10:30 Service June 18, 2023: Third Sunday after Pentecost
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.
Pandemic Precautions Continue: Up-to-date vaccination is required for everyone eligible. Windows are open. In the spirit of protecting the most vulnerable members of the congregation, we ask that you attempt to distance, especially if asked. We ask that all members of the congregation respect others’ choices about masking. Please refrain from coming to church if you are sick or experiencing any new symptoms.
Communion: All are welcome to receive. When it comes time, please follow the directions of the ushers. Walk past the chalice bearer to return to your pew from the other side. 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.
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 devices are available from the welcome table. Just ask an usher.
Get Involved: If you begin by filling out a “Connect Card” by hitting “Next Steps” on the button on any page. You can also use the Connect Cards in the pews to update your information, request prayers, or to ask a question. Turn them in to the wooden offering box in the entryway.
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
A selection of music opens the service.
Welcome
If you are new to us, consider filling out our “get connected” form, let us get to know you better.
Opening Hymn: Father we Thank Thee Who Hast Planted The Hymnal 1982 #302
Opening Acclamation
Please rise in body or spirit
Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
And blessed be God’s reign, now and forever. Amen.
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: Over My Head Traditional. arr. John Bell
Sung through 3-4 times
Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and 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. Genesis 18:1-15
A Reading from the Book of Genesis
The Lord appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre while he sat at the entrance of his tent in the day’s heat. He looked up and suddenly saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran from his tent entrance to greet them and bowed deeply. He said, “Sirs, if you would be so kind, don’t just pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought so you may wash your feet and refresh yourselves under the tree. Let me offer you a little bread so you will feel stronger, and after that you may leave your servant and go on your way—since you have visited your servant.”
They responded, “Fine. Do just as you have said.”
So Abraham hurried to Sarah at his tent and said, “Hurry! Knead three seahs of the finest flour and make some baked goods!” Abraham ran to the cattle, took a healthy young calf, and gave it to a young servant, who prepared it quickly. Then Abraham took butter, milk, and the calf that had been prepared, put the food in front of them, and stood under the tree near them as they ate.
They said to him, “Where’s your wife Sarah?”
And he said, “Right here in the tent.”
Then one of the men said, “I will definitely return to you about this time next year. Then your wife Sarah will have a son!”
Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were both very old. Sarah was no longer menstruating. So Sarah laughed to herself, thinking, I’m no longer able to have children and my husband’s old.
The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Me give birth? At my age?’ Is anything too difficult for the Lord? When I return to you about this time next year, Sarah will have a son.”
Sarah lied and said, “I didn’t laugh,” because she was frightened.
But he said, “No, you laughed.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 116:1,10-17
The Psalm is read in unison
1 I love the Lord *
who has heard the voice of my supplication,
10 I believed, even when I said, *
”I have been brought very low.”
11 In my distress I said, *
”No one can be trusted.
12 How shall I repay you, O Lord, *
for all the good things you have done for me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon your name.
14 I will fulfil my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all the people.
15 Precious in your sight, O Lord *
is the death of your servants.
16 O Lord, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.
17 I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the name of the Lord.
2nd Lesson Romans 5:1-8
A Reading from the letter of Paul to the church in Rome.
Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his faithfulness, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand through him, and we boast in the hope of God’s glory. But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people. It isn’t often that someone will die for a righteous person, though maybe someone might dare to die for a good person. But God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Holy Gospel Please remain standing
Please rise, in body or in spirit. We sing the “Alleluia” to the tune of the Over My Head.
The Gospel Matthew 9:35-10:8
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus traveled among all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, announcing the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The size of the harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest.”
He called his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to throw them out and to heal every disease and every sickness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, who is called Peter; and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee; and John his brother; Philip; and Bartholomew; Thomas; and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean; and Judas, who betrayed Jesus.
Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, “Don’t go among the Gentiles or into a Samaritan city. Go instead to the lost sheep, the people of Israel. As you go, make this announcement: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons. You received without having to pay. Therefore, give without demanding payment.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The congregation is invited to sing the Alleluia after the Gospel reading.
Children’s Chapel Children are invited to make their way across the hall and into the lounge for Children’s Chapel. Children under the age of 4 will need their caregiver to attend with them. They will return to their families before communion.
The Sermon:
Please be seated, at the invitation of the preacher.
The Rev. Chester Hines
Statement of Faith
This alternative statement of faith adapts traditional language from the Nicene and Apostle’s creeds alongside the Biblical story. It was composed and authorized 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
God-in-community, you created humankind in your image and blessed us with the capacity to love. As we celebrate Pride Season, we thank you for the gift of diverse sexualities and gender identities, especially those of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer siblings, which reflect your multi-faceted likeness.
God of power, send your Spirit to lead your Church. We repent of the harm done to our LGBTQ+ siblings, and recommit ourselves to making your church a place of refuge and fulfillment for all people. We pray for bishops, clergy, and all those who minister in your name.
We have returned from a place beyond hope;
We have returned from wastelands of despair;
We have come to reclaim our heritage;
We have come to redeem our honor.
God of wisdom, we ask your guidance for all who bear the authority of government throughout the world, through our companion relationship with Cristosal for government in El Salvador, this nation, and our neighborhoods. Inspire us to create communities of justice and inclusion.
I seek no conquest, no wealth, no power, no revenge.
God who, in Jesus, came among us as one who heals, we ask you to bring reconciliation and healing wherever there is division, sickness, and sorrow.
I have been enslaved, yet my spirit is unbound.
God of creation, we thank you for the gifts of gender and sexuality. We pray for all who live under the threat of violence, oppression, and intimidation from their families, neighbors, or the state. Open our hearts and our minds to your creative brilliance and help us to transgress the boundaries that prevent us from honoring your goodness in one another.
I have been cast aside, but I sparkle in the darkness.
God of harmony, we thank you for the gift of this community in all its diversity. We give you thanks for Earl Bonds and Barbara Shaw celebrating birthdays this week. Inspire our congregation to continue the work you have called us to do to repent the sins of the past, to repair their effects in the present, and to recognize the intersections of identity which are used to empower or oppress. Equip us to practice love, equity, and justice.
I seek only discovery of the illimitable heights and depths of my own being.
God of life, we pray for all who have died, especially those who dared to envision a world of radical inclusion, and who worked actively to dismantle racism, sexism, and heteronormativity, that in the glorious company of the saints they may find rest eternal.
I have been slain but live on in the rivers of history.
Presider: O God, you created us in your image and blessed us with the capacity to love. Accept the prayers of your people. Teach us to fully and radically love all your children as their true and whole selves and lead us with courage to continually advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, just as your Holy Spirit advocates for us. In the name of Jesus, your beloved, we pray. Amen.
Confession and Absolution
The confession, from "Enriching our Worship" asks us to think about the structures of injustice in which we participate: "the vil done on our behalf. The presider pronounces absolution, that sins are forgiven.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.
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 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 Anthem Great is Thy Faithfulness Lift Every Voice and Sing #189
Offertory Hymn
I’m Gonna Sing when the Spirit Says Sing
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 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’s work and revelation in creation.
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
The presider 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, 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
My God Thy Table Now is Spread The Hymnal 1982 #321
Amazing Grace Lift Every Voice and Sing #181
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.
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
All People that on Earth Do Dwell The Hymnal 1982 #377
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. Chester Hines
Celebrant: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Loretta Go
Crucifer: William Kelly
Chalice Bearer: Joe Adams
Reader: Jack Kelly, Barbara Robinson
Intercessor: Alisa Williams
Usher: Jean Parker
Singer: Brittany Moleski
Video Producer: John Kelly
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988; WorshipCast License #13476 ; and St. James Music Press, license No. #14747.
Liturgical Changes During June
We are marking LGBTQ+ Pride Month The prayers of the people are adapted from prayers written for Trinity Wallstreet in New York. Many of the responses, and the final blessing are adapted from the poetry of the Episcopal Saint, Pauli Murray. Pauli was a member of the LGBTQ+ community and the first Black woman ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. In recent years, following Pauli’s own writings, Pauli has also often been considered a member of the gender-expansive community.
Rainbow Lights on the High Altar For a number of years we have been lighting the high altar with rainbow lights for Pride.
June 25: Primary worship at Pride On the last Sunday of June, we won’t hold a 10:30am service at the church. Instead we encourage you to join us at 10:00am at the mainstage of the Pridefest downtown for an interfaith service.
