Fifth Sunday After Pentecost, June 23
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
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
INSERT:
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost: June 23
Music sung at 10:30 service
Prelude: Prelude in E Minor by George Oldroyd
Processional Hymn: Praise to the Living God H372
Sequence Hymn: God Welcomes All – Great Amen
Offertory Anthem: Prelude on Slane by Paul Manz
Offertory Hymn: There is Enough
Communion Hymns: Think of His Goodness to You L204
God of Mercy, God of Grace H538
Recessional Hymn: We Walk in Love See Insert
Postlude: Toccata in F Major by Dietrich Buxtehude
The Collect
O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 17: 32-49
David said to Saul, “Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God.” David said, “The Lord, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine.” So Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you!” Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.” So David removed them. Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd’s bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine.
The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field.” But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hand.”
When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.
Psalm 133 Spoken in unison
1 Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *
when kindred live together in unity!
2 It is like fine oil upon the head that runs down upon the beard, *
upon the beard of Aaron,
and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon that falls upon the hills of Zion. *
For there the Lord has ordained the blessing:
life for evermore.
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
As we work together with Christ, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,
“At an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and on a day of salvation I have helped you.”
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see-- we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return-- I speak as to children-- open wide your hearts also.
The Gospel: Mark 4:35-41
When evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info
Summer Snack Sign Ups: Please sign up to bring food to share for Summer Sundays in between services! The sign-up sheet is located in Mitchell Hall on the coffee table. Regular breakfast will begin again in the Fall.
Summer Sundays: You are invited to attend, participate, or lead a Summer Sunday Lectionary group discussion from 9-10 am in Mitchell Hall. Please contact Chester Hines at chinesj@charter.net or call 314-367-7332 for more information. Join us every Sunday now through August!
Pride Sunday - June 30: Holy Communion’s late morning service will begin at 10:00 am and takes 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. March with us or just stay to watch the fun!
HoCo Parents, Caregivers and Kids Summer Park Hop Play Date: Come play at the park with HoCo Pack! Ice Pops included with fun and fellowship at the play structures. Join on Saturday, July 13, 2-5 pm: Irv Zeid Citizens Park & on Saturday, July 27, 2-5 pm: Nature Playscape, Forest Park. Chat with Eliana Haig (304-685-4645) or Shannon MacGregor (804-814-2307) for more information.
Guest Preacher: On Sunday, July 21, Dr. Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, will guest preach at both services and chat at our 9 am Summer Sunday Lectionary group. Dr. Hardin-Bartley is the Superintendent of The School District of University City, and is excited to discuss a new opportunity in food ministry with UCity schools!
Pick-Up Choir Sundays: If you've thought about joining the choir, come join us August 18 for Pick-Up Choir Sunday. 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.
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.
Get HoCo Shirts & Accessories! Don’t forget about our awesome t-shirts and gear available; visit holycommunion.threadless.com to purchase.
Servers
Preacher: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Celebrant: The Reverend Julie Graham
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Readers: Adam Pearson, Courtney Dula (8 am), Andrew Wasson, Ryan Freedle (10:30 am)
Greeters: Pat Redington (8 am), Susan Norris, Colleen Haggerty (10:30 am)
Chalice Bearer: Karen Payne (8 am), Marlene O’Brien (10:30 am)
Crucifer: William Kelly
Announcements: Pat Redington (8 am), Heidi Volkl (10:30 am)
Intercessor: Lisa Hummel (8 am), Shirley Mensah (10:30 am)
Producer: Lucas Kerbs
