10:30 Sunday July 25, 2021: Ninth 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 6 are wearing a mask covering both the mouth and nose at all times. 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.
Preludes
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
Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
And blessed be God’s reign, now and forever. Amen.
The congregation watching from home are invited to light a candle with us as the candles on the altar are lighted.
Let us pray.
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Opening Hymn
O Love, how deep, how broad, how high - 1982 Hymnal #448
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 Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:14-21)
This is why I kneel before the Father. Every ethnic group in heaven or on earth is recognized by him. I ask that he will strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of his glory through the Spirit. I ask that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. As a result of having strong roots in love, I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Psalm (Psalm 14)
The Psalm is read responsively. The congregation is invited to read the verses in bold.
Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
All are corrupt and commit abominable acts; there is none who does any good.
The Lord looks down from heaven upon us all,
to see if there is any who is wise, if there is anyone who seeks after God.
Every one has proved faithless; all alike have turned bad;
there is none who does good; no, not one.
Have they no knowledge, all those evildoers
who eat up my people like bread and do not call upon the Lord?
See how they tremble with fear,
because God is in the company of the righteous.
Their aim is to confound the plans of the afflicted,
but the Lord is their refuge.
Oh, that Israel’s deliverance would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores the fortunes of this people, Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.
Gospel Procession
Celtic Alleluia
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to John (John 6:1-21)
After this Jesus went across the Galilee Sea (that is, the Tiberias Sea). A large crowd followed him, because they had seen the miraculous signs he had done among the sick. Jesus went up a mountain and sat there with his disciples. It was nearly time for Passover, the Jewish festival.
Jesus looked up and saw the large crowd coming toward him. He asked Philip, “Where will we buy food to feed these people?” Jesus said this to test him, for he already knew what he was going to do.
Philip replied, “More than a half year’s salary worth of food wouldn’t be enough for each person to have even a little bit.”
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, “A youth here has five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that for a crowd like this?”
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass there. They sat down, about five thousand of them. Then Jesus took the bread. When he had given thanks, he distributed it to those who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, each getting as much as they wanted. When they had plenty to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves that had been left over by those who had eaten.
When the people saw that he had done a miraculous sign, they said, “This is truly the prophet who is coming into the world.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon:
The Rev. Julie Graham
Anthem:
David's Prayer arr. M. Costa
The Prayers
please stand as you are able for the prayers
Let us pray in the way Christ taught us, and in the language of our hearts.
Pray in the language you prefer:
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.
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For the Church in El Salvador; [here the leader prays for a church or ministry in the cycle of prayer of Diocese of Missouri]; for Michael, our presiding bishop, Deon our bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
For all who serve God in the Church.
For those on our prayer list and for the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
The people may add their own petitions silently or aloud,
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For those celebrating a birthday this week especially Barbara Pummill, Max Fiorello, and David Luckes; we thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
The people may add their own petitions silently or aloud.
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Have mercy upon us, most merciful God;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown, things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.
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.
Concluding Prayers
Please stand, as you are able.
O God, you created us in your image and blessed us with the capacity to love. Accept the prayers of your people. Teach us to fully and radically love all your children as their true and whole selves and lead us with courage to continually advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, just as your Holy Spirit advocates for us. In the name of Jesus, your beloved, we pray. Amen.
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all whom you have made.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to your service,
and by walking before you
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory throughout all ages. 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.
Concluding Hymn
I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord - 1982 Hymnal #304
Dismissal
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
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 & Presider: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Readers: Ryan Freedle
Ushers: David Luckes
Intercessor: Barbara Robinson
Singer: Nathan Brown
Director of Music: Mary Chapman
Stream Producers: John Kelly
Music reprinted and broadcast with permission by OneLicense # A-704988
The Psalms are copyright of the Anglican Church of Canada. The Scripture Translation is the Common English Bible. All are used by permission.
