30 Dec. 2007 Bulletin

First Sunday of Christmastide

OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Introit "What Can I Give Him?"

The Lighting of the Christ Candle - Divine Office
This day true peace has come down to us from heaven,
THIS DAY THE HEAVENS DRIP HONEY UPON THE ENTIRE WORLD!
This day brought the day of new redemption,
OF THE DELIVERANCE ANNOUNCED OF OLD, OF ETERNAL HAPPINESS!
Let us this day with delight in the Lord
AND LET OUR HEARTS BE FILLED WITH REJOICING,
For eternal salvation has appeared on the earth,
LET ALL THE EARTH BOW TO YOU & SING TO YOU, LET ALL SING YOUR NAME MOST HIGH! ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

*Hymn 567 "Another Year is Dawning"

Let us be before our God in silence.

Opening Prayer - John Wallace Suter
SEND, O GOD, INTO THE DARKNESS OF THIS TROUBLED WORLD, THE LIGHT OF YOUR SON: LET THE STAR OF YOUR HOPE TOUCH THE MINDS OF ALL PEOPLE WITH THE BRIGHT BEAMS OF MERCY AND TRUTH; AND SO DIRECT OUR STEPS THAT WE MAY ALWAYS WALK IN THE WAY REVEALED TO US, AS THE SHEPHERDS OF BETHLEHEM WALKED WITH JOY TO THE MANGER WHERE HE DWELT.

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

A Word of Assurance

The Summary of the Law (Mark 12:29-31)
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 "In the Lonely Midnight" J. Howard

THE WORD OF GOD
*Responsive Reading: John 1:1-14

*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 152 "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-11
The Celtic Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 2:15-20
Sermon

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
*Hymn 141 "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
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 and Praise to God
The Prayer of the People & the Lord's Prayer
*Hymn 133 "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
*Benediction
Postlude

*Please stand if you are able.

24 Dec. 2007 Bulletin

Photo by Vincent La Marca

Download the Christmas Eve Worship Service (PDF)

23 Dec. 2007 Bulletin

Fourth Sunday in Advent*

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

The poinsettias and gracing our altar in celebration of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, 2007th Birthday and in memory of family and loved ones of our historic & beloved church! Your donations were given to the Christmas Restoration Fund in lieu of fresh poinsettias this year.

OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Introit "The Nativity Prayer"

Welcome and Blessing of the Christmas Gifts

The Lighting of the 4th Advent Candle - J. Danielou
We live always during Advent.
WE ARE ALWAYS WAITING FOR THE MESSIAH TO COME.
The Messiah has come,
BUT IS NOT FULLY MANIFEST.
The Messiah is not fully manifest in us.
THE MESSIAH IS NOT FULLY MANIFEST IN HUMANKIND AS A WHOLE.
Just as Christ was born according to the flesh in Bethlehem of Judah,
SO MUST HE BE BORN ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT IN EACH ONE OF US.
The Fourth Candle is now lit.

*Hymn 145 "O Come All Ye Faithful"

Let us be before our God in silence.

Unison Prayer:
FATHER & MOTHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE EARTH REJOICES IN HOPE OF THE SAVIOR'S COMING & LOOKS FORWARD TO HIS RETURN AT THE END OF TIME. PREPARE US & REMOVE FROM US WHAT HINDERS US FROM BEING A SIGN OF JOY, HOPE & LOVE TO THE WORLD THAT HIS PRESENCE DOES BESTOW. AMEN.

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

A Word of Assurance

The Summary of the Law (Mark 12:29-31)
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 Bells of Bethlehem" I. Slaney & "Sing Gloria" K. Davis

THE WORD OF GOD
*Responsive Reading: The Canticle of Zechariah Luke 1:68-79

*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 "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming"

Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures: Isaiah 7:10-14
Epistle: Romans 1:1-7
The Celtic Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25
Sermon
Hymn "Love Came Down at Christmas"
*The Apostles' Creed

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
*Offertory Anthem "Angels We Have Heard On High"
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 & the Lord's Prayer
*Hymn 125 "Joy to the World"
*Benediction
*Choral Response "Ring the Bells" H. Bollback
Postlude

*Please stand if you are able.

Please join us for worship, if you can, on Christmas Eve for Lessons & Carols in the Parish House at 8:15 PM.

Our thanks to Elder Louise Fabiszak, the Outreach Committee and the many, many members and Friends of Historic New Utrecht who made our Living Nativity come to life! Thank you! Thank you!

SINCE the coming of Christ goes on forever - he is always he who is to come in the world and in the church - there is always an Advent going on.

-Jean Danielou

16 Dec. 2007 Bulletin

Third Sunday in Advent*

The poinsettias gracing our altar in celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2007^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 "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly"
Welcome

Blessing of the Gifts
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 insert "Hail to the Lord's Anointed"

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: Psalm 146:6-10
*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 129 "Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light"

Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
Epistle: James 5:7-10
The Celtic Allelulia!
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11
Sermon
Hymn "Creator of the Stars of Night"

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
*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 155 "Once in Royal David's City"
*The Benediction
*Choral Response
Postlude

*Please stand if you are able.

We need YOU at 1:30 PM next Saturday, December 22^nd to help set up the Living Nativity! Please come and help, next Saturday the 22^nd, in this important witness to our community!!! Thank you!

Please join us for Christmas Eve Candlelight service of Lessons and Carols, December 24^th At 8:15 PM!

A great big THANK YOU to the Friends of Historic New Utrecht, Brian Worsdale, the North Shore Pops and all our neighbors and friends for coming out to celebrate the holiday at last night's concert!

Our deepest thanks to Deacon Debbie and all her helpers for organizing a gracious and generous gift drive for the homeless this Christmas! "Ye who now shall bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing!"

9 Dec. 2007 Bulletin

Second Sunday of Advent

The poinsettias gracing our altar in celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2007^th birthday and in memory of family and loved ones of our historic and beloved church!

OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Introit "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"

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 BB 49 "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 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 "Of the Father's Love Begotten" C.W. Douglas

THE WORD OF GOD
*Responsive Reading: Psalm 72:1-17

*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 BB 55 "Await with Hope"

Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures: Isaiah 11:1-10
Epistle: Romans 15:4-12
The Celtic Allelulia!
Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12
Sermon

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
Hymn BB 46 "Savior of the Nations Come"
*The Apostles' Creed
*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!

JOIN US FOR THE LIVING NATIVITY SATURDAY DECEMBER 22^ND 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.

2 Dec. 2007 Bulletin

First Sunday in Advent
The Sacrament 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, 16^th century

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

The Lighting of the First Advent Candle
A congregant comes forward at this time to light.
*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 12:29-31)
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"

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 & "Come Lord Jesus" (hymn tune 91 "Alleluia")

Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures: Isaiah 2:1-5
Epistle: Romans 13:11-14
The Celtic Allelulia!
Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44
Communion Meditation "Awaiting Change, Changed by Waiting"

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
*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 Preparation of the Table
The Invitation to the Table
Hymn 126 "A Nativity Prayer"
Communion Prayer
The Breaking of Bread
The Thanksgiving 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 terrific success! Special thanks to Delia Schack and Eileen La Ruffa who handled the Advent crafts with such gusto! Join us for our Congregational Advent Dinner on Saturday, December 8^th at 6 PM at the Parish House!
The Living Nativity is set for Saturday, December 22^nd from 3 PM - 6 PM! Come and help us as actors!

The flowers gracing our altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of my sister and brother in law, Marion E. and Richard E. Main by Lucille L. James.