receive communion, please come to the communion rail at the

direction of the ushers. Receive the bread in the palm of your hand. Eat the bread and drink from the cup when it is offered to you. Or, you may hold the bread and dip it into the wine when the cup is offered. If you wish to receive a blessing, rather than communion,

please move to the communion rail and cross your arms over your chest.

Please maintain a time of silence, stillness and centering

upon entering our worship space.

Christmas Eve Prelude:

Aram Basmadjian, Organ

Noël Étranger (VIII) Louis-Claude Daquin Carol Rhapsody Richard Purvis Greensleeves arr. Richard Purvis I Saw Three Ships arr. Virgil Fox Winter Night Frederick Delius Carillon on a Ukrainian Carol Gerald Near Variations on ‘Adeste Fidelis’ Gaston M. Dethier

In Procession: Adeste Fidelis Hymn 83

The Word of God: Prayer Book, p. 355

Song of Praise: Gloria in Excelsis Hymnal, S278

Copyright © 1976, Oxford University Press, Inc.

The Collect of the Day: Prayer Book, p. 212

O 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.

The First Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7

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 have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Gradual: Christmas Day I ABC Psalm 96

From A Hymn Tune Psalter, Revised Common Lectionary Edition c) 2007 by Carl P. Daw, Jr and Kevin R. Hackett. Church Publishing Incorporated. All Rights reserved. Used by permission.

The Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

The Sequence Hymn: St. Louis Hymn 79 vs. 1-3

The Holy Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

In 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!"

Sermon by The Reverend Canon Laura Howell, Obl.S.B., Rector

The Nicene Creed Prayer Book, p. 358

The Prayers of the People

As we join the angels and shepherds and celebrate with joy the birth of Jesus Christ, let us offer prayers to God who shines the light of Christ on all creation, saying: Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For the Church: remembering especially Michael our Presiding Bishop, Sean our Bishop, the Diocese of Northwestern PA, St. Margaret’s Church. Emmaus, and the Diocese of Kajo-Kaji, that we may embrace God’s will, however mysterious or surprising. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For the person God is preparing to be the ninth Bishop of Bethlehem. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For this Parish Family, that by the grace of Christ’s coming among us we may live upright and godly lives, and bear witness to God’s love. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For all who live in Bethlehem and the hill country of Judah, and for Christians, Jews and Muslims everywhere, that God’s spirit will open new pathways of peace and bring forth new hope to all who live in danger and fear. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For those who live and work in places of trouble and violence, that the Prince of Peace will guide all hearts to strive for peace and justice. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For all who find Christmas difficult, for those whose lives are touched by fear, anxiety or depression, and for the sick and the suffering, remembering especially, Donald, Matthew, Mike, Helen, Charles, Rich, Joan, and Lloyd that Christ will bring healing and light to their hearts. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For all the blessings God has given us, that we may receive them thankfully and rejoice that Christ is born again in our hearts and lives. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For those who have died, remembering especially Katherine Johnson, and all those in whose memory the Christmas flowers and decorations are given, that they may rejoice in the light of God’s incarnate Word, let us pray to the Lord. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

Lifting our voices with all creation, with Mary the God-bearer, and with all the saints and angels, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. To you, O Lord our God.

Celebrant: Source of light and gladness, accept the prayers we offer on this joyful feast. May the Rising Sun of Christ spread across the world and brighten all humanity. Glory to God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Peace Prayer Book, p. 360

Announcements

Holy Communion

Offertory Anthem: Gesu Bambino Pietro Yon Lauren Curnow Madigan, Mezzo Soprano

Mark Shoemaker, Baritone

The Great Thanksgiving, Prayer B Prayer Book, p. 367

Proper Preface of the Incarnation Prayer Book, p. 367

Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin and receive power to become your children.

Sanctus Hymnal, S128

Copyright © 1976, Oxford University Press, Inc.

Fraction Anthem Hymnal S154

Copyright © 1981, G.I.A. Publications, Inc.

Communion Anthem: Magnificat: What Songs Were Sung John Jacob Niles

Lauren Curnow Madigan, Mezzo Soprano

Post-communion Meditation: Stille Nacht Hymn 111

Candles for Meditation "Stille Nacht" will be distributed and lit by the ushers. Please hold the candle upright to protect yourself and the floor from the hot wax.

Please leave the candles in the basket at the door as you exit.

Post Communion Prayer

Eternal God, on this night you have united heaven and earth in sending your Son to take our human nature. May we who have tasted heavenly things keep our eyes fixed on him until the day dawns and Christ the Morning Star rises in our hearts. To him be glory now and for ever. Amen.

Closing Hymn: Mendelssohn Hymn 87

A Christmas Blessing

May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with his joy and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Dismissal Prayer Book, p. 366

Postlude: Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella arr. Keith Chapman

Some participants in the service:

Sara Klingner Verger Ann Szmania Altar Guild Paulo Pereira Crucifer Jeanne Deets Reader Joan Jones Reader Ken Magee Intercessor Gaby Whittier Greeter Ann Szmania Lay Eucharistic Minister Peter Paul Sondova Lay Eucharistic Minister Gabriele Whittier Usher Joan Jones Usher Donna Lawrence Usher Millard Cook Usher Theresa Kunda Counter Ann Szmania Counter

Memorials and Thanksgivings 2017

In Memory of David Bryan Alderman

All my loved ones—past and present Ivan Brychta

Daniel and Anna Decker Margaret and George Heiter

Jean Anne, Maurice and Ed Huber The Hunt Family Peg and Joe Illick

Charles P. and Helen Johns Katherine Johnson

Richard H. Jones, Sr. Richard H. Jones, Jr.

Virginia Jones Julius and Miriam Kelloz

Raymond H., Mary K., John C., and Will Lobach Bob Lukens

Brian Reagan Audrey and Stanley Romeril Bert and Winifred Romeril

Jack Romeril Lester and Doris Slatoff John and Alice Spong

Ray and Dorothy Szmania Ken Tarby

Carl Winterburn

In Thanksgiving for

All God’s blessings and bounty! Wonderful Trinity Friends

Rector Search Committee

The Search Committee has reviewed all the data received during the

parish meetings and used that information to compile the congregational profile information and the new rector’s position

description. In January, the Office of Transitional Ministry will upload our information where clergy searching for an opportunity

such as Trinity can access our profile for consideration. Our next task is to provide content for an updated website. Please stay tuned.

The Search Committee for Trinity’s next Rector: Sara Klingner,

Chair; Bob Baser, Jeanne Deets, Chris Martocchio, Lynn Norman, Pat Sisson and Rick Weaver. Please pray for them as they begin their

work.

A Stewardship Reflection

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth to those whom he favors”. And we are among the favored ones. He has showered us with blessings too many to count - and now at Christmas time, we remember the glorious gift of his Son. In how many ways can we offer thanks and gratitude for this awesome gift?

Birthdays:

December 26: Tibar Baukal Lee Anne Smith

December 27: Mary Ann Swiatek

December 29: Ssgt Robert Hawkeye Norman Joseph Roy Cathy Walter

December 30: Ethan Givey Sarah Magee Vanessa Miller

The Clergy, Wardens, Vestry and Staff

Of Trinity Wish you a

Blessed and Holy Celebration of the

Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Almighty God, You have given your only-begotten Son

to take our nature upon him and to be born of a pure Virgin;

Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children

by adoption and by grace, may be daily renewed

by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

How to Become a Member

You are very welcome to attend worship services, whether or not you are a member. If you would like to become part of the parish, it is easy. Just give your name, address, phone number (and email address if you have one) to a priest or usher. Or you may leave it in the parish office. All Episcopalians are asked to share their time, talents and treasure. We would love to have you attend our special programs and join our activities. There are so many opportunities to become a working member – by helping with worship services, by joining an outreach group, or by serving on a parish committee. For more information, please contact our Welcoming Committee at whittigc@gmail.com

Pray for those in Need: Randall Alderman Lori Alvarado Roy Applegate Angela Babio Bud Barr Donald Barry Matthew Belise & family

Karen Blazosky Eileen Bologitz Mike Boushell Keith Borst Loretta Brobst Julie Brooks Staci Cameron Carlson Chambliss Betsy Coffin Bp. Jack Croneberger Mike Daly Ann Day Sue Ditterline Blake Downey Carolyn Duranko Twila Evans Helen Forshaw Tammy Fox Fridman family Mo. Jane Gaeta Vincent Garcia Doodie Genthner

Charles Gianguzi, Jr. Mark Gianguzi Nicolina Gianguzi Bertha Grube Georgette Grube Sr. Patricia-Michael Hauze Sharon Henderson

Julie R. Hoeflinger Stu Hutchinson Bob Ingraham Charles Johns Loraine Johnson Rachel Killian Shirley Knauss Gay Krauss Sophia Krieger Alex MacMillan Jim McCandless Bp. Paul Marshall Judy Merola Mallory Miller Terry Miller Stu Parlin Patti Pasda Will Perkowsky Jim Propst Carol Propsner Mo. Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril

Robert Romeril Marilyn Rontz Steve Rylander Angeline Ruch Mary Saul Joan Sheldrake Jean Siftar Peter Paul Sondova

Rich Sperline Earl Stover Barbara Subber Audrey Sykes Stanton Sykes Arthur Talbot Pat Talijan Joyce Thomas Chantille Utley Ron Utley Linda Walbert Roger Walter Christa Warda Irma Warda Walter Warda Joan Weiss Beth Wilson Lloyd Wittenmyer Kim Womack Bill Yarnell Beverly Sister Elaine

Pray for those in Service:

Spc. Kevin Connors 1LT Andrew Frey Erin Kloss Tristin Lascelle

Alex J. McCandless MACS Cristin Miller Robert Wilkins

To have a name placed on the parish prayer list, please speak with one of the clergy or with the parish office. Names are normally deleted from the list after two months (or if appropriate, after one year). The Daughters of the King also maintain a separate prayer list. To place a name on that list, please fill out one of the blue prayer cards (located on the back of the pews in the church) and place it in the prayer box at the rear of the sanctuary. The Daughters of the King will pray daily for everyone for two weeks—or longer, if requested.

The Weekly Calendar

Monday, December 25, 2017

The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord The Parish Office is Closed

10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Carols (Church)

Tuesday, December 26, 2017 The Feast of Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

The Parish Office is Closed

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

The Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (Church)

11:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Church) 4:30 p.m. Evening Prayer (Church)

Thursday, December 28, 2017 The Feast of The Holy Innocents

9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (Church)

3:30 p.m. Crafting Our Prayers (The Knitter’s Edge) 7:30 p.m. Senior Choir Practice (Choir Room)

Friday, December 29, 2017

The Feast of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1170 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (Church)

4:30 p.m. Evening Prayer (Church)

Saturday, December 30, 2017

The Feast of Frances Joseph Gaudet, Educator and Prison Reformer, 1934 12:00 p.m. The Funeral of Katherine Johnson (Church and Parish Hall)

5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (Chapel)

Sunday, December 31, 2017

The First Sunday After Christmas Day No 8:00 am Service Today

10:30 a.m. Service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist (Church)

2:30 p.m. Centering Prayer (Library)

The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church

Christmas Message 2017

In Second Corinthians, the Apostle Paul says,

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new is come.

At a point in that passage, St. Paul says, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself,” and he also says at another point in the same passage, “and we have been given the ministry of reconciliation.”

Have you ever gone to the movies or read a story or a novel, and the novel starts with the end, so you know where the story ends, but then the rest of the story or the novel is actually the story behind the story. We know about Christmas. We know about Mary. We know about Joseph. We know about the angels singing Gloria in excelsis deo. We know from our childhood the animals in the stable. We know of the magi who come from afar, arriving around Epiphany, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. We know of the angels singing in the heavens, and the star that shown above them. Therein is the story.

But the story behind the story is what St. Paul was talking about. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and Jesus has now given us that same ministry of reconciliation. God was reconciling the world to himself by becoming one of us. The divine became human. God entered history. Eternity became part of time. God was reconciling the world to himself by actually living it himself. In Jesus, God came among us to show us the way, to be reconciled with the God who has created us all and everything that is. And God has likewise come in the person of Jesus, to show us how to be reconciled with each other, as children of the one God who is the Creator of us all. That's the story behind Christmas.

God is showing us the Way to become God's children, and as God's children, brothers and sisters of each other. God is showing us in Jesus how to become God's family and how to change, and build, and make a world where everybody is a part of that family. Where children don't go to bed hungry. Where no one has to be lonely. Where justice is real for all and where love is the ultimate law.

Know there is a story behind the story, and it's a story worth singing about, and giving thanks for, and then living.

One of my favorite writers, the late Howard Thurman, composed a poem many years ago about Christmas, and he says it probably better than I:

When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks,

Then the work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace to others, And alas, to make music in the heart. The story behind the story is that God so loved the world, and so loves you, and so loves me. Have a blessed Christmas, a wonderful New Year, and go out and make music in the heart of

the world.

About Trinity Episcopal Church

Location: 44 East Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018-5989 Phone: (610) 867-4741 Emergency: (610) 217-4837 Email: info@trinitybeth.org Website: www.trinitybeth.org Office Hours: Receptionist 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointments: until 4:00 p.m.

Clergy

The Rev. Canon Laura Thomas Howell, Obl. S. B., Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Miller, Deacon and Soup Kitchen Coordinator The Rev. Canon Clifford B. Carr, Priest Associate The Rev. Dr. Richard C. Ditterline, Priest Associate The Rev. Dr. Gerard R. Gaeta, Priest Associate The Rev. Dr. Jane S. Gaeta, Priest Associate The Rev. Canon Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril, Priest Associate

Staff

Aram Basmadjian, Artist in Residence Karen Ernst-Reiner, Treasurer Millard Cook, Parish Administrator and Pastoral Assistant James Propst, Sexton Charles Johns, Security Ministers: All Baptized Members

Vestry

Robert Baser Ross Mangina (Vestry Warden) Lisa Collier Sarah Molinaro Joanne Gulya (Rector’s Warden) Stephanie Stover (Vestry Chaplain) Linda Henry Arthur Talbot Theresa Kunda Logan Vitalos Robert Lawrence Rick Weaver