Christmas Eve (Yr A) Dec 24, 2022

A Celebration of the

Nativity of our Lord

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Dayton, Ohio, December 24, 2022, 7:00 pm

Note: the service is being livestreamed and recorded and will be available on our Facebook page.

If you’re new to St. Mark’s please see an usher for a welcome packet so we might acknowledge your visit and include you on our email list for weekly updates and information regarding St. Mark’s and the Diocese of Southern Ohio. The RESTROOM is located to the right as you enter the building.

Throughout the service the people’s responses are in italics; directions are in bold italics.

If you prefer a gluten-free host please notify an usher prior to the service.

PRELUDE:

“Pastorale ‘Gesu Bambino’ Pietro A. Yon

WELCOME: The Rev. Rowena Mae MacGregor

PROCESSIONAL:

“Once in Royal David’s city” (v. 1 soloist, vs. 2,3 and 6 all sing) The Hymnal 1982, #102

2 He came down to earth from heaven,

who is God and Lord of all,

and his shelter was a stable,

and his cradle was a stall;

with the poor, the scorned, the lowly,

lived on earth our Savior holy.

3 We, like Mary, rest confounded

that a stable should display

heaven’s Word, the world’s creator,

cradled there on Christmas Day,

yet this child, our Lord and brother,

brought us love for one another.

6 Not in that poor lowly stable,

with the oxen standing round,

we shall see him; but in heaven,

where his saints his throne surround:

Christ, revealed to faithful eye,

set at God’s right hand on high.

The Liturgy of the Word

Please remain standing

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (with gusto!) And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Celebrant: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy Name through Christ our Lord. Amen.

COLLECT OF THE DAY:

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

All: O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

SONG OF PRAISE: Please remain standing

“Angels we have heard on high” The Hymnal 1982, #96

1 Angels we have heard on high,

singing sweetly through the night,

and the mountains in reply

echoing their brave delight.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

2 Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why these songs of happy cheer?

What great brightness did you see?

What glad tidings did you hear?

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

3 Come to Bethlehem and see

him whose birth the angels sing;

come, adore on bended knee

Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

4 See him in a manger laid

whom the angels praise above;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,

while we raise our hearts in love.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH:

Reader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness– on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (9:2-7)

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

Please stand

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PSALMS:

Reader: Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.

Reader: Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

Reader: Declare his glory among the nations and his wonders among all peoples.

Reader: For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is more to be feared than all gods.

Reader: As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; but it is the Lord who made the heavens.

Reader: Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

Reader: Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; ascribe to the Lord honor and power.

Reader: Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; bring offerings and come into his courts.

Reader: Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him.

Reader: Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord is King! he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”

Reader: Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

Reader: Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord when he comes, when he comes to judge the earth.

Reader: He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with his truth. (Ps. 96)

Please be seated

A READING FROM THE LETTER TO TITUS:

Reader: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. (2:11-14)

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

Please stand

GRADUAL:

“O little town of Bethlehem” (v. 1-3) 1982 Hymnal, #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.

Please stand

THE GOSPEL:

Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Celebrant: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (2:1-20)

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

GRADUAL:

“O little town of Bethlehem” (v. 4-5) 1982 Hymnal, #79

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.

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!

Please be seated

HOMILY

HYMN:

“O come, all ye faithful” 1982 Hymnal, #83

1 O come, all ye faithful,

joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

come, and behold him,

born the King of angels;

Refrain: O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

2 God from God,

Light from Light eternal,

lo! he abhors not the Virgin’s womb;

only-begotten

Son of God the Father; Refrain

3 Sing, choirs of angels,

sing in exultation,

sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;

glory to God,

glory in the highest; Refrain

4 See how the shepherds,

summoned to his cradle,

leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;

we too will thither

bend our joyful footsteps; Refrain

5 Child, for us sinners

poor and in the manger,

we would embrace thee, with love and awe;

who would not love thee,

loving us so dearly? Refrain

6 Yea, Lord, we greet thee,

born this happy morning;

Jesus, to thee be glory given;

Word of the Father,

now in flesh appearing; Refrain

Please stand

THE NICENE CREED:

All: We believe in one God the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Please stand or kneel

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE:

Reader: In prayer let us call on God who draws near to us in Christ, the Beloved One on whom God’s Spirit rests. (A moment of silent prayer is observed.)

Reader: We pray that churches everywhere be places of welcome for people of every race and tongue; that we, the people of God, may be instruments of transformation. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray that God’s Word, descending on us like winter’s snow, accomplishes its purpose and yields a harvest of obedient faith and generous love. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray that the leaders of the world’s most powerful nations may weld their authority with a spirit of justice and act rightly for the people under their charge; we pray for an end to war and oppression. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray that you might extend to us a reverence for the earth and your own creation and use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.

Reader: We pray that those who are ill or who suffer from any adversity be blessed by your abundant mercy; we remember especially the Webster family, the Sharp family, Mary-Anna and the Welch family, Linda, the Berta family, Wayne and the Harper family, Don, the Phillips family, the Darnell family, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Mary, George, and Vern; and all those named on the parish prayer list. Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: We pray that all the departed be given eternal rest; let light perpetual shine upon them. Lord, hear our prayer.

Celebrant: Loving God, hear the prayers of your faithful people and guide our thoughts and actions, so that your will may be done and your name glorified, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please kneel or stand

THE CONFESSION:

Celebrant: Let us commit our lives to Christ’s way of hope and peace as we confess our sins against God, our neighbors, and all our relations:

All: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with

our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves; we are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Celebrant: May almighty God, by whose providence our Savior, Jesus Christ, came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen.

Please stand

THE PASSING OF THE PEACE:

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

The congregation offers the peace of God to one another.

Please be seated

BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS:

ANNOUNCEMENTS Libby Nicholson, Sr. Warden

OFFERTORY SENTENCE:

Celebrant: Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High. Let us with gladness present the offerings and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord.

Thank you for your generous Christmas gift.

OFFERTORY

“Celtic Christmas Blessing” Craig Curry

Please stand

PRAYER FOR THE OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE:

Celebrant: Let us pray. Most Holy God, the author of life and creator of all that is, receive and bless my offering this day; that the currency of worldly value may become the currency of transformation through the worship and work of this community. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Table

To receive the sacrament, please approach the celebrant by way of the center aisle and returning to your seat by way of the side aisle. The common cup is available for those who feel comfortable drinking from it; please do not dip the wafer in the wine – per Bishop Smith.

Those not receiving the sacrament in either kind are invited to come forward for a blessing; cross your arms across your chest to indicate this to the Celebrant who will administer the blessing. If you are unsure about receiving the sacrament please make an appointment with The Rev. MacGregor who would be delighted to speak with you.

Please remain standing

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER B:

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.

Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children. 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:

THE SANCTUS: Wonder, Love, & Praise, #851

All:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow’r 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.

You may stand or kneel

Celebrant: We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

Celebrant: On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and give it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to the, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

All: We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory.

Celebrant: And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. +Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in

subjection under Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.

People: AMEN! (with gusto!)

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

FRACTION ANTHEM:

“O Lamb of God” 1982 Hymnal, #S157

All:

O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION:

Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God.

The people may now come forward to receive the Sacrament.

THE PRAYER OF RECEPTION FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING ONLINE:

(to be said by those at home)

Blessed Jesus, with your faithful people at every altar of your church where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I offer my praise and thanksgiving. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and the life to come. Amen.

Please stand

COMMUNION HYMNS AND CANDLE LIGHTING:

***During the hymns the ushers will go pew to pew to light candles***

“Away in a manger” 1982 Hymnal, #101

1 Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,

the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,

the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,

but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,

and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay

close by me for ever, and love me I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

“The first Nowell” 1982 Hymnal, #109

1 The first Nowell the angel did say

was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;

in fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,

on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Refrain: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.

2 They looked up and saw a star

shining in the east beyond them far,

and to the earth it gave great light,

and so it continued both day and night. Refrain

3 And by the light of that same star

three wise men came from country far;

to seek for a king was their intent,

and to follow the star wherever it went. Refrain

4 This star drew nigh to the northwest,

o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,

and there it did both stop and stay

right over the place where Jesus lay. Refrain

5 Then entered in those wise men three

full reverently upon their knee,

and offered there in his presence

their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Refrain

6 Then let us all with one accord

sing praises to our heavenly Lord;

that hath made heaven and earth of nought,

and with his blood our life hath bought. Refrain

POST COMMUNION PRAYER:

Celebrant: Let us pray.

All: Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

HYMN: (House lights are dimmed)

“Silent Night” The Hymnal 1982, #111

1 Silent night, holy night,

all is calm, all is bright

round yon virgin mother and child.

Holy infant, so tender and mild,

sleep in heavenly peace.

2 Silent night, holy night,

shepherds quake at the sight,

glories stream from heaven afar,

heavenly hosts sing alleluia;

Christ, the Savior, is born!

3 Silent night, holy night,

Son of God, love’s pure light

radiant beams from thy holy face,

with the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

THE BLESSING:

Celebrant:….. +And may the blessing . . .

RECESSIONAL:

“Joy to the world” The Hymnal 1982, #100

1 Joy to the world! the Lord is come:

let earth receive her King;

let every heart prepare him room,

and heaven and nature sing.

2 Joy to the world! the Savior reigns;

let us our songs employ,

while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,

repeat the sounding joy.

3 No more let sins and sorrows grow,

nor thorns infest the ground;

he comes to make his blessings flow

far as the curse is found.

4 He rules the world with truth and grace,

and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness,

and wonders of his love.

DISMISSAL:

Celebrant: Alleluia! Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

POSTLUDE:

“Adeste Fidelis” T. Frederick H. Candlyn

THE CHRISTMAS FLOWERS are given by:

Barbara and family in memory of Judy Sheetz

Fred and Phyllis Berta in thanksgiving for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Larry and Joy Brown in thanksgiving for their many blessings!

Mike and Sandy Bultman in thanksgiving for our grandchildren

Juanita Limes in memory of Mother Edith Gates

Libby Nicholson in thanksgiving for Ben and Annie

Norma Peachey in memory of Mark C. Peachey, Jennie and Matt Partezana

Jim and Judy Rudd in memory of Ruby Webster

George Snyder in thanksgiving for my loving family

Linda Stagles in memory of Dale Weaver, Patricia Weaver, and James Weaver

Tracy A. Swartz in thanksgiving for the love shown to me by family and friends and my fluffs

Jim and Patricia Tallman in thanksgiving for our family and friends

Mike and Katherine Wagner in thanksgiving for Michael, Colleen and Jamie, Elizabeth and Sean

Gary and Mary-Anna Welch in thanksgiving for family and friends

THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP remains lighted throughout the week to indicate and honor the eternal presence of Christ and has been dedicated this week by Jim and Jackie Hoskinson in in memory of Jackie’s mother, Joycelyn Graham.

Prayers for the Week of December 25:

FOR PEACE.

For those who have died:

For all those who died by suicide: remembering especially teens and young adults who took their own lives this week;

For the people of the Ukraine – and all nations striving for peace and just governance;

For medical and wellness practitioners, who are assisting people with mental, physical, and financial conditions and issues related to the Covid pandemic;

For the homeless: remembering especially those who lost their homes due to flooding and fires in this nation and around the world in recent weeks; and the homeless of Dayton;

For all those addicted to heroin, remembering especially the youth who died this week from overdose;

For our enemies; For the safety of all American military and civilian personnel where ever they serve, remembering especially all those serving at Wright-Patterson AFB;

For those who struggle with the basic necessities of life after natural catastrophic events, especially those misplaced by earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, drought, fire, mudslides, and tornadoes;

For those who suffer from a lack of water without which there can be no life;

For the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and for the millions of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide who wander the lands of the earth in search of safety, food, water, employment, and family, and whose suffering is greater than we can ever know.

For those in our prayer cycles: in the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for The Anglican Church of Melanesia; in the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for All Saints, Cincinnati, St. Paul’s, Logan, Trinity, Newark;

For St. Mark’s Families in our parish prayer cycle.

For those parishioners celebrating birthdays.

For those parishioners celebrating wedding anniversaries.

For those on our parish prayer list.

For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity.

For faithful animal companions and those who care for all animals.

For the mission work of this congregation: The Christmas Project, Canterbury Court, CARE House, St. Paul UMC Food Pantry, Hope 4Riverside, and Neighborhood Bridges; and for all the non-profit groups who use our Community Building;

For our Diocesan Bishops: for the Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith, Bishop Provisional; The Rt. Rev. Kenneth Price, the Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, and the Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs;

For our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael Curry;

For Transitional Deacon(s): Don Carlson;

For postulants for holy orders in the DSO: Phoebe Myhrum Bentley, Maggie Gough, Catherine Duffy, Alane Osborne, Libbie Crawford, Gayland Trim, Molly Cook, Victoria Lewis, Kate Meeks, Kyle Schenkewicz, Gregory Williams, and Amy Cochran.

For the search for a new bishop for the DSO: Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For all faith communities as we navigate the way forward in a world being transformed by a number of crises – that we remain faithful in our devotion to God and open to constant change and ongoing self-evaluation.

GROUNDED IN COMMUNITY

***THIS SATURDAY– CHRISTMAS EVE – DECEMBER 24, 7PM:

Celebrant: The Rev. Rowena MacGregor

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Voice: Laura Leach, as available

Acolyte(s): Jackie Hoskinson, Elizabeth Reuter and Gabriel Walch

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

OT/PS: Jackie Hoskinson

EP/POP: Judy Rudd

Chalice Bearers: Kendall Rubino and Jim Rudd

Eucharistic Minister (Home Communions):

Carol Williamson, as available

Tech/Facebook Live: Gary Welch

Ushers: Ginny Tuxhorn and Jim Rudd

Counters: Carol Nancarrow and Jim Rudd

Altar Guild: Janet Reuter and Stephanie and Gary Welch

Coffee Hour Host(s): N/A

Open/Close: TBS

NEXT SUNDAY– FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME – NEW YEAR’S DAY, JAN. 1, 2023:

Officiant: TBA

Music Director/Organist: Donna Larsen

Voice: Laura Leach, as available

Acolyte(s): N/A

Lay Eucharist Ministers: Readers:

Fred Berta, Jackie Hoskinson,

Don Nancarrow, and Carol Williamson

Chalice Bearers: N/A

Eucharistic Minister (Home Communions):

Carol Williamson, as available

Tech/Facebook Live: TBS

Ushers: Dave Reuter and Carol Williamson

Counters: TBS

Altar Guild: TBS

Coffee Hour Host(s): OPEN

Open/Close: TBS

Christmas Flowers: As listed in the bulletin.

Candle Dedication: OPEN

Happening this Week at St. Mark’s:

***THIS SATURDAY (CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24): HOLY EUCHARIST, 7pm, in-person and on Facebook Live; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

***THIS SUNDAY (CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25): Please note that there will be no service this day.

MONDAY: PARISH OFFICE CLOSED; SAA MEETING, 6:30am, Lounge; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

TUESDAY: PARISH OFFICE CLOSED; NA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge; YOGA FOR 12 STEPS, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

WEDNESDAY: PARISH OFFICE CLOSED; There are no events this day

THURSDAY: PARISH OFFICE CLOSED; SAA MEETING, 7:30pm, Lounge

FRIDAY: PARISH OFFICE CLOSED; There are no events this day

SATURDAY: HIDDEN GEMS, 12pm, Parking Lot; AA MEETING, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

***NEXT SUNDAY (New Year’s Day, Feast of the Holy Name, January 1): SERVICE OF CHRISTMAS LESSONS AND CAROLS, 10:30am, in-person and on Facebook Live

Places to be, things to do:

ST. MARK’S CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE will be at 7pm on Saturday, December 24. There will not be a Christmas Day service.

THE SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS will be held on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1 at 10:30am; featuring the traditional hymn-sing of best-loved Christmas carols.

ATTENTION COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Annual Meeting Reports are due in the office no later than Monday, January 9. The annual meeting will be Sunday, January 29.

THE REV. ROWENA MACGREGOR’S FINAL SERVICE AT ST. MARK’S will be on Sunday, January 15.

RUBY WEBSTER’S MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at St. Mark’s on Saturday, January 21; visitation from 10-11am, service at 11:30am, reception at St. Mark’s to follow.

St. Mark’s Classifieds

***VESTRY NOMINATIONS: If you would like to run for a three year term on the vestry, or serve as a delegate/alternate for diocesan convention please contact Linda Stagles, chair of the Nominating Committee asap to be added to the slate. There are two vacancies as the terms of Jenna Walch and Linda Stagles will expire at the end of January.

***THANK YOU!!! to everyone who gave so generously to the Christmas Project and for the volunteers who helped to shop, sort, pack and deliver this week. Many thanks to Fred and Phyllis Berta for coordinating this annual mission project this year.

LIONS CLUB COLLECTION OF USED ITEMS: St. Mark’s is now collecting used eye glasses, hearing aids, cell phones, plastic pill bottles (remove labels), and plastic bags (to be recycled into benches). Please use the box provided in the narthex for all items but the plastic bags. THANK YOU for the donations received thus far.

2023 SIGNUP SHEETS: The 2023 Sign-up forms for Flowers, Eternal Candle Dedication and Coffee Hour Hosting are now posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

FEASTS TO OBSERVE THIS WEEK: