Gathering

The Cragin Peal

Carillon Prelude

In the Bleak Midwinter Gustav Holst David Christensen University of California, Riverside

Greeting & Announcements Rev. Bill Hudson

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Prelude Alexa Still, flute Jonathan Moyer, organ Air from Messiah George Frederic Handel

He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the

lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead

those that are with young. (Isaiah 40:11)

Come unto Him, all ye that labor, come unto Him that are heavy

laden, and He will give you rest. Take his yoke upon you, and

learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find

rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

Call to Worship Titus 2:11

The grace of God has appeared,

bringing salvation to all.

WELCOME

Convinced of God's grace, the Church of the Covenant seeks to be a welcoming spiritual home, live God's inclusive love, express Christ's compassion, and do justice in the world.

GATHER We gather to worship God on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) because the Gospels testify that Jesus rose from the dead early on the first day of the week.

First Sunday of Christmas Sunday, December 27, 2020

Service of Worship for the Lord’s Day

Covenant Church The

of the

Carol 141 On This Day Earth Shall Ring PERSONET HODIE

Glory To God

Opening Prayer by Martin Luther

Almighty and eternal God, we humbly pray, grant that we may know and praise your dear Son as holy Simeon did, who took him up in his arms, spiritually knew and confessed him; through the same, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MUSIC NOTES

The anthem this week, a setting in English of the Nunc Dimittis text, was written by Black American composer Eugene Hancock (1929-1993). With degrees from the University of Detroit, the University of Michigan, and Union Seminary in NYC, Hancock was a professor and well-known church musician. He concluded his church music career at West End Presbyterian Church in NYC, where he was music director from 1984-1990.

Hancock’s anthem is published in an Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers, compiled by University of Michigan Professor of Music, Willis Patterson. Patterson’s introduction to the anthology was pertinent when he wrote it, in 1977, as it is today: “It is hoped that this publication will be an important step in freeing from the bonds of neglect this large body of important American song writing. It is hoped that this flow of musical freedom will become so pervasive as to make collections dealing with words delineated by the race and color of the composers, obsolete, awkward, and out of place. But just now, our performers, teachers, students… need this Anthology and more like it!”

Sacred Word ֹלום shaw·lome - Peace Isaiah 57:19 - שָׁ

Time for Young Disciples Rev. Bill Hudson

Parting Response Hymn 535 Ivy Goodman and Christopher Sho Moyer

Go with us, Lord, and guide the way through this and every coming day, that in your spirit strong and true our lives may be our gift to you.

The Word

Prayer of Illumination Jacqueline Hudson, Liturgist Psalm 119:105

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Amen.

Prophets Isaiah 61:10-62:3

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Epistle Galatians 4:4-7

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Alleluia 267 vs 2

Come, lift your hearts on high: Alleluia! Amen! Let praises fill the sky: Alleluia! Amen!

He is our guide and friend; to us he’ll condescend; his love shall never end: Alleluia! Amen!

Gospel Luke 2:22-40

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ!

TODAY

10:00 Carillon Concert McGaffin Carillon

LIVESTREAM HERE

OUR LAY WORSHIPLEADER is Jacqueline Hudson.

Hello! I’m Jacqueline Hudson wife of your new Transitional Minister, Reverend Bill Hudson. Originally from Ohio and raised in Tiffin, I’m now a retired teacher having taught the gamut from kindergarten through eighth grade, special education and gifted education. As a preacher’s wife I have taught in Ohio, Texas, New York and Indiana, twice in the inner city! I value all the experiences I have had and we have had together.

Bill and I met through a friend of mine and a congregant of his. Looking for a church where the true creative mercy of God was taught and preached, I found the church and the Pastor, whom I married. Lucky girl!

When there’s time I pursue reading, jewelry making, needlepoint, experimenting with recipes and occasionally teaching in the church. Being a pastor’s wife is a joy, sometimes a stress, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.

https://youtu.be/yagsDdNNpLk

Anthem Michael Peters, bass Jonathan Moyer, organ

Nunc Dimittis Eugene W. Hancock

Lord now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of Thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end, Amen.

Sermon Nunc Dimittis Rev. Bill Hudson

Affirmation of Faith Philippians 2:6-11

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess to the glory of God: Jesus Christ is Lord! Amen.

Prayers of the People

Invitation to Offering

DUE TO THE UPDATED COVID-19

RISK LEVEL FOR CUYAHOGA COUNTY,

PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE TO SCHEDULE

AN APPOINTMENT.

216-421-0482

ENCOUNTERWe receive the good news of God’s love, mercy, and justice revealed to us through the Bible.

RESPONDHaving heard God’s word proclaimed, we offer music, prayers, and a portion of the financial resources we have received. Thank you for your generous response to God’s gracious love!

Click here to view the church's online giving page

https://onrealm.org/covenantweb/-/give/now

Offertory Covenant Chancel Choir & Case Concert Choir Chamber Strings

Cobi Ashkenazi, piano

Ecce Novum Ola Gjeilo

Ecce, novum gaudium, Behold, a new joy, Ecce, novum mirum! Behold, a new wonder! Virgo parit filium, A Virgin, who knew not a man, Quae non novit virum. Bears a son. Sed ut pirus prium, She knew not a man,

but as the pear-tree bears the pear, Gleba fert papyrum, The flourishing papyrus brings Florens lilium. The lily from the soil. Ecce, quod natura See how nature Mutat sua iura! Changes her laws! Virgo parit pura A pure virgin bears Dei filium. The son of God.

Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye heavenly host;

praise Father, Son,** and Holy Ghost. Amen **or Creator, Christ

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give him thanks and praise. God of mystery and might,

we praise and worship you, for you came in silence, while all lay sleeping,

to enter our world as a child of humble birth. We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ,

born of your handmaid Mary. In his face we behold your glory, for in his life as in his death is your gift of salvation.

By your Spirit, make our hearts burn with thanksgiving,

that we may give as we have received. Let our whole lives be gifts of praise to you,

God of love and peace, in the gracious name of Jesus Christ, your Son, by the power of your Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

CONTACT

LEADERSHIP

Rev. Bill Hudson, Transitional Pastor, Head of Staff whudson@covenantweb.org

Faithformation@

covenantweb.org

Finance@covenantweb.org

Service@covenantweb.org

Personnel@covenantweb.org

Deacons@covenantweb.org

Trustees@covenantweb.org

Building@covenantweb.org

Music@covenantweb.org

MINISTERS All the members of the church

Rev. Bill Hudson, Transitional Pastor, Head of Staff

George Leggiero, MA Carillonneur

Matthew Garrett, PhD, Music Director

Jonathan Moyer, DMA Organist, Assoc. Music Dir.

Michael Peters, PhD, Assoc. Music Director

Kaori Hongo, DMA Coordinator of Children & Youth Ministry, Handbell & Children’s Choir Director

Ken Wendt, DMA, Audio Visual Services Mgr.

Jennifer Conner, DMA, Music Librarian

mailto:Music@covenantweb.org

The Lord's Prayer:

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever,

Congregational Amen AMEN VENI EMMANUEL

All are invited to sing.

Sending

Charge Luke 2:29–32

“Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation a light to enlighten to the Gentiles, and the glory to your people Israel.”

SESSION Deni Horstman, Clerk of Session, clerk@covenantweb.org

CLASS OF 2021: Barb Clint, Theodis Fipps, Dale Goode, Chris Langmack,

Cindy Szafraniec

CLASS OF 2022: Heidi Braun, Kathy Farkas, Matthew Garrett, Sybil Marsh, Cathy Miller

CLASS OF 2023: Mary Anne Bromelmeier, Jenny Conner, Anne Wombwell deConingh, Susan Dahm, Rod Keen, Erica Stubbs

DEACONS

CLASS OF 2021: Lucy Matz, Ryan Szafraniec, Janet Takeyama,

Erin Tomko, Kate Williams

CLASS OF 2022: Ronnie Bromelmeier, John Marsh, Nancy Matz, Sue Prince, Liz Shriver, Nick Tomko

CLASS OF 2023: Tom Denbow, Joan Drushel, Julie Mailey, Nicole Murray, Norma Shuskey, Paul Williams

TRUSTEES

CLASS OF 2021: Patty Fowler, Nancy Smekal

CLASS OF 2022: Dennis Matz Ann Williams

CLASS OF 2023: Jim Prince Harriet Wadsworth

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY Martha Goble, President Keith Kallay, Treasurer Jim Mate, Secretary

mailto:clerk@covenantweb.org

Carol 127 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN

Glory To God

Blessing 2 Corinthians 13:13

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Postlude Alexa Still, flute Jonathan Moyer, organ

Ave Maria J.S. Bach / Charles Gounod

Carillon Postlude

Mid-Winter Night French, arr. L. ’t HartDavid Christensen University of California, Riverside

Please Note: The church building is temporarily closed once again due to the Updated COVID-19 Risk Level for Cuyahoga County. Most of the staff will be working from home starting on 11/30. Willie Howard will be in the office Tuesday–Friday and can be reached by phone at 216-280-5296. The custodial staff will be in the building Monday – Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Please contact the office for more information.

The church will be closed Monday, December 28th and Friday, January 1st.

COVID – 19 SAFETY PROCEDURES

We Are Following the Guidelines of the State of Ohio.

1. Masks MUST be worn while you are in the church building.2. Wash your hands frequently.3. Practice Social Distancing – keep six feet apart while in the church building.

We Keep in our Prayers: Carrie Arden, Thelma Everhart, Kitty Jarjisian, David Keltner, Greg Madison, Reathel McWhorter, Susan Moyer (Jonathan’s mother), Gene Papp, Carolyn Perry, George Peters (Michael’s father), Jim Rorimer, Mildred Russin, Arthur Tiroly, Kim Voss, Julia Wadsworth, Jim Watson, Gabriel (Jenny Conner's grand-nephew) and ALL teachers, students and parents. We pray for those struggling with illness, convalescing, or homebound; patients, family, and staff in our surrounding hospitals.

Memory Book Please email memories of Pat Owen-Keltner to Willie Howard at whoward@covenantweb.org or Dennis Matz at dmatz@covenantweb.org We will paste the emails into the memory book and present it to David.

Congratulations!! We celebrate with Covenant members Heidi and Fred Braun on the birth of their grandson, Wells Hunter Davis on December 13. Wells is the child of proud parents Kirsten (Braun) and Luke Davis.

Covenant Sunday Coffee Chat takes a break this week The Ministry of Faith Formation wishes everyone a Happy New Year! While we are not holding a formal after-worship Zoom gathering this week, we encourage you to reach out to a fellow Covenant Community member with a telephone or video call and stay connected into the new year. Sunday Coffee Chat will return January 3rd at 10:30 am.

Children’s Sunday Zoom Meeting Thank you to all who helped make our Pageant Sunday last week so special! The readings were amazing and the sign-language was so much fun! Many thanks to Mrs. Williams for guiding the kids in making the snowflakes for the Carol "In the Bleak Midwinter!" This year was very different with the pandemic and the Zoom experience. However, even through the challenges we were blessed with the story of Baby Jesus. "Emmanuel" - "God With Us". May God be with you all and bless you through this Christmas season. We will be meeting again on January 3rd, 2021!! (Please look for the tutorial for the American Sign Language Doxology on the church website and Facebook. As we go forward let us sing it together with our hands and hearts.) Kaori Hongo

Covenant’s Nativity Scene—God With Us The Holy Family and stable animals and shepherds have been front and center for us since our sanctuary’s redesign was completed in 1931. This highlights year ‘round how God came to be with us in human form in the season we celebrate every Christmas. Our chancel is remarkable this way, since many central images of a “reredos” or similar altar-area sculpture depict Christ on the cross or focus on his mother Mary.

Ralph Adams Cram, original architect of our building (dedicated in 1911), also designed the reredos. Alexander Blazys, the leading Cleveland School modernist sculptor at the time, modeled it. An earlier drawing by Cram, displayed in our reception room, included one of the wise men but not the star that we spotlight this time of year. The Lithuanian-born Blazys also sculpted the figures of Jesus and children in the “tympanum” arch above the McGaffin Tower entrance.

mailto:whoward@covenantweb.orgmailto:dmatz@covenantweb.org

2020 Pledge Commitments The church is very appreciative of all the contributions members and friends provide. In 2020, we had pledges of $230,000 and we based our budget on that number. It would be helpful if all members could complete their 2020 commitment to the best of their ability to do so. Currently we are short about $40,000 to this number."

2021 Stewardship Update Our 2021 pledge goal is $200,000. To date (12/16/20) we have received 59 pledges totaling $192,500. We are short $7,500. Thanks to all who have pledged. We’re well on our way!

This Week at Covenant (December 27–January 2)

Sunday: Carillon Concert, McGaffin Carillon, 10 am;

Monday: Church Office/Building is closed. Holiday Lunchtime Carillon Concert, McGaffin Carillon, 12:15 pm.

Tuesday: Staff Meeting, by Zoom, 9 am; Introductory Class for Handbell and Tone Chimes, “Les Cigales” (French for The Cicadas), by Zoom, 11 am; Holiday Lunchtime Carillon Concert, McGaffin Carillon, 12:15 pm.

Wednesday: Holiday Lunchtime Carillon Concert, McGaffin Carillon, 12:15 pm.

Thursday: New Year’s Eve – Holiday Lunchtime Carillon Concert, McGaffin Carillon, 12:15 pm.

Friday: Church Office/Building is closed for New Year’s Day.

Saturday: No scheduled activities

Upcoming Book Discussion The Ministry of Faith Formation will be sponsoring three Adult Education Forums, starting in January, discussing Isabel Wilkerson's book, Caste. Hugh Burtner will be the leader. Members are encouraged to get on your public library lending lists now. You might also consider supporting a local bookseller by making a purchase online. Loganberry Bookstore in Shaker Heights and Appletree Books in Cedar/Fairmount can help you with orders by phone or online, and books will ship to your home. Contact faithformation@covenantweb.org if you need help getting a copy.

Ways to Help Feed The Hungry The Ministry of Service and Hunger Action Network have put together a document outlining ways you can help feed the hungry in our community. It’s located on the Giving page of our website, so you can access it any time, or refer others to it.

Online Donations Our website's Giving page is up and running. You can now make donations and pledges from your phone or computer. Check it out at: http://www.covenantweb.org/giving/

Coffee chat, Zoom, 10:30 AM

mailto:faithformation@covenantweb.orghttp://www.covenantweb.info/giving/http://www.covenantweb.org/giving/https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85038497044?pwd=d0VRK2h5ajRUd1BrV0VDY0VaZWR5Zz09

iPads & Tablets Needed! The church is looking for gently used iPads or tablets to donate to shut-in members that would like to enjoy our Virtual Service. If you can help, contact Dennis Matz at dmatz@covenantweb.org

UPCaM – UNITED PROTESTANT CAMPUS MINISTRY

Student Ministries December Spotlight

A CWRU Food Pantry This December and January, a select number of CWRU undergraduates and graduates will remain on-campus or living nearby. To address concerns of food insecurity these students may experience and public health mandates, CWRU and Rev. Shelley Nelson-Bridger created a temporary pick-up and go food pantry. Students will pre-register for a box provided by Church of the Covenant. The pick-up location is the Thwing Student Center. To learn more about food insecurity on college campuses and our programs, contact Shelley at office@upcam.org.

The Church of the Covenant 11205 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106

216.421.0482 • CovenantWeb.org Covenant@CovenayntWeb.org

mailto:dmatz@covenantweb.orgmailto:office@upcam.orgmailto:Covenant@CovenayntWeb.org