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: The King of Love My Shepherd Is The Hymnal 1982 #645

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 Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; 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.

1st Lesson Please be seated. Acts 2:42-47

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 23 All sing the refrain after the choir or cantor, where indicated.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; *

I shall not be in want.

2 You make me lie down in green pastures *

and lead me beside still waters.

3 You revive my soul *

and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.

4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, *

I shall fear no evil;

for you are with me; *

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You spread a table before me *

in the presence of those who trouble me;

you have anointed my head with oil, *

and my cup is running over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

2nd Lesson

1 Peter 2:19-25

A Reading from the first Letter of Peter

For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,”[b] but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

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 John 10:1-10

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

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

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 Episcopal Church of All Saints and Ascension in Northwoods. 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 Kellie McCoy, Cassandra Walsh and Lauren Williams, and all those celebrating birthdays this week and Lisa and Nick Kritselis and all those 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:

Soul of My Saviour by Richard Shephard

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

Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us The Hymnal 1982 #708

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need The Hymnal 1982 #664

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

Lead Me, Guide Me Lift Every Voice and Sing #194

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 & Celebrant: The Rev. Mike Angell
Assisting: Loretta Go
Crucifer: William Kelly
Chalice Bearer: Joe Adams
Reader: Michael Salsich
Intercessor: Loretta Go
Usher: Olivia Mensah
Video Producer: Markie Jo Crismon

Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988 and WorshipCast License #13476. Soul of My Savior by Richard Shephard is used with permission by St. James Music Press, license No. #14747.