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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. Masks are recommended to protect your neighbor. We ask that all members of the congregation respect others’ choices about masking. 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. 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” in your pew, or at the Welcome Table, we’d be glad to keep you up to date with all that goes on here. You can also use the Connect Cards 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.

Preludes & Carols:

Go Tell it on the Mountain - Lift Every Voice and Sing #121

Jesous Ahatonnia arr. Simon Desbiens
Jesous Ahatonnia (Jesus Is Born) or Noël Huron is regarded as the first Canadian Christmas carol. It is widely believed to have been written by the Jesuit missionary Jean deBrébeuf (1593-1649), who taught the song to the Hurons near Georgian Bay c1642. The carol was collected from the Hurons by Father de Villeneuve, a Jesuit stationed 1747-94at Lorette, Quebec, and the words were translated from the original Huron into French by Paul Picard, an Indian notary at Quebec City. This piece was arranged by Simon Desbiens for the Ensemble Renouveau on the original Jesous Ahatonnia by Jean de Brébeuf. It is set in the original Wendat language of the Huron peoples.

The First Nowell Hymnal #109

Kyrie Missa Popularis Mårten Jansson

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.

Processional Hymn:

Please stand.

O Come, all ye faithful Hymnal 1982 83, vv. 1, 3, 4, 6

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come, and behold him, born the King of angels;

Refrain O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God, glory in the highest; Refrain

See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps Refrain

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; Refrain

Opening Acclamation

The congregation is invited to respond using the words in bold

Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
And blessed be God’s reign, now and forever. Amen.

The Collect of the Day

Please stand.

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

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy Christ perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Gloria Jansson, Missa Popularis
Please be seated.

Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth to all of good will.We praise You, we bless You,
We worship You, we glorify You.
We give You thanks for Your great glory. Lord God, King of Heaven,
God the Father Almighty.
Lord only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ.Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father.You who take away the sin of the world, Have mercy on us.You who take away the sin of the world, [Hear our prayer.You who sit at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.]For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, You alone are the Most High, [Jesus Christ.]
With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father, Amen.

Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te,
Adoramus te, glorificamus te.
Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam. Domine Deus, Rex coelestis,
Deus Pater omnipotens.
Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe.
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris.
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Miserere nobis.
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
[Suscipe deprecationem nostram.
Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris,
miserere nobis.]
Quoniam tu solus sanctus, tu solus Dominus,
Tu solus altissimus, [Jesu Christe.]
Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris, Amen.

The Lessons

1st Lesson Please be seated. Isaiah 9:2-7

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. Because every boot of the thundering warriors, and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire. A child is born to us, a son is given to us and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Congregational Hymn In the Bleak Midwinter Hymnal 1982 #112

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen,
snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him: give my heart.

2nd Lesson Titus 2:11-14

The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It educates us so that we can live sensible, ethical, and godly lives right now by rejecting ungodly lives and the desires of this world. At the same time we wait for the blessed hope and the glorious appearance of our great God and savior Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us in order to rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Sequence Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High Hymnal 96 vv. 1 - 2

Angels we have heard on high,
singing sweetly through the night,
and the mountains in reply echoing their brave delight.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why these songs of happy cheer?
What great brightness did you see?
What glad tidings did you hear?
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

The Holy Gospel Luke 2:1-14

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.

Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”

The Gospel of our Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sequence Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High Hymnal 96 vv. 3-4

Come to Bethlehem and see
him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

See him in a manger laid
whom the angels praise above;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
while we raise our hearts in love.

Please be seated at the invitation of the Preacher.

The Sermon The Rev. Julie Graham

The Prayers of the People

Please rise or kneel in body or in spirit. The Leader and People pray responsively.

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For the Church in El Salvador; for St. John’s Episcopal Church in the Tower Grove neighborhood of St. Louis; for Michael,our presiding bishop, Deon our bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
For all who serve God in the Church.
For those on our prayer list and for the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
The people may add their own petitions silently or aloud
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.

The Peace
Please stand.

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 & Announcements:

Announcements are shared. You may be seated.

See Announcements

Offertory Anthem

There is No Rose Orin Johnson

Offertory Carol It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Hymnal 89

Presentation of the Offering

Please rise in body or in spirit

All things come of thee, O Lord.
And of thine own have we given thee.

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

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. Please stand.

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 God thanks and praise.

Sanctus Sanctus and Benedictus, Missa Popularis by Mårten Jansson

The presider offers thanks to God for the grace and mercy made available to us in Christ. In response the choir sings.
(The congregation may be seated)

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua.
Hosanna in excelsis.
Benedictus que venit in nomine Domini
Hosanna in excelsis

Translation: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosannah in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Please rise in body or in spirit. The presider gives thanks to God for Christ’s redeeming work, and remembers Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. The people are invited to respond to the words:

Therefore 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 Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. 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, please maintain a distance of greater than 6 feet in a single file line up to the front. Please come to the priest on the side of the church where you are sitting. Make your way down the side aisle to return to your seat. Under the bishop’s order, wine is not available at this time. If you would rather receive a blessing, please come forward to the altar rail during communion and cross your arms across your chest. Gluten free wafers are available, on request, from the minister.

Anthem During Communion

Agnus Dei Agnus Dei, Missa Popularis by Mårten Jansson

Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. (repeated)
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace.

Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

Hymns During Communion Sung by all.

O Little Town of Bethlehem Hymnal 79

Away in a Manger Lift Every Voice and Sing #79

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hymnal 87

Post Communion Prayer

Gracious God, tonight you have united earth and heaven in sending your Son to take our human nature. May we, who have tasted heavenly things, share in the life of Christ’s kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Hymn after Communion Silent Night Hymnal 111

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hymnal 87

Postcommunion Prayer

Gracious God, tonight you have united earth and heavenin sending your Son to take our human nature. May we, who have tasted heavenly things,share in the life of Christ’s kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn after Communion

Silent Night Hymnal 111 v 1,3,2

The Christmas Blessing

The people stand or kneel as the presider proclaims the final blessing.

May God, who sent angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy and make you heralds of the Gospel. And the blessing of God the holy and undivided Trinity be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

Final Hymn - Joy to the World Hymnal 1982 #100

Dismissal

Our worship has ended, our service in the world continues.
The Deacon dismisses the congregation:

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Service Leaders
Presider: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Reader: Alisa Williams &Joe Adams
Intercessor: Janice Nihill
Ushers: Susan Norris & Michael Salsich
Producer: Rebecca Comas
With special thanks to our guest musicians:
Manuela Topalbegovic
Ranya Iqbal
Holly Huelskamp
Tova Braitberg

Special gifts made to support the Christmas Greens and Music:

Helen Burton: In joyful recognition of my Holy Communion family
Laurie & Ed Hansell: In Memory of John Kissel & Lottie Kissel Norwine
Jean & Hal Parker: In memory of Dolores Parker
Rebecca Rugen: In memory of Leah Rugen
Rudy Walz: In Honor of Betty and Lenard Walz, Sr.

Music reprinted and broadcast with permission by OneLicense # A-704988

The Scripture Translation is the Common English Bible, used by permission.