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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. We also now require vaccination, for those who are eligible. There are a few other ground rules. Read our full guidelines here.
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.
Donations: We welcome donations to support the work of Holy Communion, whether a payment on a pledge or simply an offering. We will pass the plates starting All Saints Day. 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 organist or another musician plays music. Please silence cell phones and maintain quiet as we prepare for worship.

Chorale Prelude on "Wachet Auf," BWV 645 by J.S. BachOpening Hymn in Procession

The in-person congregation is invited to stand as the clergy and choir enter and reverence the altar.
Sleepers Wake - Hymnal 1982 #61

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.

Advent Bidding Prayer

Just in this season of Advent, we bring our prayers to the very beginning of the service. We pray together for the church, the world, the poor, and those who mourn. The congregation responds in song.

Dear People of God: In the season of Advent, it is our responsibility and joy to prepare ourselves in heart and mind, for the coming of Christ Jesus, our savior and judge. This season we walk the way of shepherds and wise ones, seeking after the holy child of Bethlehem.

Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of God’s loving purposes, the proclamation of prophets, the hope of salvation. But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world that Christ came to save.

The congregation is invited to sing the refrain after the choir or cantor, and where indicated.

For peace and good will over all the earth, for leaders of nations and communities. For those who work for justice and peace. Refrain.

For the mission and unity of the church, for bishops, priests, deacons, and all who minister in Christ’s name. Refrain.

Because this of all things would rejoice Christ’s heart, let us remember in his name the poor and the helpless, the hungry and the oppressed, the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and little children. You are free to add your own prayers silently or aloud. Refrain.

Finally, let us remember before God his strong and humble mother, and those who rejoice with us but upon another shore and in a greater light, that whole multitude which no one can number whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in Christ Jesus, we are one for evermore. Refrain.

The Collect of the Day

The Presider leads ancient prayers that signify our longing for Christ’s coming, and the coming of God’s reign as we light an additional candle each week during Advent. If you are worshipping with us from home. You are invited to light your advent wreath, or a candle, with us.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

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 the book of Zephaniah Zephaniah 3:14-20

Rejoice, Daughter Zion! Shout, Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem.

The Lord has removed your judgment;

he has turned away your enemy.

The Lord, the king of Israel, is in your midst;

you will no longer fear evil.

On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem:

Don’t fear, Zion.

Don’t let your hands fall.

The Lord your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory.

He will create calm with his love;

he will rejoice over you with singing.

I will remove from you those worried about the appointed feasts.

They have been a burden for her, a reproach.

Watch what I am about to do to all your oppressors at that time.

I will deliver the lame;

I will gather the outcast.

I will change their shame into praise and fame throughout the earth.

At that time, I will bring all of you back,

at the time when I gather you.

I will give you fame and praise among all the neighboring peoples

when I restore your possessions and you can see them—says the Lord.

The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

The Psalm Psalm 85:7-13

The Psalm is read responsively. The congregation is invited to read the verses in bold.

Show us your mercy, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.

I will listen to what you, Lord God, are saying, }
for you are speaking peace to your faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to you.

Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,
that your glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth,
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Lord, you will indeed grant prosperity,
and our land will yield its increase.

Righteousness shall go before you,
and peace shall be a pathway for your feet.

Gospel Procession

O Come O Come Hymnal 1982 #56 verse 6 before the Gospel verse 7 after the Gospel

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 3:7-18)

Please stand for the reading of the Gospel.

Then John said to the crowds who came to be baptized by him, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire.”

The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”

He answered, “Whoever has two shirts must share with the one who has none, and whoever has food must do the same.”

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. They said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”

He replied, “Collect no more than you are authorized to collect.”

Soldiers asked, “What about us? What should we do?”

He answered, “Don’t cheat or harass anyone, and be satisfied with your pay.”

The people were filled with expectation, and everyone wondered whether John might be the Christ. John replied to them all, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than me is coming. I’m not worthy to loosen the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.” With many other words John appealed to them, proclaiming good news to the people.

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 Nicene Creed

The Episcopal Church does not have a separate statement of faith or list of things we believe. Instead we hold the ancient Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds to be our statements of faith. They contain the core of our belief as Christians, but do not limit our faith. Please stand as we say:

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 Confession

The deacon bids the confession:

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Absolution (the priest pronounces absolution)

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

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.

See Announcements

Offertory Anthem: Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness by Joel Raney

Offering We welcome donations to support the work of Holy Communion, whether a payment on a pledge or simply an offering. Plates will be passed. You can also give on our website or by texting GiveHoCO to (833) 864-5384

Offertory Hymn:

Please stand as you are able and sing as the ushers bring forward our financial offering.

People Look East Voices Found Hymnal #724 verse 4

A Prayer for Stewardship

In this season, we give thanks for the generosity that makes our life together possible. We ask the congregation to prayerfully consider making a commitment to giving in the year ahead. For more information head to holycommunion.net/pledge

Gracious and everlasting God, the giver of all good gifts, you have blessed us and our parish abundantly. Grant us the hope to dream and the courage to live into our possibilities. Make us faithful stewards, both for the provision of our necessities and for the relief of those who are in need. Bless the efforts of our Annual Giving this year to extend the work of the spiritual renewal in our church and community of faith. Through Jesus Christ, who gave all of himself, we offer this prayer. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer

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 millennia. Please stand.

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, in response all sing:

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 people are invited to respond to the words:

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

The presider concludes with prayer for the Holy Spirit to sanctify the bread and wine, and the gathered congregation.
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.

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.

Hymns During Communion

We’re Marching to Zion - Lift Every Voice and Sing Hymnal #12

There’s a Voice in the Wilderness - Hymnal 1982 #75

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.

May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of blessing and set you free from all sin; and the blessing of God the holy and undivided Trinity be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen

Hymn

The in-person congregation is invited to stand as the clergy exit and reverence the altar.
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus - Hymnal 1982 #66

Dismissal

Our worship has ended, our service in the world continues.
The Deacon dismisses the congregation:

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Postlude

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.

Trio on "In dir ist Freude," BWV 615 by J. S. Bach

Service Leaders
Preacher: The Rev. Mike Angell
Celebrant: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Assisting: Josephine Ezenwa-Okpala
Readers: Anne Pokoski
Crucifer: Janice Nihill
Intercessor: Joe Adams
Ushers: Shirley Mensah, Colleen Haggerty
Stream Producers: Markie Jo Crismon

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.