Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost, August 18

 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

Earl Naylor, Organist

organist@holycommunion.net

Jim Kern, Financial Administrator

jkern@holycommunion.net

                                                                

INSERT

Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost: August 18

Music sung at 10:30 service

Prelude: Antiphon III by Marcel Dupre 

Processional Hymn: O Praise Ye the Lord!                                                                                  H432

Sequence Hymn: God Welcomes All – Alleluia

Offertory Anthem: Bread of the World by Carlton Young

Offertory Hymn: There is Enough

Communion Hymns: Deck Thyself, My Soul with Gladness                                                 H339

Be Thou My Vision                                                                                      H488

Recessional Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory                                                                H594

Postlude: Cwm Rhondda by Paul Manz

 

The Collect  

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Lesson: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

David slept with his ancestors, and was buried in the city of David. The time that David reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.

Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.”

 

Psalm 111    Spoken in unison

1 Hallelujah!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, *
in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

2 Great are the deeds of the Lord! *
they are studied by all who delight in them.

3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, *
and his righteousness endures for ever.

4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *
the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He gives food to those who fear him; *
he is ever mindful of his covenant.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works *
in giving them the lands of the nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *
all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *
because they are done in truth and equity.

9 He sent redemption to his people;
he commanded his covenant for ever; *
holy and awesome is his Name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; *
those who act accordingly have a good understanding;
his praise endures for ever.

 

Second Lesson: Ephesians 5:15-20

Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The Gospel: John 6:51-58

Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”

 

Prayers of the People for Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday

Please point to the parts of your body the prayer refers to, as the leader demonstrates.

Leader: Loving God, with you every transition and new start is a reminder of your goodness, for you are always creating fresh, amazing things in us and through us.

Leader: (Touch your head) We pray for our minds; open our minds with a willingness to be changed in unexpected ways, and settle our thought loops in peaceful places.

Response: Loving God, make our minds the mind of Christ.

Leader: (Hold up your hands) We pray for our hands; bless our hands with patience and dedication.

Response: Loving God, make our hands your instruments of love and inclusion.

Leader: (Point to your mouth) We pray for our mouths; help us use our mouths to honor the dignity and belovedness of all.

Response: Loving God, give us the courage to speak out with words of love and connection.

Leader: (Point to your feet) We pray for our feet, and plant our feet next to those who feel alone or left out.

Response: Loving God, move us toward those different from us.

Leader: (Point to your eyes) We pray for our eyes; that we may see ourselves and others with compassion.

Response: Loving God, help us see with the eyes of the Holy Spirit within us.

Leader: (Point to your ears) We pray for our ears, that they will genuinely listen to all voices.

Response: Loving God, help us listen with the ears of the Holy Spirit within us.

Leader: We also pray for parents and caregivers; for teachers, staff, and administrators.

Response: Loving God, give them delight in the young ones and students before them.

Leader: For this school year ahead, may we always know you will hold us all the way through!

Announcements 

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

Discernment Congregational Discussion Sessions: We need to hear from as many people as possible as we begin to formulate the parish profile! More information will be coming soon; but please sign up to participate! Go to holycommunion.net and click the “Transitions” tab to access the link.

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.

Blessing of the Backpacks: TODAY Holy Communion has a special liturgy to bless you and your backpack, as you begin another school year. We will offer blessings at both services.

Pick-Up Choir Sunday: Have you thought about joining the choir? Come to Pick-Up Choir Sunday TODAY at 9:30 in the Sanctuary. All are invited to "try on” the choir for a day.

THIRD WEEK OUTREACH: Laundry Love - Each third Tuesday of the month, this ministry shares pizza and conversation while putting quarters in the machines for our neighbors in need. The next Laundry Love ministry is Tuesday, August 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Classic Coin Laundromat on Balson Ave. Contact Julie Farrar (314) 750-7838, or Mary Duba (314) 803-8027, for more information.

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.

Adult Forum Returns Sept 8! Join Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh on September 8, as she preaches on the book of Ruth during our first Adult Forum of the season. Meet in Mitchell Hall at 9 a.m.

Dinners Across Differences: 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. Join the Open House on Sunday, September 8, to learn training skills on hosting! Contact Rev. Julie at jgraham@holycommunion.net for more information.

HoCo PACK Planning Zoom: Holy Communion Parents, Caregivers & Kids is having another planning session on Tues, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. to pray and discuss children’s ministry and calendar events. Contact Rev. Julie for the Zoom link to participate! jgraham@holycommunion.net

Holy Communion & Diocese of Missouri Journey to Adulthood 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.

Holy Communion Photo Board: We will be creating a HoCo photo board to show our unity and highlight our amazing congregation! Please see Rev. Chester Hines on Sunday if you still need a photo taken.

Office Help Needed: Do you have a few spare hours in your week? We would love to have your help in the office as a volunteer! Please email Parish Administrator, Darcy Brainard to sign up: office@holycommunion.net.

 

Servers

Preacher: Grace Gorski

Celebrant: The Reverend Earl Mahan

Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines

Organist: Earl Naylor

Readers: Donna Baudendistel (8 am), Alisa Williams, Nuthan Pushparaj (10:30 am)

Greeters: Mark Willingham (8 am), Susan Norris, Kia Williams (10:30 am)

Chalice Bearer: Percy Kaylor

Crucifer: William Kelly

Announcements: Andrew Wasson (8 am), Tim Anderson (10:30 am)

Intercessor: Percy Kaylor

Producer: Lucas Kerbs


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Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, August 25, Season of Creation

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Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost, August 11