10:30 Service April 16th: Holy Eucharist and Baptisms
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. Vaccination is required for everyone 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:
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 households outside your bubble.
Masks: If test positivity rates stay below 3%, masks will be optional for the vaccinated at services with singing. If transmission increases, we will re-institute the mask requirement. Please check with clergy or ushers, or listen for verbal announcements for more details. We thank you for respecting our guidelines and your neighbors in this transitional time.
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. 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
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: 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.
Prelude
Overture to St. Cecelia’s Day, by G.F. Handel (arr. Michael Rondeau)
A selection of music opens the service. If you are new to us, consider filling out our “get connected” form, let us get to know you better.
Easter Fanfare and Opening Hymn: We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight Hymnal 209
Opening Acclamation
Please rise in body or spirit
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia!
There is one Body and one Spirit;
There is one hope in God’s call to us;
One Lord, one faith, one Baptism;
One God and Maker of all.
Liturgy of the Word
Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; 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 calendar shared by Christians around the globe.
1st Lesson Please be seated. Acts 2:14a, 22-32
A Reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles
Peter stood with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and declared:
“Fellow Israelites, listen to these words! Jesus the Nazarene was a man whose credentials God proved to you through miracles, wonders, and signs, which God performed through him among you. You yourselves know this. In accordance with God’s established plan and foreknowledge, he was betrayed. You, with the help of wicked men, had Jesus killed by nailing him to a cross. God raised him up! God freed him from death’s dreadful grip, since it was impossible for death to hang on to him. David says about him, I foresaw that the Lord was always with me; because he is at my right hand I won’t be shaken. Therefore, my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover, my body will live in hope, because you won’t abandon me to the grave, nor permit your holy one to experience decay. You have shown me the paths of life; your presence will fill me with happiness. “Brothers and sisters, I can speak confidently about the patriarch David. He died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this very day. Because he was a prophet, he knew that God promised him with a solemn pledge to seat one of his descendants on his throne. Having seen this beforehand, David spoke about the resurrection of Christ, that he wasn’t abandoned to the grave, nor did his body experience decay. This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 16 All sing the refrain after the choir or cantor, where indicated.
Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *
I have said to the Lord,
“You are my Lord, my good above all other.”
All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *
upon those who are noble among the people.
But those who run after other gods *
shall have their troubles multiplied.
Their libations of blood I will not offer, *
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; *
it is you who uphold my lot.
My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; *
my heart teaches me, night after night.
I have set the Lord always before me; *
because you are at my side I shall not fall.
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
my body also shall rest in hope.
For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
nor let your holy one see the Pit.
You will show me the path of life; *
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your hand are pleasures for evermore.
2nd Lesson
1 Peter 1:3-9
A Reading from the first Letter of Peter
“May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! On account of his vast mercy, he has given us new birth. You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. You have a pure and enduring inheritance that cannot perish—an inheritance that is presently kept safe in heaven for you. Through his faithfulness, you are guarded by God’s power so that you can receive the salvation he is ready to reveal in the last time. You now rejoice in this hope, even if it’s necessary for you to be distressed for a short time by various trials. This is necessary so that your faith may be found genuine. (Your faith is more valuable than gold, which will be destroyed even though it is itself tested by fire.) Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor for you when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you’ve never seen him, you love him. Even though you don’t see him now, you trust him and so rejoice with a glorious joy that is too much for words. You are receiving the goal of your faith: your salvation.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Holy Gospel Please remain standing
The congregation is invited to sing the Alleluia before the Gospel reading. Children are invited to bring the Alleluia banner to the front of the church.
The Gospel John 20:19-31
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
“It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.” Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.” After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!”
Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll. But these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The congregation is invited to sing the Alleluia after the Gospel reading
The Sermon:
Please be seated, at the invitation of the preacher.
The Rev. Julie Graham
The Prayers of the People
The Candidate, parents and Godparents stand and face the Presider. The congregation remains seated.
The Candidates for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
When all have been presented the Presider asks the parents and godparents:
Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?
Parents and Godparents
I will, with God’s help.
Presider
Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Parents and Godparents
I will, with God’s help.
Then the Presider asks the parents and godparents who speak on behalf of the child
Question Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Answer I do.
Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Answer I do.
Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Answer I do.
Please rise in body or in spirit. After the Candidate has been presented, the Presider addresses the congregation, saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these children in their life in Christ?
We will.
Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
The Baptismal Covenant
Presider Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Presider Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Presider Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Presider Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking
of bread, and in the prayers?
People I will, with God’s help.
Presider Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent
and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God’s help.
Presider Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.
Presider Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons,
loving your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.
Presider Will you strive for justice and peace among all people,
and respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God’s help.
Prayers for the Candidate
During the Prayers, the Baptismal party makes its way to the font. Children from Children’s Chapel also join the procession to the font.
Let us now pray for these children who are to receive the Sacrament of new birth.
Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Fill them with your holy and life‑giving Spirit.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Send them into the world in witness to your love.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and for ever. Amen.
Thanksgiving over the Water
The Presider blesses the water, first saying
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the Presider touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Baptism
The candidate is presented by name to the Presider, who then immerses or pours water upon the candidate, saying
______, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then the Priest places a hand on the person’s head, marking on the forehead the sign of the cross and saying
______, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.
When this action has been completed, the Priest, at a place in full sight of the congregation, prays over the candidate, saying
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them inquiring and discerning hearts, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
Baptismal Hymn I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Hymnal 490
Receiving the Newly Baptized
The priest gives a baptismal candle to the candidate.
Receive the light of Christ.
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
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
Offertory Hymn
This Little Light of Mine
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 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 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:
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 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, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, 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.
Communion Hymns
Be Thou My Vision Hymnal 1982 #488
Give Me Jesus Lift Every Voice and Sing # 91
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. Amen.
Christ is Alive Hymnal 182
The Dismissal Our worship has ended, our service in the world continues.
Alleluia, alleluia. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Postlude
Service Leaders
Preacher and Presider: The Rev. Julie Graham
Crucifer: Janice Nihill
Intercessor: Barbara Robinson
Reader: Jordan Houry, Alisa Williams
Ushers: Fran Caradonna, Rudy Nickens, Bob Lowes
Video Producer: Rebecca Comas
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988 and WorshipCast License #13476
