WELCOME! Prelude Music at 8:30 pm Cantata BWV 151 Süßer Trost, mein Jesus kömmt Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Aria: Süßer Trost, mein Jesus kömmt

Katy Williams, Soprano Sweet consolation, my Jesus comes, Jesus is now born! My heart and soul rejoice, since my dearest God has now chosen me for heaven.

Recitative: Douglas Starr, Bass & Christin Cooper, organ Rejoice, my heart, since now the pain yields that has oppressed you for so long. God has sent his dearest son, whom he holds so high and dear, to this world. He leaves his heavenly throne and wants to rescue the whole world from their chains of slavery and their servitude. O wonderful deed! God becomes a man and on earth is willing to become even more lowly than we are and much poorer.

Aria: In Jesu Demut kann ich Trost Eva Rainforth, Mezzo Soprano with Oboe d’amore In Jesus' humility I can find consolation, in his poverty I can find riches. This same mean condition of his makes me aware of real health and prosperity. Yes, his wonderful hand will crown me with a garland of blessing.

Recitative: Rich Williams, Tenor You dear Son of God, now you have opened heaven for me and through your humble existence brought about the light of blessedness. Since now you alone from love towards us have abandoned your father's stronghold and throne, so we want also because of this to hold you fast in our hearts.

Chorale: Heut schleußt er wieder auf die Tür, Choir Today he opens new the door to lovely paradise; The cherub stands no more in front, God be laud, grace and praise.

Notes: Considered a “Christmas Cantata,” Süßer Trost, mein Jesus kömmt” (Sweet comfort, my Jesus comes) is indeed that and more. Throughout the cantata Jesus is a consoling and humble Savior come to save, heal and inspire our unceasing re-joicing. Without an opening chorus, it can be considered a solo cantata with arias for soprano, mezzo soprano and recitatives for tenor and bass. The choir sings the closing chorale “Today he opens the door again to lovely paradise.”

I wonder as I wander out under the sky, from “Folk Songs” Luciano Berio (1925-2003) Eva Rainforth, Mezzo Soprano and ensemble I wonder as I wander out under the sky How Jesus our Savior did come for to die. For poor orn’ry people like you and like I, I wonder as I wander out under the sky. When Mary birthed Jesus ’twas in a cow stall With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all, But high from the Heavens a star’s light did fall The promise of ages it then did recall. If Jesus had wanted of any wee thing A star in the sky or a bird on the wing Or all of God’s angels in Heav’n for to sing He surely could have had it ’cause he was the king. Notes: "I Wonder as I Wander" is a Kentucky Folk Song by John Jacob Niles. Luciano Berio’s modern setting word-paints the folksy nature of this beautiful tune. Harmonics from the viola, cello and harp contribute toward the "hurdy-gurdy sound" that Berio wanted in the accompaniment. The extended bird-song postlude for flute and clarinet perhaps suggests the passing reference to the "bird on the wing.”

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

1066 Washington Road • Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228 412-531-7153 • stpaulspgh.org

Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24, 2017—9:00pm

Celebrating and Preaching—The Rev. Noah H. Evans Assisting Priest—The Rev. Garrett Yates

Notes: Our Brass ensemble accompanies our singing and performs the postlude. Members are Tim Brutscher amd Doug Reichenfeld, trumpets; David Piecka, Horn: Reggie Watkins, Trombone; and, Brian Kiser, tuba. Our orchestral members are:

Chamber Ensemble Flute: Jess Hohman Oboe: Sarah Kendis Clarinet: Nolan Petote

Violins: Tommy Dougherty, Alex Lee, Wei Wei Viola: Kristen Linfante Cello: Eleanor Lee

Harp: Natalie Stafford Percussion: Tommy Starr

Carol Sung with Congregation 81 “Lo, how a Rose” (choir sings alone on verse 2)

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. The Communion music is a special arrangement with instruments of the lovely a cappella setting of Jesus Christ the Apple Tree by Elizabeth Poston. It is one of Garrett Yates’s favorite choral works so we dedicate this arrangement to him. Poston’s expression of the text is beautiful. "The tree of life" signals a rising melodic which opens every verse. Listen for the oboe to signal the rise. "I'm weary of my former toil" suggests a degree of dissonance but hear how the a cappella choir turns dissonance into sincere expression. Poston languishes on sweet harmonies on the text, "His beauty doth all things excel." The ubiquitous harp arpeggios unfold these harmonies throughout this arrangement. Considered a carol, Apple Tree endures and is appropriate the entire liturgical season. Music for Christmas Eve is memorable music. We sing carols and hear our favorite music for choirs, handbells, organ and in-struments. St. Paul’s is blessed to have an outstanding and large group of musicians that make our worship music vivid and memorable. I am deeply grateful for the talents of these wonderful people, the Chancel Choir, soloists, brass, and St. Paul’s Chamber Orchestra. We hope that these familiar carols and the music of Bach, Handel, Poston, and other great composers combine to make this Christmas as memorable as Christmas’ past.

Doug Starr, Director of Music and Arts

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The Opening Procession at 9:00pm

Welcome and Greetings

Please stand as you are able.

Processional Hymn 83 “O come, all ye faithful”

Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People 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.

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Song of Praise 96 “Angels we have heard on high”

The Collect for Christmas

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

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The First Lesson Isaiah 9:2-7 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devas-tations of many generations. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the gar-ments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Psalm 96 D. Hurd

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The Epistle Titus 2:11-14 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 re-deem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Sequence Hymn 93 “Angels from the realms of glory” Please stand as you are able.

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The Holy Gospel Luke 2:1-20 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first regis-tration 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 ex-pecting 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.

The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon The Rev. Noah H. Evans

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Sermon Hymn 79 “O, little town of Bethlehem”

Prayers of the People

Leader God of Light and Love People Show Us the Way

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The Peace

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

Announcements

The Holy Communion

Offertory Anthem “And the glory of the Lord,” from Messiah G. F. Handel (1685-1759)

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it Together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 40:5) Presentation Hymn 100 “Joy to the world” Please stand as you able.

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The Great Thanksgiving

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 our thanks and praise.

The Celebrant proceeds 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 us 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 Archan-gels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

You may stand or kneel as you are able. The Celebrant continues 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. 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, Celebrant and People We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory. 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 Sacra-ment 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 all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of

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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. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our 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 Breaking of the Bread

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. Fraction Anthem “Christ be our light”

The Gifts of God for the people of God.

All are welcome to receive Communion. Please follow the direction of the ushers. If you need communion brought to your pew, please let the ushers know.

While returning from communion, please take an unlit candle from the usher.

Communion Music: Jesus Christ the Apple tree Elizabeth Poston, (1905-1987), arr. D. Starr for instruments Katy Williams, Soprano soloist

The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit and always green: The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree. His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne'er can tell The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ the apple tree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought: I missed of all; but now I see 'Tis found in Christ the apple tree. I'm weary with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest awhile: Under the shadow I will be, Of Jesus Christ the apple tree. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree.

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Please join in singing: 94 “While shepherds watched their flocks by night”

10 “Away in a manger”

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Post Communion Prayer Please stand as you are able.

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Eternal 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. People sitting near the center aisle should light their candles from the aisle candle, and then pass the light to the people surrounding them. When you candle is lit, please continue to pass your light other to others around you.

89 “It came upon a midnight clear”

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Post-Communion Hymn 111 “Silent night” The lights are dimmed. Please kneel as you are able.

Blessing

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Recessional Hymn 87 “Hark! The herald angels sing”

The Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia. People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia. Postlude Von Himmel hoch J. S. Bach (1685-1750) (From Heaven above to Earth I come) For Organ and Brass, arr. D. Starr

We invite you to return on Sunday, December 31 at 9:45am for Lessons and Carols.

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Know that God loves everyone, no exceptions. You are always welcome at God’s table at St. Paul’s.

St Paul’s is a spiritual home and welcoming community to people of all ages, generations, educational

backgrounds, financial means, abilities and disabilities, races, ethnicities and nationalities, without regard to sexual orienta-tion, gender, gender identity/expression, with many different

family and religious backgrounds. Some of us are lifelong Episcopalians; some were raised in other Protestant denomina-

tions or in the Roman Catholic Church; some are new to the Christian faith; some are not quite sure what they be-

lieve. There is a place here for you. Parents of young children, if your child needs to nurse, we encourage you to do so wherever and whenever you feel most

comfortable.

God created children just as they are, and all are welcome in God’s house. You can relax knowing you don’t have to suppress your children’s “joyful noise” here. We en-

courage you to sit close to the front so they can more easily see and hear. You can quietly explain the parts of the service, and what the priest, ushers, choir, etc. are doing. If you would like to step outside the service with your child, please come back! (Remember, Jesus said “Let the children come to me.” )

Sing the hymns, pray, and voice the responses. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you. Remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they re-spond to the church, to God, and one another. Let them know they are welcome in this house of worship. For those who wish to use it, the nursery is open during the services. It is located on the same floor as the Church, exit the doors to the left of the altar. It is the first room on the left. Au-dio from the service is available in this room.

Pray & Play Bags are available for children who need some-thing extra to do during worship. The bags are located at the entrances to the Church.

The presence of children is a gift to the church and they are a reminder that our congregation is growing. Please welcome our children and give a smile of encouragement to their parents! If you are not familiar with receiving Communion (also known as the Eucharist, Mass or Lord’s Supper) in the Episco-pal Church, please know that all people, regardless of age or denomination, are invited and encouraged to receive. Follow the directions of the ushers to one of the Communion stations at the front or back of the Church. We will place a communion wafer in your outstretched hands, which you may either eat, or wait to dip it in the cup of communion wine. If you eat the bread, you may drink from the cup when it is ex-tended to you. If you prefer, you may choose not to drink the wine. Are you or your child on a Gluten Free Diet? Gluten-free wafers are available at the left altar rail. Please let one of the clergy know if you require these special wafers. If you have any questions or comments concerning the ser-vice or St. Paul’s, please share them with a member of the clergy. More information about the parish may be found at our website, www.stpaulspgh.org. If you are not on our mailing list, please fill out a newcomers’ card found in the pew in front of you and put it in the offering plate or give it to a Greeter or one of the clergy. Thank you for being with us. We hope you will come back soon and often.