O Come All Ye Faithful - Don Kerr, organ
Welcome/Bidding Prayer - The Rt. Rev. Thomas James Brown, Bishop of Maine
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 our carols of praise.
But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world, for peace and justice on earth, for the unity and mission of the Church for which he died, and especially for his Church in our country and in this city.
And because he particularly loves them, let us remember in his name the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed, the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and unloved, the aged and little children, as well as all those who do not know and love the Lord Jesus Christ.
Finally, 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.
Collect - Jane Knox
And now, to gather up all these petitions, let us pray:
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Doxology - The Rev. Sheila Seekins
The Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and to the fellowship of the citizens above, may the King of Angels bring us all. Amen.
The First Lesson: Genesis 3:1-15 - The Rev. Jane White-Hassler
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" He said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate." Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent tricked me, and I ate." The Lord God said to the serpent,
"Because you have done this,
cursed are you among all animals
and among all wild creatures;
upon your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel."
O Loving Wisdom of Our God Tom White-Hassler
The Second Lesson: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 - Ted Fletcher
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.
For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,
until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Lo How a Rose - Choir of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Waterville
The Third Lesson: Luke 2:1-20 - Klara Tammany
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!"
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Angels We Have Heard on High - Joel Pierce, organ
The Fourth Lesson: Benjamin Cooke
A Song of True Motherhood by Julian of Norwich
God chose to be our mother in all things *
and so made the foundation of his work,
most humbly and most pure, in the Virgin's womb.
God, the perfect wisdom of all, * arrayed himself in this humble place.
Christ came in our poor flesh * to share a mother's care.
Our mothers bear us for pain and for death; *
our true mother, Jesus, bears us for joy and endless life.
Christ carried us within him in love and travail, *
until the full time of his passion
And when all was completed and he had carried us so for joy,*
still all this could not satisfy the power of his wonderful love.
All that we owe is redeemed in truly loving God, *
for the love of Christ works in us;
Christ is the one whom we love.
Of the Father's Love Begotten - The Rev. Jennifer Reece & Spencer Nelson
The Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18 - The Rev. Andrew D'Angio White
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through
Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.
The Sermon - The Rt. Rev. Thomas James Brown, Bishop of Maine
The Peace - The Rev. Cn. Sara D'Angio White Presider:
The peace of Christ be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Eucharistic Prayer 3 - The Rev. Ryan Mails From Enriching our Liturgy
Presider: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Presider: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Presider: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise. All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind.
Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; And so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy:
Sanctus
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Presider:
Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to ourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.
We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said: "Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said: "Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me."
And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ's coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ:
People:
Dying, you destroyed our death.
Rising, you restored our life.
Christ Jesus, come in glory!
Presider:
Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit's power, may be a people of hope, justice and love. Giver of Life, draw us together in the Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time gather us With blessed John, and all your people into the joy of our true eternal home.Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise.
Presider and People
Blessed are you now and forever. AMEN.
The Lord's Prayer - Emily Keniston and Family
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray;
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us in the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
The Fraction - The Rev. Ryan Mails
God of promise, you have prepared a banquet for us.
Happy are those who are called to the Supper of the Lamb.
The Invitation
The Gifts of God for the People of God.
The Prayer of Spiritual Communion - John Newell
Since now we are apart, let us pray:
Gracious Christ you invite us to your feast, setting before us your hearts bread, and your life's wine. We yearn with all our souls to feast with you at the Altar, to taste and see the Lord's goodness today. Since we cannot now find union at the table, grant your presence spiritually. We offer you our hearts, lives and souls, that we may all become eternally one. Amen.
Communion Music - Pamela Kinsey - What Child Is This
Post Communion Prayer - Michael Gleason
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.
The Blessing -The Rt. Rev. Thomas James Brown, Bishop of Maine
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Don Kerr, organ
The Dismissal - The Rev. Mary Lee Wile Deacon:
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Postlude Don Kerr, organ Chacone [in F] by Louis Couperin (1626-1661)
Participants from across the Episcopal Diocese of Maine:
The Rt. Rev. Thomas James Brown, Bishop of Maine
Benjamin Cooke, Postulant, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Newcastle
The Rev. Andrew D'Angio White, Rector, St. David's Episcopal Church, Kennebunk
The Rev. Cn. Sara D'Angio White, Canon for Youth Ministry, Episcopal Diocese of Maine
Theodore Fletcher, Esq., Junior Warden, St. Andrew & St. John Episcopal Church Southwest Harbor, Maine
Michael P. Gleason, SMSgt (Ret) USAF, St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, Brewer Emily Keniston, Consultant for Christian Formation, Episcopal Diocese of Maine
Jane Knox, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Brunswick, Maine
The Rev. Ryan Mails, Rector, St. George's Episcopal Church, York Harbor
John Newell, Christ Church, Eastport
The Rev. Sheila Seekins, Priest in Charge, Trinity Episcopal Church, Lewiston
The Rev. Jane White-Hassler, Priest in Charge, St. James' Episcopal Church, Old Town
The Rev. Mary Lee Wile, Deacon, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Brunswick
Musicians:
Choir of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Waterville: Tim and Mary Rector, Dan and Bridgit Eccher, Mary Ellen Johnston, Martha Reinhardt, and Kate Stratton. Don Kerr, Director Don Kerr, Organist and Choir Director, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Waterville Pamela Kinsey: Music Ministry Team Leader, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fort Fairfield (And the Aroostook Episcopal Cluster)
Spencer Nelson, Sexton, Oranbega Retreat Center, Orland
Joel Pierce, Director of Music, St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Cape Elizabeth Rev. Dr. Jenny Reece, Oranbega Retreat Center, Orland
Tom White-Hassler, dulcimer and voice
Dancer: Pamela Ellis, Good Shepherd, Rangeley
Production Team:
Worship Designers: Benjamin Cooke, Postulant, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Newcastle Nancy Ludwig, Postulant, Good Shepherd, Rangeley
Project Manager: Katie Clark, Director of Communications, Episcopal Diocese of Maine Video Editor: Mark Spahr, Consultant for Social Media, Episcopal Diocese of Maine
Additional Photography - Mark Spahr
