Liturgy at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Liturgy at

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Second Sunday of Advent + December 8, 2019 + 9am & 11am

At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near. [1] Help us create SACRED SPACE by powering down Please do not use cell phones and other electronic devices. The ringing of the meditation bowl calls us to silence, centering and reflection as we prepare for worship. If the rituals and practices of our liturgy are new to you, please participate as you feel comfortable and are able. As you pass the baptismal font upon entering or leaving the church you may dip your hand in the water and make the sign of the cross. This is an ancient body prayer to remember you are a baptized child of God. Simply touch your forehead to chest, then your left to right shoulder.

GATHERING

prelude Benedictus Alec Rowley (1892-1958)

At the sound of the handbell, please stand and face the rear of the church.

kyrie

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confession and Turn to face the font. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at forgiveness baptism, where indicated by the +.

Blessed be the, Holy Trinity + one God, our light and our salvation. Amen.

[3] Let us prepare for Christ’s coming by turning from our sin and seeking God’s tender mercy and compassion. Almighty God, We confess that we have sinned against you, and against our sisters, brothers, and siblings. Our words and deeds have not proclaimed your reign of justice and truth. We have failed to watch and pray for the signs of your advent among us. Forgive our sin, and come quickly to save us. Amen. In the advent of Christ the dawn from high breaks upon us with light and healing. Through Jesus Christ, God looks with favor on you, + and forgives you all your sin. Amen. blessing of the advent Blessed are you, God of hope, for you promise to bring forth a shoot wreath from the stump of Jesse who will bring justice to the poor, who will (facing the wreath) deliver the needy and crush the oppressor, who will stand as a signal of hope for all people. As we light these candles, turn our wills to bear the fruit of repentance, transform our hearts to live in justice and harmony with one another, and fix our eyes on the root of Jesse, Jesus Christ, the hope of all nations. O people of hope, come, let us rejoice in the faithfulness of the Lord. Amen.

Turn to face the cross as it enters; you may bow as the cross passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. Our liturgy is multi-sensory and shows the significance of our bodies and all of God’s creation. Used in many religions, the sweet smell of incense represents the rising of our prayers and the aroma of Christ spreading in procession throughout the world. We honor (cense) the primary symbols of the liturgy: the people, font, ambo (lectern), book of scriptures, cross, and table (altar). gathering hymn #250 Blessed be the God of Israel

[4] During the greeting the presiding minister and assembly bow toward one another. We learn from eastern cultures the deep significance of a bow as a sign of mutuality and the presence of Christ among us. greeting The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. prayer of the day Let us pray…Amen.

Please be seated. WORD

first reading Isaiah 11:1-10

In Advent we read Old Testament poems that are filled with images of peace, justice, and joy. The church sees in past, present, and future the presence of Jesus Christ, in whom is the realization of these perennial human hopes. Jesus fills and fulfills our human hopes.

Response: Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Setting: Robert Hobby

The choir/cantor sings Refrain: the refrain and the assembly repeats. The cantor/choir and assembly chant alternating verses.

Tone:

1Give the king your jus- | tice, O God, and your righteousness to | the king’s son;

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5May he live as long as the sun and | moon endure, from one generation | to another. 6Let him come down like rain upon | the mown field, like showers that wa- | ter the earth. 7In his time may the | righteous flourish; and let there be an abundance of peace till the moon shall | be no more. 18Blessed are you, LORD God, the | God of Israel; you alone do | wondrous deeds! 19And blessed be your glorious | name forever, and may all the earth be filled with your glory. A- | men. Amen. Refrain second reading Romans 15:4-13

Towards the conclusion of his letter to the Roman Christians, Paul explains that Jesus Christ came to serve the Jews, as God had promised, also to save the Gentiles. Paul invokes the Trinity, the merciful God who in Christ will give to believers the power of the Holy Spirit.

Response: Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. [6] Stand to welcome the gospel as Christ—the Word of God—as it is proclaimed among us in this place and time. Turn to face the book as the gospel is read in the midst of the assembly, a sign of Christ among us. gospel acclamation The choir/cantor sings the acclamation and the assembly repeats. The cantor/choir sings the verse.

Prepare the way of the Lord. All flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:4, 6)

As the gospel is announced, you may trace a small cross on your forehead, lips and breast, a prayer that the Word may dwell in our minds, on our lips and in our hearts. gospel Matthew 3:1-12

The gospel of Matthew, following on the model of Mark, prefaces the narratives of the ministry of Jesus by introducing John the Baptist, whom Matthew sees as embodying the one that Isaiah had described centuries before. The prophet John is preparing the way for the Messiah by preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan.

Before the gospel After the gospel The holy gospel according to Matthew. The gospel of the Lord. Glory to you, O Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Alleluia… (sung as above)

sermon Following the sermon there is a time of silence for reflection and quiet meditation. Our liturgy is not only made up of words, gestures, and music, but also moments of silence.

Stand hymn of the day #249 On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry

prayers of intercession After each petition: Let us pray: Come, Lord Jesus.

[7] peace The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

The assembly is invited to share God’s peace with one another saying, “Peace be with you,” or similar words. Be seated.

MEAL

setting the table A special welcome to newcomers! We invite you to fill out the yellow slip in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate when you come up for communion or as you depart. Offerings may be put in the basket on the way to communion. Today’s loose offerings support the Lakeview Pantry.

offertory hymn (stand) #254 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

[8] great thanksgiving The thanksgiving includes the following: dialogue

preface It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

holy, holy This ancient song is the musical climax of the liturgy and uses texts from Isaiah and Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. At the words “blessed is he who comes,” some make the sign of the cross as a connection to our baptism into Jesus’ death and resurrection.

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thanksgiving at the Hoping beyond hope, we proclaim the mystery of faith: table Some responses during the Thanksgiving at the Table echo the presiding minister. Others are as …All praise and thanks to you, holy God, through Christ Jesus, by your follows: Spirit, here and now and until the end of time.

the lord’s prayer As a sign of openness to the divine presence, you may join the presider in praying the Our Father with the ancient gesture of extended hands.

Please remain standing.

[10] breaking of the bread (sung first by the cantor)

Be seated. communion All are welcome at Christ's table, including children. Bread is received in the hands. Wine is received either by drinking from the (silver) common cup, or by saving the bread and dipping it in the second (glass) cup. Gluten-free wafers are available from the presiding minister. Those not communing may come forward for a blessing, keeping your hands folded over your chest. For those unable to consume either wine or bread, communion is received fully in either element alone. Holy Trinity’s radical welcome is also an invitation to baptism and a deeper connection to community. If you are not baptized, please speak to one of the pastors to learn more about the process of adult baptism.

communion anthem Come, thou long expected Jesus Jean Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)

Text may be found on page 8 of this bulletin.

silence ~stand~ prayer Let us pray. brief silence …Amen.

[11] SENDING

blessing Having heard the word and shared the eucharist, we are sent to live our baptism through words and deeds, making known the love of Christ, and working for justice and peace in our families, communities, and world. Turn to face the cross as it recesses, you may bow as it passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation.

sending hymn #711 O day of peace

sending Go in peace. Christ is coming soon. Thanks be to God!

postlude O day of peace Mark Sedio (b. 1954)

SERVING TODAY

presiding minister (9am) Pr. Michelle Sevig crucifer (9am) Jake Johnson (11am) Pr. Craig Mueller (11am) Peder Sevig preaching minister Seminarian Troy Spencer

minister of music David Brackley acolyte (9am) Gavin Bender, Austin Johnson organist Deacon John Weit torchbearers (11am) Grady Donnell, Oliver Sevig cantor Frank Blackman

assisting minister (9am) Ryan LaHurd readers (9am) Kim Hedlin, Phyllis Geistlinger (11am) Seminarian Melissa (11am) Aana Vigen, Alison Strickler Hrdlicka

sacristan (9am) Jonas Ellison intercessor (9am) Melissa Hrdlicka (11am) Patti Erickson (11am) Jeremy Loch

altar preparation (9am) Rich Campbell communion (9am) Christian Cisneros, Ken Duckmann (11am) Seminarian Troy Spencer assistant (11am) Deacon Julie Sevig, Seminarian Troy Spencer

incense (9am) Seminarian Melissa meditation bell (9am) Seminarian Melissa Hrdlicka Hrdlicka (11am) Deacon Julie Sevig (11am) Patty Erickson

coffee hosts The Muldrow-Schleis Family welcome (9am) Ken Duckmann, James Perez, Emily hospitality Mongan (11am) Melissa and Patrick Ashby, Laura Spalla

bread Erin Miesner

[12] ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SCHEDULES Sunday, December 8 + 4pm – A Festival of Music for Advent and Christmas (HTLakeview) + 5:30pm – Lasagna Dinner to Support HTLC Youth Ministries (HTLakeview) Wednesday, December 11 + 7pm – Holden Evening Prayer (HTLakeview) Thursday, December 19 + 6:30pm – Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service (HTLoop) Saturday, December 21 + 6pm – A Hygge Holiday at HTLoop following 5pm Worship (HTLoop) Fourth Sunday of Advent + Saturday/Sunday, December 21/22 + Normal Weekend Schedule – 5pm Saturday at HTLoop; 9am and 11am on Sunday at HTLakeview + No Sunday School Christmas Eve + Tuesday, December 24 + 4:30pm – Family Christmas Eve Liturgy (HTLakeview) + 4:30pm – Family Christmas Eve Liturgy (HTLoop) + 8pm – Grace Episcopal’s Christmas Eve Liturgy (HTLoop) + 9:45pm - Pre-service music (HTLakeview) + 10:00pm - The Christ Mass (HTLakeview) Christmas Day + Wednesday, December 25 + 10am - Christmas Day Eucharist (HTLakeview) First Sunday of Christmas + Saturday/Sunday, December 28/29 + Normal Weekend Schedule – 5pm Saturday at HTLoop; 9am and 11am on Sunday at HTLakeview + No Sunday School Epiphany + Saturday/Sunday, January 4/5 + Saturday, 5pm – Epiphany Festival Eucharist at HTLoop + Sunday, 9am – Epiphany Festival Eucharist at HTLakeview w/Choir and Children’s Participation + Sunday, 10:15am – Epiphany Reception with Three Kings Cake + No Sunday School

[13] NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Giving Tree The giving tree is back and this year the goal that Holy Trinity, with the help of Grace Episcopal, has set is to purchase two hundred $25 Target gift cards to benefit the guests of the South Loop Community Table! We will have 200 tags next to the tree. Write your name on as many tags as you are able to purchase gift cards and hang them on the tree. Either purchase the cards yourself or make a donation online at giving.htchicago.org and we’ll buy the gift card(s) for you! These cards will need to be back to church by the night of December 21 or the morning of December 22.

Eat Lasagna and Following today’s Festival of Music for Advent and Christmas, join Support the HTLC us upstairs in Passavant Hall for a delicious lasagna dinner! Your Youth Ministry TODAY suggested donation of $10 per person or $25 per family will benefit youth ministries at Holy Trinity as we anticipate a trip to the 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis.

Book Group Christmas The next book group meeting will be our annual Christmas dinner Dinner December 9 celebration on Monday, December 9 at 6pm at Tutto Fresco, 2901 N Ashland. We won't be discussing a book this month, but we'll be discussing Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng in January.

Holden Evening Prayer Join us for a contemplative, candlelight liturgy featuring Marty for Advent December Haugen's beloved Holden Evening Prayer. 11, 7pm

Kids Night Out Our next KIDS Night Out will be on Saturday, December 14 in December 14 Passavant Hall at HTLakeview. The kids deserve a night out, away from their parents, to play and enjoy the company of others from HTLC. There will be free-play time and structured time for learning a Bible story and doing a craft. A simple dinner is provided. Ms Audrey, from the nursery, will host each KIDS Night Out and Annika Sevig will be her assistant. Families pay $5-$20, whatever seems right. Pre-registration and RSVP are required by December 11. Contact Pastor Sevig [email protected] for more information or to register.

[14] [15] CHRISTMAS SPONSORS NEEDED Sponsor the greens and poinsettias that will decorate our church at Christmas and our festive Epiphany brunch in honor or in memory of a friend or relative. Please make a check or envelope earmarked “Christmas Sponsors.” Donations can also be made online at our giving website, giving.htchicago.org.

Donor’s name

In Memory of

In Honor of

In Thanksgiving for

All donations must be received by Sunday, December 22 in order to publish names and dedications in Christmas bulletins.

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[17] WHAT WE VALUE Our worship is ancient and new We celebrate a liturgy based on ancient patterns and rituals that go back to the early centuries of Christianity. We gather for worship to hear the scriptures and wrestle with their meaning for our lives today. We share the sacred meal of bread and wine and depart to serve a world in need. Though ancient, worship is always fresh and new as the gospel of Christ comes alive for our contemporary context. Time unplugged from electronic devices allows reflection and centering. Open to the Mystery we connect, strengthen and serve with joy. Things we’re for Radical inclusivity regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, documentation or socio- economic status, sexual orientation or religious/spiritual background. Welcoming refugees and immigrants as the biblical injunction to provide hospitality to strangers. Democracy as the means to support those who are marginalized or most vulnerable in society. Embodied gathering in real time and sacred space. Multisensory liturgy that helps us delight in God’s beauty. Intentional engagement with contemporary social, theological and spiritual issues. God’s creation, including human beings, that are wonderfully diverse. User-friendly liturgies. Preaching that is honest about the struggles of life and the grace of God. Robust congregational singing. Reverence and joy in worship that spills over into everyday life. Cultivating empowering relationships, not only at church but everywhere. Openness to questions and faith struggles.Treasuring mystery above certainty. Things we’re against Power and privilege that lead to prejudice and oppression. Systems that perpetuate white preference and advantage. Binary ways of looking at gender, sexuality, and other ways of being in the world. Political ideologies that pit love of country against service to the earth and all its people. Patriarchy and sexism that discriminate against women and gender non- conforming people. Senseless violence. Negative and hateful partisanship. Superficial responses to life’s painful and difficult realities. Boring sermons. Church services that don’t connect with everyday life. Equating Christianity with a particular political party. Indifference to injustice and suffering. Misuse of the earth and its resources.

[18] CONNECT AND LEARN MORE

Whoever you are, wherever you're from, whatever the color of your skin, your gender identity, or your documentation status whomever you love or marry, however you vote, or whatever your feelings about religion or spirituality, you are welcome here. If the rituals and practices of our liturgy are new to you, please participate as you feel comfortable and are able. If this is your first time, please fill out a yellow slip in the pew rack and place it in the offering basket on your way to communion. This helps us get to know you. More information on Holy Trinity, Lutheranism, worship practices, marriage and baptisms at the welcome table. To families with small children: We are glad you are here! If your child needs a break from the service, feel free to walk to the narthex/back of the church. Nursery: open 8:45am – 12:15pm. Use the garden entrance on Addison; nursery is inside the door. Special children's materials are on a rack at the back of the church. Sunday School for children age 4 through First Grade (in Passavant Hall upstairs) and grades 3 through 6 (Spiritual Life Center, first floor) takes place each Sunday at 10am. For more information about Sunday School, contact Pr. Sevig ([email protected]). Offerings: We thank you for your generous support of Holy Trinity. We seek to do church differently as we address racial justice, climate change, and take stands for the rights and dignity of all people created in the image of God. Most of our congregation gives online and you can set up one-time or recurring donations at giving.htchicago.org. Checks and envelope offerings support Holy Trinity’s overall ministry unless designated otherwise. Photos and Social Media: As worship services and most Holy Trinity gatherings are public events, please know that your presence here means that you may be included in photos or videos that may be posted on HTLC social media. If you do not wish to be in photographs or videos, or if you do not want photos of your children used, please complete the form at media.htchicago.org. HTLC social media administrators will make every effort to not include them in HTLC social media.

[19] STAFF Lead Pastor Craig Mueller [email protected]

Associate Pastor (HTLakeview) Michelle Sevig [email protected] Holy Trinity: Lakeview Associate Pastor 1218 W. Addison Street, 60613 (HTLoop) Ben Adams [email protected] [email protected] Pastoral Counselor/Pastor for Holy Trinity: Loop Wellness Ministries Brooke Petersen 637 S. Dearborn Street, 60605 [email protected] [email protected] Minister of Music (HTLakeview) David Brackley 773.248.1233 [email protected] holytrinitychicago.org Administrator and HTLoop Musician Beau Surratt Purpose Statement [email protected] Open to the Mystery… Music Assistant Ayriole Frost Connect, Strengthen, and Serve with Joy! [email protected] Administrator Guiding Principles (Finance and Building) Paul Strome Act with courage [email protected] Be radically inclusive Assistant Organist Cultivate empowering relationships (HTLakeview) Deacon John Weit Delight in God’s beauty Children’s Choir Director Engage With Intention (HTLakeview) Lauren Haines Walerow Nursery Attendant (HTLakeview) Audrey Frost Seminarians Melissa Hrdlicka, Troy Spencer (HTLakeview); Sarah Krolak, Reed [20] Fowler (HTLoop)