10:30 Service September 19: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
You will find our live stream on our homepage, on Facebook (where you can interact with others watching with comments), and on Youtube.
Our Mission 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.
Things are different right now. The pandemic means we are keeping things simple, short, and safe. Masks are required thorughout the service. There are a few other ground rules.
Distancing: As much as we wish we could greet one another, out of love for our neighbor we have to stay distanced. Please maintain 6 or more feet from other households at all times. Consider sending a text, a message on Facebook, or even writing a letter or email to someone who could use some peace. A wave, a peace sign, or a “smize” (a smile with your eyes) will do.
Masks: Please ensure all members of your household over age 5 are wearing a mask covering both the mouth and nose at all times. (Children over age 2 are encouraged to wear masks, but not required). Ushers have some masks available, if you forgot yours. Please do not remove your mask or lift your mask at any time. When it comes time for communion, simply slip the wafer under your mask.
Singing: at this time we cannot sing safely as a group. If you are worshiping from home, sing out. In Person: you are welcome to hum or quietly recite the words along with the musician. Either way please leave on your mask
Donations: We welcome donations to support the work of Holy Communion, whether a payment on a pledge or simply an offering. An offering box is available at the welcome table, if you would like to make a gift after the service. You can also text GIVE to (833) 864-5384 or give any time on our website holycommunion.net/give
Is there wheelchair accessibility? Yes. Our entrances have auto-open buttons, and our elevator is ADA compliant. Both the downstairs restrooms and one of the upstairs restrooms are accessible. Everyone is invited to remain seated during the service as they need.
What about hearing assistance? We can help there, too. Hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers. Just ask.
How do I get involved? If you begin by filling out a “Connect Card” at the Welcome Table or online, we’d be glad to keep you up to date with all that goes on here. You can also use the Connect Cards to update your information, request prayers, or to ask a question. Turn them in to the wooden offering box in the entryway.
The congregation is invited to say the words together in bold. If you are worshiping with us from home, to prepare for worship, you may want to place a candle or two in the place where you worship, to light during the opening prayer.
Prelude
The service begins with several minutes of preludes from the Holy Communion music archives.
Procession
The in-person congregation is invited to stand as the clergy enter and reverence the altar.
Welcome
A priest welcomes the congregation. If you are new to us, consider filling out our “get connected” form, let us get to know you better.
Opening Dialogue and the Collect of the Day
In this “Season of Creation” our service begins with a call to prayer adapted from a resource by the Scottish minister John Bell.
Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
And blessed be God’s reign, now and forever. Amen.
Heaven is here, and earth, and the space is thin between them. Distance may divide, but Christ’s promise unites those of us still bounded by time, and those who are now blessed by eternity. Let heaven be glad.
Let the whole earth cry glory.
Heaven is here, and earth, and the church above and below is one. Peter and the disciples are here, and Paul, Martha and all the Marys, St Francis and St Claire, Mother Teresa; Jonathan Daniels and Martin Luther King; the saints from far back and those who left us not long ago. And only sight prevents us from seeing them, for they are one with us on the other side. Let heaven be glad.
Let the whole earth cry glory.
Heaven is here, and earth, and God who made them is present. The Lamb, glorious on the throne, sits beside us; the spirit of God, the Dove, makes her resting place among us. God inhales the breath of our prayers and spreads a table for our satisfaction. Let heaven be glad.
Let the whole earth cry glory.
Blessing and honor and glory and power be to our God for ever and ever. Amen.
The Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Opening Hymn
God is Love, Let Heaven Adore him - Hymnal 1982 #379
The Lessons
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 set calendar for what will be read when. The translation used at Holy Communion is the Common English Bible translation.
A Reading from (Proverbs 31:10-31)
A competent wife, how does one find her?
Her value is far above pearls.
Her husband entrusts his heart to her,
and with her he will have all he needs.
She brings him good and not trouble
all the days of her life.
She seeks out wool and flax;
she works joyfully with her hands.
She is like a fleet of merchant ships,
bringing food from a distance.
She gets up while it is still night,
providing food for her household,
even some for her female servants.
She surveys a field and acquires it;
from her own resources, she plants a vineyard.
She works energetically;
her arms are powerful.
She realizes that her trading is successful;
she doesn’t put out her lamp at night.
She puts her hands to the spindle;
her palms grasp the whorl.
She reaches out to the needy;
she stretches out her hands to the poor.
She doesn’t fear for her household when it snows,
because they are all dressed in warm clothes.
She makes bedspreads for herself;
fine linen and purple are her clothing.
Her husband is known in the city gates
when he sits with the elders of the land.
She makes garments and sells them;
she supplies sashes to traders.
Strength and honor are her clothing;
she is confident about the future.
Her mouth is full of wisdom;
kindly teaching is on her tongue.
She is vigilant over the activities of her household;
she doesn’t eat the food of laziness.
Her children bless her;
her husband praises her:
“Many women act competently,
but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Let her share in the results of her work;
let her deeds praise her in the city gates.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Psalm (Psalm 1)
The Psalm is read responsively. The congregation is invited to read the verses in bold.
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!
Their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on this law they meditate day and night.
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.
It is not so with the wicked;
they are like chaff which the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgement comes,
nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked is doomed.
Gospel Procession
Alleluia (God Welcomes All Tune)
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Mark (Mark 9:30-37)
From there Jesus and his followers went through Galilee, but he didn’t want anyone to know it. This was because he was teaching his disciples, “The Human One will be delivered into human hands. They will kill him. Three days after he is killed he will rise up.” But they didn’t understand this kind of talk, and they were afraid to ask him.
They entered Capernaum. When they had come into a house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about during the journey?” They didn’t respond, since on the way they had been debating with each other about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be least of all and the servant of all.” Jesus reached for a little child, placed him among the Twelve, and embraced him. Then he said, “Whoever welcomes one of these children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me isn’t actually welcoming me but rather the one who sent me.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon:
Please be seated, at the invitation of the preacher.
The Rev. Mike Angell
The Prayers
Those worshiping online with us are invited to add your prayers in the comments at any time, or by using the form on our homepage. Know that people will pray for you.
Let us join our hearts and turn our minds together to all creation, and to the Creator’s gifts.
Loving God. We give our thanks.
Let us think of our Mother, the Earth, upon whom we walk and who supports us and nurtures life in all its forms. We give thanks for the minerals, the fungi, and bacteria that give life to soil, bodies and systems. We pray we can learn to walk on Earth with more respect.
Loving God. Hear our Prayer.
Let us call to mind of the reasons why we are gathered. For this place in which we gather, for the Illini people and other first nations who called this land home. For those serving in leadership in government, and for connections through the church to our wider community: in the diocesan cycle of prayer for St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Ellisville and for our relationship with Cristosal in Central America, that together with our web of relations we might learn to better care for creation.
Loving God. We give our thanks.
Let us think of the whole human family whose livelihood and well-being depend on the well-being of the Earth. We pray for those on our prayer list, and for those needing our prayer. You are invited to add your own prayers silently, aloud (or in the comments online). In this difficult season for our planet, we especially lift up our siblings who are displaced from their homes.
Loving God. Hear our Prayer
Let us turn our minds to the sacred waters of the world, the great oceans, aquifers, lakes, rivers and streams, let us turn our mind to the plant life of the Creator’s world: that which is below ground; the roots and vegetables; that which puts just its head above the ground: the grasses, medicines, plants and bushes, all of the many kinds of good fruit the Creator has given us. Let us think of all our kindred animals, those that crawl, walk, swim and fly. Let us also remember to give thanks for the whole human community, for those celebrating a birthday this week especially Wanda Spencer, Katie Stuckmeyer, Lydia Roesler, and Tito Gay. And for those celebrating anniversaries especially Lisa and Tim Heaner.
Loving God. We give our thanks.
Let us turn our minds to those who have gone before us in death. May we all come to feast at the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world.
Loving God. Hear our Prayer
The Peace
The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
The Peace is then exchanged. Consider sending a text, a message on Facebook, or even writing a letter or email to someone who could use some peace. If you are in the space, please do not approach people outside your household. A wave, a peace sign, or a “smize” (a smile with your eyes) will do.
Announcements:
Announcements are shared. You may be seated.
Offering While we cannot pass the plate, we welcome donations to support the work of Holy Communion, whether a payment on a pledge or simply an offering. An offering box is available at the welcome table, if you would like to make a gift after the service. You can also give on our website or by texting GiveHoCO to (833) 864-5384
Eucharistic Prayer
please stand as you are able
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.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
The presider offers our thanks to God for the grace and mercy made available to us in Christ.
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 presider gives thanks to God for the reconciling work of Christ’s passion and resurrection and remembers Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. The presider concludes with prayer for the coming of God’s reign.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and forever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Let us pray in the way Christ taught us, and in the language of our hearts.
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
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.
The Breaking of the Bread
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Administration of the Sacrament
All are welcome to receive. When it comes time, please maintain a distance of greater than 6 feet in a single file line up to the front. Please come to the priest on the side of the church where you are sitting. Make your way down the side aisle to return to your seat. Under the bishop’s order, wine is not available at this time. If you would rather receive a blessing, please come forward to the altar rail during communion and cross your arms across your chest. Gluten free wafers are available, on request, from the minister.
The Anthem
How Great Thou Art
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
This prayer of Spiritual Communion is offered in the online bulletin for those who cannot join us in person. It was written by parishioner Bob Lewis.
Gracious and Loving God, on this day we are not able to gather around your table to celebrate your presence in the sacrament of bread and wine. We are not able to share your peace with one another.
Nevertheless, we lift up our hearts, we join with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven as we proclaim you holy and receive you into our hearts by faith.
Strengthen our love for you. Help us offer our sacrifice with all your faithful people, that we may restore health and wholeness to one another and to all your creation. Give us patience and hope as we long for the day when we can gather and break bread together again. Through Christ our Savior. Amen.
Post Communion Prayer
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.
The Blessing
The people stand or kneel as the presider proclaims the final blessing. The People respond: Amen
Concluding Hymn
God of the Women -VoicesFound #21
Dismissal
Our worship has ended, our service in the world continues.
The Deacon dismisses the congregation:Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.
Procession
The in-person congregation is invited to stand as the clergy exit and reverence the altar.
Postlude
Trumpet March by Jeremiah Clarke, arr. S. Drummond Wolff
If you are in the church, please make your way outside as soon as you can after the service. The clergy will greet you outdoors.
Service Leaders
Preacher: The Rev. Mike Angell
Presider: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Readers: Ellis Anderson, Barbara Robinson
Ushers: Colleen Haggerty, Susan Norris
Director of Music: Mary Chapman
Singer: Juliet Jackson
Stream Producers: John Kelly
Music reprinted and broadcast with permission by OneLicense # A-704988
The Psalms are an Inclusive translation from the Anglican Church of Canada. The Scripture Translation is the Common English Bible. All are used by permission.
The Form of worship is from Enriching Our Worship prayer 3, shortened for COVID precautions
The Prayer for September 11 adapted from a resource from the Diocese of New York.
