10:30 Service August 20th, 2023: Twelfth 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: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven The Hymnal 1982 #410
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: God Welcomes All
Sung through 3-4 times
Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin,and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeemingwork, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Sonour Lord, 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 45:1-15
A Reading from the Book of Genesis
Joseph could no longer control himself in front of all his attendants, so he declared, “Everyone, leave now!” So no one stayed with him when he revealed his identity to his brothers. He wept so loudly that the Egyptians and Pharaoh’s household heard him. Joseph said to his brothers, “I’m Joseph! Is my father really still alive?” His brothers couldn’t respond because they were terrified before him.
Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me,” and they moved closer. He said, “I’m your brother Joseph! The one you sold to Egypt. Now, don’t be upset and don’t be angry with yourselves that you sold me here. Actually, God sent me before you to save lives. We’ve already had two years of famine in the land, and there are five years left without planting or harvesting. God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive and to rescue your lives in this amazing way. You didn’t send me here; it was God who made me a father to Pharaoh, master of his entire household, and ruler of the whole land of Egypt.“
Hurry! Go back to your father. Tell him this is what your son Joseph says: ‘God has made me master of all of Egypt. Come down to me. Don’t delay. You may live in the land of Goshen, so you will be near me, your children, your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and everyone with you. I will support you there, so you, your household, and everyone with you won’t starve, since the famine will still last five years.’ You and my brother Benjamin have seen with your own eyes that I’m speaking to you. Tell my father about my power in Egypt and about everything you’ve seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” He threw his arms around his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his shoulder. He kissed all of his brothers and wept, embracing them. After that, his brothers were finally able to talk to him.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 133
The Psalm is read in unison
1 Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *
when kindred live together in unity!
2 It is like fine oil upon the head that runs down upon the beard, *
upon the beard of Aaron, and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon that falls upon the hills of Zion. *
For there the Lord has ordained the blessing:
life for evermore.
2nd Lesson Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
A Reading from the letter of Paul to the church in Rome.
So I ask you, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! I’m an Israelite, a descendant ofAbraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God hasn’t rejected his people, whom he knew in advance. God’s gifts and calling can’t be taken back. Once you were disobedient to God, but now you have mercy because they were disobedient. In the same way, they have also been disobedient because oft he mercy that you received, so now they can receive mercy too. God has locked up all people in disobedience, in order to have mercy on all of them.
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 God Welcomes All.
The Gospel Matthew 15:10-28
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus called the crowd near and said to them, “Listen and understand. It’s not what goes into the mouth that contaminates a person in God’s sight. It’s what comes out of the mouth that contaminates the person.”
Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended by whatyou just said?”
Jesus replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be pulled up. Leave the Phariseesalone. They are blind people who are guides to blind people. But if a blind person leads another blind person, they will both fall into a ditch.”
Then Peter spoke up, “Explain this riddle to us.”
Jesus said, “Don’t you understand yet? Don’t you know that everything that goes into the mouth enters the stomach and goes out into the sewer? But what goes out of the mouth comes from theheart. And that’s what contaminates a person in God’s sight. Out of the heart come evil thoughts,murders, adultery, sexual sins, thefts, false testimonies, and insults. These contaminate a person inGod’s sight. But eating without washing hands doesn’t contaminate in God’s sight.”
From there, Jesus went to the regions of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from those territories came out and shouted, “Show me mercy, Son of David. My daughter is suffering terribly fromdemon possession.” But he didn’t respond to her at all. His disciples came and urged him, “Send her away; she keeps shouting out after us.”
Jesus replied, “I’ve been sent only to the lost sheep, the people of Israel.”
But she knelt before him and said, “Lord, help me.”
He replied, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and toss it to dogs.”
She said, “Yes, Lord. But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall off their masters’ table.”
Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith. It will be just as you wish.” And right then herdaughter was healed.
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.
Grace Gorski
Nicene Creed
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 we say together these words of our ancestors:
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Prayers of the People for Blessing of the Backpacks
The Leader and People pray responsively. Please point to the parts of your body the prayer refers to.
Loving God, with you every transition and new start is a reminder of your goodness, for you are always creating fresh , amazing things in us and through us. We pray for our minds, open our minds with a willingness to be changed in unexpected ways, and settle our thought loops in peaceful places.
Loving God, make our minds the mind of Christ.
We pray for our hands, bless our hands with patience and dedication.
Loving God, make our hands your instruments of love and inclusion.
We pray for our mouths, Help us use our mouths to honor the dignity and belovedness of all.
Loving God, give us the courage to speak out with words of love and connection.
We pray for our feet, Plant our feet next to those who feel alone, and left out.
Loving God, move us toward those different from us.
We pray for our eyes, that we may see ourselves and others with compassion.
Loving God, help us see with the eyes of the Holy Spirit within us.
We pray for our ears, that they will genuinely listen to all voices.
Loving God, help us listen with the ears of the Holy Spirit within us.
We also pray for parents, and caregivers, for teachers, staff and administrators.
Loving God, give them delight in the young ones and students before them.
For this school year ahead, may we always know you will hold us all the way through.
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 We Walk in Love Deanna Witkowski
Offertory Hymn
Come All You People
Please rise in body or in spirit and sing as the ushers bring forward our financial offering. We will sing one verse in Shona and one verse in English.
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.
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.
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. Blessed are you now and forever.
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
Spirit of the Living God Lift Every Voice and Sing #115
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
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy The Hymnal 1982#470
The Dismissal Our worship has ended, our service in the world continues.
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.
Postlude
Service Leaders:
Preacher: Grace Gorski
Presider: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Crucifer: William Kelly
Chalice Bearer: Donna Baudendistel
Reader: Olivia & Ava Mensah
Intercessor: Grace Gorski
Usher: Heidi Volkl
Video Producer: Markie Jo Crismon
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988; WorshipCast License #13476 ; and St. James Music Press, license No. #14747. Offertory Anthem “We Walk in Love” by Deanna Witkowski licensed for non-commercialdistribution through the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 International License.
