The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ:
Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 24, 2020
4:00 P.M. - CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS EVE EUCHARIST [ Rite Two ] together with CAROLS and The CHRISTMAS STORY; The BLESSING of The CHRISTMAS CRÈCHE
The Liturgy of the Word of God
Organ Prelude - Please use the time before the service for prayer and quiet reflection. Please SILENCE all Cell Phones and Pagers when entering the Church. PROCESSIONAL HYMN 83, “O come, all ye faithful” [St. 1 & 2 Only] Adeste fideles
The Procession pauses at the Crèche for its Blessing.
[ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ] The Blessing of the Christmas Crèche
Rector: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. People: We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.
Rector: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.
The Rector then blesses the Crèche, saying:
Rector: Almighty and everlasting God, who on this Holy Night caused your only begotten
Son to be born of the ever blessed Virgin Mary for our salvation: bless [] and sanctify [] this Christmas Crèche, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit []. And grant that as we behold these images of his sacred birth, so we may ponder the mystery of his incarnation, follow him faithfully in this life, and in the age to come live eternally with him. All this we pray through the Holy Child of Bethlehem, Jesus, the Christ, our Lord. Amen.
A child then places the figure of the Christ Child in the Crèche. The Hymn resumes. PROCESSIONAL HYMN 83, “O come, all ye faithful” [Stanza 6] Adeste fideles
Opening Acclamation
Celebrant: Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy: a Savior is born to you. Alleluia!
The Collect for Purity – Said by the Celebrant
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lmighty 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.HYMN of PRAISE 96,“Angels we have heard on high” [ Stanzas 1 & 4 ONLY ] Gloria
[ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]
Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray.
The Collect of the Day (Christmas Eve) - Said by the Celebrant alone
O
God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the
brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known
the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly
in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
The Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7
A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.
T
he 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.SEQUENCE HYMN 112, “In the bleak mid-Winter” Cranham [ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]
The Holy Gospel: Saint Luke 2:1-20
The Congregation remains standing and faces the Deacon or Priest, who reads the Gospel. Gospeller: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Saint Luke.
The People sing: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Tune of Hymn 205: Gelobt sei Gott
I
n 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. Gospeller: The Gospel of the Lord. The People sing: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Tune of Hymn 205: Gelobt sei Gott The Children’s Christmas Sermon: The Reverend F. Allan Weatherholt, Jr., RectorThe Nicene Creed
All now stand and join the Celebrant in saying
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,
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Form IV
[ Please respond as indicated, after each petition. ]
Leader: Lord, in your mercy . . . People: Hear our prayer. When the Prayers have been completed, the Celebrant adds this concluding Collect.
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lmighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born this night of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.The Peace – In the Name of our Lord, please VERBALLY greet those around you!
The Celebration of the Holy Communion
OFFERTORY HYMN 105, “God rest you merry, gentlemen” God Rest You Merry
[ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]
PRESENTATION HYMN 115 [ Stanza 3 ONLY ] Greensleeves
So bring him incense, gold and myrrh, This, this is Christ the King,
Come, peasant, king, to own him; Whom shepherds guard and angels sing The King of kings salvation brings, Haste, haste to bring him laud,
Let loving hearts enthrone him. The Babe, the son of Mary.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
– Form BAll standing, the Celebrant begins 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 him thanks and praise.
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:
SANCTUS – “Holy, holy, holy Lord” – Hymnal S-129 Setting: Robert Powell The Celebrant and People sing:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The People kneel (as able) and the Celebrant continues
e 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.
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 gave 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 them, 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,
MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION – Hymnal *S-138 Setting: McNeil Robinson
We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory.
The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this 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 your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with the ever-Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Thomas, Saint Mark, Saint Andrew, Saint John, Saint Peter, Saint Patrick and 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 are yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.
The Great “AMEN” – Sung by ALL Setting: Mass of Creation The service continues with the Lord’s Prayer.
Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Clergy & People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Celebrant breaks the Consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept. Then is said Celebrant: Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
As the Celebrant prepares to administer Holy Communion, the following is sung:
At the Fraction: HYMN 79 [ Stanza 5 ONLY ] St. Louis
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.
The COMMUNION of the PEOPLE
Facing the People, the Celebrant says the Invitation to Holy Communion.
The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ
died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
On behalf of those viewing the service via Livestream, the Prayer of St. Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) is said by ALL.
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come spiritually
into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite
myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You,
dear Lord Christ. Amen.
ALL Baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion in The Episcopal Church! Because of COVID-19 precautions, we are currently receiving only the Bread. Please use the social distancing markings on the center aisle as you come forward. Remove your mask as you wait. Cup your hands to receive the Consecrated Bread. Remember that receiving Communion in one form IS considered Full Communion! Baptism, the ancient service though which one joins Christ’s Church, may be arranged.
The Postcommunion Prayer
–Said by ALLEternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living
members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with
spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into
the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve
you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
HYMN 111, “Silent night, holy night” – Sung by ALL - Kneeling Stille Nacht [ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]
The Christmas Blessing
RECESSIONAL HYMN 87, “Hark! The herald angels sing” Mendelssohn [ Hymns are printed on the final pages of this Service Booklet. ]
Silent Prayer – All are invited to kneel for a moment of silent prayer before the Dismissal. The Dismissal
Deacon or Celebrant: Let us go forth in the Name of Christ! Alleluia! Alleluia! People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Organ Voluntary
LITURGICAL MINISTERS for 4:P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE:
Lector: Linda Mellott
Acolyte: Jackson Walter
Altar Guild This Month: Rachele True, Sylvia Moats
© 2020 Saint Thomas’ Parish, Hancock, Maryland – All rights reserved CCLI License 3010338
Saint Thomas’ Parish Hancock, Maryland
21750
MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS and GREENERY for CHRISTMAS, 2020
Historic Saint Thomas’ Parish Church is Decorated for this Christmastide
to the Glory and Honor of the Christ Child
And In Loving Memory of Loved Ones and Friends of the Congregation
In Loving Memory of: Given by:
John L. Chabot Joyce B. Chabot
Louis Close, Lydia and Alex Mosier, Carol Close, Bob Close & Leslie Weller Robert & Cleda Close,
Paul & Virginia Mosier Helm, Lee & Jean Mosier Watson, Marie Phillips McKinley
Olan William Creek, Jr., Patty Schetrompf, Terra L. Creek Tammy Walls, Lee Frederick, Ron Frederick,
Penny Schetrompf, Danny Schetrompf, Homer Schetrompf, Jr.
Jerry Dhayer, Eddie and Louise Stotler, Debbie Dhayer and Family Marguerite and Ed Stotler
Henry and Betty Barnhart, Philip and Rosalia Foy Stephanie and Kevin Foy and Family Cora, Theodore & Doug McCoy, Myrtle Feight, Jim and Edna Hixon
Nettie Mills, Christine, Ted, Terry & Selvia Swaim, Lee & Edna Hixon, Ila & Clyde Hixon,
Sandra Howard, Frank Demory, Jim McCarty
Dr. Homer E. Tabler, Homer E. Tabler, Jr.., Ed and Laura Mae (Tabler) Maloy Dora Tabler Henry, Charles E. Henry, Jr.,
Laura C. Tabler, Anna Phoenix, Burman W. Allen
Betty & Ralph Sauter, Jim and Jean Mann, Robert and Pamela Mann Evan & Ruby Sauter, Mary & Oscar Burton,
Lynne Thomas, Connie Windschmidt
Homer, Charlene & Daniel Schetrompf, Kathy McCarty and Family David Schetrompf, Patty Schetrompf,
Homer, Jr., Donna & Penny Schetrompf, Ronald & Lee Frederick, Tammy Walls, Olan William Creek, Jr., Frank Demory
MEMORIALS for CHRISTMAS, 2020 – Page 2
In Loving Memory of: Given by:
Homer, Mary & Wayne Stoner, Bella Appel, Dianne and Anthony McCusker Frank, Suie and Donald Stoner
Robert & Helen Barnhart, Leroy & Helen Moats, Eddie and Sylvia Moats Ronnie and Hunter Van Meter
Wilbur Hershberger, Erle & Genevieve Talbert, Carroll and Sherry Talbert Bev Talbert-Haupt, Ed Talbert
Elizabeth F. & The Honorable F. Allan Weatherholt, Sr., The Reverends Allan & Anne Weatherholt Katharine C. & James P. Orwig, Elizabeth Orwig
Given in Thanksgiving for the Christ Child and His Church:
Debbie Dhayer – in Thanksgiving for Alexia, Michael & Lana Joyce and for Marcy & Avery Dhayer and Conner & Coralee Saville
Richard and Trudy Dickerhoff Donna M. Fost – in Honor of Sally Fost
Donald and Vivian Unger Carroll and Sherry Talbert The Revs. Allan and Anne Weatherholt
St. Thomas’ Parish Prayer List: December 20 – 26, 2020
INCLUDED IN THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THIS WEEK: Birthdays – December 20: Toby
McCarty; 21: Darl Hixon, Rob Ford; 22: Taylor Unger; 23: Abby Creek, Jacoby McMahon, Emma Lou Reed; 24: Eric Coffman, Shana Shaw; 25: Frank Ruppert, Nathan Wuertenberg, Callie Alkire;
26: Linda Mellott, Val Buskirk, Cody McCarthy, Aubrey Shaw. Anniversaries – December 20: Ruth &
The Rev. John Cozzoli; 21: Owen & Virginia Stanley; 23: Bill & Dottie Mosier.
Military Service – Dakota Ritz, Andrew Shaw, Aaron Hull, Nicholas Robeson, Taylor Robeson, Susie
Hoopengardner, Spencer Hose, Chris Krause, Vince Biggs, Cody Hovermale, Lucas Trunkle, Philip Corbett, Cameron Meadows, Matt Lacy, Jake Michael, Allen Foshee, Taylor Shafer, Josh Stotler, Justin Johnson.
ONGOING: All Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and Other Medical Personnel, All Military, Law Enforcement and Fire & Rescue Personnel, Correctional Officers, All Teachers and Other Workers in our Schools, Colleges and Universities, Truck Drivers, Warehouse Workers, Grocery Store Personnel
We pray for healing for all suffering from the corona virus. We pray for prompt distribution of the vaccines now developed against the virus.
Parish Sick/Ongoing Concern – Bob Barnhart, Ruth McCarty, Lance Hinckle, Theron Reed, Tim Smith,
Alice Gerber, Mary Lee Yost, Willis & Rose Hendershot, Bob & Virginia McDonald, Michael Schetrompf, Ron Jones, Jim Lloyd, Alda & Lee Lashley, Steve McKinley, Debbie Henderson, Stephanie Shives, Douglas Parker, Ryan Shifflet, Larry Shoemaker, Ramona Creek, Frank Thomas, Lisa Obrecht, Sue Hinckle, Tom Mossellem, Pat Poland, Betty Sipes, Cindy Lambert, John Robinson, Bobby Duncan, Virginia Coleman, Ron Hinckle, Jayden Sweet, Jack Joynt, Atlee Unger, Rodney Weaver, Tim Stotler, Tina Brown, Tina Aaron, Stephanie Kennedy, James Walter, Alethea Shiplett, Jason Roderick, Diane Diehl, Allen Wilt, David Walter Sr., Robbie Barnhart, Tori Anderson, Ronnie Zimmerman.
Shut-ins – Pam Trumpower, Sally Fost, Don Reed, Ralph Wachter, Frances Younker, Mary Ann
Mortzfeldt, Beverly Hershberger, Ernie Truax, Pat McKinley, Catherine Durst, Barbara Smith, Janice Trail, Edna Younker, The Rev. Charles McGinley.
Recently Departed – Matthew Burnett
We pray for all those who have died from the corona virus, and we ask God’s help and comfort for their loved ones.
OUR HISTORIC PARISH CHURCH IS DECORATED FOR CHRISTMASTIDE to the Glory and Honor of the Christ Child and in loving memory of friends and loved ones of the Parish. Names of those memorialized will be found elsewhere in this Service Booklet.
Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Parish
– Founded 1835 A.D.Hancock, Maryland
21750The Reverend F. Allan Weatherholt, Jr., Rector The Reverend Anne O. Weatherholt, Priest-in-Residence
The Reverend Kirk E. DeVore, Deacon J. Gwynne Cavey, Minister of Music Pamela J. S. Mann, Office Assistant Tracy L. Salvagno, Church School Coordinator
PARISH NEWS for CHRISTMAS EVE – Thursday, December 24, 2020
A WARM, LOVING WELCOME TO OUR CHRISTMAS WORSHIP! Whether you are joining
us in our small group of in-person worshippers or online, Saint Thomas’ Parish invites your joyful participation as we gather to celebrate and give thanks for our Lord Jesus Christ, who comes to us anew at Christmastime. In the Name of the Holy Child of Bethlehem we extend heartfelt greetings to all worshipping with us for Christmas, 2020.
Under the restrictions of the pandemic, the Bishop permits us to have a total of 10 persons, including Clergy, in the Church, and an additional 10 in the Parish Hall, where the service is livestreamed to a TV there. You may also remain outside in your parked car, following the service on your phone or tablet. At the Closing Hymn, Fr. Allan, masked, will bring you Holy Communion.
Restrooms are open in the Lower Parish Hall for use as needed. Bulletins are available
there. This is the best way we know for parishioners to worship and receive Holy Communion during the pandemic, so please come and encourage others to do the same!
WARM AND LOVING YULETIDE THANKS . . . to Tracy Salvagno for arranging to get Santa’s
treats and Christmas materials to our Sunday School children during this pandemic and for all her wonderful help throughout the year . . . to Minister of Music Gwynne Cavey and our Choral Ensemble
of 4 for or all of this season’s wonderfully uplifting music . . . to Dianne McCusker, Stoner’s Florist,
the Altar Guild, Phoebe Hogbin and Pam & Bob Mann for adorning our Church, the Parish Hall
and our fences so beautifully for Christmastide . . .. . . to Office Assistant Pam Mann for her
dedicated, invaluable and very generous behind-the-scenes work . . . to our three Treasurers, Linda McCarty, Debbie Cohill and Bob Mann, for all their extra work at this busy time . . . to Sexton Betty McNabb for her great care of our buildings . . . to Wardens Tim Smith and Theron Reed for all their caring and faithful support . . . to all in our Parish family who contributed so generously to the needy through Christmas for Others . . . to Acolytes Jackson and Ruthann Walter for serving so faithfully throughout the pandemic . . . to our Lectors for their faithfulness . . . and to Rev’d Anne and Deacon Kirk for all their dedicated, extra help and involvement during this busiest, most beautiful and most Holy of Seasons! Your Rector is very grateful to all!