The Longest Night 5:30 p.m.
The Fourth Wednesday of Advent Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Welcome to this “Longest Night” service. “The name comes from the season—during this season in December, we experience the shortest day and the longest night of the year. But the name also applies to the feeling that a number of us have about this season. It is the “long dark night of the soul,” “the winter of our discontent,” in which memories of past experiences and the pain of present experiences can become overwhelming. For some, preparation for the celebration of Christmas and Christmas Day are the most difficult. For others, Christmas Eve, or New Year’s Eve, or the beginning of another lonely New Year. In this service, we will have some time for prayer and reflection, recognizing that this is not necessarily a season of joy for all. We will invite you to meditate on the pain and anguish you may bring, and to offer your pain to the Christ child. And we trust that you will find hope and comfort in knowing that you are not alone.
Please silence all electronic devices so not to disturb the worship of your fellow parishioners.
Silence is kept from the lighting of the candles to the prelude to allow worshipers time for private prayer.
The lessons are taken from the Holy Bible (New Revised Standard Version). The hymns are from the Hymnal 1982. All are printed here for your convenience.
Celebrant Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord. People Thanks be to God.
Silence is kept for a time.
Celebrant Lighten our darkness we pray you O God; and by your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
People God of Mercy, in this Season, hear our prayer for ourselves and our families who live with the painful memories of loss. We ask for peace for the past, strength for today, and courage for tomorrow. We ask these things in the name of your Christ who shares our life in joy and sorrow. Amen.
A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah
Our first scripture reading comes from the Book of Isaiah. It was written in a time when many of the people of Judah had been taken as captives into exile in Babylon, and were feeling crushed and without hope.
"Comfort, comfort my people," says our God. "Encourage the people of Jerusalem and tell them that their time of suffering is ended. With whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?" asks the Holy One. "Look up to the heavens! Who made the stars, if not the One who leads them out like an army, calling each one by its own name? So mighty is God's power and strength that not one fails to answer. Israel, why then do you complain that our God does not know your troubles or care if you suffer injustice? Our God, the everlasting God, the creator of the farthest parts of the earth, never grows tired or weary. No one can fathom the depths of God's understanding. God gives power to the faint and strength to the powerless. Even youths become exhausted and young ones give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint."
At the end of the reading, the reader says
Reader Hear what the Holy Spirit is telling God’s people. People Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Remain seated.
Psalm 121
Levavi oculos 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills; * from where is my help to come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, * the maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved * and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4 Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel * shall neither slumber nor sleep;
2
5 The LORD himself watches over you; *
the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, * nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; * it is he who shall keep you safe.
8 The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, * from this time forth for evermore.
Holy Gospel Luke 2:1-7
All stand.
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Savoir Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
An Act of Remembering
All stand or kneel.
First Candle
Deacon This first candle we light to remember those whom we have loved and lost. We pause to remember their name, their face, their voice, the memory that binds them to us in this season.
3 Silence is kept for a time.
Celebrant We see them no longer. People May God's eternal love surround them.
Second Candle
Deacon This second candle we light is to redeem the pain of loss; the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss of health.
Silence is kept for a time.
Celebrant We pause to gather up the pain of the past and offer it to God, asking that from God's hands we receive the gift of peace. People Refresh, restore, renew us O God, and lead us into your future.
Third Candle
Deacon This third candle we light is to remember ourselves this Christmas time. We pause and remember these past weeks and months; the disbelief, the anger, the down times, the poignancy of reminiscing, the hugs and handshakes of family and friends, all those who stood with us.
Silence is kept for a time.
Celebrant We give thanks for all the support we have known. People Let us remember that dawn defeats darkness.
Fourth Candle
Deacon This fourth candle is lit to remember our faith and the gift of hope which the Christmas story offers to us.
Silence is kept for a time.
Celebrant We remember that God who shares our life, promises us a place and time of no more pain and suffering.
People Let us remember the one who shows the way, who brings the truth and who bears the light.
4 Light of Remembrance
Celebrant God of compassion, you have given us your own Son, Jesus Christ, to be for us the great physician, making the broken whole and overcoming even the darkness of death and despair with new life and hope. We thank you for the one who touched the untouchable, reached out to the dying, and brought healing and wholeness to those who had despaired of mending. Touch our wounds, relieve our hurts, and restore us to wholeness of life, through this same Lord Jesus Christ. Set our troubled souls free, O Lord, from restlessness and anxiety. Uphold us by your strength. Anchor us upon the rock of your faithfulness. Give us your peace and power and so keep us that in all times of trouble and distress, we may know you hold us close. Indeed, you are faithful, O God. You not only give us your word that can be trusted but you also lend us your ear for our comfort. Hear us now as we offer silently our prayers for the people and situations represented by the candles, and for the needs that are hidden deep within our spirits.
Those gathered are invited to come forward to light individual candles in reflection of loss.
Celebrant Grant us, O God, the fullness of your promises. Where we have been weak, grant us your strength; where we have been confused, grant us your guidance; where we have been distraught, grant us your comfort; and, in all times and circumstances, grant us your peace. Amen.
The Prayers
After each petition a moment of silence is observed.
Reader In the spirit of this season let us now confidently ask God for all the things we need; For ourselves as we participate in whatever way we can this Christmas.
Reader For our families and friends that they may continue to help and support us.
Reader For the person we have loved that has died. For all the losses that we know, that all may be redeemed by your Easter promise.
Reader For all our family and friends that they may know love and peace and happiness in you.
5 Reader For the peace proclaimed by the Christmas angels, to come throughout the whole world.
Celebrant God of great compassion and love, listen to the prayers of these your people. Grant to all, especially the bereaved and troubled ones this Christmas, the blessing we ask in the name of Christ who taught us to pray together saying:
People and Celebrant
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.
Longest Night Prayers
Celebrant O God of all seasons and senses, grant us the sense of your timing to submit gracefully and rejoice quietly in the turn of the seasons. In this season of short days and long nights, of grey and white and cold,
People Teach us the lessons of endings: children growing, friends leaving, loved ones dying, health failing, grudges long stinging, bodies aging. O God, grant us a sense of your timing.
Celebrant In this season of short days and long nights, of grey and white and cold,
6 People Teach us the lessons of beginnings; that such waitings and endings may be the starting place, a planting of seeds which bring to birth what is ready to be born--something right and just and different, a new song, a deeper relationship, a fuller love-- in the fullness of your time. O God, grant us the sense of your timing. Amen.
Baptism A Sign Hope, A Light in the Darkness
Presentation of Candidate
The Celebrant says
The Candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
The Parents and Godparents say
I present Lucas Juzikis to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
The Celebrant then continues
Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?
Parents and Godparents
I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant
Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Parents and Godparents
I will, with God’s help.
The Celebrant then asks
Question Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? Answer I renounce them.
7
Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? Answer I do.
Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? Answer I do.
Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? Answer I do.
The Celebrant addresses the congregation, saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
People We will.
The Celebrant then says
Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant. Baptismal Covenant
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father? People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
8 was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers ? People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? People I will, with God’s help.
Prayers for the Candidates
The Celebrant then says to the people
Let us now pray for Lukas who is to receive the Sacrament of new birth.
9 A Person appointed leads the following petitions
Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death. People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Open their hearts to your grace and truth. People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit. People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church. People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit. People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Send them into the world in witness to your love. People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory. People Lord, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant says
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and for ever. Amen.
Thanksgiving Over the Water
The Celebrant then says
The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
10 Celebrant
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. Baptism
Each candidate is presented by name to the Celebrant, or to an assisting priest or deacon, who then immerses, or pours water upon, the candidate, saying
Lucas, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When this action has been completed for all the candidates, the Bishop or Priest, at a place in full sight of the congregation, prays over them, saying
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them inquiring and discerning hearts, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
11 Then the Priest places a hand on the person’s head, marking on the forehead the sign of the cross [using Chrism if desired] and saying to each one
Lucas, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.
The Celebrant then says
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
Celebrant and People
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
The Peace
All stand.
Celebrant The peace of Christ be always with you.
People And also with you.
All present may greet one another in the Name of Christ.
The Offertory
The Celebrant says
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2
Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the Deacon or Celebrant. The people stand while the offerings are presented and placed on the Altar.
12 Offertory Hymn
Sing verses 5, 6, 7, & 8 of the following hymn.
O come, O come, Emmanuel Hymnal 56
13 The Holy Communion
The altar is prepared for The Holy Communion.
The Great Thanksgiving
All stand. The Celebrant faces them and says
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 him thanks and praise.
Then, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father 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:
Celebrant 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.
The people stand or kneel.
14 The Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: 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 Father 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 many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his 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. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
15
Breaking of the Bread
A period of silence is kept.
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation
The Gifts of God for the People of God. and may add Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Communion and Anointing with Oil
The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people. The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.] The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. [Amen.]
Those who wish to receive the laying on of hands and anointing with oil remain at the altar rail.
The Celebrant lays hands on each person (and, having dipped a thumb in the oil of the sick, makes the sign of the cross on their foreheads), and says the following
[N.,] I lay my hands upon you and anoint you with oil in the Name of he Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
16 Communion Hymns
Let all mortal flesh keep silence Hymnal 324
17
O heavenly Word, eternal Light Hymnal 63
18 After Communion, the Celebrant says
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessing
The priest blesses the people, saying
May the blessing of the God of Abraham and Sarah, and of Jesus Christ born of our sister Mary, and of the Holy Spirit, who broods over the world as a mother over her children, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
Dismissal
Deacon Go forth in peace. People Thanks be to God.
A Note on Tonight’s Liturgy
Tonight’s liturgy was created by the Rev. Roger Walker, Episcopal priest.
Prayers for the Week of December 20, 2015 Altar flowers are given to the honor and glory of God by Harold & Jan Roberts in memory of Margaret Keller. The Sanctuary lamp is given to the honor and glory of God by Mary Nell Patrick in thanksgiving for the birthday of sister, Bonnie Levorn. Madonna lamp is given to the honor and glory of God by Lynda Knight in memory of Butch Knight on their 51st wedding anniversary. This week we remember Peter Anderson, Willard W. Spear, and Elisa Hentges. This week we celebrate the birthdays of Christopher Mouser, Pam Heard, Patricia Hynd, Mignon Cousins, Barkley Mereo, Mary Nell Patrick, William Hawkins, Christen Nichols, Glen Huff, Nic Hartzler, David Pritchett, Ellen Blair, and Robert Baker. This week we celebrate the anniversary of Steve and Debbie Miner. In our Diocesan Prayer Cycle we pray for Calvary, Michigan City; and Holy Innocent’s, Como.
19 On our Panamanian Prayer Cycle we pray for St. Mary’s Church, Bocas Del Toro. In the Anglican Prayer Cycle we pray for the Diocese of Yewa (Lagos, Nigeria). Prayer for those in the Armed Forces: Joey Ranson, Corey David Ingraham, Elizabeth Daniels, Thomas Daniels, Lance Simon and James Wise. Prayers are offered daily by the Daughters of the King. Prayers for the Sick Almighty God, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those who are sick and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Parish Family: Jerry Rich, Darlene Stuart, Lena Melton, Lois Hedges, Mary Jo Jones, Howard Newby, David Stephens, Bob Kluck, Gene Newman, Kay Woods, Ed Krecker, Marge Aldrich, Chuck Aldrich, Roselyn & Lindy Ross, Jim & Linda Shaw, Hazel Hall, Charlie Ashby, Jean Boley, Terry Armstrong, Amanda N., Pat Spear, Charlie Melton, William Lewis, Fran Newby, Jim Lancaster, Charles Fowler, Frank Hedges, Marilyn Hoard Extended Family: Will Hernden, Laura Meade Herndon, Joseph Riley, Ann Kolesar, Stephen Griffies, Brett Ashley, Vera Barton, Marlene Mclean, Leota Ray, Gladys Efaw, Roger Collier, Lillian Delzell, Judy Braun, Will Newman, Frances Kennedy, Claudia Reda, Teri Coate, Keith, Blake Jackson, Judy Nash, Donna Brown, Emily Lee, Diane Hutchinson, Joan Mercer, Frannie Brown, David Kulick, Huron & Bessie Virden, Scott, Floyd Patrick, George Sparkman Greater Community: Ken Smith, Todd Penn, Jr., Judith Brown, Heather Ross Toche, Shirley Angus, Eric Smith, Jackson Tharpe, Karen Sock, Rosemary Gonzalez, Belle McCann, Judy Williams, Julia Gregg, Butch and Paula, Mikel Anthony, Karen Nelson, Gail Banks, Hannah Raymo, Monty Noblitt, Norma Langdale, Betty Smith, Melissa Lee, Dee Smelly, Connie Avera, Betty Page, Delores Carter, Gary Michaels, Brianna Medina, Robert, Kathy Grizzard, Glen Angus, Stacey Randall, Angela Clary, Daisy Clauselet Pilot, Arthur Carlisle, Helen Lloyd, Margaret Moniet, Leroy, Patrick, Victoria, Glenn, P. Bell,Tim Cyrus, Vanessa, Amy, Donna & Rodney, Brian Gurney, Kendall Lamb, Nichole Gilbert.
20