The Church of St. Michael and All Angels Sunday, December 24, 2017 ~ 8:00 PM Worship Service
Christmas Eve
The Rev. Richard D. Meadows, Jr. ~ Pastor and Priest Phone 410-685-3129 2013 St. Paul Street – Baltimore MD 21218 Website: http://www.smaa-baltimore.com Facebook follow us at The Church of St. Michael and All Angels Tweet@StMichaelBmore ~Vision Statement~ God is calling us to be a beacon of light that illuminates God’s Glory through Evangelism and Christian Education for all who explore their Spiritual Journey with us. ~Mission Statement~ The Church of St. Michael and All Angels is committed to serving God in excellence
Christmas Flower through active stewardship and service Donations in our parish and community.
~Given by Phillip Ajayi~ To the Glory of God for my wife’s recovery
~Given by Richard Payne~ In Memory of All of God’s People
~Given by Thomas & Brenda Beasley~ In Memory of Laura Sue Beasley Fannie Mae Beasley Blanche L. Rustin Herbert Rustin Anna C. Walker Elaine Webb Daniel A. Brown
~Given by Angela T. Seaton~ In Memory of William J. Seaton, Jr. Hortense E. Grant Elizabeth G. Staley Glorianne S. Wiltz Delores M. Holmes Katherine Grant Kelli M. Younger Howard Grant, Jr. Justin Berry
~Given by Renee Cuffie~ In Memory of Ruth, Ralph, and Terry Sparks
~Given by Taylor and Jeremy Seaton~ In loving memory of our departed grandparents William Joshua Seaton, Jr. Thelma Marie Greene- Smith Ronald Webster Smith and in celebration of our grandmother, Angela Tereasa Seaton
~Given by Brian and Tina Lyght~ In Memory of Samuel Lyght Selwyn Lyght Clyde and Edith Thomas Clyde Thomas, Jr
~Given by Tamara Jones-Short, Reba Bullock, and Celeste Morgan~ In Memory of Lillian Jones-Cuffie William P. Short, III Barry V. Jones Frank Baxter
~Given by Barbara & John McDaniel~ In Memory of Barbara W. Banks George and Betty Banks George E. Banks, III Sally and Bill Banks Talbot Banks Emily and John McDaniel Helen and Jack McDaniel Emily and Washington Platt Mary and Walter Platt Anne and Chester Wotycha
~Given by Marilyn Sifontes~ For Christmas Flower Offering
~Given by Sue A. O’Neill~ The garland and trees in the church are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory for Lucile & Brooks O’Neill, Sr. and my husband Brooks O’Neill, Jr.
~Given by Eugenia Starghill and Constance Bell~ In Memory of Rev. Eugene H. Bell Lucille Bell Harvey Bell D’Angelo Simmons
The Holy Eucharist
Processional Hymn People
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, unto who all hearts are open, all desires known, and from who no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord, have mercy upon us. People: Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us. Hymn of Praise
The Collect of the Day The Lord be with you. People And with thy spirit. Celebrant Let us pray. O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. The Christmas Story Adapted from “Bible Plays” by: Fr. Bill Fallowfield Scene 1: Luke 1: 26-38 Narrator: God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in the region of Galilee called Nazareth. He had a message for a girl name Mary who was promised in marriage to a man named Joseph. King David was one of Joseph’s ancestors. Gabriel said, Peace be with you Mary. The Lord God is with you and God is going to bless you. Narrator: Mary thought to herself, “Why is this Angel coming to me? What does the message mean? How can this be?” Then Gabriel said, Don’t be afraid, Mary; God has a gift for you. You will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus. The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and God’s power will rest within you. For this reason, the holy child will be called the Son of God. There is nothing that God cannot do. Mary said, I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said. Narrator: Then, the angel left her. Sing together: “O Come, O come, Emmanuel” (one verse) Scene 2: Luke 2: 1-20 Narrator: At that time, Emperor Augustus of Rome ordered that all people in his empire should be counted. Everyone had to go to the town where they were born and be counted. This is called a census. Joseph had to go to Bethlehem from Nazareth, where he was a carpenter. It was a three-day journey. Mary, his wife was expecting her first child. Joseph said, It’s awful that we have to go down to Bethlehem. At least we have old Eli, the donkey. I want to be with you when our child is born. Mary said, That mean old emperor just wants to count us so he can raise taxes. Joseph said, Now, now Mary, don’t get yourself worked up. You know there are two things we always can expect: DEATH and TAXES! Narrator: Mary and Joseph and old Eli, the donkey went to Bethlehem where Mary gave birth to Jesus, in the barn, behind the inn because the town was packed with people who had to be counted for the census. Sing: “Away in a Manger” (2 verses) Narrator: That night, nearby, shepherds were out in the country keeping their sheep safe from wild animals. An angel of God appeared to them and they were terribly afraid.
Then, the Shepherd said, “What’s that?!?!” The Angel said, Do not be afraid, I am here with good news for you. This news is going to make everyone happy. Tonight, over in Bethlehem, King David’s birthplace, your Savior is born, Jesus Christ the Lord. He is in the barn behind the inn, laying in a manger, all wrapped up in a clean warm cloth. Sing: “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (2 verses) Narrator: Suddenly a great army of angels appeared singing this: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to the people with whom God is well pleased! Then the angels returned to God in heaven. The shepherd said, Let’s go to Bethlehem to see the holy child. Narrator: They went quickly, and they found Mary and Joseph in the barn, and the baby all wrapped up in the manger where the animals eat. Then, the shepherd said, Excuse me, but we saw angels angels who told us that your baby Son is very special. He is going to be a great help to his people Sing: “Mary Had a Baby” (2 verses) Narrator: The shepherds returned to their flocks of sheep, praising God for all they had seen and heard. And Mary would remember all the details of the birth of her son all her life. Sing: “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child” (one verse) Prayers of the People (Standing or kneeling as you prefer) Form II In the course of the silence after each bidding, please offer your own prayers, either silently or aloud.
I ask your prayers for God's people throughout the world; for our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Diocesan Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton, Asst. Bishop Chilton Knudsen, Our Priest Father Meadows and Father Fallowfield; for this gathering; and for all ministers and people. Pray for the Church. Silence I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people. We Pray for Ronald councilmember, Catherine Mayor, Larry Governor and Donald President. We Pray for justice and peace. Silence I ask your prayers for the unemployed, underemployed, poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison. Pray for those in any need or trouble. Silence I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of him. Pray that they may find and be found by him. Silence I ask your prayers for the departed, Enfold in your love all that come in faith to your judgment seat in heaven. Pray for those who have died. Silence I ask your prayers for for the members of this church, especially Christine and Gary, Thomas, Daphne, Vanessa, Wilbur, Keith, Andrew, Ron, Alethea, Clarinda, Sarah, Rachel, Lucy, Josephine, Christina, James, Morgan, Rosetta, Randy, Conor and those who are unable to attend regularly. If there are others we mention them now, silently or aloud. Members of the congregation may ask the prayers or the thanksgivings I ask your prayers for the intercessors that pray continuously, We pray for healing of mind, body and spirit, and Lord we give you glory for all you have done, as we pray, sing your praises and exalt you forever. Silence
We Praise God for those in every generation here at St. Michael and All Angels, in whom Christ has been honored, whom we remember today. Pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day. Silence………………..Concluding Collect by Celebrant
Sermon
The Rev. Richard D. Meadows, Jr.
The Peace (As we greet each other in the name of Jesus, introduce yourself to those around you) People
The peace of the Lord be always with you. And with thy spirit.
Offertory Anthem…………………………………………….……..The Choir of St. Michael and All Angels Doxology………………………………….……………….Doxology Genevan Psalter 1551 (Old 100th Tune)
THE HOLY COMMUNION Celebrant People Celebrant People Celebrant People
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name: 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. (Sanctus Sung by all)
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!
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 forever. AMEN. Celebrant - And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, 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, forever and ever. Amen. The Breaking of the Bread [Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.] Lamb of God………………………………………………………………………………………. Celebrant - The Gifts of God for the People of God. Communion Hymn Postcomunion Prayer (Standing or kneeling as you prefer) Celebrant and People - Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Recessional Hymn Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People: Thanks be to God
Birthdays and Anniversaries for December Birthdays: 3 Ronald Cuffie, 5 Brenda Beasley, 9 Renee Sparks Cuffie, 18 Jeff Walker, 20 Bryan Powell, 21 Michael Cuffie and Tamra Jones-Short, 24 Bryan Alston, 27 Faye Walker, 29 Kimberly Smith Anniversaries: 12 Richard And Linda Meadows