Welcome! Wherever you are on your journey of faith, there is a place for you at Holy Communion.

December 15, 2019: The Third Sunday of Advent at 10:30am

Our Mission Welcome to The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, a welcoming and diverse community seeking to walk in the way of Jesus and to reveal Christ’s reconciling love in our city, nation, and world.

Can I receive Communion? Yes. Whoever you are, wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, you are welcome to receive the bread and wine made holy.

Are children welcome? Yes. Children are invited to participate actively in the service. We expect everyone to act their age at Holy Commnion, which means we expect kids to act like kids. We encourage parents to involve their children by singing joyfully, leading them in prayer, modeling good listening, and sharing the Eucharist. We also offer a quiet play space to the front left of the altar. Coloring sheets and books can be found in the entrances. The chapel is also a great place to bring a boisterous kid, where parents can still hear the service. We know some ages and stages are particularly challenging for liturgy. The nursery is an option. Nursery care is available 8:00am - 11:40am for children ages 0-4; the Nursery is located through the lounge. Godly Play, our program for children over age 4 begins at 9:15am. Changing tables are located in the bathrooms and in the Nursery. If you have questions, please ask one of the clergy!

How do I find my way around? There is a map by the Welcome Table in the main entryway. Also, feel free to ask anyone around you for directions, or help navigating the service.

Where are the restrooms? There are single-user, all-gender restrooms in the Lounge, through the main (East) door, and through the next glass door. There are gendered, larger restrooms downstairs (take the elevator or stairs at the end of the long hallway in front of that entrance). Changing tables are available in the downstairs restrooms or in the nursery.

Is there wheelchair accessibility? Yes. Our entrances have auto-open buttons, and our elevator is ADA compliant. Both the downstairs restrooms and one of the upstairs restrooms are accessible. Everyone is invited to remain seated during the service as they need.

What about hearing assistance? We can help there, too. Hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers. Just ask.

How do I get involved? If you begin by filling out a “Connect Card” in your pew, or at the Welcome Table, we’d be glad to keep you up to date with all that goes on here. You can also use the Connect Cards to update your information, request prayers, or to ask a question.

Become a member. All are welcome to be here and to explore. If you would like to learn more and meet interesting people, consider joining in Pilgrimage, the Rector’s classes for newcomers and explorers. Childcare is available. Read more on the website or email the rector with questions or to sign up (mangell@holycommunion.net).

Please keep silence during the music before the service

Prelude Chorale Prelude on “Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen” Johannes Brahms

The Collect of the Day Please stand.The Lord be with you.And also with you.Let us pray.Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

Processional Carol: Once in Royal David’s City Stanza 1 sung by Soloist; Stanza 2 sung by choir; Stanzas 3 -6 sung by all.

3

1.Once2.He

6.Not5.And4.For3.We,

incamelikeheourin

ro

downMais

eyesthat

yaltory,

ourat

poor

Daearthrestlifelastlow

vid'sfromconlongshallly

ci

heafounpatseesta

tyven,dedtern;him,ble,

stoodwhothatdai

throughwith

aisalyhisthe

- - --

- - -- - -

- -

lowGodstawhenownox

lyandbleonreen

catLordshouldearthdeemstand

tleofdisheinging

shedall,

playgrew,love;round,

whereandheaheforwe

ahis

ven'swasthatshall

moshel

Word,temptchildsee

thertertheed,

whohim;

laidwasworld'sscorned,seemedbut

heracreresoin

- - --

- - - -- -

-- -

bastaajecthelphea

byble,tor,ed,

lessven,

inandcra

tearsis

where

ahis

dledandourhis

mancratheresmilesLordsaints

gerdleonlikeinhis

forwasChristusheav'nthrone

hisamasheasur

bed.stall;day,knew.bove;round;

Mawithyet

Thusand

Christ,

rythethishehere

- - -- -

- - --- -- - -

vealedleadsfeelschild,poor,was that

theourforhisto

moscorned,

Lordall

childfaith

thertheandourrenful

mild,lowbrosadoneye,

ly,ther,ness,

Jelived

broughtandtoset

susonushetheat

- --

--

--

ChristearthlovesharesplaceGod's

herourforin

whereright

litSaoneallhehand

levioranourhason

child.hoothgladgone.high.

ly.er.

ness.

-- -

---

ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID'S CITYH102

Advent Bidding PrayersThe congregation is invited to respond using the words in boldAlleluia, our God and Savior now draws near:O come, let us worship, alleluia.

Dear People of God: In the season of Advent, it is our responsibility and joy to prepare ourselves in heart and mind, for the coming of Christ Jesus, our savior and judge. This season we walk the way of shepherds and wise ones, seeking after the holy child of Bethlehem. Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of God’s loving purposes, the proclamation of prophets, the hope of salvation. But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world that Christ came to save.

For peace and good will over all the earth, for leaders of nations and communities. For those who work for justice and peace. Come, O Lord, and set us free.

For the mission and unity of the church, for bishops, priests, deacons, and all who minister in Christ’s name. Come, O Lord, and set us free.

Because this of all things would rejoice Christ’s heart, let us remember in his name the poor and the helpless, the hungry and the oppressed, the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and little children. You are free to add your own prayers silently or aloud. Come, O Lord, and set us free.

Finally, let us remember before God his strong and humble mother, and those who rejoice with us but upon another shore and in a greater light, that whole multitude which no one can number whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in Christ Jesus, we are one for evermore. Come, O Lord, and set us free.

First Reading Please be seated. The Tree in the Garden Genesis 2:4b-9; 15-17; 25

Read by Fran Caradonna On the day the Lord God made earth and sky—before any wild plants appeared on the earth, and before any field crops grew, because the Lord God hadn’t yet sent rain on the earth and there was still no human being to farm the fertile land, though a stream rose from the earth and watered all of the fertile land— the Lord God formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils. The human came to life. The Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east and put there the human he had formed. In the fertile land, the Lord God grew every beautiful tree with edible fruit, and also he grew the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Lord God took the human and settled him in the Garden of Eden to farm it and to take care of it. The Lord God commanded

4

the human, “Eat your fill from all of the garden’s trees; but don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, because on the day you eat from it, you will die!” The two of them were naked, the man and his wife, but they weren’t embarrassed.The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Anthem Jesus Christ the Apple Tree Elizabeth PostonThe tree of life my soul hath seen,Laden with fruit, and always green:The trees of nature fruitless beCompared with Christ the apple tree.

His beauty doth all things excel:By faith I know, but ne’er can tellThe glory which I now can seeIn Jesus Christ the apple tree.

For happiness I long have sought,And pleasure dearly I have bought:

I missed of all; but now I see‘Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

I’m weary with my former toil,Here I will sit and rest awhile:Under the shadow I will beof Jesus Christ the apple tree.

This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,It keeps my dying faith alive;Which makes my soul in haste to beWith Jesus Christ the apple tree.

Second Reading The Fortunes of Zion Restored Psalm 126 Read by Ellis AndersonWhen the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream.Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses of the Negev. Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

5

Congregational Carol Please stand People Look East

Third Reading Please be seated. The Root of Jesse is Rooted in Ruth’s Faithfulness Ruth 4:14-22Read by Shirley Mensah

The women said to Naomi, “May the Lord be blessed, who today hasn’t left you without a redeemer. May his name be proclaimed in Israel. He will restore your life and sustain you in your old age. Your daughter-in-law who loves you has given birth to him. She’s better for you than seven sons.” Naomi took the child and held him to her breast, and she became his guardian. The neighborhood women gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They called his name Obed. He became Jesse’s father and David’s grandfather. These are the generations of Perez: Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David.The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

6

1.Peo

5.An4.Stars,3.Birds,2.Fur

ple,rows,

thoughkeepgels,

lookbe

youthean

east!glad,longwatch!nounce

Thethoughhavewhenwith

timeearth

ceasednight

shouts

isistoisof

nearbare,build,dim,mirth

ofone

guardone

Christ

themorethe

morewho

--

- -

crownseednestlightbrings

ingis

thatthenew

ofplantmustbowllife

theedbe

shallto

year.there:filled.brim,earth!

Makegive

EshinSet

yourupveningev

houseyourthebe'ry

fairstrengthhouryondpeak

asthe

whentheand

youseed

wingsfrostval

areto

arey

ley

--

-- - -

- -

anoufroweathhum

ble,rish,zen,er,

ming

trimthatGodbrightwith

theinforasthe

hearthcoursefledgsunword,

andthelingandthe

setflow'rtimemoonLord

themayhastois

ta

flouchosgethco

ble.rish.en.er.

ming!

PeoPeoPeoPeoPeo

ple,ple,ple,ple,ple,

looklooklooklooklook

- - -- - -- - - -

- - - -- - -

easteasteasteasteast

andandandandand

singsingsingsingsing

tototototo

day!day!day!day!day!

Love,Love,Love,Love,Love,

thethethethethe

guest,rose,bird,star,Lord,

isisisisis

ononononon

thethethethethe

way!way!

way!way!

way!

-----

PEOPLE, LOOK EASTVF724

7

Anthem An inclusive re-write of a famous carol by Jeffrey Wilsor of Woodland Park Presbyterian. The Congregation is invted to join in the refrain.

Fourth Reading Isaiah Tells of a Coming Messiah Isaiah 9:1-7 Read by the Rev. Marc Smith

Nonetheless, those who were in distress won’t be exhausted. At an earlier time, God cursed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but later he glorified the way of the sea, the far side of the Jordan, and the Galilee of the nations. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. Because every boot of the thundering warriors, and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire. A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this.The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

4.God3.God2.God1.God

restrestrestrest

youyou,you,your

meral

queermind,

ryso,ando

genwoqueshu

tlemen,tionman

men,whoing,kind,

letbyyourlet

nomenanxstrife

thinghaveiousand

youbeenheartscon

disebeflict

may!rased,still,cease,

- - - - -- - -

- - -- - -

ReThroughBeRe

memhislievemem

bertothatber

Christryyoulove

willigareis

bringnoreddeepact

love'sandlyive

lightscorned,knownhere,

thedeandand

dawnfiled,parton

of

ofly

ChristandGod'sto

masdisgoodin

dayplaced;willcrease,

- - -- - - --

- -- - - - -

ToReForTo

savememallcar

usbertory

allthatliveus

fromyourasto

woestoonewell

andries,in

springs

sintoo,peace;of

whenaretheGod's

weheldglojoy

havewithbalous

gonein

dreamhope

aGod'sfuland

stray!grace.filled.peace.

-- - - -

- -- - -

O

ti dings of

com fort and

joy, com fort and

joy!- - -

O

ti dings of

com fort and

joy!- -

GOD REST YE, MERRY

Jeffrey Wilsor, arr.

Refrain

Congregational Carol Please stand. Comfort, Comfort Ye My People Hymnal 67

Fifth Reading Please be seated. Micah Prophesies to Bethlehem Micah 5:2-5Read by Cecily Hawksworth

As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah, though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces, one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out from you. His origin is from remote times, from ancient days. Therefore, he will give them up until the time when she who is in labor gives birth. The rest of his kin will return to the people of Israel. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. They will dwell secure, because he will surely become great throughout the earth; he will become one of peace. When

8

9

Assyria invades our land and treads down our fortresses, then we will raise up against him seven shepherds and eight human princes.The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Anthem This traditional Brazilian carol sings lulluby to the baby Jesus. Dorme meu anjo lindo Dorme, meu anjo lindo

Lá na cama dormindoLá laia laia

Dorme que a noite é de luaA minha alma é pura

Lá laia laia

Dorme, sonha comigoSou teu doce amigoLá laia laia

Sixth Reading The Angel Visits Mary Luke 1:23-35, 38Read by the Rev. Chester Hines

When he completed the days of his priestly service, he returned home. Afterward, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. She kept to herself for five months, saying, “This is the Lord’s doing. He has shown his favor to me by removing my disgrace among other people.” When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. He will rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I haven’t had sexual relations with a man?” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son.The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Congregational Carol Please stand. Eternity Touched Hands with Time

Seventh Reading Please be seated. The Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-7Read by Alisa Williams

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.The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Anthem The African Noel is based on a Liberian folk song, Banuwa (don’t cry) arr. Victor C. Johnson Sing noel! Sing noel! Noel, noel!

Sing we all noel!

Eighth Reading The Word Made Flesh John 1:1-14Read by the Rev. Mike Angell

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word was with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was

10

the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light. The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light.The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Congregational Carol Please stand The First Noel

11

1.The

5.Then4.This3.And2.They

firstlookby

staren

Noedthe

drewtered

wellup

lightnighin

theandofto

those

an

sawthatthe

wise

gel dida

samenorthmen

saystarstarwestthree

- --

--

wasshinthreeo'erfull

toing

cerin

wiseBethrev'

tain poorthemen

lerent

shepeast

camehemly

herds inbe

fromit

up

fieldsyondcountookon

as theythemtryits

their

lay;far,far;rest,knee,

- -- -

-- -

- - -

inandtoandand

fieldsto

seekthere

of

astheforit

fer'd

a

theyearthkingdidthere

lay,it

wasboth

in

keepgavetheirstophis

ing theirgreat

inandpres

sheep,light,tent,stayence

-

-

- -

onandandrighttheir

a

to

coldsofolo

gold,

winit

lowver

ter'sconthetheand

night

tinstar

placemyrrh,

uedthatbothwherwhereand

wasdayevJe

frank

er

soandit

susin

deep.night.went.lay.

cense.

-- -

- - -- -

- -

No

well, No

well, No

well, No

well!- - - -

Born is the

King of

Is ra

el!--

THE FIRST NOWELLH109

Refrain

12

Welcome and Announcements Please be seated.

Offertory Anthem: The choir or musicians present an anthem as the plates are passed. If you would like to know more about our theology of giving, or how our gifts are used, please visit holycommunion.net/giving or speak to a clergy person. A new Christmas carol sung in Tagalog, one of the national languages of the Philippines. This carol invites us to prepare for Christ’s coming and to celebrate Mary, his mother. Halina, Halina S.Y. Ramos and L. Silos

O mga kasama halina, halinaMag-alay ng panalanginAt dalawin halina, halinaAng sanggol ng Inang Birhen.

Maghanda-handasa pag-diriwang nating gagawinAt sikapin dingmapagmahal ang damdamin natinAt lahat tayoay dapat magdasal na mataimtimNang tayo’y pagpalain.

O mga kasama halina, halinaMag-alay ng panalanginAt dalawin halina, halinaAng sanggol ng Inang Birhen.

Sa belen tayo ay magsidalawAt mag-alay ng ating paggalang

Ya’y tungkulin habang buhayng bawat taong isinilang.

O mga kasama halina, halinaMag-alay ng panalanginAt dalawin halina, halinaAng sanggol ng Inang Birhen.

Maghanda-handasa pag-diriwang nating gagawinAt sikapin dingmapagmahal ang damdamin natinAt lahat tayoay dapat magdasal na mataimtimNang tayo’y pagpalain.

O mga kasama halina, halinaMag-alay ng panalanginAt dalawin halina, halinaAng sanggol ng Inang Birhen.

Presentation of the Offering Please stand as you are able and sing as the ushers bring forward our financial offering. Prepare the Way of the Lord Taize Community

Pre

parepare ye the way of the

Lord! Pre

pare ye the way ofthe

Lord, and- -

all peo ple will

see the sal

va tion of our

God! PrePre- - -

PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORDMHSO61

The Great ThanksgivingThe Lord be with you.And also with you.Lift up your hearts.We lift them up to the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.It is right to give God thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. 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: 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.

Please remain standing.On the night Jesus was betrayed, he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, 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; gave thanks, 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.” And so, gracious God, we bring you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. Merciful God, gather us by this Holy Communion into one body in your Christ. Make us a living sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer Pray in the language of your heart: 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.

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. Amén

13

The Breaking of the BreadAlleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Administration of the Sacrament Please be seated.You are invited to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Gluten-free wafers are available, on request, from the minister. On the left (West) side of the altar rail, the chalice is filled with white grape juice, as a sign of welcome for those who choose not to consume wine. On the right (East) side of the altar rail, the chalice is traditional red wine. Please feel free to cross the aisle for your preferred chalice. Additional instructions about how to receive Eucharist or a blessing are available on the red cards hanging on the ends of the pew racks.

Hymns During CommunionPlease stand. Creator of the Stars of Night Hymnal 60 Rejoice, Rejoice Believers Hymnal 68

Post Communion Prayer please kneel or stand. Enriching Our WorshipGod of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

The Blessing The people stand or kneel as the presider proclaims the final blessing.May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of blessing and set you free from all sin; and the blessing of God the holy and undivided Trinity be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

14

Final Carol Please stand. Angels We Have Heard on High Hymnal 96

The Dismissal:Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Postlude Reprise on “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Worship LeadersAssisting The Rev. Chester Hines, The Rev. Marc Smith

Presiding The Rev. Mike Angell, The Rev Laurie AnzilottiLectors Ellis Anderson, Fran Caradonna

Shirley Mensah, Cecily Hawksworth, Alisa WilliamsChalice Josephine EzenwaUsher Paul Mensah, Bryant CooperGreeter Colleen Haggerty, Tahnee Jackson WhitlockAltar Guild Bonds and Wilkes Families

15

1.An

4.See3.Come2.Shep

gelsherds,

tohim

wewhyBeth

in

havethislea

heardju

hemman

onbi

andger

high,lee?seelaid

singWhyHimwhom

ingthesewhose

the

sweetsongsbirthan

lyofthegels

throughhapan

praise

thepy

gelsa

night,cheer?sing.bove;

- - -- - - -

- - -- - - -

andWhatComeMa

thegreat

ary,

mounbrightdoreJo

tainsnesson

seph,

indidbendlend

reyoued

your

ply,see?

kneeaid,

echWhatChrist,while

ogladthewe

ingti

Lord,raise

theirdingstheour

bravedidnewhearts

deyouborn

in

light.hear?King.love.

- - - - -- -

- - -- -

Glo

ri a- - - - - - -

in ex cel sis

De o!

Glo

- - - - - - -

ri a

in ex cel sis

De

o!- - - - - - -

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGHH96

Refrain

The Origin of Lessons and CarolsThe tradition of the service of Lessons and Carols comes from the Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, where it was first observed on Christmas Eve, 1918. Since 1919 the service has begun with the hymn “Once in Royal David’s City.” Most often this was introduced by a boy chorister, singing alone, unaccompanied. Custom has it that no one knows which boy will sing the famous opening verse, including that boy himself, until the conductor gives him the signal to begin.

The service was adapted from an Order drawn up by the Reverend E.W. Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury, for use in the wooden shed that then served as his cathedral in Truro, at 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve 1880. Beginning in 1928 the service was broadcast by the BBC, and except in 1930, it has been heard annually. Sometime during the 1930s, overseas broadcasts were begun, resulting in millions of world-wide listeners each year.

Since its beginning the service has been adapted for use around the globe. One correspondent reported hearing the service in a tent on the foothills of Mt. Everest; another, in the desert. King’s College Dean Eric Milner-White, who instituted the services in Cambridge, points out, “The main theme is the development of the loving purposes of God. [seen] through the windows and words of the Bible.” Many of those who took part in the first service must have recalled loved ones killed in the Great War when it came to the famous passage “all those who rejoice with us but on another shore and in a greater light.”

This December 15th marks the 101st service at King’s College, Cambridge. In addition to those present for the service, and those listening to the broadcast, thousands more will celebrate with Lessons and Carols in local services, as we do in this parish. So it is that we at Holy Communion, in University City, in this year of our Lord two thousand and nineteen join the throngs of pilgrims to the manger, preparing for the coming of the Messiah by means of this Service of Lessons and Carols. God with us. Emmanuel.

AnnouncementsChristmas Greens and flowers: You can make a donation in honor of a loved one to help support the Christmas decorations. Donate on our website, or pick up a form at the Welcome Table and drop a check off at the office, or in the offering plate.Join our flower committee for the Hanging of the Greens on Sunday December 22, at 12:00pm. Coffee and bagels will be on hand. Come join the fun!

The Forum: The Forum will be in recess for December 22 and 29. We will return January 5 for an Intergenerational Epiphany activity. Laundry Love - Dec. 17 (6:30pm) Our volunteers take over Classic Coin Laundry (7200 Balson Ave., U City) If you’d like to volunteer, please come at 6:00pm for volunteer orientation.

A Retreat in the Midst: Dec 18 For one final Wednesday evening of Advent, you are invited to step away from the busy holiday pace for a shared meal and some quiet prayer time. We will gather at 6pm for contemplative prayer, including a facilitated labyrinth walk, for those who wish. Then we will have a simple soup supper, and a discussion on the Advent themes: “Wait, Hope, and Give Thanks.”

If you have already pledged. Thank you. Your generosity makes a difference. As you see in the chart below, we are still a bit behind our total pledging last year. Given this year of growth, we are hopeful that more people will pledge. In order to keep parish ministry growing along with Sunday attendance, we need to hear from everyone.

2019 (final) 2020 (to date)Total Pledges: 112 Total Pledges: 98

Total Pledged: $290,000 Total Pledged: $247,489

New Pledges for 2020: 17Pledges Increased by at least 11%: 35

Percent of 2020 Pledgers under age 40: 24%Average Pledge: $2525

Celebrate Christmas at Holy Communion!Advent & Christmas Schedule

Sunday, Dec. 22 A Blue Christmas 10:30am Special music and prayers for those facing loss. Our guest musicians will be Gene Dobbs Bradford and Larry Gregory

Christmas Eve Services:5:00pm Carol Sing & Family Service with Pageant10:00pm Carol Sing & Holy Eucharist

Wednesday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day: Spoken Service (10:30am)

Parish Office closed Christmas Day through January 1

Sunday, Dec. 29 First Sunday after Christmas: Regular Services (8:00 & 10:30am)

Sunday, January 5 Epiphany Regular Services (8:00 & 10:30am) Intergenerational Formation & Crafts at 9:00 am

19

StaffThe Rev. Mike Angell, Rectormangell@holycommunion.net

The Rev. Laurie Anzilotti, Assistant Rectorlanzilotti@holycommunion

The Rev. Marc Smith, Priest Associatemsmith@holycommunion.net

The Rev. Chester Hines, Deaconchines@holycommunion.net

The Rev. Beth Scriven, Chaplain, Campus Ministrybeth@rockwellhouse.org

Cheyanne Lovellette, Director of Operationsclovellette@holycommunion.net

Mary Chapman, Director of Musicmchapman@holycommunion.net

Jae Park, Organistjpark@holycommunion.net

Jim Kern, Financial Administratorjkern@holycommunion.net

Heidi Olliff, Sunday Children’s Formation Coordinatorhmolliff@holycommunion.net

Jerome Harris, SextonChloe Olliff, Head Acolyte

VestryShirley Mensah, Sr. Warden

Susan Norris, Jr. WardenBrian Barnhart, TreasurerAlisa Williams, Secretary

Warren Davis, Tahnee Jackson-Whitlock, Rudy Nickens,Megan Ondr-Cooper, Pat Redington

www.holycommunion.net