Easter Vigil, Saturday March 30th
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!
The Lighting of the Paschal Candle
All gather outside the front door.
Celebrant
Dear friends in Christ: On this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, by hearing his Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death.
Let us pray.
O God, through your Son you have bestowed upon your people the brightness of your light: Sanctify this new fire, and grant that in this Paschal feast we may so burn with heavenly desires, that with pure minds we may attain to the festival of everlasting light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Making the sign of the cross, the Celebrant prays:
Christ yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. By his holy and glorious wounds, may Christ our Lord guard us and keep us. Amen.
Then all proceed into the church pausing three times to chant and respond:
Handheld candles are lit by the congregation.
The Exsultet
Rejoice now, heavenly hosts and choirs of angels, and let your trumpets shout Salvation for the victory of our mighty King. Rejoice and sing now, all the round Earth, bright with a glorious splendor, for darkness has been vanquished by our eternal King. Rejoice and be
glad now, Mother Church, and let your holy courts, in radiant light, resound with the praises of your people. All you who stand near this marvelous and holy flame, pray with me to God the Almighty for the grace to sing the worthy praises of this great light; through Jesus Christ his Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
It is truly right and good, always and everywhere, with our whole heart and mind and voice, to praise you, the invisible, almighty, and eternal God, and your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who at the feast of the Passover paid for us the debt of Adam’s sin, and by his blood delivered your faithful people.
This is the night, when you brought our ancestors, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt, and led them through the Red Sea on dry land. This is the night, when all who
believe in Christ are delivered from the gloom of sin, and are restored to grace and holiness of life. This is the night, when Christ broke the bonds of death and hell, and rose victorious from the grave.
How wonderful and beyond our knowing, O God, is your mercy and loving-kindness to us, that to redeem a slave, you gave a Son. How holy is this night, when wickedness is put to flight, and sin is washed away. It restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred, and brings peace and concord. How blessed is this night, when earth and heaven are joined and humanity is reconciled to God.
Holy God, accept our evening sacrifice, the offering of this candle in your honor. May it shine continually to drive away all darkness. May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find it ever burning, he who gives his light to all creation, and who lives and reigns.
The First Reading Please be seated. Genesis 1:1--2:4a
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn Please rise in body or in spirit Arise, Shine
Silence & Collect
Let us pray.
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Second Reading Please be seated. Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18, 8:16-18, 9:8-13
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Anthem I Am the Great Sun Jussi Chydenius
I am the great sun, but you do not see me,
I am your husband, but you turn away.
I am the captive, but you do not free me,
I am the captain but you will not obey.
I am the truth, but you will not believe me,
I am the city where you will not stay.
I am your wife, your child, but you will leave me,
I am that God to whom you will not pray.
I am your counsel, but you will not hear me,
I am your lover whom you will betray.
I am the victor, but you do not cheer me,
I am the holy dove whom you will slay.
I am your life, but if you will not name me,
Seal up your soul with tears, and never blame me.
* this is a setting of the 1957 poem by Charles Causley. It was inspired by the words on a Normandy crucifix from 1632.
Silence & Collect
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have placed in the skies the sign of your covenant with all living things: Grant that we, who are saved through water and the Spirit, may worthily offer to you our sacrifice of thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Third Lesson Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn Go Down, Moses LEVAS 228
Silence & Collect
Let us pray.
O God, whose wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day, you once delivered by the power of your mighty arm your chosen people from slavery under Pharaoh, to be a sign for us of the salvation of all nations by the water of Baptism: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may be numbered among the offspring of Abraham, and rejoice in the inheritance of Israel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Fourth Lesson Please be seated. Ezekiel 37:1-14
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Anthem Lead me, Lord Mårten Jansson
Lead me, Lord. Lead me in thy righteousness.
Make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou, Lord, only that makest me dwell in safety.
Amen.
Silence & Collect
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who are reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sequence Hymn: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light H490
The Congregation is invited to follow after the clergy in procession and circle around the font.
Thanksgiving over the Water All are invited to gather around the font. The Celebrant blesses the water, first speaking:
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Through the Paschal mystery, dear friends, we are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to newness of life. I call upon you, therefore, now that our Lenten observance is ended, to renew the solemn promises and vows of Holy Baptism, by which we once renounced Satan and all his works, and promised to serve God faithfully in his holy Catholic Church.
The Baptismal Covenant
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, In Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
The Asperges
One of the priests sprinkles the congregation with water from the baptismal font.
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
After you’ve passed the Sign of the Peace, please find your way back to your seat.
Easter Acclamation sung three times: please rise in body or in spirit
The Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray.
O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord’s resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truly; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The congregation is invited to sing the Alleluia before the Gospel reading.
The Holy Gospel Mark 16:1-8
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Mark
Glory to you, O Christ.
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they could go and anoint Jesus’ dead body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb. They were saying to each other, “Who’s going to roll the stone away from the entrance for us?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away. (And it was a very large stone!) Going into the tomb, they saw a young man in a white robe seated on the right side; and they were startled. But he said to them, “Don’t be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.[a] He has been raised. He isn’t here. Look, here’s the place where they laid him. Go, tell his disciples, especially Peter, that he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.” Overcome with terror and dread, they fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
The Gospel of our Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The congregation is invited to sing the Alleluia after the Gospel reading.
The Sermon The Rev. Hopie Welles Jernagan
Prayers of the People Please rise in body or in spirit.
Our Lord lives, for death has no dominion over him. And so we, God’s holy church, proclaim the resurrection, saying: Christ is risen! Amen, Alleluia!
Created in the image and likeness of God, we pray to see God’s image in one another. May our lives proclaim: Christ is risen! Amen, Alleluia!
Tested in our faith and strengthened by God’s love, we pray for open hearts, that we may live to proclaim: Christ is risen! Amen, Alleluia!
Joining with those who share in the passion of Christ through illness, famine, war, temptation, and trial, we pray for their courage and strength that those who suffer may proclaim:
Christ is risen! Amen, Alleluia!
You are invited to add your own prayers, silently or aloud.
United in our hope that we and all who die will live again, we pray for family and friends who have died, proclaiming: Christ is risen! Amen, Alleluia!
Celebrant: Living and true God, you raised your Son Jesus Christ as the pledge of our freedom from sin and death, receive our praise and prayer through Christ our Lord, the great Amen and our Alleluia, now and forever. Amen
Welcome and Announcements Please be seated
Offertory Hymn:Pleaserisein bodyorinspirit. ThisLittleLightofMine
Eucharistic Prayer A Please rise in body or in spirit.
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 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.
The Lord’s Prayer Pray in the language you prefer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hal- lowed 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 per- donamos 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
Communion Hymns
I’m-a Going to Eat at the Welcome Table LEVAS 148
Spirit of the Living God L115
Post Communion Prayer Please rise 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 Blessing
The Celebrant concludes with a prayer of blessing for the congregation. Amen.
Concluding Hymn: Praise my Soul, the King of Heaven H410
Postlude
All are invited to Mitchell Hall Lounge following the service for a dessert feast & Easter celebration.
Worship Leaders
Preacher: The Rev. Hopie Welles Jernagan
Celebrant: The Rev. Earl Mahan
Assisting: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Crucifer: Janice Nihill
Greeter: Colleen Haggerty, Fran Caradonna
Guest Readers: Percy Kaylor
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info
Office Closed: The office at Holy Communion will be closed on April 1st in observance of Easter Monday.
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. 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: Grace Gatherings ministry initiative for people with disabilities is supported by the ongoing consultation of Synapsory, a nonprofit for families with kids with specific needs to provide regulation,rest, and renewal. Synapsory has invited Holy Communion to its fundraising brunch and fashion show. May 4th 11am, Clayton. Let Julie know if you can support with your attendance!
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
Staff
The Rev. Earl Mahan, Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303
The Rev. Julie Graham, Associate Rector
call 314-721-7401 x301 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
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 and St James Music Press License #14747
