St. timothy’S EpiScopal church

Signal mountain, tEnnESSEE

DEcEmbEr 24, 2018 7:00 p.m.

The NaTiviTy of our Lord Jesus ChrisT

Welcome to St. Timothy’s!

We are happy to have you with us today! Please feel comfortable to ask questions and explore all we have to offer at St. Timothy’s!

If you are visiting, please make yourself known to us (we don’t bite!) so that we may welcome you.We also ask that you fill out a guest card from the pew rack; you may place it in the offering plate or give it to an usher.

Some Notes for our Guests: All people are invited and encouraged to receive Communion at the altar; at the time of Communion,

you may come forward and receive the bread in the palm of your hand; assist the minister by guiding the chalice to your lips;if you do not wish to receive Communion, you can let the priest know by simply crossing your arms over your chest.

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Musicians for Today’s ServiceFEATURE MUSICIANS

John Boulware, violin (fiddle) and guitarEric Goddard, piano

Mark Hackett, percussionSierra Maldonado, treble

Bob McKenzie, bassSue Ann Reinisch, flute

Tarbell Patten, tenorAnna Pyron, soprano

Rodney Van Valkenburg, tenorCalista Sprague, soprano

Kathy Tugman, altoBob Wood, cello

Joanne Wood, altoMadeline Wyatt, violaNathan Wyatt, violin

ZAMMARINTarbell Patten, director

Audrey BevansJohn BevansJudd Crane

Greg GoodgameMark HackettLisa ParsonsAnna Pyron

Kathy TugmanBob Wood

Joanne Wood

ST. TIMOTHY’S FESTIVAL CHOIRPhilip Newton, director

John BoulwareMorgan Boulware

Evie DurantAnnie Hall

Anne JohnsonBetty Ann Langley

Dick LewallenJavier MaldonadoSierra MaldonadoVania Maldonado

Bob McKenzieAnn Pinion

Sue Ann ReinischRob Robinson

Sharon Dunn SchwabCalista Sprague

Rodney Van ValkenburgDiane WelchAlan WellsBeau Wells

Epiphany Sunday & Bishop’s VisitationJoin us on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, for Bishop Cole’s annual visitation to St. Timothy’s Church. Bishop Cole will be here for both the 8:00 am and the 10:30 am services and will speak at the Rector’s Forum. The Rite of Confirmation for both youth and adults will be at the 10:30 am service with a reception following in the parish hall.

At 5:00 pm, St. Timothy’s will host “The Burning of the Greens” at the edge of the back parking lot. So, load up your old Christmas trees and greenery for this service. There will be a Chili Cook-off in the parish hall following the Burning of the Greens so bring your best chili ‘offering’ to share.

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The NaTiviTy of our Lord Jesus ChrisTThe Holy Eucharist, Rite Two

Liturgy of The Word

On a long winter evening we gather to proclaim the coming of the light. Isaiah announces that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Paul reminds us that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. In the familiar account of Christ’s birth, the evening sky is bright with the heavenly host singing, “Glory to God in the highest.” Amid our broken world we proclaim that the Prince of peace is born among us. God comes to us in human flesh—in Christ’s body and blood—so that we may be bearers of divine light to all the world.

The Prelude Fantasia on Greensleeves Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

John Boulware, violin Nathan Wyatt, violin Madeline Wyatt, viola Bob Wood, cello

“The First Nowell” Traditional English Carol arr. Mack Wilberg (b. 1955)

St. Timothy’s Festival ChoirEric Goddard, piano

The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay, In fields where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell! Born is the King of Israel. They 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. Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heav’nly Lord that hath made heav’n and earth of nought, and with his blood mankind hath bought.

“In the Bleak Mid-Winter” Cranham, Gustav Holst (1974-1934)

Kathy Tugman, alto Tarbell Patten, guitar John Boulware, violin Bob Wood, cello

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign: in the bleak midwinter a stable-place sufficed the Lord God incarnate, Jesus Christ. Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim throngèd the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the belovèd with a kiss. What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him—give my heart. (Christina Rossetti, 1831-1894)

“The Dream Isaiah Saw” Glenn L. Rudolph (b. 1951) St. Timothy’s Festival Choir

Rodney Van Valkenburg, tenor Eric Goddard, piano Mark Hackett, percussion

Lions and oxen will sleep in the hay, leopards will join with the lambs as they play, wolves will be pastured with cows in the glade, blood will not darken the earth that God made. Little child whose bed is straw, take new lodgings in my heart. Bring the dream Isaiah saw: life redeemed from fang and claw. Peace will pervade more than forest and field: God will transfigure the Violence concealed deep in the heart and in systems of gain, ripe for the judgment the Lord will ordain. . . . justice purifying law. Nature reordered to match God’s intent, nations obeying the call to repent, all of creation completely restored, filled with the knowledge and love of the Lord. . . . knowledge, wisdom, worship, awe. (Thomas H. Troeger, b. 1945)

Before the service: TALK to God. During the service: LISTEN to God. After the service: TALK to one another!

“Nowell” is the English form of the French “noel,” a shout of joy formerly used at Christmas (as in Chaucer’s “Franklin’s Tale”), a clue that the word is older than its first printing. It may have Latin and French roots related to “born” (natus / né) as well to “news” (nova / nouvelle).

Though this text describes winter weather in England rather than in Palestine, the poet is using familiar surroundings as a means of making the Nativity more immediate and personal. The tune name honors a Gloucestershire village near the composer’s birthplace of Cheltenham.

The composer writes: “This anthem was composed around the time of and dedicated to those who perished on 11 September 2001. It begins with a single voice paraphrasing Isaiah’s vision of peace and harmony among God’s creation. The soloist and chorus alternately speak the words of Isaiah, and offer petitions to the infant Christ to dwell in our hearts, that Isaiah’s dream may become a reality. The percussion represents the presence of God gradually taking control of an out-of-control world.”

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“God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” Traditional English CarolZammarin

God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay; remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day, to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy! From God our heavenly Father a blessèd angel came and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: how that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name. “Fear not, then,” said the angel, “Let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, to free all those who trust in him from Satan’s power and might.” Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, and with true love and charity each other now embrace; this holy tide of Christmas doth bring redeeming grace.

“All Is Well” Michael W. Smith (b. 1957), arr. Ronn Huff (1938-2018) Kathy Tugman, Joanne Wood, Tarbell Patten, vocals John Boulware, violin Bob Wood, cello Philip Newton, keyboard

All is well. Angels and men rejoice! For tonight darkness fell into the dawn of love’s light. Sing alle, sing alleluia! Lift up your voice and sing. Born is now Emmanuel. Born is our Lord and Savior. (Wayne Kirkpatrick, b. 1961)

Lights will be dimmed.

The Solemn Proclamation of the Birth of Christ

Many ages from the time when God created the heavens and the earth, and then formed man and woman in God’s own image;long after the great flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant;twenty-one centuries from the time the promise was given to Abraham and Sarah;thirteen centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and Miriam danced in freedom;eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the judges;one thousand years from the anointing of David as king;in fulfillment of the times and years and months and days discerned by the prophets;in the one hundred ninety-fourth Olympiad;the seven hundred fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome;in the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus;while the whole world enjoyed a span of peace,Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming being conceived by the Holy Spirit and nine months of growth in the womb of his mother—now in our own times is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, God made flesh.

While the English peasants of the Middle Ages

continued to go to worship, they created their own

church music outside the walls of the cathedrals and chapels. In this way, they

led a quiet rebellion against the tone of religious music by

writing religious folks songs that were light, lively and

penned in common language. Their Christmas folk songs

became the foundation of what are now known as Christmas carols. “God

Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” was the most famous and most loved of all the early

carols. Written with an upbeat melody and speaking

of the birth of Jesus in joyful terms, the song may have shocked early church

leaders, but it charmed their flocks. Not only did

they sing to this carol, they danced to it.

At the outset of the New Testamant, the Gospel of Matthew opens with “An account of the genealogy

of Jesus the Messiah.” The Roman Martyrology

for Christmas Day goes much further, containing

a formal announcement of the birth of Christ

in the style of a proclamation. It placed the birth of Christ into

human history yet avoids a literalistic accounting

of time.

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The Gathering Hymn “Once in Royal David’s City” Irby, Henry John Gauntlett (1805-1876)

Sierra Maldonado, trebleThe congregation will remain seated as a soloist sings the first stanza. The congregation is invited to join in stanzas 2-6. Please stand when you hear the organ’s entrance.

Descant for Stanza 6—

The AcclamationPriest Alleluia. To us a child is born.People Come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

Collect for PurityAlmighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.Amen.

Like “All Things Bright and Beautiful” (see Hymn 405), this popular Christmas hymn was written by an Irish poet to illustrate for children the various articles of the Apostle’s Creed. In the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, a solo treble sings the first stanza, and the congregation joins on subsequent stanzas. Higher voices (sopranos and tenors) are invited to sing the descants in this service along with the choir.

1 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.

2 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, the scorned, the lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.

3 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.

4 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.

5 And 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.

6 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.

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Song of Praise Gloria in excelsis Gloria

Collect of the DayPresider The Lord be with you.People And also with you.Presider Let us pray.

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.

All sit.

The First Lesson: Isaiah 52:7-10

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.

This is one of the most popular French carol

tunes, and is associated with “Angels We Have Heard on High” in our

hymnal. The text we sing tonight conforms to

the traditional Gloria in excelsis Deo, praising the

Triune God.

This poem promises deliverance from

Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth

of a royal child with a name full of promise.

While Judah’s king will practice justice and

righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in

God’s passion for the people: The zeal of the

Lord of hosts will do this!

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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;authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is namedWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peacefor the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold itwith justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.

Psalm 96 setting by Hal H. HopsonChoir and Congregation, seated. A Cantor will sing the antiphon once, and all will repeat it. The verses will be sung by the cantor.

Verses

1. Sing to the Lord, sing God’s praise, all you peoples; new be your song as new honors you pay. Sing of God’s majesty, praise God for ever, show God’s salvation from day to day. (Antiphon)

2. Tell of God’s wondrous works; tell of God’s glory till through the nations God’s name is revered. Praise and exalt the Lord, God the Almighty, God over all, let the Lord be feared. (Antiphon)

3. Vain are the idols and gods of the nations; God made the heav’ns, and God’s glory they tell. Splendor and majesty shine in God’s presence; Glory and strength in God’s temple dwell. (Antiphon)

4. Give to the Lord Most High glory and honor; come with your off ’rings and humbly draw near. Worship the Lord in all beauty and splendor; tremble before God with godly fear. (Antiphon)

5. Say to the nations, “The Lord reigns forever.” Earth is established by God’s mighty hand. Righteous and just is the King of the nations, peace and goodwill comes to all the land. (Antiphon)

6. Let heav’n and earth be glad, oceans, be joyful; forest and field, now exult in your praise. God now is coming, the judge of the nations, coming to rule, salvation to raise. (Antiphon)

Psalm 96 is a call to worship addressed to all of creation and all peoples. It extols God’s work of creation; God’s honor, majesty, might, and glory; and God’s righteous, faithful, and truthful rule. The praise of God is to be expressed not only by people but also by the heavens, the earth, the sea, rural land-scapes, and trees.

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The Second Lesson: Titus 2:11-14

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. He 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.

Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.

Sequence Hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Adeste fideles

Descant for Stanza 3—

Descant for Stanza 4—

The appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ

brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently,

in the present we live wisely and justly while

also anticipating the hope of our Savior’s final

appearance.

The international status of this hymn ranks it as one of the most widely

loved and sung of all the Christmas carols.

Both the Latin original and English versions

have four stanzas, with additional stanzas added

in 1794.

1 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;

O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. 2 God from God, Light from Light eternal, lo! he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; only-begotten Son of God the Father;

Refrain

3 Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; glory to God, glory in the highest;

Refrain

4 Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;

Refrain

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The Holy Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

Clergy 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!”

Clergy The Gospel of the Lord.People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon The Rev. Derrick Hill

Silence for reflection

As you are able, please stand.

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.

God’s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the “good news of great joy” and proclaim God’s blessing of peace.

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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

Prayers of the People

Intercessor As heaven and earth rejoice, let us pray for the needs of the church and all the world. A brief silence.

Intercessor Your great compassion, O God, has increased our joy. Give us gratitude each day for your light and the bread of life. Hear us, O God.People Your mercy is great.

Intercessor Because of your generosity, the trees clap their hands, the deep waters teem with varied creatures, and the stars burn with distant fire. Make us grateful for all that you call us to nurture and protect. Hear us, O God.People Your mercy is great.

Intercessor Because you know our need for order, you give us nations, cities, and neighborhoods. Help us to welcome the expertise of leaders, to uphold their good direction, and to oppose what harms the vulnerable. Hear us, O God.People Your mercy is great.

Intercessor Because you are a God of healing and renewal, you make whole what is broken. We beg your mercy on all who find this time of year a burden. Strengthen the grieving and comfort those who struggle with addictions. We pray especially for those we name aloud or silently (a brief silence). Hear us, O God.People Your mercy is great.

Intercessor By the power of the Holy Spirit, you have given us to each other to encourage and challenge. Give us hearts that remember your Christmas gifts beyond this night. Hear us, O God.People Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Intercessor We give thanks for those before us who witnessed to your presence, taught us to pray, and strengthened us in the truth especially all those on our prayer list, and all with whom we share the feast of eternal life. Hear us, O God.People Your mercy is great.

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Clergy Into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The Peace

Priest The peace of the Lord be always with you.People And also with you.

Greetings

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The Holy Communion

Offertory “Behold a Star from Jacob Shining” from Christus Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)

St. Timothy’s Festival Choir John Boulware, violin Nathan Wyatt, violin Madeline Wyatt, viola Bob Wood, cello

Behold a star from Jacob shining, and a scepter from Israel rising: To reign in glory over the nations. Like some bright morning star is he, The promise of the coming day, Beyond the night of sorrow. Break forth, O Light! We, our joyful Hearts uplifting With thanksgiving, Hail the brightness of Thy rising. (Numbers 24:17, arr. Henry Wilder Foote, 1875-1964)

The Presentation “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” In dulci jubilo

The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer B

Priest The Lord be with you.People And also with you.Priest Lift up your hearts.People We lift them to the Lord.Priest Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.People It is right to give God thanks and praise.

The Priest continues,It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every where 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, andreceive 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:

The loose cash offering is designated for

Brainerd High School Care Closet: Brainerd

High School is a Hamilton County school with approximately 650

students. The entire BHS student population

is identified as living in poverty. Counselors and

other school personnel are working to create a Care Closet which will contain basic clothing items such as uniform

shirts, jeans, khaki pants, socks, under

garments, toiletry items, and nonperishable food items. When a student

is in need, he or she will be allowed to go to the Care Closet to receive

the necessary items. The Care Closet is a much-

needed resource for the BHS students. Your

generosity and support of the Care Closet will be greatly appreciated.

This carol, “Good Christian Friends,

Rejoice,” dating from the 14th century, originally was a macaronic carol

using German and Latin. Today’s version

is total-ly in English and is sung to the traditional

German folk melody.

1 Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today; ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today!

2 Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; now ye hear of endless bliss; Jesus Christ was born for this! He hath opened heaven’s door, and we are blest for evermore. Christ was born for this!

3 Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save!

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Sanctus and Benedictus Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

The people stand or kneel.

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Priest 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 all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore according to his command, O Father,

All We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory.

Priest 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 . . . 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 for ever.

People Amen.Priest And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

The Lord’s Prayer

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.

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The Breaking of the Bread

Fraction Anthem “Lamb of God” Greensleeves

Invitation

The Communion

The bread and the cup are given to the communicants with these words. The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Amen. The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Amen.

Communion Music “Away in a Manger”

Mueller, James R. Murray (1841-1905)Anna Pyron and Joanne Wood, vocals John Boulware, violin Tarbel Patten, guitar Bob Wood, celloAway in a manger, no crib for his 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 way. The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes, 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 forever, and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

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“Lullaby, Jesus Child” Polish Carol, arr. Ronald A. Nelson (b. 1929) Sierra and Javier Maldonado, treblesSleep little Jesus, my diadem fairest, Sleep, holy Child, thou of all pearls the rarest. Lullaby, Jesus Child, sweet be thy sleeping, Mary is tenderly watch o’er thee keeping. Angels are rocking thee gently in slumber, Bringing thee gifts, dearest Babe, without number. Lullaby, Jesus, this world’s bright adorning, Fairer than stars and the sun of the morning. (tr. Ella Hjertaas Roe, 1889-1972) “The Virgin’s Slumber Song” (opus 76/52) Max Reger (1873-1916) Calista Sprague, soprano

Amid the roses Mary sits and rocks her Jesus child, While amid the tree tops signs the breeze so warm and mild. And soft and sweetly sings a bird upon the bough: Ah, baby, dear one, slumber now! Happy is thy laughter, holy is thy silent rest, Lay thy head in slumber, fondly on thy mother’s breast! (Edward Teschmacher, 1876-1940)

Carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Forest Green Congregation and Choir

Carol “Silent Night, Holy Night” Stille Nacht Franz Gruber (1787-1863)

Sue Ann Reinisch, flute John Boulware, guitar

1 O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

2 For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! and praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.

3 How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

4 O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

Though he was famed during his lifetime as a great preacher, no

sermon Phillips Brooks ever preached has been

heard or read by as many people as have

sung his carol he wrote in December 1868 (150

years ago this month) for the Sunday School

children of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in

Philadelphia. Tonight, we sing this to the traditional English

melody adapted by Ralph Vaughan

Williams.

The tradition that this carol’s tune was

created for guitar accompaniment at its first singing on

Christmas Eve 1818 (200 years ago tonight!)

seems reliable, though a recent find shows that the text was about two

years old.

1 Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace.

2 Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight, glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing alleluia; Christ, the Savior, is born!

3 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.

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Post Communion PrayerPresider Let us pray.People Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and

nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

Sending Hymn “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” Go Tell It

Christmas BlessingPresider May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you

in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.

May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the gospel. Amen.

May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

The DismissalThe Clergy dismisses the people.People Thanks be to God.

Voluntary In dulci jubilo (BWV 729) J. S. Bach (1685-1750)

Like other material from oral traditions, 19th-century African American spirituals flourished without being written down. Their refrains were their most stable parts, and narrative stanzas were often improvised to fit. These Nativity stanzas attempt to recall that tradition.

Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born!

1 While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night, behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light.

Refrain

2 The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth.

Refrain

3 Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessèd Christmas morn.

Refrain

Copyright Notice: The text to “The Dream Isaiah Saw” is from Thomas H. Troeger’s poem “Lion and Oxen Will Sleep in the Hay” from Borrowed Light © 1994 Oxford University Press. David Willcocks’ descants to the Gathering and Sequence hymns © 1961 Oxford University Press. The Psalm setting © 2008 Birnamwood Publications; the text is from The Psalter 1912 and the tune a traditional English melody, both in the public domain. The Sanctus from Schubert’s Deutsche Messe, arr. Richard Proulx (1937-2010) © 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. All are reprinted by permission through St. Timothy’s OneLicense.net #A-702254. The Gloria and Fraction Anthem arr. Mark Schweizer © St. James Music Press, reprinted here by special license. “All is Well” © 1989 Universal Music/Brentwood Benson Songs, Sony/ATV Milene Music. It is re-printed by permission through St. Timothy’s CCLI License #2547668. All other texts are in the public domain.

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• Christmas Eve Flowers 2018 •The flowers this Christmas Eve are given to the glory of God and . . .

In Thanksgiving For:

Our Ministers: Derrick, Taylor, and Elizabeth, by The Love Family

Betty Ewing, by The Hallman Family

Our sons, daughters, and grandson, by Mr. & Mrs. Dan Williams

All the precious children who greet me each Sunday, by Betty Ewing

Our children and grandchildren, by Jeff and Suzanne Caplenor

Our children, Ginny and Rob, by Rob and Donna Robinson

God’s many blessings, by Jim and Jan Stanko

Our children and grandchildren, by Margie and Charlie Rowland

Our family, friends, and all God’s many blessings, by John and Renee Leavens

Our grandchildren, Elsie, Maggie, Catie, Joseph, and Max, by Judy Martin

Our precious granddaughters Ebba and Silvia Critser and Hattie Evans, by Gary and Charlotte Critser

Our loved ones Bart, Marionnth, Matthew, Gianna, Dominick, Ebba, Silvia, Charlie, Logan, Hattie, Corey, and Emily, by Gary and Charlotte Critser

In Loving Memory of:

James L. Hackett and Margaret Reynolds, by Kay and David Hackett

Ann Workman Brewster, by Liz and Noel Workman

Our Grandson, August Weidlich, by Larry and Judith Paul

F. James H. Althaus and James H. Althaus, by Joan Althaus

Our parents: Sam & Ruth and Don & Dorothy, by Rob and Donna Robinson

Tom Caldwell, by Beverley and Frank Groves

Billy Hogue by grandchildren Ellie, Bethany, Grace, Benjamin, Sally, and Caroline

Angus, by Jim and Jan Stanko

John and Agnes Hall, Bob and Molly Impink, and Ed Impink, by Annie and Jim Hall

♪♬ Christmas Eve Music 2018 ♪♬The music this Christmas Eve is given to the glory of God and . . .

In Thanksgiving For:

Zammarin, by Doug and Darrington Crane

Our Choirs and Musicans, by The Love Family

Philip Newton, and all those who contribute their talents to our music program, by Mr. & Mrs. Dan Williams

Our Clergy and Musicians, by Betty Ewing

Beth Hackett who makes everyone feel so welcomed as they enter our church, by Betty Ewing

My grandchildren, Lauren, Robert, and Jacob, by Betty Ewing

Family and Friends, by Don and Joan Eigenberg

Our children, Beth, Kate, Beau, and Thomas, and our grandchildren, Virginia and Jamie, by Sarah and Bob McKenzie

Lily and Avery Veneman, by Bill and Gail ChapmanOur Children Ben, Kathleen, and Jon, by Mark and Beth Hackett

Tommy, Jimmy, Clarke, Austin, and Sidney, by Annie and Jim Hall

In Loving Memory of:

Felix G. Miller, by Shirley Miller

Harold S. Head, Ruth Windom, and John Witherspoon, by Laura Witherspoon and David Head

Our parents: Al and Ola Mae Johnson & Carlton and Anna Smith, by Anne and Joe Johnson

Our brothers: George Smith and Harry Johnson, by Anne and Joe Johnson

C. Ralph Ewing, Jr. and Ralph Ewing III, by Betty Ewing

Chas Pierce, by Katie and Ellie Pierce

Our good friend Vann Owens, by Beverley and Frank Groves

John and Anne Maley and Carol Easter, by the Maley Family

Dick Miles, Andy Miles and Janis Miles Kimsey and Alan Kimsey, by Molly Miles and Carol Miles

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630 Mississippi Avenue, Signal Mountain, Tennessee 37377 Sunday Service Times: 8 a.m. (Rite I), 9:15 a.m. (Sunday School), and 10:30 a.m. (Rite II)

(423) 886-2281 - FAX: (423) 886-9905 - sttims@sttimsignal.com - www.sttimsignal.com - facebook.com/sttimothysepiscopal Thrift Shop Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 3-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Clergy and StaffThe Rev. Derrick C. Hill, Rector

The Rev. Taylor W. Dinsmore, Associate Rector

Philip Newton, Director of Music Ministries

Tarbell Patten, Director of Zammarin

Beth Hackett, Office Administrator

Elizabeth Burns, Youth Director

Evie Durant, Director of Children’s Christian Formation

Carly Woodfin, Director of Communications

Cary Haney, Bookkeeper

Jabus Braxton, Facilities Manager

Joselyn Willis, Thrift Shop Manager

Susan Laseter, Director of STEPS

Vestry 2018Bill Chimley, Senior Warden

Buffie Harper, Junior Warden

Gary CritserBeth Hackett

Kitty KayChip LangleyJohn Leavens

Judith MillerCathy Robbins Rick SommerBill Steverson

Ginger Williams

St. timothy’S EpiScopal church

Eucharistic Ministers – David Head, Cathy Pyron, Bill Steverson, and Joe Johnson

Lector – Laura Morrow

Intercessor – Rob Robinson

Acolytes – C- Greta Morrow, Amelia Sisson, and Grady Robbins

Ushers – Chip Langley, Judith Miller, Jim Hall, Jim Dunbar

Greeters – Bess and Bill Steverson

Altar Guild – Betty Ann Langley and Barbara Warner

Sound – Eric Goddard

Reader of the Christmas Proclamation – Sierra Maldonado

Campanologist – Javier Maldonado

Cantor – Bob McKenzie

Today’s Servers

Pastoral ContactsThe Rev. Derrick Hill, Rector

Church Office – 423-886-2281 ext. 3301Cell – 423-991-5776, Email – dhill@sttimsignal.com

The Rev. Taylor Dinsmore, Associate RectorChurch Office – 423-886-2281 ext. 3303

Cell – 865-310-3539, Email – tdinsmore@sttimsignal.com

Cathy Robbins, Pastoral Care Vestry LiaisonPhone – 423-886-3831

Email – rockinrobbins2015@gmail.com