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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. 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.

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: Alleluia Sing to Jesus The Hymnal 1982 #460

Opening Acclamation

The congregation is invited to respond using the words in bold.

Blessed are you, holy and living One.
You come to your people and set them free.

O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Song of Praise: We Shall Overcome

The Collect of the Day

The Presider leads ancient prayers that help frame our worship. You are invited to light a candle at home.

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

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and 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 set calendar for what will be read when. The translation used at Holy Communion is the Common English Bible translation.

A Reading from the Book of the Exodus Exodus 24:12-18

The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and wait there. I’ll give you the stone tablets with the instructions and the commandments that I’ve written in order to teach them.”

So Moses and his assistant Joshua got up, and Moses went up God’s mountain. Moses had said to the elders, “Wait for us here until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur will be here with you. Whoever has a legal dispute may go to them.”

Then Moses went up the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The Lord’s glorious presence settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from the cloud. To the Israelites, the Lord’s glorious presence looked like a blazing fire on top of the mountain. Moses entered the cloud and went up the mountain. Moses stayed on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Psalm Psalm 2

The Psalm is read in unison

1 Why are the nations in an uproar? *
Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2 Why do the rulers of the earth rise up in revolt,
and the princes plot together, *
against the Lord and the Lord’s anointed?
3 “Let us break their yoke,” they say; *
“let us cast off their bonds from us.”
4 The One enthroned in heaven is laughing; *
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then God speaks to them in wrath, *
and the divine rage fills them with terror.
6 “I myself have set my anointed *
upon my holy hill of Zion.”
7 Let me announce the decree of the Lord, *
who said to me, “You are my heir;
this day have I begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9 You shall crush them with an iron rod *
and shatter them like a piece of pottery.”
10 And now, you monarchs, be wise; *
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Submit to the Lord with fear, *
and bow with trembling before the presence of the Lord;
12 lest God be angry and you perish; *
for the divine wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are they all *
who take refuge in God

A Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians 2 Peter 1: 16-21

We didn’t repeat crafty myths when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Quite the contrary, we witnessed his majesty with our own eyes. He received honor and glory from God the Father when a voice came to him from the magnificent glory, saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. In addition, we have a most reliable prophetic word, and you would do well to pay attention to it, just as you would to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Most important, you must know that no prophecy of scripture represents the prophet’s own understanding of things, because no prophecy ever came by human will. Instead, men and women led by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Procession

Please rise in body or in spirit and join in singing the Alleluia before and after the Gospel.

The Holy Gospel

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew (Matthew 17:1-9)

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain. He was transformed in front of them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good that we’re here. If you want, I’ll make three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, look, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!” Hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces, filled with awe.

But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anybody about the vision until the Human One is raised from the dead.”

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

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

Children’s Chapel After the Gospel, Children are invited to follow the procession to the front of the church, and make their way across the hall and into the lounge for Children’s Chapel. Children under the age of 5 will need their caregiver to attend with them. They will join the congregation for the procession of the magi.

The Sermon

Please be seated at the invitation of the Preacher.

The Rev. Julie Graham

The Creed Please rise in body or in spirit.

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

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.

Let us pray for the Church and for the world.

God of love, we pray for your church: For Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Deon, our bishop; for all lay and ordained ministers; and for all who seek you in the community of the faithful. We pray for our companions in El Salvador and in the Diocese of Missouri for Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Webster Groves.

God of love,
Hear our prayers for the church.

God of freedom, we pray for our nation, and all the nations of the world: For peace and unity across barriers of language, color, and creed; for elected and appointed leaders, that they would serve the common good. Inspire all people with courage to speak out against hatred, to actively resist evil. Unite the human family in bonds of love.

God of freedom,
Hear our prayers for the world.

God of justice, we pray for the earth, your creation entrusted to our care: For the animals and birds, the mountains and oceans, and all parts of your creation that have no voice of their own. Stir up in us a thirst for justice that protects the earth and all its resources, that we may leave to our children’s children the legacy of beauty and abundance that you have given us.

God of justice,
Hear our prayers for the earth.

God of peace, we pray for this community: For our local leaders; for our schools and markets; for our neighborhoods and workplaces. Kindle in every heart a desire for equality, respect, and opportunity for all. We give you thanks for all those who celebrate birthdays this week especially Shirley Mensah and Mike Angell. Give us courage to strive for justice and peace among all people, beginning here at home.

God of peace,
Hear our prayers for this community.

God of mercy, we pray for all in any kind of need or trouble: For those whose lives are closely linked with ours, and those connected to us as part of the human family. For refugees and prisoners; for the sick and suffering, the lonely and despairing; for those facing violence; for all held down by prejudice or injustice. Awaken in us compassion and humility of spirit, as we seek and serve Christ in all persons.

God of mercy,
Hear our prayers for all who are in need.

God of grace, we pray for those who have died: For the faithful in every generation, for those who have worked for justice; for prophets who called us to racial reconciliation; for martyrs who died because of hatred; and for all the communion of saints. Make us faithful to your call to proclaim your Good News, by word and example, and bring us at last into the glorious company of the saints in light.

God of grace,

Hear our prayers for those who have died

You are invited to add your own prayers, silently or aloud.

The priest adds a concluding collect.
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession

the Deacon bids the congregation:

Let us confess our sins against God and one another.

Almighty God, Source of all that is, Giver of every good gift. You create all people in your image and call us to love one another as you love us. We confess that we have failed to honor you in the great diversity of the human family. We have desired to live in freedom, while building walls between ourselves and others.

We have longed to be known and accepted for who we are, while making judgements of others based on the color of skin, or the shape of features, or the varieties of human experience.

We have tried to love our neighbors individually while yet benefitting from systems that hold those same neighbors in oppression.

Forgive us, Holy God. Give us eyes to see you as you are revealed in all people. Strengthen us for the work of reconciliation rooted in love.

Restore us in your image, to be beloved community, united in our diversity, even as you are one with Christ and the Spirit, Holy and undivided Trinity, now and forever. Amen.

Absolution

the presider pronounces God’s forgiveness:

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

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 Anthem: Seeking Light by Brandon Williams (lyrics by Charles Anthony Silvestri)

I have lived rich and loved well, traveled the world, called many places home. I have lived rich and loved well, and now I travel on.

I travel through the darkness and through the night, along my pilgrim road, seeking light, seeking toward the light.

I have drunk my fill of the cups of life, of joy and of fear, of anguish and boundless bliss.

I have drunk my fill of the cups of life, and now I travel on. I travel through the darkness and through the night, along my pilgrim road, seeking light, seeking toward the light.

My spirit journeys on into the moonlight, with steady steps and sure, along the well-trod pathway between here and forever.

I travel through the darkness and through the night, along my pilgrim road, seeking light, seeking toward the light.

Offertory Hymn This Little Light

Please rise in body or in spirit and sing as the ushers bring forward our financial offering.

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 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.

Glory Glory, Hallelujah Lift Every Voice and Sing #130

Jesus is Lord of All the Earth The Hymnal 1982 #178

Post Communion Prayer

Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood.

Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

Epiphany Blessing

Please rise in body or in spirit as the presider proclaims the final blessing.

May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in you, that your lives may be a light to the world; And the blessing of the Triune God, Eternal Majesty, Incarnate Word, and Abiding Spirit rest upon you this day and remain with you forever. Amen.

Concluding Hymn:

Caribbean Hallelujah

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 Notes:

The Form of Worship is Adapted from Enriching Our Worship
The Scripture translation is the Common English Bible
The Psalms come from the Inclusive Language Psalter of the Anglican Church of Canada.
The Prayers of the People are from resources prepared by the Standing Committee on Liturgy and Music of the Episcopal Church for the 2018 General Convention.
The Proper Preface was adapted by our rector.
“We Shall Overcome” is a traditional African-American Spiritual. It has been adapted for our Alleluia and Amen verses by our director of music. All texts and music used by permission.
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988 and WorshipCast License #13476

Service Leaders

Preacher: The Rev. Julie Graham
Celebrant: The Rev. Julie Graham
Assisting: Loretta Go
Crucifer: William Kelly
Readers: Fran Caradonna, Bradley Currey
Intercessor: Ryan Freedle
Usher: Rebecca Comas
Video Producer: John Kelly