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Christ Church on Capitol Square

Enter, Rest, and Pray

Service of Holy EucharistSunday, December 17, 2017

Third Sunday of Advent

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Welcome to Christ Church!

We’re glad you’re here. Please help us get to know you by filling out a welcome card and place it in the offering plate. At Christ Church, we are delighted to have visitors join us for worship, education and fellowship.

On Sundays, please visit the Welcome Center just inside the narthex (at the Wilmington Street entrance) before or after any service and look for a friendly greeter to answer any questions or point you in the right direction.

Interested in becoming involved or feeling connected? Please contact Cooper Bratton, our Parish Life Coordinator (cbratton@ccral.org, 919.834.6259).

Prayer Concerns and Pastoral Care

During regular office hours, please contact Sarah Johnson (919.834.6259 x106) or one of the clergy about events needing pastoral response. During non-business hours, emergency contact numbers for clergy are available at the number above.

Prayers for Healing and Wholeness are offered each Tuesday during the 8:05 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist, and on the second Sunday of each month during the 5 p.m. Celtic Eucharist.

There is a Service of Holy Eucharist on the second Wednesday of each month at noon.

We also invite you to fill out a welcome card with your prayer request and place it in the offering plate.

About this Service

The Bible is a foundational part of our church. Our outline of faith states, “We understand the meaning of the Bible by the help of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church in the true interpretation of the Scriptures.” The Bible is the epic, challenging, and life-changing story of God’s relationship with humanity.

This service will include readings from Holy Scripture following the lectionary, a guide of biblical readings for Sundays and Holy Days. We take very seriously the role of Holy Scripture in our spiritual life and our worship.

The Book of Common Prayer (or BCP, the red book found in your pew) contains our prayers and services for our life as a church. We call these our liturgies. Our liturgies for Holy Eucharist, Baptism, marriages and burials, daily prayers, and for prayers and worship over almost any human experience live deep within the words of the BCP.

These liturgies span thousands of years of Christian faith and human experiences of celebration, sin, grief, and joy. What ties us together as Episcopalians is not a particular confession, a hierarchy of religious authority, or a particular dogma, but our common prayers. Our prayers shape our beliefs.(Adapted from The Rev. Laurie Brock, used with permission.)

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Liturgy Guide

8 a.m. (spoken) follows Rite I Order of Service on page 10.

9 a.m. Order of Service begins on page 4.

11 a.m. Order of Service begins on page 10.

Bold Text - Spoken by congregationText - Spoken by leader

¿ Indicates when to stand as you are able.

“BCP” references are found in The Book of Common Prayer (red book) in the church pews.Hymn references are found in The Hymnal 1982 (blue book) in the church pews.

Service Music (S) references are found in the front of The Hymnal 1982.

Large print versions of The Book of Common Prayer are available from any member of the usher team.

The Flowers on the Altar in the Church are given in loving memory of Amy Winston and George Watts Carr, Julia Carver and Edgar Shelton Toms, Julia Toms Carr, Cornelia Thaxton and Philip Allen Barnwell, and Marjorie Rhodes and Robert Franklin Barnwell.

The Flowers on the Altar in the Chapel are given in loving memory of Mary Coker Joslin.

The Advent Wreath in the Church is given in loving memory of Charlotte Blundon and Calvin Morris Jett, Pauline McIntosh and Jacob Charles Russler, Mary Payne Jett Cole, and Jacob Charles Russler Jr.

The Advent Wreath in the Chapel is given in loving memory of Jess Grant Taylor and William Robert Taylor.

Voluntary

ProcessionHark, a thrilling voice is sounding! Hymn 59

The Word Of God

Opening Sentences BCP 355

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Collect for Purity

The Collect of the Day

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

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Children’s Homily (Please be seated.)

Children are invited to come forward and sit in the crossing (on the carpet) for the children’s homily.

Scripture ReadingIsaiah 61:1-4,8-11 | Printed on page 8

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

Gospel HymnOn Jordan’s bank the baptist’s cry Hymn 76

Gospel Reading Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

John 1:6-8,19-28 | Printed on page 9

Priest: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

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Service of Holy EucharistRite ii (9 a.m.)

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Sermon (Please be seated.) The Rev. Mary Davila

Prayers of the People | Printed on page 14.

Confession of Sin BCP 360

The PeaceMinisters and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Announcements (Please be seated.)

The Holy Communion

Offering of our Gifts to GodWalk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an

offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:2)

DoxologyPraise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The Great Thanksgiving BCP 367

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

Celebrant: 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:

Sanctus S 129Holy, 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 Celebrant continues

Celebrant: Therefore, according to his command O Father, All: We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

The Celebrant continues

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The Lord’s Prayer BCP 364

Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

All: 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 Breaking of the Bread BCP 364

Administration of the Sacrament (Please be seated.)

All baptized Christians, of all ages, are welcome to receive Holy Communion.If you would like a blessing instead, place your hands on your heart.

For a gluten-free wafer, extend your hands, palms down. Please notify an usher if you would like to receive Holy Communion at your seat.

Communion HymnsLet all mortal flesh keep silence Hymn 324 There’s a voice in the wilderness crying Hymn 75

Sending Out of Lay Eucharistic Visitors

Priest: In the name of this congregation, I send you forth bearing these holy gifts to ________ that they may share with us in the communion of Christ’s body and blood.

All: Because we who are many are one body in Christ, we share one bread, one cup.

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Please stand or kneel.) BCP 365

Celebrant: Let us pray.

All: 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.

Blessing

ProcessionTell out my soul Hymn 437

Dismissal

The People respond: Thanks be to God.

Voluntary

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Scripture ReadingsIsaiah 61:1-4,8-11

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,because the Lord has anointed me;he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim liberty to the captives,and release to the prisoners;to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a garland instead of ashes,the oil of gladness instead of mourning,the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.They will be called oaks of righteousness,the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.They shall build up the ancient ruins,they shall raise up the former devastations;they shall repair the ruined cities,the devastations of many generations.For I the Lord love justice,I hate robbery and wrongdoing;I will faithfully give them their recompense,and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.Their descendants shall be known among the nations,and their offspring among the peoples;all who see them shall acknowledgethat they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.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 praiseto spring up before all the nations.

Psalm 1261 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, * then were we like those who dream.2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter,* and our tongue with shouts of joy.

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3 Then they said among the nations, * “The Lord has done great things for them.”4 The Lord has done great things for us, * and we are glad indeed.5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, * like the watercourses of the Negev.6 Those who sowed with tears * will reap with songs of joy.7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, * will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

John 1:6-8,19-28There 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.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

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Service of Holy EucharistRite i (11 a.m.)

Voluntary

ProcessionHark, a thrilling voice is sounding! Hymn 59

The Word Of God

Opening Sentences BCP 323

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Collect for Purity & Summary of the Law

CanticleSurely it is God who saves me Hymn 679

The Collect of the Day

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Celebrant: Let us pray.

Stir up thy power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let thy bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

First Scripture Reading (Please be seated.)

Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11 | Printed on page 8

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

Psalm (Sung by the choir)Psalm 126 | Printed on page 8

Second Scripture Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 | Printed on page 9

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

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¿ Indicates when to stand as you are able.

Gospel HymnOn Jordan’s bank the baptist’s cry Hymn 76

Gospel Reading Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People: Glory be to thee, O Lord.

John 1:6-8,19-28 | Printed on page 9

Priest: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise be to thee, O Christ.

Sermon (Please be seated.) The Rev. Mary Davila

Nicene Creed BCP 326

Prayers of the People | Printed on page 14

Confession of Sin BCP 331

The PeaceMinisters and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Announcements (Please be seated.)

The Holy Communion

Offering of our Gifts to God

Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:2)

Offertory AnthemAudivi, media nocte Thomas Tallis

I heard a voice coming from heaven: come all wisest virgins;fill your vessels with oil, for the bridegroom is coming.

In the middle of the night there was a cry: behold the bridegroom comes.

DoxologyPraise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The Great Thanksgiving BCP 340

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit. Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up unto the Lord. Celebrant: Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. People: It is meet and right so to do.

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Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

Celebrant: Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Sanctus S 113Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts:Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High.Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.Hosanna in the highest.

The Celebrant continues

By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost all honor and glory be unto thee O Father Almighty, world without end.

All: AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer BCP 336

Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us we are bold to say,

All: 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 Breaking of the Bread (Fraction Anthem) S 159

Administration of the Sacrament (Please be seated.)All baptized Christians, of all ages, are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

If you would like a blessing instead, place your hands on your heart. For a gluten-free wafer, extend your hands, palms down.

Please notify an usher if you would like to receive Holy Communion at your seat.

Eucharist AnthemRejoice in the Lord, alway and again, Anon

Rejoice in the Lord alway,and again I say rejoice.

Let your softness be known unto all men.

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The Lord is at hand.Be careful for nothing;

but in all prayer and supplicationlet your petitions be manifest

unto God with giving of thanks.

And the peace of God,which passeth all understanding,

keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesu.Amen.

Communion HymnsLet all mortal flesh keep silence Hymn 324 There’s a voice in the wilderness crying Hymn 75

Sending Out of Lay Eucharistic VisitorsPriest: In the name of this congregation, I send you forth bearing these holy gifts

to ________ that they may share with us in the communion of Christ’s body and blood.

All: Because we who are many are one body in Christ, we share one bread, one cup.

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Please stand or kneel.) BCP 339 Celebrant: Let us pray.

All: Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

Blessing

ProcessionTell out my soul Hymn 437

Dismissal

The People respond: Thanks be to God.

Voluntary

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Prayers of the People: Form IV

Priest: Let us pray for the Church and for the world.LeaderGrant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Silence

Lord, in your mercyHear our prayer.

Guide the people of this city, this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.

Silence

Lord, in your mercyHear our prayer.

Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.

Silence

Lord, in your mercyHear our prayer.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, especially the refugee family who is mentored by this congregation, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.

Silence

Lord, in your mercyHear our prayer.

Comfort and heal Dabney McElroy, Michelle Lindley, Martha Taylor, Mary Jackson, Bernie Reeves, Mac Martin, Douglas Bagley, Betsy Hicks, Marianne Ford, Richard Cansler, Jo Hughes, Jim Connell, Bette Cobb, Margie Johnson, and all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.

Silence

Lord, in your mercyHear our prayer.

We commend to your mercy all who have died, especially those in whose memory the altar flowers have been given: Amy Winston & George Watts Carr, Julia Carver & Edgar Shelton Toms, Julia Toms Carr, Cornelia Thaxton & Philip Allen Barnwell, and Marjorie Rhodes & Robert Franklin Barnwell (Church flowers) and Mary Coker Joslin (Chapel flowers). We pray that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom

Silence

Lord, in your mercyHear our prayer.

The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

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SERVING TODAY

Holiday Office Hours

Dec. 22 - Closing at 2 p.m.Dec. 25 - Closed

Dec. 26 - Dec. 28 - 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.Dec. 29 - Closing at 2 p.m.

Jan. 1 - Closed

ALTAR GUILDGroup II - Catherine Maxwell & Muff Carr

VERGER Charles Edwards, John Gray

GREETERSGray Carlin

Jennifer WoodSuzy LambDarin Mock

ACOLYTE LEADERSRaiford Garrabrant, John Livesay, John Kilpatrick, Elizabeth Wakeford, Beth

Williamson

USHERSMichael Thomas TeamRichard Moore Team

Tom Holder Team

LECTORSNell Joslin, Keith Donahue, Jeremiah

Starling, Anna Bess Brown

CHALICE BEARERSJesse O’Neal, Margaret McGlohon, Jane Forde,

Mary Lewis James, Kevin McLaughlin, David Cozart, Martha Cole, Lockhart Taylor

FLOWER GUILDSusie Small & Elizabeth Wakeford

Vestry Person of the Week

Hargrave McElroy919-787-2713

hmcelroy28@gmail.com

Morning Prayer LeaderHarry McKinney

The Greatest Story Ever ToldChildren’s Ministry Christmas Pageant - Tonight at 5 p.m.Please join us this evening as the children of Christ Church tell the Greatest Story Ever Told. There will be angels, Roman soldiers, stable animas, and baby Jesus, too. The cast would love for you to be in the audience for this magical night. A cookie reception will be held in the Parish Hall following the service.

Jesus said, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.”

Dear Parish Family,

The Christ Church Outreach Committee has chosen Wake Relief to be the recipient of the Christmas offering - collected at each of the Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning services - this year.

For more than 40 years, Wake Relief has provided emergency food for Wake County residents in need. This all-volunteer organization, founded by Christ Church, is fulfilling the mandate of the Gospel to feed the hungry. In 2017, thanks to donations from generous supporters and the dedication of 120 volunteers, Wake Relief served more than 7,000 people.

As we celebrate the Christ Child this Christmas, it’s important for us to remember that Jesus was born into a poor family in a stable in the little town of Bethlehem. When Jesus grew to be a man, he said, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” His friends said they could not remember when they had done any of these things for him, and he answered them by saying, “Truly, I tell you, just as you did it for one of the least of these - any of God’s children - you did it for me.”

We ask that you give generously to support the ministry of feeding the hungry through Wake Relief because we believe this is the work God has given us to do together. You can also donate to our Christmas offering online at http://bit.ly/17christmasoffer.

May you and your family have a blessed Christmas.

Sincerely,

Outreach Ministries Committee

Rick Benton, ChairEmmett HaywoodLisa GwynThe Rev. Jim Adams, RectorGeoff GriffinLisa IvesAllene AdamsGinny McKayLiz StroffAndy GivensGloria BeckerMark FinkelsteinCaroline Campbell

Howard BrooksSusan WycheDane HuffmanJohn MartinJack Ford, Co-Chair Grants CommitteeChad GriffithJane FordeRay Mains, Co-Chair Grants CommitteeDavid HolmesDawn CarterStewart MarloweWill McElroyJohn Martin

Christmas Offering

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Serve

Use Amazon Smile and Your Holiday Shopping Could Benefit Christ Church Help Christ Church earn extra dollars when you make purchases through Amazon. There is no change to your shopping experience, and no added cost to you. Amazon will donate a percentage of all purchase amounts made through this link - http://smile.amazon.com/ch/560530247 - to our church every quarter.

Kids with PurposeRegistration for Kids with Purpose, an outreach program for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade, is now open! Our next six week session will run from Jan. 23 - Feb. 27, meeting on Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., and will feature a different slate of activities than the fall session. We hope to work with organizations such as Rise Against Hunger, Special Olympics, and our local Fire Department. To sign up, please follow this link, http://bit.ly/kwp0118. Registration will remain open through Jan. 1. Please contact kwp@ccral.org with questions!

Thank you to all who supported this year’s Giving Tree!Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to shop for a child or donated to help make Christmas possible for more than 130 local children! A special thanks to the Youth Ministry program for coordinating this effort and to the students who helped organize the gifts for delivery.

2018 Stewardship CampaignWe have received more than 680 pledges in support of our 2018 Stewardship Campaign, “Minds to Think, Hearts to Love, Hands to Serve.” We ask that you please make or renew your pledge before Dec. 31, to help us plan for a successful year in 2018.

If you have already submitted your pledge - thank you! If you have not yet made your pledge, please consider what Christ Church means to you and to your family and consider making this special place a philanthropic priority for the year to come.

You may submit your pledge online at www.ccral.org/give/stewardship. You can also mail the pledge card from your stewardship packet directly to the church.

Sacred Music on the Square

The Bach Festival: The Christmas OratorioBach’s Christmas Oratorio is one of the greatest sacred choral works ever written. Similar in size and scale (though far surpassing in symbolism and complexity) to the Messiah, it is composed of six large cantatas written for the period between Christmas Day and the feast of Epiphany, Each cantata makes use of a different set of instruments, giving the work great color and diversity of sound. Due to its length, technical difficulty and broad instrumentation, The Christmas Oratorio is rarely performed in its entirety, so don’t miss your chance to experience this great work. Cantatas 1-3 will be performed on Friday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m., and Cantatas 4-6 will be performed on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 3 p.m. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit https://ccral.org/worship/concert-series.

Bible Works: The Book of GenesisLed by The Rev. Jim AdamsThe Rev. Jim Adams is leading an in-depth exploration of Genesis. Bible Works will be offered each week at 7 a.m. and noon, in the Parish Hall. Please note, Bible Works will not meet on Dec. 26, 2017, and Jan. 2, 2018. For details or to hear the audio recording of each session, visit http://ccral.org/grow/bible-works.

Wednesday Women’s Bible Study GroupPlease join The Rev. Mary Davila for a Bible study based on the new book, The Path: A Journey through the Bible. Please note, this group will not meet on Dec. 27. This resource presents Scripture in an accessible and easy-to-read format. We gather weekly from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. in Room 128. Participants will want to buy the book; please contact Mary - mdavila@ccral.org - to sign up.

Grow

Tuesday Morning Bible StudyCome as you are with your questions, doubts, hopes and dreams as beloved children of God to talk about following Jesus. The Rev. Meg Buerkel Hunn leads this study. Please note, this group will meet on Dec. 12, and then take a break for the holidays until Jan. 16, 2017. Each Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. we will discuss two of the readings assigned for the following Sunday in Room 128. For more information, please contact The Rev. Meg Buerkel Hunn - mhunn@ccral.org.

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Connect

Jan. 7: Run for Young, Register Today!The 11th Annual Run for Young will take place on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, at 2 p.m. With bands along the race course, raffled door prizes, and finish line treats, this Sunday afternoon 5k run/walk is a family-friendly event that raises money for safe driving education programs in local high schools as well as the Christ Church Youth Ministry Endowment Fund. Planned and managed by the youth of Christ Church, the Run for Young was founded to honor the memory of Sadiki Young, a Christ Church member and acolyte, who was a senior at Wakefield High School when he died as the passenger in an alcohol-related car accident in 2007. For more information about the race, or to register, visit our website - www.runforyoung.org.

Jan. 3: Wine and the WordWine and the Word invites new members join their study! This all women’s Bible study meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. We will break for Christmas and reconvene on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. The new year is a great time to join! Please contact Paola Learoyd at pmrunc@gmail.com with questions or with interest in joining Wine and the Word.

Dec. 19: Holiday Homecoming for College StudentsWe are inviting all of our students who are home for Christmas break to join us for a Holiday Homecoming at Christ Church. Meet at the church on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 12:30 p.m. for lunch and catching up!

Christmas Music and Poinsettias

Christmas Music Memorials/Tribute - Due Tomorrow!Christmas music contributions help with the expenses of additional musicians for the Christmas services. These contributions may be designated as memorials or tributes. Please print or type the full Christian name on a piece of paper accompanying your check and mail or deliver to the church, attention Sarah Johnson and write on the check “Christmas Music.” Making a donation of $25 or more makes our Christmas music possible. Please indicate if the donation is a memorial or a tribute. In order to have names included in the Christmas bulletin, information should be received by Dec. 18.

Christmas Poinsettias - Due Tomorrow!Give a poinsettia at Christmas to remember someone while helping decorate the church for the Christmas season. Please mail or bring your checks for $17 per plant, payable to Christ Church, attention Sarah Johnson and write on the check “Christmas Poinsettias”. If you wish to give the plant in memory of someone, please print or type the full Christian name on a piece of paper accompanying your check and mail or deliver to the church by Dec. 18.

“Episcopally Speaking” A closer look at the language and movements of the Episcopal Liturgy.

The Advent Wreath The word advent means “coming” and in this season we prepare for the coming of Christ. One of the ways we practice preparing for his arrival is an advent wreath. The wreath itself is in the shape of a circle. A circle has no beginning and no end. This reminds us that there is no beginning and no end to God and that God’s love and caring are forever. The light from the candles - which grows stronger each Sunday in Advent, reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. The wreath is made up of evergreens and has five candles four to represent each Sunday in Advent and then a fifth one lit on Christmas, Christ Candle.

Jan. 4: Hearing Loop Test and Demo at Christ ChurchA Hearing Loop test and demonstration will be held in the Nave of Christ Church at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, Hearing Loops are used in many public places to allow those who use hearing aids with T-Coils to access the sound system directly, thereby enhancing and enablin their participation. We hope to install a Hearing Loop in the Nave soon; we currently have a Hearing Loop operating in the Parish Hall. If you have questions, please contact our Facilities Manager Bobby Bunn, bbunn@ccral.org, or The Rev. Meg Buerkel Hunn, mhunn@ccral.org.

Jan. 18: Legacy Guild DinnerThe Christ Church Legacy Guild Dinner will be held Jan. 18, to honor Blanche Robertson Bacon, Zack Hampton Bacon Jr., Margery Scott Johnson, and Earl Johnson Jr., with the Christ Church Cross. The Christ Church Cross was established by the Vestry to recognize members of our parish family who, over their lifetime, have contributed significantly to the life of our parish through their participation and leadership. A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m., in the Christ Church Commons. We kindly ask that attendees make a voluntary contribution of $20 per person. Please contact Lin Boyle - lboyle@ccral.org - for your reservation. You can also register for this event online - http://bit.ly/2018legacyguild.

Children’s Ministry Advent Outreach OfferingEach year the children of our church make an offering at Christmas as an outreach gift, saving their coins in mite boxes to benefit others. This year during Advent we have chosen to support Love Wins, a local program that benefits our homeless and poor neighbors. For the past two weeks in Sunday school, the children have learned about what they can do to help and how important it is to give to others, especially our neighbors just down the street. If you were absent from class, please pick up an offering envelope and information in your classroom as you are able. Please return the offering on Christmas Eve at 11 a.m., if you are in attendance. Otherwise, you may leave in the Children’s Ministry Office. Love Wins Community Engagement Center provides a safe place to be for the homeless and housing vulnerable population of Raleigh, NC. They believe that the opposite of homelessness is community. Love Wins is located at 824 N. Bloodworth St., Raleigh, NC 27604. For more information on how to help Love Wins with items they need for the winter months, see the Children’s Advent Offering information in the lobby near the parish hall.

Children’s Ministry

Fourth and Fifth Grade Girls’ Bible StudyThe ladies Bible Study led by Sloane Brooks and Anna Smith will begin its second semester of instruction on Monday, Jan. 15, at 4:30 p.m. The group meets each week on Monday afternoons from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. For more information or to enroll, please contact Sloane Brooks - sbrooks@ccral.org.

Join us for Fundamentals of Faith (Adult Confirmation Class)Beginning Wednesday, January 10This five-session class with our clergy is a wonderful opportunity for those who seek to enrich their understanding of the fundamentals of faith. If you are a baptized Christian who wishes to be Confirmed, Received, or Reaffirmed in the Episcopal Church, please consider joining this class. Typically, Fundamentals of Faith is offered the first quarter of each year, so don’t miss out. If you are wishing to be confirmed this year when Bishop Samuel Rodman comes on April 29, sign up today.

In addition to those who are interested in the process of Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation into the church, Fundamentals of Faith is appropriate for anyone who would like to know more about the basics of what it means to be and Episcopalian. Reaffirmation can occur at any age or stage in your journey, so long as you possess the desire to deepen your faith.

To sign up, or for more information, contact Cooper Bratton - cbratton@ccral.org, or 919-834-6259 ext. 114.

Grow

First Grade Communion ClassesAs a parent you may wonder… when should my child take communion? How old should he or she be? Should he wait until he’s confirmed as many of us did? Should she take communion with us as a family, even though she is only 2? In the past, cradle Episcopalians did not take communion until after confirmation. Many of us grew up in other denominations and celebrated a “First Communion” at various ages. Times have changed in the Episcopal Church since children were asked to wait until after confirmation to participate in the Eucharist. Today all baptized Christians are invited to the communion table. There really is no right age. All are welcome.

However, we do believe that, as more and more children are participating in the Eucharist by taking communion, it is good to provide age appropriate instruction to familiarize them, as best we can, with the sacrament of Holy Communion. We at Christ Church have chosen to do this in the first grade. Beginning on Sunday, Jan. 7, the first graders, with their teachers will take special “field trips” to the sanctuary, the bell tower, and the altar guild room. They will have special class visits from the clergy and others. They will participate in an instructed Eucharist, will make their communion bread and write the Prayers of the People for their special service. They will culminate their instruction with a First Grade Communion Celebration and reception. Please keep these children and their teachers in your prayers as they begin their classes and celebrate their special day on Sunday, April 8, at the 9 a.m. service.

Sunday School and Nursery Care RegistrationIs your child between the ages of 8 weeks old and 5th grade? If so, please take a few minutes to register them for nursery care/Sunday school classes for this year. Visit http://bit.ly/CCSSReg to provide the information needed. This greatly helps the children’s ministry staff throughout the year. Nursery care is available year-round for ages 8 weeks to toddlers. Thank you so much.

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Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)EYC is a Sunday evening program that meets throughout the academic year. EYC gives students a space to explore, deepen, and sustain their relationship with Christ, learn more about the church, and find ways to connect with peers through food, fellowship, prayer, and fun!

Most Sunday evening’s youth and volunteers will meet in the Baker Wing Basement Room 012. Junior and Senior EYCs are split for activities and games, but we all eat together between programs. Throughout the school year we’ll take trips, do service work, and hang out around town. All are welcome to join us whenever possible!

The Giving Tree Party - Outreach Opportunity for Youth!The youth will host the Giving Tree Party for Growing Together Preschool families Sunday, Dec. 17, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Christ Church. Youth volunteers (grades 7-12) need to arrive at 1:30 p.m. to help set-up craft stations and receive students as they arrive. Our 7th and 8th grade student volunteers need to be picked up by 3:15 p.m. The high school students will follow the Growing Together bus to the families’ houses, help deliver gifts, and should finish by 4:30 p.m. To register to volunteer please sign up on the Youth Ministry office door. If you are interested in being a driver for gift delivery, please also let Martha know mcox@ccral.org.

Youth Ministry

Run for Young 2018 - Race Day volunteers neededdNot participating in the race on Saturday, Jan. 7? Students in grades 6-12 are invited to volunteer on race day! A variety of jobs need to be filled to help the committee host this great event, including food prep, race course, registration, greeters, ushers, parking attendants, and more. Youth should plan to volunteer from noon until 4 p.m. All volunteers are also required to attend a volunteer prep meeting on Thursday, Jan. 4, from 6-7 p.m. This counts as outreach for Confirmation and the ski trip. Sign up outside the Youth Ministry office. Contact Martha Cox - mcox@ccral.org - with questions.

Hope Charter Tutoring Program - 11th & 12th grade volunteersHope Charter Leadership Academy is looking for volunteers to assist with their Eagledemics after-school program. High School juniors and seniors would be eligible to participate in this educator-supervised homework assistance program. This is a fun opportunity to work with some great kids! Participating students are 3rd-5th graders. The school is particularly in need of help on Mondays and Thursdays. Mondays are reading days and Thursdays are math days. The hours each day are 3:45-5:30 p.m. There are two “shifts” each day: 3:45-4:30 and 4:45-5:30 p.m. Volunteers would be welcome work either shift or both shifts. The contact for the program is Ms. Lakesha Alexander lalexander@hopecharterschool.org. Interested students should mention they are from Christ Church.

YOUTH NEWS• Sunday School, EYC and HS Bible Study will resume in January.

• Jr. EYC Don’t forget, starting in January, 6th grade joins Jr. EYC each Sunday for program.

• Please remember all students who are registered for the ski trip must attend a minimum of four EYC’s and have 1 outreach project through church prior to the trip.

• Our next Run for Young Committee Meeting will be on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. in Room 128. Questions: Martha Cox - mcox@ccral.org.

Winter/Spring EYC Sundays at ChurchJanuary 7, 21, 28

February 11, 25

March 4, 11, 18, 25

April 8, 22, 29

May 6 (End of year celebration)

Jr. EYC grades 6-8 - 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.Dinner (all grades) - 6:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.Sr. EYC grades 9-12 - 7 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Sunday, December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent | Christmas Eve 8 am Advent IV & Service of Holy Eucharist, Chapel 11 am* Holy Eucharist of Christmas for Children and Families; Sermon given by The Rev. James P. Adams 4 pm* Holy Eucharist of Christmas; Sermon given by The Rev. James P. Adams

Choral Prelude begins 30 minutes prior to the service. 6 pm* Holy Eucharist of Christmas; Sermon given by The Rev. James P. Adams

Choral Prelude begins 30 minutes prior to the service. 11 pm Festival Eucharist of Christmas; Sermon given by The Rev. James P. Adams Choral Prelude begins 30 minutes prior to the service.

Monday, December 25 The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day 10 am Christmas Eucharist with Carols; Sermon given by The Rev. Meg Buerkel Hunn, Church

Sunday, December 31 First Sunday after Christmas 8 am Holy Eucharist, Chapel 10 am* Holy Eucharist, Church

* Childcare Provided

CHRISTMASTIDE 2017