Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

Christmas Pageant

Christmas Eve December 24, 2020, 4:00pm

308 College Drive Gaffney, South Carolina 29340

864-489-6183

www.incarnation-gaffney.org incar@bellsouth.net

The Rt. Rev. W. Andrew Waldo, Bishop The Rev. Jenny Gettys, Rector

The Rev. Pat Gotautas, Deacon Mr. Hal Tyson, Organist and Choir Director Ms. Ann Batchler, Secretary and Bookkeeper

A committed community of faith inviting others into the unity of Christ’s love.

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The Hymn Hymn 83, stanzas 1-3

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Priest The word was made flesh and dwelt among us; People And we beheld his glory. The Collect

O God, whose mighty Son was born in Bethlehem those days long ago, lead us to that same poor place, where Mary laid her tiny Child. And as we look on in wonder and praise, help us welcome him in all new life, see him in the poor, and care for his handiwork the earth, the sky and the sea. O God, bless us again in your great love, through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Prophecy of Isaiah The Hymn Hymn W724, stanzas 1 and 5

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Words: Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965); Music: Besançon Carol, harm. John L. Hooker (b. 1944)

The Annunciation to Mary The Hymn Hymn 89, stanzas 1, 3, and 4

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Joseph’s Dream The Hymn Hymn 79, stanzas 1 and 5

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No Room in the Inn The Hymn Hymn 111, stanzas 1 and 3

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The Angels Announce the Birth The Hymn Hymn 109, stanzas 1 and 2

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The Shepherds Worship the Baby The Hymn Hymn 101, stanzas 1 and 2

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The Shepherds Spread the News The Hymn Hymn 87, stanzas 1 and 2

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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. He 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.

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Collect for Christmas

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. For Quiet Confidence

O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Priest blesses the people.

May Christ our infant savior give you the joy of the Bethlehem shepherds, the awe of the worshipping sages, and the humility and love of the Holy Family. May you become as little children. And the blessing of God Almighty - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - be with you this night and remain with you always. Amen.

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The Hymn Hymn 100, stanzas 1 and 4

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Dismissal [V]166

The Officiant says

Thanks be to God. People Alleluia! Alleluia!

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Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #A-734603.

All rights reserved.

Music reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE, License #A-734603. All rights reserved.

Announcements The Twelve Hymns of Christmas This year we have a special way to celebrate the entire season of Christmas. Each morning we’ll share a special video on Facebook; pictures of past Incarnation Christmases will accompany the sounds of our choir singing a beloved Christmas hymn. Each day will bring a new video to continue the joy of the season. Christmas Compline Our weekly services of Compline will continue through the Christmas season! The service will be livestreamed on our Facebook page. Worship with us in the service booklet here, or follow the service in the Book of Common Prayer; it begins on page 127. Annual Parish Meeting On Sunday, January 3, we’ll hold a virtual annual meeting on Zoom. Join us at 10:00 to elect new vestry members, approve a budget, and celebrate what God is doing at incarnation! To join the meeting, click this link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72896162353?pwd=ZkdqazhHeTBQRj

k4dzJseXArdWRtZz09 Donations To make an online contribution to Incarnation, go to our web site www.Incarnation-Gaffney.org and click the “Donate Now” button or click here. You can also text “Give” to (833)-537-0569 to donate by text message. To cover the fees associated with either of these ways of giving, check the “cover fees” box. And thank you!

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Christmas Roses The lovely roses in the arrangement on the altar are given…

in memory of her parents by Bobbi Albert

in thanksgiving for Dana Bridges by Eddy and Dawn Bridges

in thanksgiving for Susan Bridges-Smith by Eddy and Dawn Bridges

in memory of Hal Cubberley by Ellen Cubberley

in memory of David Hamrick by Jennie Hamrick

in thanksgiving for our church family by Miles and Jenny Gettys

in thanksgiving for our beautiful God-given church family by Scott and Cynthia Glidden

in memory of Rev. Linda K. Gosnell by Pat Gotautas

in thanksgiving for my family and friends by Pat Gotautas

in memory of Lenora Morris by the Torres family

in memory of Lupe Torres by the Torres family

in memory of Thomasa Torres by the Torres family

in memory of his parents by Hal Tyson

in thanksgiving for the joy of friends by Bobbi Albert and Hal Tyson

in memory of Bill Winter by Carla Winter

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Welcome to Incarnation!

Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here. Whether you are passing through, or this is the beginning of a longer relationship, welcome. You are today part of our family.

Prayer Group

In case of emergencies, confidential prayer requests can be sent out to the Daughters of the King, a group of women committed to praying confidentially for anyone in need of prayer. To add a name to the Daughters’ list, fill out a prayer request card and place it in the offering plate – it will be sent to the Daughters. If the need is immediate, call the Rev. Jenny Gettys at 489-6183 and she’ll get word out right away.

2020 Vestry

Michael Darnell, Senior Warden and Christian Ed.

Mike Johnson, Junior Warden and Buildings/Grounds Morgan Johnson, Administration

Niccie Dearing, Evangelism Julie Taylor, Hospitality Scott Glidden, Outreach

Carla Winter, Pastoral Care Ellie Bird, Worship

Ex Officio Members:

David Taylor, Treasurer Cynthia Glidden, Clerk