Trinity Episcopal Church 44 East Market Street

Bethlehem, PA 18018

“Feeding All in Body, Mind, and Soul” A Community of God’s People

All are Welcome

Christmas Day:

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Monday, December 25, 2017

10:00 am Holy Eucharist with Carols

Large Print Copies of the Bulletin are Available from the Ushers

Trinity Episcopal Church

44 East Market Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

www.trinitybeth.org

Email:info@trinitybeth.org

Phone: (610) 867-4741 Fax: (610) 867-5206

We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, confused, filthy rich, comfortable or dirt poor. We extend a special welcome to wailing babies and excited toddlers. We welcome you if you sing like Pavarotti or just growl quietly to yourself. You’re welcome here if you’re just browsing, just woken up or just got out of prison, We don’t care if you’re more Christian than the Archbishop of Canterbury or haven’t been to church since Christmas ten years ago. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown

up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome keep-fit moms, football dads, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, and junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. We welcome you if you’re having problems, are down in the dumps or don’t like ‘organized religion.’ (We’re not that keen on it either!) We offer a welcome to those who think the earth is flat, work too hard, don’t work, can’t spell, or are here because granny is visiting and wanted to come to church.

We welcome those who are inked, pierced, both or neither. We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down their throat as kids or got lost in the city and wound up here by mistake. We welcome pilgrims, tourists, seekers, doubters . . . and you!

--with the kind permission of Coventry Cathedral

Trinity Episcopal Church 44 East Market Street

Bethlehem, PA 18018

A Community of God’s People – All are welcome

Worship Services

Wednesday, December 27, 2017 Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

11:30 am Holy Eucharist

Sunday, December 31, 2017

The First Sunday after Christmas There is no 8:00 am Service Today

10:30 am Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Holy Eucharist Rite Two

All who are baptized are welcome to share in the Sacrament of the Altar.

To receive communion, please come to the communion rail at the direction of the ushers. Receive the bread in the palm of your hand. Eat the bread and drink from the cup when it is offered to you. Or, you may hold the bread and dip it into the wine when the cup is offered. If you wish to receive a blessing, rather than communion,

please move to the communion rail and cross your arms over your chest.

Prelude: Carillon on a Ukrainian Carol Gerald Near

In Procession: Adeste Fidelis Hymn 83

Song of Praise: Gloria in Excelsis Hymn 96

The Word of God: Prayer Book, p. 355

The Collect of the Day: Prayer Book, p. 213

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born this day of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

The First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the

messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God

reigns." Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together

they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the LORD to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins

of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy

arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Gradual: (To be read responsively) Psalm 98

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, * for he has done marvelous things.

2 With his right hand and his holy arm * has he won for himself the victory.

3 The Lord has made known his victory; * his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, * and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; * lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, * with the harp and the voice of song.

7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn * shout with joy before the King, the Lord.

8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, * the lands and those who dwell therein.

9 Let the rivers clap their hands, * and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,

when he comes to judge the earth.

10 In righteousness shall he judge the world * and the peoples with equity.

The Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-4

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various

ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things,

through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very

being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the

right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more

excellent than theirs.

The Sequence Hymn:Gloria Hymn 96

The Holy Gospel: John 1: 1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

Sermon by The Reverend Canon Laura Howell, Obl.S.B., Rector

The Nicene Creed Prayer Book, p. 358

The Prayers of the People

As we join the angels and shepherds and celebrate with joy the birth of Jesus Christ, let us offer prayers to God who shines the light of Christ on all creation, saying: Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For the Church: remembering especially Michael our Presiding Bishop, Sean our Bishop, the Diocese of Northwestern PA, St. Margaret’s Church. Emmaus, and the Diocese of Kajo-Kaji, that we may embrace God’s will, however mysterious or surprising. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For the person God is preparing to be the ninth Bishop of Bethlehem. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For this Parish Family, that by the grace of Christ’s coming among us we may live upright and godly lives, and bear witness to God’s love. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For all who live in Bethlehem and the hill country of Judah, and for Christians, Jews and Muslims everywhere, that God’s spirit will open new

pathways of peace and bring forth new hope to all who live in danger and fear. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For those who live and work in places of trouble and violence, that the Prince of Peace will guide all hearts to strive for peace and justice. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For all who find Christmas difficult, for those whose lives are touched by fear, anxiety or depression, and for the sick and the suffering, remembering especially, Donald, Matthew, Mike, Helen, Charles, Rich, Joan, and Lloyd that Christ will bring healing and light to their hearts. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For all the blessings God has given us, that we may receive them thankfully and rejoice that Christ is born again in our hearts and lives. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

For those who have died, remembering especially Katherine Johnson, and all those in whose memory the Christmas flowers and decorations are given, that they may rejoice in the light of God’s incarnate Word, let us pray to the Lord. Glory and praise to you, O living God.

Lifting our voices with all creation, with Mary the God-bearer, and with all the saints and angels, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. To you, O Lord our God.

Celebrant: Source of light and gladness, accept the prayers we offer on this joyful feast. May the Rising Sun of Christ spread across the world and brighten all humanity. Glory to God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Peace Prayer Book, p. 360

Announcements

Holy Communion

Offertory Hymn: St. Louis Hymn 79 v. 1-3

The Great Thanksgiving, Prayer B Prayer Book, p. 367

Proper Preface of the Incarnation Prayer Book, p. 367

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.

Sanctus Prayer Book, p. 367

The Lord’s Prayer Prayer Book, p. 364

Fraction Anthem Prayer Book, p. 364

Communion

Communion Solo: Greensleeves arr. Richard Purvis

Post Communion Prayer

God our Father, source of truth and joy, you have fed us with heavenly food and given us a glimpse of the splendor of your glory in the Holy Child of Bethlehem. May the light of faith ever illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds, through him who is Christ the Lord, and lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Closing Hymn: Mendelssohn Hymn 87

A Christmas Blessing

May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.

May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior's birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.

May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

Dismissal

Deacon: Let us go forth in the name of Christ People: Thanks be to God

Postlude: Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella arr. Keith Chapman

Some participants in the service:

Sara Klingner Verger Sandy Mesics Crucifer Millard Cook Reader Pat Sisson Reader Gabriele Whittier Intercessor Gabriele Whittier Greeter Sheri Majczan Lay Eucharistic Minister Pat Sisson Lay Eucharistic Minister Bruce Maarold Usher

Memorials and Thanksgivings 2017

In Memory of David Bryan Alderman

All my loved ones—past and present Ivan Brychta

Daniel and Anna Decker Margaret and George Heiter

Jean Anne, Maurice and Ed Huber The Hunt Family Peg and Joe Illick

Charles P. and Helen Johns Katherine Johnson

Richard H. Jones, Sr. Richard H. Jones, Jr.

Virginia Jones Julius and Miriam Kelloz

Raymond H., Mary K., John C., and Will Lobach Bob Lukens

Brian Reagan Audrey and Stanley Romeril Bert and Winifred Romeril

Jack Romeril Lester and Doris Slatoff John and Alice Spong

Ray and Dorothy Szmania Ken Tarby

Carl Winterburn

In Thanksgiving for

All God’s blessings and bounty! Wonderful Trinity Friends

Rector Search Committee

The Search Committee has reviewed all the data received during the

parish meetings and used that information to compile the congregational profile information and the new rector’s position

description. In January, the Office of Transitional Ministry will upload our information where clergy searching for an opportunity

such as Trinity can access our profile for consideration. Our next task is to provide content for an updated website. Please stay tuned.

The Search Committee for Trinity’s next Rector: Sara Klingner,

Chair; Bob Baser, Jeanne Deets, Chris Martocchio, Lynn Norman, Pat Sisson and Rick Weaver. Please pray for them as they begin their

work.

A Stewardship Reflection

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth to those whom he favors”. And we are among the favored ones. He has showered us with blessings too many to count - and now at Christmas time, we remember the glorious gift of his Son. In how many ways can we offer thanks and gratitude for this awesome gift?

Birthdays:

December 26: Tibar Baukal Lee Anne Smith

December 27: Mary Ann Swiatek

December 29: Ssgt Robert Hawkeye Norman Joseph Roy Cathy Walter

December 30: Ethan Givey Sarah Magee Vanessa Miller

The Clergy, Wardens, Vestry and Staff

Of Trinity Wish you a

Blessed and Holy Celebration of the

Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Almighty God, You have given your only-begotten Son

to take our nature upon him and to be born of a pure Virgin;

Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children

by adoption and by grace, may be daily renewed

by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

How to Become a Member

You are very welcome to attend worship services,whether or not you are a member. If you would like to become part of the parish, it is easy. Just give your name, address, phone number (and email address if you have one) to a priest or usher. Or you may leave it in the parish office. All Episcopalians are asked to share their time, talents and treasure. We would love to have you attend our special programs and join our activities. There are so many opportunities to become a working member – by helping with worship services, by joining an outreach group, or by serving on a parish committee. For more information, please contact our Welcoming Committee at whittigc@gmail.com.

Pray for those in Need: Randall Alderman Lori Alvarado Roy Applegate Angela Babio Bud Barr Donald Barry Matthew Belise & family

Karen Blazosky Eileen Bologitz Mike Boushell Keith Borst Loretta Brobst Julie Brooks Staci Cameron Carlson Chambliss Betsy Coffin Bp. Jack Croneberger Mike Daly Ann Day Sue Ditterline Blake Downey Carolyn Duranko Twila Evans Helen Forshaw Tammy Fox Fridman family Mo. Jane Gaeta Vincent Garcia Doodie Genthner

Charles Gianguzi, Jr. Mark Gianguzi Nicolina Gianguzi Bertha Grube Georgette Grube Sr. Patricia-Michael Hauze Sharon Henderson

Julie R. Hoeflinger Stu Hutchinson Bob Ingraham Charles Johns Loraine Johnson Rachel Killian Shirley Knauss Gay Krauss Sophia Krieger Alex MacMillan Jim McCandless Bp. Paul Marshall Judy Merola Mallory Miller Terry Miller Stu Parlin Patti Pasda Will Perkowsky Jim Propst Carol Propsner Mo.Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril

Robert Romeril Marilyn Rontz Steve Rylander Angeline Ruch Mary Saul Joan Sheldrake Jean Siftar Peter Paul Sondova

Rich Sperline Earl Stover Barbara Subber Audrey Sykes Stanton Sykes Arthur Talbot Pat Talijan Joyce Thomas Chantille Utley Ron Utley Linda Walbert Roger Walter Christa Warda Irma Warda Walter Warda Joan Weiss Beth Wilson Lloyd Wittenmyer Kim Womack Bill Yarnell Beverly Sister Elaine

Pray for those in Service:

Spc. Kevin Connors 1LT Andrew Frey Erin Kloss Tristin Lascelle

Alex J. McCandless MACS Cristin Miller Robert Wilkins

To have a name placed on the parish prayer list, please speak with one of the clergy or with the parish office. Names are normally deleted from the list after two months (or if appropriate, after one year). The Daughters of the King also maintain a separate prayer list. To place a name on that list, please fill out one of the blue prayer cards (located on the back of the pews in the church) and place it in the prayer box at the rear of the sanctuary. The Daughters of the King will pray daily for everyone for two weeks—or longer, if requested.

The Weekly Calendar

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

The Feast of Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr The Parish Office is Closed

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

The Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (Church) 11:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Church) 4:30 p.m. Evening Prayer (Church)

Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Feast of The Holy Innocents 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (Church)

3:30 p.m. Crafting Our Prayers (The Knitter’s Edge)

7:30 p.m. Senior Choir Practice (Choir Room)

Friday, December 29, 2017

The Feast of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1170 9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer (Church)

4:30 p.m. Evening Prayer (Church)

Saturday, December 30, 2017 The Feast of Frances Joseph Gaudet, Educator and Prison Reformer, 1934 12:00 p.m. The Funeral of Katherine Johnson (Church and Parish Hall)

5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (Chapel)

Sunday, December 31, 2017

The First Sunday After Christmas Day No 8:00 am Service Today

10:30 a.m. Service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist (Church)

2:30 p.m. Centering Prayer (Library)

The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church

Christmas Message 2017

In Second Corinthians, the Apostle Paul says,

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new is come.

At a point in that passage, St. Paul says, “God was in Christ, reconciling

the world to Himself,” and he also says at another point in the same passage, “and we have been given the ministry of reconciliation.”

Have you ever gone to the movies or read a story or a novel, and the

novel starts with the end, so you know where the story ends, but then the rest of the story or the novel is actually the story behind the story. We know about Christmas. We know about Mary. We know about Joseph. We know about the angels singing Gloria in excelsis deo. We know from our childhood the animals in the stable. We know of the magi who come from afar, arriving around Epiphany, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. We know of the angels singing in the heavens, and the star that shown above them. Therein is the story.

But the story behind the story is what St. Paul was talking about. God

was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and Jesus has now given us that same ministry of reconciliation. God was reconciling the world to himself by becoming one of us. The divine became human. God entered history. Eternity became part of time. God was reconciling the world to himself by actually living it himself. In Jesus, God came among us to show us the way, to be reconciled with the God who has created us all and everything that is. And God has likewise come in the person of Jesus, to show us how to be reconciled

with each other, as children of the one God who is the Creator of us all. That's the story behind Christmas.

God is showing us the Way to become God's children, and as God's

children, brothers and sisters of each other. God is showing us in Jesus how to become God's family and how to change, and build, and make a world where everybody is a part of that family. Where children don't go to bed hungry. Where no one has to be lonely. Where justice is real for all and where love is the ultimate law.

Know there is a story behind the story, and it's a story worth singing

about, and giving thanks for, and then living. One of my favorite writers, the late Howard Thurman, composed a poem

many years ago about Christmas, and he says it probably better than I: When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and the princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flocks,

Then the work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace to others,

And alas, to make music in the heart.

The story behind the story is that God so loved the world, and so loves

you, and so loves me. Have a blessed Christmas, a wonderful New Year, and go out and make

music in the heart of the world.

About Trinity Episcopal Church

Location: 44 East Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018-5989 Phone: (610) 867-4741 Emergency: (610) 217-4837 Email: info@trinitybeth.org Website: www.trinitybeth.org Office Hours: Receptionist 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointments: until 4:00 p.m.

Clergy

The Rev. Canon Laura Thomas Howell, Obl. S. B., Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Miller, Deacon and Soup Kitchen Coordinator The Rev. Canon Clifford B. Carr, Priest Associate The Rev. Dr. Richard C. Ditterline, Priest Associate The Rev. Dr. Gerard R. Gaeta, Priest Associate The Rev. Dr. Jane S. Gaeta, Priest Associate The Rev. Canon Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril, Priest Associate

Staff

Aram Basmadjian, Artist in Residence Karen Ernst-Reiner, Treasurer Millard Cook, Parish Administrator and Pastoral Assistant James Propst, Sexton Charles Johns, Security Ministers: All Baptized Members

Vestry

Robert Baser Ross Mangina (Vestry Warden) Lisa Collier Sarah Molinaro Joanne Gulya (Rector’s Warden) Stephanie Stover (Vestry Chaplain) Linda Henry Arthur Talbot Theresa Kunda Logan Vitalos Robert Lawrence Rick Weaver