Christmas Eve, 10:30pm December 24, 2022

A Christmas Blessing

Joyce Rupp, Out of the Ordinary

May there be harmony in all your relationships. May sharp words, envious thoughts, and hostile feelingsbe dissolved.

May you give and receive love generously. May this love echo in your heart like the joy of churchbells on a clear December day.

May each person who comes into your life be greeted as another Christ.

May the honor given to the Babe of Bethlehem be that which you extend to every guestwho enters your presence.

May the hope of this holy season settle in your soul.

May it be a foundation of courage for you when times of distress occupy your inner land.May the wonder and awe that fills the eyes of children be awakened within you.

May it lead to renewed awareness and appreciation of whatever you too easily take forgranted.

May the bonds of love for one another be strengthened as you gather around the table offestivity and nourishment.

May you daily open the gift of your life and be grateful for the hidden treasures it contains.May the coming year be one of good health for you. May you have energy and vitality.

May you care well for your body, mind and spirit.

May you keep your eye on the Star within you and trust this luminescent presence toguide and direct you each day.

May you often go to the Bethlehem of your heart and visit the One who offers you peace.

May you bring peace into this world.

Welcome to Trinity and to this special time when we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus; the in-breaking of new life and new hope in our lives and in the world.

Everything needed for this service is printed in this bulletin. Whether you are visiting or a member, please know that you are welcome in this place.

Come let us adore him. Merry Christmas.

10:30 pm Musical Prelude

Shepherd’s Pipe Carol John Rutter Trinity Choir It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Traditional Trinity Choir The Holly and the Ivy Ola Gjielo Chamber Group Light of The World Lauren Daigle, Paul Duncan and Paul Mabury Melissa Toth and Trinity Section Leaders O Come All Ye Faithful The Pentatonix Trinity Section Leaders Sussex Carol Elaine Hagenberg Trinity Choir

A Child is Born

Thad Jones, Alec Wilder Kim Buehler and Tajj Crowder

An extra thank you to our guest musicians!

Will Schneider, horn Brandon Benson, percussion Dave Cerelli, bass J. Ronquillo, guitar Chamber Group: Courtney Rahe, Michael Hull, Kim Buehler, Bradley Baker, Tajj Crowder and Melissa Toth

Processional Song O Come, All Ye Faithful 1982 Hymnal #83 (Please rise.)

Words: John Francis Wade (1711-1786); tr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880) and othersMusic: Adeste fideles, present form of melody att. John Francis Wade (1711-1786); harm.

The English Hymnal, 1906

Collect of the Day

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

(from Prayers for an Inclusive Church)

God of David’s fragile house of hope and expectation: in the time of empires, your word is born to those who have no place and sung to those who watch in the wild; may his birth unsettle our world with hidden glory and untold peace; through Jesus Christ, the Child of Promise. Amen. (Please be seated for the Lessons.)

The First Lesson

Reader: A reading from Isaiah.

Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rodof their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of Davidand his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness fromthis time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

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

Welcome The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

Psalm Sing to the Lord a New Song Based on Psalm 96 The congregation is invited to join in the singing of the Psalm

The Second Lesson Titus 2:11-14 Reader: A reading from Titus.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are selfcontrolled,upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the gloryof our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

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

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788), alt. Music: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) Adapt. William H. Cummings (1831-1915)

The Gospel Luke 2: 1-14

(Please stand as you are able.)

Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord 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 ofSyria. 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.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock bynight. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: youwill find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

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

Affirmation of Faith

Generation

to Generation, A Sanctified Art, LLC (Please rise.)

We believe that for generations people have gathered together on this holy night, because there is something about this story that speaks to the deepest parts of us. We believe in bundling up this hope, this good news, and passing it on— to our children, to our neighbors, to the world around us. We believe our voices can make a difference, just like we believe this story can make a difference, so we will not stay quiet. We will tell this story—of a love that makes room for all. We will sing this story—of a love that knows our name. We will live this story—because love has come again. We believe that words have power. We will not stay quiet. Amen.

The Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray

Prayers of the People

Intercessor: On this holy night, Christians the world over celebrate Jesus’ birth. Open our hearts that he may be born in us today. Lord in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: On this holy night, there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love those who have no home and all who live in poverty. Lord in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: On this holy night, Mary in the pain of labor brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress. Lord in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: On this holy night, your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to all who have experienced grief and loss, in the hope of heaven. Lord in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: On this holy night, shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy. Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ's redemption. Lord in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: On this holy night, the angels sang 'Peace to God's people on earth'. Strengthen those who work for peace and justice in all the world. Lord in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: On this holy night, strangers found the Holy Family, and saw the baby lying in the manger. Bless our homes and all whom we love. Lord in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: On this holy night, heaven is come down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven. Keep in safety all those who have gone through death in the hope of heaven. Lord in your mercy, People: hear our prayer.

Intercessor: On this holy night, angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger throne. Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with the Blessed Mary and all the saints. Lord in your mercy, People: hear our prayer. Amen.

The Peace

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

Announcements & Offertory Sentence

Offertory Jesus What a Wonderful Child Traditional (Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Trinity Choir and guest musicians)

Liturgy of the Table 

The Great Thanksgiving

God

Celebrant continues… …Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with allthe company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

SANCTUS

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord 1982 Hymnal #S129

The Celebrant continues:

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, Celebrant and People: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

The Celebrant continues

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 mayfaithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; andat 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 theunity 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

Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ.

People: We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.

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.) We welcome ALL to come forward to receive Communion as a sign of God’s love in and for our lives.

To receive the bread (or gluten-free wafer), please put your hands together, palms up.

To receive the non-alcoholic wine, you may either drink directly from the cup or dip the bread in the cup before eating. If you are unable to come forward and wish to have Communion brought to you, please inform a greeter.

Communion Music O Holy Night Traditional (Bradley Baker and Grace Mauk)

Communion Hymn What Child Is This? The 1982 Hymnal #115

1 What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?

REFRAIN:

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

2 Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

REFRAIN

3 So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, peasant, king, to own him; the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him.

REFRAIN

The Post Communion Prayer (Please stand as you are able.)

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.

Passing the Light of Christ

We will share the light of Christ at this time. Once your candle has been lit, please pass the light to your neighbor.

Candle Lighting Hymn Silent Night, Holy Night 1982 Hymnal #111

1.) Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace

2.) Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight, glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing alleluia; Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!

3.) Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

A Christmas Blessing

adapted from Howard Thurman

When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with the flocks,then the work of Christmas begins: -to find the lost, -to heal those broken in spirit, -to feed the hungry, -to release the oppressed, -to rebuild the nations, -to bring peace among all peoples, -to make a little music with the heart…

And to radiate the Light of Christ, every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say.

Let the work of Christmas begin!

Dismissal

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

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

From In Memory/In Honor of

Jolene Miller and Donna Steppe

Susan Lowrey Esther Behnke Michael Maistros

Jamie Paul Robert Hoomes Christopher Villaneuva

William and Leah Dailey Christine Reed Jeannine Dailey

Kim Tucker-Gray Lisa Tucker-Gray Nancy and Steve Elzinga Rupert and Thais Lewis Linda Banwell Isabel and Marvin Elzinga Stan and Sande Johnson Betty Johnson Sarah and Em Corfman

Cynthia Putnam

Regis Trefelner George Putnam Dale Trefelner Barb Rasik

Chris and Toni Kelly Jack Moor Mary Pat Moor Robert Kelly

Lu Pilgrim Julie Pilgrim Julia and Clyde Ball

Bradley Baker Jack, Vernice and Raymon Baker

Bruce and Meribah Mansfield Don and Doris Mansfield George, Ann and Chip Gelser

Father Robert Gahler, J Michael Hull James and Henrietta Gahler and Sean Patrick Hull Bob and Kathy Hull Ann Babcock

Mary Beroske Kyle Beroske Jayson Beroske Shirley Johnston Jan and Larry Gardner Marie and Roy Johnston

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: “How God Shows Up” from Generation to Generation by Sanctified Art by Rev Leslie Gwynn Garrity

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