Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18, 2022

 liturgy of the word 

Prelude Christmas Lullaby Jason Robert Brown (Melissa Toth and Grace Mauk)

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 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus The Hymnal 1982 #66

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 with us, borne by Mary’s flesh beyond all convention: give us the faith of Joseph to see the Spirit’s work where the world sees only shame; to listen to the promise and waken to the cry of life renewed and love reborn; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen. (Please be seated.)

The First Lesson Isaiah 7: 10-16

Reader: A reading from Isaiah.

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”

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

Psalm

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (Psalms for Praying) All are invited to sing the refrain, and the choir will offer the verses

REFRAIN

Eternal Listener, give heed to your people, You, who are our Guide and our Light! You, who dwell amidst the angels, shine forth into the heart of all nations! Enliven your people with compassion that peace and justice might flourish. Restore us, O Holy One; let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!

REFRAIN (continued on next page…)

Gentle Teacher, help us to turn to You in prayer, fasting from our negative thoughts. In your steadfast Love, You weep with our tears, tears that rise from fear, doubt, and illusion. You uphold us when we feel the sting of pride, when our anxiety threatens to paralyze us. Restore us, O Holy One; let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!

REFRAIN

May those who have borne the fruit of love radiate your Spirit into the world! May we always walk and co-create with You; receive the gratitude of our hearts, as we share in the Great Plan! Restore us, O Holy One! Let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!

REFRAIN

The second Lesson ROMANS 1:1-7

Reader: A reading from Romans.

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

REFRAIN

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

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.

But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

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

Sermon

The Affirmation of Faith (Please rise.)

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

From

We believe that creation is inextricably linked. We belong to one another in an undeniable way. We are bone of bone and flesh of flesh, life breathed into dust. We believe that God invites us to live into that truth— to love without abandon, to see the good in one another, to trust that all belong to God. We know that this life of connection is easier said than done, which is why we gather in this space, week after week, generation after generation, to be reminded: We see God in each other. This we believe. Amen.

Generation to Generation A Sanctified Art

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 today and tomorrow, When Mary was pregnant and afraid, she ran to her cousin Elizabeth’s house. Elizabeth threw open the door with joy and showered blessings upon her. How often do we have that same opportunity? How often do we leave the door locked, the curtains drawn, and the lights off? How often do we shower critique or judgment instead of blessings and joy? Gracious God, forgive us for our wrongs. We want to see you when we see our neighbor. Amen.

Celebrant: Friends, this is what we know— God delights in us. God throws open the door, just like Elizabeth, and says, “Come on home. There is room for you here!”

And in that moment, we are blessed. In that moment, we are forgiven. In that moment, we are seen, healed, and welcomed home. Amen.

The Peace

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

Announcements & Offertory Invitation

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

The Dream Isaiah Saw Glen Rudolph (Trinity Choir, Grace Mauk and Carter Adams)

 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

John Bell

This is the body of Christ, broken that we may be whole; This cup as promised by God, true to their word, cradles our Lord; Food for the good of the soul.

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 Wayfaring Stranger

The Post Communion Prayer (Please rise.)

Celebrant: Let us pray.

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.

Benediction

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.

Blessing

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

Let it Be

John Lennon & Verses offered by a soloist. Paul McCartney

REFRAIN:

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be There will be an answer, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

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 George Benson, Director of Community Engagement 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