Lessons a nd Carols ~ "ecember 11, 2016

10 a.m. Holy Eucharist St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Thank you to all the readers, singers and musicians who gave of their time and talents for this beautiful service. And thank you to our worship participants: Altar Guild: Jody Barlow, Celeste Barringer, Jodie Bridges, Lynda Campbell Ushers/Greeters: Becky and Kenneth Welch Readers: Amanda Willy, Tom Riley, Riley Noble, Sam Morgan, Laurel McCulloh, Henry Harlow, Gemma Willy Acolytes: Jenna Elmer, Blake Williamson, Sam Morgan, Dalton Elmer Chalice: Abby Bilsbury VPOD: Micheal Hobson

Everyone is invited to the Parish Hall immediately following the service for Sunday Brunch. Gaudete Rejoice Gaudete Sunday ~ Liturgy of the Word and Music

Prelude : O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Noel Rawsthorne

Processional : “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” Hymnal 1982 #56 Everyone is to join in on the refrain for all verses.

All Women Men Choir Women Choir Men All Women All

All

Words: Latin, ca. 9th cent.; ver. Hymnal 1940, alt.. Music: Veni, veni Emmanuel, plainsong, Mode 1, Processionale , 15th cent. adapt. Thomas Helmore (1811-1890) Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-718803.

1 The people remain standing, as you are able. The Collect for Discernment O Lord, we pray that your community St. Philip’s will gather together to strengthen our bonds of love, seek your wisdom, and envision the future of your church in Ardmore. We pray through the that we may recog - nize your generosity bestowed upon us to fulfill the future you offer to us. We ask these blessings in the name of your Son our Christ, whom with You and the Holy Spirit reign for ever and ever, Amen.

The Bidding Prayer Beloved in Christ, in this holy season of , let it be our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels; in heart and mind to go even unto and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedi - ence unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this Holy Child; and let us make this church, dedicated to his service, glad with our carols of praise. But first let us pray for the needs of his whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for unity and brotherhood within the Church he came to build, and especially in the churches of this community, and of this Diocese. And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at this time re - member in his name the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed; the sick in body and in mind and them that mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; all who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love. Lastly let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no man can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one. Amen. The Rector:

The Almighty God bless us with his grace: Christ give us the joys of everlasting life: and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all. Amen.

The congregation may be seated.

The First Lesson Genesis 2:4b–9, 15–25 read by Amanda Jackson representing Vestry God creates man and woman to live in obedience to him in the Garden of Eden. A Reading from the Book of Genesis In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

2 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God com - manded the man, ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.’ Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.’ So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.’ Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People. People Thanks be to God.

Congregatio nal Caro l “Sin g Praise to O ur Crea to r” Hymnal 1982 #295

Words: Mark Evans (b. 1916), alt Music: Christus, der ist mein Leben , melody Melchior Vulpius (1560?-1616) Copyright: Words: Copyright © 1962, World Library Publications, 3815 N. Willow Road. Schiller Park, IL 60176. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-718803.

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The Second Lesson Genesis 3:1–24 read by Tom Riley representing Mission Leadership Team and rebel against God and are cast out of the Garden of Eden. A Reading from the book of Genesis Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say, “You shall not eat from any tree in the garden”?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.” ’ But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be de - sired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.’ He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?’ The man said, ‘The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.’ Then the Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this that you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent tricked me, and I ate.’ The Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.’ To the woman he said, ‘I will greatly increase your pangs in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children, yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.’ And to the man he said, ‘Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree about which I commanded you, “You shall not eat of it”, cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. Adam and Eve pray to God after their temptation By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread

4 until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.’ The man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all who live. And the Lord God made garments of skins for the man and for his wife, and clothed them. Then the Lord God said, ‘See, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever’— therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man; and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim, and a sword flaming and turning to guard the way to the tree of life. Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People. People Thanks be to God.

Choir Anthem “Creator of the Stars of Night” Dale Wood

Creator of the stars of night, At thy great name of Jesus, now Thy people’s everlasting light, All knees must bend, all hearts must bow: O Christ, thou Savior of us all, And things celestial thee shall own, We pray thee, hear us when we call. Of things terrestrial, Lord alone.

To thee the travail deep was known Come in thy holy might, we pray; That made the whole creation groan Redeem us for eternal day Till thou, Redeemer, shouldest free From ev'ry pow’r of darkness, when Thine own in glorious liberty. Thou judgest all the sons of men.

And when the world drew on toward night, To God the father, God the Son, Thou camest, not in splendor bright And God the Spirit, Three in One, As monarch, but the humble child Laud, honor, might, and glory be Of Mary, blameless mother mild. From age to age eternally. Amen.

5 The Third Lesson 40:1–11 read by Riley Noble representing Jr. Youth Sunday School God comforts his people and calls on them to prepare for redemption. A Reading from the Isaiah

“Comfort, O comfort my people,” The grass withers, the flower fades, says your God. when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, surely the people are grass. and cry to her The grass withers, the flower fades; that she has served her term, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; that her penalty is paid, surely the people are grass. that she has received from the Lord’s hand The grass withers, the flower fades; double for all her sins.” but the word of our God will stand forever. A voice cries out: Get you up to a high mountain, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, O Zion, herald of good tidings; make straight in the desert a highway lift up your voice with strength, for our God. O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, Every valley shall be lifted up, lift it up, do not fear; and every mountain and hill be made low; say to the cities of Judah, the uneven ground shall become level, "Here is your God!" and the rough places a plain. See, the Lord GOD comes with might, Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and his arm rules for him; and all people shall see it together, his reward is with him, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” and his recompense before him. A voice says, “Cry out!” He will feed his flock like a shepherd; And I said, “What shall I cry?” he will gather the lambs in his arms, All people are grass, and carry them in his bosom, their constancy is like the flower of the field. and gently lead the mother sheep.

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

John the Baptist preaching to the good folks 15th century Urbino Salimbeni -

6 Congregation al Carol “Comf or t, com fort” Hymnal 1982 #67

Words: Johann G. Olearius (1611-1684); tr. (1827-1878), alt. Music: Psalm 42 , melody and bass Claude Goudimel (1514-1572); harm. Hymnal 1982 Public Domain

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The Fourth Lesson Baruch 4:36-5:9 read by Sam Morgan representing Boys Bells The Scribe Baruch urges the people to look East because salvation is at hand. A Reading from the Book of Baruch Look towards the east, O Jerusalem, Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height; and see the joy that is coming to you from God. look towards the east, Look, your children are coming, whom you sent away; and see your children gathered from west and east they are coming, gathered from east and west, at the word of the Holy One, at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that God has remembered them. rejoicing in the glory of God. For they went out from you on foot, led away by their enemies; Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, but God will bring them back to you, O Jerusalem, carried in glory, as on a royal throne. and put on for ever the beauty of the glory from For God has ordered that every high mountain and God. the everlasting hills be made low Put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from and the valleys filled up, to make level ground, God; so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God. put on your head the diadem of the glory of the The woods and every fragrant tree Everlasting; have shaded Israel at God’s command. for God will show your splendour everywhere under For God will lead Israel with joy, heaven. in the light of his glory, For God will give you evermore the name, with the mercy and righteousness that come from ‘Righteous Peace, Godly Glory’. him.

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

Congregational Carol “People look east” Wonder Love & Praise #724 # j j j j # 6 œ œ œ œ œ . œ œ œ œ œ œ œ & 8 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ . œ œ œ œ œ œ # œ

1. Peo - ple, look East. The time is near of the crown-ing of the 2. Fur - rows, be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is plant - ed 3. Birds, though you long have ceased to build, guard the nest that must be 4. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim one more light the bowl shall 5. An - gels, an - nounce with shouts of mirth Christ who brings new life to j j j œ ? 6 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ . œ œ œ œ œ œ œ # # 8 œ œ œ œ œ . œ œ œ œ œ œ

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# # œ œ œ j j j & œ . œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ J œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ

1. year. Makeyour house fair as you are a - ble, trim the hearth and set the 2. there: give up your strength the seed to nour - ish, that in course the flow’rmay 3. filled. E - ven the hour when wings are fro - zen God for fledg - ling time has 4. brim, shin - ing be - yond the frost - y weath - er, bright as sun and moon to- 5. earth. Set ev - ery peak and val-ley hum-ming with the word, the Lord is j œ j œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ? # œ . œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ # œ J J œ # j # j œ œ œ œ œ œ j œ j j & œ œ œ œ œ œ œ . œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ . œ J œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ . 1. ta - ble. Peo-ple, look East and sing to - day: Lovethe guest is on the way. 2. flour-ish. Peo-ple, look East and sing to - day: Lovethe rose is on the way. 3. cho - sen. Peo-ple, look East and sing to - day: Lovethe bird is on the way. 4. geth - er. Peo-ple, look East and sing to - day: Lovethe star is on the way. 5. com - ing. Peo-ple, look East andj sing to - day: Lovethe Lord is on the way. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ . œ ? # œ œ œ œ œ œ œ . œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ . # œ œ œ œ œ œ œ J œ œ œ œ œ . J œ J J œ

Words: Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965) Music: Besançon Carol, harm. John L. Hooker (b. 1944) Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-718803.

The Fifth Lesson Micah 5:2-4 read by Laurel McCulloh representing Lay Readers The one who is to rule Israel will be born in the village of Bethlehem. A Reading from the Book of Micah

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, then the rest of his kindred shall return who are one of the little clans of Judah, to the people of Israel. from you shall come forth for me And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of one who is to rule in Israel, the Lord, whose origin is from of old, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. from ancient days. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great Therefore he shall give them up until the time to the ends of the earth; when she who is in labour has brought forth;

Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People. People Thanks be to God. 9 Congregational Carol “O little town of Bethlehem” vs 1, 3 & 5 Hymnal 1982 #79

Words: Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) Music: St. Louis, Lewis H. Redner (1831-1908) Copyright: Used by permission. OneLicense.net #718803.

10 Composition of the The Sixth Lesson :1-9 read by Henry Harlow Root of Icon representing Jr. Youth Sunday School Known in Greek as the Root of Jesse ( Ρίζα Ιεσσαί ), this icon is The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon the Holy One. also known in Russian as the Tree of Jesse ( Древо Иессеево ). A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah. It’s therefore unsurprising that most images of this type depict A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out a large tree springing forth from Jesse, who is often shown of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom reclining. and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge

Regardless of the “tree’s” com - and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall plexity, the many branches sur - not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with right - rounding the dominating figures eousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the of the Theotokos and Christ are clearly intended as a glorifica - earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath tion of Jesus’ origins as well as a of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his celebration of His birth. waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the Most icons of the Tree of Jesse lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the date from the 12th to the 16th fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall centuries yet the imagery which graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the the icons are based upon is an - cient. The reason the mysterious ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned figure of Jesse is used as the root child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all of the tree (why not Adam if it is a genealogy?) is because of my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as Isaiah’s prophecy: the waters cover the sea.

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People. branch shall grow out of his People Thanks be to God. roots.” (Is 11:1)

Choir Carol: “A Shoot Shall Come Forth” Richard Horn A shoot shall come forth out of Jesse, And a bud shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of life shall be with him, The spirit of wisdom and truth. (Refrain) From out of the wells of salvation Hell come from the end of his heaven, Will he draw us the water of life; And the earth shall be torn from its place; His waist shall be girdled with justice, Our lives shall be filled with his radiance The heart of his heart shall be Love. As floodwaters cover the sea. (Refrain) (Refrain)

Refrain: Then the lamb shall lie down with the leopard, And the lion eat straw with the ox, For the hand of a Child shall lead them To the peaceable kingdom of God.

11 The Seventh Lesson Luke 1:26–38 read by Gemma Willy representing Oak Hall Episcopal School The Angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Son of the Most High. A Reading from Luke 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 . The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured 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 favour with God. And now, you will con - ceive 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 for ever, 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. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also con - ceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

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

Choir Carol “Linden Tree” arr. Alan Bullard In heaven stood a linden tree "Hail, Mary, blessed virgin mild, With pure white flowers laden; With God you have found favor; Yet not a bloom was fair as she, You shall conceive and bear a child, Sweet Mary, chosen maiden. To all the world a Savior.”

Great Gabriel, God’s angel bright, “My soul does magnify the Lord! From high above came winging I am His servant lowly; To one, the purest in God’s sight, Be all according to His word," A joyful message bringing. Said Mary, meek and holy.

Away the angel flew to share The news of Mary's duty; And heav’n rejoiced that she would bear The Blossom of all Beauty.

The Peace All remain standing. The Presider says to the people The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.

12 Announcements Announcements may be made at this point in the service. People with Birthdays and Anniversaries are blessed.

Offertory Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming Johannes Brahms

The Doxology All standing.

Words: Thomas Ken (1637-1711) Music: Lasst uns erfreuen , melody from Auserlesene Catholische Geistiche Kirchengeseng , 1623; adapt. and harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) Copyright: Music: By permission of Oxford University Press. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-718803.

13 The Great Thanksgiving ~ Eucharistic Prayer A The people remain standing.

The Presider continues It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name: Sanctus Hymnal S-128 All remain standing and sing

Music: William Mathias (1934-1992) Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-718803.

14 The people kneel or stand as they are able. 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 na - ture, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Creator of all. He 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 Lord 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 he 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 all for the forgiveness of sins. When - ever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” And so we proclaim the mystery of faith: Presider and People Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

The Presider continues We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O God, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Jesus’ 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 him. 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 your Son Jesus Christ. Presider

The Presider then continues As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray, The Presider and people sing together.

15 Our Father, who art in heaven, as we forgive those who trespass against us. hallowed be thy Name, And lead us not into temptation, thy kingdom come, but deliver us from evil. thy will be done, For thine is the kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven. and the power, and the glory, Give us this day our daily bread. for ever and ever. Amen. And forgive us our trespasses,

The Breaking of the Bread A period of silence is kept. Then the Presider and people sing together.

Fraction Anthem Christ our Passover Hymnal S-164

Music: From Deutsche Messe , Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828); arr. Richard Proulx (1937-2010) Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-718803.

16 The Presider invites the congregation to communion. All are welcome to receive the Holy Communion. The ushers will invite you forward one or two rows at a time. While waiting for the usher’s invitation, please remain seated and join in singing the Communion or in prayer.

The People sing. Those in the pews, remain seated. Communion Hymns for all to sing: “Let all moral flesh keep silence” Hymnal 1982 #324

Words: Liturgy of St. James; para. Gerard Moultrie (1829-1885) Music: Picardy , French carol, 17th cent.; melody from Chansons populaires des Provinces de France, 1860; harm. after , 1906 Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-718803.

17 “Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus” Hymnal 1982 #66

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) Music: Stuttgart , melody from Psalmodia Sacra, oder Andächtige und Schöne Gesange , 1715 adapt. and harm. William Henry Havergal (1793-1870), alt.

“Savior of the n ations, co me” Hymnal 1982 #54

Words: Martin Luther (1483-1546) after Ambrose of Milan (340-397); tr. William M. Reynolds (1812-1876) and James Waring McCrady (b. 1938) Music: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, melody from , 1524; harm. Melchior Vulpius (1560?-1616) Public Domain 18

Communion Response “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” vs. 3 & 4 Hymn 56

Words: Latin, ca. 9th cent.; ver. Hymnal 1940, alt.. Music: Venis, veni Emmanuel, plainsong, Mode 1, Processionale , 15th cent. adapt. Thomas Helmore (1811-1890) Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-718803.

After Communion, the people stand or kneel as they are able. Presider 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 your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

A rare image of the pregnant Mary, from a 14th century wall painting; a true picture of waiting in joyful hope Blessing The Priest blesses the people.

19 Recessional Hymn “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending” Hymn 57

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) Music: Helmsley , melody Augustine Arne (1710-1778) Public Domain

Dismissal Deacon Let us go forth into the world in the name of Christ! People Thanks be to God!

Postlude Savior of the Nations, Come, BWV 661

20 Welcome to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church St. Philip’s is a safe space where all who enter sense they are wanted, needed, and important.

St. Philip’s is a holy and exciting place to discover, and participate in the gifts God has created in us: to grow them, to develop them, and to use them on a regular basis.

St. Philip’s is a thriving, sustainable community, whose growth endures through actively living the of Christ.

St. Philip’s has been faithfully witnessing to Christ in word and deed for over one hundred years here in Ardmore. St. Philip’s is a diverse, inclusive, and energetic community. We gather on Sunday mornings to worship, learn, and share each other’s company so that we might go forth from the doors of St. Philip’s empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you are seeking company in your journey with Christ, we might be able to help you ask the questions, struggle with you to seek the answers, and help you see yourself as an image of Christ; if this is what you seek we just might be the place for you. Please complete the in - formation card in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate. By doing so, we can learn more about you and properly welcome you into St. Philip’s.

The Rev. Stephen Bilsbury, Rector

Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.”

Gaudete Sunday is known as the “Sunday of joy,” and that instead of fretting about “all you still haven’t” done to prepare for Christmas, people should “think of all the good things life has given you.”

Parish Clergy and Staff The Rev. Stephen Bilsbury, Rector - [email protected] The Rev. Joyce Spurgin, Deacon - [email protected] Dr. Silviya Mateva, Director of Music Ministries/Organist - [email protected] Ms. Jane Volkema, Rector’s Assistant/Admin. - [email protected] Mrs. Amanda Jackson, Senior Warden - [email protected] Ms. Lois Crain - Bookkeeper ~ Mr. Mark Pannell - Sexton www.stphilipsardmore.org Advent and Christmas at St. Philip’s Sunday, December 18 Regular Sunday Schedule Mass at 8 a.m. 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Saturday, December 24 - Christmas Pageant Holy Eucharist at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Festival Mid-Night Mass at 10:30 p.m. A special visitor is expected after the 5 p.m. Mass and a Christmas Reception follows both services

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church 516 McLish, Ardmore, OK 73401 580-226-2191 www.stphilipsardmore.org