Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
THE FOURTH
SUNDAY IN
ADVENT
December 20, 2020
8:30 AM
2
FIRST CHURCH WELCOMES YOU
We extend a warm welcome to all who are joining us online today and hope you will
worship with our community of faith again. If you would like to know more
about our ministry in downtown and metropolitan Pittsburgh,
please visit our website at www.flcpittsburgh.org, or our Facebook page
at www.facebook.com/firstlutheranchurchpittsburgh.
Our liturgy incorporates historic practices of the Western Christian tradition, aspects
of which may be unfamiliar to some. We hope this bulletin will serve to welcome our
visitors and be an aid to those who seek to participate in our worship of God.
HOLY COMMUNION is offered by invitation of the Lord himself. All baptized
believers who trust that Christ is present in the Eucharist, regardless of denomination,
are invited to receive the Blessed Sacrament.
To receive the Sacrament, you may come to the church building to receive walk-up or
drive-up Communion from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. A pastor will be on duty in the courtyard
to offer prayers with you and distribute the Sacrament. Communion will be offered
only under the form of bread at this time, but we may be assured that in so doing, we
receive the whole Christ.
If you are in need of a gluten free wafer, please ask the pastor.
That we may better protect one another, masks are required
when you are in the building or on the courtyard, except when
receiving the Sacrament. Masks should be closely fitted and
must cover the mouth and nose. Please observe recommended
social distancing guidelines when you are waiting to receive
communion.
3
You may mail your offerings to the church,
bring them when you come to outdoor distribution,
or click below to donate electronically via PayPal.
ALTAR FLOWERS
CENTERPIECE Given in memory of Marten R. Jenkins, by Gail Jenkins.
SIDE VASES Given in memory of Marten R. Jenkins, by Gail Jenkins.
SANCTUARY & VOTIVE LAMPS December 7 - 20
SANCTUARY LAMP Burns to the Glory of God.
VOTIVE LAMP Burns in memory of Alma Marie Bertollini,
Given by Mr. and Mrs. George C. Weimer.
4
THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 20, 2020—8:30 AM
The people prepare for worship by silently praying the following prayer:
O Lord, born of the Virgin, do not look upon my sins, but cleanse my heart,
and make it a temple for your most pure Body and precious Blood. Do not cast
me away from your presence, for you are merciful without limit. Amen
(TROPARION FOR PREPARATION, LITURGY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM)
THE INVOCATION
P In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C Amen
THE CONFESSION
P Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbors.
The people kneel or stand. A brief time is provided for self-examination.
P Most merciful God,
C we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free
ourselves. 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. For the sake of your Son,
Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead
us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your holy name. Amen
PRELUDE The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Paul Manz
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Michael Burkhardt
5
P Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive () you all your sins
through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
C Amen
The people stand.
THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
L Let us cast off the works of darkness,
C and let us put on the armor of light. [Rom. 13:12]
The first candle is lighted.
L Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.
C To prepare the way for my coming.
The second candle is lighted.
L The Lord will bring light to the things now hidden in darkness
C and will disclose the purposes of the heart.
The third candle is lighted.
L Rejoice in the Lord always.
C The Lord is at hand.
The fourth candle is lighted.
P O Jesus, Sun of Righteousness, rise in our hearts and enlighten us
with the brightness of your coming, that we who rejoice in the sure
word of your promise, may not be put to shame at your coming in
glory; through your mercy, O our God, who with the Father and the
Holy Spirit live and govern all things now and evermore. C Amen [Mozarabic Rite]
The people stand as the bells peal.
6
THE APOSTOLIC GREETING
P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C And also with you.
KYRIE (Spoken)
A In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
A For the peace from above, and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
A For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of
God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
A For this holy house, and for all who offer here their
worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
A Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
C Amen
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY
P Let us pray.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the hindrance
of our sins and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that
we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
C Amen
The people are seated.
7
THE FIRST LESSON—2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 1Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest
from all his enemies around him, 2the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See
now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” 3Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with
you.” 4But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 5Go and tell my
servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live
in? 6I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel
from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a
tabernacle. 7Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I
ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded
to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of
cedar?” 8Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says
the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be
prince over my people Israel; 9and I have been with you wherever you went,
and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a
great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10And I will appoint a
place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their
own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more,
as formerly, 11from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I
will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you
that the Lord will make you a house. 16Your house and your kingdom shall be
made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
L The Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
8
THE PSALMODY—Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
Read responsively by whole verse, Leader / All 1Your love, O LORD, forever | will I sing;*
from age to age my mouth will pro- | claim your faithfulness. 2For I am persuaded that your love is estab- | lished forever;*
you have set your faithfulness firmly | in the heavens. 3“I have made a covenant with my | chosen one;*
I have sworn an oath to Da- | vid my servant: 4‘I will establish your | line forever,*
and preserve your throne for all | generations.’” 19You spoke once in a vision and said to your | faithful people:*
“I have set the crown upon a warrior
and have exalted one chosen out | of the people. 20I have found Da- | vid my servant;*
with my holy oil have I a- | nointed him. 21My hand will | hold him fast*
and my arm will | make him strong. 22No enemy | shall deceive him,*
nor any wicked man | bring him down. 23I will crush his | foes before him*
and strike down | those who hate him. 24My faithfulness and love shall | be with him,*
and he shall be victorious | through my name. 25I shall make his domin- | ion extend*
from the great sea | to the river. 26He will say to me, ‘You | are my Father,*
my God, and the rock of | my salvation.’
THE SECOND LESSON—Romans 16:25-27 25Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the
proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic
writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the
eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—27to the only wise God,
through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
L The Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
9
THE VERSE Sung by Soloist A. Bierman / C. Pock
Alleluia! Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall call his name, “Emmanuel” Alleluia!
The people stand.
THE HOLY GOSPEL—Saint Luke 1:26-38
P The Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke, the first chapter.
C Glory to you, O Lord.
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee
called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the
house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said,
“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was much perplexed
by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said
to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now,
you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him
Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the
Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over
the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34Mary
said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel said to her,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called
Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also con-
ceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be bar-
ren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38Then Mary said, “Here am I,
the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the
angel departed from her.
P The Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ.
The people are seated.
THE SERMON Vicar Halle Siebert
Following the sermon, the people stand for the Hymn of the Day.
10
THE HYMN OF THE DAY Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus LBW 30
11
THE NICENE CREED
C 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 worshiped 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
12
THE PRAYERS
A Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus,
and for all people according to their needs.
You may kneel or sit. A brief time for reflection is provided.
A ...Lord, in your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray,
trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen
THE PEACE
P The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C And also with you.
Thank you for supporting the ministry we share together.
You may mail your offerings to the church,
bring them when you come to outdoor distribution,
or click below to donate electronically via PayPal.
CLICK HERE
The people stand.
THE OFFERTORY PRAYER
A Let us pray.
Merciful Father,
C we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given
us—our selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your
gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered
himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
THE PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS
CANTICLE Sing Aloud, O Daughter Zion! John W. Becker
Sung by the Soloist.
13
SURSUM CORDA
THE PREFACE
P It is indeed right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places
offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and
everliving God. You comforted your people with the promise of the
Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day
when he comes again to judge the world in righteousness.
And so, with the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
14
SANCTUS
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
P Holy God, gracious Father, you are the Beginning and the End,
our Salvation and our Hope. We thank and praise you for
creating a world of beauty and order.
When we brought chaos, cruelty, and despair into your world,
you sent the prophets to proclaim your justice and mercy;
and at the end of the ages, you sent your Son Jesus to bring
us your love and to heal the suffering world.
P In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread
and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
15
P Again, after supper, he took the cup,
gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
C Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
P Remembering, therefore, his birth, life, death, resurrection, and
ascension, we await his coming again in righteousness and peace to
share with us the great and promised feast.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Send now your Holy Spirit upon us and upon this bread and wine:
strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and give birth to the justice
and joy of your Son, that we who receive the Lord's body and blood
may live to the praise of your glory and receive our inheritance
with all your saints in light.
C Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.
P Join our prayers with those of your saints in every time and place,
and unite them with the ceaseless petitions of our great high priest
until he comes as victorious Lord of all.
16
THE LORD’S PRAYER
P
17
THE FRACTION
P When we eat this bread, we share the body of Christ.
When we drink this cup, we share the blood of Christ.
C Reveal yourself to us, O Lord, in the breaking of bread,
as once you revealed yourself to your disciples.
P The gifts of God for the people of God.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
The people sit.
AGNUS DEI
THE COMMUNION OF THE MINISTERS
THE POST-COMMUNION BLESSING
P The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
C Amen
18
THE POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
A Let us pray.
Pour out upon us the spirit of your love, O Lord,
and unite the wills of those whom you have fed with one
heavenly food; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen
THE BLESSING
THE HYMN TO CLOSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel LBW 34
19
Liturgy from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #46420.
Hymns from The Lutheran Book of Worship, copyright 1978 and Evangelical Lutheran Worship,
copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Hymns reprinted by permission under OneLicense #A-722888.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.
THE DISMISSAL
A Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
To receive the Sacrament, you may come to the church building to receive walk-up or drive-up
Communion from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. A pastor will be on duty in the courtyard to offer prayers
with you and distribute the Sacrament. Communion will be offered only under the form of
bread at this time, but we may be assured that in so doing, we receive the whole Christ.
If you are in need of a gluten free wafer, please ask the pastor.
20
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ESTIMATE OF GIVING FORMS: Thank you to all who have mailed in your forms!
We still gratefully receive pledges of financial support for the ministry of the parish in
the coming year. Please mail/email your completed Estimate of Giving forms for 2021
or bring them to the church, if you come for Distribution of the Sacrament on the
courtyard. Thank you!
ATTENTION MEMBERS: OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2021 will be mailed
to your homes this year.
THE DAYTIME BOOK CLUB will be meeting on Thursday, January 14, at
12:00 PM, to discuss the book Cocaine Blues (Phryne Fisher Mysteries) by Kerry
Greenwood. Until further notice, all upcoming meetings will be virtual through Zoom.
Please contact Anne Harmon if you would like to attend at
EVENING BOOK CLUB: The Evening Book Club group will next meet on
Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 6:00 PM and we will discuss How to Stop Time by Matt
Haig. We will be meeting by Zoom, all are welcome. RSVP at
ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL: RACE, CULTURE, AND ETHNICITY
DISCUSSION: The first monthly discussion of The Color of Compromise: the Truth
About the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby is postponed until
Monday, February 1, when we will discuss chapters 1 and 2. For each chapter there
are also 20 minute videos available on Amazon Prime. Please contact Pastor McCurry
in order to receive the Zoom connection information, [email protected], or if
you're interested in participating but cannot attend on Monday evenings.
ADVENT VESPERS: Through the four weeks of Advent, First Lutheran Church will
offer Vespers from Home each Wednesday evening at 4:00 PM (please note
change in time) and may be watched anytime after, beginning on December 2,
with meditations given by Pastors Evans and McCurry, Vicar Siebert, and one of our
seminarians, W. Roger Randolph, III. Please join us each week on our Youtube channel
or Facebook page.
2021 LITURGICAL CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE for $2.00, edited
by our former Associate Pastor, The Rev. Dr. Philip H. Pfatteicher. Contact Christine at
[email protected] if you would like to order one. Please send a check in the mail
made out to the church, with Liturgical Calendar in the memo line. We are happy to
mail them to you. Thank you.
21
CHRISTMAS WORHIP ONLINE: On CHRISTMAS EVE, THURSDAY,
DECEMBER 24, there will be a LIVESTREAM CHRIST MASS at 4:00 PM, with
Distribution of the Eucharist available on the courtyard and in the church from
6:00- 8:00 PM. The video will be a full liturgy of Holy Communion with music, strings
and candle-lighting, and, as always, it will also be available to watch any time afterward.
On CHRISTMAS DAY, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 at 10:00 AM, there will be a
pre-recorded video of CHRISTMAS SERMON OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
AND THE ANGELUS from the Pittsburgh Crèche available at 10:00 AM. Go to
our website or Facebook page to view.
CAMP DOWTOWN ICEFEST: This year our theme for ICEFEST is "LIGHT OF
THE WORLD." We will first gather with pre-recorded lessons and stations in our
homes on Friday, January 29, and will learn more about Epiphany and baptism. Then
we will gather for ice skating in-person at PPG Plaza on Saturday, January 30 from
1:00-2:45 PM. All kindergarten - 6 grade students and families are welcome!
Online registrations will be open until January 10, 2021. Participation in the online
event will be free; however, if you plan to ice skate, the cost will be $15/skater with a
skate rental or $10/skater with personal skates. PPG Rink requires face coverings
when 6' social distancing cannot be maintained and requires temperature checks
before entering the rental office and bathroom area. Choose the option that works
best for your family. To register go to our website, https://flcpittsburgh.org/
registration/ or click the link in the Parish News. We can't wait to see you there!
DESIGNATED OFFERINGS: THE ADVENT OFFERING has been designated
for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, which works in partnership
with community-based legal and social service providers nationwide to support and
advocate for migrants and refugees. Your donation helps fund refugee resettlement,
foster care services, family reunification services, migrant and refugee leadership
development programs, and services to recently arrived migrants. Please use the
ADVENT envelopes in your offering envelope box, or, make your check payable to "First Lutheran Church" and mark it “ADVENT.”
WALK-IN MINISTRY: Smithfield United Church of Christ completes a week of
walk-in ministry today. First Church will be on duty beginning December 21. Those
seeking crisis counseling may be directed accordingly.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR DONATIONS TO THE WALK-IN
PANTRY! We have restocked the pantry and have plenty of hats and gloves to give
away this winter. We can once again take a pause in donations. Thank you again for
your support of this vital ministry! Our next week of service begins December 21.
22
SERVING THIS MORNING
Presiding Minister / Lector The Rev. Brian A. Evans
Assisting Minister / Preacher Vicar Halle Siebert
Tenor Soloist Mr. André Bierman
Cantor Sr. Cynthia A. Pock, n/OLF, AAGO
TODAY
THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT, DECEMBER 20
Katharina von Bora Luther (d. 1552), Renewer of the Church
8:30 AM Holy Communion (Livestreamed on YouTube & Facebook)
9:30 AM Outdoor Distribution of the Sacrament (walk/drive-up, through 11:00 AM)
2:00 PM Confirmation Class (Zoom)
You may mail your offerings to the church,
bring them when you come to outdoor distribution,
or click below to donate electronically via PayPal.
23
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 Walk-In Week Begins
12:00 PM Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting at First Church
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23
1:00 PM Staff Meeting (Zoom)
4:00 PM Advent Vespers at Home (Pre-Recorded on YouTube)
CHRISTMAS EVE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24
4:00 PM The Christ Mass (Livestreamed on YouTube & Facebook)
6:00 PM Outdoor Distribution of the Sacrament (walk/drive-up, through 8:00 PM)
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
10:00 AM Christmas Sermon of St. John Chrysostom and the Angelus
(Pre-Recorded on YouTube)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26 Saint Stephen, Deacon & Martyr
SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE & EVANGELIST: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27
8:30 AM Holy Communion (Livestreamed on YouTube & Facebook)
9:30 AM Outdoor Distribution of the Sacrament (walk/drive-up, through 11:00 AM)
24
STAFF
The Rev. Brian A. Evans, STS, Senior Pastor
The Rev. Jennifer Peters McCurry, Associate Pastor
The Rev. Daniel E. Hall, MD, Assisting Episcopal Priest
Vicar Halle Siebert, Pastoral Assistant
Sr. Cynthia A. Pock, n/OLF, AAGO, Cantor
Mr. André Bierman, Tenor Soloist
Mrs. Suanne O’Dell, Financial Secretary
Ms. Christine G. Hoffmann, Admin. Assistant to Pastoral Staff
Mr. Norman Brozell, Building Manager
Mr. Nicholas Scott Sharer, Communications Coordinator
Ms. Ellen Gross, Music Assistant
PASTORS-IN-RESIDENCE
The Rev. Brian O. Bennett, Lutheran University Center
The Rev. Canon Natalie L. G. Hall, Episcopal Diocese
The Rev. S. Cyril Hurnyak
The Rev. Leonard J. Larsen
The Rev. Caroline M. Mendis
The Rev. Christine Rotella
The Rev. Martin M. Roth
The Rev. Robert W. Strobel
MISSIONARIES
The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Truscott, Singapore
The Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson
& Dr. Andrew L. Wilson, Japan
ORGAN ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Dr. Ann Labounsky Steele
SCHEDULE
Sunday Worship
8:30 AM Holy Communion
Livestreamed Online
only
9:30 AM-
11:00 AM
Walk/Drive-Up
Distribution of the
Sacrament
Weekdays
Noonday liturgies remain
suspended until further notice.
The church office staff is available for
telephone contact, Monday through
Friday, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
