1660 Kessler Boulevard, East Drive Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-251-9489 www.northminster-indy.org

Welcome to worship at Northminster! Thank you for worshiping with us today. If you are visiting with us this morning we hope you feel the presence of God and the hospitality of this congregation. If you have any questions about our church please ask one of the pastors or a greeting host wearing a red “Ask Me” badge. SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Restoring God’s People ««««««««««««« Please silence your cell phone before worship begins. *Those who are able, please stand. Congregation responds in bold.

CENTERING THOUGHT A World … damaged … appearing to float aimlessly in the cold void of space … groping in the darkness unaware of its blindness or just not caring. A people … called from that world to glimpse a hint of the light that would come to pierce the murky gloom. Our Savior … Light of the World born out of those people – yet eternal – parting the clouds … lifting the shade … filling our hearts with rays of hope and the promise of Restoration! Jennifer Richter

APPROACHING GOD

WELCOME

Carol McDonald

GATHERING SONGS Hymn No. 103

Come Now, O Prince of Peace

OSOSO

(Soloist sings verse 1 in Korean, all are invited to sing 1-4 in English)

Wait for the Lord

*CALL TO WORSHIP Jesus says, “I am coming soon.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; God sends good news to the oppressed. Let us worship God.

Taizé Community

*HYMN NO. 102

Savior of the Nations, Come NUN KOMM, DER HEIDEN HEILAND

LIGHTING THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE (after the candle is lit) Living God, come to our world. As we wait for your promise, give light, give hope. Fill us with your Spirit and anoint us with your love. Sung response: VENI EMMANUEL O come green shoot of Jes—se, free Your people from despair and apathy; Forge justice for the poor and the meek, Grant safety for the young ones and the weak. Rejoice, rejoice! Take heart and do not fear, God’s chosen one, Emmanuel, draws near. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Marland Pittman Merciful God, you love justice, but we persist in wrongdoing. You long to fill our mouths with laughter and shouts of joy, but we are content with ashes and mourning. We have doubted your promises and have denied your power to free us from captivity. We have chosen instead to trust our own ways. Forgive our failures. Send your Spirit upon us and anoint us to share the good news of your joy. Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today. *SILENT CONFESSION

*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS Brothers and sisters — God has good news of freedom for oppressed and captive people, of comfort for the brokenhearted and mourning ones, of hope for those who are devastated. God offers us salvation and welcomes us into a covenant relationship. Surely our hearts will know joy and our voices will ring with laughter. Our God is faithful and God has forgiven each of you. God grants us peace. * GLORIA

GLORIA

Glo---ria, in excelsis Deo, Glo---ria, in excelsis Deo. CHILDREN’S TIME

Ruth Chadwick Moore

(Children are invited to stay in worship. Church School is also available.)

LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT LESSON

Isaiah 61: 1-4, 6-11 (Pg. 691)

PSALM 126

Chris Burchett, Cantor

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD OFFERING OFFERTORY

Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen (from Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, No. 3) Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Chancel Choir and Orchestra Cantata for the Third Day of Christmas (Weihnachts-Oratorium III)

1. (24.) Chorus 1. (24.) Chor Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Ruler of Heaven, hear the murmur, let the dull songs be pleasing to You, Lallen, Laß dir die matten Gesänge gefallen, when Your Zion exalts You with Wenn dich dein Zion mit Psalmen psalms! Hear the delightful praises of our erhöht! hearts, Höre der Herzen frohlockendes when we acknowledge our present Preisen, awe of You, Wenn wir dir itzo die Ehrfurcht since our pilgrimage has been erweisen, confirmed! Weil unsre Wohlfahrt befestiget steht! 2. (25.) Rezitativ T (Evangelist) Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel fuhren, sprachen die Hirten untereinander: 3. (26.) Chor Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem und die Geschichte sehen, die da geschehen ist, die uns der Herr kundgetan hat.

2. (25.) Recitative T (Evangelist) And when the angels went away from them towards heaven, the shepherds said to one another: 3. (26.) Chorus Let us go now towards Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened there, which the Lord has announced to us.

4. (27.) Rezitativ B Er hat sein Volk getröst', Er hat sein Israel erlöst, Die Hülf aus Zion hergesendet Und unser Leid geendet. Seht, Hirten, dies hat er getan; Geht, dieses trefft ihr an!

4. (27.) Recitative B He has comforted His people, He has rescued His Israel, sending help out of Zion and ending our sorrow. Look, shepherds, He has done this; go, this is what awaits you!

5. (28.) Choral Dies hat er alles uns getan, Sein groß Lieb zu zeigen an; Des freu sich alle Christenheit Und dank ihm des in Ewigkeit. Kyrieleis!

5. (28.) Chorale All this He has done for us, to indicate His great love; for this all Christianity rejoices and thanks Him for it in eternity. Kyrie eleison!

6. (29.) Arie (Duett) S B Herr, dein Mittleid, dein Erbarmen Tröstet uns und macht uns frei. Deine holde Gunst und Liebe, Deine wundersamen Triebe Machen deine Vatertreu Wieder neu.

6. (29.) Aria (Duet) S B Lord, your compassion, your mercy comforts us and makes us free. Your gracious favor and love, Your miraculous doings make Your fatherly devotion renewed again.

7. (30.) Rezitativ T (Evangelist) Und sie kamen eilend und funden beide, Mariam und Joseph, dazu das Kind in der Krippe liegen. Da sie es aber gesehen hatten, breiteten sie das Wort aus, welches zu ihnen von diesem Kind gesaget war. Und alle, für die es kam, wunderten sich der Rede, die ihnen dir Hirten gesaget hatten. Maria aber behielt alle diese Worte und bewegte sie in ihrem Herzen.

7. (30.) Recitative T (Evangelist) And they came hastily and found both Mary and Joseph, along with the child lying in the manger. When they had seen it, however, they spread the word around, that had been spoken about this child. And everyone to whom it came marveled at the sayings that the shepherds had told them. Mary however kept all these words and pondered them in her heart.

8. (31.) Arie A Schließe, mein Herze, dies selige Wunder Fest in deinem Glauben ein! Lasse dies Wunder, die göttlichen Werke, Immer zur Stärke Deines schwachen Glaubens sein!

8. (31.) Aria A Enclose, my heart, these blessed miracles fast within your faith! Let these wonders, these divine works, forever be the reinforcement of your weak faith!

9. (32.) Rezitativ A Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren, Was es an dieser holden Zeit Zu seiner Seligkeit Für sicheren Beweis erfahren.

9. (32.) Recitative A Yes, yes, my heart shall cherish this, what it has experienced at this glorious time for its blessedness as a sure revelation.

10. (33.) Choral Ich will dich mit Fleiß bewahren, Ich will dir Leben hier, Dir will ich abfahren, Mit dir will ich endlich schweben Voller Freud Ohne Zeit Dort im andern Leben.

10. (33.) Chorale I will cherish You assiduously, I will live for You here, to You will I depart, with You, at last, I will float full of joy, endlessly, there in the other life.

11. (34.) Rezitativ T (Evangelist) Und die Hirten kehrten wieder um, preiseten und lobten Gott um alles, das sie gesehen und gehöret hatten, wie denn zu ihnen gesaget war.

11. (34.) Recitative T (Evangelist) And the shepherds went back again, praising and glorifying God for everything that they had seen and heard, as it had been spoken to them.

12. (35.) Chor Sei froh dieweil, Das euer Heil Ist hie ein Gott und auch ein Mensch geboren, Der, welcher ist Der Herr und Christ In Davids Stadt, von vielen auserkoren.

12. (35.) Chorale Meanwhile, be happy, for your salvation is born here a God and also a person, He, who is the Lord and Christ in David's city, chosen out of many.

1. (24.) Chor wiederholt

1. (24.) Chorus repeated

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 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. *SHARING THE PEACE The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you. (Worshipers may greet one another with words of Christ’s peace.) GOING FORTH *HYMN

Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding

MERTON

*CHARGE AND BLESSING May God bless us on this Advent journey, that we may accept the gifts of God’s grace, and that we may join the angels who sing above the stable, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace, good will to all the earth.” Now friends, go forth in the name of Jesus. Let us do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. Magnify the Lord and rejoice, for nothing is impossible with God.

POSTLUDE

Vivace, Allegro (from Christmas Concerto, Opus 6, No. 8) Arcangelo Corelli (1653 – 1713)

"Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding," ©Text: 6th century Latin; Music: MERTON, William Monk (1823 - 1889). Reprinted under OneLicense.net 2433181. MUSIC IN WORSHIP Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248) was composed for the Christmas season of 1734 – 1735 and was presented in his two Leipzig churches. The work is a collection of six free-standing cantatas composed for six feast days

across the two weeks of Christmas, beginning with Christmas Day and continuing through the feast of Epiphany. Thematically, Bach saw the complete oratorio as a unifying work, with the six cantatas forming a chronological narrative of Christ’s birth story, including the birth, the annunciation to the shepherds, the adoration of the shepherds, the circumcision and naming, the coming of the Magi, and the adoration of the Magi. It is believed the librettist for the Christmas Oratorio was Christian Friedrich Henrici, who had written texts previously for Bach’s music. Bach’s Leipzig churches included one of his cantatas the first Sunday of Advent, a day which was festive in nature. The remaining Sundays of the Advent season emphasized the quiet, reflective mood of penitence, similar to the season of Lent prior to Easter. The Christmas Oratorio, therefore, must have been a rich and joyous feast for the ears and souls of worshipers by the time Christmas Day arrived. 24 Chorus The cantata begins in the celebratory key of D Major as three trumpets, timpani, flutes, oboes, violins, violas and continuo provide a brilliant introduction. Chorus, led by the tenors, enter in joyous fashion 17 measures later, imploring God to hear our paltry songs of praise. 25 Recitative Tenor (Evangelist) The Evangelist, in three short measures, tells us the angels went toward Heaven and the shepherds speak. 26 Chorus

The chorus finishes his thought – the shepherds are to journey to Bethlehem to see “this thing” that of which they have been informed. The movement is less orchestrated and even shorter than the first, No. 24. Four vocal lines are imitative, constructed around a simple scale-figure and its inversion. The shepherds have been prompted into action and the music conveys this image with vigor. An energized bass line suggests determination while the flowing flute and violins in the top suggest a flurry of activity. Chorus recreates an excited babble, especially at “Lasset uns nun gehen” (Let us go now). This is known as a turba chorus - a crowd chorus - a type commonly found in Bach’s St. Matthew and St. John Passions. 27 Recitative Bass Bass soloist, supported by a pair of flutes, states the importance of the Lord’s compassion and his freeing of humankind. 28 Chorale The chorus echoes these thoughts and calls us to show our thanks to the Lord and to pray for mercy – “Kyrie eleison.” The last extended phrase, following three shorter ones, conveys an implication of something that is ongoing and unfinished. 29 Aria Duet (Soprano and Bass) The two most substantial movements of this cantata are this duet and the later alto Aria, No. 31. Between them they take up roughly half the performance time of the entire cantata. This rather sensual duet is addressed to the Lord, thanking Him for his love and compassion that sets us truly free. Set in the key of A major with a 3/8 meter and

accompanied by two oboes and continuo, the mood is both tranquil and jaunty. The ascending oboe figures represent a seeking or a looking for something beyond. 30 Recitative Tenor (Evangelist) Moving the story along, the Evangelist continues telling of the shepherds finding Mary, Joseph and the Christ child. 31 Aria Alto Alto soloist describes Mary’s innermost feelings of the miracle of the birth. Solo violin begins, playing the initial measure on low strings. The music is reserved but not tragic or depressing, and the violin plays tenderly above the singer throughout.

32 Recitative Alto A pair of flutes play sustained notes as the Alto tells us that “these wonders, these divine works” should be reminders for us to have faith. 33 Chorale The chorus confirms the preceding recitative – I will live for you on earth, eventually to depart to be with you in the next joyful life. 34 Recitative Tenor (Evangelist) The Evangelist reports that the shepherds retreat, praising God for what they have witnessed. 35 Chorale The final of three chorales is the only one in a minor key, F sharp minor. Despite the first words of the movement (“Meanwhile,

rejoice”), the chorus is serious and direct, and urges us to remember our salvation comes from both a God and a person. 24 Chorus reprise Apparently, Bach thought enough of the first movement to repeat it, bringing a festive brassy conclusion to the third cantata of Weihmachtsoratorium.

 SOLOISTS North Carolina native Joseph Ittoop, Tenor, is currently pursuing a Masters in Vocal Performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with Wolfgang Brendel. Joseph has sung leading roles in La Boheme, La Traviata, Lucia di Lammermoor, L’Elisir d’Amore, Die Zauberflöte, Cosi Fan Tutte, Don Giovanni, and L’Heure Espagnol. He will perform the role of Arturo in IU’s 2018 production of Lucia di Lammermoor. Baritone Christopher Burchett has appeared with companies both in the U.S. and abroad such as New York City Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Estates Theatre in Prague, Boston Lyric Opera, The Barbican & BBC Orchestra, Palm Beach Opera, Opera Orchestra of New York, Virginia Opera, Opera Omaha, Indianapolis Opera, Kentucky Opera, Glimmerglass Opera Festival, Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Washington Chorus. He has also appeared with the Carmel Bach Festival, Boulder Bach Festival, Louisville Bach Society, Portland Baroque Orchestra, New York Choral Society at Carnegie Hall, Princeton Pro Musica and Bethlehem Bach Festival where he sang Bach’s B Minor Mass as part of an Emmy winning national PBS broadcast entitled “Make a Joyful Noise”. This season includes return performances with Indianapolis Opera, Orchestra NOW, the Washington Chorus at the Kennedy Center, Opera Saratoga, the London Philharmonic and Fargo-Moorhead Opera. In 2018 he

performs operas with Chicago Opera Theater, Boston Lyric Opera and Fargo-Moorhead Opera. He can be heard on the Naxos, VIA, Cantalope and Albany record labels. Elisabeth Kleinsmith, Soprano, is a native of Goshen, Indiana. Under the tutelage of Dr. Kathleen Hacker, Elisabeth received her Bachelor of Music from the University of Indianapolis, and her Master of Music from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with Dr. David Sadlier. Elisabeth’s love and attention to art song (particularly the songs of composers from WW1) has become a fundamental element to her vocal studies. She has also been featured as a soloist in numerous oratorio and other large choral works, including works under the baton of Maestro Raymond Leppard. Recent masterclasses include Teresa Cahill, Lawrence Brownlee, Brian Zeger, William Bolcom, and Emilio Pons. Elisabeth works for the University of Indianapolis’ Pre-College Music Program, and for Aire Born Studios in Zionsville, Indiana. Christina Nicastro, Mezzo-Soprano, is a native of Dunellen, New Jersey. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music studying with Carol Vaness. Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. At Indiana University she has performed the role of Ellen Orford in Peter Grimes and appeared in the opera choruses of Dead Man Walking, Carmen, and Madama Butterfly. Nicastro has been featured in IU opera workshops as Mimì in La Bohème and Elisabetta in Don Carlo. She has also appeared as a soloist in Honegger’s King David with the IU summer chorus under the direction of Walter Huff. Oratorio performances include Vivaldi’s Gloria and Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Requiem, and Vesperae solennes de confessore with

the Choral Art Society of New Jersey. She has appeared with the Hershey Symphony Orchestra in selections from Bizet’s Carmen and Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5.

 CHANCEL CHOIR Soprano Jenny Abbott Norma Blake Mary Boris Peggy Brandes Ellen Fosnaught Shannon Lyst Andrea Newsom Sara Sarno Kathy Schick Julie Shannon Clarice Stegall Krista Wright Tenor Steve Boller David Brock Robbie Foote Will Sibley Marko Petričić, Organist/Associate for Music John Wright, Director of Music Ministries

Alto Kaitlyn Boller Elizabeth Brandes Jill de las Alas Jennifer Dzwonar Nancy Dynes Debbie Everett Nancy Flamme Mary Holland Gayle-Sue Murphy Christina Nicastro Maureen Purcell Lori Schlabach Bass Mike Boris Chris Burchett Simon Lee Andy Longo John Plunkett Jeff Schmahl

ORCHESTRA Violin 1 Zach DePue Phil Palaermo Yefim Pastukh Violin 2 Sherry Hong Michelle Black Han Xie Viola Michael Strauss Mike Chen Beverly Scott Cello Kurt Fowler Bass Bennett Crantford Timpani Craig Hetrick Harpsichord Tom Gerber

Flute 1 Tammy Thweatt Flute 2 Leila Breithaupt Oboe 1 Tim Clinch Oboe 2 Crystal Barrett Bassoon Mike Muszynski Trumpet 1 Edmund Cord Trumpet 2 Allen Miller Trumpet 3 Marvin Perry

What’s Next ? Sunday Morning Worship December 24 – ONE MORNING SERVICE ONLY – 10am – Restoring God’s Power December 31 – Reflections and Hope Mission and Outreach IHN – December 17-24 Christmas Joy Offering – Christmas Eve Welcoming Refugees—donations of household goods — contact Erin Bristow to find out what is needed. Events and Education Advent Adult Study – The Music of the Season –TODAY 10am Middlers Fellowship Group (for those in their 40’s, 50’s and early 60’s) - January 6, 6pm. Pitch-in at Tony and Jennifer Dzwonar’s. NorthStars — Avoiding Scams and Schemes - January 17, 10am. Lunch served for $6 following the presentation. Reservations: Marty and John Brooks or by calling the church office. Sound & Spirit Concert -- Philatroi - String Trio -February 11, 4pm. FREE For more information, check out our website (northminster-indy.org), ask to receive our weekly email, pick up a newsletter from an information table, or contact the church office.

To give by text message on a smartphone, text the amount you would like to give to 317-316-3009. Our online giving system, ShelbyNext, will then prompt you through a one-time set up for giving.

The building will be closed for the Christmas Holidays on Monday and Tuesday, December 25 and 26.

Christmas at Northminster December 24 – Fourth Sunday of Advent 10am – ONE service only Sunday, December 24 -Christmas Eve Services The Light of the World Breaks Forth! 4:00 pm Joyful Noise Service — for all ages 7:00 pm Candlelight Communion 10:30 pm Choral Prelude 11:00 pm Candles, Carols and Choral Music

Live video streaming of December 24th services at 10 am, 4 pm and 10:30pm. Go to the Northminster website and scroll down to “Advent at Northminster" at the bottom of the homepage. Or go to: http://bit.ly/NPC12-24