Pentecost Sunday 2024, May 19
Welcome to The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, a welcoming and diverse community seeking to walk in the Way of Jesus and to reveal Christ’s reconciling love in our city, nation, and world.
Get Involved: If you fill out a “Let’s Get Connected Card” found in your pew, or at the Welcome Table by the door where you came in the church, we’d be glad to keep you up to date with all that’s happening at Holy Communion. Or, simply scan the QR code below to visit holycommunion.net where you can share your contact information, find a worship bulletin, read the latest news, and more.
Communion: “These are the gifts of God for the people of God.”
At Church of the Holy Communion, we believe that it is Christ himself who invites us to meet him in the bread and the cup. Though it is known by many names - Communion, Mass, Holy Eucharist, The Lord’s Supper, the Sacrament of the Altar - it is the means by which Christ’s real presence abides with us by faith. Therefore, all are welcome to receive. When it comes time for Communion, please follow the directions of the Greeters. The bread is offered to all, with gluten free wafers available, upon request from the minister. If you would like to receive the wine, you may either drink from the cup, or intinct (dip) the wafer in the wine. Likewise, it is acceptable to receive only the bread, if for personal or health reasons you prefer to not consume wine. Those not receiving Communion, may also come forward. Indicate to the minister that you do not wish to receive Communion by simply crossing your arms across your chest, and the minister will offer a prayer for God’s blessing in your life.
Kids are expected! We believe that kids are welcome to "act their age" and encouraged to fully participate in worship. Options for households with kids are the "Pray Ground" , the carpeted area in the front near the chapel, best for children ages 1 - 5. Nursery Care, off the lounge, is open from 9-12noon. Godly Play is offered downstairs beginning at 10am. They return to their caregivers at 11am in time for the Peace. If you need assistance finding any of these options, just ask a Greeter.
Accessibility: “Priority Seating” is provided for caretakers of those with mobility needs. Our entrances have auto-open buttons, and our elevator is ADA compliant. Both the downstairs restrooms and one of the upstairs restrooms are accessible. If you have any questions about signage, please ask an usher or one of the ministers.
Hearing Assistance: Hearing assistance devices are available from the welcome table. Just ask a Greeter.
Donations: We welcome donations to support the mission and ministry of Church of the Holy Communion. Monetary donations can be placed in the offering plate that will be passed during the service, put in the wooden offering box found at the Welcome Table, by scanning the QR code below, or by electronic donations set up through your bank or on the church website,
holycommunion.net. Thank you!
Alleluia!
Prelude
Welcome
Processional Hymn
Opening Acclamation Please rise in body or spirit
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from your 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
Song of Praise At the 8:00 service, the Gloria is spoken
At the 10:30 service, we will sing this together. Gloria S280 Robert Powell
Liturgy of Word SEE INSERT
The first part of the service is the Liturgy of the Word: we read and respond to appointed lessons from Scripture.
Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray.
The Celebrant leads the congregation in the Collect.
The Lessons
We hear the stories of the experience of God from our spiritual ancestors. Following an ancient pattern originally from Jewish synagogue worship, readings follow a calendar shared by Christians around the world.
1st Lesson
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Psalm
The psalm can be found in the weekly insert. At the 8:00 service, the Psalm is read in unison. At the 10:30 Service, please join in singing the refrain.
2nd Lesson
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Holy Gospel Please remain standing
At the 10:30 service, the congregation is invited to sing the Alleluia before and after the Gospel reading.
Before the Gospel Reading
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel Reading
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
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,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
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,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who 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.
Discernment Team Covenant Signing
The Prayers of the People
Please rise, or kneel, in body or in spirit.
Deacon We pray for God to fill us with the Holy Spirit.
A moment of silence is observed
Leader Generous God, we thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit. We ask that we may be strengthened to serve you better. Come Holy Spirit,
People Renew your people.
Leader We thank you for the wisdom of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to make us wise to understand your will. Come Holy Spirit,
People Renew your people.
Leader We thank you for the peace of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to keep us confident of your love wherever you call us. Come Holy Spirit,
People Renew your people.
Leader We thank you for the healing of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to bring reconciliation and wholeness where there is division, sickness and sorrow.
We pray especially for those we now name: (Petitions may be added, silently or aloud.)
Come Holy Spirit,
People Renew your people.
Leader We thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to equip us for the work which you have given us. Come Holy Spirit,
People Renew your people.
Leader We thank you for the fruit of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to reveal in our lives the love of Jesus. Come Holy Spirit,
People Renew your people.
Leader We thank you for the breath of your Holy Spirit, given us by the risen Lord. We ask you to keep the whole Church, living and departed, in the joy of eternal life. Come Holy Spirit,
People Renew your people.
Leader We thank you for the intercession of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to guide the work of the Discernment Team to listen to your voice and follow where it leads. Come Holy Spirit,
People Renew your people.
The Celebrant adds a concluding collect.
Celebrant Generous God, you sent your Holy Spirit upon your Messiah at the river Jordan, and upon the disciples in the upper room: in your mercy fill us with your Spirit, hear our prayer, and make us one in heart and mind to serve you with joy for ever. Amen.
The Peace Please rise in body or in spirit.
Celebrant The peace of Christ be always with you.
People And also with you.
We greet one another with a sign of God’s peace.
Welcome and Announcements
Please be seated for a few brief announcements.
Offertory Anthem
At the 10:30 service, a musical offering is presented by the choir or soloist.
Offertory Hymn This Little Light of Mine
At the 10:30 service, please rise in body or in spirit and sing as the ushers bring forward our offerings.
The Liturgy of the Table
The second part of the liturgy moves to the Table. As we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, we gather in a way Christians have done since earliest times. At Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, all are welcome at the Communion Table.
The Eucharistic Prayer
Celebrant God be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts
People We lift then to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth.
Here a Proper Preface said by the Celebrant.
Celebrant Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Holy and gracious God: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and maker and of all.
Jesus stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Savior 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 Jesus 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, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, Almighty God, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in Christ. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Savior. By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and forever.
Lord’s Prayer
Pray in the language of your heart.
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
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo,
santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la
tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén
The Breaking of the Bread
Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Communion Hymns
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of communion hymns
Post Communion Prayer
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Let us pray
Almighty and everliving God,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of Christ,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, send us out
to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you
as faithful witnesses of Christ our Savior.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Blessing
Dismissal
Deacon Alleluia, alleluia! Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!
Recessional Hymn
Postlude
A Prayer in a Season of Discernment
Ever-present God,
You call us on a journey to a place we do not know.
We are not where we started.
We have not reached our destination.
We are not sure where we are or who we are.
This is not a comfortable place.
Be among us, we pray.
Calm our fears,
save us from discouragement,
and help us to stay the course.
Open our hearts to your guidance so that our journey to this
unknown place continues as a journey of trust.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,
One God, now and forever. Amen.
Discernment Team
Shirley Mensah and Jean Parker, Co-chairs;
Denise Carpenter, Nancy Donohoo, Anita Donahou, Peter Fairchild,
Scott Lunte, Karen Payne, Tyler Schwartz, Michael Stokes,
Andrew Wasson, and Alisa Williams.
Staff
The Rev. Earl Mahan, Interim Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303
The Rev. Julie Graham, Associate Rector
call 314-721-7401 x302 text 314-886-7594
The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon
call 314-367-7332 chinesj@charter.net
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
call 314-721-7401 x301
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
Vestry
Fran Caradonna, Senior Warden
Rudy Walz, Junior Warden
Kellie McCoy, Treasurer
Pat Redington, Secretary
Rebecca Comas
Colleen Haggerty
Bob Lowes
Heidi Volkl
Andrew Wasson
Tim Anderson
www.holycommunion.net
Music used and reprinted with permission under
OneLicense #A-704988, WorshipCast License #13476,
and St. James Music Press License #14747
INSERT:
Pentecost Sunday, May 19
Music sung at 10:30 service
Prelude
Processional Hymn: Hail Thee, Festival Day H225
Psalm: 104:25-35
Sequence Hymn: Caribbean Hallelujah
Offertory Anthem: Seeking Light by Brandon Williams
Offertory Hymn: This Little Light of Mine L221
Communion Hymns: Soplo de Dios Viviente (My Heart Sings Out)
Come Down, O Love Divine H516
Recessional Hymn: Go Forth for God; Go to the World in Peace H347
Postlude
The Collect
Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.”
So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.
Psalm 104:25-35 Spoken at 8:00 a.m. service
Lesson 2: Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
`In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "
The Gospel: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Jesus said to his disciples, “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.
“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info
Evaluation Sunday Breakfast: Join the Adult Formation Committee today for a hot breakfast (Cooked by the Bonds!) to discuss the past series and the upcoming year. Meet in Mitchell Hall at 9 am.
Trinity Hot Lunch: Do you want to help feed our community? Volunteer to help serve Trinity Hot Lunch today, May 19, and every third Sunday of the month! For more information, please contact Scott Ferguson at 314-610-2730, or visit our website under Trinity Hot Lunch to sign up. Can’t sign up but still want to help? Leave non-perishable food donations with our office, or in the Trinity Hot Lunch donations basket in the Narthex.
Laundry Love: Join us for the next Laundry Love ministry on May 21, 6-8 pm. at Classic Coin Laundromat on Balson Ave. Volunteer for a one-hour shift by signing up at the link on the Holy Communion website under the Laundry Love page or talk to Julie Farrar (314-750-7838) or Mary Duba (314-803-8027). Love never ends and neither does laundry!
Parish Potluck “Picnic”: Kick-off summer with Holy Communion on Sunday, June 2, at our Parish Potluck “Picnic”! Bring a dish to share following the 10:30 service in Mitchell Hall. A sign-up sheet is posted on the main entrance bulletin board, or visit https://holycommunion.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/417/responses/new to sign up online.
Gun Violence Awareness Sunday: Wear orange in support of Gun Violence Awareness, On Sunday, June 9.
Summer Sundays: You are invited to attend, participate, or lead a Summer Sunday Lectionary group discussion Sundays in June, July, and August from 9-10 am at Holy Communion. Please contact Chester Hines at chinesj@charter.net or 314-367-7332 for more information.
Camp Phoenix: Camp Phoenix is the official summer camp of The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. We welcome all students between the ages of 8 and 18 to attend. Join us August 4 - 9, 2024! Visit https://www.diocesemo.org/camp-phoenix/ for more information.
Servers
Celebrant: The Reverend Julie Graham
Preacher: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Guest Organist: Cheryl Foster
Readers: Jack Kelly (8 am), Mary Waters, Alisa Williams (10:30 am)
Greeters: Adam Pearson (8 am), Susan Norris, Hal Parker (10:30 am)
Chalice Bearer: Janice Nihill
Crucifer: William Kelly
Announcements: Rebecca Comas (8 am), Bob Lowes (10:30 am)
Intercessor: Alison Nash (8 am), Shirley Mensah (10:30 am)
Producer: Rebecca Comas
