Second Sunday after Christmas January 2, 2022 - Grace ...
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Second Sunday after Christmas
January 2, 2022
We are a community of curious and imperfect Christians working to better understand the world around us and
the role that we play in creating a more fair and equitable society.
We are agents of change, striving to increase our visibility and impact in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood and
beyond.YOU ARE WELCOME!
To all who enter here –
to those who are weary and need rest;
to those who mourn and need comfort;
to those who pray and those who do not;
to those who sin and need a Savior;
to those who rejoice and wish to praise;
to those who are blessed and wish to serve -to all who enter here;
the Church opens wide its doors and says in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ: Welcome.
Can I receive Communion?
Yes. Everyone, without exception, is invited to receive Communion. Due to COVID precautions, we
offer an individually wrapped gluten-free host for Communion. One member of the congregation
receives the wine on behalf of all of us. You are welcome to receive the bread or receive a blessing
instead. To ask for a blessing, keep your hands folded across your chest.
When am I supposed to stand?
At any point in the service, it’s perfectly fine for you to remain seated as you’re comfortable. We do
have customary times to stand or sit, generally when we sing and when we pray. Other times are
indicated by the italicized instructions throughout the service. There are also times when it is
customary to cross ourselves and if you wish to do so, the + indicates these.
Where are the restrooms?
There is a gender-neutral restroom located to the left of the altar along the east windows.
Is there wheelchair accessibility?
Yes. The elevator is located on the first floor down the hallway to the right of the stairs.
Find Grace online at gracechicago.org and sign up for our weekly e-newsletter. Email prayer requests to
prayers@gracechicago.org. Follow Grace @graceplacechi
In the interest of creating a peaceful and prayerful space for worship, refrain from conversation within the
circle of the sanctuary 10 minutes before and after the service. Please silence and put away your cell phone
during the service as a sign of respect toward God and the rest of our worshiping community.
2Gathering Music
Welcome to Worship
Opening Hymn please stand as able
The Hymnal 1982 #87
3The Word of God
The congregation says all bolded text aloud.
Christ is born.
Alleluia!
The Savior has come.
Alleluia!
The angels sing on earth.
Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia!
Let us pray.
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature:
Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son
Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
The First Lesson and Carol please be seated
1
After Jesus’ birth – which happened in Bethlehem of Judea, during the reign of Herod – astrologers
from the East arrived in Jerusalem and 2asked, “Where is the newborn ruler of the Jews?” We
observed his star at its rising and have come to pay homage.”
3
At this news Herod became greatly disturbed, as did all of Jerusalem. 4Summoning all the chief
priests and religious scholars of the people, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5“In
Bethlehem of Judea,” they informed him. “Here is what the prophet has written: 6‘And you, Bethlehem,
land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah, since from you will come a ruler who
is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
7
Herod called the astrologers aside and found out from them the exact time of the star’s appearance.
8
Then he sent them to Bethlehem, after having instructed them, “Go and get detailed information
about the child. When you have found him, report back to me – so that I may go and offer homage,
too.”
9
After their audience with the ruler, they set out. The star which they had observed at its rising went
ahead of them until it came to a standstill over the place where the child lay. 10They were overjoyed at
seeing the star and, 11upon entering the house, found the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrated
themselves and paid homage. Then they opened their coffers and presented the child with gifts of
gold, frankincense and myrrth. 12They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they went
back to their own country by another route. Matthew 2:1-12
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
Thanks be to God.
4please stand as able
The Hymnal 1982 #128
O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who
know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus
Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
5The Second Lesson and Carol please be seated
22
When the day came for them to be purified, as laid down by the Law of Moses, the couple took Jesus up to
Jerusalem and presented him to God. 23For it’s written in the Law of our God, “Every firstborn heir is to be
consecrated to God.” 24They likewise came to offer in sacrifice “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,”
in accord with the dictate of the Law of our God.
Now there lived in Jerusalem a man named Simeon. He was devout and just, anticipating the consolation
25
of Israel, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. 26She had revealed to Simeon that he wouldn’t see death until
he had seen the Messiah of God. 27Prompted by her, Simeon came to the Temple; and when the parents
brought in the child to perform the customary rituals of the Law, 28he took the child in his arms and praised
God, saying,
29
”Now, O God, you can dismiss your servant in peace, just as you promised;
30
because my eyes have seen the salvation
31
which you have prepared for all the peoples to see --
32
a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.”
33
As the child’s mother and father stood there marveling at the things that were being said, 34Simeon
blessed them and said to Mary, the mother, “This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in
Israel, and to be a sign that is rejected, 35so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare. And a sword
will pierce your heart as well.”
There was a woman named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was also a prophet.
36
She had lived a long life, seven years with her husband, 37and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She
never left the Temple, worshipping day and night, fasting and praying. 38Coming up at that moment, she
gave thanks to God and talked about the child to all who anticipated the deliverance of Jerusalem.
39
When the couple had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the Law of God, they returned to Galilee and their own
town of Nazareth. 40The child grew in size and strength. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God
was with him. Luke 2:22-40
6please stand as able and sing verses 1-4
The Hymnal 1982 #128
Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was presented in the
temple, so we may be presented to you, like Simeon and Anna, with pure and clean hearts by Jesus
Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
7The Third Lesson and Carol please be seated
After the astrologers had left, the angel of God suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph with the
13
command, “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you otherwise.
Herod is searching for the child to destroy him.” 14Joseph got up, awakened Jesus and Mary, and they left
that night for Egypt. 15They stayed there until the death of Herod, to fulfill what God had said through the
prophet: “Out of Egypt I have called my Own.”
Herod became furious when he realized that the astrologers had outwitted him. He gave orders to kill all
16
male children that were two years old and younger living in and around Bethlehem. The age of the children
was based on the date Herod had learned from the astrologers. 17Then what was spoken through the
prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
18
”A voice was heard in Ramah
sobbing and lamenting loudly:
it was Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled,
for they were no more. Matthew 2:13-18
please stand as able
8We remember, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we
pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of
evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who
lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Fourth Lesson and Carol please be seated
After Herod’s death, the angel of God appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20with the command, “Get up,
19
take the child and his mother and set out for the land of Israel. Those who had designs on the life of the child
are dead.”
Joseph got up, awakened Jesus and Mary, and they returned to the land of Israel. 22Joseph heard, however,
21
that Archelaus had succeeded Herod as rule of Judea, and Joseph was afraid to go back there. Instead,
because of a warning received by Joseph in a dream, the family went to the region of Galilee. 23There they
settled in a town called Nazareth. In this way, what was said through the prophets was fulfilled: “He will be
called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:19-23
please stand as able
Dear Jesus, your family on earth knew the life of refugees when they fled to Egypt. Bless all who seek refuge
on this earth. Meet their needs for safety and for home. Move the hearts of your people to show them
welcome. Cause wars to cease and bring justice to the nations that no one will need to flee again. In your
great mercy, Christ hear our prayer. Amen.
9Affirmation of Faith
The Prayers
Adapted from prayers by the Rev. Rick Morley, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Basking Ridge, NJ
In peace, let us pray to God, who has joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, saying, “Glory to you.”
In this holy season, angels proclaimed the peace of your Son of righteousness. Strengthen us to work for
peace and justice. God among us, glory to you.
In this holy season, you came to us in a child cradled in a borrowed bed as there was no room at the inn.
Open our hearts to the needs of those who have no home and those who live in poverty. God among us,
glory to you.
In this holy season, 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. We pray for church leaders, especially:
Michael (our Presiding Bishop)
Paula (our Bishop-Elect)
Chilton (our Assisting Bishop)
the Grace Vestry and Clergy
God among us, glory to you.
10In this holy season, your living Word came down, shedding light on all who dwell in the shadow of death. Give
strength and peace to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially:
Bishop-Elect Paula (Clark) Shawna (Atteberry)
Laura (sister of Deirdre McCloskey) Mary Lou (sister-in-law of Paula Morrow)
Michael (brother of Melissa Moore) LJ (father of Janet Harper)
Gia (wife of Tom Healy) Miranda (daughter of Susan Fay)
Ruth (friend of Janet Harper) Larry (uncle of Kim Callis)
Arthur (uncle of Craig Bivins) John (nephew of Gail Purkey)
Kent (son of Paula Morrow) Brody (grandson of Mary Lou)
Steve (Howe) Emily (daughter of Chris Wenderoth)
Farnell (father of Maureen Jenkins) Sam (father of Kate Eakin)
God among us, glory to you.
In this holy season, shepherds and outcasts heard your good news. Give us grace to spread your gospel of
joy and liberation and be with all those who celebrate, especially:
Doreen Baker (4)
Maureen Jenkins (4)
Robert Novickas (7)
George (Grace’s new bookkeeper)
our Kiva Micro Loan recipients
Holy Trinity Lutheran (searching for a new Associate Pastor)
Grace’s faith partners (Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Onnuri Church, South Loop Campus Ministry,
Masjid al-Rabia and Hope’s Table)
God among us, glory to you.
In this holy season, heaven and earth embrace and through your child you make us all your children. Hold in
love all who have gone before us in the faith. May we, like them, remain faithful to the mystery of the Word
made flesh and live in your eternal light. God among us, glory to you.
Let us share our joys and concerns. Online worshippers are invited to offer their prayers first. Those in the
sanctuary are invited to come to the ambo.
People may add their own prayers.
Hear the prayers we bring to you and fulfill your purposes in us in the name of Jesus, your incarnate Word.
Amen.
The Peace
A child has been born for us, a son given to us; and he is named Prince of Peace.
The peace of God be always with you.
And also with you.
All greet one another from their seats.
11Announcements please be seated
Some announcements will be given; more information is at the end of this bulletin.
Giving to Grace
The pandemic altered most aspects of life, including how we donate to church. You
can give online to Grace during worship (or anytime) using your phone; simply scan
the QR code and the church’s online donation provider VANCO will appear in your
browser. Thank you for supporting Grace’s ministries!
Offertory Hymn To transition to the Table of God, gather around the Altar. Chairs are available.
12The Table of God
The Great Thanksgiving
Evangelical Lutheran Worship, ed.
God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to God.
Let us give thanks to the Almighty One.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
We praise you and we bless you, most holy God, source of life abundant. From before time you made ready
the creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth,
winds, and waters; and every living thing. You made us in your image, and taught us to walk in your ways. But
we rebelled against you, and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for her children, you would not
forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love. And so this day we join with Saints
and Angels in the chorus of praise that rings through eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we sing:
13The Hymnal 1982 #S130
We sing a new song to you, O God of our salvation, for you have done marvelous things. Since the beginning
of time, you have spoken your Word, and your light shines in our darkness. Glory to you, O God:
Glory to you, O God.
The seas are thundering with praise, the rivers are clapping their hands. The hills ring out with gladness, and the
trees are shouting their joy. Glory to you, O God:
Glory to you, O God.
Your Son rules in truth and justice, victorious and merciful is he! We praise your majesty lying in a manger,
Jesus Christ, born of Mary and lauded by angels. Glory to you, O God:
Glory to you, O God.
On the night before he died, Jesus took bread, and gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took
the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you
and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. + Send your Spirit on us and
on this meal of wonder. In this bread, give us the body of Christ. With this cup, reveal the grace of your risen
Son. Make known to the whole earth your steadfast love. Glory to you, O God:
Glory to you, O God.
14In these dark days, bring the dawn of your righteousness to birth. Hold the living and the dead in your hands.
In your good time, awaken the sleeping animals, and revive the dormant plants with your life-giving Spirit. Glory to
you, O God:
Glory to you, O God.
With trumpets and horns and harps, with the faithful on earth and the hosts of heaven, we sing to your splendor,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God Most High, Light of the earth, and Judge of the world, today and forever. Amen.
Amen.
Rejoicing in the presence of God among us, let us pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kin-dom come,
your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kin-dom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
My Heart Sings Out #44
God’s holy gifts, for God’s holy people.
The invitation to Communion comes from Jesus himself; everyone, without exception, is welcome to receive.
One member of the congregation receives the wine on behalf of all of us. The presider will bring Communion, in the form
of an individually wrapped gluten-free host, to worshippers around the altar. If you prefer to receive a blessing instead
of Communion, keep your hands folded across your chest. Once you receive, please remain around the altar.
Those at home may unwrap their host and consume it.
15Communion Hymn
Sending Forth
Let us pray.
Radiant God,
with our eyes we have seen your salvation,
and in this meal we have feasted on your grace.
May your Word take flesh in us,
that we may be your holy people,
revealing your glory made known to us
in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
At the + below, you are invited to cross yourself.
Christ, who by his incarnation, gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly, fill you with joy and peace.
And may God bless you now and forever in the name of the + holy Trinity, one God. Amen.
16Closing Hymn please stand as able
The Hymnal 1982 #118
17Dismissal
Go in peace. Proclaim the Light of the world. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Please remain online or make your way to the main hall for fellowship.
TODAY’S MINISTERS
Presider Deacon Minister of Music Online Host
Amity Carrubba Andrea Billhardt Dent Davidson Janet Harper
Servers
Doreen Baker (lead), Kristi Bangert, Nolan Cooper, Donna Cutler, Paula Morrow, Dan Wilson
Vestry
2022 Wendy Manning (Co-Warden), Sue Mathews, Melissa Moore and Nolan Cooper (Clerk)
2024 Paula Morrow (Co-Warden), Aled Roberts (Treasurer), Rosita Sands
Building Committee Tim Paprocki, Ted Otto, Kate Eakin, J Burger, Craig Bivins
Communications Committee Gail Purkey, Wendy Manning, Maureen Jenkins
Liturgy Committee Melissa Moore, Emma Koch, Tish Kruse, Susan Fay, Kim Callis, Andrea Billhardt
Service & Advocacy Committee Marilynn Rochon, Monique Patterson, Tom Healy (Hope’s Table liaison), Andrea Billhardt,
Doreen Baker
Copyright © 2021 Church Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
18Announcements
Thank You to Our Christmas Flower Donors
Anne Brinkopf In memory of the Brinkopf and Campbell Families
Amity Carrubba & J Burger In thanksgiving for family and the Grace Community
Pearl Kondla In memory of Daisy Archer Busey
Gail Purkey & Dave Konkol In memory of R.L. & Sharon Purkey and Robert Konkol
Aled Roberts In memory of Sharon and Griff
Dan Wilson & Kit Mahlman In loving memory of William J. Wilson, Patricia & Henry Mahlman
❃ ❃ ❃ ❃ ❃ ❃
Running for Grace Vestry in 2022
Are you curious about how big decisions at Grace are made? Or how leadership sets goals and works to
achieve them? Then you might be ready to serve on the Vestry!
The Vestry functions similar to the board of a non-profit organization. Each year at the Parish Annual
Meeting in January new members are elected to the Grace Vestry. Terms are typically three years, this year
there is also a one-year term open. Meetings are monthly (on the 3rd Monday of each month) from 6-8pm.
The Vestry has been meeting on Zoom for the last year and a half.
You are invited to prayerfully consider nominating yourself or another member at Grace. Contact the Grace
Wardens (Paula Morrow or Wendy Manning) for more details.
19You are invited to
Grace Episcopal Church’s
Annual Meeting
January 30, 2022
Grace's Annual Meeting is where the parish elects new Vestry members and
delegates to the Diocesan Convention, reviews the 2022 budget, and hears from the
Rector and the Vestry about the past year of parish life and plans for the future.
Please plan to attend!
20You can also read
