The Riverside Churchin the City of New York

DECEMBER 24, 2017THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Welcome to the RiveRside chuRch

Worship is at the center of the life of The Riverside Church. As you prepare yourself for Worship, we invite you to reflect quietly on these words:

“Wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.”

– Maya Angelou

The LiTurgicaL Year

The Riverside Church follows the liturgical calendar to mark the seasons of our life together. We are currently in the season of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas in which we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Christ child. Advent is signified by purple paraments and clergy stoles representing the sovereignty of Christ (except for Communion Sundays when the liturgical color is white). Each week we light a candle in the wreath on the Nave floor (mirrored in the hanging wreath above) for the four themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy (pink) and love.

if This is Your firsT visiT: Complete a Welcome Card and place it in the offering plate as it passes.

Join us for Fellowship Hour in South Hall Lobby directly after Worship. As you leave the Nave, take a right and follow the hallway past Christ Chapel. Signs and greeters are available to provide direction. You’ll find fair trade coffee from Javesca Coffee, a children’s play area, a greeting area to learn about membership at Riverside, and indoor seating.

A church tour is offered each Sunday after Worship free of charge. Meet in the 1st balcony. Tours also take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. leaving from the Gift Shop. No reservations are necessary.

Assistive hearing devices and large print bulletins are available upon request from an usher.

Interdenominational · Interracial · International · Open · Affirming · Welcoming

GATHERINGWe gather as a community and prepare our hearts to worship God

CARILLONDionisio Lind, Carillonneur

ORGANChorale Prelude on “Divinum Mysterium” John Blackburn Pastorale Keith Chapman

LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY Rev. Amy Butler

PROCESSIONAL HYMN 15 Rejoice! Rejoice, Believers Aurelia

CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Rachel Johnson

One: We come, O God of the Journey, people from different places, different lives, different dreams. All: We come hoping to find companionship for the road, strength for the journey and solidarity for the struggle.One: We journey together to the stable and a newborn child, ears attuned to the song of angels, eyes alert for Bethlehem’s star. All: We journey together to hear the story about the poor being taxed by the government, weary travelers with no place to stay and people looking for the promised Messiah.One: We have traveled here because we have heard a promise of peace, a rumor of justice, and a whisper of hope. All: Today we have reached the end of our Advent journey and a new one begins. Come let us worship!

INTROITCreator of the Stars of Night Conditor alme siderum

INVOCATION

All who are able, please stand

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LISTENINGWe listen for the word of God through song, Scripture, and preaching

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES The Fertil-Cole Family

ANTHEM O Thou That Tellest from Messiah G. F. HandelO thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, and be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

Nicole Mitchell, alto

HEBREW SCRIPTURE LESSON Mr. Kurt AdamsExodus 15:19-21 (page 62 in the Old Testament) One: The Word of God for the People of God.All: Thanks be to God.

HEBREW SCRIPTURE LESSON Rev. Rachel JohnsonRuth 1:16-19 (page 241 in the Old Testament) One: The Word of God for the People of God.All: Thanks be to God.

HYMN 16The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Gabriel’s Message

GOSPEL LESSON Ms. Monique FortuneLuke 1:26-38 (page 56 in the New Testament)One: This is the Gospel of Christ.All: Thanks be to God.

RESPONDINGWe respond to the hearing of God’s word through confession, offering,

passing the peace, and monthly communion

SERMON Rev. ButlerSimple Gifts: When a Letter is Not Enough

What journey has changed your life?

All who are able, please stand

ADULT BAPTISMS Jason Johnson Tamika Johnson Jocardo Edward Ralston

INFANT DEDICATIONLouise Elizabeth Kready

INFANT BAPTISMSAsher Lee Dante Post St. Louis

Mia Mikayla Vazquez-Hili

PASSING OF THE PEACE

One: The Peace of the Lord be with you. All: And also with you.

HYMN‘Tis the Gift to be Simple1

Simple GiftsRefrain:

PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Kevin Wright

One: The Lord be with you. All: And with your spirit.One: Lift up your hearts.All: We lift them up unto the Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER Pray in the language or version of your heart.

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. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

All who are able, please stand

CHORAL AMEN

INVITATION TO GIVE AND SERVE Rev. Bertram Johnson

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Mary’s Magnificat Andrew CarterSoftly a light is stealing, sweetly a maiden sings, ever wakeful, ever wistful. Watching faithfully, thankfully, tenderly her King of kings. My soul doth magnify the Lord: And my spirit hath rejoiced, rejoiced in God my Savior. Mary her song to Jesus Softly, serenely sings: “I will love you, I will serve you, may my lullaby glorify, magnify my King of kings.”

Catherine Tyrrell, soprano

AT THE PRESENTATION: VENI EMMANUEL The congregation rises row by row as ushers pass to symbolize offering of our whole selves to God

O come, desire of nations, bindall peoples in one heart and mind;Bid envy, strife, and discord cease;Fill all the world with heaven’s peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING & DEDICATION Rev. B. JohnsonToday we celebrate the ministry of our Flower Guild which provides the gift of beauty through floral and plant arrangements for our worship services and throughout our building.

SENDING

We are sent out into the world to love God and our neighbors

BENEDICTION Rev. Butler

RECESSIONAL HYMN 12People, Look East Besançon

POSTLUDE Postlude on “Wachet Auf” Johann Gottfried Walther

All who are able, please stand

Life of our Community

For announcements of programs and events in the church, please pick up the Life of Our Community bulletin located in the back of the pew or outside the Welcome Center. Or visit our website www.trcnyc.org.

Liturgical Resources for Today: 1Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-717132.

Special thanks to our congregational leaders: Mr. Kurt Adams and Ms. Monique Fortune

All who are able, please stand

Suggested for use on December 24, 2017 based on the RCL.Copyright © 2017 Illustrated Children’s Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for congregational use provided each copy carries this notice. illustratedchildrensministry.com

Activities based on 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Luke 1:46b-55, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38.

In Luke 1:26-38, an angel comes to Mary and tells her she'll be pregnant with Jesus soon. Even though she's confused and afraid, Mary says she will be a part of God's plan, because she is God's . Follow the path of letters. Each time you come to a capital letter write it down at the bottom of the page. When you get to the end of the path, see what message is spelled out below.

After Mary is visited by the angel she sings a song praising and thanking God for choosing her to be Jesus' mom. Draw a picture of Mary singing her song to God.

Try to find the words from 2 Samuel in the word search below. Words may go diagonal, up OR down and forward OR backward.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER GIFTS 2017THAnk yOu TO EvERyOnE WHO MAdE GEnEROuS COnTRIbuTIOnS THIS yEAR.

THIS IS A pARTIAL LIST OF dOnORS And THEIR HOnOREE MESSAGES. A COMpLETE LIST OF ALL dOnORS And HOnOREE MESSAGES WILL AppEAR In THIS SpACE On dECEMbER 31.

COnTRIbuTIOnS FOR FLOWERS HAvE bEEn GIvEn by:

Beth AckermanFor Dad with love.

Patricia AliIn honor of my mother.

Clarence AndersonClarence and Emily Anderson, in memory of their parents, Albert and Bertha Anderson, and Curtis and Justine Butler.

Jeff AndrilenasIn memory of Joyce James Andrilenas

Anonymous

Gordon K. BalkcomIn memory of Nathaniel and Sharon Balkcom.

Don BickfordIn memory of Paul Edwards.

Joycelyn James BraafIn loving memory of Richard and Marjorie James

Pastor Amy ButlerWith deep love and gratitude for the faithful, prophetic congregation of The Riverside Church.

Suzanne C. CarothersIn memory of Mrs. Julia D. Carothers, Mrs. Lillian B. Alexander, Mrs. Effie Rodgers, Mrs. Shirley E. Massey, Mrs. Vivian Collins, Mr. Donald Grigsby, Mr. B.B. DeLaine, and Dr. Ina King.

Helen CharlesIn loving memory of my father, Henry Carolissen and my son, Craig Charles.

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Joy S. CookeTo remember my mother-Ruth Shipley, my brother-Charles Ridglely Shipley, and my husband-Frederick Rommel Cooke, with loving memories, Joy S. Cooke.

Evelyn DavisIn loving memory of my mother, Lillie E. Davis. My father, Ashley Davis, and my brother, Daniel Keith Davis, sincerely, Evelyn Davis M.D.

Alexa Donaphin“For unto us a Child is born; Unto us a son is given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

Family of Marinela ReyesIn memory of her 1st death anniversary.

Linda FentimanGiven in Memory of Our Parents and Grandparents, Janet R. F. Crandell and Donald S. Fentiman, by Linda Fentiman, Arthur Levine, Jamie Levine, and Rachel Levine.

Olivia C. HectorIn loving memories of her sister Shirley Hector Moore and her brother, Albert Hector.

Patricia L. HollomanFor honor and memory of Christina.

John JohnsonIn memory of Phyllis E. Johnson, from John N. Johnson and Essais Johnson

Aida L. MonteroIn loving memory of Joseph Montero, beloved husband, father, and Papa whose love continues to illuminate our paths.

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CONNECT WITH RIVERSIDE’S PASTORAL & PROGRAM STAFF

TALK WITH THE PREACHERRead Pastor Amy’s blog online at talkwiththepreacher.org. Printed copies are also available in the Welcome Center/Gift Shop.

Pastor Amy is available for conversations with members by appointment. Please email srminister@trcnyc.org or call 212-870-6775 to arrange an appointment.

Parking - 12/24/2017 Parking is available in the garage below the building. Present this bulletin to the attendant before 6:00 p.m. for a reduced rate of $4.00 cash or $5.00 credit card.

The Riverside Church is a member of the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. and the United Church of Christ and cooperates with the Council of Churches in the City of New York, and with the New York State, National, and World Council of Churches.

trcnyc.org

Senior Minister’s OfficeRev. Dr. Amy Butler Senior Minister - abutler@trcnyc.org

Rev. Michael Livingston Senior Executive Minister - mlivingston@trcnyc.org

Rev. Dr. James Forbes Senior Minister Emeritus

CommunicationsRev. Rachel Johnson Executive Minister of Communications - rjohnson@trcnyc.org

Rev. Jim Keat Associate Minister of Digital Strategy & Online Engagement - jkeat@trcnyc.org

Faith FormationRev. Kevin Wright Executive Minister of Programs - kwright@trcnyc.org

Ms. Amanda Meisenheimer, MDiv Associate Minister of Children and Families - mmeisenheimer@trcnyc.org

Rev. Bruce Lamb Interim Associate Minister of Youth and Young Adults - blamb@trcnyc.org

MusicMr. Christopher Johnson Director of Music and Organist - cjohnson@trcnyc.org

Parish CareRev. Debra Northern Minister of Parish Care - dnorthern@trcnyc.org

Rev. Lynn Casteel-HarperAssociate for Parish Care – lharper@trcnyc.org

Social JusticeRev. Bertram Johnson Minister of Justice, Advocacy & Change - bjohnson@trcnyc.org

Stewardship & DevelopmentMs. Christian Peele, MDiv Executive Minister of Institutional Advancement - cpeele@trcnyc.org

Ms. Farley Lord, MDiv Associate Minister of Stewardship & Development - flord@trcnyc.org

Rev. Dustin Pickett Associate Minister of Stewardship & Development - dpickett@trcnyc.org

Worship & the ArtsRev. Ellen Robison Minister of Worship & the Arts - erobison@trcnyc.org

Contact Us: To contact the church with general questions, call 212-870-6700 or email communications@trcnyc.org.

For full staff directory visit trcnyc.org/directory