Order of Worship for December 24, 2014

WORSHIP NOTES
The two great festivals of the Christian faith are Christmas and Easter. They mark the
two events that frame Jesus’ life - his birth and his resurrection. But each day also affirms
a core belief of our Christian faith. Easter affirms that most central of Christian truths,
namely that God is finally more powerful than sin and death. Christmas affirms an equally
central truth, namely that God is not far off, but incarnate, in the world, in us, beside us,
around us, among us.
The original Latin words and tune to the familiar processional hymn, O Come All Ye
Faithful, were both written by John Francis Wade (1711-1786) an English Roman Catholic
who lived most of his life in Douay in France.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is one of the earliest of the 6,000 hymns written by Charles
Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist movement. Wesley experienced a renewal
of his faith in 1738 under the influence of Moravian Christians he was visiting in Georgia
Colony. The tune, named Mendelssohn, was written by the great German composer of
that name about a century later, not for this carol, but for an event celebrating the 400th
anniversary of the printing press.
The melody and the text of the carol, Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming, originated in
Germany in the late Middle Ages. The words are based on Isaiah 11:1, “A shoot shall come
out of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of its roots.” In the original poem (23 stanzas
long!), “the rose” referred to Mary, but the Reformation altered the text’s emphasis to
designate Jesus.
The words to What Child Is This were written by William Chatterton Dix, a 19th century
Englishman who became a noted insurance executive and accomplished religious poet. The
tune, Greensleeves, is a traditional English ballad first published in 1580 as A new Northere
Dittye of the Lady Greene Sleeves. Its popularity is attested to by the fact that Shakespeare
mentions it in The Merry Wives of Windsor. The tune became mated to Dix’s Christmas
poem in Sir John Stainer’s 1871 collection, Christmas Carols New and Old.
Perhaps the most beloved of Christmas carols, Silent Night is the product of a musical
emergency. Father Joseph Mohr, the pastor of St. Nicholas Church in the village of
Oberndorf near Salzburg, Austria, wrote the words (“Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht…”)
when the organ broke down just before Christmas of 1818. Father Mohr later said that he
needed a simple carol that would not require organ accompaniment. He took the text to
his friend, Franz Gruber, who wrote the melody and sang it with Father Mohr in church,
accompanying the two men and the parish choir with his guitar. The repairman who
came to fix the Oberndorf organ was given a copy of the carol, which he is credited with
popularizing as he traveled from town to town.
Joy to the World is perhaps the most popular of the 600 hymns written by Isaac Watts
(1674-1748), often called the father of English hymnody. The tune we know, Antioch,
combines strains of two Handel melodies and was written by Lowell Mason, an American
musician and founder of the Boston Academy of Music.
the flowers in the Sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of
Mrs. Corinne Ingraham Pigott given by her children Cynthia Ingraham and Richard Pigott
the flowers in the Narthex are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of
Nathaniel O. Abelson and Mr. and Mrs. James G. Talcott by Dr. and Mrs. James A. Talcott.
next
1
25 11:00 a.m. Christmas Day Communion Service
in the Chapel – the Rev. Michael L. Lindvall preaching.
sunday , december 28 Rebekah McLeod Hutto will be preaching.
tomorrow , december
The Brick Presbyterian Church
Parish House: 62 East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10128-1398 | On the web at www.brickchurch.org
phone: 212-289-4400 day school: 212-289-5683 email addresses: brickchurch.org/contact
pas to rs
Michael L. Lindvall, Douglas T. King, Rebekah M. Hutto, Adam D. Gorman
Herbert B. Anderson, Pastor Emeritus
Kaylin C. Milazzo, Michael S. Rotolo, Jr., Brian C. Yount Student Ministers
minis t ry of m u si c
Keith S. Tóth, Minister of Music and Organist
Amanda Page Smith, Director of Children’s Music Ministries
Tate C. Addis, Wilson Family Sacred Music Intern
us h ers
Officer-in-Charge: M. Douglas Watson Jr.; Team Captain: Richard G. Faux Jr.;
Hoyt Ammidon, Jr., Mark R. Altherr, Thomas P. Auth, Henry C. Barkhorn III,
Walter F. Bottger, Jonathan M. Conrad, Richard G. Corey, Michael G. Fisch,
John C. Michaelson, Paul W. Perkins, Richard L. Peters, Richard H. Stowe, E.
Deane Turner, Johan Utterman.
o rd e r o f st. pau l
Samuel A. Appleby, Nathan P. Appleby, James R. Brisotti, Sophie E. Elliott,
Aidan Fryling, Deborah M. Li, Thomas M. Li, Anne M.E. Michaelson, Caroline
Pickering, Lex Rahman, Ellsworth G. Stanton III, Beadle.
— the order of service for —
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
of Holy Communion
ch ance l c h oi r
Soprano: Doreen Scott Fryling, Tonna Miller-Vallés, Melissa Raymond, Catherine
Thorpe, Phyllis Whitehouse. Alto: Sónia Batten, Agueda Fernández-Abad, Yonah
Gershator, Mary Runyan Marathe, Monica Soto-Gil. Tenor: Ignacio AnguloPizarro, Dr. David N. Fryling, Johnny Maldonado, Riley Kyle Soter. Bass:
Jeffrey Caldwell, Dr. Daniel F. Collins, William S. Crutchfield III, Daniel Hoy,
Ellsworth G. Stanton III, Ryan Stoudt.
— e l e v e n o’ c l o c k —
s es s io n
w elcome
Susan B. Appleby, Thomas P. Auth, S. Michael Barnes, David E. Barrett, Jonathan
S. Bean, Stephana Bottom, Anna R. C. Caspersen, Gail P. Crutchfield, Catherine
F. Eubanks-Carter, Darin W. Eydenberg, Kevin R. Greene, William A. Kerr,
Charlene C. Kuo, James D. Lindemuth, Jr, Peter J. Manning, Kirsten W. Morgan,
Neda N. Navab, Samuel E. Puopolo (Youth Elder), Margaret A. Raub, Thomas
D. Robinson, David R. Rose Jr., Paul W. Shaum, Katherine E. Stitch, Glenn P.
Wittpenn, Jaqueline M. Worth, Ellsworth G. Stanton III, Clerk of Session.
The moments before worship are a transition from “getting there” to “being
here.” It takes a few minutes to quiet one’s mind, and to become open to the
Spirit, and ready to participate in the Body of Christ at worship.
Visitors, please know how welcome you are. Please sign the Friendship Book
when it passes you during the service of worship and identify yourself with
a name tag to be found in the book. You are also cordially invited to attend
Coffee Hour following worship.
d e aco ns
David Berkman, Peter H. Brown, Ashley M. Carlson, Shelby S. Carroll, Samuel
M. W. Caspersen, Alise L. Ferency, Nigel S. Glenday, Lisa A. Gustin, Anne R.
Huneke, Cynthia S. W. Ketchum, Quentin Koffey, Deborah L. Kramm, Melissa
P. Manice, Robert F. Masella, Adrienne Miller, Brooke H. Ooten, Margaret E.
Pennoyer, David Pettker, Michael S. Press, Jr, Quillan C. Rosen, Catherine M.
Rowland, Justin A. Skobe (Youth Deacon), Petra S. Slater, Margaret D. Van Cott,
Ryan E. Widener, Maria D. Wildermuth, Suzanne W. Wilson.
In the Order of Worship that follows, an asterisk invites all to stand; three
asterisks indicate seating of latecomers; items in bold type face indicate that
the congregation participates in word or song.
l ectiona ry scr ip t ur e r e a dings for t he day
Isaiah 9:2-7
Titus 2:11-14
Psalm 96:1-13
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
t rus t ee s
Henry C. Barkhorn III, Walter F. Bottger, Constance K. Dalvito, Linda B. Gridley,
Timothy D. Haskin, Charles C. Higgins, Craig A. Huff, Helen M. Lynch, Lisa
Margosian, Richard A. Miller, Willis G. Ryckman IV, Joseph G. Sauvage, Louisa
J. Palmer, Treasurer.
December 24, 2014
THE GATHERING
PRELUDE Music for Choir, Brass ensemble, and percussion
Thomas Hoyt & Kevin Cobb, trumpet; Lawrence DiBello, French horn;
George Hoyt & Donald Hayward, trombone;
Benjamin Harms, percussion; Daniel F. Collins, baritone
CHORAL INTROIT
George Thalben-Ball (1896-1987)
“Alleluia! Unto Us a Child is Born”
Alleluia! Unto us a child is born. Alleluia! O come let us adore him. Allelluia!
*CALL TO WORSHIP
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN 41
John Tavener (1944-2013)
“God is With Us”
God is with us. Hear ye people, even to the uttermost end of the earth. The
people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. The people that dwell
in the shadow of death, upon them the light has shined. For unto us a child is
born! For unto us a son is given! And the government shall he upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called Wonderful! Counsellor! The Mighty God!
—Text from the Orthodox service of Great Compline for Christmas Eve
Riley Kyle Soter, tenor
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
THE INVITATION
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
Adeste fideles
GRADUAL HYMN “Thee We Adore”
THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise...
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory,
forever. Amen.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
Mendelssohn
THE WORD
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
Isaiah 9:2-7
HYMN 48
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
Please remain seated.
GOSPEL LESSON
HYMN 53
Luke 2:1-20
“What Child is This”
Please remain seated.
David Berkman
Es ist ein’ Ros’
Isabella F. Chambers
Greensleeves
SERMON
Michael L. Lindvall
“A Christmas Truce”
PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS
THE SENDING
Adoro te devote
PRAYER OF PRAISE AND CONFESSION
We praise you, God of Love, for you have given us your very self in human
guise, your Divine Majesty born into our mortal humanity, your Love laid in a
stable when there was no room in the inn. We confess that we, too, have often
not made room for Him in our lives. We, too, have relegated him to the backyard of our priorities. He was named “Prince of Peace,” but we have slipped
time and again into the ways of violence and war. He was named “Lord of
Love,” yet we have been slow to accept your unconditional love and even slower
to love others without condition. God of Giving, free us from the little prison
of self, that we may come more and more to live into the tidings of great joy.
Amen.
*HYMN 31
Michael Head (1900-1976)
“The Little Road to Bethlehem”
As I walked down the road at set of sun, the lambs were coming homeward one
by one. I heard a sheep bell softly calling them, along the little road to Bethlehem.
Beside an open door as I drew nigh, I heard sweet Mary sing a lullaby. She sang
about the lambs at close of day, and rocked her tiny King among the hay. Across
the air the silver sheep bells rang, “The lambs are coming home”, sweet Mary
sang. “Your star of gold, your star of gold is shining in the sky. So sleep, my little
King, go lullaby.” As I walked down the road at set of sun, The lambs were coming
homeward one by one. I heard a sheep bell softly calling them, Along the little
road to Bethlehem. — Margaret Rose (d. 1958)
SANCTUS 580
John Merbecke (c.1510-c.1585)
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts, Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory:
Glory be to Thee, O Lord Most High. Amen.
INSTITUTION
THE HOLY COMMUNION
Communion will be served by intinction. You are invited to come forward by the center
aisle beginning with the front rows, receive bread, dip it in the chalice, partake, and
return to your seat by the side aisles. Gluten-free bread is available at the serving station
farthest to the right as you come forward. All who would humbly put their trust in Christ,
whatever their church or denominational affiliation, are invited to participate.
COMMUNION MUSIC
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
“Bŏrŏditsye Dyevo” (Ave Maria)”
Bgŏroditsye Dyevo, raduissya, blagŏdatnaya Mariye, Gospod’s tŏboyu.
Blagŏslŏvyen Tyi vzhenakh, i blagŏslŏvyen plod chryeva Tvŏyego, Yako Spassa
rŏdila yessi dush nashikh.
Virgin mother of God, hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou among
women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, For thou hast brought forth the Saviour who
redeemed our souls. — Text from the Orthodox Liturgy of Vespers
THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
John 1:1-5, 9-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him,
and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him
was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not overcome it. The true light, which enlightens everyone,
was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being
through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own and
his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in
his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood
or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became
flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only
son, full of grace and truth.
G. R. Sam Seraphim
Stille Nacht
“Silent Night, Holy Night”
(Please remain seated)
As the choir and congregation sing the carol, worshippers seated at the end of
each pew are invited to take the light from an usher and pass it to their neighbor.
HYMN 60
BENEDICTION
Following the Benediction, during the hymn, ushers will dismiss pews beginning at
the front of the sanctuary. As you leave, carry the light of Christ out into the world.
Please feel free to greet friends and neighbors on the church steps on Park Avenue.
*RECESSIONAL HYMN 40
POSTLUDE “Joy to the World”
Antioch
Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937)
“Toccata” (Symphonie no. 5, op. 42)
Tate C. Addis, organist
The Brass and Percussion Ensemble
Chancel Committee members assisting with communion are
Lindsay Higgins and Helen Pennoyer.

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