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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.

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: Jesus, Love’s Sole-Begotten One Order of St. Helena

Opening Acclamation

The congregation is invited to rise in body or spirit as the clergy enter and reverence the altar.

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

The Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Song of Praise Angels We Have Heard on High 1982 Hymnal #96

The Collect of the Day

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

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word:Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives;through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity ofthe Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Lessons

1st Lesson Please be seated. Isaiah 61:10-62:3

I surely rejoice in the Lord;
my heart is joyful because of my God,
because he has clothed me with clothes of victory,
wrapped me in a robe of righteousness
like a bridegroom in a priestly crown,
and like a bride adorned in jewelry.
As the earth puts out its growth,
and as a garden grows its seeds,
so the Lord God will grow righteousness and praise before all the nations.
For Zion’s sake I won’t keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I won’t sit still
until her righteousness shines out like a light,
and her salvation blazes like a torch.
Nations will see your righteousness,
all kings your glory.
You will be called by a new name,
which the Lord’s own mouth will determine.
You will be a splendid garland in the Lord’s hand,
a royal turban in the palm of God’s hand.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 147:12-20

12 Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; *
praise your God, O Zion,
13 who has strengthened the bars of your gates, *
who has blessed your children within you.
14 For the Lord has established peace on your borders *
and satisfies you with the finest wheat.
15 The Lord sends out a command to the earth, *
and this word runs very swiftly.
16 The Lord gives snow like wool *
and scatters hoarfrost like ashes
17 and hail like bread-crumbs; *
who can stand against such cold?
18 The Lord sends forth the word and melts them, *
blowing with the wind and the waters flow.
19 The Lord declares the word to Jacob, *
statutes and judgements to Israel.
20 The Lord has not done so to any other nation; *
to them these judgements have not been revealed.
Hallelujah!

2nd Lesson Galatians 3:3-25, 4:4-7

Before faith came, we were guarded under the Law, locked up until faith that was coming would be revealed, so that the Law became our custodian until Christ so that we might be made righteous by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian. But when the fulfillment of the time came, God sent his Son, born through a woman, and born under the Law. This was so he could redeem those under the Law so that we could be adopted. Because you are sons and daughters, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a son or daughter, and if you are his child, then you are also an heir through God.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Procession Please rise, in body or in spirit.

The Holy Gospel John 1: 1-18

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

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word was with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being through the Word was life, and the life was the light for all people.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.
A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light. The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God.
The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John testified about him, crying out, “This is the one of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is greater than me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace; as the Law was given through Moses, so grace and truth came into being through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made God known.

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

The Sermon Please be seated at the invitation of the Preacher.

The Creed 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.

The Prayers of the People

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

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. Silence.

Accept O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We thank you for the blessings of family and friends, and for the loving care that surrounds us on every side. Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We thank you for setting us at tasks that demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments that satisfy and delight us.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For all who have died in the hope of resurrection and for all the departed, Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Presider
O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

The 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 & 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 Hymn: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice 1982 Hymnal #107

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 rise in body or in spirit.

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.

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 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.

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.

Lo How a Rose E’re Blooming 1982 Hymnal #81

Go Tell it on the Mountain Lift Every Voice and Sing #79

Post Communion Prayer

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

Please rise in body or in spirit as 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:

Angels from the Realms of Glory The Hymnal 1982 #93

Dismissal

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

Let us go forth in the name of Christ

Thanks be to God.

Service Leaders
Preacher & Presider: The Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Readers: Ryan Freedle, Mary Waters
Crucifer: William Kelly
Intercessor: Jordan Houry
Ushers: Bob Lowes, Hal Parker
Chalice Bearer: Marlene O’Brien
Announcements: Heidi Volkl
Stream Producer: Markie Jo Crismon
Guest Organist: Connor Scott

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.

Liturgical Changes for Christmas

White frontal color and matching vestments: The altar is covered with a white frontal, and the clergy wear white vestments. White is an ancient liturgical color that symbolizes celebration and Christ’s Presence

Lighting of the Advent Wreath and Christmas Candle: The Christmas Candle is in the center of the Advent Wreath, recalling the period of waiting and preparation that led up to Christmas.

Thanksgiving at Prayers of the People. This season we emphasize prayers of thanksgiving over prayers of penitence or petition.