Second Sunday of Advent - December 4, 2022

X liturgy of the word X

Prelude Flight Craig Carnelia (Melissa Toth, Chelsie Cree 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 Love Came Down at Christmas

The Hymnal 1982 #84

Collect (Prayers for the Inclusive Church)

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

God of the keen blade, which cuts the roots of arrogant power: you raise voices of promise in the dry lands of our desire, children of faith from the stones of the earth; make us ready to receive the spirit and the fire of love, wild and fierce and free; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen. (Please be seated.)

Reader: A reading from Isaiah.

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

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

Psalm

Psalm 72:1 7, 18 19 (Psalms for Praying)

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

REFRAIN

REFRAIN

Bring justice to the peoples, O Beloved, and your mercy to all generations! May the people be known for mercy, rendering justice to the poor!

Let their spirits soar as the eagle, let joy abide in every heart! May we heed the cry of the poor the young and the old, helping to free all those in need, awakening the souls of oppressors!

REFRAIN

May we know oneness with You as long as the sun endures, as long as the stars shine, throughout all generations! May we acknowledge You in the rain falling on the fields, like showers that water the earth! In our day may justice flourish, and peace abound, throughout all the nations!

Blessed be the Beloved, the One who dwells in open hearts, who guides us along the way. Blessed be You, who come in Name of Love; may your glory fill the earth! Amen and Amen!

REFRAIN

The second Lesson

Reader: A reading from Romans.

Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

"Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name"; and again he says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; and again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him"; and again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope."

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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.

Soloist: I will not forget Your love for me and yet My heart forever is wandering Jesus be my guide And hold me to your side I will love you to the end Nothing will I fear as long as you are near, Please be near me to the end

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.

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

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

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

Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker Gray

The Affirmation of Faith (Please rise.)

We believe in a God who knows our fears. We believe in a God who says, “Be not afraid.”

We believe in a God who kicks off her shoes and wades into the muck of our lives with us. We believe in a God who stitches herself to our heels, and invites us to dance.

From Generation to Generation

A Sanctified Art LLC, sanctifiedart.org

We believe in a God who hemmed stars into the night sky so that we can find our way home, and who sends us friends with open doors, so we can find our way to love.

We believe in a God who finds us in our fear and does not leave us alone. Thanks be to God for a love like that.

Amen.

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: 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: Patient God, you know just how often we make decisions from a place of fear rather than love. You know just how often we allow fear to take the place of logic, fanning unhealthy fires in our lives. You know just how often we tuck your words, “Do not be afraid” on dusty shelves and in the back of closets, stubbornly holding onto our own point of view.

Forgive us for giving fear the microphone. Silence the voices of scarcity, shame, and rejection, which spark and feed so much of our fear, to recenter us in love. With hope we pray, Amen.

Celebrant: Family of faith, even when we forget God’s words, God does not forget us. Even when we lose our way, God does not lose us. Even when we fall short or make mistakes, God forgives and holds on to us. We are known, forgiven, and loved. Thanks be to God! Amen.

The Peace

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

People: And also with you.

Announcements

Offertory SENTENCE

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.

X Liturgy of the Table X

Offertory Come Unto Me Tormod Tvete Vik Trinity Singers

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 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.

This is the body of Christ, broken that we may be whole; This cup, as promised by God, true to His 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. Please let us know if you would like the bread brought to you or if you would like a gluten free option.

Communion Song O Come, O Come Emmanuel

The Post Communion Prayer (Please rise.)

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Please 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.

An Advent Blessing From Generation to Generation A Sanctified Art LLC, sanctifiedart.org

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 us by name, loves us, and calls us forth, saying, “Go be the people you are called to be love wildly, do justice, and come back soon.”

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 Soon and Very Soon

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

See insert.

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: “Mary’s Golden Annunciation” 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 X INCLUSIVE C REATIVE X D OWNTOWN 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 243 1231 www.trinitytoledo.org Facebook.com/TrinityEpiscopalToledo