8:00 Service November 19, 2023: Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
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: Up-to-date vaccination is required for everyone eligible. Windows are open. In the spirit of protecting the most vulnerable members of the congregation, we ask that you attempt to distance, especially if asked. We ask that all members of the congregation respect others’ choices about masking. Please refrain from coming to church if you are sick or experiencing any new symptoms.
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
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. Priority seating is provided for caretakers of small children and those with mobility needs. If you have any questions about signage, please ask an usher. 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
If you are new to us, consider filling out our “get connected” form, let us get to know you better.
Opening Acclamation
Please rise in body or spirit
Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
And blessed be God’s reign, now and forever. Amen.
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 Diurnum Hymn Isaiah 12:2-6 Canticle 9
God is indeed my salvation;
I will trust and won’t be afraid.
Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my shield;
he has become my salvation.”
You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.
And you will say on that day:
“Thank the Lord; call on God’s name;
proclaim God’s deeds among the peoples;
declare that God’s name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, who has done glorious things;
proclaim this throughout all the earth.”
Shout and sing for joy, city of Zion,
because the holy one of Israel is great among you.
Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; 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 calendar shared by Christians around the globe.
1st Lesson Please be seated. Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Hush before the Lord God, for the day of the Lord is near! The Lord has established a sacrifice; he has made holy those he has summoned. At that time, I will search Jerusalem with lamps; I will punish the men growing fat on the sediment in their wine, those saying to themselves, The Lord won’t do good or evil. Their wealth will be looted and their houses destroyed. They will rebuild houses, but not live in them; they will plant vineyards, but not drink the wine. The great day of the Lord is near; it is near and coming very quickly. The sound of the day of the Lord is bitter. A warrior screams there. That day is a day of fury, a day of distress and anxiety, a day of desolation and devastation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and deep darkness, a day for blowing the trumpet and alarm against their invincible cities and against their high towers. I will make humanity suffer; they will walk like the blind because they sinned against the Lord. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their intestines like manure. Moreover, their silver and their gold won’t be able to deliver them on the day of the Lord’s fury. His jealousy will devour the entire land with fire; he will make an end, a truly horrible one, for all the inhabitants of the land.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 90:1-12
We say the Psalm together.
1 Lord, you have been our refuge*
from one generation to another.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or the land and the earth were born,*
from age to age you are God.
3 You turn us back to the dust and say,*
“Go back, O child of earth.”
4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past*
and like a watch in the night.
5 You sweep us away like a dream;*
we fade away suddenly like the grass.
6 In the morning it is green and flourishes;*
in the evening it is dried up and withered.
7 For we consume away in your displeasure;*
we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.
8 Our iniquities you have set before you,*
and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
9 When you are angry, all our days are gone;*
we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
10 The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength even eighty;*
yet the sum of them is but labour and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and we are gone.
11 Who regards the power of your wrath?*
Who rightly fears your indignation?
12 So teach us to number our days*
that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
2nd Lesson 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
A Reading from the first letter to the church in Thessalonica.
We don’t need to write to you about the timing and dates, brothers and sisters. You know very wellthat the day of the Lord is going to come like a thief in the night. When they are saying, “There is peace and security,” at that time sudden destruction will attack them, like labor pains start with a pregnant woman, and they definitely won’t escape. But you aren’t in darkness, brothers and sisters,so the day won’t catch you by surprise like a thief. All of you are children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to night or darkness. So then, let’s not sleep like the others, but let’s stay awak eand stay sober. People who sleep sleep at night, and people who get drunk get drunk at night. Since we belong to the day, let’s stay sober, wearing faithfulness and love as a piece of armor that protects our body and the hope of salvation as a helmet. God didn’t intend for us to suffer his wrath but rather to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus died for us so that, whether we areawake or asleep, we will live together with him. So continue encouraging each other and buildingeach other up, just like you are doing already.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Gospel Matthew 25:14-30
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who was leaving on a trip. He called his servants and handedhis possessions over to them. To one he gave five valuable coins, and to another he gave two, and to another he gave one. He gave to each servant according to that servant’s ability. Then he left on his journey.“
After the man left, the servant who had five valuable coins took them and went to work doing business with them. He gained five more. In the same way, the one who had two valuable coins gained two more. But the servant who had received the one valuable coin dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money.“
Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. Theone who had received five valuable coins came forward with five additional coins. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five valuable coins. Look, I’ve gained five more.’“
His master replied, ‘Excellent! You are a good and faithful servant! You’ve been faithful over a little.I’ll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.’“
The second servant also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two valuable coins. Look, I’vegained two more.’“His master replied, ‘Well done! You are a good and faithful servant. You’ve been faithful over alittle. I’ll put you in charge of much. Come, celebrate with me.’“
Now the one who had received one valuable coin came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are ahard man. You harvest grain where you haven’t sown. You gather crops where you haven’t spreadseed. So I was afraid. And I hid my valuable coin in the ground. Here, you have what’s yours.’“
His master replied, ‘You evil and lazy servant! You knew that I harvest grain where I haven’t sown and that I gather crops where I haven’t spread seed? In that case, you should have turned my money over to the bankers so that when I returned, you could give me what belonged to me with interest. Therefore, take from him the valuable coin and give it to the one who has ten coins. Those who have much will receive more, and they will have more than they need. But as for those who don’t have much, even the little bit they have will be taken away from them. Now take the worthless servant and throw him out into the farthest darkness.’“
People there will be weeping and grinding their teeth.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon:
Please be seated, at the invitation of the preacher.
The Rev. Luke Jernagan
The Prayers of the People
The Leader and People pray responsively
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons; in the Diocese of Missouri werecognize and acknowledge that we 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, and we pray for Leslie, our Diocesan Missioner for Indigenous Ministry Engagement.
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
The Peace
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.
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
A Prayer for Stewardship
Gracious and everlasting God, the giver of all good gifts, you have blessed us and our parish abundantly. Grant us the 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.
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 say:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The Celebrant continues.
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.
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.
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.
Post Communion Prayer
All are invited to rise or to kneel in body or in spirit.
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
The Presider concludes with a prayer of blessing for the congregation.
The Dismissal Our worship has ended, our service in the world continues.
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.
Service Leaders:
Preacher & Presider: The Rev. Luke Jernagan
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Chalice Bearer: Elizabeth Hines
Reader: Adam Pearson
Intercessor: Courtney Dula
Announcements: Courtney Dula
Usher: Earl Bonds
