Easter Sunday, April 20, 8 & 10:30 a.m. Services
Easter Sunday
April 20, 2025
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
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. Please take a Children’s Worship Bag to use in worship, while seated in the pews with family and caregivers. Children’s Worship Bags can be found in the Narthex with the Greeters.
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 HolyCommunion. 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 byelectronic donations set up through your bank or on the church website, holycommunion.net.
Thank you!
Prelude Joy Spring Clifford Brown
Welcome
Opening Acclamation
Please rise in body or spirit. Throughout the service, please ring your bell at every “Alleluia.”
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Opening Hymn Hail Thee, Festival Day
Hymnal 1982 #175
Liturgy of Word
The first part of the service is the Liturgy of the Word: we read and respond to appointed lessons from Scripture.
Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray.
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Lesson
Please be seated. Isaiah 65: 17-25
For I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered
or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice for ever
in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,
and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labour in vain,
or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—
and their descendants as well.
Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain,
says the Lord.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Please read in unison. 118: 1-2, 14-24
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever!
Let Israel say,
‘His steadfast love endures for ever.’
The Lord is my strength and my might;
he has become my salvation.
There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous:
‘The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;
the right hand of the Lord is exalted;
the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.’
I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the Lord.
The Lord has punished me severely,
but he did not give me over to death.
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Second Lesson
1 Corinthians 15: 19-26
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. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn Halle Halle
The Holy Gospel
Please remain standing. Luke 24: 1-12
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’ Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon The Rev. Earl Mahan
Nicene Creed
Spoken in unison.
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.
Prayers of the People
Leader We pray to Jesus who is present with us to eternity. Jesus, light of the world, bring the light and peace of your gospel to the nations. Jesus, Lord of life,
People In your mercy, hear us.
Leader Jesus, bread of life, give food to the hungry and nourish us with your word. Jesus, Lord of life,
People In your mercy, hear us.
Leader Jesus, our way, our truth, our life, be with all who follow you in the way. Deepen our appreciation of your truth and fill us with your life. Jesus, Lord of life,
People In your mercy, hear us.
Leader Jesus, Good Shepherd, who gave your life for the sheep, recover the straggler, bind up the injured, strengthen the sick, especially those who we name [Petitions may be added, silently or aloud] and lead the healthy and strong to new pastures. Jesus, Lord of life,
People In your mercy, hear us.
Leader Jesus, the resurrection and the life, we give you thanks for all who have lived and believed in you. Raise us with to eternal life. Jesus, Lord of life,
People In your mercy, hear us, accept our prayers, and be with us always. Amen.
The Celebrant offers this concluding collect:
Be present, O Risen Christ, in this your Church’s Easter praise. May we, like Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, and all the witnesses to the resurrection see the tomb empty, and joyfully believing, walk in your newness of life. Grant that our anthems of joy may give honor to the mystery of your redeeming love and that our proclamations of your victory over death may reflect the majesty of your eternal glory. In your most holy Name we pray.
All Amen.
Peace
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Alleluia! The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
You are invited to greet those around you by saying “Peace be with you” or simply “Peace.”
Welcome and Announcements
Please be seated for a few brief announcements.
Offertory Anthem He Never Failed Me Yet arr. Robert Ray
Offertory Hymn This Little Light
Please rise in body, or in spirit, and sing as the Greeters bring forward our financial offering.
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 for millenia.
Eucharistic Prayer
Please remain standing, in body or spirit.
Celebrant The Lord 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 our thanks and praise.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere
to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of
heaven and earth.
Celebrant
But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious
resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the
true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken
away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed
death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us
everlasting life.
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 he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Sung at 10:30 service.
Please stand or kneel, in body or spirit.
Then the Celebrant continues
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love
which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling
of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the
prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your
Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from
the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy
to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error
into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
Celebrant continues, holding the cup
On the night before he died for us, our Lord 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 he 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, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you,
O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this
bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon
these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of
Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your
Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him,
being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time,
put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to
that heavenly country where, with [ ___________ and] all your
saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and
daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all
creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our
salvation.
By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and
for ever. AMEN.
Great Amen
The congregation sings the “Great Amen” to the tune of Halle Halle.
Celebrant
And now, as our Savior
Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
Lord’s Prayer
Pray in the language of your heart.
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
Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Communion Hymns
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of communion hymns.
This Joyful Eastertide Hymnal 1982 #192
Awake, Arise Hymnal 1982 #212
Post Communion Prayer Please rise in body, or in spirit.
Celebrant 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.
The Blessing
Concluding Hymn Jesus Christ is Risen Today
Hymnal 1982 #207
Dismissal
Deacon Alleluia, Alleluia! Go in Peace and serve the Lord!
People Thanks be to God, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Postlude When the Saints Go Marchin' In (trad.)
Easter Offerings
Contributions have been made in memory and honor of . . .
Yakov Gubanov
Sister Pierrette "M'Gert" Laliberté
Mary Myers Allen
Jimmie & Jayne Wasson
Shawn & Kerry Heilman
Pierre & Jane Vacho
David & Callie McCoy
Robert & Virginia Wheeler
Mary Duba
Barbara Coley
Elmer & Velma Neumann
Joe & Marge Baudendistel
Charlotte & Albert Grenwald
The English & Cothran Families
And in thanksgiving of . . .
Kari Potts, Marlene O’Brien, Missi Rochman, Joe & Nancy Adams
Thank you to our Rite 13 ministry,
for making the Easter ribbons used in today’s service!
Service Leaders
Preacher: The Rev. Earl Mahan
Celebrant: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Music Director: Mary Chapman
Organist: Earl Naylor
Musicians: Ben Thompson, piano; Lucas Alberts, trumpet;
Brad Currey, drums; Jared Dubber, bass
Readers: Lisa Hummel, Maryanne Angliongto (8),
Bradley Currey, Alisa Williams (10:30)
Intercessors: Adam Pearson (8), Markie Jo Crismon (10:30)
Crucifer: Lydia Roesler
Torch Bearers: Ilona Potter, William Kelly
Chalice Bearers: Elizabeth Hines, Karen Payne (8)
Andrew Wasson, Kari Potts (10:30)
Greeters: Earl Bonds, Mark Willingham (8)
Rebecca Comas, Joe Donahou, Carol Schmidt (10:30)
Announcements: Tim Anderson (10:30)
Streamer: Tyler Schwartz
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988
and WorshipCast License #13476
Staff
The Rev. Earl Mahan, Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303 text 314-669-6231
The Rev. Julie Graham, Associate Rector
call 314-721-7401 x302 text 314-886-7594
The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon
call 314-367-7332 chinesj@charter.net
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
call 314-721-7401 x301
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
Earl Naylor, Organist
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
Vestry
Fran Caradonna, Senior Warden
Joe Donahou, Junior Warden
Kellie McCoy, Treasurer
Pat Redington, Secretary
Rebecca Comas
Heidi Volkl
Andrew Wasson
Tim Anderson
Rudy Walz
Gloria Grenwald
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net.
Easter Flower & Musician Offerings: Easter offering envelopes can be found in the pews, or stacked in the Narthex entries, if you would like to make a contribution towards Easter flowers & musicians.
Service Times & Godly Play Returns: Holy Communion Worship services have returned to 8:00 a.m. Spoken Eucharist & 10:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist on Sundays. Godly Play returns Sunday, April 27.
Church Work Day: On Saturday, April 26, 9am-12pm, join the Building & Grounds Committee for Spring cleaning! Help with yard work, window cleaning, and other assignments to spruce up our place of worship. Take this opportunity for fellowship, sip good coffee, and indulge in construction-site donuts! Come as you are able. Email Bob Lowes at robertlowes1@gmail.com for more info.
Baptism & Birthday Sunday: On Sunday, April 27, 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: On Sunday, April 27, 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!
Adult Forum Returns: On Sunday, April 27 at 9am, Denise Carpenter will speak about the Prisoner Visitation and Support Program 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.
Men’s Prayer Group: Men’s Prayer group meets every first Saturday of the month. Join us Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. 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 a.m. Email Rev. Chester Hines to help at chinesj@charter.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.
New to Holy Communion? WELCOME! We are excited you attended worship at Holy Communion! Please fill out a “Let’s Get Connected,” and turn it to a Greeter, or drop it in the Communion plate.
Staff NEEDED in Holy Communion’s Sensory Room: Do you know a responsible adult who is great with children and has childcare experience? Tell them about this AMAZING opportunity to become a staff person in our Sensory Room! For children with neurodivergent and/or specific needs. Designed & equipped by the Synapsory with therapeutic toys; for children to use with guidance by trained adults. Email Rev. Julie at jgraham@holycommunion.net for more info and to apply!
