St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

In the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina

Gerard David (Netherlandish, ca. 1455–1523) The Nativity ca. 1495Oil on panel. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

Sunday, December 31, 2017A Service of Christmas Lessons and Music

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To Know Christ and to make Christ known…St. Paul’s invites all people to the Christian Way of unity with God and

neighborthrough a welcoming environment of worship and ministry

Please enter the church in silence so that all may have quiet time to prepare hearts and minds for worship.

The Holy EucharistVoluntary Of the Father’s love begotten

Wilbur Held The Word of God

Processional Once in royal David’s city Hymnal 102

Bidding PrayerCelebrant: Dear People of God: In this Christmas Season, let it be our

duty and delight to hear once more the message of the

Angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of Godlying in a manger.Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of

God’sloving purpose from the time of our rebellion

against himuntil the glorious redemption brought to us by his

holyChild Jesus, and let us make this place gladwith our carols of praise.But first, let us pray for the needs of God’s whole

world:The Prayers of the People (Form II) (standing)

BCP 3853

I ask your prayers for God’s people throughout the world; for Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Rob our bishop, Dena our rector; Kay, our deacon; Richard, our priest associate; for this gathering; for the vestry and lay ministers of this parish; and for all ministers and people. Pray for the Church. SilenceI ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people. We pray for Donald, our president; Roy, our governor; and for all who govern and hold authority. Pray for justice and peace.SilenceI ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison, and for those on our parish prayer list: Ed, John, Earl, Karen, Curtis, Bob, Margaret, Audrey, Jere, Eleanor, Barbara, Barb, Bob, Joanne, Pat and those friends of the parish listed in the bulletin. Pray for those in any need or trouble.SilenceI ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of him. Pray that they may find and be found by God.SilenceI ask your prayers for the departed. Pray for those who have died.SilenceI invite your thanksgivings. Give thanks and pray for the new year ahead.SilencePraise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored. Pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day.

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SilenceThe Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.Reflection The Rev. Dena WhalenA Reading from Isaiah (40:1-11)Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to herthat she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low;the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?”All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field.The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass.The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings;lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,

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lift it up, do not fear;say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him;his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms,and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.Hymn: Comfort, comfort ye my people Hymnal 67Reflection The Rev. Dena WhalenA Reading from Luke (1:26-35)In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. Hymn: The Angel Gabriel from heaven came

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Hymnal 265Reflection The Rev. Dena WhalenA Reading from Hebrews (1:1-12)Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.For to which of the angels did God ever say,“You are my Son; today I have begotten you”?Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”?And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,“Let all God’s angels worship him.”Of the angels he says, He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.”But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”And, “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands;they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing;like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed.

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But you are the same, and your years will never end.”Hymn to Announce the Gospel Angels from the realms of glory Hymnal 93The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to John (1:1-18)People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

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Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.Hymn: Love divine, all loves excelling Hymnal 657The Collect of the Day

BCP 212Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (The people may be seated.)The PeaceCelebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.People: And also with you.

The Holy CommunionChoral Anthem Angel’s Carol John RutterHave you heard the sound of the angel voices, ringing out so sweetly, ringing out so clear? Have you seen the star shining out so brightly as a sign from God that Christ the Lord is here? Have you heart the news that they bring from heaven, to the humble shepherds, who have waited long? Gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels sing their joyful song. He is come in peace in the winter’s stillness, like a gentle snowfall in the gentle night. He is come in joy, like the sun at morning, filling all the world with radiance and with light. He is come in love as the child of Mary, in a simple stable we have seen his birth. Hear the angels singing peace on earth. He will bring new light to a world in darkness, like a bright star shining in the skies above. He will bring new hope to the waiting nations, when he comes to reign in purity and love. Let the earth rejoice at the Saviour’s coming, let the havens answer with the joyful morn. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels singing Christ is born.The people stand.

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Congregational Response Hymnal 78, verses 1-3

The Great Thanksgiving Enriching Our Worship, Prayer 3 Celebrant The Lord be with you.People And also with you.Celebrant Lift up your hearts.People We lift them to the Lord.Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.People It is right to give our thanks and praise.Celebrant All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus

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Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the waters with dry land; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind. Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; And so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy:Sanctus

The Celebrant continuesGlory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light

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to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise.Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering.Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said:“Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said:“Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ:Celebrant and PeopleDying you destroyed our death; Rising you restored our life; Lord Christ, come in glory.The Celebrant continuesSend your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope, justice and love. Giver of Life, draw us together in the Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time

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gather us with all your people into the joy of our true eternal home.Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise.Celebrant and PeopleBlessed are you now and for ever. AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer Hymnal S 119 / BCP 364

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The Breaking of the BreadA period of silence is kept.Fraction Anthem

Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God.

Communion of the PeopleAll are welcome to receive Holy Communion at the altar. For the bread, place one hand over the other and hold them up chest high so the minister can easily place the bread on the palm of your hand. You may then consume the bread or hold it to dip (intinct) into the wine and then place it in your mouth. If you wish to receive the chalice, please guide it to your lips. If you do not wish to receive the wine, indicate by crossing your arms. After you have received the bread and the wine, it is appropriate to say “AMEN.” Gluten free communion bread is available. Ask the priest.

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Communion MusicWhat child is this, who laid to rest Hymnal 115It came upon the midnight clear Hymnal 89Away in a manger Hymnal 101

After Communion, the Celebrant says Let us pray. The people stand or kneel.People: Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed;

that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.The Celebrant pronounces a blessing to which the congregation responds, “AMEN.”The Wisdom of God,the Love of God,and the Grace of Godstrengthen you to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world,in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.Processional Go tell it on the mountain Hymnal 99 Dismissal The Deacon dismisses the people, to which they reply: Thanks be to God.

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Voluntary In thee is joy J.S. Bach

Our worship is ended; let our service begin.

ANNOUNCEMENTSADULT FORMATION HOUR

ADULT CLASS (Parish Hall) – Lectionary studies with Joe Farri

LIVING FAITH (Library) – An overview course on Christian faith and practice. This 14-week class is especially for newcomers and those preparing for confirmation, but all are welcome. Rev. Dena Whalen, Cleve Callison and others will teach. (No classes today or Dec. 31.)Section 4: How We WorshipJanuary 7: Music in Our Worship

Wednesday, January 10:  Mark your calendars for Paul Wilkes; author, social entrepreneur, speaker and documentarian.  He will be speaking about the Homes of Hope India he founded in 2006. Mr. Wilkes has dedicated his life to rescuing, housing and educating orphan girls in India. Nine Homes of Hope orphanages provide a safe refuge for 1,000 endangered girls.

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December 31 - Christmas I January 7 – Epiphany I8:00 Greeter Tom Gerow Tom Gerow

8:00 Lay Ministers Merry Ann Wright Liz HosierBreakfast Chefs Tom Ballard, Bob Crafts Steve Bucci, Matt Langley

Altar Guild Candace Halecki, Vivain Scheffel, Barbara O’Rourke Diane Trubia, Carolyn Demorest

Bread Bakers Barbara O’Rourke Nancy LoseeFlower Guild Cheryl Wagoner, Pattie Hanson TBA

Greeters Tom Matthews, Jay Stewart,Trish Arnold

Tom & Sandra Ballard, Trish Arnold

Hospitality Lavender TealIntercessor Mary Bridges Trish Arnold

10:30Lay Ministers

Herb Gant, VergerLectors: Richard Peacock, Cindy Moore, David

HeathEMs: Richard Laudati, Steve BucciAssisting Minister: Jeffrey Hughes

Crucifer: Leon TilleryGospel Book Bearer: Bob SwindellChildren’s Chaplain: Richard Rhoads

Herb Gant, Verger

Ushers Ron Morgan, Richard Laudati Mark Tedesco, Richard LaudatiVestry Cecelia Peers TBA

Ministry Schedule

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WEEKLY CALENDARPLEASE NOTE: CHURCH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED JAN. 1

TUE 1/02 STUDY GROUP LIBRARY 7:30 AMST. AGNES GUILD PARISH HALL 10:30 AM

WED 1/03 PASTORAL CARE REVIEW LIBRARY 9:30 AMSTAFF MEETING 10:00

AMDEACON’S OFFICE HOURS 10:00 AM-2:00

PM HOLY EUCHARIST CHANCEL 12:10 PMCOMMUNITY LUNCH PARISH HALL 1:00 PMCHOIR SCHOOL 6:00 PMADULT CHOIR CHURCH 7:00 PM

THU 1/04 THE GENTLEMEN OF NOBLE POVERTY 8:30 AMFRI 1/05 MEN’S BIBLE STUDY PARISH HALL 7:30 AM

FAITHSHARE LIBRARY 10:00 AMSAT 1/06 ALTAR/FLOWER GUILD 9:00 AM

DOK DISCERNMENT REVIEW / MAKE-UP PARISH HALL 1:00 PM

Prayer List In our parish… People

requesting prayer

Please note that names will be removed after one month on the prayer list.If you wish for continued prayer, please notify the office

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ED ABLARDFR. JOHN

CAWTHORNEEARL CRAIG

KAREN DEJARLDCURTIS DALEBOB HANSON

MARGARET HAUGHEY

AUDREY LEWISJERE LEWIS

ELEANOR MORTONBARBARA O’ROURKE

BARB SCALIABOB SCALIA

JOANNE SUMMEYPAT WHITEHEAD

BERNARDINE FULTONVERA L. JONES

JOANNE MURPHYEVA IMALI OPUNGAGEORGE PERKINS

BETTY PULLEYCHRISTINE QUINN

JIM RASHFORDCHARLES G. SCHAEFER

JIM SORRENTIRAYLIENE STANFIELD

Celebrating January Birthdays01/02 Bill Cooper, 01/03 Arianna Shynett, 01/04 Vivian

Scheffel, Tom White,01/05 Lucy Baker, 01/07 Sib Vlahos, 01/08 James Tyckoski,

01/09 Jan Vick, 01/19 Trish Arnold, 01/21 Anne Laudati, 01/22 Faye Woodruff

01/23 Nancy Bray, 01/24 Ali Patz,01/26 JoAnn Summey, 01/27 Frank Patz, Deacon Kay

Swindell,01/28 Annabell Oehrlein, 01/29 Anne Frauens 01/30 Don

Brainard

A Warm Welcome to All Guests!If you are new to our church, please fill out a visitor card and place it in the offering plate or give it to a member of our Welcoming Ministry.Thank you for worshiping with us today. We invite you to join us following the 8:00 a.m. Eucharist for breakfast in the parish hall. For those attending the 10:30 a.m. service, be sure to stay for fellowship in the parish hall. Please join us whenever you can, and please wear a guest name tag so we may introduce ourselves to

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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church16 North Sixteenth Street

Wilmington, North Carolina 28401www.spechurch.com (910) 762-4578

Bulletin submissions: bulletin@spechurch.com (Deadline Thursdays, 12:00 p.m.)

E-news submissions: e-news@spechurch.com (Deadline Wednesdays 5:00 p.m.)

The Rt. Rev. Robert Skirving, BishopThe Rev. Dena Whalen, RectorThe Rev. Deacon Kay Swindell

The Rev. Richard Banks, Priest AssociateRonnie D. Wise, Director of Music and Organist

Richard Rhoads, Assistant Director of Music and OrganistCarl Samet, Parish Administrator

Diane Matz-Kane, BookkeeperBrent Erway and Walter Alonzo, Sextons

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Vestry2015

Don BrainardTom Erway

Cecelia PeersMerry Ann Wright

ClerkLynda Miller

2016Twink Barr

Richard LaudatiSue Sramek

Senior WardenMerry Ann Wright

Junior WardenSpencer Weig

2017Barbara Bucci

Herb GantRoyster Hedgepeth

Spencer Weig

TreasurerBob Swindell

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