Holy Eucharist

Christmas Eve ~ December 24, 2016 Musical Prelude 10:30pm Candlelight Worship 11:00 pm

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Welcome to St. John’s and to this special time when we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus; the in-breaking of new life and new hope in our lives and in the world. Everything needed for this service is printed in this bulletin. Whether you are visiting or a member, please know that you are welcome in this place. Come let us adore him.

Merry Christmas,

A CHRISTMAS BLESSING Joyce Rupp, Out of the Ordinary

May there be harmony in all your relationships. May sharp words, envious thoughts, and hostile feelings be dissolved. May you give and receive love generously. May this love echo in your heart like the joy of church bells on a clear December day. May each person who comes into your life be greeted as another Christ. May the honor given to the Babe of Bethlehem be that which you extend to every guest who enters your presence. May the hope of this holy season settle in your soul. May it be a foundation of courage for you when times of distress occupy your inner land. May the wonder and awe that fills the eyes of children be awakened within you. May it lead to renewed awareness and appreciation of whatever you too easily take for granted. May the bonds of love for one another be strengthened as you gather around the table of festivity and nourishment. May you daily open the gift of your life and be grateful for the hidden treasures it contains. May the coming year be one of good health for you. May you have energy and vitality. May you care well for your body, mind and spirit. May you keep your eye on the Star within you and trust this luminescent presence to guide and direct you each day. May you often go to the Bethlehem of your heart and visit the One who offers you peace. May you bring peace into this world.

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Musical Prelude

10:30 pm MUSICIANS:

MONICA ELY, Soprano LIZA CALISESI MAIDENS, Alto ROXY KRING DIEDERICH, Tenor JOEL MAIDENS, Bass

REBECCA PARK, Piano MARY ROSE NIEMAN, Flute

Angels We Have Heard on High arr. Karen Smith and David Snyder Away in a Manger arr. Karen Smith and David Snyder It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Silent Night arr. Karen Smith and David Snyder Chanson from Suite Antique John Rutter O Holy Night arr. Karen Smith and David Snyder

Coventry Carol arr. Shaw

Patapan Burgundian Tune

O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion From Handel’s Messiah

Ding dong! Merrily on High French Carol

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Holy Eucharist 11:00 pm

+ The Liturgy of the Word + PROCESSIONAL SONG: HYMNAL 83 O Come, All Ye Faithful

Verse 1 – All, in unison Verse 2 – All, in harmony Verve 3 – Women, in unison

Verse 4 – Men, in unison Verse 5 – All, in harmony Verse 6 – All, in unison

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OPENING ACCLAMATION Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen GLORIA SJP QUARTET Gloria From Vivaldi’s Gloria COLLECT OF THE DAY Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: 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 the 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. People: Amen.

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THE 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. Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

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PSALM 96

PSALMIST QUARTET/CONGREGATION

1 Sing to the Lord a / new song; * sing to the Lord, / all the whole earth.

2 Sing to the Lord and / bless his Name; * proclaim the good news of his salvation / from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the / nations * and his wonders a/mong all peoples.

4 For great is the Lord and greatly / to be praised; * he is more to be / feared than all gods.

5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but / idols; * but it is the Lord who / made the heavens.

6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his / presence! * Oh, the power and the splendor / of his sanctuary!

7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the / peoples; * ascribe to the Lord / honor and power.

8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due / his Name; * bring offerings and / come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of / holiness; * let the whole earth / tremble before him.

10 Tell it out among the nations: "The / Lord is King! * he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the / peoples with equity."

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is / in it; * let the field be joyful and / all that is therein.

12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord / when he comes, * when he comes / to judge the earth.

13 He will judge the world with / righteousness * and the / peoples with his truth.

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THE EPISTLE 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. Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. THE GRADUAL SONG: HYMNAL 87 Hark the Herald Angels Sing

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THE GOSPEL (please stand as you are able) LUKE 2: 1-14 Gospeler: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. 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!"

Gospeler: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

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THE SERMON THE REV. LISA TUCKER-GRAY PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (please stand as you are able) Intercessor: On this holy night, Christians the world over celebrate Jesus’ birth. Open our hearts

that he may be born in us today. Lord in your mercy. People: Hear our prayer. Intercessor: On this holy night, there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love

those who have no home and all who live in poverty. Lord in your mercy. People: Hear our prayer. Intercessor: On this holy night, Mary in the pain of labor brought your Son to birth. Hold in your

hand all who are in pain or distress. Lord in your mercy. People: Hear our prayer. Intercessor: On this holy night, your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to

all who have experienced grief and loss, in the hope of heaven. Lord in your mercy. People: Hear our prayer. Intercessor: On this holy night, shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy. Give us grace to

preach the gospel of Christ's redemption. Lord in your mercy. People: Hear our prayer. Intercessor: On this holy night, the angels sang 'Peace to God's people on earth'. Strengthen those

who work for peace and justice in all the world. Lord in your mercy. People: Hear our prayer. Intercessor: On this holy night, strangers found the Holy Family, and saw the baby lying in the

manger. Bless our homes and all whom we love. Lord in your mercy. People: Hear our prayer. Intercessor: On this holy night, heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Keep in

safety all those who have gone through death in the hope of heaven. Lord in your mercy.

People: Hear our prayer. Intercessor: On this holy night, angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger throne. Receive the

worship we offer in fellowship with the Blessed Mary and all the saints. Lord in your mercy.

People: Hear our prayer. Celebrant: Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. People: Amen.

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THE PEACE Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you. WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

+ The Liturgy of the Table +

THE OFFERTORY MONICA ELY, Soloist Gesu Bambino Lorenzo Perosi THE PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS: HYMNAL 115 What Child is This? What child is this, who laid to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? Refrain This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER A BCP PAGE 361

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Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; 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. Therefore we praise you joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name; THE SANCTUS

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Celebrant: Holy and Gracious Father: 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 Father 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: (Celebrant and People proclaim together) Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. (continued on next page)

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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, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN. THE LORD’S PRAYER BCP PAGE 364 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. THE FRACTION Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

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INVITATION TO COMMUNION Here at St. John’s we welcome all to the Table set for us at the time of Communion. Please remain seated until an usher invites your row forward. To receive the bread please put your hands together palms up in front of you. Then either eat the bread and drink directly from the cup of wine, or allow the server with the wine to dip the bread in the wine and place it in your mouth. Gluten-free wafers are available upon request. If you are unable to come forward and wish to have Communion brought to you, please inform an usher. COMMUNION MUSIC SJP QUARTET

God Rest You Merry Gentlemen English Carol Laudamus te From Vivaldi’s Gloria Domine Deus From Vivaldi’s Gloria

THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER (please stand as you are able) Gracious Father, we give you praise and thanks for this Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of your beloved Son Jesus Christ, the pledge of our redemption. So draw our hearts to you; so guide our minds; so fill our imaginations; so control our wills; that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you. Then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. We will share the light of Christ at this time. Once your candle has been lit, please pass the light to your neighbor. We invite you to take your candle home with you after the service.

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CANDLELIGHTING HYMN: HYMNAL 111 Silent Night, Holy Night

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A CHRISTMAS BLESSING (Howard Thurman, adapted)

When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with the flocks, then the work of Christmas begins:

-to find the lost, -to heal those broken in spirit, -to feed the hungry, -to release the oppressed, -to rebuild the nations, -to bring peace among all peoples, -to make a little music with the heart…

And to radiate the Light of Christ, every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say. Let the work of Christmas begin!

And the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, descend upon you and saturate your heart, this night and forevermore. Amen.

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CLOSING SONG: HYMNAL 100 Joy to the World

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DISMISSAL Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

Reminders

Christmas Eve Worship – Saturday, December 24 Family Service with Eucharist & Christmas Pageant 4:00pm Musical Prelude 10:30pm Traditional Liturgy with Eucharist 11:00pm

Christmas Day Worship – Sunday, December 25 Worship with Eucharist (one service only) 10:00am

No Sunday School Sunday, December 25 or January 1

No Bible Study or Devotional Groups The Week of December 26 – 31

New Year’s Day Worship – Sunday, January 1 Worship with Eucharist (one service only) 10:00am The Baptism of Claire Elizabeth Covey-Dwyer

Celebration of Epiphany – Sunday, January 8 Worship with Eucharist 8:00 & 10:00am Children at the Rail Communion Class 11:15am

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