Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost, August 4
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
Earl Naylor, Organist
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
INSERT
Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost: August 4
Music sung at 10:30 service
Prelude: Offertoire by Cesar Franck
Processional Hymn: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah H690
Sequence Hymn: God Welcomes All – Alleluia
Offertory Anthem:
Offertory Hymn: There is Enough
Communion Hymns: Shepherd of Souls, Refresh and Bless H343
Come, Risen Lord, and Deign to be Our Guest H306
Recessional Hymn: Sing, Ye Faithful, Sing with Gladness H492
Postlude: Sortie by Cesar Franck
The Collect
Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
When the wife of Uriah heard that her husband was dead, she made lamentation for him. When the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife, and bore him a son.
But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord, and the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him, and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had very many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. He brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children; it used to eat of his meager fare, and drink from his cup, and lie in his bosom, and it was like a daughter to him. Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was loath to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb, and prepared that for the guest who had come to him.” Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man. He said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”
Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I anointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from the hand of Saul; I gave you your master’s house, and your master’s wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added as much more. Why have you despised the word of the Lord, to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, for you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. Thus says the Lord: I will raise up trouble against you from within your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this very sun. For you did it secretly; but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.” David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
Psalm 51:1-13 Spoken in unison
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *
in your great compassion blot out my offenses.
2 Wash me through and through from my wickedness *
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, *
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you only have I sinned *
and done what is evil in your sight.
5 And so you are justified when you speak *
and upright in your judgment.
6 Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *
a sinner from my mother's womb.
7 For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *
and will make me understand wisdom secretly.
8 Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *
wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.
9 Make me hear of joy and gladness, *
that the body you have broken may rejoice.
10 Hide your face from my sins *
and blot out all my iniquities.
11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
12 Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
13 Give me the joy of your saving help again *
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
Second Lesson: Ephesians 4:1-16
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said,
"When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people."
(When it says, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.
The Gospel: 6:24-35
The next day, when the people who remained after the feeding of the five thousand saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info
2024 Food Drive - Community Care Cupboard: This year’s new ministry effort will support and aid University City School District’s food pantry. HoCo is collecting and storing food items for families and students in need. Please help keep our students nourished by donating what you can! Donations can be left in the Community Care Cupboard bins in the Narthex. Questions? Email Maryanne at coley7365@sbcglobal.net.
*Please note, the Community Care Cupboard food drive is replacing our annual school supply drive.
Contemplative Prayer: The Contemplative Prayer group is discussing Invitation to Love by Thomas Keating on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. in the Vestry room. Please contact Michael Salsich (314-971-9782) if you have any questions. Beginners are welcome!
Blessing of the Backpacks: Holy Communion will have a special liturgy on August 18, to bless you, and yourbackpack, as you begin another school year. We will offer blessings at both services.
Godly Play 2024/25: Godly Play restarts on Sunday, September 8 for the upcoming school year! Godly Play is for children ready to engage in this hour-long structured experience without a caregiver present. Children can join our amazing Godly Play teachers at 10 a.m. every Sunday beginning Sept. 8, unless otherwise specified, in Classroom A on the Lower Level.
Pick-Up Choir Sunday: 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.
HoCO/DioMo J2A Rite 13: Calling all 11 to 13-year-olds! The Rite 13 program is aiming to start a fresh cohort this Fall. Please email Rev. Julie if you are interested: jgraham@holycommunion.net.
Dinners Across Differences: Would you like to meet people from various backgrounds and have meaningful, guided conversation? Metro Community Church has invited Holy Communion members to host dinners to stimulate bonding and togetherness. In a divided world, let’s share a meal that encourages understanding and deep conversation. Contact Rev. Julie (jgraham@holycommunion.net) for more information on hosting this Fall.
CHURCH MERCH! Would you like to buy HoCo t-shirts and accessories? Visit holycommunion.threadless.com.
Servers
Preacher: The Reverend Chester Hines
Celebrant: The Reverend Julie Graham
Assisting Preacher: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Organist: Earl Naylor
Readers: Courtney Dula (8 am), Mary Waters, Joe Adams (10:30 am)
Greeters: Adam Pearson (8 am), Hal Parker, Susan Norris (10:30 am)
Chalice Bearer: Karen Payne (8 am), Elizabeth Hines (10:30 am)
Crucifer: William Kelly
Announcements: Heidi Volkl (8 am), Andrew Wasson (10:30 am)
Intercessor: Lisa Hummel (8 am), Bradley Currey (10:30 am)
Producer: Tyler Schwartz
