Baptism & 2nd Sunday of Easter, April 27
Holy Baptism
Prelude (10:30 Service)
Welcome
Processional Hymn (10:30 Service)
Opening Acclamation Please rise in body or spirit
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
The Celebrant then continues
Celebrant There is one Body and one Spirit;
People There is one hope in God's call to us;
Celebrant One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People One God and Father of all.
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
The Collect of the Day SEE INSERT
Liturgy of the Word
The first part of the service is the Liturgy of the Word, in which we read and respond to appointed lessons from Scripture. 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, or “lectionary,” shared by Christians around the world.
The Lessons SEE INSERT
The people sit. One or two Lessons, a Psalm, and a Gospel reading, as appointed, are read.
After each Reading, the Reader may say
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Gospel Processional Hymn (10:30 Service)
The Holy Gospel SEE INSERT
Please rise in body or spirit.
Before the Gospel Reading
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to ______.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel Reading
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
A moment of silence is observed, following the sermon.
Presentation and Examination of the Candidates
Celebrant The Candidate(s) for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Adults and Older Children
The candidates who are able to answer for themselves are presented
individually by their Sponsors, as follows
Sponsor I present N. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
The Celebrant asks each candidate when presented
Celebrant Do you desire to be baptized?
Candidate I do.
Infants and Younger Children
Then the candidates who are unable to answer for themselves are presented
individually by their Parents and Godparents, as follows
Parents and Godparents I present N. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
When all have been presented the Celebrant asks the parents and godparents
Celebrant 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.
Celebrant 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 Celebrant asks the following questions of the candidates who can speak for themselves, and of the parents and godparents who speak on behalf of the infants and younger children
Celebrant Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces
of wickedness that rebel against God?
Parents and Godparents I renounce them.
Celebrant Do you renounce the evil powers of this world
which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Parents and Godparents I renounce them.
Celebrant Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you
from the love of God?
Parents and Godparents I renounce them.
Celebrant Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your
Savior?
Parents and Godparents I do.
Celebrant Do you put your whole trust in Christ’s grace and love?
Parents and Godparents I do.
Celebrant Do you promise to follow and obey Christ as your Lord?
Parents and Godparents I do.
After all have been presented, the Celebrant addresses the congregation, saying
Celebrant Will you who witness these vows do all in your
power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
People We will.
The Celebrant then says these or similar words
Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ
and renew our own baptismal covenant.
The Baptismal Covenant
Celebrant As we gather at the waters of life, we renew our commitment to follow Jesus as our Savior and promise to love God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves.
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant 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.
Celebrant 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.
Celebrant With God's help,
People I will continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
Celebrant With God's help,
People I will persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever I fall into sin, repent and return to Christ.
Celebrant With God's help,
People I will proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.
Celebrant With God's help,
People I will seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving my neighbor as myself.
Celebrant With God's help,
People I will strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.
Prayers for the Candidates
Celebrant Let us now pray for those who are to receive the Sacrament of new birth.
A Person appointed leads the following petitions
Leader Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Send them into the world in witness to your love.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant says
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 forever. Amen.
Procession to the Front
Thanksgiving Over the Water
The Celebrant blesses the water, first saying
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant 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 Christ in faith, baptizing them in
the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the Celebrant 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 Christ, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and
glory, now and forever. Amen.
The Baptism
N., I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When this action has been completed for all candidates, the Bishop or Priest, at a place in full sight of the congregation, prays over them, saying
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of
grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, 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.
Then the Bishop or Priest places a hand on the person's head, marking on the forehead the sign of the cross [using Chrism if desired] and saying to each one
N., you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own forever. Amen.
Then the Priest or Deacon lights a candle from the paschal candle and says to each one.
N., let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven. Amen.
When all have been baptized, the Celebrant says
Celebrant Let us welcome the newly baptized.
Celebrant and People
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith
of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with
us in Christ’s eternal priesthood.
The Peace
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Celebrant Sisters and Brothers, Siblings in Christ, may the peace of Christ be always with you.
People And also with you.
We greet one another with a sign of God’s peace.
Welcome and Announcements
Please be seated for a few brief announcements. On the third Sunday of the month, we remember birthdays for the month, and invite those celebrating birthdays to come forward, as one of the clergy offers prayers and blessings.
Prayer for a Birthday
Watch over thy child, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Offertory Sentence
Celebrant Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High.
Psalm 50:14
Offertory Anthem
At the 10:30 service, a musical offering is presented by the choir or soloist.
Offertory Hymn SEE INSERT
At the 10:30 service, please rise in body or in spirit and sing as the ushers bring forward our offerings.
The Liturgy of the Table
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 done since earliest times. At Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, all are welcome at the Communion Table.
The Eucharistic Prayer
Celebrant God be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give God thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because in Jesus Christ our Lord you have received us as your sons and daughters, made us citizens of your kingdom, and given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.
Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and
Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever
sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Celebrant and People
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The people stand or kneel.
Then the Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious God: In your infinite love you made us
for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become
subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus
Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human
nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the
God and maker of all.
Jesus stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself
in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole
world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our
Savior Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks
to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take,
eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the
remembrance of me.”
After supper Jesus took the cup of wine; and when he had given
thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you:
This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you
and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink
it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, Almighty God, in
this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Christ’s death,
resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the
Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new
and unending life in Christ. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully
receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy,
and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints
into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Savior. By Christ, and
with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor
and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and for ever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, and in the language of our heart, we pray:
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
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
The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
People Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Communion Hymns SEE INSERT
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of communion hymns
Post Communion Prayer
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Celebrant Together, let us pray
Celebrant and People
Almighty and ever-living God,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, Father, send us out
to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you
as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
The Blessing
Recessional Hymn SEE INSERT
Dismissal
Deacon Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!
People Thanks be to God!
Postlude (10:30 Service)
✠
Parish Staff
The Rev. C. Earl Mahan, Interim Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303 text 314-996-9814
The Rev. Julie Graham, Associate Rector
call 314-721-7401 x302 text 314-886-7594
The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon
call 314-367-7332
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
call 314-721-7401 x301
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
Earl Naylor, Organist
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
Liturgical Source Material: The 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Enriching Our Worship, The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988, WorshipCast License #13476, and St. James Music Press License #14747
INSERT
The Second Sunday of Easter, April 27
The Baptism of Jeremiah Houry
Prelude: Alleluia (based on H203) by Theodore Dubois
Processional Hymn: Alleluia! O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing H203
Offertory Anthem: O Praise God in His Holiness by Ian Higginson
Baptismal Hymn: Hold You in Our Circle by Emily Roblyn
Communion Hymns: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light H490
Let Us Break Bread Together L152
Recessional Hymn: Siyahamba/We are Marching
Postlude: Toccata by Theodore Dubois
The Collect
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.
Acts 5:27-32
When the temple police had brought the apostles, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him."
Psalm 118: 22-29
22 The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing, *
and it is marvellous in our eyes. REFRAIN
24 On this day the Lord has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *
Lord, send us now success. REFRAIN
26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord; *
we bless you from the house of the Lord.
27 God is the Lord and has shined upon us; *
form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar. REFRAIN
28 ”You are my God, and I will thank you; *
you are my God, and I will exalt you.”
29 Give thanks to the Lord who is good; *
the mercy of the Lord endures for ever. REFRAIN
Second Lesson: Revelation 1:4-8
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
The Gospel: John 20:19-31
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Recessional Hymn: Siyahamba/We are Marching
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net
Service Times & Godly Play Returns: Holy Communion Worship services have returned to 8:00 am Spoken Eucharist & 10:30 am Choral Eucharist on Sundays. Godly Play returns TODAY, April 27 – May 18.
Adult Forum - Prisoner Visitation and Support Program: Today, Denise Carpenter will speak about the Prisoner Visitation and Support Program, at 9 am in Mitchell Hall. PVS provides social visits to people incarcerated in federal and military prisons throughout the United States. Join us to learn more about the program and how to participate in this needed ministry! Visit www.prisonervisitation.org to learn more.
Baptism & Birthday Sunday: Today, Jeremiah Houry (parents, Erin & Jordan Houry) will be Baptized at the 10:30 service. Come and join in support of the Houry family, as we welcome baby Jeremiah into the loving arms of Jesus Christ! April birthdays will also receive a birthday blessing at this service.
Stewardship Talk: Today, Bob Lewis will speak briefly about planned giving, during the 10:30 service. Planned giving encompasses a variety of ways that gifts can be made to the church from accumulated resources – find out about the ways you can help and more!
Chamaecrista Quartet Concert: TODAY, at 2:30 pm, all are invited to attend a free concert, by the Chamaecrista Quartet at Holy Communion! They will be playing Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96. Formed in January 2025 through a UCity neighborhood connection, the Chamaecrista Quartet features Isabella Vergara (cello), Gavin Felker (viola), Grace Davis (violin), and Rachel Penczykowski (violin).
Men’s Prayer Group: Men’s Prayer group meets every first Saturday of the month. Join us Saturday, May 3, at 9 am in Mitchell Hall. All are welcome!
Hot Breakfast Volunteers: Volunteer to help prep and serve Hot Breakfast on Sunday, May 4! Breakfast is served during Adult Forum in Mitchell Hall at 9 am Email Rev. Chester Hines to help at chinesj@charter.net.
Pick-up Choir: Feel like singing Alleluia? Join Pick-up Choir on Sunday, May 4! Meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 to review music for 10:30 worship. Email Music Director Mary to sign up/inquire: mchapman@holycommunion.net
Rite 13 Ceremony: Save the Date! On Sunday, May 18, we will celebrate a Rite 13 Ceremony at the 10:30 service. We will pray and bless our celebrity, Luca Barbato, as he embraces his adult journey of faith.
Hiring Sensory Room Staff: HoCo's Sensory Room Ministry is looking to complete the staff! We are actively looking to hire a second staff person for two Sundays per month. Childcare experience required.
Until we find a new hire . . . We are seeking an adult member to volunteer! This volunteer would assist our staff person in the Sensory Room two Sundays per month. Please help us begin our case study to use this room - We can’t begin without a second adult! All training would be provided. Please contact Darcy at office@holycommunion.net or Rev. Julie at jgraham@holycommunion.net for more info, or to apply.
Servers
Preacher: The Reverend Julie Graham
Celebrant: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Organist: Earl Naylor
Readers: Lisa Hummel (8), Pam Elliot, Alisa Williams (10:30)
Intercessor: Alison Nash (8), Barbara Robinson (10:30)
Announcements: Rudy Walz (10:30)
Greeters: Mark Willingham (8), Hal Parker, Carol Schmidt (10:30)
Crucifer: William Kelly
Torch Bearers: Denise Atimango Abwola, Sherifa Olivia Bethune
Chalice Bearers: Karen Payne (8), Kari Potts, Andrew Wasson (10:30)
Streamer: Lucas Kerbs
