The Third Sunday of Lent, Mar. 23 at 9:30 a.m.
The Way of Love in Lent
9:30 Service
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.
Get Involved: If you fill out a “Let’s Get Connected Card” found in your pew, or at the Welcome Table by the door where you came into the church, we’d be glad to keep you up to date with all that’s happening at Holy Communion. Or, simply scan the QR code below to visit holycommunion.net where you can share your contact information, find a worship bulletin, read the latest news, and more.
Communion: “These are the gifts of God for the people of God.” At Church of the Holy Communion, we believe that it is Christ himself who invites us to meet him in the bread and the cup. Though it is known by many names - Communion, Mass, Holy Eucharist, The Lord’s Supper, the Sacrament of the Altar - it is the means by which Christ’s real presence abides with us by faith. Therefore, all are welcome to receive. When it comes time for Communion, please follow the directions of the Greeters. The bread is offered to all, with gluten free wafers available, upon request, from the minister. If you would like to receive the wine, you may either drink from the cup, or intinct (dip) the wafer in the wine. Likewise, it is acceptable to receive only the bread, if for personal or health reasons you prefer to not consume wine. Those not receiving Communion, may also come forward. Indicate to the minister that you do not wish to receive Communion by simply crossing your arms across your chest, and the minister will offer a prayer for God’s blessing in your life.
Kids are expected! Kids are expected to act their age and encouraged to fully participate in worship as themselves. The Pray Ground (the carpeted area in the front, near the chapel) is open and Worship Wonder Bags for The Way of Love are encouraged to be used for engaging in the worship. Kids are also welcome to help the greeters with the offering plates.
Accessibility: “Priority Seating” is provided for caretakers of those with mobility needs. Our entrances have auto-open buttons, and our elevator is ADA compliant. Both the downstairs restrooms and one of the upstairs restrooms are accessible.
Hearing Assistance: Hearing assistance devices are available from the welcome table. If you have any questions, just ask a Greeter.
Donations: We welcome donations to support the mission and ministry of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion. Monetary donations can be placed in the offering plate that will be passed during the service, put in the wooden offering box found at the Welcome Table, by scanning the QR code below, or by electronic donations set up through your bank or on the church website, holycommunion.net
Thank you!
What is the Way of Love?
The Way of Love is a way of life. More than a program or curriculum, it is a return to the ancient pathways and Rules of Life that followers of Jesus have observed for centuries. They knew the power of commitment to a core set of practices – Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest – and the power of gathering in community where you find love and support for living into these commitments. If we hope to not only worship Jesus but to grow more like him and bear his redeeming love in the world, we can adopt a rule of life like the Way of Love and find a community with which to practice it.
What is a Rule of Life? How Do I Begin?
A Rule of Life is an intentional commitment to a set of practices that provide guidance, rhythm and inspiration for living a beautiful, meaningful and holy life. As we place these practices at the heart of our daily lives and join with companions who share the commitment, we grow more and more in the unselfish, hope-filled Way of Love that Jesus embodied in the world.
Exploring and Living the Practices
We invite you to take time exploring these practices for living a Jesus-centered life. Sit with the words from scripture and from the Book of Common Prayer, pray over the practice, reflect and discern where God is calling you. And remember: no one follows Jesus all alone. The ideal way to live the Way of Love is in a community of love, support and accountability.
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Hymn SEE INSERT
Word of God
The first part of the service is the Liturgy of the Word, in which we read and respond to appointed lessons from Scripture, “the word of God.” This phrase can indicate the effective and creative verbal expression of God's power; or the Holy Scriptures that were written by human authors under God's inspiration; or Jesus Christ, the Logos, the eternal Son of God, the Word made flesh (Jn 1:1-14). God still speaks to us through the Bible. We hear the stories of the experience of God from our spiritual ancestors.
Confession of Sin
The Deacon or Celebrant says
Let us confess our sins to God.
A moment of silence is kept.
Minister and People
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.
Absolution
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins
through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
Amen.
Opening Acclamation
Celebrant Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.
People God’s mercy endures forever.
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
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
(The congregation sings the refrain) SEE INSERT
Gospel Processional Hymn
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.
Children’s Message
Sermon
A moment of silence is observed, following the sermon.
Prayers of the People
Deacon Creator God, by the mercies of your son, our Lord, Jesus, compel us to TURN our hearts to his Way of Love. That we might follow Jesus together as your faithful people, we pause, listen, and respond in prayer, saying: Jesus, guide us in your way.
Leader Son of God, you responded to your Father in PRAYER and pleaded that we might all be one. Guide the leaders and faithful citizens of this nation to respond to God and to one another in compassion — in thought and deed, with or without words — that the people might live in unity and peace. We pray together,
People Jesus, guide us in your way.
Leader Jesus, your life, death, resurrection, and ascension inspire the church to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship. Guide your people to LEARN your Word, that we might see God’s story unfolding in our midst. We pray together,
People Jesus, guide us in your way.
Leader Lord, you came not to be served but to serve. Empower us to BLESS one another and our neighbors this city, that your spirit of generosity, compassion, and selfless action transform us and the people in our midst. We pray together,
People Jesus, guide us in your way.
Leader Lamb of God, in your death you destroyed death and taught us the way to eternal life. Compel us to daily die to self and REST in your grace. May all who have died, [especially N., N.], rest in peace and rise in glory. We pray together,
People Jesus, guide us in your way.
Leader Light of the World, you taught us to WORSHIP in spirit and in truth. Lead us to join with others to acknowledge the holiness of God, that the whole world might be united in the truth of your love. We pray together,
People Jesus, guide us in your way.
Leader Savior, you came into our midst that we might know life. Embolden us to GO among those who are weary, burdened, sick, or imprisoned, especially those we now name silently or aloud, that we might live like you, crossing the boundaries that divide rich from poor, sick from well, and sinner from saint. We pray together,
People Jesus, guide us in your way.
The Celebrant offers this concluding collect:
Lord Jesus Christ, who gave your life for the life of all, we commit our lives to
following you. Continually guide us in your way and draw us in, that we might live
as your Beloved Community in this age and in age to come;
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
All Amen.
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 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.
Offertory Sentence
Celebrant Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:12)
Offertory Anthem
Offertory
Please rise in body or in spirit and sing as the greeters bring forward our offerings.
Holy Communion
The focus of the service now moves to the table, or altar. The term eucharist means “thanksgiving.” At the Last Supper, a sacred meal with his disciples, Jesus shared the bread and cup of wine, identifying them with his body and blood. Christ’s sacrifice is made present by the eucharist, and in it we are united to his one self-offering. Christ's body and blood are really present in the sacrament of the eucharist and received by faith. Christ's presence is also known in the gathered eucharistic community. At Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, all the faithful are welcome at the Communion Table.
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.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and
everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of
heaven and earth.
You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare
with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in
works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments,
they may come to the fullness of grace which you have
prepared for those who love you.
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
The people stand or kneel in body or spirit.
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.
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
Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
People Therefore, let us keep the feast.
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for us, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
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
All 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.
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.
Covenant and Blessing
Leader Jesus’ way is the way of love. In him we find more love, freedom, and abundant life. You are invited to turn toward Jesus and to commit to follow his Way of Love in the context of Christian community, trusting in his power to change each of our lives and to change this world. Will you turn and center your life on Jesus, falling in love with our Lord again and again and again?
People By the Spirit’s power, we will.
Leader Will you ground your life in the life and teachings of Jesus, as revealed in scripture? And will you pray and simply listen for God’s voice in your life and in the world?
People By the Spirit’s power, we will.
Leader Will you gather together in worship, to break bread and to thank and praise God? And will you bless this world with your story, your resources, and your labor?
People By the Spirit’s power, we will.
Leader Will you cross boundaries and fearlessly become God’s Beloved Community? And will you take rest, receiving God’s gift of grace and restoration?
People By the Spirit’s power, we will.
Leader May the God who formed all things in Love, draw yo near to God’s own heart, empower you by the power of the Holy Spirit to live the Way of Love with fellow travelers, and send you to participate in the resurrection and healing of God’s world.
And may the blessing of God - loving, liberating, and life-giving - be with us and remain with us forever and ever.
All Amen.
Recessional Hymn SEE INSERT
Dismissal
Deacon Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!
People Thanks be to God!
✠
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
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
Earl Naylor, Organist
organist@holycommunion.net
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
Vestry
Fran Caradonna, Senior Warden
Kellie McCoy, Treasurer
Joe Donahue, Junior Warden
Pat Redington, Secretary
Rudy Walz
Gloria Grenwald
Heidi Volkl
Tim Anderson
Andrew Wasson
Liturgical Source Material:
The 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Enriching Our Worship, The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version, The Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Life (The Episcopal Church)
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988, WorshipCast License #13476, and St. James Music Press License #14747
INSERT:
The Third Sunday of Lent, March 23
The Way of Love in Lent: LEARN
Prelude: Antiphon III by Marcel Dupre
Opening Hymn: Eternal Lord of Love H149
Psalm: Psalm 63: 1-8
Offertory Anthem: Prelude Suite No. 2 in D-minor by J.S. Bach
Communion Hymns: Lord God, You Love Us; Bless the Lord Taizé
Recessional Hymn: Lord, Throughout These Forty Days H142
The Collect
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6
Does not wisdom call,
and does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights, beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
‘To you, O people, I call,
and my cry is to all that live.
O simple ones, learn prudence;
acquire intelligence, you who lack it.
Hear, for I will speak noble things,
and from my lips will come what is right;
for my mouth will utter truth;
wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
endowing with wealth those who love me,
and filling their treasuries.
‘You that are simple, turn in here!’
To those without sense she says,
‘Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
Lay aside immaturity, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.’
Psalm 63: 1-8
The congregation sings the REFRAIN:
O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you, *
my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you,
as in a barren and dry land where there is no water.
Therefore, I have gazed upon you in your holy place, *
that I might behold your power and your glory. REFRAIN
For your loving-kindness is better than life itself; *
my lips shall give you praise.
So will I bless you as long as I live *
and lift up my hands in your Name. REFRAIN
My soul is content, as with marrow and fatness, *
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips,
When I remember you upon my bed, *
and meditate on you in the night watches. REFRAIN
For you have been my helper, *
and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
My soul clings to you; *
your right hand holds me fast. REFRAIN
The Gospel: Luke 13:1-9
At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them--do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."
Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"
Communion Hymns
Lord God, You Love Us Taizé
Bless the Lord Taizé
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info
Lent Schedule: Now through Palm Sunday, April 13, Holy Communion continues with one worship service and one learning program. Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. with learning immediately following in Mitchell Hall.
March 23: Session 3 - LEARN Wisdom and Live (Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6). As wisdom says: “My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.” This session will take a careful look at the gift of wisdom through the practice of reading Scripture. Participants will leave with a model for “holy reading.”
Financial Peace University Class: Coming soon! FPU is a nine-week class that teaches you step by step how to master budgeting, attack debt, save for emergencies, and take control of your finances. Teens & households of all kinds at any income level are welcome. Email Kellie McCoy for more info at treasurer@holycommunion.net.
Community Care Cupboard: Please continue to donate to our Community Care Cupboard, Holy Communion's food drive that fills the UCity School District's food pantry. Non-perishable donations can be left in the Narthex.
Easter Flower & Musician Offerings: Easter offering envelopes can be found in the pews of the Sanctuary, or stacked in the Narthex entries, if you would like to make a contribution towards Easter flowers or musicians. To request a memorial or honorary acknowledgment in Easter bulletins, please write name(s) on the envelope.
Holy Week Schedule
Maundy Thursday, April 17: 7:00 pm Holy Eucharist Service with foot washing
Good Friday, April 18: 12:00-3:00 pm Stations of the Cross and Labyrinth Walk; 7:00 pm Choral Service
Easter Vigil, April 19: 8:00 pm Great Vigil Service
Easter Sunday, April 20: 8:00 am Spoken Service; 10:30 am Choral Eucharist Service + Egg Hunt
Servers
Preacher: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Celebrant: The Reverend Julie Graham
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Music Director: Mary Chapman
Organist: Earl Naylor
Guest Musician: Alex Roesler
Greeters: Scott Ferguson, Jean Parker
Reader: Alisa Williams
Intercessor: Elizabeth Hines
Announcements: Kellie McCoy
Chalice Bearers: Marlene O’Brien, Andrew Wasson
Crucifer: Lydia Roesler
Torch Bearers: Ilona Potter, Luca Barbato
Streamer: Tyler Schwartz
