The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, Feb 16

Preparing to Worship

 

Cover Image:

 

“Remix Glitch Transfiguration” by Kelly Latimore

 

 

A Poem for Epiphany:

        

“How the Light Comes” by Jan Richardson

 


I cannot tell you

how the light comes.

What I know

is that it is more ancient

than imagining.

That it travels

across an astounding expanse

to reach us.

That it loves

searching out

what is hidden,

what is lost,

what is forgotten

or in peril

or in pain.

That it has a fondness

for the body,

for finding its way

toward flesh,

for tracing the edges

of form,

for shining forth

through the eye,

the hand,

the heart.

I cannot tell you

how the light comes,

but that it does.

That it will.

That it works its way

into the deepest dark

that enfolds you,

though it may seem

long ages in coming

or arrive in a shape

you did not foresee.

 

And so

may we this day

turn ourselves toward it.

May we lift our faces

to let it find us.

May we bend our bodies

to follow the arc it makes.

May we open

and open more

and open still

to the blessed light

that comes.

 


               

 

A Prayer in a Season of Discernment

 

Today, O God of all days, give us an experience of your heart.  Draw us deep into your very being, into the core of your love for us, others, and the world.  Give us a glimpse of others the way you see others:  loving them, forgiving them, and delighting in the way they give glory to God through their very existence.  Help us to discern out of that open place of deep affection so that we too might be useful vessels of your love in the world.  Amen.

 

Prelude (10:30 Service)

                                                                                

Welcome

 

Processional Hymn (10:30 Service)                                                                 SEE INSERT

 

Opening Acclamation      

 

Please rise in body or spirit

 

Celebrant      Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.

People           Glory to God for ever and ever.

 

Celebrant      Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from your 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                                                                                         Arise Shine               

 

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 Collect of the Day                                                                              SEE INSERT

 

Celebrant      God be with you.

People         And also with you.

 

Celebrant      Let us pray.

 

The Lessons

 

First Lesson                                                                                            SEE INSERT

 

Reader           The Word of the Lord

People           Thanks be to God.

The Psalm (spoken responsively by whole verse)                                                           SEE INSERT

 

Second Lesson                                                                                        SEE INSERT 

Reader          The Word of the Lord

People           Thanks be to God

 

Gospel Processional Hymn (10:30 Service)                                  Angels We have Heard on High                     

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.

                                                                  

Nicene Creed (spoken in unison)

 

Celebrant      Let us affirm our faith in God.

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

 

Deacon          Let us pray for the Church and for the world.

Leader            Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Silence

                        Lord, in your mercy
People           Hear our prayer.

Leader         Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.

Silence

Leader            Lord, in your mercy
People           Hear our prayer.

Leader         Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.

Silence

Leader            Lord, in your mercy
People           Hear our prayer.

Leader         Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.

Silence

Leader            Lord, in your mercy
People           Hear our prayer.

Leader         Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, remembering especially __________________.  The congregation may add their own petitions, silently or aloud.

Give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.

Silence

Leader            Lord, in your mercy
People           Hear our prayer.

Leader         We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.

Silence

Leader            Lord, in your mercy
People           Hear our prayer.

The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

The Peace 

 

Please rise in body or in spirit.

 

Celebrant      Sisters and Brothers, 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 first 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.

 

 

Offertory Sentence

 

Celebrant                 

           

Offertory Anthem         

                                                              

At the 10:30 service, a musical offering is presented by the choir or soloist.

 

 

Offertory Hymn                                                                              I Come with Joy

                                     

 

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 then to the Lord.

 

Celebrant      Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People           It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 

The Celebrant continues

 

It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks,

all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy. 

Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Therefore, joining with Angels and Archangels

and with the faithful of every generation,

we lift our voices with all creation as we sing (say):

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 Celebrant continues

 

Blessed are you, gracious God,

creator of the universe and giver of life.

You formed us in your own image

and called us to dwell in your infinite love.

You gave the world into our care

that we might be your faithful stewards and show forth your bountiful grace.

But we failed to honor your image

in one another and in ourselves;

we would not see your goodness in the world around us;

and so we violated your creation,

abused one another,

and rejected your love.

 

Yet you never ceased to care for us,

and prepared the way of salvation for all people.

Through Abraham and Sarah

you called us into covenant with you.

You delivered us from slavery,

sustained us in the wilderness,

and raised up prophets

to renew your promise of salvation.

Then, in the fullness of time,

you sent your eternal Word,

made mortal flesh in Jesus.

Born into the human family,

and dwelling among us,

he revealed your glory.

Giving himself freely to death on the cross, he triumphed over evil,

opening the way of freedom and life.


On the night before he died for us,

Our Savior Jesus Christ took bread,

and when he had given thanks to you,

he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said: “Take, eat:

This is my Body which is given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

As supper was ending, 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 poured out for you and for all 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

 

Remembering his death and resurrection,

we now present to you from your creation

this bread and this wine.

By your Holy Spirit may they be for us

the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that we who share these gifts

may be filled with the Holy Spirit

and live as Christ’s Body in the world.

Bring us into the everlasting heritage

of your daughters and sons,

that with [ ___________ and] all your saints, past, present, and yet to come,

we may praise your Name for ever.

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

to you be honor, glory, and praise,

for ever and 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 everliving 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 for ever. Amen.

                       

Sending of Lay Eucharistic Visitors

At various times, Lay Eucharistic Visitors take the consecrated bread and wine to those who cannot

physically be present for worship.  When we do so, the following prayer may be offered:

 

Deacon          We send you forth, bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with                         us in the Body and Blood of Christ our Savior.

People         We who are many are one body, because we all share one bread, one cup.

 

The Blessing

 

Celebrant                              May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in you, that your

                                                lives may be a light to the world; and the blessing of God

                                                Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among

                                                you, and remain with you always. Amen.

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

emahan@holycommunion.net

The Rev. Julie Graham, Associate Rector

call 314-721-7401 x302 text 314-886-7594

jgraham@holycommunion.net

 

The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon

call 314-367-7332

chinesj@charter.net

 

Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator

call 314-721-7401 x301

office@holycommunion.net

Mary Chapman, Director of Music

mchapman@holycommunion.net

Jim Kern, Financial Administrator

jkern@holycommunion.net

 

 

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 for The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, February 16

 

Prelude: We Now Implore the Holy Ghost by Dietrich Buxtehude   

Processional Hymn: Blessed Jesus, at Thy word                                                                    H440

Offertory Anthem: We Shall Walk Thru the Valley by Undine Moore Smith

Communion Hymns: Soon and Very Soon                                                                              L14

I Walk Through the Garden Alone                                                          L69

Recessional Hymn: Leaning on Everlasting Arms                                                                  L196

Postlude: Gigue Fugue by Dietrich Buxtehude 

 

The Collect  

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson: Jeremiah 17:5-10

Thus says the Lord:

Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals
and make mere flesh their strength,
whose hearts turn away from the Lord.

They shall be like a shrub in the desert,
and shall not see when relief comes.

They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness,
in an uninhabited salt land.

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.

They shall be like a tree planted by water,
sending out its roots by the stream.

It shall not fear when heat comes,
and its leaves shall stay green;

in the year of drought it is not anxious,
and it does not cease to bear fruit.

The heart is devious above all else;
it is perverse--
who can understand it?

I the Lord test the mind
and search the heart,

to give to all according to their ways,
according to the fruit of their doings.

Psalm 1

1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, *
nor lingered in the way of sinners,
nor sat in the seats of the scornful!

2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord, *
and they meditate on his law day and night.

3 They are like trees planted by streams of water,
bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *
everything they do shall prosper.

4 It is not so with the wicked; *
they are like chaff which the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, *
nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, *
but the way of the wicked is doomed.

Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ--whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.

The Gospel: Luke 6:17-26

Jesus came down with the twelve apostles and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.

Then he looked up at his disciples and said:

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.

“Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.

“Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.

“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets."

"But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.

"Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry.

"Woe to you who are laughing now,
for you will mourn and weep.

"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets."

 

Announcements

More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info

Acolyte Training TODAY: Acolyte training will take place Immediately following the today’s service, for anyone interested, curious or feeling you want to do more in worship. You are needed to be an acolyte on Sunday Mornings! Come learn what an acolyte does and how this role makes our worship vibrant and beautiful! All ages welcome! Please sign up with Rev. Julie at jgraham@holycommunion.net.

Third Week Outreach! Sign-up for Laundry Love on our website for this Tuesday, Feb 18 under the “Outreach” tab! Contact Julie Farrar for more information jfarrar57@gmail.com.

Black History St. Louis at Adult Forum: On Sunday, February 23, 2025 the you are invited to Adult Forum for an overview of Black History in St. Louis. This program will focus on portions St. Louis’ Black history. Sketches of St. Louis historical content on slavery and immigration will be presented and discussed as well as the abolishment of slavery and the existing problems after slavery including the continuing problematic issues faced by our community today. This program will be presented by Elizabeth Hines at 9 a.m. in Mitchell Hall.

Pádraig Ó Tuama Writing Workshop: On Saturday, March 1, from 6-8 p.m., attend a community potluck hosted by our partner parish, St. Stephen's & the Vine Ferguson. Join for an evening with Pádraig Ó Tuama, celebrated Irish poet & theologian, renowned for his podcast Poetry Unbound with On Being. This event is hosted by the young people of the Called Leadership Program in partnership with St. Stephen's & the Vine Church and proudly sponsored by the Diocesan Children + Youth Ministries office. Bring a dish to share, your creativity, & an open heart as we gather at the start of Lent to explore the beauty of words and the connections they inspire. Free event & families/all ages welcome. Let Rev. Julie know if you want to carpool/sign up here online: https://diocesemo.org/connect/news/padraig-o-tuama

Women’s Panel: To celebrate Women’s History Month, we will highlight 4 congregants with experience in female leadership roles for Adult Forum on Sunday, March 2. Enjoy fellowship, Coffee Hour, and sharing from Alison Nash, Heidi Volkl, Gloria Grenwald, and Fran Caradonna.

Pick-Up Choir - First Sunday of Each Month: Join Pick-Up Choir every first Sunday of the month! Please meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 before the service to review music for that day. No experience needed to participate! Contact Music Director, Mary Chapman for more info at mchapman@holycommunion.net.


Servers

Preacher: The Reverend Julie Graham

Celebrant: The Reverend Earl Mahan

Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines

Organist: Earl Naylor

Readers: Adam Pearson (8), Luca Barbato, Denise Carpenter (10:30)

Intercessor: Alison Nash (8), Andrew Wasson (10:30)

Announcements: Volunteer (8), Rebecca Comas (10:30)

Greeters: Michael Salsich (8), Susan Norris, Fran Caradonna (10:30)

Crucifer: William Kelly

Torch Bearers: Ilona Potter, Luca Barbato

Chalice Bearers: Elizabeth Hines (8), Kari Potts (10:30)

Streamer: Tyler Schwartz

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The Seventh Sunday after Epiphany, Feb 23

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Baptism & 5th Sunday after Epiphany, February 9