10:30 Service March 13: The Second Sunday of Lent
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.
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.
Prelude
Variations on “O God, Thou Faithful God,” BWV 767 by J.S. Bach
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 in Procession
Please rise, in body or in spirit, as the hymn begins.
The God of Abraham Praise 1982 Hymnal #401
Penitential Order
The congregation is invited to respond using the words in bold
Blessed be God who forgives all our sins;
God’s mercy endures for ever.
Decalogue
Hear the commandments of God to the people:
I am the Lord your God who brought you out of bondage.
You shall have no other gods but me.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not make for yourself any idol.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not invoke with malice the Name of the Lord your God.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
Honor your father and your mother.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not commit murder.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not commit adultery.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not steal.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not be a false witness.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Amen. Lord have mercy.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
All are invited to kneel in body or in spirit.
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of our savior Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Kyrie
In Lent, rather than a song of praise, we sing a Kyrie, we pray for God‘s mercy.
Absolution
The presider pronounces absolution, that sins are forgiven.
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. 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.
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, 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.
A Reading from the book of Genesis (Genesis 15:1-12; 17-18)
After these events, the LORD’s word came to Abram in a vision, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your protector. Your reward will be very great.” But Abram said, “LORD God, what can you possibly give me, since I still have no children? The head of my household is Eliezer, a man from Damascus.” He continued, “Since you haven’t given me any children, the head of my household will be my heir.” The LORD’s word came immediately to him, “This man will not be your heir. Your heir will definitely be your very own biological child.” Then he brought Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars if you think you can count them. He continued, “This is how many children you will have.” Abram trusted the LORD, and the LORD recognized Abram’s high moral character. He said to Abram, “I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.” But Abram said, “LORD God, how do I know that I will actually possess it?” He said, “Bring me a three-year-old female calf, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a dove, and a young pigeon.” He took all of these animals, split them in half, and laid the halves facing each other, but he didn’t split the birds. When vultures swooped down on the carcasses, Abram waved them off. After the sun set, Abram slept deeply. A terrifying and deep darkness settled over him. After the sun had set and darkness had deepened, a smoking vessel with a fiery flame passed between the split-open animals. That day the LORD cut a covenant with Abram: “To your descendants I give this land, from Egypt’s river to the great Euphrates.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Psalm Psalm 27:1-6
The Psalm is read responsively. The congregation is invited to read the verses in bold.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; *
whom then shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; *
of whom then shall I be afraid?
When evildoers came upon me to eat up my flesh, *
it was they, my foes and my adversaries,
who stumbled and fell.
Though an army should encamp against me, *
yet my heart shall not be afraid;
and though war should rise up against me, *
yet will I put my trust in God.
One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; *
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
beholding the fair beauty of the Lord *
and seeking God in the temple.
For in the day of trouble, O God,
you shall keep me safe in your shelter; *
you shall hide me in the secrecy of your dwelling
and set me high upon a rock.
Even now you lift up my head *
above my enemies round about me.
Therefore I will offer in your dwelling
an oblation with sounds of great gladness; *
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Processional Please rise, in body or in spirit, as the hymn begins.
The Gospel
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 13:31-35)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
At that time, some Pharisees approached Jesus and said, “Go! Get away from here, because Herod wants to kill you.” Jesus said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Look, I’m throwing out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work. However, it’s necessary for me to travel today, tomorrow, and the next day because it’s impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who were sent to you! How often I have wanted to gather your people just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you didn’t want that. Look, your house is abandoned. I tell you, you won’t see me until the time comes when you say, Blessings on the one who comes in the Lord’s name.”
The Gospel of our Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
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. Please rise, or kneel, in body or in spirit.
The Leader and People pray responsively. Please rise, or kneel, in body or in spirit.
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For Michael, our Presiding Bishop; for Deon, our Bishop and for all clergy. We pray for those in formation for holy orders in our parish: Meg, David, Loretta, and Josephine; for all who serve God in the church, for our partners in mission in El Salvador; and in the Diocesan cycle of prayer for our parish, Holy Communion; let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who are in authority, and all who govern in the nations of the world; let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this city of St. Louis, for every city and community and those who live in them; and for those celebrating a birthday this week especially Barbara Robinson, Brenda Okpala, and Scott Lunte, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, especially Sondra Ellis, whose funeral was held Friday.
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
You are invited to add your own prayers, silently or aloud.
In the communion of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord our God.
The presider may add a concluding collect.
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
I Lift Up My Eyes by Mark Schweizer (Psalm 121: 1-2)
I lift up my eyes unto the hills
from whence cometh my help
My help cometh from the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
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 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:
The presider concludes with prayer 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
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace.
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
For the first three weeks of Lent we’ll begin with the chant “Krista Jaya Jaya”
How Great Thou Art - Lift Every Voice And Sing #187
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.
Blessing
Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; and the blessing of the Triune God be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Exit Hymn
Eternal Lord of Love Behold Your Church- 1982 Hymnal #149
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
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
Reader: Jordan Houry
Ushers: Julie Bennet, Jean Parker
Stream Producer: John Kelly
Liturgical Notes
1) Purple frontal color and matching vestments: The altar and clergy wear purple, the liturgical color that symbolizes both the pain of the cross and royalty. It symbolizes the long walk to Calvary and our hope of Easter.
2) No flowers: During Lent we forego the use of flowers in the church, in keeping with the mood of simplicity, penitence, and reflection.
3) Penitential Order: During Lent, we move the confession of to the front of the service, instead of during the prayers of the people.
4) Lay Me Low: The first half of Lent we sing the tune “Lay me Low” by Daniel Schwandt and comes from the “Music that Makes Community” movement. The song has become a bit of a favorite at Holy Communion. Our music director Mary Chapman adapted it to the Great Amen, and our former organist Connor Scott adapted the tune for the Sanctus.
6) The Chant “Krista Jaya Jaya” comes from Shantivanam, Saccidananda Ashram, is a Camaldolese Benedictine monastic community in South India. “Shantivanam” means literally the “forest (vanam) of peace (shanti),” and is located near the village of Tannirpalli in the Tiruchirapalli District of Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the River Kavery. The monks have written original chants, and adapted traditional Hindu chants to the offices of the Christian liturgy.
7) No Alleluias in Lent: The word “Alleluia” is neither sung nor spoken during Lent, except at a funeral service. As we catch ourselves where we are accustomed to using this word, we are reminded of the solemnity of Christ’s dying for the sins of the world.
8) Silence: In our busy world, we are not accustomed to much silence. Lent is a season of austerity, of reflection, and for slowing down. As such, we emphasize moments of silence in the liturgy.
