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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.

Pandemic Precautions Continue: Vaccination is required for everyone eligible. Windows are open. There are a few other recommendations. These recommendations are in the spirit of protecting the most vulnerable members of the congregation.

Distancing: Keeping a distance of six feet or more is one tool to help limit spread.

Masks: Masks are recommended to protect your neighbor. We ask that all members of the congregation respect others’ choices about masking.

Refrain from coming if you are sick: If you are experiencing any new symptoms, if you are currently testing for COVID, or recovering from COVID, we ask that you give yourself time before coming to church in person.

Communion: All are welcome to receive. When it comes time, please follow the directions of the ushers. Walk past the chalice bearer to return to your pew from the other side. If you would like to receive wine, you may either “sip” or hand your wafer to the chalice bearer, who will “intinct” (dip) for you and then hand you back the wafer. If you would prefer not to receive, simply cross your arms across your chest and the minister will give you a blessing. Gluten free wafers are available, on request from the minister.

Donations: We welcome donations to support the work of Holy Communion, whether a payment on a pledge or simply an offering. You can also text GIVE to (833) 864-5384 or give any time on our website holycommunion.net/give

Wheelchair accessibility: 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. Just ask an usher.

Get Involved: If you begin by filling out a “Connect Card” in your pew, or at the Welcome Table, 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.

Season of Creation You will notice adaptations throughout our services in September as we mark the "Season of Creation" along with Christians around the world. The season culminates in the Feast of St. Francis on October 2.

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

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.

Entrance Hymn: Surely it is God Who Saves Me The Hymnal 1982 #679

Opening Dialogue

Please rise in body or spirit

Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
And blessed be God’s reign, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you 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

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

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and 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 calendar shared by Christians around the globe.

A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22

Even though our sins testify against us, help us, Lord, for your name’s sake. We have turned away from you and sinned against you time and again. You are the hope of Israel, its savior in times of trouble. Why are you like a stranger in the land, like a tourist spending only the night? Why are you like one taken by surprise, like a warrior unable to act? Yet you are in our midst, Lord; we are called by your name. Don’t give up on us.

This is what the Lord proclaims about this people:

Since they have loved to wander off and haven’t restrained themselves, I won’t accept them. Now I will recall their wrongdoing and punish their sin.

Have you completely rejected Judah? Do you hate Zion? Why then have you mortally wounded us? We look for peace, but nothing good comes of it; for a time of healing, only to be terrorized. We acknowledge our sin, Lord, the wrongdoing of our ancestors, because we have sinned against you.

For your name’s sake, don’t reject us, don’t scorn your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us; don’t break it.

Can any of the false gods of the nations make it rain? Can the sky by itself bring showers?

Aren’t you the Lord, our God? You are our hope, since only you can do such things.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 84:1-6 read in unison

1 How dear to me is your dwelling, *
O Lord of hosts!
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord; *
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
2 The sparrow has found her a house *
and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young;
by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts, *
my Sovereign and my God.
3 Happy are they who dwell in your house! *
They will always be praising you.
4 Happy are the people whose strength is in you, *
whose hearts are set on the pilgrims’ way!
5 Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, *
for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
6 They will climb from height to height, *
and you, the God of gods, will reveal yourself in Zion.

A Reading of the Second Letter to Timothy 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

I’m already being poured out like a sacrifice to God, and the time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. At last the champion’s wreath that is awarded for righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He’s giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance.

No one took my side at my first court hearing. Everyone deserted me. I hope that God doesn’t hold it against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the entire message would be preached through me and so all the nations could hear it. I was also rescued from the lion’s mouth! The Lord will rescue me from every evil action and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and always. Amen.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Procession Please rise, in body or in spirit. Caribbean Hallelujah

The Gospel Luke 18:9-14

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Jesus told this parable to certain people who had convinced themselves that they were righteous and who looked on everyone else with disgust: “Two people went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself with these words, ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like everyone else—crooks, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give a tenth of everything I receive.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He wouldn’t even lift his eyes to look toward heaven. Rather, he struck his chest and said, ‘God, show mercy to me, a sinner.’ I tell you, this person went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”

The Gospel of our Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Sermon

The Rev. Julie Graham

Nicene Creed

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:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
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

The Leader and People pray responsively. Please rise, or kneel, in body or in spirit.
Gracious God, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.

We pray for our partners in El Salvador; in the Diocese of Missouri we pray for Diocesan Creation Care Ministry. Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.

We pray for Michael, our presiding bishop, Deon our bishop and for all bishops, priests and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.

We pray for our president, the members of Congress, the Supreme Court, our governor, and for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world.
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

We give you thanks for all the blessings of this life; especially Helen Burton, Fran Caradonna, Heidi Oliff, Hal Parker and all those celebrating birthdays this week, and all those celebrating anniversaries this week. Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.

Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.

Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

We praise you for saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.

Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
The people may add their own petitions silently or aloud.

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.

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.

Please do not approach people outside your household. A wave, a peace sign, or a “smize” (a smile with your eyes) will do.

Welcome & Announcements:

Announcements are shared. You may be seated.

See Announcements

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 Anthem

The Lord is My Shepherd Howard Goodall

The Lord is my shepherd
I shall not want
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
He leadeth me beside the still waters

Yea, though I walk
Through the valley
Of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil
For You are with me
You will comfort me
You are with me
You will comfort me

Surely goodness and mercy
Shall follow me
All the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house
Of the Lord forever

Offertory Hymn : This Little Light of Mine

Please rise in body or in spirit as the ushers bring forward the gathered offering.

A Prayer for Stewardship

Gracious and everlasting God, the giver of all good gifts, you have blessed us and our parish abundantly. Grant us 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. There are a number of Eucharistic Prayers that we use at Holy Communion. This Prayer was developed from resources from the Anglican Church in Southern Africa by the Rev. Dr. Nina Pooley, for the season of creation.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The presider offers thanks to God for the grace and mercy made available to us in Christ.

In response all sing:

The presider gives thanks to God’s work and revelation in creation. The presider invites us to proclaim the mystery of faith.

So 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 Eucharistic prayer concludes with a plea for the coming of God’s reign.

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, everlasting 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.

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.

Hymns During Communion

Blessed Assurance Lift Every Voice and Sing #184

Post Communion Prayer

All are invited to rise in body or in spirit.

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.

Blessing

The presider blesses the people, and they respond: Amen.

Concluding Hymn:

The God of Abraham Praise The Hymnal 1982 #401

please rise in body or in spirit

Dismissal

Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.

Postlude

Service Leaders

Preacher: The Rev. Julie Graham

Celebrant: The Rev. Mike Angell

Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines

Assisting: Josephine Ezenwa

Chalice Bearer & Crucifer: Joe Adams

Reader: Janice Nihill, Bradley Currey

Usher: Rebecca Comas, Kia Williams

Video Producer: Markie Jo Crismon

Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988.