8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Services 2024: Palm Sunday March 24
You will find our live stream on our homepage, on Facebook (where you can interact with others watching with comments), and on Youtube.
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, holy communion.net. Thank you!
The Liturgy of the Palms
Please join us in Mooney Park.
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in Heaven and Glory in the highest!
Let us pray.
Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen.
The Blessing of the Palms
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palms along the way.
(Please raise palms for blessing.)
Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Entrance Hymn When The Saints
2) Oh, when the sun refuse to shine
3) Oh, when I hear the trumpet call
4) Oh, when they gather round his throne
5) Oh, when they crown him King of kings
Collect of the Day
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of our God.
Hosanna in the highest!
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Silence is kept for a time.
Holy and immortal God, as we enter into this holy week turn our hearts to Jerusalem, so that, united with Christ and all the faithful, we may enter the city not made with hands, your promised realm of justice and peace, eternal from age to age. Amen.
The Lessons 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 shared by Christians around the globe.
1st Lesson Please be seated. Philippians 2:5-11
Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit.
But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 118:19-29
Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the LORD.
“This is the gate of the LORD;
those who are righteous may enter.”
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me
and have become my salvation. REFRAIN
The same stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the LORD’S doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
On this day the LORD has acted;
we will rejoice and be glad in it. REFRAIN
Hosannah, LORD, hosannah! LORD, send us now success.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord; we bless you from the house of the LORD.
God is the LORD; God has shined upon us;
form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar. REFRAIN
“You are my God, and I will thank you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.”
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; the LORD’s mercy endures for ever. REFRAIN
Sequence Hymn Please rise, in body or in spirit.
Woza Nomthwalo Wakho (traditional South African hymn
The Holy Gospel please rise in body or in spirit Mark 11:1-11
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave two disciples a task. He said to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter, you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that their master needs them.” He sent them off right away. Now this happened to fulfill what the prophet said, Say to Daughter Zion, “Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt the donkey’s offspring.” The disciples went and did just as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them. Then he sat on them.
Now a large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut palm branches off the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked. The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon The Rev. Earl Mahan
A brief moment of silence is observed.
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.
Prayers of the People Please rise, or kneel, in body or in spirit.
We stand with Christ in his suffering. For forgiveness for the many times we have denied Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.
O God, hear our prayer.
For grace to seek out those habits of sin which mean spiritual death, and by prayer and self-discipline to overcome them, let us pray to the Lord.
O God, hear our prayer.
For Christian people, that through the suffering of disunity there may grow a rich union in Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
O God, hear our prayer.
For those who make laws, interpret them, and administer them, that our common life may be ordered in justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord.
O God, hear our prayer.
For those who still make Jerusalem a battle-ground, let us pray to the Lord.
O God, hear our prayer.
For those who have the courage and honesty to work openly for justice and peace, let us pray to the Lord.
O God, hear our prayer.
For those in the darkness and agony of isolation, that they may find support and encouragement, let us pray to the Lord.
O God, hear our prayer.
For those, weighed down with hardship, failure, or sorrow, feel that God is far from them, let us pray to the Lord.
O God, hear our prayer.
For those who are tempted to give up the way of the cross, let us pray to the Lord.
O God, hear our prayer.
That we, with those who have died in faith, may find mercy in the day of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
O God, hear our prayer.
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy upon us.
The priest prays the concluding collect.
Confession
The Deacon (or other minister) bids the confession:
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence is kept for a time.
God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.
Absolution
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Peace Please rise in body or in spirit.
The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
You are invited to greet those around you by saying “Peace be with you” or simply “Peace.”
Welcome and Announcements Please be seated for a few brief announcements.
Offertory Hymn
Please rise in body or in spirit and sing as the plates are brought forward.
Lift Up Your Heads, by G.F. Handel arr. Hal Hopson
Lift up your heads, o ye gates!
And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors,
And the King of Glory shall come in.
Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory. [Refrain]
Verses:
He breaks the bonds of hell, dying on the cross. We walk His way. We walk His way.
He breaks the bonds of hell, dying on the cross. We walk His way. We walk His way. [Refrain]
Verse 2:
Unarmed, He faces forces of demons and death.
We walk His way. We walk His way.
Unarmed, He faces forces of demons and death.
We walk His way. We walk His way. [Refrain]
The Holy Communion
Eucharistic Prayer A
Celebrant God be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them 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 right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth.
Here a Proper Preface is sung or said.
Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the
company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Holy and gracious God: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and maker and of all.
Jesus stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Savior Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper 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 shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, Almighty God, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in Christ. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully
receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Savior. By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and for ever. AMEN.
Great Amen We sing the “Amen” to the tune of Woza Nomthwalo Wako
Lord’s Prayer Pray in the language of your heart.
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
Breaking of the Bread
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Music During Communion
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of communion hymns
My Faith Looks up to Thee LEVAS 88
I am the Bread of Life Hymnal 1982 #335
Post Communion Prayer All are invited to rise or to kneel in body or in spirit.
God of abundance, you have fed us
with the bread of life and cup of salvation;
you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ According to Mark 15:1-47
Please be seated. At the mention of “Golgotha,” please rise in body or in spirit. When the reader gestures to the congregation, the congregation responds, “Crucify him.”
Concluding Anthem Were You There? LEVAS 37
The clergy, choir and congregation depart in silence.
Service Leaders
Preacher: The Rev. Earl Mahan
Presider: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Reader: Markie Jo Crismon, Ryan Freedle
Intercessor: Jordan Houry
Crucifer: William Kelly
Chalice Bearer: Janice Nihill
Ushers: Fran Caradonna, Susan Norris, Hal Parker
Video Producer: Rebecca Comas
Guest Musicians: The Gaslight Squares
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info
Easter Vigil Dessert Feast: Easter Vigil Dessert is back in full this year! Following Saturday’s 8pm Easter Vigil service we celebrate the resurrection with a dessert feast! Bring your favorite dessert to share at the party after, as we make a bubbly toast and celebrate with a chocolate fountain. Sign up online or at the welcome table.
Adult Forum Series: Join The Rev. Chester Hines for a study of the Book of Galatians on April 7, 14, 21, and 28! The Forum meets on Sundays following the 8:00 o’clock service from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in Mitchell Hall.
JCRC’s Passover Seder: Join JCRC's Community Outreach for Peace Passover Seder at 5-7pm on April 11th at The Jewish Community Center's Performing Arts Center in Creve Coeur Holy Communion has been invited to attend. Reach out to The Rev. Julie Graham for more information. Or register online: Online registration: link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fp6ep7z/lp/eff29ea4-033c-4290-8a01-b715a69cc434
Laundry Love: Through Laundry Love, Holy Communion members have supported our University City community since 2017. Each third Tuesday of the month, this ministry shares pizza and conversation while putting quarters in the machines for our neighbors, with regulars now waiting for HC volunteers when we walk through the door. Join us for the next Laundry Love ministry on April 16, 6pm-8pm at Classic Coin Laundromat on Balson Ave. Volunteer for a one-hour shift by signing up at the link on the Holy Communion website under the Laundry Love page or talk to Julie Farrar or Mary Duba. Love never ends and neither does laundry!
Synapsory Brunch & Fashion Show: Join Holy Communion for The Synapsory brunch and fashion show at the Hilton Frontenac on May 4th. Contact The Rev. Julie Graham for more information.
Camp Phoenix: Camp Phoenix is the official summer camp of The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. We welcome all students between the ages of 8 and 18 to attend -- you do not have to be a member of an Episcopal Church to have a great time with us! August 4 - 9, 2024
Holy Week Schedule:
Please join us on the path to the cross this Holy Week. Additional service information is available online. Services as follows:
Maundy Thursday, March 28: 7:00 pm Holy Eucharist with foot washing
Good Friday, March 29: 12:00-3:00 pm Stations of the Cross and Labyrinth Walk
5:45 pm Godly Play story (in the Godly Play Room) 7:00 pm Choral Service
Easter Vigil, March 30: 8:00 pm Great Vigil (followed by dessert potluck)
Easter Sunday, March 31: 8:00 am Spoken Service
10:30 am Choral Eucharist + Egg Hunt
Staff
The Rev. Earl Mahan, Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303 text 314-669-6231
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
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
www.holycommunion.net
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988 and WorshipCast License #13476
Service Notes:
The Form of Worship is Adapted from Enriching Our Worship
The Scripture translation is the Common English Bible
The Psalms come from the Inclusive Language Psalter of the Anglican Church of Canada.
”Arise Shine” is a composition of Ruth Cunningham shared with permission through Music that Makes Community. It has been adapted for our Alleluia by our director of Music.
Other hymns and music licensed for print and streaming through OneLicense # A-704988.
All texts and music used by permission.
