Fourth Sunday After Pentecost, June 16

 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

 

First Lesson

 

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

The Psalm

                                                                          

Second 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 Michael, our Presiding Bishop, and Deon, 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:

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost: June 16

Music sung at 10:30 service

 

Prelude: Prelude on Hyfrydol by Gerhard Krapf

Processional Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation                                                          H525

Sequence Hymn: God Welcomes All – Alleluia

Offertory Anthem: Simple Gifts by Mark Schweizer

Offertory Hymn: There is Enough

Communion Hymns: Give Me a Clean Heart                                                                         L124

                                     Now the Green Blade Riseth                                                                   H204

Recessional Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling                                                         H657

Postlude: Allegro Vivace by Hermann Schroeder

The Collect

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

First Lesson: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13

Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel.

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

Psalm 20     Spoken in unison

1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble, *
the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;

2 Send you help from his holy place *
and strengthen you out of Zion;

3 Remember all your offerings *
and accept your burnt sacrifice;

4 Grant you your heart's desire *
and prosper all your plans.

5 We will shout for joy at your victory
and triumph in the Name of our God; *
may the Lord grant all your requests.

6 Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed; *
he will answer him out of his holy heaven,
with the victorious strength of his right hand.

7 Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, *
but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God.

8 They collapse and fall down, *
but we will arise and stand upright.

9 O Lord, give victory to the king *
and answer us when we call.

 

Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10,[11-13],14-17

We are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.

[Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.] For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

 

The Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”

He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

Announcements

More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info

 

Guest Preacher - The Rev. Aaron Rogers: Today Reverend Aaron Rogers, Diocesan Ministry Developer for Young Adult Ministry, will be guest preaching for both services and speaking at the Adult Forum in Mitchell Hall at 9 am. Join us to learn more about young adult programs and ministry opportunities!

 

Third Week Outreach – Trinity Hot Lunch & Laundry Love: SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER every third Sunday for Trinity Hot Lunch soup kitchen, and every third Tuesday for Laundry Love, our clean laundry ministry. The next opportunities are June 16 and 18! Questions? Call Scott Ferguson (314) 610-2730 about Trinity Hot Lunch, and Julie Farrar (314) 750-7838, or Mary Duba (314) 803-8027 about Laundry Love.

 

HoCo Parents, Caregivers and Kids Summer Park Hop Play Date: Play date on Saturday, June 22 from 2-5 at Mooney Park! Ice Pops included with fun and fellowship at the play structure. Come when you can, for as long as you can. Chat with Eliana Haig 304-685-4645 or Shannon MacGregor 804-814-2307 for more information.

 

Pride Sunday - June 30: Holy Communion’s 10:00 am service will take place at Soldier’s Memorial in Downtown STL in celebration of Pride! Email Mary Chapman at mchapman@holycommunion.net if you would like to sing with the choir.

 

Pride Parade: Join Holy Communion at the Grand Pride Parade to march and celebrate on Sunday, June 30 at 12pm. The parade starts at 10th and Market St. Or just stay to watch the fun!

 

Pick-Up Choir Sundays: 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. Meet at 9:30 in the Sanctuary. Questions? Ask a 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. The series begins on June 16.

 

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.

 

HoCo Community Garden: Our garden is back in action! Want to help plant? Contact Rebecca Comas to participate; no green thumbs required. Email Rebecca at rebec3234@gmail.com.

 

 

Servers

Guest Preacher: The Reverend Aaron Rogers

Celebrant: The Reverend Earl Mahan

Assisting: The Reverend Julie Graham

Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines

Music Director: Mary Chapman

Organist: Earl Naylor

Readers: Donna Baudendistel, Elizabeth Hines (8 am), Barbara Robinson, Joe Adams (10:30 am)

Greeters: Earl Bonds (8 am), Susan Norris, Jean Parker (10:30 am)

Chalice Bearer: Kari Potts (10:30 am)

Crucifer: William Kelly

Announcements: Rudy Walz (8 am), Fran Caradonna (10:30 am)

Intercessor: Shirley Mensah (8 am), Bradley Currey (10:30 am)

Producer: Markie Jo Crismon

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Fifth Sunday After Pentecost, June 23

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Third Sunday After Pentecost, June 9