HOLY EUCHARIST for the NATIVITY of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: CHRISTMAS DAY

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day
December 25, 2022
St. Titus’ Episcopal Church
400 Moline Street, Durham, NC 27707

The Rev. Dr. Alicia Alexis, Interim Rector
The Reverend Sarah Woodard, Parish Deacon

Welcome to St. Titus’ Episcopal Church
Whether you are here for the first time or your family has been part of St. Titus’ for generations, whether you’re here in person or watching online, the Holy Spirit has brought you to this place. We’re glad you’re here! Our Mission and Vision Statements are printed below. You can learn more about this faith community on our website, sttitusdurham.org. Our interim rector, Rev. Alicia or our deacon, Rev. Sarah, would be happy to talk with you about who we are and what we do at St. Titus’. We invite you to join us on our journey of faith.

Our Mission Statement
St. Titus’ is a diverse and growing community committed to walking with Christ by serving others, pursuing justice and welcoming all.

Our Vision Statement
God dreams for St. Titus’ to be sacred ground where all of God’s children experience the unconditional love of Jesus. In faithful response, we will offer Spirit-filled worship where people from diverse backgrounds encounter God. As an intergenerational community, we will deepen our faith through sharing scripture, Christian tradition and our own experience. We will be open and authentic with one another, and respond to the needs of our neighbors with compassion and creativity. Our passion for God’s justice and peace will compel us to become agents for social, political, and economic transformation. St. Titus’ will be Beloved Community.

Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Alicia Alexis
Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Alicia Alexis
Deacon: The Rev. Sarah Woodard
Eucharistic Minister: Patricia Valentine
First Lesson: Yvette Matthews
Epistle: Diane Hundley
Intercessor: Robyn Furges
Altar Guild: Hazel Brown, Patricia Valentine
Tech Team: Livio Carnera, Yvette Matthews
Ushers: Valerie Quiett, Kenneth Valentine

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
December 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.

Prelude

Welcome

Processional Hymn Angels we have heard on high The Hymnal 1982 #96

Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
The Celebrant says
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.

Glory to God LEVAS II #243
Refrain:
Glory, Glory, hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name,
Glory, Glory hallelujah,
Lord we praise your Holy name.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to His people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,

Refrain

You take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
You are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.

Refrain

Amen.

The Celebrant says to the people
The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.

Collect for Christmas Day
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

First Reading Isaiah 9:2-7
Reader A Reading from the Book of Isaiah
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness– on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God

Psalm 96 Cantate Domino
1 Sing to the LORD a new song; * sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.
2 Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; * proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations * and his wonders among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; * he is more to be feared than all gods.
5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; * but it is the LORD who made the heavens.
6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! * Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!
7 Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; * ascribe to the LORD honor and power.
8 Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; * bring offerings and come into his courts.
9 Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; * let the whole earth tremble before him.
10 Tell it out among the nations: “The LORD is King! * he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; * let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the LORD when he comes, * when he comes to judge the earth.
13 He will judge the world with righteousness * and the peoples with his truth.

Second Reading Titus 2:11-14
Reader A Reading from the Letter of Paul to Titus
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 redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God

Sequence Hymn Away in a manger The Hymnal 1982 #101 (Tune: Mueller)

Gospel Luke 2:1-20
The Deacon says
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
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 registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
After the Gospel the Deacon says
The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon The Rev. Dr. Alicia Alexis

The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic
and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of the People
Intercessor and people pray responsively
The Lord God is both sun and shield; God will give grace and glory. In the house of our God, let us pray,
“Lord God of hosts,
Hear our prayer.”
We give thanks for your Church, O God. Bless it with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. May we be made happy in the knowledge of the hope to which we are called.
The congregation is invited to add their thanksgivings.
Silence
Lord God of hosts,
Hear our prayer.
We give thanks for this nation, O God. Give to our leaders a spirit of wisdom. Deliver them from selfish ambition and give all the people a heart for your children, especially those little ones born into poverty.
Silence
Lord God of hosts,
Hear our prayer.
We give thanks for your creation, O God. Where there is desolation, bring forth springs of clean water. Where your creatures are without a place, may they find a place with you.
Silence
Lord God of hosts,
Hear our prayer.
We give thanks for this city, O God. Set us on a straight path where we shall not stumble. Bring new life to languishing ares.
Silence
Lord God of hosts,
Hear our prayer.
We give thanks for all those in our lives, O God. We pray especially for those who know weeping and tears. Turn their mourning into joy, comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
We pray for:
Toby, Ama, Dorothy, Lawrence, Ann, Murphy, Karen, Derek, Walter, Mary, Vivian, Danita, Lionell, Vincent, Howard, Sydney, Carol, Robert, and Beverly
You may add your own petitions here
Silence
Lord God of hosts,
Hear our prayer.
We give thanks for the saints at rest, O God. Gather them into your great heavenly company. May they enjoy forever the riches of your glorious inheritance among the saints.
Silence
Lord God of hosts,
Hear our prayer.

A Prayer for a Rector Search
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The celebrant adds a concluding collect.
Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: Mercifully accept the prayers of your people and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession
The deacon says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. [The people may stand or kneel.]
[Silence may be kept.]
Minister and People
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

The Priest stands and says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

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

The Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Welcome and Announcements

The Holy Communion

Offertory Sentence
Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; bring offering and come into his courts.
Psalm 96:8

Offertory Hymn Go, tell it on the mountain The Hymnal 1982 #99

The Great Thanksgiving (Eucharistic Prayer B)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Holy, Holy, Holy LEVAS II #255

Holy, holy, holy, holy,
holy Lord God of hosts,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in
the name of the Lord, of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna in the highest.

Then 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.
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or to lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.
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;
The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your
Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with St. Titus and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer
(The congregation is invited to raise their hands when singing “For thine is the kingdom”)

The Celebrant says
As our Savior Christ has taught us we are bold to sing
Our Father, which 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,
for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast.
The Priest invites the people to Communion
The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Administration of Communion
At the time of communion, you are invited to come forward and receive the bread and wine. The priest will place a wafer in your hand. You may then receive wine either by direct consumption from a chalice (Common Cup) or you may give the wafer to the Eucharistic minister who will dip the wafer in the wine and place the wafer on your tongue. You may also still come forward to receive a blessing. Simply cross your arms over your chest before the priest for the blessing. After receiving communion or a blessing, you may return to your seat.

Communion Hymn Let us break bread together The Hymnal 1982 #325

For those of you who are participating in this celebration of Holy Eucharist from a different location, we invite you to pray with these words during the distribution of the holy sacrament:

A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.

Post-communion Prayer
The celebrant says
Let us pray.
The celebrant and people say together
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.

The Christmas Blessing

The Celebrant says
May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.
May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.
May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

Recessional Hymn Hark! The herald angels sing The 1982 Hymnal #87

Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.

Postlude

Upcoming Events
Diocesan Book & Video Study: How to Fight Racism
The Diocese of North Carolina is offering a 10-part video and book study of Jemar Tisby’s second book, How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey toward Racial Justice. Tisby provides a practical framework for pursuing racial justice with hands-on suggestions bolstered by real-world examples of change. The study takes place on Tuesdays, 12-1 p.m. via Zoom. Remaining meeting dates are: January 17, 24 31
This book study is for anyone who believes it is time to stop compromising with racism and courageously confront it. NO COST to attend this event; registration is required. For more information, contact Jenny Beaumont, missioner for adult and lifelong formation, at jenny.beaumont@episdionc.org. Our own Rev. Dr. Althea Alton is one of the leaders of this program.

Announcements

Calling young adults! With the new year, a new small group will form for St. Titus young adults. This will be a quite open form chance for young adults to gather together and share about life experience, pray, and read a small bit from Scripture. Please contact Jenifer Brown (brownjen03@gmail.com) or Henry Kennelly (hbkennelly@gmail.com) for more information.

Support St. Titus’: If you would like to support our ministries you can make an online donation here by following the QR code or by visiting our homepage: sttitusdurham.org. You can also mail or hand-deliver a check to St. Titus’ at 400 Moline St., Durham, NC, 27707. Thank you

Stay in Touch: To receive weekly email announcements from St. Titus’, email the Parish Secretary email or sign up by following this link: http://eepurl.com/htIWIr .

Sign up for The Titusian, St. Titus’ monthly newsletter, on the St. Titus’ homepage: sttitusdurham.org, or by emailing the Parish Secretary email address.

Subscribe to Please Note, a weekly update from the Diocese of North Carolina by following this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/QCPKOTo .

Leaders Needed for Wednesday Evening Prayer
During Covid, we began streaming Evening Prayer on Wednesdays using Facebook and Zoom. Parishioners are welcome (and needed) to lead Evening Prayer on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Deacon Sarah Woodard, and she will schedule a time to meet with you: sarah.woodard@duke.edu

Clergy & Staff
Interim Rector: The Rev. Dr. Alicia Alexis (336) 541-3161 st.titusrevalexis@gmail.com
Deacon: The Rev. Deacon Sarah Woodard (919) 599-5227 sarah.woodard@duke.edu
Administrator: Vacant st.titussecretary@gmail.com
Choir Director: Ramon Holloway (919) 886-5325 sainttitusmusic@yahoo.com
Vestry Roster
Senior Warden Diane Hundley 2022 dianehundley@bellsouth.net
Junior Warden Keith Bishop 2023 KeithBishop@keithbishoplaw.com
Meisha Davis 2022 meisha.davis1@gmail.com
Marguerite Peebles 2022 apeeblesmarguerit@bellsouth.net
Gloria Drew 2023 gdrew41@att.net
Chuck Hennessee 2023 wllmhennessee@aol.com
Treasurer Mary Hawkins st.titustreasurer@gmail.com
Church Organizational Leaders
Altar Guild Hazel Brown hazelyb24@gmail.com
Acolyte Warden Vincent Quiett quiettv@msn.com
Benevolent Team Coordinator Willette Crews willettec@legalaidnc.org
Card Ministry Alexine Miller alexinemiller@yahoo.com
Communications Ministry Mary Hawkins pisces0835@gmail.com
Episcopal Church Women Valerie Quiett quiettv@msn.com
Episcopal Church Women Vickie Miller vickiemiller746@yahoo.com
Memorial Garden Warden James Barnes jbarnl3719@aol
Parish Outreach Coordinator Willette Crews willettec@legalaidnc.org
Parish Outreach Coordinator William Hennessee wllmhennessee@aol.com
St. David’s Usher Guild Dwight Peebles dapeebles@bellsouth.net
Invite.Welcome.Connect Committee Sarah Woodard sarah.woodard@duke.edu
Youth Coordinator (open)

Transformation, Renewal and Revival 2023 It’s Stewardship Time! In this season when we celebrate the greatest gift of all, let us offer to God our gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Your Vestry has developed a budget for 2023 that allows us to accommodate our search for a new rector but is still conservative. Pledge cards are in the mail and will also available in the Narthex this Sunday. Your faithful and timely response would be greatly appreciated. If at all possible, returning your pledge card in the Offering Plate would be a lovely way to honor our Lord in the season of his birth. If you are traveling over the holidays, please return your pledge card by January 8, 2023.

St. Titus’ Episcopal Church
400 Moline St., Durham, NC 27707
(919) 682-5504 st.titusepiscopal@gmail.com
sttitusdurham.org