Third Sunday of Advent, December 11, 2022

 liturgy of the word 

Prelude Noel! Todd Smith (Trinity Choir)

Welcome The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker Gray Candle Lighting People Get Ready Curtis Mayfield

People get ready, there a train a coming You don’t need no baggage, you just get on board. All you need is faith to hear diesels a-hummin’, You don’t need no ticket, you just thank the Lord.

One Voice: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ. The Lord will give you a sign. A young woman is with child and shall bear a son.

People: And they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

Gathering Song Climbin’ Up The Mountain LEVAS #115

1. Hebrew Children in dey fiery furnace. And dey begin to pray, and de good Lawd smote dat fiyah out. Oh wasn’t dat a mighty day!

Good Lawd, wasn’t dat a mighty day!

2. Daniel went in de lion’s den, And he begin to pray, and de angel of de Lawd locked de lion’s jaw. Oh wasn’t dat a mighty day! Good Lawd, wasn’t dat a mighty day!

Collect of the Day (Prayers for the Inclusive Church)

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray. God of the burning sand and thirsty ground: you called John into the wilderness to announce a new creation far from palaces of royal power; make us ready for your intensity, the judgement that opens our senses to the poverty of our world, and calls to life what lingers in death; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

(Please be seated.)

The First Lesson Isaiah 35: 1-10

Reader: A reading from Isaiah.

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.

No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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

People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm

Psalm 146:4 9

All are invited to sing the refrain, and the choir will offer the verses.

(Psalms for Praying)

REFRAIN

Blessed are those whose strength is in the Beloved, whose trust is in You, O Divine Lover, Who gave birth to the universe the heavens, earth, and sea and all that is within them. You are ever faithful, bringing balance and harmony to earth, nourishment to body and soul. You free us from the bonds of fear; You give insight to those who would see.

REFRAIN

You lift up the faint hearted, giving succour to those who weep. You watch over those on journey, sending guides and angels to lead the way. O, that we might become beacons of light to those in darkness.

REFRAIN

The second Lesson James 5:7-10 Reader: A reading from James. Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Gradual

Thy Word is a Lamp Augsburg Hymns for Worship

Please rise. All are invited to join on the refrain. Verses offered by Kim Buehler

REFRAIN: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path

When I feel afraid, Think I've lost my way, Still you're there right beside me And nothing will I fear, As long as you are near, Please be near me to the end

Deacon: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to You, Lord Christ.

Sermon

The Affirmation of Faith (Please rise.)

We believe in a God who offers second chances and does not hold grudges. We believe in a God who opens the door to new life and leaves the porch light on for us when we get lost. We believe in a God who believes in us believes that we can make a difference, that we can choose grace over comparison, love over hate, peace over war. And so we strive to live our lives in love. We strive to listen as Joseph listened, and to be the people that God calls us to be. It’s all that easy, and it’s all that hard. This we believe. Amen.

From Generation to Generation A Sanctified Art

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker Gray

Prayers of the People

Intercessor: Walking in the light of the coming Savior, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who await God’s justice (a brief silence). Like a potter working clay, shape and mold our church leaders into vessels fit to serve your people and the world according to your purpose.

People: Help us remember, O God.

Intercessor: Guide us as a shepherd throughout this Advent season; turn us away from the temptations of consumerism and lead us to see and respond to the needs of those in our community.

People: Help us remember, O God.

Intercessor: Stir up your might and bring justice to all lands, (especially…). Where there is war, bring peace; where there is ethnic strife, bring reconciliation; where there is hunger, provide food; and where there is oppression, bring freedom.

People: Help us remember, O God.

Intercessor: Remember with mercy the children of our congregation, that their excitement and anticipation during this season matures into joy and lasting peace in the revelation of the gift of your Son.

People: Help us remember, O God.

Intercessor: God of goodness, all creation proclaims your glory; open our eyes to see your power and majesty in the beauty of our world, and open our hearts to be gentle caretakers of the earth.

People: Help us remember, O God.

Intercessor: God of peace, you promise to turn mourning into dancing. Comfort all who mourn, bring healing to the sick, and give hope and reconciliation to those estranged from family.

People: Help us remember, O God.

Intercessor: Let us pray for our own needs and those of others, including those on our Trinity Prayer List... You may now offer your prayers aloud or in the silence of your heart (pause). Hear us, O God.

People: Help us remember, O God.

Intercessor: Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your steadfast love and faithfulness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

People: Amen.

Confession of Sin & Absolution.

From Generation to Generation A Sanctified Art

Celebrant: Let us confess our sins to God. (Silence may be kept)

Celebrant and People:

God of mercy, a million times a day we have the opportunity to be gracious, to assume the best in others, to give the benefit of the doubt. A million times a day we could choose the better way, but so often we don’t. Fear and greed kick in. Assumptions and insecurities take the wheel. Comparison and critique lead the charge. Forgive us for forgetting that we are descendants of Joseph. Forgive us for forgetting that grace and mercy are in our blood. Forgive us for forgetting that all belong to you. Give us the courage to love even bigger than before, and the wisdom to choose a better way. Amen.

Celebrant: Family of Faith, hear this good news: We who have chosen wrong, are given a second chance. We who have lost our way, are welcomed into community. We who feel alone, are seen, held, and known. This is the good news of the gospel. No matter how many times we choose wrong or lose our way, God continues to be a God of second chances, community, and love. Thanks be to God! Amen.

The Peace

Deacon: The peace of Christ be always with you. People: And also with you.

Announcements

Loose offerings (cash or checks) can be placed in the Offertory Plate as it is passed during the Offertory or deposited in our Giving Box stationed at the back of the sanctuary. To give Online, use the attached QR code or visit www.trinitytoledo.org/online giving/ choose GIVE NOW and today’s date. You can also text the word “Give” to 419 OMG LOVE (419 664 5683) to make your weekly offering.

Offertory sentence

Offertory Deep Peace Elaine Hageberg (Trinity Choir)

 Liturgy of the Table 

The Great Thanksgiving BCP Eucharistic Prayer A

Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, O Lord, 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 Holy, Holy, Holy

The Hymnal #S 129

Holy and gracious Lord: 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 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 many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith, Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O God, 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, O God, now and for ever. AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer

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 for ever and ever. Amen.

Fraction following the breaking of the bread John Bell

Invitation to Communion

Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the people of God; holy food for holy people. Please be seated until you are invited to come forward to receive communion.

Communion Song Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent

The Post Communion Prayer (Please rise.)

Celebrant: Let us pray.

See insert.

Jesus, we have feasted on the bread of life. Together we have tasted the love of your kin-dom here on earth. In your risen power you have united us with all of those who have come before, with those gathered today, and with those yet to find their way to this table of love set and ready to welcome all. May the sense of a new heaven and a new earth strengthen and renew us today and in the days to come. Now, send us out into the world to do the work you have given us to do offering your fearless love and priceless peace to all we meet in the name of our loving, liberating life-giving God. Amen.

Advent Blessing From Generation to Generation/ A Sanctified Art

As you leave this place, may you go knowing that from generation to generation, we have been claimed and loved. From generation to generation, God has been by our side. From generation to generation, we are not alone. The God of yesterday and the God of tomorrow knows you by name, loves you, and calls you forth, saying, “Go be the person you are called to be, love wildly, do justice, and come back soon.” May it be so. Amen. May the rain fall off your shoulders when you’re caught in a storm. When the frost comes a callin’ may it find you safe and warm. May your place be set, and may your promises be kept. And may you never forget that you are loved.

Sending song

Are You The One Who Is to Come? Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (tune: ST LOUIS, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”)

"Are you the one who is to come?" John bravely asked the Lord. John knew the hope he'd counted on and sought a guiding word. So Jesus gave this answer: Tell what you hear and see! Tell John about the sick and poor — How God has set them free!

"Are you the one we're longing for" The name above all names? We hear each day a thousand words That make competing claims: "Buy this and you'll be happy!" "Find meaning here or there!" But Lord, these other things we seek Lead only to despair.

"Are you the only one we need?" Remind your church anew That in the midst of sin and greed Our joy is serving you. In you we still see wonders As peace replaces fear; You heal the sick, lift up the poor And bring your kingdom here.

Celebrant: Go in peace to serve our loving, liberating, life giving God! People: Thanks be to God.

Trinity’s Daily Bread As a community of faith, we are called to love and be loved; to serve and be served, to give and to receive. In short, we don’t want anyone to “fall behind or drop out.” To continue our connection, we invite you to take part in Trinity’s Daily Bread. Please let us know if you need prayer, assistance, or connection by filling out our Daily Bread form on our website, www.trinitytoledo.org!

Trinity Episcopal Church

Vestry Leadership

Donna Steppe, Sr. Warden, Jeffrey Albright, Jr. Warden

Leah Reed, Clerk, Gary Franklin, Treasurer

Dennis Degnan, Becky Koskinen, Fritz Hany, Karen Keune & Jamie Paul

Parish Staff

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker Gray, Rector

Heather Meyer, Director of Operations and Community Development

Chelsie Cree, Director of Music and the Arts

Grace Mauk, Assistant Director of Music and the Arts Brian Buckner, Trinity@Home Accompanist

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & COPYRIGHT INFO:

Collect of the Day: Prayers for an Inclusive Church, Steven Shakespeare. Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary: lectionarypage.net, 2022. Psalm: Psalms for Praying, Nan Merrill.

The Great Thanksgiving: BCP Eucharistic Prayer A Bulletin front cover image: “Wilderness Blossom” from Generation to Generation by Sanctified Art by Carmelle Beaugelin.

All printed music from The Hymnal 1982, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, My Heart Sings Out, Wonder, Love, and Praise was used by permission through purchase of ritesong.org.

All other printed music permission through purchase of CCLI Copyright license #20577215 Size B Streaming License #20577284 Size B

Secular music: permission through purchase of CCS WORSHIPcast Copyright license #13190

All printed music from Gather permission through purchase of onelicense.net License # A 700000

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

PROGRESSIVE  INCLUSIVE CREATIVE  DOWNTOWN 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 243 1231 www.trinitytoledo.org Facebook.com/TrinityEpiscopalToledo