“Our Welcome”

In the light of God’s unconditional love, we respect the dignity of every human being by welcoming and supporting all persons whatever their race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, health status, marital status or stage of spiritual journeying. We invite you to explore, investigate, and grow in your faith and become a part of our shared journey with God.

The Nativity of Our Lord December 25, 2020

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 218 W. Ottawa St. Lansing, MI 48933 Office: 517-482-9454 www.stpaulslansing.org

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St. Paul’s Staff: The Rev. Karen C. Lewis, Rector; Ms. Stephanie Gewirtz, Minister of Music; Ms. Theresa Milne, Parish Administrator; Mr. Brandon Blanchard, Sexton; Ms. Ciera Hart, Nursery Attendant; Ms. Kathy Vogel, Wedding Coordinator. St. Paul’s Vestry: Maria Wawro, Sr. Warden; Sue LeDuc, Jr. Warden; Jack Baker, Jane Bryce, Michael Hart, Jennifer Humphries, Bob Merriman, Dave Parks, Libby Richardson, Margaret Schulte, Gloria Sutton, Jeff Irwin, Treasurer, Sally Boron, Secretary. Please prepare yourself for worship. Find a space where you can be comfortable and undisturbed for awhile. Perhaps have a small cross and/or a candle placed on a small table by you. Take a moment to be still and think of all those who will be joining you this morning in prayer.

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The Nativity of Our Lord December 25, 2020

PRELUDE “Ding, Dong, Merrily on High” arr. Molly Ijames Remus Webb, trumpet “A Christmas Fanfare” arr. Jeff Kressler OPENING HYMN 83 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

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GREETINGS

The Officiant says

Dear People of God: In this Christmas Season, let it be our duty and delight to hear once more the message of the angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger. Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of God’s loving purpose from the time of our rebellion against him until the glorious redemption brought to us by his holy child Jesus, and let us make this place glad with carols of praise.

Let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother, and that whole multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in Jesus, we are one for evermore.

Officiant Rejoice! I bring good news for all people. People Unto us a child is born. Alleluia! Officiant Tonight the angels sing on earth. People Glory to God in the highest!

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HYMN 96 “Angels We have Heard on High”

Officiant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Officiant Let us pray.

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THE COLLECT OF THE DAY 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. The People sit for the readings THE FIRST LESSON ISAIAH 9:2-7 A reading from 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 song given to us; authority 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. HYMN 87 “Hark! The herald angels sing”

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THE SECOND LESSON TITUS 2:11-14

Reader A reading from Titus

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.

Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

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HYMN 93 “Angels from the Realm of Glory”

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THE GOSPEL The people stand LUKE 2:1-14

Officiant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

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!”

Officiant The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. THE SERMON The Rev. Karen C. Lewis 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;

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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 On this night, we have heard how the world into which Jesus was born was ruled by governor, emperor, and king. Yet this story reveals that you, O God, are the only true Sovereign – Almighty and Everlasting. We praise you for the peace you have promised. We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, who dwells among us full of grace and truth. Hear now our prayers that all people might find healing, comfort and joy.

We pray for public officials and rulers. Give them wisdom in decisions, a will for the common good, and the courage to work for peace among all nations. Shine upon them and give them peace.

We pray for all who work and watch this night: for those in hospitals and positions of public service; for those serving our country here and around the globe; for those in airports, trains, and bus stations; for those who work in shelters, hotels, and other places of hospitality. Shine upon them and give them peace.

We pray for all who suffer this night: those who are sick and those with COVID-19; those we now name either silently or aloud ________; for those who are cold, lonely or grieving; for people who are hungry and homeless. Shine upon them and give them peace.

We pray for families and friends; for those who are with us and those far away; for those who especially need your guidance in this season and for those in our memories who now dwell with you. Shine upon them and give them peace.

We pray, O God, with the multitude of the heavenly host, that through Jesus Christ your glory will lighten every darkness; that your peace will fill all in all. We pray that those who live in the midst of war may live without fear and destruction; and that all your creatures may be restored and renewed. Shine upon them and give them peace. The Officiant concludes the prayers saying

The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. As we celebrate his birth, and wait in hope for his coming again, receive our prayers and the prayers of our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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THE PEACE All stand. The Officiant says to the people

The Peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you. OFFERTORY “Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Silent Night/What Child is This?)” Larissa Gleason-Clark, Larry Clark, Emma Clark arr. Ruth Elaine Schram

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

The people standing, the Officiant says The Lord be with you People And also with you. Officiant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Officiant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give him thanks and praise. 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: Officiant and People say together Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. The people stand or kneel, as the Officiant 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.”

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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.”

Therefore, according to his command, O Father, Officiant and People say together

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

The Officiant 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 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. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

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. THE FRACTION ANTHEM The Officiant breaks the consecrated bread Officiant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. THE COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE Communion will be distributed in bread only. One at a time, each household unit will come to the railing to receive communion. Please do not remove your mask and consume the bread until you return to your seat. COMMUNION ANTHEM “El Noi de la Mare (The Son of Mary) – Catalan Carol” Larissa Gleason-Clark, Larry Clark, Emma Clark arr. Jackie O’Neill

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POST-COMMUNION PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Officiant and People say together:

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, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen. WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS HYMN 111 “Silent Night”

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BLESSING 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. CLOSING HYMN 100 “JOY TO THE WORLD”

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DISMISSAL Officiant Go into the night, glorifying and praising God for all you have seen and heard. People Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE “Carol of the Bells” arr. Jeff Kressler “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” arr. Molly Ijames Remus Webb, trumpet Musical selections licensed through Rite Song.

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PRAYER FOR A PANDEMIC

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those who lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options. May we who have to cancel our trips remember those that have no safe place to go. May we who are losing our margin money in May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. As fear grips our country, let us choose love. During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbor. Amen. Author unknown

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER December 25, 2020

We pray for those who have ongoing needs for healing prayers: Margaret (Peggy) Richardson, Mason Hill, Marsha Macholz, Sebastian Cuesta, Clint Hogue, John Hawkins, Julie, Van Anderson, Marian Boulus, Nancy Rudd, Meadow Rawlins, Anna Hayward, Harvey Clark & Mary Armstrong, Michelle Levenick, Norma Lindholm, Audrey & David, Pat Bellinger, Joanne Boulton, Claudia Hamlin, Ronda Peters, Erica, Marta & Venancio, Mike Jacobs, Rick Wendorf, Chris Krupka, Paul Doersam, Robert Madrigal, Joy Brewer, William Gabel, Pat Seger-Krawczynski, April Cruz, Karlene Bach, Sally Boron, Pam & John Irwin, Kate Johnson, Doug, Jeff Waters, David Hemingway, Max Pierce, Michael Crouch, Terry Bryce, Sherry Sutton, Danielle Laurion, Michael O’Toole, Penny, Peggy, Karen Clarke, Eric, Amy Crabtree, Judy Manson, Patricia McMartin, Doug Boor, Craig, Odie, Leonard, Sarah, Larry Gut, Delaine Counseller, Ellie Doersam, Gail & Bill Kendall, Lynn Dayton, Herb Tanner & Stacey O’Toole, Brian Baker, Margo Rudd, Barb Webb, Barb Heany, Jim Ewing, Jerry Simpson, and Jane Bryce. We pray and remember those in the Military, and those who are serving in dangerous areas: Brendan Moody, Zachariah Reeves, Zachary Bellinger, Conrad Laurion, Alex Van Koevering, Tyson Carter, Amy Peryea, Suzette Bauman, John Bellinger, Doug Laurion, Erika Harkness Wilson, McKenzie Counseller, and Josh Cramer. We pray this week for the following St. Paul’s members & family: Carlie Money & Camren Wilson; Vic & Martie, Kaitlyn, Aidyn, & Colin Narezo; John & Laurie, Frankie, Sara, & Paulie Nevin; and Scott & Tara, Mason & Dexter Nichol. We pray this week for the following community service agency: Community Mental Health Authority, 812 E. Jolly Rd., Lansing, MI 48910 We pray for our worshiping communities: St. John’s, Detroit; St. Andrew’s, Waterford; St. Paul the Apostle, Jimani, DR; and Jesus the Pilgrim, Barahona, DR. We pray for those in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Pray for Christians in other denominations and the work of the ecumenical movement. His Holiness Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome; His All Holiness Archbishop Bartholomew of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch; The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches; Bishop Ivan M. Abrahams, General Secretary, World Methodist Council; and The Rev. Chris Ferguson, General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. We pray for: Michael Bruce Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church; Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Bonnie A. Perry, our bishop; Karen C. Lewis, our rector; our worship ministers, and staff at St. Paul’s.

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THIS WEEK AT ST. PAUL’S December 27, 2020 – January 3, 2021

Sunday, 12/27: 11:00am Service with Bishop Perry & Governor Whitmer Live on Zoom Monday, 12/28: The office will be closed for the week.

Tuesday, 12/29: Wednesday, 12/30: Thursday, 12/31: Friday, 1/1:

Saturday, 1/2: Sunday, 1/3: 8:00am Morning Prayer Service – Online

11:30am Coffee Hour - Zoom