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

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.

Opening Hymn: At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing Hymnal 1982 #174

Opening Acclamation

Please rise in body or spirit

Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia!

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

Liturgy of the Word

Collect of the Day

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

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 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 Acts of the Apostles

Peter stood with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and declared, “Judeans and everyone living in Jerusalem! Know this! Listen carefully to my words!
“Therefore, let all Israel know beyond question that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

When the crowd heard this, they were deeply troubled. They said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
Peter replied, “Change your hearts and lives. Each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you, your children, and for all who are far away—as many as the Lord our God invites.” With many other words he testified to them and encouraged them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized. God brought about three thousand people into the community on that day.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17 All sing the refrain after the choir or cantor, where indicated.

I love the Lord *
who has heard the voice of my supplication,

who has listened to me *
whenever I called.

The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
I came to grief and sorrow.

I believed, even when I said, *
”I have been brought very low.”

In my distress I said, *
”No one can be trusted.”

How shall I repay you, O Lord, *
for all the good things you have done for me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon your name.

I will fulfil my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all the people.

Precious in your sight, O Lord *
is the death of your servants.

O Lord, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.

I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the name of the Lord.

2nd Lesson

1 Peter 1:17-23

A Reading from the first Letter of Peter

Since you call upon a Father who judges all people according to their actions without favoritism, you should conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your dwelling in a strange land. Live in this way, knowing that you were not liberated by perishable things like silver or gold from the empty lifestyle you inherited from your ancestors. Instead, you were liberated by the precious blood of Christ, like that of a flawless, spotless lamb. Christ was chosen before the creation of the world, but was only revealed at the end of time. This was done for you, who through Christ are faithful to the God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory. So now, your faith and hope should rest in God.

As you set yourselves apart by your obedience to the truth so that you might have genuine affection for your fellow believers, love each other deeply and earnestly. Do this because you have been given new birth—not from the type of seed that decays but from seed that doesn’t. This seed is God’s life- giving and enduring word.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The Holy Gospel Please rise in body or in spirit.

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 Luke 24:13-35

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. They were prevented from recognizing him.

He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast.
The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?”
He said to them, “What things?”
They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago. But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.”
Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets.
When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?”
They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread.

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. Mike Angell

Statement of Faith

Please rise in body or in spirit. This alternative statement of faith adapts traditional language from the Nicene and Apostle’s creeds alongside the Biblical story. It was composed by the Bishop of Missouri.

As children of God let us rise in body or in spirit and affirm our faith.

We believe in God, creator of heaven and earth.

We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of our sister Mary; Baptized by John the Baptist, filled with the Holy Spirit: to preach the kingdom of God to the poor, to heal the sick, to receive those who have been cast out, to revive Israel for the salvation of the nations, and to have mercy upon all people.

Jesus 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, he is seated at the right hand of God, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

We 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. Amen.

The Prayers of the People

The Leader and People pray responsively

Gracious God, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.

We pray for the Church in El Salvador; in the Diocese of Missouri we pray for the Diocesan Creation Care Ministry. 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 Michael, our presiding bishop, Deon our bishop and for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

We pray for our president, the members of Congress, the Supreme Court, our governor, and for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world.
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

We give you thanks for all the blessings of this life; especially for Joan Noelker, Alison Nash, Keaton Williams, Rebecca Rugen, celebrating birthdays this week and Butch and Karen Sterbenz, Matt and Mary Chapman, and Dan and Kelly Midden celebrating anniversaries this week. Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake; That our works may find favor in your sight.

We pray for the LGBTQ+ community facing discriminatory action from our Missouri government. 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. You are invited to add your own prayers, silently or aloud.

The presiding priest may offer an additional prayer.

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.

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:

O Sacrum Convivium by Sasha Johnson Manning

O sacred banquet!
in which Christ is received,
the memory of his Passion is renewed,
the mind is filled with grace,
Alleluia.

O sacrum convivium!
in quo Christus sumitur:
recolitur memoria passionis eius:
mens impletur gratia:
et futurae gloriae nobis pignus datur.
Alleluia.

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, remembers Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, and 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, 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, 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.

Communion Hymns

I Come to the Garden Alone Lift Every Voice and Sing #69

Now the Green Blade Riseth Hymnal 1982 # 204

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

Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.

Exit Hymn

Sing Ye Faithful Sing with Gladness Hymnal 1982 #492

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: The Rev. Mike Angell
Presider: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Assisting: Loretta Go, Seminarian
Crucifer:
Intercessor:
Reader:
Ushers:
Video Producer:

Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988 and WorshipCast License #13476