the church of the holy trinity -...

December 24, 2018

Christmas Eve

4:00 PM Christmas Pageant & Holy Eucharist

Our vision is to be the Christian Presence on Rittenhouse Square;

to nourish a community where people can find connections, meaning, and transformation

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Come to us, abide with us our Lord, Emmanuel

verse 5, O Little Town of Bethlehem

1868-2018

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WELCOME to The Church of the Holy Trinity!!

We are delighted to have you join us for this Christmas Eve Service! Detailed information is in the back of this leaflet.

Tonight, we mark a Special Celebration! 2018 marks the 150th Anniversary of the writing of the carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, which was written by the second Rector of this church, The Church of the Holy Trinity.

The Story: In the winter of 1868, The Rev. Phillips Brooks, pulled out an old notebook and opened to a journal passage. On the page contained the text of a children’s carol written years ago, after his visit Christmas Eve visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The years preceding had been rife with civil war and loss for Brooks and the country. He had noticed the children were especially affected by the war. So, he pulled out his carol, and decided to present it to the children at the Christmas pageant this year. He asked his trusted friend and Organist, Mr. Lewis Redner, to set the carol to music. As Christmas crept closer and closer, Brooks asked to see the score, but Redner hadn’t finished. Brooks was nervous, but Redner assured him it would be done in time. The night before the pageant, the music still wasn’t finished, and Redner was not satisfied with anything he had written. As he lay his head on his pillow, exhausted, he heard a tune echoing through the air. He recalls that it was the angels singing the tune that would become St. Louis – and wedded forever to Brook’s poem, O Little Town of Bethlehem. Brooks and Redner present the pageant to the children’s delight – a new song for their Christmas Pageant! Over many years, this carol became beloved in church circles, and in time the carol became known and sung throughout the world on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in many languages.

The Pageant: In honor of the 150th Anniversary of O Little Town of Bethlehem, the children and youth have written and will perform a special pageant that tells the story above and uses the lyrics of the carol to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. We have been learning about Rev. Brooks and Mr. Redner in Sunday School and the powerful words Brooks wrote for other children so long ago.

We hope you will discover all the things we love about this carol, and delight in the awe and wonder of Christmas – Jesus’ birth!

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CHRISTMAS PAGEANT WITH HOLY EUCHARIST 4:00 PM

Prelude Pastorale – In dulci jubilo (BWV 751) Johann Sebastian Bach

THE ENTRANCE RITE All stand and sing Entrance Hymn O come, all ye faithful Hymnal 83 Adeste Fidelis The Christmas Bidding Prayer Celebrant Dear People of God: In this Christmas Season, let it be our duty and

delight to hear once more the message of the Angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger. Let us hear and heed the story of God’s loving purpose, and let us make this place glad with our carols of praise.

The Collect of the Day Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray. Celebrant O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the

true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

THE WORD OF GOD: THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT The people sit. This year, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the writing of O Little Town of Bethlehem, the children and youth will be presenting the story of how the carol was written and use the text of the carol to tell the Nativity Story. They have spent the fall learning about the carol and the people who helped to create it,

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and are excited to share this with you today. The carol is inspired by the story from the Gospel of Luke, which retells the birth of Jesus. That passage is here, if you would like to read it:

Luke 2:1-14 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 of Syria. 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 by night. 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: you will 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!"

Pageant Hymn Go tell it on the mountain Hymnal 99 The Sermon The Rev. Rachel Wenner Gardner Prayers of the People Leader God of darkness and silence, you have pierced the quiet of this night by the

utterance of your Word in our flesh. May your word of compassion and reconciliation resound in us and through us.

People God of love, grant our prayers. Leader In this holy night angels proclaimed the peace of your unconquered Sun of

righteousness. Strengthen all who work for peace and justice. People God of love, grant our prayers.

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Leader In this holy night you came to us in a child cradled in a borrowed bed of straw as there was no room in the inn. Open our hearts to the needs of the homeless and the hungry.

People God of love, grant our prayers. Leader In this holy night shepherds and outcasts heard your good news. Give us

grace to spread your gospel of joy and liberation. People God of love, grant our prayers. Leader In this holy night we rejoice at the coming of this time of re-creation. Be

with those who travel, enrich our rejoicing, and strengthen the bonds between us.

People God of love, grant our prayers. Leader In this holy night Christians throughout the world are celebrating Christ’s

birth. Unite us in one family that we may shine with the one light that scatters all our darkness.

People God of love, grant our prayers. Leader In this holy night your living Word leaped down, shedding light on all who

dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Give strength and peace to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.

People God of love, grant our prayers. Leader In this holy night heaven and earth embrace and in your true child you give

us power to be your children. Fulfill in your love all who have gone before us in the faith, especially for those in whose memory our church is adorned. May we, like them, remain faithful to the mystery of the Word made flesh and live in your eternal light.

People God of love, grant our prayers. Celebrant Hear these prayers we bring to you and fulfill your purposes in us in the

name of Jesus, your incarnate Word. People Amen.

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All stand for The Peace Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you. The people greet one another with a sign of God’s peace. Welcome THE HOLY COMMUNION Offertory Sentence Celebrant 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. (Luke 2:9-10)

Anthem The Virgin Mary had a baby boy Trinidadian Carol

Offertory Hymn O little town of Bethlehem Hymnal 79 St. Louis - *The choir will only sing the third verse “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was written by Phillips Brooks (our second Rector) for the Sunday School at The Church of Holy Trinity in 1868, after he had visited Bethlehem in 1865. The fourth stanza was not included in the hymnal until 1940 and is still missing from many hymnals. Brooks’ organist, Lewis H. Redner, wrote the original tune for these words. The hymn was first published in 1874 and the tune was named St. Louis. The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer A The people remain standing. Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give God thanks and praise.

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Celebrant It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, 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.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

The Sanctus Robert Powell Hymnal S-129

All Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are

full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The people remain standing or kneel. Celebrant Holy and gracious Father: 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 Father 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;

People Christ has died

Christ is risen Christ will come again

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Celebrant We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, 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, Almighty Father, now and forever.

All AMEN The Lord’s Prayer

Celebrant And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, All 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.

The Breaking of the Bread The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept. The Fraction Anthem Ambrosian Chant Hymnal S-152

All Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ was born for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

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We welcome all to God’s Table today – baptized children of any age are invited to receive communion. We offer bread, gluten-free wafers and wine. Please indicate gluten-free by crossing your palms downward. Bread can be dipped in the wine, or you may sip from the cup, if you wish to receive the wine. Communion Carols The congregation is encouraged to sing Hymnal 94 While shepherds watched their flocks by night Winchester Old Hymnal 87 Hark the herald angels sing Mendelssohn Hymnal 111 Silent night, holy night Stille Nacht The Post-Communion Prayer The people stand or kneel. Celebrant Let us pray. All Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as

living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Blessing Celebrant May Christ, who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and

heavenly, fill you with joy and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always.

Dismissal Hymn Angels we have heard on high Hymnal 96 Gloria Dismissal Celebrant Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Postlude Fantasia - In dulci jubilo (BWV 729) Johann Sebastian Bach

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WELCOME TO CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY OUR VISION

Our Vision is to be the Christian Presence on Rittenhouse Square; to nourish a community where people can find connections, meaning, and transformation

STRATEGIC CORE VALUES

RADICAL WELCOME You are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:28 All are welcome in this place. CREATIVE EDUCATION Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4 Learning and growing is essential in the life of faith – God never stops being relevant in our lives and we can always learn more about him! INSPIRING WORSHIP Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thess. 5:11 Worshiping in the Episcopal style, we strive to connect tradition with the spiritual needs of all who join us and discover the beauty of worship!

SERVICE Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brethren you did it to me. Matthew 25:40 Service to others, especially those in need, is one of the most important parts of our life as Christians. God wants us to take care of each other and to treat our neighbor as someone who is loved and needed in this world. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone… Galatians 6:10 We connect to the community around us, welcoming groups of all faiths and community groups to use our space, and offering space for entertainment and artistic groups to showcase their art in our neighborhood.

https://dailyverses.net/psalms/25/4

https://dailyverses.net/1-thessalonians/5/11

https://dailyverses.net/1-thessalonians/5/11

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PARTICIPANTS:

CELEBRANT The Reverend John Gardner PREACHER The Reverend Rachel Wenner Gardner ACOLYTES Boyden Gardner, Zoe Fuentes, Ethan & Ava Lambert INTERCESSOR Jeannie Welsh USHERS/GREETERS Annie Thomas CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERS Amy Arcaro, Elisabeth Aulepp, Alisa Hoffman, Monica Heuer, Amy Perkins, Josh Karstendick, Nancy Pontius, Soozung Rankin, Rick Seifert, Michael Uftring. Jr. Helpers Zoe Fuentes, Kate Gunther, Alyssa Loffer.

MUSIC STAFF Dr. John French, Organist/Choirmaster Dr. Benjamin Leiby, Assistant Organist Choral Singers: Meghan Cakalli, Gail Caruso, Patricia Conrad, Carl Ellinwood, John Goldsborough, Andrew Gutknecht, Kate Hoffman, Leah Holbrook, Benjamin Leiby, John Miles, Ellen Peters, Aimee Pilgermayer, Robert Rodgers, Rebecca Wallace. **Anyone interested in joining the choir is encouraged to contact Dr. John French, organist/choirmaster, for information. [email protected] VESTRY Rectors’ Warden – Andrew Gutknecht Accounting Warden – Jim McElwain Vestry Members: Esha Bhatia, Gail Caruso, Mike Castiglione, Sally Griffith, Amy Perkins, Nancy Rasmussen, Rick Seifert, Michael Uftring

GENERAL INFORMATION

Welcome Table Join us in the back of the church to meet some of our folks, get some information, sign up for enews, or ask a question. How we worship. This leaflet contains the full text of our worship service. Hymns and service music are found in the blue 1982 Hymnal unless otherwise noted. Hymn numbers that begin with “S” are located at the beginning of the hymnal. Communion: It is tradition in the Episcopal Church that baptism (of any denomination) comes before communion. However, it is also acknowledged that Jesus offered himself for all people, and salvation is offered to all, so you are invited to join us at the table today, even if you are not baptized. We will offer God’s blessing upon you and remind you of God’s love. We are also available to talk to you about baptism, if you are interested.

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Receiving Communion: If you would like to receive communion, you will be given a piece of consecrated (blessed) bread, and be offered wine from a common cup. You may drink from the cup, dip the bread into the wine, or you may abstain from the wine. In our tradition, we believe that you receive the whole of communion in one form – bread or wine. Children who are baptized can, at the discretion of their parents, receive either bread and wine or only the bread. Gluten-free wafers are available for communion, please let the clergy know if you would like one. Wheelchair Accessibility is available through the gate to the left of the front doors, please ask an usher if you need help. Restrooms are accessible and located at the front of the church, through the swinging doors and to the left. Giving: There are several ways to give at CHT. You can place cash or a check in the plate when it is passed during the Offertory. You can text the amount you want to give to (215) 309-9223. You can sign up to give electronically with EasyTithe (www.htrit.org/give) – we have cards that you can use to put in the plate that signify that you have given elect-ronically. Or you can make a financial pledge by filling out the form at www.htrit.org/give Cell phones: We understand that we live in a digital world, and we carry cell phones with us. You can use them during the service (tweet the sermon, Instagram the procession, post a review on Facebook or Yelp). We ask that you put your devices on silent while you are in the church, so as not to disturb others.

Discounted parking is available in the lot adjacent to the church (on Walnut and 20th St) with a validation stamp from the church. The cost is $4.00 per car. You can text “4” to (215) 309-9223, which will send $4.00 electronically to the church, or you can put cash in the plate. Validation stamps are in the entry way of the church. Join our E-List: Sign up at www.htrit.org Connections – where faith & life meet: 9:30 am Sundays: education, conversation, and community building for children and adults each week in the Parish House. Dec. 26-28 & 31 The Church and Office will be closed. There will be no services

during this time period. Sunday, Dec. 30 There will be Sunday Services but NO Connections, Children’s

Sunday School or 11:00 AM Story Time/Craft Lesson and NO Childcare/Nursery, although all are welcome in worship.

Reverend John and Reverend Rachel will be out of town from December 26 to 31. Reverend Peter Kountz will be presiding at the December 30 Services. The Church will be open for visitors on December 28 & 29. The Church and Offices will be closed on January 1.

http://www.htrit.org/give

http://www.htrit.org/

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JANUARY CALENDAR

January 1 Church and Offices closed Wednesday, Jan. 2 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 12:30 PM NO Concert 5:30 PM Evening Prayer (said) 6:30 PM Cooking and Conversation (PH)

Thursday, Jan. 3 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 12:15 PM Holy Eucharist with “Prayers for Healing”

Friday, Jan. 4 8:30 AM Morning Prayer Church open 11 AM – 3 PM (Church office closed-Rectors day off)

Saturday, Jan. 5 3:00 PM Center City Chamber Orchestra Concert

Sunday, Jan. 6 8:30 AM Communion Service 9:30 AM Child Led Service

9:30 AM Connections/Education (PH) 10:30 AM Refreshments 11:00 AM Choral Eucharist

Monday, Jan. 7 8:30 AM Morning Prayer

Tuesday, Jan. 8 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 12:15 PM Holy Eucharist: “Twenty Minutes with God”

Wednesday, Jan. 9 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 12:30 PM Concerts on the Square 5:30 PM Evening Prayer (said) 6:30 PM Cooking and Conversation (PH)



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Sunday, Jan. 13 8:30 AM Communion Service 9:30 AM Connections/Education (PH)

10:30 AM Refreshments 11:00 AM Choral Eucharist

12:30 PM Cook-Off (CR) Monday, Jan. 14 8:30 AM Morning Prayer







Monday, Jan. 21 8:30 AM Morning Prayer

Tuesday, Jan. 22 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 12:15 PM Holy Eucharist: “Twenty Minutes with God” 6:00 PM Vestry Meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 23 8:30 AM Morning Prayer 12:30 PM Concerts on the Square 5:30 PM Evening Prayer (said) 6:30 PM Cooking and Conversation (PH) 7:00 PM Chamber Orchestra Classical Jukebox Concert

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Saturday, Jan. 26 3:00 PM Camerata Philadelphia Concert



12:30 PM Women’s Winter Potluck Luncheon Monday, Jan. 28 8:30 AM Morning Prayer



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