St Hilda’s Church
Warley Woods
And the bells were ringing out for Christmas Day
Christmas Day
Family Holy Communion
December 25th 2012
at 10.30am
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Information for visitors
* If you need any help or information, please ask the people on
duty in the porch.
* We have Children's Worship and Sunday School in the Church
Hall at 10.30 am during term time. We aim to engage, involve
and nurture young Christians in daily and spiritual growth. All
ages are welcome.
* Children are a valued part of life at St. Hilda's and there is a
children's corner at the back of the church. Please enjoy this
safe space and ensure children have a carer/adult with them at
all times.
* At communion services all communicants of other
denominations are welcome to receive communion. Everyone is
invited to come to the altar to receive a blessing. Please kneel
and bow your head to indicate this.
* Tea, coffee and squash are served at the end of the service
please feel free to join us.
* Complimentary copies of the Parish Magazine are available in
the porch.
* Please note that fire exits are at the entrance of the church
where you came in and also down the stairs to the right of the
altar.
We hope you enjoy the service today.
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Between the cradle and the cross
One of the enduring themes of Christmas is the mystery of it all – how
profound and amazing it is that God takes on human life. I would like
to offer you these words, written by the story-telling theologian Trevor
Dennis, to mull over as we wait to worship today.
It is not only standing beneath a cross that we find ourselves face to
face with God. The same happens when we kneel beside a manger.
That is why we celebrate Christmas with such gusto, and why some
people who cannot handle God at other times of year are strangely
drawn towards him then. For at Christmas we find ourselves with a
God who does not threaten or condemn but a God (wonder of
wonders!) we can hold in our arms; a God who does not wish to be left
out in the cold and needs the warmth of our hospitality and care, a
God who comes very close and makes himself at home; who stands on
no ceremony and has no majesty about him except the majesty of
love; a God who is accessible to all and who brings those on the edge
of society into the centre of his circle; a God crying in the world’s dark,
whose tears we must dry; a God who seems so small, so vulnerable,
and yet large enough to hold the universe in his embrace.
When there are so many fearful images of God going the rounds of our
world and its many enmities and conflicts, and when the dark side of
religion is so often turned towards us, there is an urgent need for us to
find this God who lies in a manger.
Quick! Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us1
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© Trevor Dennis 2007: The Christmas Stories (SPCK)
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All the responses shown in bold are to be said by everyone
The Gathering
Please stand for these words
words of welcome and introduction
Light looked down and saw the darkness.
‘I will go there,’ said Light.
Peace looked down and saw war.
‘I will go there,’ said Peace.
Love looked down and saw hatred.
‘I will go there,’ said Love.
So he, the Lord of Light
the Lord of Peace
the Lord of Love
came down and crept in beside us.
Hymn: Common Praise 61 – O come, all ye faithful
The Greeting
The priest
priest greets the people
Grace, mercy and peace
from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you
and also with you.
Lighting of the Advent Candle
Today we light the Christ candle – the centre candle – in celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Jesus.
People of God: shout and sing!
Tell the good news of peace on earth.
Lord, bring us today into Christ’s peace.
All God’s people shout: Amen!
Angels dance
and the bright star shines.
All creation bows to the Lord of all.
Lord, bring us today into Christ’s light.
All God’s people shout: Amen!
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One with us,
yet born to save,
he will show us the way to God.
Lord, bring us today
into Christ’s love.
All God’s people shout:
Amen!
People of God: shout and sing:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Amen.
Prayer of Preparation
We come before God just as we are.
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
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.
Invitation to confession
Hear the words of the angel to Joseph:
‘You shall call his name Jesus,
for he will save his people from their sins.’
Therefore let us seek the forgiveness of God
through Jesus the Saviour of the world.
Sit or kneel.
Most merciful God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we confess that we have sinned
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have not loved our neighbour as ourselves.
In your mercy, forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be;
that we may do justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen.
Absolution
The president says these or other words of forgiveness
May the God of love and power
Forgive you and free you from your sins,
heal and strengthen you by his Spirit,
and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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The Gloria
Please stand
Glory, glory, glory to God!
Glory, glory, glory to God!
Glory to God in the heights of the heavens.
Peace to God’s people, all people on earth.
Glory, glory, glory to God!
Glory, glory, glory to God!
Son of the Father, all glory and worship;
praise and thanksgiving to you, Lamb of God.
Glory, glory, glory to God!
Glory, glory, glory to God!
You take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us, receive our prayer.
Glory, glory, glory to God!
Glory, glory, glory to God!
Seated in pow’r at the right of the Father,
Jesus alone is the Lord, the Most High.
Glory, glory, glory to God!
Glory, glory, glory to God!
And with the Spirit of love everlasting,
Reigning in glory for ever, Amen.
Glory, glory, glory to God!
Glory, glory, glory to God!
The Collect
Almighty God,
you have given us your only-begotten Son
to take our nature upon him
and as at this time to be born of Mary:
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 Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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The Liturgy of the Word
Sit.
At the end of both readings the reader may say
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
A Reading from Isaiah 9.2-7
How is good news to be announced? A messenger running down a mountain at
full pelt to tell others, who then shout out with joy the message of release,
freedom, renewal and rebuilding for the whole community.
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What a beautiful sight it is to see messengers
coming with good news!
How beautiful to see them coming down from the
mountains with a message about peace!
How wonderful it is when they bring the good news
that we are saved! How wonderful when they say to
Zion, “Your God rules!”8 Listen! Those on guard
duty are shouting out the message. With their own
eyes they see the LORD returning to Zion. So they
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shout with joy. Burst into songs of joy together, you broken-down buildings in
Jerusalem. The LORD has comforted his people. He has set Jerusalem free.
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The LORD will use the power of his holy arm to save his people.
All of the nations will see him do it. Everyone from one end of the earth to the
other will see it.
A Reading from Hebrews 1.1-4
Jesus – the ‘gleaming brightness of God’s glory – is the good news of Christmas.
In this letter written to Hebrew Christians, the writer reminds them that God has
always sent messengers and now has sent us his Son.
In the past, God spoke to our people through the prophets. He spoke at many
times. He spoke in different ways. 2 But in these last days, he has spoken to us
through his Son. He is the one whom God appointed to receive all things. God
made everything through him. 3 The Son is the gleaming brightness of God’s
glory. He is the exact likeness of God’s being. He uses his powerful word to hold
all things together. He provided the way for people to be made pure from sin.
Then he sat down at the right hand of the King, the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he
became higher than the angels. The name he received is more excellent than
theirs.2
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New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
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Hymn: Common Praise 68 – See him lying on a bed of straw
Please stand to sing and then remain standing for the Gospel reading
The Gospel Reading: John 1.1-14
Today, Christ is born: Alleluia.
Today, the Saviour has come: Alleluia.
Today, the angels sing on earth: Alleluia.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
Glory to you, O Lord.
The Word Became Human and made his home among us – Jesus, the messenger
is the message. What word of life is Christ speaking to you today?
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In the beginning, the Word was already there. The Word was with God, and the
Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were made
through him. Nothing that has been made was made without him. 4 Life was in
him, and that life was the light for all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness.
But the darkness has not understood it.
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A man came who was sent from God. His name was John. 7 He came to give
witness about that light. He gave witness so that all people could believe.8 John
himself was not the light. He came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light
that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
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The Word was in the world that was made through him. But the world did not
recognize him. 11 He came to what was his own. But his own people did not
accept him.
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Some people did accept him. They believed in his name. He gave them the
right to become children of God. 13 To be a child of God has nothing to do with
human parents. Children of God are not born because of human choice or
because a husband wants them to be born. They are born because of what God
does.
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The Word became a human being. He made his home with us. We have seen
his glory. It is the glory of the one and only Son. He came from the Father. And
he was full of grace and truth.
This is the Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon: The Ring of Truth – the Bell of Faith
Sit.
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The Creed
Stand. On Sundays and other Holy Days the Christian community affirms the faith of the
church using these words:
Let us affirm, our common faith in Jesus Christ.
Do you believe and trust in God the Father,
source of all being and life,
the one for whom we exist?
I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in God the Son,
who took our human nature,
died for us and rose again?
I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,
who gives life to the people of God
and makes Christ known in the world?
I believe and trust in him.
This is the faith of the Church.
This is our faith.
We believe and trust in one God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Prayers of Intercession
Our time of prayer is introduced with the following words
In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ,
let us pray to the Father.
Sit or kneel.
The Intercessions for today are based around the poem "Ring out Wild Bells"
by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, a copy of which is at the end of the Order of Service.
At the end of each section of prayer, a bell will be rung to introduce a time of
silent prayer.
At the end of all the prayers the response is:
Merciful Father,
Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
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The Liturgy of the Sacrament
Stand. We begin our journey to the altar by giving and receiving peace. The president
introduces the peace, saying these or other words:
The Peace
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace.
cf Isaiah 9.6
The peace of the Lord be always with you
And also with you.
Offertory Hymn:
Common Praise 63 – O little town of Bethlehem
During the singing of this hymn, the collection will be received and the gifts of bread and wine
be brought up to the altar.
THE SHEEPDOG
After the very bright light,
And the talking bird,
And the singing,
And the sky filled up wi' wings,
And then the silence,
Our ladssez
'We'd better go, then.
Stay, Shep. Good dog, stay.'
So I stayed wi' r' sheep.
Our lads took him a lamb.
I had to stay behind wi' sheep.
Pity they didn't tek me along, too.
I'm good wi' sheep,
And the baby might have liked a dog
After all that myrrh and such.
After they cum back,
It sounded grand, what they'd
seen:
Camels, and kings, and such,
Wi' presents - human sort,
Not the kind you eatAnd a baby. Presents wes for him.
By U A Fanthorpe
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Preparation of the Table
Everyone joins in saying the words of the offertory proclamation
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory,
the splendour and the majesty.
For everything in heaven and on earth is yours.
All things come from you, and of your own do we give you.
Word made flesh, life of the world,
in your incarnation you embraced our poverty:
by your Spirit may we share in your riches.
Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer
Remain standing.
The Lord is here.
His Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
And now we give you thanks
because for love of our fallen race
he most wonderfully and humbly chose to be made man,
and to take our nature as nevermore to lay it by,
so that we might be born again by your Spirit
and restored in your image.
You give us breath and speech,
that with angels and archangels
and all the powers of heaven
we may find a voice to sing your praise:
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.
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How wonderful the work of your hands, O Lord.
As a mother tenderly gathers her children,
you embraced a people as your own.
When they turned away and rebelled
your love remained steadfast.
From them you raised up Jesus our Saviour, born of Mary,
to be the living bread,
in whom all our hungers are satisfied.
He offered his life for sinners,
and with a love stronger than death
he opened wide his arms on the cross.
On the night before he died,
he came to supper with his friends
and, taking bread, he gave you thanks.
He broke it and gave it to them, saying:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.
At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine,
he gave you thanks, 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.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.
Father, we plead with confidence
his sacrifice made once for all upon the cross;
we remember his dying and rising in glory,
and we rejoice that he intercedes for us at your right hand.
Pour out your Holy Spirit as we bring before you
these gifts of your creation;
may they be for us the body and blood of your dear Son.
As we eat and drink these holy things in your presence,
form us in the likeness of Christ,
and build us into a living temple to your glory.
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Bring us at the last with [N and] all the saints
to the vision of that eternal splendour
for which you have created us;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
by whom, with whom, and in whom,
with all who stand before you in earth and heaven,
we worship you, Father almighty, in songs of everlasting praise:
Blessing and honour and glory and power
be yours for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Sit or kneel
As our Saviour taught us, so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory
are yours now and forever. Amen.
Breaking of the bread
The president breaks the consecrated bread.
We break the bread of life,
and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us,
light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.
All join in singing
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us peace.
Christ is the true bread which has come down from heaven.
Lord, give us this bread always.
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What can I do after receiving communion or a blessing?
All are welcome to come forward to the altar rail,
whatever church you may normally attend. Come as
you are. Hold out your hands to receive bread and
wine if you are used to receiving communion.
Otherwise keep your hands by your side and receive
a blessing.
blessing. Grapes may also be offered to children.
Wardens will guide you up at the appropriate time.
Afterwards return to your seat and pray for those
around you. Perhaps you could use this blessing:
May the joy of Christ ring out through N
May the peace of Christ ring through N’s home
May the love of Christ ring true in N’s life; now and ever more. Amen.
During the distribution of Holy Communion the following hymn is sung:
Common Praise 55: In the bleak midwinter
Silence is kept at the end
Prayer after Communion
A special prayer is said by a minister.
God our Father, whose Word has come among us
in the Holy Child of Bethlehem:
may the light of faith illumine our hearts
and shine in our words and deeds;
through him who is Christ the Lord. Amen.
After which all join in:
Almighty God,
we thank you for feeding us
with the body and blood
of your Son Jesus Christ.
Through him we offer you
our souls and bodies
to be a living sacrifice.
Send us out
in the power of your Spirit
to live and work
to your praise and glory. Amen.
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Hymn: Mission Praise 393 – Joy to the world
Stand to sing. And if anyone would like to accompany with a tambourine or other percussion
instrument, please feel free to take and use one!
The Dismissal
The president says these or other words of blessing
May the Father,
who has loved the eternal Son
from before the foundation of the world,
shed that love upon you his children
Amen.
May Christ, who by his incarnation
gathered into one things earthly and heavenly,
fill you with his peace.
Amen.
May the Holy Spirit, by whose overshadowing
Mary became the God-bearer,
give you grace to carry the good news of Christ.
Amen.
And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.
Go in peace. Proclaim the word made flesh.
Glory, thanks and praise to God. Amen.
And a happy Christmas to you all!
Copyright acknowledgement (where not already indicated above):
Some material included in this service is copyright: © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Pub.Hodder& Stoughton
Some material included in this service is copyright: © The Archbishops' Council 2000
Some material included in this service is copyright: © The Archbishops' Council 2002
Some material included in this service is copyright: © The Archbishops' Council
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Ring out, wild bells
By Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892)
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
Ring out the want, the care the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
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