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1660 Kessler Boulevard, East Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46220

317-251-9489

www.northminster-indy.org

Welcome to worship at Northminster!

Thank you for worshiping with us today. If you are visiting with us

this morning we hope you feel the presence of God and the

hospitality of this congregation. If you have any questions about our

church please ask one of the pastors or a greeting host wearing a red

“Ask Me” badge.

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

December 17, 2017

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Restoring God’s People

«««««««««««««

Please silence your cell phone before worship begins.

*Those who are able, please stand.

Congregation responds in bold.

http://www.northminster-indy.org/

CENTERING THOUGHT

A World …

damaged … appearing to float aimlessly in the cold void of space

… groping in the darkness unaware of its blindness or just not

caring.

A people …

called from that world to glimpse a hint of the light

that would come to pierce the murky gloom.

Our Savior … Light of the World

born out of those people – yet eternal –

parting the clouds … lifting the shade …

filling our hearts with rays of hope

and the promise of Restoration!

Jennifer Richter

APPROACHING GOD

WELCOME Carol McDonald

GATHERING SONGS

Hymn No. 103 Come Now, O Prince of Peace OSOSO

(Soloist sings verse 1 in Korean, all are invited to sing 1-4 in English)

Wait for the Lord Taizé Community

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Jesus says, “I am coming soon.”

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;

God sends good news to the oppressed.

Let us worship God.

*HYMN NO. 102 Savior of the Nations, Come

NUN KOMM, DER HEIDEN HEILAND

LIGHTING THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE

(after the candle is lit) -

Living God, come to our world.

As we wait for your promise, give light, give hope.

Fill us with your Spirit and anoint us with your love.

Sung response: VENI EMMANUEL

O come green shoot of Jes—se, free

Your people from despair and apathy;

Forge justice for the poor and the meek,

Grant safety for the young ones and the weak.

Rejoice, rejoice! Take heart and do not fear,

God’s chosen one, Emmanuel, draws near.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Marland Pittman

Merciful God, you love justice, but we persist in

wrongdoing.

You long to fill our mouths with laughter and shouts of joy,

but we are content with ashes and mourning.

We have doubted your promises and have denied your

power to free us from captivity.

We have chosen instead to trust our own ways.

Forgive our failures. Send your Spirit upon us and anoint

us to share the good news of your joy.

Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.

*SILENT CONFESSION

*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

Brothers and sisters — God has good news of freedom for

oppressed and captive people, of comfort for the

brokenhearted and mourning ones, of hope for those who are

devastated.

God offers us salvation and welcomes us into a covenant

relationship.

Surely our hearts will know joy and our voices will ring

with laughter.

Our God is faithful and God has forgiven each of you.

God grants us peace.

* GLORIA GLORIA

Glo---ria, in excelsis Deo, Glo---ria, in excelsis Deo.

CHILDREN’S TIME Ruth Chadwick Moore

(Children are invited to stay in worship. Church School is also available.)

LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 61: 1-4, 6-11 (Pg. 691)

PSALM 126 Chris Burchett, Cantor

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

OFFERING

OFFERTORY Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen

(from Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, No. 3)

Johann Sebastian Bach

(1685-1750)

Chancel Choir and Orchestra

Cantata for the Third Day of Christmas

(Weihnachts-Oratorium III)

1. (24.) Chor

Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das

Lallen,

Laß dir die matten Gesänge gefallen,

Wenn dich dein Zion mit Psalmen

erhöht!

Höre der Herzen frohlockendes

Preisen,

Wenn wir dir itzo die Ehrfurcht

erweisen,

Weil unsre Wohlfahrt befestiget

steht!

1. (24.) Chorus

Ruler of Heaven, hear the murmur,

let the dull songs be pleasing to You,

when Your Zion exalts You with

psalms!

Hear the delightful praises of our

hearts,

when we acknowledge our present

awe of You,

since our pilgrimage has been

confirmed!

2. (25.) Rezitativ T (Evangelist)

Und da die Engel von ihnen gen

Himmel fuhren, sprachen die Hirten

untereinander:

2. (25.) Recitative T (Evangelist)

And when the angels went away

from them towards heaven, the

shepherds said to one another:

3. (26.) Chor

Lasset uns nun gehen gen

Bethlehem und die Geschichte

sehen, die da geschehen ist, die uns

der Herr kundgetan

hat.

3. (26.) Chorus

Let us go now towards Bethlehem

and see this thing that has happened

there, which the Lord has announced

to us.

4. (27.) Rezitativ B

Er hat sein Volk getröst',

Er hat sein Israel erlöst,

Die Hülf aus Zion hergesendet

Und unser Leid geendet.

Seht, Hirten, dies hat er getan;

Geht, dieses trefft ihr an!

4. (27.) Recitative B

He has comforted His people,

He has rescued His Israel,

sending help out of Zion

and ending our sorrow.

Look, shepherds, He has done this;

go, this is what awaits you!

5. (28.) Choral

Dies hat er alles uns getan,

Sein groß Lieb zu zeigen an;

Des freu sich alle Christenheit

Und dank ihm des in Ewigkeit.

Kyrieleis!

5. (28.) Chorale

All this He has done for us,

to indicate His great love;

for this all Christianity rejoices

and thanks Him for it in eternity.

Kyrie eleison!

6. (29.) Arie (Duett) S B

Herr, dein Mittleid, dein Erbarmen

Tröstet uns und macht uns frei.

Deine holde Gunst und Liebe,

Deine wundersamen Triebe

Machen deine Vatertreu

Wieder neu.

6. (29.) Aria (Duet) S B

Lord, your compassion, your mercy

comforts us and makes us free.

Your gracious favor and love,

Your miraculous doings

make Your fatherly devotion

renewed again.


Und sie kamen eilend und funden

beide, Mariam und Joseph, dazu

das Kind in der Krippe liegen. Da

sie es aber gesehen hatten, breiteten

sie das Wort aus, welches zu

ihnen von diesem Kind gesaget war.

Und alle, für die es kam, wunderten

sich der Rede, die ihnen dir Hirten

gesaget hatten. Maria aber behielt

alle diese Worte und bewegte sie in

ihrem Herzen.


And they came hastily and found

both Mary and Joseph, along with

the child lying in the manger. When

they had seen it, however, they

spread the word around, that had

been spoken about this child. And

everyone to whom it

came marveled at the sayings that

the shepherds had told them. Mary

however kept all these words and

pondered them in her heart.

8. (31.) Arie A

Schließe, mein Herze, dies selige

Wunder

Fest in deinem Glauben ein!

Lasse dies Wunder, die göttlichen

Werke,

Immer zur Stärke

Deines schwachen Glaubens sein!

8. (31.) Aria A

Enclose, my heart, these blessed

miracles

fast within your faith!

Let these wonders, these divine

works,

forever be the reinforcement

of your weak faith!

9. (32.) Rezitativ A

Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren,

Was es an dieser holden Zeit

Zu seiner Seligkeit

Für sicheren Beweis erfahren.

9. (32.) Recitative A

Yes, yes, my heart shall cherish this,

what it has experienced

at this glorious time for its

blessedness

as a sure revelation.

10. (33.) Choral

Ich will dich mit Fleiß bewahren,

Ich will dir

Leben hier,

Dir will ich abfahren,

Mit dir will ich endlich schweben

Voller Freud

Ohne Zeit

Dort im andern Leben.

10. (33.) Chorale

I will cherish You assiduously,

I will

live for You here,

to You will I depart,

with You, at last, I will float

full of joy,

endlessly,

there in the other life.


Und die Hirten kehrten wieder um,

preiseten und lobten Gott um alles,

das sie gesehen und gehöret hatten,

wie denn zu ihnen gesaget war.


And the shepherds went back again,

praising and glorifying God for

everything that they had seen and

heard, as it had been spoken to

them.

12. (35.) Chor

Sei froh dieweil,

Das euer Heil

Ist hie ein Gott und auch ein

Mensch geboren,

Der, welcher ist

Der Herr und Christ

In Davids Stadt, von vielen

auserkoren.

12. (35.) Chorale

Meanwhile, be happy,

for your salvation

is born here a God and also a

person,

He, who is

the Lord and Christ

in David's city, chosen out of many.

1. (24.) Chor wiederholt 1. (24.) Chorus repeated

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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 debts, as we

forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver

us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the

glory, forever. Amen.

*SHARING THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

(Worshipers may greet one another with words of Christ’s peace.)

GOING FORTH

*HYMN Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding MERTON

*CHARGE AND BLESSING

May God bless us on this Advent journey, that we may accept the

gifts of God’s grace,

and that we may join the angels who sing above the stable,

“Glory to God in the highest, and peace, good will to all the

earth.”

Now friends, go forth in the name of Jesus.

Let us do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.

Magnify the Lord and rejoice,

for nothing is impossible with God.

POSTLUDE Vivace, Allegro

(from Christmas Concerto, Opus 6, No. 8)

Arcangelo Corelli

(1653 – 1713)

"Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding," ©Text: 6th century Latin;

Music: MERTON, William Monk

(1823 - 1889). Reprinted under OneLicense.net 2433181.

MUSIC IN WORSHIP

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachtsoratorium,

BWV 248) was composed for the Christmas season of 1734 – 1735

and was presented in his two Leipzig churches. The work is a

collection of six free-standing cantatas composed for six feast days

across the two weeks of Christmas, beginning with Christmas Day

and continuing through the feast of Epiphany. Thematically, Bach

saw the complete oratorio as a unifying work, with the six cantatas

forming a chronological narrative of Christ’s birth story, including

the birth, the annunciation to the shepherds, the adoration of the

shepherds, the circumcision and naming, the coming of the Magi,

and the adoration of the Magi. It is believed the librettist for the

Christmas Oratorio was Christian Friedrich Henrici, who had

written texts previously for Bach’s music.

Bach’s Leipzig churches included one of his cantatas the first

Sunday of Advent, a day which was festive in nature. The

remaining Sundays of the Advent season emphasized the quiet,

reflective mood of penitence, similar to the season of Lent prior to

Easter. The Christmas Oratorio, therefore, must have been a rich

and joyous feast for the ears and souls of worshipers by the time

Christmas Day arrived.

24 Chorus

The cantata begins in the celebratory key of D Major as three

trumpets, timpani, flutes, oboes, violins, violas and continuo provide

a brilliant introduction. Chorus, led by the tenors, enter in joyous

fashion 17 measures later, imploring God to hear our paltry songs of

praise.

25 Recitative Tenor (Evangelist)

The Evangelist, in three short measures, tells us the angels went

toward Heaven and the shepherds speak.

26 Chorus

The chorus finishes his thought – the shepherds are to journey to

Bethlehem to see “this thing” that of which they have been

informed. The movement is less orchestrated and even shorter than

the first, No. 24. Four vocal lines are imitative, constructed around

a simple scale-figure and its inversion. The shepherds have been

prompted into action and the music conveys this image with

vigor. An energized bass line suggests determination while the

flowing flute and violins in the top suggest a flurry of activity.

Chorus recreates an excited babble, especially at “Lasset uns nun

gehen” (Let us go now). This is known as a turba chorus - a crowd

chorus - a type commonly found in Bach’s St. Matthew and St. John

Passions.

27 Recitative Bass

Bass soloist, supported by a pair of flutes, states the importance of

the Lord’s compassion and his freeing of humankind.

28 Chorale

The chorus echoes these thoughts and calls us to show our thanks to

the Lord and to pray for mercy – “Kyrie eleison.” The last extended

phrase, following three shorter ones, conveys an implication of

something that is ongoing and unfinished.

29 Aria Duet (Soprano and Bass)

The two most substantial movements of this cantata are this duet and

the later alto Aria, No. 31. Between them they take up roughly half

the performance time of the entire cantata. This rather sensual duet

is addressed to the Lord, thanking Him for his love and compassion

that sets us truly free. Set in the key of A major with a 3/8 meter and

accompanied by two oboes and continuo, the mood is both tranquil

and jaunty. The ascending oboe figures represent a seeking or a

looking for something beyond.


Moving the story along, the Evangelist continues telling of the

shepherds finding Mary, Joseph and the Christ child.

31 Aria Alto

Alto soloist describes Mary’s innermost feelings of the miracle of

the birth. Solo violin begins, playing the initial measure on low

strings. The music is reserved but not tragic or depressing, and the

violin plays tenderly above the singer throughout.

32 Recitative Alto

A pair of flutes play sustained notes as the Alto tells us that “these

wonders, these divine works” should be reminders for us to have

faith.

33 Chorale

The chorus confirms the preceding recitative – I will live for you on

earth, eventually to depart to be with you in the next joyful life.


The Evangelist reports that the shepherds retreat, praising God for

what they have witnessed.

35 Chorale

The final of three chorales is the only one in a minor key, F sharp

minor. Despite the first words of the movement (“Meanwhile,

rejoice”), the chorus is serious and direct, and urges us to

remember our salvation comes from both a God and a person.

24 Chorus reprise

Apparently, Bach thought enough of the first movement to

repeat it, bringing a festive brassy conclusion to the third

cantata of Weihmachtsoratorium.

SOLOISTS

North Carolina native Joseph Ittoop, Tenor, is currently pursuing

a Masters in Vocal Performance from Indiana University Jacobs

School of Music, studying with Wolfgang Brendel. Joseph has sung

leading roles in La Boheme, La Traviata, Lucia di Lammermoor,

L’Elisir d’Amore, Die Zauberflöte, Cosi Fan Tutte, Don Giovanni,

and L’Heure Espagnol. He will perform the role of Arturo in IU’s

2018 production of Lucia di Lammermoor.

Baritone Christopher Burchett has appeared with companies both

in the U.S. and abroad such as New York City Opera, Santa Fe

Opera, Estates Theatre in Prague, Boston Lyric Opera, The Barbican

& BBC Orchestra, Palm Beach Opera, Opera Orchestra of New

York, Virginia Opera, Opera Omaha, Indianapolis Opera, Kentucky

Opera, Glimmerglass Opera Festival, Opera Theatre of St. Louis and

the Washington Chorus. He has also appeared with the Carmel Bach

Festival, Boulder Bach Festival, Louisville Bach Society, Portland

Baroque Orchestra, New York Choral Society at Carnegie Hall,

Princeton Pro Musica and Bethlehem Bach Festival where he sang

Bach’s B Minor Mass as part of an Emmy winning national PBS

broadcast entitled “Make a Joyful Noise”. This season includes

return performances with Indianapolis Opera, Orchestra NOW, the

Washington Chorus at the Kennedy Center, Opera Saratoga, the

London Philharmonic and Fargo-Moorhead Opera. In 2018 he

performs operas with Chicago Opera Theater, Boston Lyric Opera

and Fargo-Moorhead Opera. He can be heard on the Naxos, VIA,

Cantalope and Albany record labels.

Elisabeth Kleinsmith, Soprano, is a native of Goshen, Indiana.

Under the tutelage of Dr. Kathleen Hacker, Elisabeth received her

Bachelor of Music from the University of Indianapolis, and her

Master of Music from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

with Dr. David Sadlier. Elisabeth’s love and attention to art song

(particularly the songs of composers from WW1) has become a

fundamental element to her vocal studies. She has also been featured

as a soloist in numerous oratorio and other large choral works,

including works under the baton of Maestro Raymond Leppard.

Recent masterclasses include Teresa Cahill, Lawrence Brownlee,

Brian Zeger, William Bolcom, and Emilio Pons. Elisabeth works for

the University of Indianapolis’ Pre-College Music Program, and for

Aire Born Studios in Zionsville, Indiana.

Christina Nicastro, Mezzo-Soprano, is a native of Dunellen, New

Jersey. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the Indiana

University Jacobs School of Music studying with Carol Vaness.

Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from

William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. At Indiana

University she has performed the role of Ellen Orford in Peter

Grimes and appeared in the opera choruses of Dead Man Walking,

Carmen, and Madama Butterfly. Nicastro has been featured in IU

opera workshops as Mimì in La Bohème and Elisabetta in Don

Carlo. She has also appeared as a soloist in Honegger’s King David

with the IU summer chorus under the direction of Walter Huff.

Oratorio performances include Vivaldi’s Gloria and Mozart’s

Coronation Mass, Requiem, and Vesperae solennes de confessore with

the Choral Art Society of New Jersey. She has appeared with

the Hershey Symphony Orchestra in selections from Bizet’s Carmen

and Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5.

CHANCEL CHOIR

Soprano

Jenny Abbott

Norma Blake

Mary Boris

Peggy Brandes

Ellen Fosnaught

Shannon Lyst

Andrea Newsom

Sara Sarno

Kathy Schick

Julie Shannon

Clarice Stegall

Krista Wright

Tenor

Steve Boller

David Brock

Robbie Foote

Will Sibley

Marko Petričić,

Organist/Associate for Music

John Wright, Director of Music

Ministries

Alto

Kaitlyn Boller

Elizabeth Brandes

Jill de las Alas

Jennifer Dzwonar

Nancy Dynes

Debbie Everett

Nancy Flamme

Mary Holland

Gayle-Sue Murphy

Christina Nicastro

Maureen Purcell

Lori Schlabach

Bass

Mike Boris

Chris Burchett

Simon Lee

Andy Longo

John Plunkett

Jeff Schmahl

ORCHESTRA

Violin 1

Zach DePue

Phil Palaermo

Yefim Pastukh

Violin 2

Sherry Hong

Michelle Black

Han Xie

Viola

Michael Strauss

Mike Chen

Beverly Scott

Cello

Kurt Fowler

Bass

Bennett Crantford

Timpani

Craig Hetrick

Harpsichord

Tom Gerber

Flute 1

Tammy Thweatt

Flute 2

Leila Breithaupt

Oboe 1

Tim Clinch

Oboe 2

Crystal Barrett

Bassoon

Mike Muszynski

Trumpet 1

Edmund Cord

Trumpet 2

Allen Miller

Trumpet 3

Marvin Perry

What’s Next ?

Sunday Morning Worship

December 24 – ONE MORNING SERVICE ONLY – 10am

– Restoring God’s Power

December 31 – Reflections and Hope

Mission and Outreach

IHN – December 17-24

Christmas Joy Offering – Christmas Eve

Welcoming Refugees—donations of household goods —

contact Erin Bristow to find out what is needed.

Events and Education

Advent Adult Study – The Music of the Season –TODAY 10am

Middlers Fellowship Group (for those in their 40’s, 50’s and

early 60’s) - January 6, 6pm. Pitch-in at Tony and

Jennifer Dzwonar’s.

NorthStars — Avoiding Scams and Schemes - January 17,

10am. Lunch served for $6 following the presentation.

Reservations: Marty and John Brooks or by calling the

church office.

Sound & Spirit Concert -- Philatroi - String Trio -February 11,

4pm. FREE

For more information, check out our website

(northminster-indy.org), ask to receive our weekly email,

pick up a newsletter from an information table,

or contact the church office.

To give by text message on a smartphone, text the amount you

would like to give to 317-316-3009. Our online giving system,

ShelbyNext, will then prompt you through a one-time set up for

giving.

The building will be closed for the Christmas Holidays

on Monday and Tuesday, December 25 and 26.

Christmas at Northminster

December 24 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

10am – ONE service only

Sunday, December 24 -Christmas Eve Services

The Light of the World Breaks Forth!

4:00 pm Joyful Noise Service — for all ages

7:00 pm Candlelight Communion

10:30 pm Choral Prelude

11:00 pm Candles, Carols and Choral Music

Live video streaming of December 24th services at 10 am, 4 pm and

10:30pm. Go to the Northminster website and scroll down to

“Advent at Northminster" at the bottom of the

homepage. Or go to: http://bit.ly/NPC12-24

http://bit.ly/NPC12-24

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