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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: There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying 1982 Hymnal #75

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 Ellis Anderson, Graham Fiorello, Doug Black, Ilona Potter, and Ezra Shanks 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, especially Kevin Johnson who died this week at the hands of the State of Missouri, and JD Mills whose funeral was held yesterday, and 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.

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; 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 11:1-10

A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots. The Lord’s spirit will rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of planning and strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord. He will delight in fearing the Lord. He won’t judge by appearances, nor decide by hearsay. He will judge the needy with righteousness, and decide with equity for those who suffer in the land. He will strike the violent with the rod of his mouth; by the breath of his lips he will kill the wicked. Righteousness will be the belt around his hips, and faithfulness the belt around his waist.

The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat; the calf and the young lion will feed together, and a little child will lead them. The cow and the bear will graze. Their young will lie down together, and a lion will eat straw like an ox. A nursing child will play over the snake’s hole; toddlers will reach right over the serpent’s den. They won’t harm or destroy anywhere on my holy mountain. The earth will surely be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, just as the water covers the sea. On that day, the root of Jesse will stand as a signal to the peoples. The nations will seek him out, and his dwelling will be glorious.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 read in unison

1 Give the king your justice, O God, *
and your righteousness to the king’s son;

2 that he may rule your people righteously *
and the poor with justice;

3 that the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *
and the little hills bring righteousness.

4 He shall defend the needy among the people, *
rescuing the poor and crushing the oppressor.

5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *
from one generation to another.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *
like showers that water the earth.

7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; *
there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

18 Blessed are you, Lord God, the God of Israel, *
for you alone do wondrous deeds!

19 And blessed be your glorious name for ever *
and may all the earth be filled with your glory.

A Reading from a Letter of Paul to the Church Rome Romans 15:4-13

Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures. May the God of endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude toward each other, similar to Christ Jesus’ attitude. That way you can glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ together with one voice.

So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory. I’m saying that Christ became a servant of those who are circumcised for the sake of God’s truth, in order to confirm the promises given to the ancestors, and so that the Gentiles could glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

Because of this I will confess you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praises to your name. And again, it says,
Rejoice, Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and all the people should sing his praises. And again, Isaiah says, There will be a root of Jesse, who will also rise to rule the Gentiles.
The Gentiles will place their hope in him. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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 3 before the Gospel verse 4 after the Gospel

The Gospel Matthew 3:1-12

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

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said:

The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.”

John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and all around the Jordan River came to him. As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. Many Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized by John. He said to them, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire. I baptize with water those of you who have changed your hearts and lives. The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am. I’m not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.”

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.

in response all sing:

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

“Prepare the Way of the Lord” My Heart Sings Out Hymnal #63

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:

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed - Hymnal 1982 #616

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: Loretta Go
Readers: Elizabeth Hines, Michael Salsich
Usher: Fran Caradonna, Bob Lowes, Susan Norris
Crucifer: William Kelly
Video Producer: John Kelly

Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988 and WorshipCast License #13476

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.