Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE Inclusive
CREATIVE DOWNTOWN
First Sunday in Advent Trinity@Home
November 28, 2021
9:00am
Welcome to Trinity Episcopal Church Good morning and “welcome home” to Trinity! Whether you are new to our community or have found yourself coming back again and again, we want you to know you are both welcome and wanted here among us. For some, church is as comfortable and familiar as a good pair of jeans, or like coming back to your childhood home (if it is one filled with good memories). For others, church might be like visiting a foreign country where you experience unfamiliar language or customs. And then, sadly, for some, church has become equated with feelings of hurt, shame or rejection. We get all of that and believe church can be different. We are a diverse community of seekers, believers, and doubters held together by the hope that together we are better, kinder, and more courageous when we stand side by side and face into the challenges of our lives and in the world together. We challenge the practices of our tradition that have at times kept others out and instead embrace Jesus’ mandate to welcome all, no exceptions, as a core value. And, we get that if people are brave enough to either walk through the doors of a big gothic-looking church in downtown Toledo, or tune in to Trinity@Home on line, we better be serious about being explicitly progressive, inclusive and creative in all we say and do. We love our Episcopal tradition, AND we love people from all walks of life even more! It is our hope and prayer that together we will navigate our way through each gathering, worship service, opportunity to serve, class, meal and social time together with humility, grace and laughter all infused with radical hospitality. So thank you for being here today; for trusting the yearning that brought you through those ancient doors. May we all find our way into the heart of God’s love as we make room for each other in this community and this world- we believe we are better and love more when diversity is celebrated and the bounds of God’s love are stretched wide. This bulletin is a guide to accompany you through the “liturgy”- meaning the “work of the people”- which is how our tradition approaches worship. It does indeed take a village bringing all of its gifts together to create our expression of gratitude and devotion week after week. Here is a quick little guide to help you follow along as we worship together: • • •
Italicized Print = singing Bold Print = everyone is invited to join in reciting a prayer/reading Bold & Italicized Print = everyone is invited to join in singing.
Welcome Home! May you never forget you are loved, Lisa The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector www.trinitytoledo.org 2
The Liturgy of the Word Prelude
The First Nowell
Traditional English Carol, arr. Brian Buckner
(Brian Buckner, piano)
Welcome Opening Hymn
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray
Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow
LEVAS #24
(Trinity Singers & Brian Buckner)
Words: Traditional Music: Negro Spiritual
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Candle Lighting Leader: People:
We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ. In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Collect of the Day Leader: People: Leader:
Prayers for an Inclusive Church
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Urgent God, breaking through the static to speak to our hearts: disarm our love of control and shake the silent heavens to reveal your dawning glory, judging all in the light of love; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.
The Lesson Reader:
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 A reading from First Thessalonians.
Read by Norah Melden
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Reader: People:
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gradual
Chosen Family
Verse will be offered by soloist.
Chorus:
Rina Sawayama & Elton John
We don't need to be related to relate We don't need to share genes or a surname You are, you are My chosen, chosen family So what if we don't look the same? We been going through the same thing, yeah You are, you are My chosen family
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THE GOSPEL
Luke 21:25-36
Deacon: People:
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." Deacon: People:
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray
Apostles’ Creed
The Work of the People
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 5
The Prayers of the People Based on liturgy from the Episcopal Standing Committee on Liturgy & Music’s subcommittee on Racial Reconciliation and Justice. Please join us in sharing the response written in bold. Leader:
People: Leader:
People: Leader:
People: Leader:
People: Leader:
People: Leader:
People: Leader:
People:
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 who dwell in darkness and light, in silence and sound, dwell in the hearts of your people. In hope, peace, and joy may we await with anticipation the coming of Christ the Morning Star. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts. You who framed the brightness of the first light in creation, dispel the ignorance, animosity, and anger that shatter the unity of your holy Church. Fill your faithful people with the radiant light of truth. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts. You who delivered your people from the misery of bondage in slavery to the land of promise, set us free from enslavement to division, disunity, and distrust in our public life and labor. Illumine those in authority with the light of vision. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts. You who patterned the stars and called the sun into being, who appointed the moon and chartered the cosmos, pattern the hearts of people everywhere to see in each other the beauty of the universe and the splendor of creation, that divisions of race, class, gender, and ethnicity may be recreated into one common humanity. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts. You who shower comfort and hope to the lowest, the lost, and the least, shower the light of compassion on the sick, the sorrowful, and the suffering especially those on our Trinity Prayer List. Help us to be your compassion and hope in the world. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts. You who welcome into the brilliant light of eternity those who have died, welcome those whose lives have been cut short by violence, warfare, and strife especially those on our Trinity Prayer List. Shine the light of hope. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts. You who delight in the complexity and splendor of creation, help us to delight in the diversity of this earth, our island home. Inspire your people to care for all you have made. Christ, be our light Shine in our hearts. 6
Leader: May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find us ever burning with the light of love, the spirit of truth, and the wellspring of hope. Amen.
The Confession of Sin & Absolution
Enriching Our Worship
Priest: People:
Let us confess our sins to God. (silence may be kept) Creator God, long-suffering, full of grace and truth, you create us from nothing and give us life abundant. You give us new life in the water of baptism. You never turn your face from us, nor cast us aside. We confess we have turned against you and against our neighbor, in thought, word and deed. We have wounded your love and marred your image in us. Restore us for the sake of your Son, and bring us to heavenly joy, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Priest:
May the God of love bring you back to all that is good in you. May you be forgiven of all wrongdoing and welcome God’s grace anew in your life this day. May God’s assurance strengthen your resolve to begin again in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE PEACE Deacon: People:
The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.
Announcements Offertory Invitation Go to our Giving page. www.trinitytoledo.org/online-giving/, choose GIVE NOW and Sunday, November 28. You can also text the word “Give” to 419-OMG-LOVE (419664-5683) to make your weekly offering.
Offertory
True Colors (Grace Hirt & Trinity Singers)
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Cyndi Lauper
Lord’s Prayer The congregation is invited to join.
Led by Kyle Grefe
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.
Blessing
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 Hymn
My Lord, What a Morning
Dismissal Deacon: People:
Let us go forth to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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See page 9.
Sending Hymn
My Lord, What a Morning
LEVAS #13
Words: Traditional Music: Negro Spiritual
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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.” In this season of connecting in new ways, we are introducing 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, Bob Meeker & Jamie Paul
Parish Staff The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray, Rector The Rev. Megan Allen, Transitional Deacon, Curate Heather Meyer, Director of Operations and Community Development Chelsie Cree, Choir Director Grace Mauk, Trinity@316 Accompanist, Brian Buckner, Trinity@Home Accompanist Lynzi Miller, Next To New Manager & Communications Coordinator ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & COPYRIGHT INFO: Collect of the Day from: Prayers for an Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare, 2009. Readings and Gospel from: Revised Common Lectionary: lectionarypage.net, 2021. Apostles’ Creed: The Work of the People. Permission granted by purchase of subscription through The Work of the People: https://www.theworkofthepeople.com. Prayers of the People: Based on liturgy from the Episcopal Standing Committee on Liturgy & Music’s subcommittee on Racial Reconciliation and Justice. Confession and Absolution: from Enriching Our Worship. Lord’s Prayer: Traditional – spoken. 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 riteseries.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
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH PROGRESSIVE INCLUSIVE CREATIVE
DOWNTOWN
316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 243-1231 www.trinitytoledo.org 10 Facebook.com/TrinityEpiscopalToledo
Trinity Episcopal Church Progressive Inclusive Creative Downtown 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH www.trinitytoledo.org
Trinity Pages Christmas Memorial Poinsettia Sale – It is that time of year again! Christmas Memorial Poinsettias are on sale - you can order your Poinsettia by filling out our online form (at www.trinitytoledo.org), or you can find order forms at the Welcome Station in the back of the Sanctuary. When filling out your form, please be sure to include your first and last name, phone number, and quantity. If you are requesting a flower in honor or memory of a loved one, please include their first and last name(s) which we will list in our Christmas Eve bulletin. The Poinsettias will be 6 1/2″ with multiple blooms, for $12.00 each. Flowers can be taken home after our 11pm Trinity@316 Christmas Eve service. We’ve extended our sale 1 week – orders are now due by Monday, December 6th!
Please remember those who have asked for our prayers: Tishie Bozeman Ethel Perdeau Joy Kennedy
Sheilah Wilson Caroline Kroeger Andy Snook
Douglas Romstadt Tim Barr
To add your name or the name of someone you love on the Prayer List, please email lynzi@trinitytoledo.org.
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Birthdays
Anniversaries
11/29 12/12 12/17 12/22
Kyle Kuhr Larry Meyer Dave Beckwith Alice Todd
12/6 Vera Gagnon 12/14 Ellis Gagnon 12/19 Stan Johnson 12/23 Grant Jones
12/16 Sam & Lindsey Melden
12/11 Abby Price 12/17 Darrell Cousino 12/22 Kim Tucker-Gray
12/20 Dave Beckwith & Lindsay Potts
To add your birthday or anniversary to our list, please email lynzi@trinitytoledo.org.
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Sundays Immediately Following Trinity@Home Online Worship, Coffee Hour - You are invited to join us for a 30-minute virtual coffee and conversation immediately following our 9:00 online worship service every Sunday. The Zoom MEETING ID is on our website and the PASSWORD will be shared by Lisa during service announcements each Sunday morning! Wednesday, 12/1, 12:00noon, Midweek Noonday Prayer - We will continue to gather on Wednesdays at 12:00pm via Zoom for our short Noonday Prayer service from the Book of Common Prayer -visit our website for that Zoom link. Then, beginning on Wednesday, December 8th, we will add a second, in-person Midweek Prayer service, to include Eucharist, at noon in the sanctuary. All are welcome and wanted. Wednesdays, 12/1 - 12/22, 7:00pm, Cultivating Sacred Space at Home - This Advent season join us for the first four Wednesdays in December from 7:00-8:00pm on Zoom, where we will explore the history and importance of cultivating sacred space within our own homes. We will spend two sessions building our altars together - gathering items from our home and sharing how these unique items help us create a sacred space where our roots can grow even more deeply in the sustaining soil of our faith. In our last session together, we will join in a prayer service commemorating what is known as the Longest Night, as we pray and meditate together with our home altars. We hope you can join us! Visit our website (www.trinitytoledo.org) to register for the Zoom link. Saturdays, 12/4 - 12/18, 10:00am, Abwoon: Reflecting on the original meaning of Jesus’ prayerWe invite you join us this Advent season to learn “The Lord’s Prayer” in the original Aramaic. Using the commentary and translation by Neil Douglas-Klotz, participants will explore the pronunciation, textual roots, and sound meanings of Jesus’ words with chanting, simple movement, visuals, and various breath and mediation techniques. Pray with us as Jesus prayed: “Abwoon d’bwashmaya.” Information on materials and gathering can be found on our website (www.trinitytoledo.org). Saturday, 12/11, 9:00am, Men’s Bible Study- Join us for our next Men’s Bible Study gathering on Saturday, December 11th at 9:00am at Rick’s City Diner (5333 Monroe St, Toledo, OH). All men in the Trinity community and their guests are welcome to join. You can view the Bible passages we will be discussing on our website. Thursday, 12/16, 8:30am, Toledo Streets Vendor Lunch - Trinity will provide the meal for Toledo Street’s vendor lunch on December 16th and we need YOUR help! Trinity will purchase the food but we need 4-5 volunteers to help assemble the lunches and deliver them to the Toledo Streets Office. There is still space on our vendor lunch team – sign up on our website!!! Sunday, 1/30/22, Trinity Book Club - The Trinity Book Club has decided to take a brief hiatus for the holidays. We will gather next on Sunday, January 30th to discuss The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. Book Club leaders Kyle Grefe and Becky Koskinen are working with Lisa to fill out and firm up plans to do a multi-week series in 2022 12 on women friendship in the Bible and as soon as we have a plan we will follow up.