The Episcopal Church of St. Martin Christmas Day

December 25, 2021

Holy Eucharist Rite II at 10am SERVICE NOTES Welcome! We are so happy that you have joined us today for Christmas. Communion will be served at stations at the front of the church instead of around the altar rail; the process will be explained during announcements. There is no music in this liturgy. Please wear a mask throughout the service and maintain appropriate distancing from people not in your household, even during the passing of the peace. If you want to visit with people after church, you’re welcome to use any of our outdoor spaces for as long as you want. Thank you and Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING Please stand as you are able. Reader This is Christmas morning, a time when our longing for God’s presence among us is fulfilled. (We light all four Advent candles) Reader Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. The hope, peace, joy and love of the entire world are fully realized in this tiny baby, sent to live among us as a human being and to walk with us on the paths of our lives. (We light the white Christ candle)

People O Emmanuel, God with us, let your light dispel the darkness of the world.

Presider Beloved in God, as we celebrate the birth of the Holy Child, let the light of Christ so enter our hearts and minds, that with simple faith and true hope, we may, at this time, hasten to Bethlehem to see the Baby lying in a manger.

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OPENING ACCLAMATION Presider Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen. COLLECT FOR PURITY

The Presider says Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Presider God be with you. People And also with you. Presider Let us pray.

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born this day of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. FIRST READING ISAIAH 62:6-12 A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels; all day and all night

they shall never be silent. You who remind the LORD,

take no rest, and give him no rest

until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth.

The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm:

I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies,

and foreigners shall not drink the wine for which you have labored;

but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the LORD,

and those who gather it shall drink it in my holy courts.

Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people;

build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples.

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The LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth:

Say to daughter Zion, "See, your salvation comes;

his reward is with him, and his recompense before him."

They shall be called, "The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD";

and you shall be called, "Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken."

Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.

PSALM Let us read together from Psalm 97.

1 You reign, O God; let the earth rejoice; * let the multitude of the isles be glad.

2 Clouds and darkness are round about you, * righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne.

3 A fire goes before you * and burns up your enemies on every side.

4 Your lightnings light up the world; * the earth sees it and is afraid.

5 The mountains melt like wax at your presence, O God, * at your presence, O God of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare your righteousness, * and all the peoples see your glory.

7 Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in false gods! * Let all gods bow down before you.

8 Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, * because of your judgments, O God.

9 For you are God, most high over all the earth; * you are exalted far above all gods.

10 You love those who hate evil; * you preserve the lives of your saints and deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

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11 Light has sprung up for the righteous, * and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.

12 Rejoice in God, you righteous, * and give thanks to God’s holy Name.

SECOND READING TITUS 3: 4-7 A reading from the letter to Titus.

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God. GOSPEL LUKE 2:8-20 Gospeller The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

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 had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Gospeller The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. THE SERMON Silence is kept after the sermon. THE CREED Please stand, as you are able.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,

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eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Leader Lord God, ruler of the universe, we thank you that you hear us when we pray. We are grateful for all your gifts to us, especially the gift of your son who came to live a human life with us. As you guided the Magi to Bethlehem by a star, guide us to come worshipfully to you.

(We pause, making space for prayer.)

Glory to God in the highest People And peace to all people on Earth! Leader We pray on this Christmas Eve for our world. We pray for those who govern and hold positions

of authority among the nations. Lord, you sent your news of peace and goodwill to shepherds, and sent them to see the babe lying in a manger. Let your good news be fulfilled everywhere on earth, for all people.

(We pause, making space for prayer.)

Glory to God in the highest People And peace to all people on Earth! Leader We pray for your church; we pray especially for our Bishop, Megan, and for all who serve Christ

and build up the Beloved Community. By your Spirit strengthen your people for their work and ministry. As you sent your angels to share the good news, send us to show your light to the

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world. (We pause, making space for prayer.)

Glory to God in the highest People And peace to all people on Earth. Leader We pray for one another, for our grandparents, parents, children and friends, through whom we

learn to love and be loved. We thank you for all who care for us as Joseph cared for his family, and we ask you to give us your love in our hearts to share with one another.

(We pause, making space for prayer.)

Glory to God in the highest People And peace to all people on Earth. Leader We pray for those who are sorrowful, distressed, or lonely. We pray for all people who have to

be separated from loved ones on this holy night. We ask you to comfort us as Mary comforted the Baby Jesus. We ask you for the grace to serve you as we find you in the poor, the hungry, the lonely, or the sick.

(We pause, making space for prayer.)

Glory to God in the highest People And peace to all people on Earth. Leader We pray for those who have died and for those who mourn. Holy Jesus, we know that you came into this world to bind up the wounds of the broken-hearted, and we ask for the strength and faith to continue that work, until that day when we are all reunited around your heavenly throne. (We pause, making space for prayer.)

Glory to God in the highest People And peace to all people on Earth. Celebrant Prince of Peace and Mighty Counselor, may we come to worship you with the shepherds,

proclaim you with the angels, seek you with the wise men, offer ourselves to you with Joseph and Mary, and rejoice in your love, O Christ, who live and reigns with the Father and the Spirit,

now and forever. Amen. THE PEACE Please stand, as you are able. Presider The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you. Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord - remembering to maintain appropriate physical distance! ANNOUNCEMENTS OFFERTORY NOTES We will not pass plates during the offertory, but an offering basket is at the entrance of the nave and you may place your contribution there before or after the service. Online giving is also an option; just look for the green “give” button on our website or contact the office for more information. Thank you and God bless you! Our Christmas plate offering will be given to Opening Doors, a refugee resettlement organization in Sacramento.

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THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Please remain standing, as you are able. Celebrant God 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. The Presider proceeds It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord; 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: SANCTUS Presider and People

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION Please kneel or stand, as you are able. Then the Presider continues

Holy and gracious God: 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 maker of all.

Jesus 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 Savior 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 Jesus 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: Presider and People Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

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The Presider continues We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, Almighty God, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

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 Christ. 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 Jesus Christ our Savior. By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and for ever. AMEN. THE LORD’S PRAYER Presider As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray, (first in Spanish and then in English,) Presider and People Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amen. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD The Presider breaks the consecrated bread or host, saying

Presider Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

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The Presider says The Gifts of God for the People of God.

ABOUT RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION All are welcome at God’s table, children included. Gluten-free Communion hosts are available; please ask. Wine is being served via intinction and only at one station; the priest will dip your host into the chalice of wine and then offer it to you. If you would prefer to receive bread only, there is a separate line for that. The customary response to the words “The Body of Christ, the Bread of Heaven” is “Amen.” Crossing your arms over your chest indicates that you would like to receive a blessing instead of Communion. POST-COMMUNION PRAYER After Communion, the Presider says Let us pray. Presider and People Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of Christ, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. A CHRISTMAS BLESSING The Priest blesses the people, saying May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things on earth and things in heaven, fill you with 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 Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God. LITURGICAL MINISTERS Preacher and Presider: The Rev. Ernie Lewis Deacon: The Ven. Margaret Grayden Reader: Carla Harris, Sheri Reynolds Intercessor: Maria Acuna-Feldman Advent Candle Lighting: Michael Goos Crucifer: Janet Lane Ushers: Janet Lane, Bob Holm Flowers: Susan Kauzlarich

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT We acknowledge the land on which we are gathered. For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people. Today, there are three federally-recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands. From riteplanning.com. Copyright © 2021 Church Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Psalm text © Order of Saint Helena, used by permission. CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION Rector: The Rev. Dr. Pamela Dolan, pamela@churchofstmartin.org Assistant Rector: The Rev. Casey Kloehn Dunsworth, casey@churchofstmartin.org Associate: The Rev. Ernest L. Lewis, ernie@churchofstmartin.org Deacon: The Ven. Margaret Grayden, margaret@churchofstmartin.org Music Ministers: Jeffrey and Dr. Suzanne Jubenville, jubenvilles@churchofstmartin.org Interim Church Operations Coordinator: Michael Goos, info@churchofstmartin.org Treasurer: Julie Knudsen, treasurer@churchofstmartin.org Communication Tech: Gabe Avila, communications@churchofstmartin.org Telephone: (530) 756-0444 Email: info@churchofstmartin.org Web: www.churchofstmartin.org VESTRY vestry@churchofstmartin.org Maria Acuna-Feldman, Sarah Conning (Clerk), Stan Forbes, Kimo Kimokeo, Julie Knudsen, Lisa Leigh, Ann Liu, David Martin, Jessie Ann Owens (Jr. Warden), Bob Polkinghorn (Sr. Warden), Chris Reynolds, Honna Steissberg MINISTRY COUNCIL Sacred Grounds (Janet Lane): sacredgrounds@churchofstmartin.org Church in the World (Lynn Zender): world@churchofstmartin.org Worship (Joannie Cavanagh): worship@churchofstmartin.org Life in Community (Chair TBD): community@churchofstmartin.org Christian Formation (Helen Campbell): formation@churchofstmartin.org The Christmas flowers are given in loving memory of Emma Granett by Sandy Granett Art and Peggy Eichorn, Sabrina Gonsalves and John Riggins, and Mark Bachman by Kim Eichorn Dick Creveling by the Creveling Family Suzanne Kurki by Allan Kurki and Carole Creveling Don Villarejo, Jim Callaway and Betty Harrah by Dennis and Marianne Wilcox A. Alan Hill by Jeanette Hill Julie and Jason Lane, Chester Holm, Sapphire, and Stuart Spafford by Janet Lane and Bob Holm Sean Duffey by Anne Duffey Fay Hulbert by the Hulbert Family Domingo and Mercedes Mastache, Charles and Sonia Mastache, and Verona Jacobs by Robert and Marcia Jacobs Leroy Melvin Quaas, Patricia Francis DeLa Cruz, Leona Teresa Bondonno, and Barbara Lee Bondonno by Thad and Marianne Quaas

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And in thanksgiving for Emiliano, Evelyn, Magdalena, Bartolomé, Juan and Manuela by Janet Lane and Bob Holm Our wonderful daughters, Annabel and Kathleen, and our friends and family near and far by John and Pamela Dolan The lives of my parents, The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Cary and Edit Cary; the life of my husband and beloved soulmate, Russ Bruch; the birth and amazingness of my grandson Jack Orville Bruch on Feb. 18, 2021 by Gwyneth Bruch

ABBREVIATED ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE WEEK OF

DECEMBER 26, 2021 For the full announcements, visit www.churchofstmartin.org

Bishop Curry, Afghan Refugees, & Christmas Offering With thanks to those who have given already, the 2021 Christmas Offering Committee invites you to consider a Christmas gift to Opening Doors, Inc. While we celebrate the season, volunteers from this Sacramento-based nonprofit are working 24/7 to comfort, support, and help 1,000 newly arrived refugees from Afghanistan adjust to their new life in our diocese and surrounding communities. Presiding Bishop and Primate, Michael Curry, offers encouragement in a way that only he can:

“Christmas stories are reminders that Jesus came to show us how to love as God loves. And one of the ways we love as God loves is to help those who are refugees, those who seek asylum from political tyranny, poverty, famine, or other hardship. And that work goes on for refugees from Afghanistan and from other places around the world. The Christian vocation as Jesus taught us is to love as God loves. And in the name of these refugees, let us help all refugees. God love you. God bless you. And, this Christmas, may God hold us all in those almighty hands of love.”

You may donate online at The Episcopal Church of St. Martin website (https://churchofstmartin.org), send a check to the church office, or place your check in the Offertory Basket at upcoming services. Please specify Christmas Offering on the memo line of checks. Thank you so much! Alessa Johns, Lynn Zender, Bob Polkinghorn

Christmas Day Service Our Christmas Day service on December 25 at 10am will be a quiet service with Holy Communion and a sermon. This service is in-person only.

Sunday December 26th Services We will have Holy Communion at 8am (in person only) and 10am (in person and live streamed). All are welcome!

Epiphany Candlelight Labyrinth Walk Join us on Thursday, January 6 from 5 - 7pm for an Epiphany candlelight walk on our labyrinth. Stewardship Update We want to sincerely thank those of you who have turned in your 2022 pledge! As you may know, your pledges help us plan all of our programs and staffing for 2022, including what we give away as Matthew 25 funds. As of Wednesday, December 22, we have received 127 pledges. We are awaiting a few more, so if you have not turned in your 2022 pledge yet, you may still do so. You can either fill out the pledge card that was mailed to

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you or fill out a pledge card in the narthex during church on Sunday and leave it in the offering basket. If you prefer, you may email the church office with your pledge (info@churchofstmartin.org). Thank you all for your generosity and faithfulness, and for all the ways that you contribute to the life of St. Martin’s and our community. Year-end giving: We are always happy to receive year-end gifts, if you feel you can make a special donation beyond your regular pledge. Please consider putting St. Martin’s at the top of your year-end donation list! You can give in all the ways mentioned above, just let us know that it is a special, one-time gift, and we’ll make sure it goes into the 2022 operating budget. "Every person…Every week…One item of food" The Social Justice and Outreach Committee reminds us that our local food banks are in great need, and we continue to support them with our collection of non-perishable items. We deliver food and other non-perishables to STEAC, The UC Davis Pantry, and Dixon Family Services on a weekly rotating basis. You have two options for where to bring your items: Janet Lane’s front porch (address in church directory or contact church office for address) OR the donation basket in the narthex. Drop-off at Janet’s is any day, any time, but we can only accept donations in the narthex at the Sunday in-person services (Sunday, 8:00 – 9:00 am and 10:00 – 11:00 am). The food closets also need toilet paper and diapers. We know of a particular need for size 4 diapers but will accept any size. Thank you for your generous donations!! Upcoming Meeting Dates: Buildings and Grounds: Friday, January 7 at 4:00pm Care for God’s Creation: Monday, January 10 at 7:00 pm. Vestry: Tuesday, January 11 at 7:30 pm Caring Ministries: Monday, January 17 at 7:00pm Social Justice and Outreach: Tuesday, January 18 at 7:00pm

All meetings are on Zoom unless otherwise indicated; contact communications@churchofstmartin.org if you need a link. To add or change a meeting on the church calendar, please contact info@churchofstmartin.org. Please be sure to send the Zoom link, if applicable. A Huge Thank You We would like to thank all who helped with the greening of the church: John Dolan, Bob Holm, Carole Hom, Neil Willits, Janet Lane, Tim Williams, Marianne Wilcox, Rhody Vallejo, Mary Ann Lewis, Sandy Granett, Ben Guthrie, Sarah Hough, Suzanne Jubenville, Chris Reynolds…and Susan Kauzlarich for doing the flowers. The church looks beautiful! Virtual Office Hours Our "virtual" office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. You can reach the office by calling us at 530-756-0444 or sending an email to info@churchofstmartin.org. The physical office space remains closed for the time being. If you need to come to the office to drop something off or pick something up, please contact the office in advance to schedule an appointment. Holiday Office Closures The church office will be closed on Monday, December 27 and Friday, December 31.