The Fourth Sunday of Lent, Mar. 30 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 Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 30
The Way of Love in Lent: BLESS
Prelude: Fairest Lord Jesus by Hermann Schroeder H384
Opening Hymn: Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah H690
Psalm: Psalm 32
Offertory Anthem: Noble Fair Maiden by Patrick Doyle
Communion Hymns: Eat This Bread; Ubi Caritas Taizé
Recessional Hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing L111
The Collect
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Ezekiel 36: 24-28
I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanliness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. Then you shall live in the land that I gave to your ancestors; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.
Psalm 32 The congregation sings the REFRAIN:
1. Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven *
and whose sin is put away!
2. Happy are they to whom God imputes no guilt *
and in whose spirit there is no guile!
3. While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, *
because of my groaning all day long.
4. For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; *
my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer. REFRAIN
5. Then I acknowledged my sin to you *
and did not conceal my guilt.
6. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to God;" *
then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.
7. Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; *
when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.
8. You are my hiding-place;
you preserve me from trouble; *
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. REFRAIN
9. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; *
I will guide you with my eye.
10. Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding, *
who must be fitted with bit and bridle,
or else they will not stay near you."
11. Great are the tribulations of the wicked, *
but mercy embraces those who trust in the Most High.
12. Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in God; *
shout for joy, all who are true of heart. REFRAIN
The Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners, and eats with them."
So, Jesus told them this parable:
"There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.
"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'"
Communion Hymns
Eat This Bread Taizé
Ubi Caritas 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 30: Session 4 – BLESS A New Heart and a New Spirit (Ezekiel 36: 24-28). Blessed by God, we can bless others and bear new life in the world. This session examines the scriptural call to be freed from idols and given a new heart. Participants explore their ties to modern day “idols” (work, money, power, etc.) to see what practices can be transformed into blessings for the sake of the world.
Pick-up Choir: Feel like singing? Join Pick-up Choir on Sun, April 6. No experience needed/all are welcome! Meet in the Sanctuary at 8:45 to practice before the 9:30 service. Please email Mary to sign-up or inquire: mchapman@holycommunion.net
JCRC’s Interfaith Seder: HoCo has again been invited to attend JCRC’s Interfaith Seder! On Tues, April 8 at 5pm, enjoy an Interfaith Seder to share in Jewish Passover traditions and celebrate the universal themes of freedom, resilience and justice! Location: JCC Staenberg Family Complex. This program is once again offered at no cost, but registration is required. Email office@holycommunion.net for the registration link.
Lenten Prayer Morning: On Sat, April 12, everyone is invited to practice quieting the mind & relaxing the body to hear God’s message. Beginning with light breakfast at 8:30 am, Lenten Prayer offers an opportunity for centering prayer, meditation, walking the indoor labyrinth, and gentle yoga. View more details under the Contemplative Prayer tab at holycommunion.net. Please email office@holycommunion.net to register.
Financial Peace University Class: STARTING Monday nights from 6-8pm, May 5 - June 30, in the Undercroft. 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. Contact our facilitators to sign-up or inquire: Treasurer, Kellie McCoy (treasurer@holycommunion.net; 910-322-7020); Vestry Member, Heidi Volk (ascending2truth@yahoo.com; 417-393-5973).
Have questions? Attend an informational meeting at HoCo on March 30 at 12pm, or April 6 at 4pm.
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 Chester Hines
Celebrant: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Assisting Clergy: The Reverend Julie Graham
Music Director: Mary Chapman
Organist: Earl Naylor
Guest Musician: Grace Gorski
Greeters: Elizabeth Hines, Carol Schmidt
Reader: Lisa Hummel
Intercessor: Alison Nash
Announcements: Joe Donahou
Chalice Bearers: Kari Potts, Karen Payne
Crucifer: William Kelly
Torch Bearers: Denise Atimango Abwola, Sherifa Olivia Bethune
Streamer: Markie Jo Crismon
