10:30 Service February 20: The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
You will find our live stream on our homepage, on Facebook (where you can interact with others watching with comments), and on Youtube.
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.
Things are different right now. The pandemic means we are keeping things simple, short, and safe. We also now require vaccination, for those who are eligible. You must be free of COVID-related symptoms, close contact, and not have positive tests to attend. There are a few other ground rules. Read our full guidelines here.
Distancing: As much as we wish we could greet one another, out of love for our neighbor we have to stay distanced. Please maintain 6 or more feet from other households at all times. Consider sending a text, a message on Facebook, or even writing a letter or email to someone who could use some peace. A wave, a peace sign, or a “smize” (a smile with your eyes) will do.
Masks: Please ensure all members of your household over age 2 are wearing a mask covering both the mouth and nose at all times. Ushers have some masks available, if you forgot yours. Please do not remove your mask or lift your mask at any time. When it comes time for communion, simply slip the wafer under your mask.
Singing: at this time we cannot sing safely as a group. If you are worshiping from home, sing out. In Person: you are welcome to hum or quietly recite the words along with the musicians. Either way please leave on your mask.
Communion: 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 communion minister on the side of the church where you are sitting. Make your way down the side aisle to return to your seat. Wine is not available at this time. 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” at the Welcome Table or online, 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 Rector’s Pilgrimage class will start meeting soon, for new members.
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.
Procession
The in-person congregation is invited to stand as the clergy enter and reverence the altar.
Prelude
Variations on "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" by Albert L. Travis
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.
Opening Hymn
I Come With Joy to Meet My Lord 1982 Hymnal #304
At home, we invite you to sing out! In person, you are welcome to quietly recite the words or hum.
Opening Acclamation
The congregation is invited to respond using the words in bold
Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
Glory to God for ever and ever.
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.
The Collect of the Day
The Presider leads ancient prayers that help frame our worship. You are invited to light a candle at home with us, as we light candles on the altar.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
God of unchangeable power, when you fashioned the world the morning stars sang together and the host of heaven shouted for joy; open our eyes to the wonders of creation and teach us
to use all things for good, to the honor of your glorious name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 Genesis Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Joseph said to his brothers, “I’m Joseph! Is my father really still alive?” His brothers couldn’t respond because they were terrified before him.
Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me,” and they moved closer. He said, “I’m your brother Joseph! The one you sold to Egypt. Now, don’t be upset and don’t be angry with yourselves that you sold me here. Actually, God sent me before you to save lives. We’ve already had two years of famine in the land, and there are five years left without planting or harvesting. God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way. You didn’t send me here; it was God who made me a father to Pharaoh, master of his entire household, and ruler of the whole land of Egypt.
“Hurry! Go back to your father. Tell him this is what your son Joseph says: ‘God has made me master of all of Egypt. Come down to me. Don’t delay. You may live in the land of Goshen, so you will be near me, your children, your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and everyone with you. I will support you there, so you, your household, and everyone with you won’t starve, since the famine will still last five years.’
He kissed all of his brothers and wept, embracing them. After that, his brothers were finally able to talk to him.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Psalm Psalm 37:1-12, 41-42
The Psalm is read responsively. The congregation is invited to read the verses in bold.
Do not fret yourself because of evildoers;
do not be jealous of those who do wrong.
For they shall soon wither like the grass,
and like the green grass fade away.
Put your trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and feed on its riches.
Take delight in the Lord,
who shall give you your heart’s desire.
Commit your way to the Lord and put your trust in the Holy One
who will bring it to pass.
God will make your righteousness as clear as the light
and your just dealing as the noonday.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for God.
Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers,
the one who succeeds in evil schemes.
Refrain from anger, leave rage alone;
do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.
For evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait upon the Lord shall possess the land.
In a little while the wicked shall be no more;
you shall search out their place, but they will not be there.
But the lowly shall possess the land;
they will delight in abundance of peace.
The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash at them with their teeth.
But the deliverance of the righteous comes from the Lord,
who is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The Lord will help them and rescue them;
rescuing them from the wicked and delivering them,
because they seek refuge in God.
Processional Please stand.
At home, we invite you to sing out! In person, you are welcome to quietly recite the words or hum.
The Gospel
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke (Luke 6:27-38)
“But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other one as well. If someone takes your coat, don’t withhold your shirt either. Give to everyone who asks and don’t demand your things back from those who take them. Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.
“If you love those who love you, why should you be commended? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, why should you be commended? Even sinners do that. If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, why should you be commended? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to be paid back in full. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have a great reward. You will be acting the way children of the Most High act, for he is kind to ungrateful and wicked people. Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate.
“Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.”
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Sermon:
Please be seated, at the invitation of the preacher.
The Rev. Mike Angell
The Prayers of the People
The Leader and People pray responsively.
Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
God of justice, we pray for your church: help us to grapple with the ways our historic institutions and leaders have been complicit in structures of oppression. Help us to continually reform our ways. For Michael our Presiding Bishop; Deon, our bishop; for all ordained ministers, for Josephine, Loretta, Meg and David in formation for holy orders, for the wider work and ministry of all members of Christ’s Church; and for all who seek you in the community of the faithful. Equip us with compassion and love, to carry out your work of reconciliation in the world.
God of justice, Hear our prayers.
God of freedom, we pray for our nation, and all the nations of the world, that we might know our history and do the work to live into our ideals: For equity, justice, and peace across barriers of language, color, and creed; give to our elected and appointed leaders wisdom 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.
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. Give us courage to strive for justice and peace among all people, beginning here at home. We give you thanks for those celebrating birthdays this week, especially Neil Docherty, Shirley Mensah, Mike Angell, Ron Bullock, Angie Burroughs Kelly, Paul Roesler, and Karen Sterbenz. And for those celebrating anniversaries this week.
God of peace, Hear our prayers.
God of love, we pray for those who have died (especially): For the faithful in every generation who have worked for justice; for prophets who called us to racial reconciliation; for martyrs who died because of hatred; for those who have died of COVID 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 love, Hear our prayers.
You are invited to add your own prayers, silently or aloud.
God of Grace, Hear our prayers.
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
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.
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
Anthem
Up to the Mountain by Patty Griffin, arr. Mac Huff.
I went up to the mountain
Because you asked me to
Up over the clouds
To where the sky was blue
I could see all around me
Everywhere
I could see all around me
Everywhere
Sometimes I feel like
I've never been nothing but tired
And I'll be walking
Till the day I expire
Sometimes I lay down
No more can I do
But then I go on again
Because you ask me to
Some days I look down
Afraid I will fall
And though the sun shines
I see nothing at all
Then I hear your sweet voice, oh
Oh, come and then go, come and then go
Telling me softly
You love me so
The peaceful valley
Just over the mountain
The peaceful valley
Few come to know
I may never get there
Ever in this lifetime
But sooner or later
It's there I will go
Sooner or later
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 up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
The presider offers our thanks to God for the grace and mercy made available to us in Christ. In response we sing:
The presider gives thanks to God for the reconciling work of Christ’s passion and resurrection and remembers Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. The people are invited to respond to the words:
we acclaim you, O Christ:
Dying, you destroyed our death.
Rising, you restored our life.
Christ Jesus, come in glory!
The presider concludes with prayer for the coming of God’s reign.
we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise.
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.
Hymns During Communion
At home, we invite you to sing out! In person, you are welcome to quietly recite the words or hum.
Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love - Lift Every Voice and Sing #74
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.
A Blessing from St. Pauli Murray
The people stand or kneel as the presider proclaims the final blessing.
Hope is a word in a tuneless ditty —a word whispered with the wind, a dream of forty acres and a mule, a cabin of one’s own and a moment to rest, a name and place for one’s children and children’s children at last. Hope is a song in a weary throat.
May God give us a song of hope, and a world where we can sing it. May God give us a song of faith and a people to believe in it. May God give us a song of kindliness and a country where we can live it. And the blessing of the Triune God be with you always. Amen
Exit Hymn
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - 1982 Hymnal #657
At home, we invite you to sing out! In person, you are welcome to quietly recite the words or hum.
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.
Postlude
Toccata on "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" by Jerry Westenkeuhler
Service Leaders
Preacher: The Rev. Mike Angell
Presider: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Assisting: Josephine Ezenwa; Loretta Go
Crucifer: Janice Nihill
Readers: Elizabeth Hines
Ushers: Julie Bennett, Jean Parker, Pat Redington
Stream Producers: Rebecca Comas
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 were written by our rector.
The Blessing of St. Pauli Murray is adapted from her poem “Song in a Weary Throat” from her collection Dark Testament.
Other hymns and music licensed for print and streaming through OneLicense # A-704988.
All texts and music used by permission.
