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Our Mission
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.

Pandemic Precautions Continue: Vaccination is required for everyone eligible. Windows are open. There are a few other recommendations. These recommendations are in the spirit of protecting the most vulnerable members of the congregation.

Distancing: Keeping a distance of six feet or more is one tool to help limit spread.
Masks: Masks are recommended to protect your neighbor. We ask that all members of the congregation respect others’ choices about masking.
Refrain from coming if you are sick: If you are experiencing any new symptoms, if you are currently testing for COVID, or recovering from COVID, we ask that you give yourself time before coming to church in person.

Communion: All are welcome to receive. When it comes time, please follow the directions of the ushers. Walk past the chalice bearer to return to your pew from the other side. If you would like to receive wine, you may either “sip” or hand your wafer to the chalice bearer, who will “intinct” (dip) for you and then hand you back the wafer. If you would prefer not to receive, simply cross your arms across your chest and the minister will give you a blessing. Gluten free wafers are available, on request from the minister.

Donations: We welcome donations to support the work of Holy Communion, whether a payment on a pledge or simply an offering. You can also text GIVE to (833) 864-5384 or give any time on our website holycommunion.net/give

Wheelchair accessibility: Our entrances have auto-open buttons, and our elevator is ADA compliant. Both the downstairs restrooms and one of the upstairs restrooms are accessible.

Hearing Assistance: Hearing assistance devices are available from the welcome table. Just ask an usher.

Get Involved: If you begin by filling out a “Connect Card” by hitting “Next Steps” on the button on any page. You can also use the Connect Cards in the pews to update your information, request prayers, or to ask a question. Turn them in to the wooden offering box in the entryway.

The congregation is invited to say the words together in bold. If you are worshiping with us from home, to prepare for worship, you may want to place a candle or two in the place where you worship, to light during the opening prayer.

Prelude

A musician plays as the candles are lighted and the people gather for prayer.

Welcome

A priest welcomes the congregation. If you are new to us, consider filling out our “get connected” form, let us get to know you better.

Entrance Hymn: Lo He Comes, With Clouds Descending 1982 Hymnal #57

The congregation is invited to rise in body or in spirit.

Advent Bidding Prayer

Just in this season of Advent, we bring our prayers to the very beginning of the service. We pray together for the church, the world, the poor, and those who mourn. The congregation responds in song.

Dear People of God: In the season of Advent, it is our responsibility and joy to prepare ourselves in heart and mind, for the coming of Christ Jesus, our savior and judge. This season we walk the way of shepherds and wise ones, seeking after the holy child of Bethlehem.

Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of God’s loving purposes, the proclamation of prophets, the hope of salvation. But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world that Christ came to save.

The congregation is invited to sing the refrain after the choir or cantor, and where indicated.

For peace and good will over all the earth, for leaders of nations and communities. For those who work for justice and peace. Refrain.

For Jill Wenzel and Zach Bayly who celebrate birthdays this week. With thanksgiving for the celebrations of this life. Refrain

For the mission and unity of the church, for bishops, priests, deacons, and all who minister in Christ’s name. Refrain.

Because this of all things would rejoice Christ’s heart, let us remember in his name the poor and the helpless, the hungry and the oppressed, the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and little children. You are free to add your own prayers silently or aloud. Refrain.

Finally, let us remember before God his strong and humble mother, and those who rejoice with us but upon another shore and in a greater light, that whole multitude which no one can number whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in Christ Jesus, we are one for evermore. Refrain.

Collect of the Day

The Presider leads ancient prayers that signify our longing for Christ’s coming, and the coming of God’s reign as we light an additional candle each week during Advent. If you are worshipping with us from home. You are invited to light your advent wreath, or a candle, with us.

The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray.

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. 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.

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah Isaiah 2:1-5

This is what Isaiah, Amoz’s son, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In the days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of the mountains. It will be lifted above the hills; peoples will stream to it. Many nations will go and say, “Come, let’s go up to the Lord’s mountain, to the house of Jacob’s God so that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in God’s paths.” Instruction will come from Zion; the Lord’s word from Jerusalem. God will judge between the nations; and settle disputes of mighty nations. Then they will beat their swords into iron plows and their spears into pruning tools. Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will no longer learn how to make war. Come, house of Jacob, let’s walk by the Lord’s light.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 122 read in unison

I was glad when they said to me, *
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity with itself.

To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord, *
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the name of the Lord.

For there are the thrones of judgement, *
the thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *
“May they prosper who love you.

Peace be within your walls *
and quietness within your towers.

For my kindred and companions’ sake, *
I pray for your prosperity.

Because of the house of the Lord our God, *
I will seek to do you good.”

A Reading from a Letter of Paul to the Church Rome Romans 13:11-14

As you do all this, you know what time it is. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your sleep. Now our salvation is nearer than when we first had faith. The night is almost over, and the day is near. So let’s get rid of the actions that belong to the darkness and put on the weapons of light. Let’s behave appropriately as people who live in the day, not in partying and getting drunk, not in sleeping around and obscene behavior, not in fighting and obsession. Instead, dress yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t plan to indulge your selfish desires.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Procession Please rise, in body or in spirit.

O Come O Come Hymnal 1982 #56 verse 1 before the Gospel verse 2 after the Gospel

The Gospel Matthew 24:36-44

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus said, “But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the heavenly angels and not the Son. Only the Father knows. As it was in the time of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Human One. In those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark. They didn't know what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. The coming of the Human One will be like that. At that time there will be two men in the field. One will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill. One will be taken and the other left. Therefore, stay alert! You don't know what day the Lord is coming. But you understand that if the head of the house knew at what time the thief would come, he would keep alert and wouldn't allow the thief to break into his house. Therefore, you also should be prepared, because the Human One will come at a time you don't know.”

The Gospel of our Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon

The Rev. Mike Angell

Advent Creed

This alternative statement of faith adapts traditional statements from the Nicene and Apostle’s creeds into an Advent dialogue. It was composed by the bishop of Missouri.

Please rise in body or in spirit. The Deacon asks the congregation:

Let affirm our hope in the light of Christ.

Do you believe and trust in God?

We believe in God, eternal, almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe and trust in Jesus the Christ?

We believe in Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of all, the Only Begotten One; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived and loved among us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; who descended to the dead, and on the third day rose again; Jesus, Our Savior, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the loving God, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic and apostolic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and life everlasting. Amen.

Presider: O God as we await the Messiah, keep us awake and alert for the signs of your coming. As the fig tree puts forth its leaves and anticipates of the new day’s dawn, keep us awake and alert for the second advent of Christ our Savior.

The Confession

The deacon bids the confession:

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Absolution (the priest pronounces 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.

The Peace

The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.

Please do not approach people outside your household. A wave, a peace sign, or a “smize” (a smile with your eyes) will do.

Welcome & Announcements:

Announcements are shared. You may be seated.

See Announcements

Offering We welcome donations to support the work of Holy Communion, whether a payment on a pledge or simply an offering. Plates will be passed. You can also give on our website or by texting GiveHoCO to (833) 864-5384

Offertory Anthem

The ushers pass the plate as musicians present an anthem.

Offertory Hymn : Uyai Mose

This hymn comes from Zimbabwe. It was arranged from the traditional by the Scottish composer John Bell. It reminds us, even as we long for Jesus’ coming, it is the work of Christian people ourselves to gather in, to approach God. Please rise in body or in spirit as the ushers bring forward the gathered offering.

A Prayer for Stewardship

is prayed in this season, as folks are turning in their annual pledges for 2023.
You can read more at holycommunion.net/pledge

Gracious and everlasting God, the giver of all good gifts, you have blessed us and our parish abundantly. Grant us hope to dream and the courage to live into our possibilities. Make us faithful stewards, both for the provision of our necessities and for the relief of those who are in need. Bless the efforts of our Annual Giving this year to extend the work of the spiritual renewal in our church and community of faith. Through Jesus Christ, who gave all of himself, we offer this prayer. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer

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 for millennia. There are a number of Eucharistic Prayers that we use at Holy Communion. This Prayer was developed from resources from the Anglican Church in Southern Africa by the Rev. Dr. Nina Pooley, for the season of creation.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The presider offers thanks to God for the grace and mercy made available to us in Christ.

In response all sing:

The presider gives thanks to God’s work and revelation in creation. The presider invites us to proclaim the mystery of faith.

So we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

The presider concludes with prayer for the Holy Spirit to sanctify the bread and wine, and the gathered congregation. The Eucharistic prayer concludes with a plea for the coming of God’s reign.

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, everlasting God, now and forever. AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray in the way Christ taught us, and in the language of our hearts.

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

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.

The Breaking of the Bread

Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Administration of the Sacrament

All are welcome to receive. When it comes time, we will make our way by row starting at the side closest to the windows and then process toward the communion minister. If you would like to receive wine you may either “sip” or hand your wafer to the chalice bearer, who will “intinct” (dip) for you. If you would prefer not to receive, simply cross your arms across your chest and the minister will give you a blessing. Gluten free wafers are available, on request from the minister.

Prayer for Spiritual Communion

This prayer of Spiritual Communion is offered in the online bulletin for those who cannot join us in person. It was written by parishioner Bob Lewis.

Gracious and Loving God, on this day we are not able to gather around your table to celebrate your presence in the sacrament of bread and wine. We are not able to share your peace with one another.

Nevertheless, we lift up our hearts, we join with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven as we proclaim you holy and receive you into our hearts by faith.

Strengthen our love for you. Help us offer our sacrifice with all your faithful people, that we may restore health and wholeness to one another and to all your creation. Give us patience and hope as we long for the day when we can gather and break bread together again. Through Christ our Savior. Amen.

Hymns During Communion

You are welcome to join in singing the communion hymns.

Prepare the Way of the Lord My Heart Sings Out Hymnal #61

“Here O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face” Hymnal 1982 #318

Post Communion Prayer

All are invited to rise in body or in spirit.

Eternal God, for whom we wait, you have fed us with the bread of heaven and the cup of salvation: keep us ever watchful, that we may be ready to stand before the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Advent Blessing

The presider proclaims the final blessing.

May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of blessing and set you free from all sin; and the blessing of God the holy and undivided Trinity be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen

Concluding Hymn:

Rejoice, Rejoice Believers - Hymnal 1982 #68

please rise in body or in spirit

Dismissal

Our worship is ended, our service in the world begins. As we await our coming Savior, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Postlude

Service Leaders

Preacher: The Rev. Mike Angell

Celebrant: The Rev. Julie Graham

Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines

Assisting: Josephine Ezenwa, Loretta Go

Crucifer: William Kelly

Reader: Jordan Houry

Intercessor: Josephine Ezenwa
Usher: Kara Cummins, Fran Caradonna
Video Producer: Markie Jo Crismon

Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988.

Liturgical Changes for Advent

Blue frontal color and matching vestments: The altar is covered with a blue frontal, and the clergy wear blue vestments. Blue is an ancient liturgical color that symbolizes preparation and Mary, Jesus’ mother.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath: The Presider reads ancient prayers that signify our longing for Christ’s coming, and the coming of God’s reign as we light an additional candle each week during Advent.
Advent Bidding Litany instead of Prayers of the People. We bring our prayers for the church and the whole earth to the beginning of the service, instead of praying the Prayers of the People in the middle. This litany is adapted from the service of Lessons and Carols for Advent.
Advent Creed, Post-Communion Prayer, and Dismissal: These prayers were adapted from resources created by Bishop Deon Johnson for the Diocese for use during Advent.

November is National Native American Heritage Month

The following statement was crafted by the Rev. Leslie Scoopmire, Missioner for Indigenous Ministry Engagement, and the Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri.
The Standing Committee approved the updated acknowledgement on September 22, 2022.

HISTORICAL LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

FOR THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MISSOURI

In humility, we recognize and acknowledge that we in the Diocese of Missouri worship and live on the traditional ancestral lands of the Osage Nation, the Illiniwek/Peoria Tribe, the O-Gah-Pah (Quapaw) Tribe, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, and other First Peoples. We recognize our mutual dependence upon and benefit from this land; we proclaim our solidarity with and our debt to the Peoples who first claimed and improved this land as their home. We acknowledge our complicity in the process of colonization that dispossessed the First Peoples from their ancestral lands. We affirm our commitment to stand with indigenous communities today and henceforth as they seek justice and resist continued threats to their sovereignty and humanity.

We are also cognizant that the history of The Episcopal Church is intertwined with the history of colonialism and slavery in the United States. More than four centuries ago, the first Africans were brought to the Americas and enslaved. Two centuries ago, enslaved and indigenous persons contributed to the exploration of this state by Lewis and Clark. Our state’s history is entangled with both the Missouri Compromise making this state officially a slave state, and the cases of Scott v. Emerson that petitioned for Dred and Harriet Scott’s emancipation. We acknowledge the tragic legacy of slavery in our diocese, and the blood, sweat, and tears of enslaved people that soak the earth beneath our feet in Missouri. This legacy persists today as we continue to work towards racial justice, equity, liberation, and community, here in Missouri and across The Episcopal Church.