31 Dec. 2006 Bulletin

The Feast of the Epiphany

The poinsettias and gracing our altar in celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2006th Birthday and in memory of family and loved ones of our historic and beloved church! Your donations are given to the Christmas Restoration Fund in lieu of fresh poinsettias this year.

OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Introit "Adoration" T. Fettke

Welcome and Call to Worship: Psalm 96
Give to the Lord, you family of nations.
GIVE TO THE LORD GLORY & PRAISE!
Give to the Lord the glory due his name!
BRING GIFTS, & ENTER HIS COURTS; WORSHIP THE LORD IN HOLY ATTIRE! TREMBLE BEFORE HIM, ALL THE EARTH!

*Hymn 166 "We Three Kings" John H. Hopkins, Jr.

Let us be before our God in silence.

Unison Prayer: 1 Chronicles 29:10-13
BLEST ARE YOU FOREVER, LORD, GOD OF OUR FATHER, ISRAEL. POWER, SPLENDOR, GREATNESS, GLORY & HONOR ARE YOURS. THE WHOLE UNIVERSE IS YOURS. YOU ARE PEERLESS IN MAJESTY, FROM YOU FLOW WEALTH & GLORY. YOU COMMAND ALL: YOUR HAND IS STRENGTH, YOUR HAND MAKES STRONG. AND SO WE THANK YOU, GOD, WE PRAISE YOUR SPLENDID NAME!

Kyrie (sung)
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
CHRIST, HAVE MERCY ON US.
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.

A Word of Assurance and the Summary of God's Law (Mark 12:29b-31)
This is the first commandment:
HEAR O ISRAEL,
THE LORD OUR GOD,
THE LORD IS ONE!
THEREFORE YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD
WITH ALL YOUR HEART,
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL,
WITH ALL YOUR MIND,
AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.
This is the second commandment:
YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
There is no greater commandment than these.

Anthem "Where Is He That Is Born a King?" J.W. Peterson

THE WORD OF GOD
*Responsive Reading: Psalm 72

*Gloria Patri (Hymn No. 623)
GLORY BE TO THE FATHER
AND TO THE SON
AND TO THE HOLY GHOST.
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING,
IS NOW AND EVER SHALL BE,
WORLD WITHOUT END,
AMEN, AMEN!

The Greeting of Peace
Announcements
*Hymn 163 "As With Gladness Men of Old" William C. Dix

Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1-6
Epistle: Ephesians 3:1-12
The Celtic Alleluia
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
*Hymn 137 "What Child Is This?" William C. Dix
*The Offering, Doxology (625) and Prayer
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW;
PRAISE GOD ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW;
PRAISE GOD ABOVE YE HEAVENLY HOSTS;
PRAISE FATHER (CREATOR), SON (CHRIST) AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN.

Giving Thanks & Praise & the Lord's Prayer
*Hymn 138 "Go Tell It On the Mountain" John W. Work, Jr.
*Benediction
*Choral Response
Postlude

*Indicates please stand if you are able.

A note from the pastor: I want to express my personal thanks to each and every one of you for gracious (useful) gifts and Christmas greetings given to me last week. I pray you experience serenity in your hearts as the new year dawns and that you actively work for peace to become a reality in this world. Our God awaits our work for peace and blesses us for it.

Happy New Year to You and to your loved ones
from the elders, deacons & ministers of New Utrecht!
Peace, Health, Joy Fulfillment in the New Year to All!

24 Dec. 2006 Bulletin

Download the Christmas Eve Morning Bulletin (PDF)

17 Dec. 2006 Bulletin

Third Sunday of Advent

The poinsettias gracing our altar in celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2006^th birthday and in memory of family and loved ones of our historic and beloved church! Your donations are given to the Christmas Restoration Fund in lieu of fresh poinsettias this year.

OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Introit "A Nativity Prayer"

Welcome and Blessing of the Creche

The Lighting of the 3^rd Advent Candle - John Henry Cardinal Newman
May each Christmas, as it comes,
FIND US MORE AND MORE LIKE HIM.
Who at this time became a little child,
FOR OUR SAKE.
More simple-minded,
MORE HUMBLE.
More affectionate,
MORE RESIGNED.
More happy,
MORE FULL OF GOD!

*Hymn 155 "Once in Royal David's City"

Let us be before our God in silence.

Unison Prayer: FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS, EVER FAITHFUL TO YOUR PROMISES, YOUR SON'S FUTURE COMING WAS PROCLAIMED BY ALL THE PROPHETS. THE VIRGIN MOTHER BORE HIM IN HER WOMB WITH LOVE BEYOND ALL TELLING. JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS HIS HERALD & MADE HIM KNOWN WHEN AT LAST HE CAME.  IN HIS LOVE CHRIST HAS FILLED US WITH JOY AS WE PREPARE TO CELEBRATE HIS BIRTH, SO THAT WHEN HE COMES HE MAY FIND US WATCHING IN PRAYER, OUR HEARTS FILLED WITH WONDER AND PRAISE.

Kyrie (sung)
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
CHRIST, HAVE MERCY ON US.
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.

A Word of Assurance

The Summary of God's Law (Mark 12:29b-31)
This is the first commandment:
HEAR O ISRAEL,
THE LORD OUR GOD,
THE LORD IS ONE! 
THEREFORE YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD
WITH ALL YOUR HEART,
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL,
WITH ALL YOUR MIND,
AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.
This is the second commandment:
YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
There is no greater commandment than these.

Anthem "The Birthday of a King" W. Neidlinger

THE WORD OF GOD
*Responsive Reading: Luke 1:46-55 The Magnificant

*Gloria Patri (Hymn No. 623)
GLORY BE TO THE FATHER
AND TO THE SON
AND TO THE HOLY GHOST. 
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING,
IS NOW AND EVER SHALL BE,
WORLD WITHOUT END,
AMEN, AMEN!

The Greeting of Peace
Announcements
*Hymn 160 "Lo, How A Rose E'r Blooming"

Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Epistle: Philippians 4:4-7
The Celtic Allelulia!
Gospel: Luke 3:3-18
Sermon

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
Hymn "In the Bleak Mid Winter"
*The Offering, Doxology (625) and Prayer
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW;
PRAISE GOD ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW;
PRAISE GOD ABOVE YE HEAVENLY HOSTS;
PRAISE FATHER (CREATOR), SON (CHRIST) AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN.

A Time of Giving Thanks & Praise
The Prayer of the People & the Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn 125 "Joy to the World"
*The Benediction
*Choral Response
Postlude

*Please stand if you are able.

With many thanks to Elder Louise Fabiszak and so many helpers and actors who brought the meaning of Christmas to life in Bensonhurst through yesterday's Living Nativity! Thank you! Thank you!

Please join us for Christmas Eve service next Sunday the 24th at 11 AM!

10 Dec. 2006 Bulletin

Second Sunday of Advent

The poinsettias gracing our altar in celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2006^th birthday and in memory of family and loved ones of our historic and beloved church!

OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Introit "Emmanuel" B. McGee

Welcome & Blessing of the Greens

The Lighting of the 2^nd Advent Candle - Rueben Alves
Hope is the presentiment that the imagination is more real,
AND REALITY LESS REAL, THAN WE HAD THOUGHT.
It is the sensation that the last word
DOES NOT BELONG TO THE BRUTALITY OF FACTS WITH THEIR OPPRESSION AND REPRESSION.
It is the suspicion that reality is far more complex than realism would have us believe,
THAT THE FRONTIERS OF THE POSSIBLE ARE NOT DETERMINED BY THE LIMITS OF THE PRESENT,
And that miraculously and surprisingly, life is readying the creative event
THAT WILL OPEN THE WAY TO FREEDOM AND RESURRECTION.

*Hymn "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry"

Let us be before our God in silence.

Unison Prayer: FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS, EVER FAITHFUL TO YOUR PROMISES, YOUR SON'S FUTURE COMING WAS PROCLAIMED BY ALL THE PROPHETS. THE VIRGIN MOTHER BORE HIM IN HER WOMB WITH LOVE BEYOND ALL TELLING. JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS HIS HERALD & MADE HIM KNOWN WHEN AT LAST HE CAME. IN HIS LOVE CHRIST HAS FILLED US WITH JOY AS WE PREPARE TO CELEBRATE HIS BIRTH, SO THAT WHEN HE COMES HE MAY FIND US WATCHING IN PRAYER, OUR HEARTS FILLED WITH WONDER AND PRAISE.

Kyrie (sung)
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
CHRIST, HAVE MERCY ON US.
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.

A Word of Assurance

The Summary of God's Law (Mark 12:29b-31)
This is the first commandment:
HEAR O ISRAEL,
THE LORD OUR GOD,
THE LORD IS ONE!
THEREFORE YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD
WITH ALL YOUR HEART,
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL,
WITH ALL YOUR MIND,
AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.
This is the second commandment:
YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
There is no greater commandment than these.

Anthem "Of the Father's Love Begotten" C.W. Douglas

THE WORD OF GOD
*Responsive Reading: Baruch 5:1-9

*Gloria Patri (Hymn No. 623)
GLORY BE TO THE FATHER
AND TO THE SON
AND TO THE HOLY GHOST.
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING,
IS NOW AND EVER SHALL BE,
WORLD WITHOUT END,
AMEN, AMEN!

The Greeting of Peace
Announcements
*Hymn "The Holly and the Ivy"

Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures: Malachi 3:1-4
Epistle: Philippians 1:3-11
The Celtic Allelulia!
Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
Sermon

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
*Hymn 129 "Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light"
*The Offering, Doxology (625) and Prayer
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW;
PRAISE GOD ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW;
PRAISE GOD ABOVE YE HEAVENLY HOSTS;
PRAISE FATHER (CREATOR), SON (CHRIST) AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN.

Giving Thanks to God
The Prayer of the People and the Lord's Prayer
*Hymn insert "Hail to the Lord's Anointed"
*Benediction
*Choral Response
Postlude

*Please stand if you are able.

Thanks to all who made last night's Advent Supper a success! Cooks, decorators, dessert bakers and dance floor divas! Thank you, Elder Pam for your leadership! Special thanks to our evening's DJ Ibrahim! You swept us off our feet!

JOIN US FOR THE LIVING NATIVITY NEXT SATURDAY FROM 3 - 6 PM. HELP IS STILL NEEDED! CAN YOU COME AT 1:30 PM TO HELP US SET UP? WE APPRECIATE IT! TELL YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS TO COME AND SEE THE CHRIST CHILD!

Your donations to our Christmas Poinsettias (envelopes provided in offering plate) will be given to the Christmas Restoration Fund in lieu of fresh poinsettias & evergreens.

3 Dec. 2006 Bulletin

First Sunday of Advent
Celebration of the Eucharist

We welcome in a spirit of silence as the prelude begins our service.

OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Introit "Emmanuel"

Welcome

The Blessing of the Advent Wreath
Bless this wreath, O God, whose lighting marks the days to your arrival; whose fire lights for us the way. Grant to us who wait, watch and hope for your coming, the gift of Your presence here among us. Grant that our waiting be active, our yearning for you passionate, and the power of light and warmth be the sign that you are here, even as we wait for you to come. Amen.

Text by Charles Borromeo, 16th century

Beloved, now is the acceptable time spoken of by the Spirit:
THE DAY OF SALVATION, PEACE AND RECONCILIATION: THE GREAT SEASON OF ADVENT!
This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs and prophets, the time that holy Simeon rejoiced to see.
WE OBSERVE IT WITH FAITH AND LOVE, OFFERING PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING TO THE FATHER FOR THE MERCY AND LOVE GOD HAS SHOWN US IN THIS MYSTERY.

The Lighting of the First Advent Candle

*Opening Hymn BB 214 "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"

Let us be before our God in silence.

Close your eyes and you will see clearly.
Cease to listen and you will hear the truth.
                                  --a Taoist poem

Unison Prayer: Psalm 63:2-7
O GOD, YOU ARE MY GOD, FOR YOU I LONG: FOR YOU MY SOUL IS THIRSTING. MY BODY PINES FOR YOU LIKE A DRY, WEARY LAND WITHOUT WATER...FOR YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE, MY LIPS WILL SPEAK YOUR PRAISE. SO I WILL BLESS YOU ALL MY LIFE, IN YOUR NAME I WILL LIFT UP MY HANDS. MY SOUL SHALL BE FILLED AS WITH A BANQUET, MY MOUTH SHALL PRAISE YOU WITH JOY!

Kyrie (sung)
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
CHRIST, HAVE MERCY ON US.
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.

A Word of Assurance and the Summary of the Law (Mark 12:29b-31)
This is the first commandment:
HEAR O ISRAEL,
THE LORD OUR GOD,
THE LORD IS ONE!  
THEREFORE YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD
WITH ALL YOUR HEART,
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL,
WITH ALL YOUR MIND,
AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.
This is the second commandment:
YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
There is no greater commandment than these.

Anthem "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" T. Fettke

THE WORD OF GOD
*Responsive Reading: Luke 1:46-55

*Gloria Patri (Hymn No. 623)
GLORY BE TO THE FATHER
AND TO THE SON
AND TO THE HOLY GHOST.  
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING,
IS NOW AND EVER SHALL BE,
WORLD WITHOUT END,
AMEN, AMEN!

The Greeting of Peace
Announcements & Children's Moment
*Hymn 126 "A Nativity Prayer"

Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
The Celtic Allelulia!
Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Communion Meditation "Living in Promise"

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
Hymn BB 47 "You Clouds of Heaven, Open Wide"
*The Offering
*Doxology (625) and Prayer
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW;
PRAISE GOD ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW;
PRAISE GOD ABOVE YE HEAVENLY HOSTS;
PRAISE FATHER (CREATOR), SON (CHRIST) AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN.

The Invitation to the Table
BB 354 "One Bread, One Body" vs. 2
Communion Prayer
The Breaking of the Bread
The Great Thanksgiving and the Lord's Prayer
*Hymn 120 "The Advent of Our God"
*Benediction
*Response to the Benediction
Postlude

*Please stand if you are able.

Thanks to all who made "Breakfast With Santa" a wonderful success!

Congregational Advent Dinner is set for Saturday, December 9th at 6 PM at the Parish House!
Set up is at 1:30 PM. Are you cooking up a dish? Let Elder Pam know!

GIFT TREE: We are collecting hats and gloves, socks, scarves, etc...to go with Christmas coat gifts this year!

Don't forget: LIVING NATIVITY Saturday, December 16th from 3 PM - 6 PM! Tell your neighbors and friends!
We are setting up at 1:30 PM...Can you help us?