Grace-St.Paul’s
Episcopal Church
The Nativity of Our Lord
Christmas 2010
Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself
on the journey of faith,
you are welcome at Grace-St. Paul’s as you are,
to receive the blessings of God so freely given.
Welcome
Whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith,
you are welcome at Grace-St. Paul’s. If visiting, please use the pew card to
tell us more about yourself. Place it in the offering plate or give it to an usher
or member of the clergy.
“Welcome Bags” and materials available for use by various age levels during
any of our services will be found in the Narthex (church entry way) coat closet or on the book shelves at the back of the church. Our Nursery is also available downstairs during the services. Our ushers will be happy to direct
you to any of these interests.
We are very pleased to have you with us!
Christmas Eve
15:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist and Homily page 3
10:30 p.m. – Pre-Service Music page 8
11:00 p.m. – Festive Holy Eucharist and Sermon page 8
Christmas Day
10:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist and Homily page 14
Christmas Memorials page 19
Prayers andAnnouncements page 23
December 26th…The First Sunday after Christmas Day
T.A.S.K. (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen) Barrel Sunday
8:00 a.m. – ONE service only, a spoken Holy Eucharist,
followed by
11:00 a.m. – Service of Lessons and Carols
atPrinceton University Chapel
Christmas Eve 2010 5:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist and Homily
Prelude
Variation on a French Carol Dale Wood
Please stand as the procession enters the church.
Processional Hymn 83
O come, all ye faithful Adeste fideles
Opening Acclamation
CelebrantAlleluia! To us a child is born!
PeopleTo us a Son is given.
CelebrantTonight the angels sing on earth.
PeopleGlory to God in the highest!
Gloria S-278 Mathias
{Music designated by “S-” is found in the front of the hymnal in the “Service Music” section.}
The Collect of the Day
God be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
Let us pray.
The congregation prays silently, and the Celebrant concludes: 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 congregation may be seated.
A reading from the prophet 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.
The Word of the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.
All stand, as able.
Sequence Hymn 79
O little town of Bethlehem St. Louis
Children who wish to help prepare the Crèche are invited to come to the back of the church during the singing of this hymn.
All sit during the telling of the story. At appointed times, the children bring
Crèche figures forward while the congregation sings.
The Story of the Birth of Jesus, according to the Gospel of Luke 2: 1-20
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.
Hymn 96, verse 1 Angels we have heard on high Gloria
Children bring forward Mary and Joseph to the Crèche, while everyone sings verse 1.
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.
Hymn 96, verse 2 Angels we have heard on high Gloria
Children bring forward the baby Jesus to the Crèche, while everyone sings verse 2.
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!"
Hymn 96, verses 3 4 Angels we have heard on high Gloria
Children come forward with the angel, shepherds, and animals to the Crèche,
while everyone sings verses 34.
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 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.
The Blessing of the Crèche
CelebrantThe Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
PeopleAnd we beheld his glory!
CelebrantLet us pray.
Most merciful and loving God, you have made this day holy by the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, and by the child-bearing of Mary: Grant that we your people may enter with joy into the celebration of this day, and may also rejoice forever as your adopted daughters and sons, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The children now return to their families for the homily.
Homily The Rev. Susan Richardson, Rector
All stand, as able.
Prayers of the People, Form II p. 385, in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP)
The Peace
Greetings and Announcements
THE HOLY EUCHARIST
Offertory Anthem
“Sleep My Child” Mary Goetze
All stand, as able, as the ushers present the gifts.
The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer A, p. 361 BCP
Sanctus S-129 Mathias
The people kneel or remain standing, then the celebrant continues. p. 362, BCP
The Lord’s Prayer p. 364, BCP
The Breaking of the Bread and Invitation to Communion
The Celebrant breaks the bread and, after a silence, says:
Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
PeopleTherefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
Invitation to the table:
So come to this table
You who have much faith
And you who would like to have more.
You who have been to this Sacrament often,
And you who have not been for a long time.
You who have followed Jesus.
And you who fear you have failed. Come.
It is Christ who invites you to meet him here.
Wherever you are in your journey of faith,
You are welcome here at the Lord’s table.
At these words, the congregation moves to the rail and takes communion either standing or kneeling. If you wish to receive wine from the common cup, please guide it to your lips. All baptized Christians, regardless of denomination and tradition, along with anyone seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, are welcome to receive the Eucharist.
Communion Hymn 115
What child is this Greensleeves
After all have received Communion, we kneel and sing together.
Post-Communion Hymn 111
Silent night Stille Nacht
All stand, as able.
Let us pray.
Son of Mary, Son of God, may we, for whom the heavens have opened, never lose that heavenly vision. May we, who like the shepherds, have seen in your birth a new kind of love, witness to that love in our lives.
Welcome, welcome, Jesus Christ our infant savior. May we, who like the shepherds who witnessed in the stable a new kind of love, return to our work with joy. May we, for whom the heavens have opened to proclaim that God is with us, we who have fed on living bread and drunk the wine of heaven, go out to be instruments of your peace, day by day.
Father of all, the child born for us in the Savior of the world. May he who made us your children welcome us into your kingdom, where he is alive and reigns with you now and forever. Amen.
Blessing
May Christ our infant savior give you the joy of the Bethlehem shepherds, the awe of worshiping sages, and the humility of the holy family. May you be as little children, and may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you forever. Amen.
Recessional Hymn 100
Joy to the world Antioch
Dismissal
Alleluia, alleluia! Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the
power of the Spirit.
PeopleThanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Postlude
Assisting in worship . . .
Ushers ... Michael Register, Scott Singleton, Mike Carr
Crucifer/Server ... Cathy Roe; Torchbearers ... Emilia Siracusa Mikayla Register
Lectors ... Natalia Loh Michael Register; Intercessor ... Barb Nichols
Eucharistic Ministers ... Barbara Bromley Scott Loh
Christmas Eve 2010 11:00 p.m.
Festive Holy Eucharist andPrelude Music
10:30 p.m. . . . Pre-Service Music
Jackie Watson, viola & violin
Jamie Watson, guitar
“Personet Hodie” from Dancing Day John Rutter
On this day earth shall ring with the song children sing to the Lord,
Christ our King, born on earth to save us; him the Father gave us.
Therefore, glory to God in the highest!
Please join the choir in singing the following carols.
Hymn 105 God rest you merry, gentlemen God Rest You Merry
Hymn 94 While shepherds watched their flocks Winchester Old
Hymn 101 Away in a manger Cradle Song
Hymn 89 It came upon the midnight clear Carol
Hymn 109 (vs. 1-3) The first Nowell The First Nowell
“Dancing Day” from Dancing Day John Rutter
Festive Holy Eucharist and Sermon
Please stand as the procession enters the church.
Processional Hymn 102
Once in royal David’s city Irby
Opening Acclamation
CelebrantAlleluia! To us a child is born!
PeopleTo us a Son is given.
CelebrantTonight the angels sing on earth.
PeopleGlory to God in the highest!
Gloria S-278 Mathias
{Music designated by “S-” is found in the front of the hymnal in the “Service Music” section.}
The Collect of the Day
God be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
Let us pray.
The congregation prays silently, and the Celebrant concludes: 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 congregation may be seated.
A reading from the prophet 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.
The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm 96
The congregation joins the choir in singing the following Refrain :
1Osing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day today.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvellous works among all the peoples.
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be revered above allgods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Honour and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.Refrain
7 Ascribe to the Lord, Ofamilies of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in holy splendour;
tremble before him, all the earth.Refrain
10 Say among the nations, ‘The Lord is king!
The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.
He will judge the peoples with equity.’
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fillsit;
let the field exult, and everything in it.
12Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the Lord; for he is coming,
for he is coming to judge the earth.
13He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with his truth. Refrain
A reading from 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 Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
All stand, as able.
Sequence Hymn 78
O little town of Bethlehem Forest Green
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke 2: 1-20
PeopleGlory 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!" 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 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