Trinity Episcopal Church PROGRESSIVE Inclusive
CREATIVE DOWNTOWN
Third Sunday in Advent Trinity@Home
December 12, 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
O How I Love / I Love You Lord (Brian Buckner)
Welcome Opening Hymn
Traditional arr. Brian Buckner
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray
Prepare Ye the Way of The Lord
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LEVAS II #11
Candle Lighting Leader:
People:
We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Every valley shall be lifted up and every mountain and hill be made low; The uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
Collect of the Day Leader: People: Leader:
Prayers for an Inclusive Church
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
God of flood and fire, calling us to turn from dead halls echoing with greed: may the gift of your Spirit come to us from another place, burning with life and a hope that will not be quenched; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.
Reading Reader:
Philippians 4:4-7 A reading from Philippians.
Led by Larry Meyer
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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 3: 7-18
Deacon: People:
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord Christ.
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin 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." And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages." As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. Deacon: People:
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
Amy Saylor, guest preacher Trinity Member
Apostles’ Creed 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
Led by Gary Franklin
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: Leader:
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. 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. 6
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, December 12. You can also text the word “Give” to 419-OMG-LOVE (419664-5683) to make your weekly offering.
Offertory
White Winter Hymnal
Robin Pecknold
(Trinity Choir)
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. 7
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
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (Trinity Singers)
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
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (Trinity Singers)
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The 1982 Hymnal #324
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
December 12
Trinity Episcopal Church Progressive Inclusive Creative Downtown 316 Adams Street, Toledo, OH www.trinitytoledo.org
Trinity Pages Announcements
Greening of the Church Sunday, December 12th immediately following Trinity@316 service! We will be greening the church immediately following our Trinity@316 in-person worship service in preparation for Christmas Eve. If you are planning to attend the Trinity@316 service today, please consider staying for a short time to help!
Trinity Prayer List Please remember those who have asked for our prayers: Tishie Bozeman Ethel Perdeau Joy Kennedy The Johnson family
Sheilah Wilson Caroline Kroeger Andy Snook The Bowen family
Douglas Romstadt Tim Barr The Webb family
To add your name or the name of someone you love on the Prayer List, please email lynzi@trinitytoledo.org.
December Birthdays & Anniversaries ere
Birthdays
Anniversaries
12/6 Vera Gagnon 12/14 Ellis Gagnon 12/19 Stan Johnson 12/23 Grant Jones
12/11 Abby Price 12/17 Darrell Cousino 12/22 Kim Tucker-Gray
12/16 Sam & Lindsey Melden
12/12 Larry Meyer 12/17 Dave Beckwith 12/22 Alice Todd
12/20 Dave Beckwith & Lindsay Potts
To add your birthday or anniversary to our list, please email lynzi@trinitytoledo.org.
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Join Us! Wednesday, 12/15, 12:00noon, Midweek Noonday Prayer - Join us on Wednesdays at 12:00 noon on Zoom for a short Noonday Prayer service. For the season of Advent, we will be praying with a noonday order of service from the Saint Helena Breviary and using The Message Bible for our gospel readings. Everything that you need to participate is found in the order of service on our website. If you cannot join us, we hope that you find this page a useful resource for taking a moment during the day to center yourself in prayer. Wednesday, 12/15, 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. 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!!! Saturday, 12/18, 10:00am, Abwoon: Reflecting on the original meaning of Jesus’ prayer- We will gather for our last Saturday in this Advent season to learn “The Lord’s Prayer” in the original Aramaic. We will continue 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.”
December worship Services Friday 12/24 4:00PM Trinity@Home (online worship) Intergenerational Christmas Pageant 11:00PM Trinity@316 (in-person worship) 10:30PM Musical Prelude *Please take your Poinsettias home following this service.*
Sunday 12/26 10:00AM Trinity@Home (online worship) Lessons & Carols
Sunday 1/2/2022 9:00AM Trinity@Home (online worship) 12
11:00AM Trinity@316 (in-person worship)