JESUS MAFA. The birth of Jesus with shepherds, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=48387 [retrieved December 9, 2013].

Here you will find an energized and inclusive community of people seeking God’s transforming

presence. Grace St. Paul’s is a safe place to connect your spirit and your mind. Please join with us in

experiencing Christ’s love in a diverse congregation that celebrates individual gifts. We invite you to

take part in liturgies that are rich and innovative, in spiritual formation for all ages, and in action for

social justice. We welcome you to share in this joyful journey!

Welcome to

A Progressive Community — Loving God, Serving Others, Journeying Together

Eve of the Nativity

December 24, 2014, 10:30 p.m.

Christmas Music & Carols & Candlelight Service

-2-

VISITORS & NEWCOMERS—Greetings and welcome. Help us to serve you by filling out apew card and placing it in the offering plate. Please join us for a dessert reception in the Parish Hallfollowing this service. We’re glad you’re here!

10:30 p.m. – Music and Carols for Christmas11 p.m. – Festive Candlelight Service with Communion

Music and Carols for ChristmasAll hymn numbers refer to The Hymnal 1982 (blue book) in your pew.

Please remain seated until the Processional Hymn.

Instrumental The Wexford CarolLieto Ensemble (Barb Else and Sierra Norris, flutes; Kathy Creath, oboe; Jane Click, piano;

Alan Brundage, violin; and Bruce Anderson, cello), Jane Click, director

Congregational Carol Hark! the herald angels sing No. 87

1 Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the newborn King!

2 Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Refrain

3 Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Risen with healing in his wings, light and life to all he brings, hail, the Sun of Righteousness! hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Refrain

Choir Anthem Love came down at Christmas Text: Christina RossettiMusic: Traditional Irish, arr. Matthew Oltman

Presented to the Grace St. Paul’s Choir by Phyllis and Richard Cameronin honor of the marriage of Richard Rhoads and Eric Carr

-3-

Congregational Carol It came upon the midnight clear No. 89

1 It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven’s all-gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

2 Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled, and still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world; above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing, and ever o’er its Babel-sounds the blessed angels sing.

3 Yet with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long; beneath the heavenly hymn have rolled two thousand years of wrong; and warring humankind hears not the tidings which they bring; O hush the noise and cease your strife and hear the angels sing!

4 For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old, when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold, when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and all the world give back the song which now the angels sing.

Solo This night in David’s city German folk song

James Neeley, soloist arr. Johannes Brahms

Congregational Carol O little town of Bethlehem No. 79

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 Where children pure and happy pray to the blessèd Child, where misery cries out to thee, Son of the mother mild; where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door, the dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.

-4-

5 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!

Organ Solo Der Tag, der ist so freudenreich Johann Pachelbel

Pamela Decker, organ

Congregational Carol’Twas in the moon of wintertime No. 114

1 ’Twas in the moon of wintertime, when all the birds had fled, that God the Lord of all the earth sent angel-choirs instead; before their light the stars grew dim, and wondering hunters heard the hymn:

Refrain: Jesus your King is born, Jesus isborn, in excelsis gloria.

2 Within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was found, a ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round; but as the hunter braves drew nigh, the angel-song rang loud and high:

Refrain

3 The earliest moon of winter-time is not so round and fair as was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there. The chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox and beaver-pelt.

Refrain

4 O children of the forest free, the angel song is true; the holy child of earth and heaven is born today for you. Come kneel before the radiant boy, who brings you beauty, peace, and joy.

Refrain

InstrumentalChristmas Medley: I saw three ships/Good King Wenceslas/Sussex Carol

Lieto Ensemble (Barb Else and Sierra Norris, flutes; Kathy Creath, oboe;Renee Poitier, hammer dulcimer; Jane Click, piano; Alan Brundage, violin;

Bruce Anderson, cello; and Joan Brundage, synthesizer), Jane Click, Director

The lights are dimmed as the service begins in the darkness and silence of our souls and the winter. The acolytes willlight the candles and pass the light through the congregation. Please pass the light to the person next to you.

-5-

The Liturgy of the Word

Opening SalutationThe Opening Salutation is adapted from Isaiah 9:2-7 by The Rev. Steve Keplinger.

Celebrant:

The earth is full of darkness and the people have walked in that darkness, but tonight piercingthe dark comes a great light. For tonight, a child is born. Unto us a child is given, and his nameshall be called wonderful, mighty Counselor, the Prince of Peace. He is Emmanuel, for in himGod is with us. Now there is reason to hope, to love, to laugh, to live. We are not alone.

Processional Hymn O come, all ye faithful The people may stand.

No. 83 (stanzas 1, 2, 3 & 6)

-6-

When the procession reaches the table, the acolytes light the candles on the table and on the Advent wreath.

-7-

Opening AcclamationThe Opening Acclamation is by The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Celebrant: Blessed are you, O Christ, Son of God; you were before time began and came intothe world to be with us.

People: Blessed are you, Son of Righteousness, you shine with God’s love andillumine the whole universe.

Celebrant: Blessed are you, Son of Mary; born a child, you shared our humanity.People: Let heaven and earth ring out their praise.

Celebrant: O Mystery of the Word made flesh, with all the voices of heaven, we celebrateyour coming as our Savior.

People: Let women and men and angels sing of your glory.

Celebrant: O Splendor of the Father’s Light, with all the creatures on earth, we sing and danceat your birth.

People: Praise and honor and glory to you, O Incarnate Word.

The lights are turned up as we sing together the Song of Praise. Please extinguish your candles.

Carol of Praise Angels we have heard on high No. 96 (stanzas 1-3)

-8-

Salutation and Collect The start of the Opening Collect is from The Book of Common Prayer.The balance is from Prayers for an Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare.

Celebrant: May God be with youPeople: And also with you.Celebrant: Let us pray.

Silence

Celebrant:

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: yourword is born to those who have no place and sung to those who watch in the wild; may hisbirth unsettle our world with hidden glory and untold peace; through Jesus Christ, the Childof Promise. Amen.

-9-

A Reading from Isaiah [9:2-7] The people may be seated.

The people who walked in darknesshave seen a great light; those who livedin a land of deep darkness—on them

light has shined. You have multiplied thenation, you have increased its joy; theyrejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,as people exult when dividing plunder. Forthe yoke of their burden, and the bar acrosstheir shoulders, the rod of their oppressor,you have broken as on the day of Midian. Forall the boots of the tramping warriors and allthe garments rolled in blood shall be burned

as fuel for the fire. For a child has been bornfor us, a son given to us; authority rests uponhis shoulders; and he is named WonderfulCounselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,Prince of Peace. His authority shall growcontinually, and there shall be endless peacefor the throne of David and his kingdom. Hewill establish and uphold it with justice andwith righteousness from this time onwardand forevermore. The zeal of the God ofhosts will do this.

Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s Creation.People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 96 The Choir sings the Antiphon once, then all repeat the Antiphon.

1 Sing to God a new song; *sing to God, all the whole earth.

2 Sing, and bless God’s Holy Name; *proclaim God’s love for us from day to day.

3 Declare God’s glory among the nations *and God’s wonders among all peoples.

4 For God is from everlasting, *to be praised for ever and loved above all things.

ALL REPEAT THE ANTIPHON

Antiphon

-10-

5 The rulers of the nations are but idols; *it is God who made the heavens.

6 Glory and splendor attend God’s presence; *strength and beauty fill God’s sanctuary.

7 Praise God, you families and peoples; *make known God’s splendor and glory.

8 Honor the Name of the Living God; *bring offerings to the courts of the Holy One.

ALL REPEAT THE ANTIPHON

9 Worship God in the beauty of holiness; *let the whole earth stand in awe and wonder.

10 Proclaim to all the peoples:God made the world, and it stands firm; *

God’s justice cannot be shaken.ALL REPEAT THE ANTIPHON

11 Let the heavens shine forth;let the earth be glad; *

let the teeming sea resound.

12 Let the fields exult and all that live therein;*let all the trees of the wood shout for joyat the coming of the Living God.

13 The Holy One is with us; *God will guide the world in justiceand the people in steadfast truth.

ALL REPEAT THE ANTIPHON

Antiphon

-11-

A Reading from Titus [2:11-14]

For the grace of God has appeared,bringing salvation to all, training us torenounce impiety and worldly passions,

and in the present age to live lives that areself-controlled, upright, and godly, while wewait for the blessed hope and the

manifestation of the glory of our great Godand Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gavehimself for us that he might redeem us fromall iniquity and purify for himself a people ofhis own who are zealous for good deeds.

Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s Creation.People: Thanks be to God.

Sequence Carol Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming The people may stand.

No. 81 (stanzas 1 & 2)

-12-

A Reading from the Holy Gospel [Luke 2:1-14]

Deacon: The Holy Gospel of Our Savior Jesus Christ according to LukePeople: Glory to you, O Christ.

Diácono: Santo Evangelio de nuestro Salvador Jesucristo, según Lucas.Pueblo: ¡Gloria a ti, Cristo!

In those days a decree went out fromEmperor Augustus that all the worldshould be registered. This was the first

registration and was taken while Quiriniuswas governor of Syria. All went to their owntowns to be registered. Joseph also wentfrom the town of Nazareth in Galilee toJudea, to the city of David called Bethlehem,because he was descended from the houseand family of David. He went to be registered

with Mary, to whom he was engaged andwho was expecting a child. While they werethere, the time came for her to deliver herchild. And she gave birth to her firstborn sonand wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laidhim in a manger, because there was no placefor them in the inn. In that region there wereshepherds living in the fields, keeping watchover their flock by night. Then an angel of theLord stood before them, and the glory of the

-13-

Lord shone around them, and they wereterrified. But the angel said to them, “Do notbe afraid; for see—I am bringing you goodnews of great joy for all the people: to you isborn this day in the city of David a Savior,who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be asign for you: you will find a child wrapped inbands of cloth and lying in a manger.” Andsuddenly there was with the angel a multitudeof the heavenly host, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and onearth 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 thisthing that has taken place, which the Lord hasmade known to us.” So they went with hasteand found Mary and Joseph, and the childlying in the manger. When they saw this, theymade known what had been told them aboutthis child; and all who heard it were amazedat what the shepherds told them. But Marytreasured all these words and pondered themin her heart. The shepherds returned,glorifying and praising God for all they hadheard and seen, as it had been told them.

Deacon: The Gospel of Jesus Christ.People: Praise to you, O Christ.

Diácono: El Evangelio del Jesucristo.Pueblo: Te alabamos, Cristo.

The Homily The people may be seated.

Preacher: The Rev. Steve Keplinger

A period of silence follows, marked with meditation bell.

A Christmas Creed The people may stand.

The Creedal Statement is by an anonymous Latin American writer.

I believe in Jesus Christ and in thepower of the gospel, begun in Bethlehem.

I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a small village,of whose coming shepherds saw the sign,and for whom there was no room at the inn.

I believe in the one whose life changedthe course of history, over whom therulers of the earth had no power,and who was not understood by the proud.

I believe in the one to whom the oppressed,the discouraged, the afflicted, the sick, the blind, theinjured gave welcome, and accept as Savior.

-14-

I believe in the one who—with love—changed the heart of the proud andwith his life showed that it is better toserve than to be served, and that the greatestjoy is giving your life for others.

I believe in peace, which is not the absence of war,but justice among all people and nationsand love among all.

I believe in reconciliation, forgiveness, and thetransforming power of the gospel.

I believe that Christmas is strength and power,and that this world can change if withhumility and faith we kneel before the manger.

I believe that I must be the first one to do so. Amen.

Prayers of the People The Leader and people pray responsively, standing or sitting (as able).

The Prayers of the People were adapted by The Rev. Claudia Heath and The Rev. Steve Keplinger from prayers by TheRev. Bruce Prewer, Sunbury, Australia. The introduction to the Prayers is by The Rev. Ormonde Plater of the Dioceseof Louisiana and both are used with permission.

Each prayer is read by a different member of the congregation. Please feel free to participate byreading a prayer. It is perfectly acceptable for multiple readers to participate simultaneously in readingprayers.

Celebrant: Let us pray for the world, and all that is in it, giving thanks for God’s abundance.

Leader:

As we join the whole creation and celebrate with joy the Word made flesh, let us offer prayersto God who dwells among us to the end of time.

By the birth of the timeless Son of God from the womb of Mary, let us pray to our God.

God of joy, we pray for those people across our nation, and around the world, for whomtonight and tomorrow will be one of loss and tearing grief. Bind up their broken hearts, andbless all who comfort them.People: Incarnate God, use our lives to comfort others.

Leader:

God of peace, we pray for all who are subject to war, terrorism, and violence of every kind.Rescue them from misery, and bless those who are your peacemakers in every land.People: Incarnate God, use our lives to bring peace to others.

-15-

Leader:

God of reconciliation, we pray for all whose lives have grown wild, and who are alienated fromtheir neighbors, families, and their own souls. Bring them home to your grace, and bless yourservants who mirror the love of Christ to them.People: Incarnate God, use our lives to reconcile others.

Leader:

God of hope, we pray for those folk who feel trapped, defeated, or despairing because ofevents that seem out of control. By your Spirit show them the way ahead, and bless the caringfriends who stand with them or counsel them.People: Incarnate God, use our lives to bring hope to others.

Leader:

God of love, we pray for the many who have been betrayed by the cheap loves of this world,and have become bitter. May the love of Christ enfold them this night, and bless all people ofgoodwill who genuinely cherish their neighbors.People: Incarnate God, use our lives to bring love to others.

The concluding Collect is adapted from a prayer by Mary Sue H. Rosenberger.

Celebrant:

Jesus, how clearly we see you on Christmas, cradled by Mary, protected by Joseph, worshippedby the shepherds, honored by kings, enshrined in our displays, and loved by the world. But, OGod, help us look for you, too, among the taxes of life, and the wanderings of rootlesstravelers. In the world’s smelly stables, and in makeshift mangers. In sweat-like drops of bloodand rough-hewn crosses, humanly fashioned. Help us look, God—and help us find you, not onlyat Christmas, but throughout the New Year. Amen.

The PeaceThe Celebrant says to the people

The peace of God be always with you.People: And also with you.

Meditation bell will bring us back to silence.

The Liturgy of the Table

Offertory Sentence The people may be seated.

Offertory Anthem Fantasia on Christmas Carols Ralph Vaughan Williams

-16-

Table Carol Good Christian friends, rejoice The people may stand.

No. 107 (stanzas 1 & 2)

-17-

The Great Thanksgiving The Great Thanksgiving is from Prayers for an Inclusive Church,

by Steven Shakespeare and Eucharistic Prayer One from Enriching our Worship, Church Publishing.

Celebrant:

We thank you loving God, for you did not abandon us or stand far off but came in awfulnearness with the urgency of love. In creation’s dawn, you gave birth to all that is; to thepeople of Israel you revealed yourself a Father and shared the human story.

Now we praise you for the Word made flesh born tonight of Mary’s body, nurtured in herwomb, cradled in her arms, greeted by her song. The fullness of God dwells in his flesh, a touchof welcome for the one thrown aside, good news of bread for the hungry and poor, a shepherdto find those who are lost. Now we are caught up, body and soul resound with the glory ofmusic divine, echoing through the hallowed earth:

-18-

Sanctus (Holy)

The people may stand, kneel, or sit.

The People and Celebrant continue

Blessed are you, gracious God,creator of the universe and giver of life.You formed us in your own image and called us to dwell in your infinite love. You gave the world into our care that we might be your faithful caretakers and show forth your bountiful grace.

Celebrant:

But we failed to honor your image in one another and in ourselves; we would not see yourgoodness in the world around us; and so we violated your creation, abused one another, andrejected your love.

-19-

Yet you never ceased to care for us, and prepared the way of salvation for all people. ThroughAbraham and Sarah you called us into covenant with you. You delivered us from slavery,sustained us in the wilderness, and raised up prophets to renew your promise of salvation.

Then, in the fullness of time, you sent your eternal Word, made mortal flesh in Jesus. Born intothe human family, and dwelling among us, he revealed your glory. Giving himself freely to deathon the cross, he triumphed over evil, opening the way of freedom and life.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it; and at thewords concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to beconsecrated.

On the night before he died for us, Our Savior Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had giventhanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said:

“Take, eat:This is my Body which is given for you.Do this for the remembrance of me.”

As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine, and when he had given thanks, he gave it tothem, and said:

“Drink this, all of you:This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Deacon: Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

People and Celebrant:

Christ has died.Christ is risen.Christ will come again.

Celebrant:

Remembering his death and resurrection, we now present to you from your creation thisbread and this wine.

By your Holy Spirit may they be for us +the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.Grant that we who share these giftsmay be filled with the Holy Spirit +and live as Christ’s Body in the world.

-20-

Bring us into the everlasting heritage of your daughters and sons, that with Mary, Joseph andall your saints, past, present, and yet to come, we may praise your Name for ever.

The Celebrant chants:

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor,glory, and praise, for ever and ever.

The Lord’s Prayer The people may stand.

The Deacon chants: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,

-21-

The Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ is revealed in the breaking of the bread.People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Invitation to Communion

Celebrant: The gifts of God for the people of God.

Communion Chant (Congregation and choir)

Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light No. 91

-22-

The Communion The people may be seated.

Everyone is invited to receive Holy Communion. Please approach the altar rail from the center aisle. Take thefirst available space. You may choose the standing station at the center or the stations along the rail. You maycome forward to receive a blessing if you prefer not to receive communion. Place crossed arms on chest tosignal your desire for a blessing. You may also do this if you prefer not to receive the wine. You may touchthe chalice and the chalice bearer will say the words of administration.

Low-gluten wafers are available as an option. Please signal your need when you reach the rail. You will havean opportunity to pick up the wafer yourself.

Communion Anthem Puer natus in Bethlehem Gerald Near

-23-

Communion Carol What child is this No. 115

-24-

Prayer after Communion The people may stand.

The Postcommunion Prayer is by Kathie Wilkinson, Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church, Durham, NC,and is used with permission.

After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

All: We are filled with joy,for we have heard good news of great joy.We are filled with love,for we have tasted the sign of God’s great love.We are filled with hope,for the angels still sing in our worldand there is a Light for us to follow.

The lights are dimmed as the acolytes light the candles of the congregation.

-25-

Carol at the Blessing Silent night, holy night No. 111

(The congregation sings stanzas 2 and 3.)Brianna Devereux, soloist (stanza 1); Wesley Hunter, viola

-26-

The people may stand.

The Blessing The Christmas Blessing is by Nathan Nettleton, Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources,

and is used with permission.

Celebrant:

Go now, and join your voiceswith the song of joy in all creation.Announce peace.Herald salvation.Let the earth know that God reigns.And may God sustain you with God’s powerful Word.May Christ Jesus be born as Savior within you.And may the Spirit reveal to you the gloryof the Father’s Son, full of grace and truth. Amen.

Please extinguish your candles before departing your pew.

-27-

Recessional Carol Joy to the world No. 100 (stanzas 1, 2 & 4)

-28-

Dismissal The Dismissal is adapted from The Book of Common Prayer by The Rev. Steve Keplinger.

Deacon: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of God with us! Alleluia! Alleluia!People: Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Postlude Der Tag, der ist so freudenreich J. S. Bach

Everyone is invited to the Parish Hall immediatelyfollowing this service for a reception.

(Eggnog and Irish coffee will be available.)

-29-

About this ServiceCelebrant & Preacher: The Rev. Steve Keplinger

Assisting Clergy: The Rev. Steve KelseyThe Rev. Lynn Marie Hunter

Deacons: The Rev. Nancy Meister BookThe Rev. Linda Hutson

Lectors: Roger Pierce, Chuck Dickson

Reader, Gospel in Spanish: Debbie Tinajero

Subdeacon: Chris Eastoe

Chalice: Eric Carr, Dennis Kirchoff, Kitt Leonard,Terry Rosato

Verger: Beth Miksa

Altar Guild: Marilyn Abraham, Ann Schlumberger,Terry & Bill Trujillo

Music Director: Christina Jarvis

Organist: Pamela Decker

Musicians: Brianna Devereux, soloist; James Neeley, soloist;Wesley Hunter, violin & viola; the Lieto Ensemble (Barb Else and SierraNorris, flutes; Kathy Creath, oboe; Renee Poitier, hammer dulcimer;Jane Click, piano & director; Alan Brundage, violin; Bruce Anderson,

cello; and Joan Brundage, synthesizer); Rick Hanson, percussion

-30-

During the Prayers of the People today, we hold the following in our prayers today:

We pray for Katharine our Presiding Bishop; Kirk our Bishop; Steve, our Rector; and theclergy who serve Grace St. Paul’s.

We pray for peace in Zimbabwe, Syria, Congo, Sudan, Gaza, and in all places. We pray forthose in the military, especially those serving in combat zones, including RonaldBerryhill; Christopher Gallo; Michael Hannan; Andrew Harris; Donna Heath; FrederickJenning; Jordan S. Marks; Eric Osche; Mark Pundt; Terrence Robinson; Laramie Struble;Brian.

We pray for the people of South Sudan; Katherine Bernard; Toni Sue Brooks; CatherineBrown; Kay Buckler; Jay Elliston; Phyllis Garver; Oma “Sam” Guard; Gus & BrendaGustafson; Sara Heitshu; Joyce Henderson; Christina Jarvis; Jean Keplinger; SteveMattix; Christine Nelson; Suzanne Nystrom; Danielle Phillips; Georgie Polk; Jane Pundt;Dorée Ramey; Barbara & Sam Reynolds; Susan Southwick; Edna Spring; Dick Steele;Cathy Wolfson; Ed; Lee; Cathy Alexander; William Brown; the family of Leon Burns;Francesca Jarvis; Tony Jones; Julie LaRue; Ellen Lonsdale; Maribel Ortiz; PeggySouthwick; Jason Vogler; Agok; Ann; David; Jerry & Rondy; Joel; Leah; Londo; Mike;Monica, Roman & Danitza; Nick & Emily; Pat & Sam; Sid; Vince & Amy.

We hold in prayer animal companions who are in need.

We hold in prayer our animal companions who have died, especially Lili.

We pray for those who have died.

We pray also for those who have died in the desert on our border and all those who havedied in Afghanistan, especially Wyatt J. Martin; Ramon S. Morris.

PRAYER LIST GUIDELINES

Names of parishioners submitted this week will remain on the list during the currentmonth. Please contact David Wachter by 4 p.m. on Wednesday (327-6857 or e-mailgsp1@dakotacom.net) to add a name to the list printed in the bulletin. Names of non-parishioners, including relatives of parishioners, will remain on the prayers for one weekonly—if the crisis persists, please call the church office each week by 4 p.m. on Wednesdayto renew, or send an email to gsp1@dakotacom.net. Full names will be listed unless “firstname only” is requested. The Intercessory Prayer Team will receive all names submitted;this large team maintains daily intercessions. There are no time limitations on this ministry.

-31-

Christmas Memorial Flowers

In memory of The Rev.

Canon Gordon

McBride, given by

Marilyn Abraham

In memory of Arthur,

Debbie, Grace, Henry,

Nora, Loys, Gordon,

given by Marilyn Atha

In memory of Gerald Barton,

given by Nancy Barton

In honor of The Rev. Steve Keplinger,

given by Barry & Susan Bedrick

In memory of Betsy Bret Harte and her

grandmother Yndia Moore

In memory of Mary Jane Manthei Hunt,

given by Catherine Brown & Lee Hunt

In memory of Gerald Buckler,

given by Kay Buckler

In memory of Helen Winslow and Liesl,

given by Ellen Caldwell

In memory of Lindstrom & Cameron parents,

given by Richard & Phyllis Cameron

In memory of Clifford Noel Click, Sr.,

given by Jane Click

In memory of Esther Collins,

given by Gretchen Collins

In memory of

The Rev. & Mrs. Robert C. Cummings,

given by Bob Cummings & Shyaamalaa Nahya

In memory of Mary McEntee & John Farnham,

given by Martha Farnham

In loving memory of Richard & Marion Ham,

Helen Ham, Linda Ham, and

Jackie & Allan Randall,

given by Tom Ham & Bob Randall

In memory of Alan Hanshaw,

given by Emma Hanshaw

In memory of Joyce and Ira Takle,

and Bert Harri,

given by Anne Takle Harri & Wil Harri

In memory of beloved animal companions

everywhere, and especially Miss Liberty and

Lili, given by Joyce Henderson

Given by Karen Kelly

In memory of Don Crumly,

given by Dennis Kirchoff

In memory of Wilma Leonardo

In memory of my parents,

Marilyn & Michael Lydick,

given by Levi E. Lydick

In memory of my mother, Maria Kramer,

given by Rita Magdaleno

In memory of loved ones,

given by Yvonne Maynard

-32-

In memory of Robert and Andrew,

given by Carol McBride

In memory of my parents

John & Adda McVean,

given by Karen McVean

In memory of Lou & Dean Tillotson and

Don & Virginia Misenhimer,

given by Ann & Dan Misenhimer

In memory of William H. Hyde,

Emogene Hyde Rust, and Yoshi Miya,

given by Richard & Mary Ann Miya

In memory of her parents,

James & Joanne Edgerly,

given by Jane Nakazato

In memory of Jeanette & Fred Stoft,

the parents of Suzanne Nystrom

In memory of Grace B. Pascoe and

Tom Pascoe, given by Laura Pascoe

In memory of Jane Rogerson,

given by Ellie Patterson

In memory of Elise Petropoulos and her son

Thomas, from their family

In memory of Harry & Virginia Walling and

George & Eva Pipentacos,

given by Wendy, John & Lu Pipentacos

In memory of Hans Schlumberger,

Mary & Edd Turner, and Jane Blackwell,

given by Ann Schlumberger

In memory of Jean Scott,

given by Margaret Scott

In memory of Dorthe Swinehart,

given by Joe & Vicki Stefani

In memory of Arlene Teal,

given by James Teal

In loving memory of Doris, Francis, Pauline,

Richard, and Ruth,

given by Jane & Jesse Thrall

In memory of Grandma Eva & Grandma

Susy, given by Noah Traficanti

In memory of Harry & Virginia Walling,

given by Lynn Walling

In memory of Emil & Audrey Weiblen,

given by Pete Weiblen

In memory of The Rev. Robert H Whitaker

and Dr. Thomas M. Leenhouts,

given by the Whitaker & Leenhouts Family

In memory of loved ones of the White &

Furney Family, given by the White Family

In memory of Frances & Alec and Fern,

given by Tom & Heather Williams

-33-

Christmas & Epiphany at Grace St. Paul’s

Wednesday, Dec. 24, The Eve of the Nativity6 p.m. – Family Service, followed by a festive reception in McBride Hall10:30 p.m. – Candlelight Service with Carols, followed by a festive reception in

McBride Hall

Thursday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day10 a.m. – Christmas Day Service with Carols

Wednesday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve7 a.m. – Communion Service, in the Julian Chapel7 p.m. in the church – Singing for Peace: An Evening of Chants & Meditation

Sunday, Jan. 4Epiphany Sunday, with services at 8 & 10 a.m.

Office, Joseph’s Pantry, Social Ministry Closures

! The church office will be closed on December 25 and 26 for the Christmas holiday.

! GSP’s Social Ministry will be closed on December 25 and 26.

! Joseph’s Pantry will be closed on December 25, but will be open on the 26th.

! Clergy will be on call for emergencies. Please call our pastoral care emergency number,(520) 668-5727, for assistance.

-34-

Other Upcoming Events

Singing for Peace: An Evening of Chants & MeditationWednesday, December 31, 7-8 p.m., in the Chancel

Join us for a GSP tradition to celebrate the close of the old year with hope for the new by comingtogether to meditate and sing for peace—in our hearts, our communities, and our world. We willuse our voices, singing simple, easy-to-learn chants to express our desire for the peace that passesunderstanding and for a world in which all beings may be happy and free from suffering. Jane Click,longtime GSP pianist, will lead the group in singing contemporary, inclusive, and ecumenical chantscomposed by Kristopher Lindquist. Stay for refreshments afterwards!

Exploring Today’s Lectionary—Sunday, January 4 at 9 a.m. in the BloomEducation Center. Does the Bible ever seem like a bunch of Greek to you? One Sunday a

month we provide an opportunity to discuss the Bible readings for that day in more depth in a smallgroup setting. Come join us for a thoughtful but always lively conversation about understandingscripture.

EfM Post-Graduate Forum—Monday, January 5 at 10 a.m. in the WeeksRoom. If you have participated in EfM in the past, please join us for a continuing discussion. For

our next gathering we will read the book The Rebirthing of God: Christianity’s Struggle for NewBeginnings, by John Philip Newell. If you have questions please call Karen Kelly at (520) 429-3637.

Episcopal Relief & Development: The Gospel of Matthew inAction—Sunday, January 11 at 9 a.m. in the Bloom Education Center.“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I wasa stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you tookcare of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”

—Matthew 25:35-36

Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) works with Church partners and other local organizationsto save lives and transform communities worldwide. ERD helps rebuild after disasters and empowerpeople to create lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease. Working in close to 40countries, their programs impact the lives of approximately 3 million people around the world. Joinus for an informative session about the work of this important ministry of the Episcopal Church.Presented by Deacon Linda Hale. Deacon Hale moved to Tucson from the Diocese of Spokane about a yearago and currently serves at Christ the King Episcopal Church. She has worked with ERD for many years.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no 9:00 class on Sunday, Jan. 18 (Meet the VestryNominees) or Jan. 25 (GSP Annual Meeting). Classes will resume on Sunday, Feb. 1.

The Mission & Vision of Grace St. Paul’s

Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will be a spiritualhome, open to all, providing food for the journey, andcalling people to change the world. We will move toward this

vision through spiritual formation embodied in the experience of Christ’s love,in innovative worship, in progressive Christian education and in generousresponse to the gifts we have received. We will strive to be a diverse andsupportive community. We will celebrate individual gifts and integrate peopleof all ages into our programs. We will be a beacon to our wider community,known for our care of creation and for our promotion of social justice.

VestryRoger Pierce, Senior Warden; Mark Drew, Junior

Warden; Rob Rauh, Chancellor; Tom Pitello, Treasurer;

Lou Ann Bieging, Clerk of the Vestry

Vestry Members: David Clements, Kyle Devereux,

Chris Eastoe, Bianca Lara, Steve Mattix, Richard

Rhoads, Holly Shinn, Jean Smart, Angel Wang, Steve

Williams

ClergyKirk S. Smith, Bishop of Arizona; Mary Delaney, Joe

Fitzgerald, Rosanna Kazanjian, Steve Kelsey, Priest

Associates; Nancy Meister Book, Linda Hutson, Chris

Ledyard, Deacons; Lynn Marie Hunter, Ana Ortiz,

Interfaith Ministers; Steve Keplinger, Rector.

StaffJane Click, Pianist; Lieto Ensemble; Pamela Decker,

Organist; Argelia El-Khayat, Childcare Giver; KiKi Fenik,

Parish Administrator; Rosalind Garcia, Director of

Children, Youth & Family Ministries; Christina Jarvis,

Music Director; Patti Morrison, Bookkeeper; James

Teal, Facilities Assistant; David Wachter, Publications

Manager, Computer Specialist, & Associate Organist;

James White, Sexton.

Sunday School Teachers, Youth MentorsBeginning (Preschool & Kindergarten) (meets in the

Martha of Bethany Room): Anne Harri, Nikki

Kerns, Amber Pitello, Chanel Willis

Primary (Grades 1-3) (meets in the St. Jude Room): Jane

Conlin, Amy Cormode, Judy Gossard

Intermediate (Grades 4-5) (meets in the Weeks Room):

Kristen Bury, Jim Kane

Youth Groups (Grades 6-12) (meets in the St. Francis

Room): Eric Carr, Brianna Devereux, Martha

Farnham, Alice Garcia, Kendyl Reisinger

VergerBeth Miksa, Verger

2331 East Adams Street • Tucson, Arizona 85719Visit us on the web: www.gsptucson.org

Phone (520) 327-6857 • Fax (520) 327-1347Emergency Pastoral Care (520) 668-5727

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • Friday 9 a.m.-noonThe Rev. Steve Keplinger: Rector@grace-stpauls.orgRosalind Garcia: Rosalind.Garcia@grace-stpauls.org

KiKi Fenik: ParishAdmin@grace-stpauls.orgDavid Wachter: gsp1@dakotacom.net

Weekly WorshipSunday

8 a.m. – Communion Service10 a.m. – Communion Service

Monday

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Drop-in Spiritual Direction

Tuesday

6 p.m. – Evening Prayer (1st Tuesdayof month includes Communion)

7 p.m. – Meditation Group

Wednesday

7 a.m. – Communion Service

Thursday

5:30 p.m. – Spirit Now Service