Trinity Sunday 2024, May 26, First Sunday After Pentecost
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 Please rise in body or spirit SEE INSERT
Opening Acclamation
Celebrant Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
People And blessed be God’s reign, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid.
People 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
The Liturgy of the Word SEE INSERT
The first part of the service is the Liturgy of the Word, in which we read and respond to appointed lessons from Scripture. 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, or “lectionary,” shared by Christians around the world.
Collect of the Day
Celebrant The Lord be with you
People And also with you
Celebrant Let us pray.
The Celebrant leads the congregation in the Collect.
The Lessons
1st Lesson
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Psalm
2nd Lesson
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn: God Welcomes All – Alleluia
The Holy Gospel
Please remain standing
Before the Gospel Reading
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to ______ .
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel Reading
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
A moment of silence is observed, following the 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.
The Prayers of the People
Deacon In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence
Leader For all people in their daily life and work;
People For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who
are alone.
Leader For this community, the nation, and the world;
People For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Leader For the just and proper use of your creation;
People For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Leader For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
People For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the
needy.
Leader For the work of the Parish Discernment Team;
People For the guidance of the Holy Spirit, leading us into all truth.
Leader For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
People For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Leader For [N. our Presiding Bishop, and N. our Bishop; and
for] all bishops and other ministers;
People For all who serve God in the Church.
Leader For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions
Leader Hear us, Lord;
People For your mercy is great.
Leader We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence
The People may add their own thanksgivings
Leader We will exalt you, O Lord our God;
People And praise your Name for ever and ever.
Leader We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in
your eternal kingdom.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions
Leader Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
People Who put their trust in you.
Leader We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Silence
Leader and People
Have mercy upon us, most merciful God;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Celebrant May the Almighty God grant us forgiveness of all our sins, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. 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. On the first Sunday of the month, we remember birthdays for the month, and invite those celebrating birthdays to come forward, as one of the clergy offers prayers and blessings.
Offertory Sentence
Celebrant O Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; because you have created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Revelation 4:11
Offertory Anthem
At the 10:30 service, a musical offering is presented by the choir or soloist.
Offertory Hymn
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.
It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks, all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy.
You have filled us and all creation with your blessing and fed us with your constant love;
you have redeemed us in Jesus Christ and knit us into one body.
Through your Spirit you replenish us and call us to fullness of life.
Therefore, joining with Angels and Archangels
and with the faithful of every generation,
we lift our voices with all creation as we sing:
Celebrant and People
The Celebrant continues
Blessed are you, gracious God,
creator of the universe and giver of life. You formed us in your own image
and called us to dwell in your infinite love.
You gave the world into our care
that we might be your faithful stewards and show forth your bountiful grace.
But we failed to honor your image
in one another and in ourselves;
we would not see your goodness in the world around us; and so we violated your creation,
abused one another,
and rejected your love.
Yet you never ceased to care for us,
and prepared the way of salvation for all people.
Through Abraham and Sarah
you called us into covenant with you.
You delivered us from slavery,
sustained us in the wilderness,
and raised up prophets
to renew your promise of salvation.
Then, in the fullness of time,
you sent your eternal Word,
made mortal flesh in Jesus.
Born into the human family,
and dwelling among us,
he revealed your glory.
Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil,
opening the way of freedom and life.
On the night before he died for us,
Our Savior Jesus Christ took bread,
and when he had given thanks to you,
he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said: “Take, eat:
This is my Body which is given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.”
As supper was ending, 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 poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins.
Whenever you drink it,
do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
Remembering his death and resurrection,
we now present to you from your creation
this bread and this wine.
By your Holy Spirit may they be for us
the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Grant that we who share these gifts
may be filled with the Holy Spirit
and live as Christ’s Body in the world.
Bring us into the everlasting heritage
of your daughters and sons,
that with [ ___________ and] all your saints, past, present, and yet to come,
we may praise your Name for ever.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
to you be honor, glory, and praise,
for ever and ever. AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, and in the language of our heart, we pray:
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 Great Amen Sung
The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Celebrant The gifts of God for the People of God.
Communion Hymns SEE INSERT
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of communion hymns
Post Communion Prayer
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Celebrant Let us pray
People Loving God,
we give you thanks
for restoring us in your image
and nourishing us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood.
Now send us forth
a people, forgiven, healed, renewed;
that we may proclaim your love to the world
and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen
Sending of Lay Eucharistic Visitors
At various times, Lay Eucharistic Visitors take the consecrated bread and wine to those who cannot physically be present for worship. When we do so, the following prayer may be offered:
Deacon We send you forth, bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the Body and Blood of Christ our Savior.
People We who are many are one body, because we all share one bread, one cup.
The Blessing
Recessional Hymn SEE INSERT
Dismissal
Deacon Let us go forth into the world,
rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
People Thanks be to God.
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.
Vestry
Fran Caradonna, Senior Warden
Rudy Walz, Junior Warden
Kellie McCoy, Treasurer
Pat Redington, Secretary
Rebecca Comas
Colleen Hagerty
Bob Lowes
Heidi Volkl
Andrew Wasson
Tim Anderson
Music used and reprinted with permission under
OneLicense #A-704988, WorshipCast License #13476,
and St. James Music Press License #14747
www.holycommunion.net
Staff
The Rev. Earl Mahan, Interim Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303
emahan@holycommunion.net
The Rev. Julie Graham, Associate Rector
call 314-721-7401 x302 text 314-886-7594
jgraham@holycommunion.net
The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon
call 314-367-7332 chinesj@charter.net
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
call 314-721-7401 x301
office@holycommunion.net
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
mchapman@holycommunion.net
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
jkern@holycommunion.net
INSERT:
First Sunday After Pentecost: Trinity Sunday, May 26
Music sung at 10:30 service
Prelude
Processional Hymn: Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! H362
Psalm: 29
Sequence Hymn: God Welcomes All - Alleluia
Offertory Anthem: For Everyone Born - Brian Mann
Offertory Hymn: There is Enough
Communion Hymns: Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
Spirit of the Living God L115
Recessional Hymn: Sweet, Sweet Spirit L120
Postlude
The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 6:1-8
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”
Psalm 29 Spoken in unison
1 Ascribe to the Lord, you gods, *
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due the divine name; *
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters;
the God of glory thunders; *
the Lord is upon the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice; *
the voice of the Lord is a voice of splendour.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees; *
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon,
6 and makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *
and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord *
splits the flames of fire;
8 the voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; *
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord makes the oak trees writhe *
and strips the forests bare.
And in the temple of the Lord *
all are crying, “Glory!”
10 The Lord sits enthroned above the flood; *
the Lord sits enthroned as sovereign for evermore.
11 The Lord shall give strength to this people; *
the Lord shall give this people the blessing of peace
Lesson 2: Romans 8:12-17
So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-- if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
The Gospel: John 3:1-17
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info
Holy Communion OFFICE CLOSED: Our office is closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.
Send-Off Sunday: On Sunday, June 2, please join us to bless and “send-off” three wonderful members of Holy Communion as they embark on new journeys. Special blessings will be offered at the 10:30 service to honor of Rudy Nickens, Janice Nihill, and Liz Peoples. Stay to celebrate them at the Potluck in afterwards!
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 Prevention Awareness Sunday: Wear orange in support of Gun Violence Awareness, On Sunday, June 9.
Guest Preacher - Maharat Rori Picker Neiss: At both services on June 9, Rabbi Rori Picker Neiss will preach for the last time as our Rabbi in Residence. Maharat Rori accepted a position as Senior Vice President for Jewish Public Affairs in Philadelphia. This will be her last Sunday in St. Louis. Mazeltov, Rabbi Rori!
Guest Preacher - The Rev. Aaron Rogers: The Reverend Aaron Rogers will be making a guest preaching appearance during Adult Forum (Mitchell Hall at 9am) and at the 10:30 service on Sunday, June 16th.
Pride Sunday: Sunday, June 30, Holy Communion’s 10:30 service will take place at Soldier’s Memorial in Downtown STL in celebration of Pride! Stay for the Grand Pride Parade afterwards at noon (10th & Market)!
Pick-Up Choir Sundays: MARK YOUR CALENDARS! If you've thought about joining the choir, come join us June 16 and August 18, for Pick-Up Choir Sundays. All are invited to "try on" the choir for a Sunday. We'll meet at 9:30 in the Sanctuary, when we'll review the service music and learn the anthem for that morning's service. Questions? Ask a current choir member or email Mary Chapman at mchapman@holycommunion.net.
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.
HELP WANTED! Trinity Food Donation Runner: As part of outreach program, Holy Communion accepts non-perishable food items for Trinity Church’s food pantry. We need help delivering donations once a month. Please email Darcy at office@holycommunion.net to sign up. And don’t forget to add donations to the box in the Narthex anytime!
Servers
Celebrant: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Preacher: The Reverend Julie Graham
Readers: Donna Baudendistel (8 am), Markie Jo Crismon, Michael Salsich (10:30 am)
Greeters: Pat Redington (8 am), Susan Norris (10:30 am)
Chalice Bearer: Kari Potts
Crucifer: William Kelly
Announcements: Colleen Haggerty (8 am), Tim Anderson (10:30 am)
Intercessor: Lisa Hummel (8 am), Janice Nihill (10:30 am)
Producer: Lucas Kerbs
