St. Philip's Episcopal Church - Christmas Eve The Nativity of Our Lord - Festival Holy Eucharists, Rite II - St. Philip's Episcopal ...
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St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
Christmas Eve
The Nativity of Our Lord
Festival Holy Eucharists, Rite II
December 24, 2021Welcome! We are grateful you are here and that God has called us to care for one
another. Our Vestry supports the Rev. Elizabeth in requiring masks during our worship
services and during gatherings of 25 people or more in any of our buildings.
The Prelude
Joy to the World Lowell Mason (Based on Handel)
Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King. Let every heart
prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing. Joy to the world! The Savior
reigns; Let men their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills and
plains repeat the sounding joy. He rules the world with truth and grace, and
makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his
love. – Isaac Watts
What Child Is This Greensleeves, English Melody
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels
greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? Refrain: This,
this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to
bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here the silent
Word is pleading. (Refrain) So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come,
peasant, king, to own him; the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts
enthrone him. (Refrain) – William Chatterton Dix
Sans Day Carol Traditional Cornish Melody
Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk, and Mary bore Jesus, all
wrapped up in silk. Refrain: And Mary bore Jesus our Saviour for to be, and
the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly, holly, holly, and the first tree
in the greenwood it was the holly. Now the holly bears a berry as green as the
grass, and Mary bore Jesus who died on a cross. (Refrain) Now the holly bears
a berry as black as the coal, and Mary bore Jesus who died for us all. (Refrain)
Now the holly bears a berry as blood is it red, then trust we our Saviour, who
rose from the dead. (Refrain)
Sussex Carol Traditional English Carol
On Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring, news
of great joy, news of great mirth, news of our merciful King’s birth. Then why
should men on earth be sad since our redeemer made us glad when from our
sin he set us free all for to gain our liberty? When sin departs before his grace
2then life and health come in its place. Angels and men with joy may sing all
for to see the newborn King. All out of darkness we have light which made
the angels sing this night. Glory to God and peace to men now and for ever
more, Amen.
Away in a Manger Melody by W.J. Kirkpatrick
arr. David Willcocks
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet
head; the stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus
asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus
no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, and
stay by my side until morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord, Jesus; I ask thee to
stay close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in
thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
– Anon. (19th-Century American)
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Traditional Polish Carol
Infant holy, Infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall; Oxen lowing, little
knowing, Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Swift are winging, angels singing,
noels ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the Babe is Lord of All. Flocks were
sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new, Saw the glory, heard
the story, tidings of a Gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises
voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the Babe was born for you.
Ding Dong! Merrily on High 16-Century French Carol
arr. Charles Wood
Ding dong! merrily on high in heaven the bells are ringing: Ding dong! Verily
the sky is riven with angel singing. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Even so here
below, let steeple bells be swungen, and i-o by priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Pray you dutifully prime your matin chime, ye
ringers; may you beautifully rime your evetime song, ye singers. Gloria,
Hosanna in excelsis! – Words by G. R. Woodward
Festive Music for the Season The St. Philip’s Brass Quintet
Alex Billingsley, Trumpet Phoebe Propst, French Horn
Kevin Young, Trumpet Kevin Kimbrough, Trombone
Fletcher Peacock, Bass Trombone
3The Word of God
At the sound of the bell, all stand as they are able.
HYMN Once in Royal David’s City Irby
arr. David Willcocks
Choir sings verse 1; All join on verse 2
Once in Royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild
Jesus Christ her little child.
ALL:
He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And his shelter was a stable,
And his cradle was a stall;
With the poor and meek and lowly,
Lived on earth our Savior holy.
We, like Mary, rest confounded
That a stable should display
Heaven's Word, the world's creator,
Cradled there on Christmas Day,
Yet this child, our Lord and brother,
Brought us love for one another.
For he is our lifelong pattern;
Daily, when on earth he grew,
He was tempted, scorned, rejected,
Tears and smiles like us he knew.
Thus he feels for all our sadness,
And he shares in all our gladness.
4And our eyes at last shall see Him
Through His own redeeming love;
For that child who seemed so helpless,
Is our Lord in heaven above;
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing round,
We shall see him; but in heaven,
Where his saints his throne surround:
Christ, revealed to faithful eye,
Set at God’s right hand on high.
THE ACCLAMATION
CELEBRANT Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
PEOPLE And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE Angels We Have Heard on High Gloria
The Hymnal 1982 #96
Angels we have heard on high, singing sweetly through the night,
And the mountains in reply echoing their brave delight.
Refrain:
Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why these songs of happy cheer?
What great brightness did you see? What glad tidings did you hear?
Refrain
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
Refrain
See him in a manger laid whom the angels praise above;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, while we raise our hearts in love.
Refrain
5SALUTATION
OFFICIANT The Lord be with you.
PEOPLE And also with you.
OFFICIANT Let us pray.
COLLECT OF THE DAY
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son
Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may
with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE FIRST READING Isaiah 9:2-7
The People are seated. The Reader says
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.
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 have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
6authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
READER The Word of the Lord.
PEOPLE Thanks be to God.
PSALM 96 Cantate Domino
Remain seated; choir sings Antiphon, then all repeat. Antiphon is then sung where
indicated.
Antiphon
1 Sing to the Lord a new song; *
sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.
2 Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; *
proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. Antiphon
3 Declare his glory among the nations *
and his wonders among all peoples.
74 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *
he is more to be feared than all gods. Antiphon
5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *
but it is the Lord who made the heavens.
6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *
Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary! Antiphon
7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; *
ascribe to the Lord honor and power.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; *
bring offerings and come into his courts. Antiphon
9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; *
let the whole earth tremble before him.
10 Tell it out among the nations: "The Lord is King! *
he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity." Antiphon
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy
before the Lord when he comes, *
when he comes to judge the earth. Antiphon
13 He will judge the world with righteousness *
and the peoples with his truth. Antiphon
THE SECOND READING Titus 2:11-14
Remain seated. The Reader says
A Reading from the Letter to Titus.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to
renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives
that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope
and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
8He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and
purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
READER The Word of the Lord.
PEOPLE Thanks be to God.
HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful Adeste fideles
arr. David Willcocks
O come, all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come, ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come, and behold him,
Born the King of angels;
Refrain:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ, the Lord.
God from God,
Light from Light eternal,
Lo! He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Only begotten
Son of the Father; Refrain
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God,
Glory in the highest; Refrain
Yea, Lord, we greet thee
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing; Refrain
9HOLY GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20
PRIEST The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
PEOPLE Glory to you, Lord Christ.
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!”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to
one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken
place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and
found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw
this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who
heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all
these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told
them.
10PRIEST The Gospel of the Lord.
PEOPLE Praise to you, Lord Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Elizabeth Roles
A brief period of silence follows the sermon.
NICENE CREED
All stand. The Lay Reader says
Let us affirm our faith, saying together the words of the Nicene Creed:
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
11He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Offered by a member of the St. Philip’s Community
The Reader begins
We give thanks on this night of nights for the wonder of your light and love
entering the world at a particular time and in a particular place, for Jesus, who
is the Word, coming to us out of the silence, out of the immensity of self-
giving love. We ask you to keep our hearts fixed on all those in our world for
whom there is still no place in the inn.
Remind us to rejoice and make room for them.
We remember that those whom you first called to welcome your coming were
at work in the fields tending their flocks. They remained awake. They
welcomed the silence and into that silence your light shone around them and
your voice assured them that they should not be afraid.
Help us to attend to our tasks and to welcome the silence.
As we celebrate your birth, we give thanks for the planet we have been given,
for the tangible world you came into and cherished, for the deserts where you
found solitude, for the luminous night skies that announced your coming, for
the rivers and lakes and seas you loved, the mountains and plains where you
preached and healed, for the creatures and growing things you honored and
celebrated as you taught.
Help us to care for all the blessings of our world.
12Help us slow down, during this busy season, and take time to rejoice in those
around us, in friends, in family, in those who help to support us…who stock
the grocery shelves and check us out, who keep our cars running and drive the
trucks to bring what we need, who work at banks and pharmacies and
hospitals.
Help us to see your face in every person.
We pray for those we do not see, whose voices we do not hear, whose stories
we do not know, for the homeless, for refugees fleeing hunger and violence,
for those in prison, and for all who live in fear.
May they find comfort, hope, and refuge.
We give you thanks for our bishops, priests, and other ministers. We pray that
we may be, along with them, the church in our world. May we learn to hear
those with whom we differ, to walk with them, to receive as well as to give.
Help us to listen to others from the depths of our hearts.
We pray for our country that you may be a shield and covering and that your
love and justice may create bridges of trust among us.
Keep us mindful that perfect love casts out fear.
We pray for the leaders of our country, for Joseph, our president, for Roy, our
governor and for all in authority that they may be informed and wise.
Give them the grace to listen with open hearts.
We pray for all those, especially in our church family and in our wider
community, who are worried or afraid. We pray for those who are lonely or
sick and especially for those who struggle to find hope. Help us to be alert,
aware, and compassionate. Remind us that darkness is not dark to you, the
night is as bright as the day.
Karen Barker, Joseph Bennett, Dez Blue, Dave Borden, Don Bridges, Patricia and Fred
Brown, Brittany Combs, Rae Cowan, Rick Davis, Suzanne Dininny, Lynn Dunham,
Annette Ellerton, Anne Gilson, Dale Goldman, Bill Hair, Cami Harger, Tina Holland,
Becky Huggins, Howard and Linda Jackson, Oscar Jensen, James Keirstead, Kate
13Kelley, The Rev. Michael Kirwen, Dottie and Steve Marcinko, Johnny Martinez, Josh
McKinney, Rose McKinney and Jerry, Kyle, Susannah, and Julie, Katie Miller, Sallie
Mullikin, William and Gertrude Morgan, Louise Nezelek, Sally Rinehart, Hudson
Rudisill, Ethan Shortt, Tom Tartt, Jim Tso, Mary-Blair Valentine, Barry, Charles,
Chelsey, Phillip, and Laura, Chris, and Timothy, and all those throughout the world
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic – especially all who have died.
We give thanks for all who minister to the sick and to those who are
alone.
We pray for those who have died, those whose names we know, and those
whose names are known to you alone, for those close by and for those in other
parts of the country and the world.
We pray for your love and mercy to surround them and all those who
mourn.
To you, O Lord, our God.
Amen.
PEACE
OFFICIANT The peace of the Lord be always with you.
PEOPLE And also with you.
Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Holy Communion
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
PRIEST All things come of thee, O Lord.
PEOPLE And of thine own have we given thee.
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Born Among Us in the Night Carson P. Cooman
Douglas Grimm, Baritone
14Will you leave the light of heaven for the shadows of this earth, turn from
songs that know your glory to the questions of your worth? It is love that leads
to leaving, love will bring you to our side; we will know you, Love incarnate,
born among us in the night. Will you leave the way of power that can call the
stars by name, to be found within a manger, lit by olive oil aflame? It is love
that leads to leaving, love that lays its power aside; we will name you, Christ
our brother, born among us in the night. Will you leave the endless giving,
truth that sings and love that flows, for a world whose way is grasping, hands
that clutch and hearts that close? It is love that leads to leaving, love whose
arms are open wide; and our hearts will open to you, born among us in the
night. –Words by Richard Leach
The people stand as they are able as the gifts are brought forward.
PRESENTATION AND CHRISTMAS DOXOLOGY Divinum mysterium
arr. David Willcocks (st. 1, 4)
15GREAT THANKSGIVING Eucharistic Prayer B
The people remain standing as they are able.
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 him thanks and praise.
The Celebrant proceeds
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 for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the
glory of your Name:
Celebrant and People sing
SANCTUS AND BENEDICTUS William Mathias
The Hymnal 1982 #S-128
16The Celebrant continues
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have
made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in
your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made
flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from
the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you
have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him,
you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out
of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, 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.”
Celebrant
Therefore, according to his command, O Father,
17Celebrant and People
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all;
presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you,
gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the
Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us
to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being
sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in
subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where,
with the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, blessed Joseph, Philip, and all your saints,
we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and
the author of our salvation.
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. AMEN.
The Celebrant then continues
And now, as our Savior
Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
People and Celebrant
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,
18as 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.
BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND FRACTION ANTHEM
CELEBRANT We break this bread
to share in the Body of Christ.
PEOPLE We who are many are one body,
for we all share in the one bread. Alleluia!
THE COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
The people sit. All who seek Christ are invited to receive the bread (at this time, due to
Covid restrictions, we only receive the bread). Receive the bread in your cupped hands.
Gluten-free wafers are available upon request. Please wait for an usher to release you
from your pew to come forward and receive the consecrated bread standing or kneeling at
the altar rail.
DURING THE COMMUNION
HYMN The First Nowell The First Nowell
arr. David Willcocks
The first Nowell the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel.
19They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night. Refrain
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went. Refrain
This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay. Refrain
Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Refrain
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of nought,
And with his blood our life hath bought. Refrain
HYMN O Little Town of Bethlehem Forest Green
The Hymnal 1982 #78 (st. 1, 2, 3, 5)
20HYMN Silent Night Stille Nacht
The congregation is invited to sing the entire carol following the vocal introduction.
Harvey Miller, Tenor and Guitar
Silent night, holy night,
all is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
21sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night,
shepherds quake at the sight,
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
The congregation stands when the Celebrant returns to the altar.
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION (8:00 p.m. only)
Gracious God, since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your
Body and Blood, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and
strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated
from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to
come. Amen.
POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Celebrant and People
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,
22and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
BLESSING
HYMN Hark, The Herald Angels Sing Mendelssohn
arr. David Willcocks
Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Refrain:
Hark, the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!
Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail, the incarnate Deity.
Pleased as man with us to dwell;
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Refrain
Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings,
23Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth,
Born to give us second birth.
Refrain
DISMISSAL
The priest offers a dismissal, and the people respond
PEOPLE Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE The St. Philip’s Brass Quintet
YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFERING
The Vestry has designated that the loose plate and designated offerings from the
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services benefit the Bread of Life Free Community
Kitchen, a ministry that seeks to provide nutritious meals in a safe and secure
environment and to share food with those in need in Transylvania County. Please include
“Christmas Offering” on the memo line or envelope with your offering.
WE WELCOME CHILDREN OF ALL AGES
During the holiday season, we invite all children to attend the services, including
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and December 26. The nursery space is available as
needed to families but will not be staffed (an usher can direct you to our nursery located
on the lower level of our parish building). We look forward to seeing the children in
church, and the nursery will reopen on January 9, 2022.
SPECIAL THANKS
We offer special thanks to the Altar Guild, Flower Guild, and Brass Guild for their many
labors “behind the scenes” each week; to all who helped in the Hanging of the Greens;
and to all who will help “unhang” them! Thanks to all the donors who helped fund our
Christmas Flowers and Greenery and Friends of Music this year.
Our Christmas Worship Schedule
Friday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
7:30 p.m.* Christmas Concert (with Brass/Choir) followed by
. Festival Holy Eucharist, Rite II
24(This service will be live-streamed on Facebook Live.)
10:30 p.m.* Christmas Concert (with Brass/Choir) followed by Festival Holy
Eucharist, Rite II
*Because seating is in high demand at the concerts, early arrival is recommended.
Saturday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Carols and Homily, Rite II
Sunday, December 26 (1st Sunday after Christmas)
10:30 a.m. Christmas Lessons & Carols and Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Sunday, January 2, 2022 (2nd Sunday after Christmas)
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:15 a.m. Christian Formation for All Ages
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
The Chancel Choir, Christmas 2021
Sopranos Pauline Foster Charlie Threatte
Billie Begg Valerie Hedger Chris Whatley
Bonnie Clark Marcia Millar Adrian Zabala
Judith Davis Karen Palmer
Carolyn DePalma Cindy Rudd Basses
Elizabeth Fuller Holly Votaw *Douglas Grimm
Kathryn Godbold Penny Williams Bob Jenkins
*Abby Smith Rodge Livengood
Rebecca Smith Tenors Bill Mellman
Christine Wright Barbara Boerner Bill Rigot
Fred Brown Jay Williams
Altos Mike Dunham Jim Wright
Pat Dunham Harvey Miller
*Guest Singer
Christmas Flowers and Greenery 2021
Gifts for the beautiful array of flowers and greenery for our Christmas services have been
given to the Glory of God and:
In memory of Molly Breese Allison, In memory of Marci Moore, and in
Elizabeth Allison Bridges, and Priscilla thanksgiving for Pam Williams
Bobst Caldwell by Peggy Bridges by Jennifer Lacefield
25In memory of Jack McBrayer In memory of John Stadnick
by Mary Alice McBrayer by Linda and Ray Stadnick
In memory of William Stillwell Mann In memory of Jim Plair and
and Marianne Hewitt Mann in thanksgiving for Sally Plair
by Penny Mann by Terri and Richard Strauss and family
In thanksgiving for In thanksgiving for
The Flower Delivery Ministry our children and grandchildren
by Lynne and Phil Seymour by Anne and Grant Bullard
In memory of Margaret Clark In thanksgiving for wonderful friends
by Cindy and Terry Decker by Marcia Millar
In memory of Kristen Andresen- In thanksgiving for ALL the office
Simmons and in thanksgiving for her life volunteers who kept the ship of St.
with us and the joy Philip’s afloat by Danny and Jill Stewart
she brought on Christmas Day
by Arnie and Susan Andresen In memory of Bunny Frey
by Jay and Penny Williams
In thanksgiving for our many blessings
by Mary Rose and David Neumann In memory of: Verling M and Elizabeth
Votaw; Rhoda Votaw; Richard McKenzie
In memory of Tommy and Marian Ritch Hamor; Richard J. and Martha J. Ayotte
and Goldie Karagjozi and in thanksgiving by Holly and Al Votaw
for Ben, Maggie, Anna, Mikala, Brayden,
Henry, Finley, Rose, and Stella In thanksgiving for family
by Jan and Denis Bolena By John and Sally Rinehart
2021 Friends of Music
Gifts for the beautiful music for our Christmas services and services year round have
been given to the Glory of God and:
In thanksgiving for Kathryn and Gentry Stevens
Tim and the Chancel Choir by Linda and Ray Stadnick.
by Peggy Bridges and Ruth Anderson
In thanksgiving for Holly Votaw
In memory of William Stillwell Mann who worked miracles
and Marianne Hewitt Mann by Danny and Jill Stewart
by Penny Mann In memory Jack McBrayer
In memory of by Mary Alice McBrayer
26In thanksgiving for our children
and their families In thanksgiving for family
by Susan and Ora Wells by Lynn and Ken Adams
In memory of John Cullings In thanksgiving for the St. Philip’s Choir
by Terry and Cindy Decker under the leadership of Tim Sloan
by Marcia Millar
In thanksgiving for Elizabeth Roles, Tim
Sloan, Jill Stewart, and Edna Hensley In memory of Wayne Smith
by Billie and William Begg by Gerry Smith
In memory of Carolyn Seymour and In memory of Jim Plair
Clifford and Leone VanWie by Sally Plair.
by Lynne and Phil Seymour In thanksgiving for family
In memory of: Verling M and Elizabeth by John and Sally Rinehart
Votaw; Rhoda Votaw; Richard McKenzie Jennifer Lacefield
Hamor; Richard J. and Martha J. Ayotte Jane and Bill Rigot
by Holly and Al Votaw
† † †
COVER ART: Adoration of the Shepherds by Gerard van Honthorst (1592-1656).
MINISTERS of WORSHIP
Celebrant The Rev. Elizabeth Roles
Organist/Choirmaster Dr. Timothy Sloan
Altar Guild .................................................................................................... Dolores Brown
7:30 p.m.
Acolytes Kathryn Polmanteer Reader 3 Mary Dryselius
Addie Shober LEM Ken Racht
Reece Shober Ushers Carrie Anderson
Reader 1 Bob Murphy Jan Dryselius
Reader 2 Christine Wright John Rinehart
10:30 p.m.
Acolyte Steve Womble LEM Peggy Bridges
Reader 1 Chris Whatley Ushers William Begg
Reader 2 Val Hedger Jan Mellman
Reader 3 Billie Begg
27† † †
256 E Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712
828.884.3666
www.stphilipsbrevardnc.org
† † †
MINISTERS: The Baptized People of God
The Rt. Rev. José Antonio McLoughlin, Bishop
The Rev. Elizabeth Roles, Rector
† † †
OUR VISION: Rooted in God’s word and guided by Christ’s example, St. Philip’s
Episcopal Church will be a loving, inclusive community committed to living out Christ’s
commandments.
† † †
OUR MISSION: Guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and informed by Scripture,
tradition and reason, we will:
• Learn and teach by word and example how God continues to be at work in the
world and in our lives;
• Love and serve all people as Christ loves us;
• Grow in faithful stewardship of the resources God has given us; and
• Celebrate joyfully this faith in our life, worship, prayer and service.
† † †
From riteplanning.com. Copyright © 2021 Church Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
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