A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF
LESSONS & CAROLS
Sunday, December 21, 2014
7:00 pm
St. Gregory Choir
Dr. Murray Somerville
Interim Director of Music
•
St. Nicholas Choral Scholars
•
St. Nicholas Choir
The Reverend Canon
J. Michael A. Wright
Rector
Jodi Bennett
Director of Children’s Choirs
Grace Episcopal Church
In the City of Charleston
Lessons and Carols
Our Christmas service of Lessons and Carols is based on a similar service
celebrated at King’s College, Cambridge. The first Lessons and Carols
service there was held on Christmas Eve in 1918. It was conceived by Eric
Milner-White, the Dean of the College, whose experience as an army
chaplain had led him to believe that more imaginative worship was needed
by the Church of England. The order of service was adapted from an order
drawn up by Edward White Benson, who would later become Archbishop
of Canterbury, for use at a 10:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve in 1880 that
took place in a temporary wooden shed serving as his cathedral in Truro,
Cornwall. The purpose of the service, which was based on an idea of the
future Bishop of Edinburgh, George Henry Somerset Walpole, was to keep
men out of pubs on Christmas Eve.
The format of the service has not changed substantially from the one in use
at King’s College to this day. The order of the lessons was revised in 1919,
and since that time the service has always begun with the hymn “Once in
Royal David’s City”. These days, the first verse is sung unaccompanied by a
solo chorister. To avoid putting the chorister under undue stress, he is not
told that he will be singing the solo until just before the service is to begin.
We are pleased to share this tradition with our community. It is a true
Christmas gift.
The Reverend Canon J. Michael A. Wright, Rector
Cover image: Detail of Adoration of the Magi by Domenico Ghirlandaio, 1485-88,
in the Ospedale degli Innocenti gallery, Florence, Italy
Grace Episcopal Church
In the City of Charleston
Christmas Lessons and Carols
December 21, 2014
Welcome to Grace Episcopal Church, celebrating our 168th year of service and worship in Charleston.
Please silence all electronic devices before the liturgy begins.
Voluntary
Noel Grand Jeu et Duo
La Nativité
The Manger-The Angels-The Shepherds-The Holy Family
Louis-Claude Daquin
Jean Langlais
Please stand.
Hymn
Once in royal David’s city
Solo: Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.
Choir: He came down to earth from heaven
Who is God and Lord of all,
And his shelter was a stable,
And his cradle was a stall;
With the poor and mean and lowly
Lived on earth our Savior holy.
The procession begins.
All:
And through all his wondrous childhood
He would honor and obey
Love and watch the lowly maiden,
In whose gentle arms he lay:
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as he.
For he is our childhood’s pattern,
Day by day like us he grew,
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us he knew:
And he feeleth for our sadness,
And he shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see him,
Through his own redeeming love,
For that child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in heaven above;
And he leads his children on
To the place where he is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see him; but in heaven,
Set at God’s right hand on high;
When like stars his children crowned
All in white shall wait around.
Words: Cecil Frances Alexander; James Waring McCrady
Music: Irby; melody Henry John Gauntlett
Page 3
Bidding Prayer
The Rector:
My sisters and brothers in Christ, in this season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let it be our duty and
delight to hear once more the message of the angels and go in heart and mind to Bethlehem to see the Son
of God lying in a manger.
As we hear the reading of God’s holy word, let us rejoice that the glory of the Lord has been revealed.
Let us find new hope in the promise that God is with us.
Let us join with Mary, the favored handmaid, and offer ourselves in service to God’s holy and saving
purpose for the world.
Let us bless the name of the God of our salvation who brings the dawn of forgiveness and salvation to those
who live in the shadow of death and despair.
Let us raise our voices with the messenger who announces good news of great joy to all people.
And let us give thanks to the one whose power has made us the children of God.
As we mark once more the mystery of the Word made flesh, let us join with the song of angels and saints
and make this place ring with our carols and hymns of praise.
But first, let us remember the poverty of the birth of the Prince of Peace, and pray for the poor, the cold, the
hungry, and those among us who find that there is no room for them at the inn.
Let us remember the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, and pray for the oppressed, refugees, the isolated,
and those on the edges of our society.
Let us remember that the Lord of Glory experienced the pain of life and death, and pray for the sick, the
anxious, the weary, and the bereaved.
And remembering the promise that he shall reign for ever and ever,
Let us pray for the rulers of the nations,
For peace and justice on earth,
For the unity and mission of the Church,
That we may be a sign that God’s rule on earth has already begun.
And now, to sum up all these petitions, let us pray in the words which Christ himself has taught us, saying:
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 Rector:
With joy in our hearts, let us hear again the story of the birth of Christ, and join with Mary and Joseph,
with shepherds and wise men, and with all our forbears in faith in offering our worship.
Please be seated.
Page 4
The Invitatory
Choir
What sweeter music
What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol, for to sing
The birth of this our heav’nly King?
Awake the voice! Awake the string!
Dark and dull night, fly hence away,
And give the honour to this day
That sees December turn’d to May
That sees December turn’d to May.
Why does the chilling winter’s morn
Smile, like a field beset with corn?
Or smell like a meadow newly shorn
Thus on the sudden? Come and see
The cause, why things thus fragrant be:
‘Tis he is born, whose quick’ning birth
Gives life and lustre, public mirth,
To heaven and the underearth.
We see him come, and know him ours,
Who, with his sunshine and his show’rs,
Turns the patient ground to flow’rs,
Turns all the patient ground to flow’rs.
The darling of the world is come,
And fit it is, we find a room
To welcome him, to welcome him.
The nobler part of all the house here, is the heart,
Which we will give him; and bequeath
This holly, and this ivy wreath,
To do him honour; who’s our King,
And Lord of all this revelling.
What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol, for to sing
The birth of this our heav’nly King,
The birth of this our heav’nly King.
Words: Robert Herrick (1591-1674)
Music: John Rutter
I. GOD TELLS SINFUL ADAM THAT HE HAS LOST THE LIFE OF PARADISE
Genesis 3:8-15
Reader: Alex Moring
And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his
wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God
called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was
afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou
eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman
whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the
woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And
the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above
every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: and I will
put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and
thou shalt bruise his heel.
Choir
When all things were in quiet silence
While all things were in quiet silence,
And that night was in the midst of her swift course,
Thine Almighty Word, O Lord,
Leaped down out of thy royal throne. Alleluia.
Words: Wisdom of Solomon 18:14-15
Music: Ned Rorem
Page 5
Please stand.
Hymn
Joy to the world!
Antioch
1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come:
let earth receive her King;
let every heart prepare him room,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.
2. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns;
let us our songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
4. He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.
Please be seated.
II. CHRIST’S BIRTH AND KINGDOM ARE FORETOLD BY ISAIAH
Isaiah 9:2-7
Reader: Kathryn Hart
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of
death, upon them hath the light shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty
God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be
no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and
with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Choir
Huron Carol
’Twas in the moon of wintertime,
When all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim,
And wand’ring hunters heard the hymn:
Refrain
Jesus your King is born,
Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.
Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender babe was found,
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapped His beauty round;
But as the hunter braves drew nigh,
The angel song rang loud and high:
Refrain
The earliest moon of wintertime
Is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory on
The helpless Infant there.
The chiefs from far before Him knelt
With gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Refrain
O children of the forest free,
O sons of Manitou,
The holy Child of earth and Heav’n
Is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant Boy,
Who brings you beauty, peace and joy.
Refrain
Words: Jesse Edgar Middleton, (1872-1960); Huron Indian words by St. Jean de Brebeuf
Music: Une jeune pucelle, 16th c. French folk melody, arr. Eleanor Daley
Please stand.
Page 6
Hymn
Good King Wenceslas
Tempus adest floridum
(Soloists: Steve Skardon, King; Abbey Wright, Page)
All:
King:
Page:
1. Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon
that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath’ring winter fuel.
3. “Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither.”
4. “Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer.”
All:
King:
King:
Page and monarch forth they went,
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind’s
wild lament
And the bitter weather.
2. “Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know’st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?”
Mark my footsteps,
my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.”
All:
5. In his master’s steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christians all, be sure
Wealth and rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor,
Shall yourselves find blessing.
Page:
“Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes’ fountain.”
Please be seated.
III. THE PEACE THAT CHRIST WILL BRING IS FORESHOWN
Isaiah 11:1-10
Reader: The Reverend Paul Gilbert
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the
spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and
might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in the
fear of the Lord. With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the
earth. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and
the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed;
their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall
play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not
hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the
waters cover the sea.
Choir
Canite tuba
Canite tuba in Sion
quia prope est dies Domine:
ecce venit ad salvandum nos.
Erunt prava in directa,
et aspera in vias planas:
veni, veni Domine, et noli tardare.
Alleluja.
Blow the trumpet in Zion,
for the day of the Lord is nigh.
Lo, he comes to our salvation.
The crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways plain.
Come, Lord, and do not delay.
Alleluia.
Words: Antiphon for Advent IV; Joel 2:1, Isaiah 40:4, Isaiah 45:8
Music: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594)
Page 7
IV. THE ANGEL GABRIEL SALUTES THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Luke 1:26-38
Reader: Dr. Murray Somerville
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a
virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed
art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what
manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour
with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name
JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him
the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there
shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel
answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall
overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel
departed from her.
Choir
Balulalow
(Ansley Lucas, mezzo soprano)
O my dear heart, young Jesus sweet,
Prepare thy cradle in my spreit.
And I sall rock thee in my heart,
And never mair from thee depert.
But I sall praise thee evermore,
With sangis sweet unto thy gloir.
The knees of my heart sall I bow,
And sing that richt balulalow.
Words: From ‘Ane Sang of the birth of Christ’, 1567, by the brothers James, John and Robert Wedderburn
Music: Peter Warlock
V. ST. LUKE TELLS OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Luke 2:1-7
Reader: The Reverend Caleb Lee
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world
should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from
Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because
he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she
brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because
there was no room for them in the inn.
Choir
The Lamb
Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bade thee feed
By the stream and o’er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice:
Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Words: William Blake
Music: H. Walford Davies
Page 8
Little lamb, I’ll tell thee
He is called by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb:
He is meek, and He is mild;
He became a little child:
I, a child, and thou, a lamb,
We are called by His name.
Little lamb, God bless thee!
Little lamb, God bless thee!
Please stand.
Hymn
Angels, from the realms of glory
1. Angels, from the realms of glory,
wing your flight o’er all the earth;
ye who sang creation’s story,
now proclaim Messiah's birth:
Refrain:
come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn King.
2. Shepherds in the field abiding,
watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing;
yonder shines the infant Light: Refrain
Regent Square
3. Sages, leave your contemplations;
brighter visions beam afar:
seek the great Desire of nations;
ye have seen his natal star: Refrain
4. Saints before the altar bending,
watching long in hope and fear,
suddenly the Lord, descending,
in his temple shall appear: Refrain
Please be seated.
VI. THE SHEPHERDS GO TO THE MANGER
Luke 2:8-16
Reader: The Reverend John Zahl
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and
they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great
joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels
were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they
came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Choir
Zither Carol
Girls and boys, leave your toys, make no noise,
kneel at his crib and worship him.
At thy shrine, Child divine, we are thine,
our Saviour’s here.
“Hallelujah” the church-bells ring,
“Hallelujah” the angels sing,
“Hallelujah” from everything.
All must draw near.
On that day far away Jesus lay,
angels were watching round his head.
Holy Child, Mother mild, undefiled,
we sing thy praise.
Refrain
Our hearts we raise.
Shepherds came at the fame of thy name,
angels their guide to Bethlehem.
In that place saw thy face filled with grace,
stood at thy door.
Refrain
Love evermore.
Music: Czech carol, arr. Sir Malcolm Sargent (1895-1967)
Wise men too haste to do homage new;
gold, myrrh and frankincense they bring.
As ’twas said starlight led to thy bed.
Bending their knee.
Refrain
Worshiping thee.
Oh, that we all might be good as he,
spotless, with God in Unity.
Saviour dear ever near with us here
since life began.
Refrain
Godhead made man.
Cherubim, seraphim worship him,
sun, moon, and stars proclaim his power.
Everyday on our way we shall say
Hallelujah.
Refrain
Hallelujah.
Page 9
Please stand.
Hymn
While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Winchester Old
1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night, 4. “The heavenly Babe you there shall find
all seated on the ground,
to human view displayed,
the angel of the Lord came down,
all meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
and in a manger laid.”
and glory shone around.
2. “Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind.
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and all mankind.
5. Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God on high,
who thus addressed their song:
3. “To you, in David’s town, this day
is born of David’s line
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
and this shall be the sign.
6. “All glory be to God on high,
and to the Earth be peace;
good will henceforth from Heaven to men
begin and never cease!”
Please remain standing for the Gospel of the Incarnation.
VII. ST. JOHN UNFOLDS THE GREAT MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION
John 1:1-14
Reader: The Venerable Calhoun Walpole
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the
beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness
comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness,
to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to
bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He
was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and
his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the
will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the
glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Please be seated.
Choir
Lux Aurumque
Lux,
calida gravisque pura velut aurum
et canunt angeli molliter
modo natum.
Light,
warm and heavy as pure gold
and the angels sing softly
to the new-born baby.
Words: Edward Esch (Latin translation by Charles Anthony Silvestri)
Music: Eric Whitacre
Page 10
Please stand. An offering will be received during the singing of the hymn.
Hymn
O come, all ye faithful
1. O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye
to Bethlehem;
come and behold him,
born the King of angels;
Refrain
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.
2. God of God,
Light of Light,
lo! he abhors not
the Virgin’s womb;
Very God,
Begotten, not created:
3. See how the shepherds,
summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks, draw nigh
with lowly fear;
we too will thither
bend our joyful footsteps;
Refrain
4. Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens
of heav’n above;
glory to God
in the highest,
Refrain
Refrain
Words: John Francis Wade
Music: Adeste fideles, John Francis Wade
Presentation Hymn
Gloria
Please be seated.
Page 11
Choir
The Stable Door
A soft light from a stable door
Lies on the midnight lands;
The Wise Man’s star burns evermore
Over all desert sands.
Unto all peoples of the earth
A little child brought light;
And never in the darkest place
Can it be utter night.
No flickering torch, no wavering fire,
But Life, the Light of men;
Whatever clouds may veil the sky
Never is night again.
Words: Lilian Cox
Music: C. Armstrong Gibbs
Please stand.
The Collect for Christmas
Rector:
O God, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thy only son,
Jesus Christ: Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our redeemer, so we may with sure
confidence behold him, when he shall come again in glory; who liveth and reigneth with
thee and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
Christmas Blessing
Recessional
Hymn
Hark! the herald angels sing
1. 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.
3. Hail, the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Ris’n with healing in his wings
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.
2. Christ, by highest heav’n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold him come
Offspring of a virgin’s womb:
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.
Words: Charles Wesley
Music: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn
Voluntary
Page 12
In Dulci Jubilo
Fantasy on "Divinum Mysterium"
J.S. Bach
Gerre Hancock
† † †
Service Participants
Officiant
The Reverend Canon J. Michael A. Wright
St. Thomas Guild of Acolytes
Dr. James Hutchisson, Verger and Master of Acolytes
Robert Behre, Verger
Ushers
Amy McCandless, Ed Ritchen, Carl Millford
Steve Ray, Jay Hart
Readers
Alex Moring
Kathryn Hart
The Reverend Paul Gilbert
Dr. Murray Somerville
The Reverend Caleb Lee
The Reverend John Zahl
The Venerable Calhoun Walpole
Music
Dr. Murray Somerville, Interim Director of Music
Terry Ritchen, Assistant Director
Jodi Bennett, Director of Children’s Choirs
Lee Kohlenberg, Organist
St. Gregory Choir
SOPRANO
Lynn Barber
Jodi Bennett
Marsha Callahan
Barbara Christie
Tatiana Hoover
Jeannie Martin
Kori Miller
Karen Rider
Lynn Shull
Esther Williams
ALTO
Holly Behre
Mary Beth Berry
Karen Bostick
M.E. Canaday
Ruth Goldsmith
Phyllis Jestice
Elsie Kohlenberg
Ansley Lucas
Camille Reynolds
Terry Ritchen
Char Stricklin
TENOR
Caleb Ballard
Aaron Lesher
Josh Overby
Alan Roberts
Alex Schroeder
Anna Lee Turner
BASS
Tom Bracewell
John Holley
Chris Prohaska
Bob Ramella
John Schroeder
Lon Shull
Steve Skardon
Sam Stafford
Derek Wade
St. Nicholas Choir
and St. Nicholas Choral Scholars
Carter Catlett
Katie Chitwood
Lauren Cox +
Tulah Cramer
Lucy Cromwell
Emma Crow
Kellyn French
*Michael Hart
*Robert Hart
Paisley Hodges
Tate Jennings
Maribeth Kern +
Ainsley Kueppers
Campbell Lesher
*Emma MacMillan +
Freya Moran Olmsted
*Alex Moring +
Mimi Moring +
Louisa Mulvey
Julia Richards
Eliza Smith +
Lexi Strange
Esme Throckmorton
Ella Grace Thomas
Lilly Tipton +
Evie Tuten
Helena Upshaw +
Maddie Claire Viciana
Georgia Vogt
Halsey VonKolnitz
Caidyn Webb
Katherine Williams +
*Abbey Wright +
* Head Chorister
+Choral Scholar
Adult Mentors
Karen Rider
Karen Bostick
Esther Williams
Page 13
Grace Episcopal Church
Church Entrance and Mailing Address: 98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Office Entrance: 115 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-723-4575 * Fax: 843-722-0415
Kitchen: 723-8587 * Music: 723-2695
Web: www.gracechurchcharleston.org or gracesc.org
Clergy
Vestry
The Rt. Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg, Bishop [email protected]
Jeremy Cook
Rector’s Warden
The Reverend Canon Michael Wright, Rector
[email protected]
Cece Stricklin
People’s Warden
The Venerable Calhoun Walpole, Vicar
[email protected]
The Reverend John Zahl, Associate Priest
[email protected]
Susan Cromwell
2017
Hospitality
The Reverend Caleb Lee, Associate Priest
[email protected]
Ben Fanning
2017
Membership
The Reverend Len Williams, Mission to Seafarers
Barry Gumb
2016
Finance
The Reverend Donald S. McPhail, Rector Emeritus
Matt Hastings
2015
Adult Education
Paula Keener
2015
Little School
Jamie Kerr
2017
Administration
Ward Lassoe
2016
Pastoral Care &
Communication
Staff
Administration
Term expires Area of Responsibility
Allen O’Neal, Parish Administrator
[email protected]
Mac Magee
2016
Outreach
Emily Guerry, Assistant to the Rector
[email protected]
Jean McDowell
2015
Parish Life
Kjersti Franklin, Bookkeeper
[email protected]
Terry Ritchen
2017
Creative Arts
Bunny Martin, Receptionist (115 Wentworth)
[email protected]
Al Schweickhardt
2016
Buildings & Grounds
Holly Behre, Director of Communications
[email protected]
Steve Skardon
2015
Home to Grace
Nancy Ezell Suggs, Director of Parish Life & Giving
[email protected]
Sarah Tipton
2017
Children & Youth
Frank Abell, Clerk of the Works
[email protected]
Steve Ward
2015
Episcopal Relief & Dev.
Jan Bolger, Bookstore Manager
[email protected]
Brian Wells
2016
Stewardship
Eric Aiken, Lead Sexton
[email protected]
Appointed
Secretary
Robert Behre
Tony Mitchell, Sexton
[email protected]
by Vestry
Treasurer
Lynn Hopkins
Betsy Pritchard, Receptionist (Atrium)
[email protected]
Cylinda C. Scruggs, Communications Assistant
[email protected]
Programs
Julie Walters, Director of Children’s Ministries
[email protected]
Lisa Webb, Children’s Ministries Assistant
[email protected]
The Rev’d Paul Gilbert, Director of Little School
[email protected]
Jean Bender, Lay Pastoral Assistant
[email protected]
Music
Dr. Scott Bennett, Organist and Master of the Music
[email protected]
Jodi Bennett, Director of Children’s Choirs
[email protected]
Dr. Murray Somerville, Interim Director of Music
[email protected]
FREE PARKING
Please present this stub when leaving the City of Charleston
parking garages after this service at Grace Episcopal Church
and you will not be charged for parking.
Page 14
Ministries
Worship
Acolytes
Altar Guild
Bell Ringers
Chalice Bearers
Lectors
Intercessors
Flower Guild
Oblation Bearers
Red Wagon
Ushers
Nursery
Children’s Chapel
Music
St. Gregory Choir
Grace Parish Choir
St. Nicholas Choir
St. Nicholas Jr. Choir
St. Cecilia Choir
Education
Adult Educ. Comm.
Youth & EYC
Children’s
Ministries
Nursery/Chapel
Little School
Education for Ministry
Discernment Comm.
Tract Racks
Pastoral Care
Barnabas Group
Cards and notes
Eucharistic Visitors
Grace Calls
Grace Cares
Private Prayer Chain
Fellowship
Parish Life Comm.
Canterbury
College Ministry
Foyer Groups
Men of Grace
Tea Room
EYC Youth Group
Children’s Ministry
Business
Columbarium
& Garden
Plate Counters
Office Volunteers
Planned Giving
Capital Campaign
Stewardship
Welcoming
Membership Comm.
Greeters
Grace Guides
Ushers
Outreach
Outreach Comm.
Bishop Gadsden
Canterbury House
Crisis Ministries
Dominican Republic
Missions
Red Wagon
Episcopal Relief
& Development
HALOS
Kairos Prison Ministry
Memminger School
PeaceWork
Gifts of Hope Fair
Seafarers Ministry
Tea Room
Church Mouse
Boutique
Youth Outreach
Other
Gifts of Grace shop
Gracious Gourmets
Harvest Festival
Needlepoint Guild
Wedding Guild
A Warden’s Final Thoughts on Advent
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, I am filled with appreciation for everyone at Grace Church who contributed to making this a memorable and meaningful Advent season. From the clergy and staff to the
choirs and the flower guild, as a community of faith we have been preparing for the celebration that is
Christmas. That preparation came in many forms including three Lessons and Carols services, a Blue
Christmas service, the Little School Christmas pageant and the Canterbury House Tea. As we have been
preparing to celebrate the joy, hope and love of the very first Christmas, I have been reminded of the joy,
hope and love that overflows at Grace Church during every season.
This Advent we have also paused to reflect on our year together. During the previous months, we’ve
shared our time, talents and treasures, and Grace Church and our wider community are stronger because
of these gifts. Here are a few highlights from this year:
Tea Room: When the Tea Room needed more volunteers because of its growing efforts, the parish came
together and met those needs leading to a record-breaking year for the Tea Room – $60,000 was recently
distributed to local charities.
Youth Program: When the youth program needed additional adult leadership during the recent time of
transition, the parish came together and met those needs until the Rev’d Caleb Lee joined Grace as an Associate Priest.
Music Program: When the music program needed additional interim support, the musicians of our parish came together and Terry Ritchen, Murray Somerville, Jodi Bennett, Lee Kohlenberg and many others
continue to share their immense talents each week (as evidenced by the incredible Lessons and Carols services that were held at Grace and at Bishop Gadsden on the first two Sundays of Advent).
Church Building Project: When it was time to complete our building project, the parish came together
and finished the final phase of our nearly decade-long restoration project.
On behalf of the Vestry and our entire church community, thank you for the support of every variety that
you have so generously and graciously given to Grace Church this year!
Grace has indeed been blessed by the support of her growing family, but our journey together continues.
In recent years, hundreds of people have found a new church home at Grace, and a natural result of this
growth was the need to grow the programs, ministries, and the staff and clergy support at Grace Church.
This increase in programs and ministries over the last year has led to a larger budget and increased funding needs so that all of the aspects of our shared parish life can be appropriately supported.
Your continued support of Grace Church during this time, whether it is through on-going support based
on a previous stewardship or Home to Grace pledge or through a Christmas or memorial gift, will allow
us to finish 2014 in a strong financial position and look forward with great anticipation to the blessings
that the New Year will bring to our church. Through it all, because of your faithfulness and support,
Grace Church will continue to be a light that shines brightly – for parishioners from Sullivan’s Island to
Summerville and from Bishop Gadsden to Brickyard, for our Diocesan friends from Okatie to North
Myrtle Beach, and for all those we support through our outreach and mission efforts.
Elizabeth, Emily, Eliza and Anna join me in wishing you and your family a Christmas filled with joy, hope
and love.
Jeremy Cook
Rector’s Warden
Page 15
Christmas at Grace Church
Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 24
3:30 p.m. Visit with Manger Animals in the Garden
4:00 p.m. Family Eucharist
St. Cecilia, Junior Choir, St. Gregory Chamber Choir
6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist
Parish Choir & St. Gregory Chamber Choir
8:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist
St. Nicholas Choir & St. Gregory Chamber Choir
with Brass Quintet and Timpani; Music begins at 7:30
11:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist
St. Gregory Choir (Rite I) with Brass Quintet and Timpani
Music begins at 10:15
Christmas Day
Thursday, December 25
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Carols
First Sunday after Christmas Day
Sunday, December 28
Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. • Family Eucharist at 9:00 a.m.
Mattins and Carols (Morning Prayer) at 11:00 a.m.
The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Thursday, January 1
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Morning Eucharists for Saints’ Days
8:00 a.m. in the Bishop Guerry Chapel
December 23: St. Thomas the Apostle
December 26: St. Stephen the Martyr
December 27: St. John the Evangelist