Blue Christmas

A Service of Remembrance and Hope Holy Eucharist Rite II Wednesday, December 15, 2010 5:30 p.m.

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH In the City of Charleston

Welcome to Grace Episcopal Church We are glad you are with us this evening. The map on this page is designed to help you find your way around during your visit. Here are some quick facts that may be helpful: Welcome: Baptized Christians of every age are invited to receive Holy Communion. Saying hello: Please come to Hanahan Hall for refreshments after this evening’s service. On most Sundays we have coffee hour after the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services and Christian Education for all ages at 10:10 a.m. Church tours: A self-guided tour brochure is also available – ask any usher. On Sundays, a 15-minute tour and brief history of the parish facilities is offered after the 11:00 a.m. service. Please meet your guide at the front of the church near the organ and choir stalls. Want to know more? Please complete one of the Visitor Cards found in the back of the church or in a tract rack, and drop it in the collection plate or give it to an usher.

Children: Children are especially welcome in church at the 9:00 a.m. service. Look in the cart at the back of the church for crayons, paper, coloring pages, books and other resources. If you feel the need to take your child outside, there is a sound system in the Garden where you can continue to hear the service. Children’s Chapel for ages 3 and 4 is offered at 9:00 a.m. Sundays in the nursery area. The children come back into church just before Holy Communion. Nursery: The nursery is open from 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sundays. Paid staff and parent volunteers are there to welcome children from birth through age 2. The nursery is also open on Wednesday evenings whenever dinner is being served. Pagers are available. Restrooms: Exit at the rear side doors near the baptismal font; walk along the covered cloister through the door into Hanahan Hall. Turn left, and the restrooms are on the right. Diaper changing facilities are in the nursery.

Persons with disabilities: If you would like to receive Communion but cannot come to the altar rail, please let an usher know so the Sacrament can be brought to you. Large-print prayer books and amplified listening equipment are available from any usher. Parking: If you parked in the city garage at the corner of Wentworth and St. Philip Street, have your ticket stamped by an usher, or take this bulletin to show the attendant. You will not be charged for parking during our Sunday and Wednesday services. Seven handicapped parking spaces are available in the church lots adjacent to the building. Saving Grace: The scaffolding has come down and the construction has paused, but our church is still in the midst of a major capital campaign called “Saving Grace.” Serious structural problems continue to threaten our 162-year-old building, and we are grateful for donations and pledges to pay for the necessary repairs. To learn more, visit gracechurchcharleston.org, or call the church office at 723-4575.

Cover image: Angel with Candlestick by Marc Chagall, 1973 2

Grace Episcopal Church In the City of Charleston December 15, 2010 5:30 p.m. Welcome to Grace Church, celebrating our 164th year of service and worship in Charleston. Please silence all electronic devices before the liturgy begins.

Voluntary

Chorale Prelude on ‘Divinum mysterium’

Gerald Near

Please stand.

Processional Hymn

O Little Town of Bethlehem

St. Louis

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. 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. 3. 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. The Gathering of the Community

Rector:

Welcome to this Blue Christmas Service, a time when we can, with others, acknowledge the “blue” feelings we have at Christmas time, the reasons for them, and offer them to God. Soon we will experience the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Certain memorable phrases come to mind at this time: “long dark night of the soul”, “the winter of our discontent” in which memories of past experiences and the pain of present experiences can become overwhelming. For some, Christmas Day is the most difficult. For others, Christmas Eve, or New Years Eve, or the beginning of another lonely New Year. In this service, we’ll share in some singing appropriate to the Christmas season, recognizing that this is not a season of joy for everyone. We will invite you to reflect on the pain, the loneliness, and the sadness you may feel and offer it all to our great sign of hope, the Christ Child. We pray that you will find hope and comfort in knowing that you are not alone. 3

Collect For Advent

Celebrant:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please be seated.

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD The Reading: Philippians 4:4-13 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Please stand.

Hymn

It came upon the midnight clear

Carol

It came upon the midnight clear that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven’s all gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing. Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled, and still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world; above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing, and ever o’er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing. The Holy Gospel: Luke 1:39-46, 56 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. Please be seated.

Homily 4

CANDLE LIGHTING LITANY OF REMEMBRANCE Please stand.

Rector:

We light this Advent candle to remember those persons who have been loved and lost. We pause to remember their name, their face, their voice. We give thanks for the memory that binds them to us in this season which anticipates Christmas.

All:

May God’s eternal love surround them.

Hymn:

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. Sleep in heavenly peace.

Reader:

We light the second candle to redeem the pain of loss: the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss of financial resources, the loss of health. As we gather up the pain of the past, we offer it to You, O God, asking that into our open hands, you will place the gift of peace.

All:

Refresh, restore, renew us, O God, and Lead us into your future.

Hymn:

Silent night, holy night griefs abound, now in sight, Christ now comes in manger bare, Holds our loved ones in his holy care. Joy, at last, to be ours. Joy, at last, to be ours.

Reader:

We light this third candle to remember ourselves this Christmas time. We pause and remember the past weeks, months and for some of us, years of down times. We remember the poignancy of memories, the grief, the sadness, the hurts, the pain of reflecting on our own mortality.

All:

Let us remember that dawn defeats darkness.

Hymn:

Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight, glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing alleluia, Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!

Reader:

This fourth candle is lit to remember our faith and the gift of hope which God offers to us in the Christmas story. We remember that God who shares our life, promises us a place and time of no more pain and suffering.

All:

Let us remember the one who shows the way and who goes with us into our tomorrow.

Hymn:

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. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. 5

Priest:

In the spirit of this season, let us now ask our God for what we need for ourselves as we participate in the Christmas season as people coping with our loss, pain, suffering, loneliness, grief, sadness. God, we come to you as Christmas dawns with the pain growing inside us. As the nights have been growing longer, so has the darkness wrapped itself around our hearts. In this season of our longest nights, we offer to you the pain in our hearts, the traumas that some of us cannot put into words. Loving God, hear our prayer,

All:

And in your merciful love, answer.

Priest:

Compassionate God, there are those among us who are grieving over what might have been. A death or loss has changed our experience of Christmas. Once it was a special day for us too, but someone has died or moved away. Or we have lost a job, a dream, a goal, a cause. We find ourselves adrift, alone, lost. Loving God, hear our prayer,

All:

And in your merciful love, answer.

Priest:

The Christmas season reminds us of all that used to be and cannot be anymore. The memories of what was, the fears of what may be, stifle us. All around us we hear the sounds of celebration. But all we experience is a sense of feeling blue. Please be near us this night. Loving God, hear our prayer,

All:

And in your merciful love, answer.

Procession to the Blue Christmas Tree People are invited to walk to the Blue Christmas Tree to place a blue ribbon of remembrance. During this time, please join us in the singing of a hymn. The St. Nicholas Choir will also offer their gift of music.

Hymn

Away in a manger

Cradle Song

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 own where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. 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. 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. Choir:

Listen Listen, let your heart keep seeking; listen to his constant speaking; Listen to the spirit calling you. Listen to his inspiration; Listen to his invitation; Listen to the spirit calling you. He’s in the sound of the thunder, in the whisper of the breeze. He’s in the might of the whirlwind, in the roaring of the seas. He’s in the laughter of children, in the patter of the rain. Hear him in cries of the suffering, in their moaning and their pain. He’s in the noise of the city, in the singing of the birds. And in the night-time, the stillness helps you listen to his word.

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Malcom Archer

Choir:

Let him who seeks

Richard Shephard

Let him who seeks not cease seeking until he finds, And when he finds, he shall be troubled, And when he is troubled, he will marvel, And he shall rule over the All! Let him who seeks not cease seeking until he finds. The Peace

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

THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST Offertory Anthem

Candlelight Carol

How do you capture the wind on the water? How do you count all the stars in the sky? How can you measure the love of a mother, Or how can you write down a baby's first cry? Candlelight, angel light, firelight and star glow Shine on his cradle till breaking of dawn. Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo! Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.

John Rutter

Find him at Bethlehem laid in a manger: Christ our redeemer asleep in the hay. Godhead incarnate and hope of salvation: A child with his mother that first Christmas Day. Candlelight, angel light, firelight and star glow Shine on his cradle till breaking of dawn. Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo! Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.

Shepherds and wise men will kneel and adore him, Seraphim round him their vigil will keep; Nations proclaim him their Lord and their Savior, But Mary will hold him and sing him to sleep. Candlelight, angel light, firelight and star glow Shine on his cradle till breaking of dawn. Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo! Angels are singing; the Christ child is born. Members of the congregation will present the offerings and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord.

The Great Thanksgiving

367

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Sanctus and Benedictus

Picardy

Please kneel.

Eucharistic Prayer B

368

The Lord’s Prayer

364

The Breaking of the Bread Celebrant: Jesus is the Light of the world who takes away the sin of the world Blessed are those who are called to his supper: People: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

364

The Communion of the People

The Episcopal Church invites all baptized Christians of any age to the Lord’s Table. To receive the consecrated Bread, extend your hands upward, palms crossed. When receiving the Wine, please assist the chalice as it is offered; or, having consumed the Bread, you may return to your seat. We believe Christ fully present in either element. If you are not baptized, or if you prefer not to receive the Sacrament, you may ask for a blessing. Gluten-free wafers are available at the altar rail. Please speak to a priest at the rail when you come forward for Communion.

Communion Motet

Pie Jesu (Requiem) (Esther Williams & Kitty Rice, sopranos)

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them rest. Communion Hymn 115

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What child is this

Greensleeves

The Postcommunion Prayer

365

Prayer for the Night (said together) Lord, It is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God. It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities. In your name we pray. Amen. The Blessing Processional Hymn

Hark! The herald angels sing

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

Mendelssohn

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

Dismissal

Celebrant: Go forth in the name of the promised Christ. People: Thanks be to God.

Please join us for a reception in Hanahan Hall following the service.

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† † †

Service Participants Celebrant The Reverend Calhoun Perkins Preacher The Reverend Paul Gilbert Gospeller The Reverend Canon J. Michael A. Wright Lector Jean Bender, Vestry Member for Pastoral Care Candle Lighting Pam Ueberroth Joan Halkyard Angie Zervos Ushers Ian MacDonald Mary B. Wilson Peggy Mauldin Bill Flint Chalice Bearers Rhoda Votaw Dale Tasker St. Nicholas Choir Anna Rhett Allen Bailey Allen Chloe Belton Kathryn Hart Michael Hart † Robert Hart † Emma MacMillan

Chloe Mattila Sarah Margaret Miles Alex Moring Mimi Moring Kitty Rice* Amelia Rider Bethany Schroeder

Jalin Simmons* Katherine Williams Abbey Wright Julian Wright* * Head Choristers

† Junior Choir members

St. Nicholas Junior Choir Harrison Babb Wilkes Baker Coles Buyck Katie Chitwood Michael Hart Robert Hart

Savannah Hodges Ashley Jackson Tate Jennings Mary Catherine Mann Jake Myers Eliza Smith Jodi Bennett, Director of Children’s Choirs Dr. Scott Bennett, Organist and Master of the Music

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Lexi Strange Mary Patterson Suggs Esme Throckmorton Lilly Tipton Halsey Von Kolnitz Evie Wells

Gifts of Grace Our parish book and gift shop is open until 7:00 p.m. You’re invited to come browse a wide selection of books on a variety of topics for all ages along with stationery, cards, jewelry and many other gift items.

The Barnabas Group St. Barnabas (meaning “son of consolation or encouragement”) This group of people gathers on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Dotterer Chapel at Grace Church to encourage and support one another through prayer and coming together during difficult times of illness, treatment, and loss. Sandy Brown, a member of the Barnabas Group, will be in Hanahan Hall after the service tonight if you would like to learn more about this group. You do not have to be a member of Grace to be part of the Barnabas Group. If you’d like more information, please call one of the clergy at 723-4575 or contact Sandy Brown at 571-2940 or [email protected].

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Advent and Christmas at Grace Episcopal Church Sunday, December 19, 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Lessons & Carols

St. Gregory Choir and St. Nicholas Choir

Friday, December 24

Christmas Eve Services 5:00 p.m. Family Eucharist

St. Cecilia Choir and St. Gregory Chamber Choir

8:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist

St. Nicholas Choir and St. Gregory Chamber Choir,

11:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist St. Gregory Choir

Saturday, December 25, 10:00 a.m.

Christmas Day Choral Eucharist Child care is provided on December 19 for the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services, and Lessons and Carols at 7:00 p.m, and at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Parking is available in the city garage at the corner of Wentworth and St. Philip streets. Please have your parking ticket stamped by an usher.

Grace Episcopal Church 98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 (843) 723-4575 gracechurchcharleston.org