The Second Sunday of Advent, Dec 7
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 how 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.
Children in Worship: Kids are expected and encouraged to participate in worship! The Pray Ground (the carpeted area at the front of the Sanctuary) is open for those in need of some wiggle room. Children are welcome to help with greeting and passing the offertory plate. Godly Play is also offered on the second Sunday of each month starting at 10:15 am. Meet in the Godly Play room downstairs by the lower level entance.
Children’s Chapel: After the Gospel reading, children are welcome to proceed to the Children's Chapel (at the end of the lounge) for engaging in a scripture lesson, pray and sing as an alternative to the sermon. For children infant through early elementary age though all ages are welcome. Older kids are invited to be worship leaders. Kids under the age of four need to bring their caregiver.
Accessibility: “Priority Seating” is provided for caretakers of those with mobility needs. Our entrances have AutoOpen 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 Holy Communion. 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 by electronic donations set up through your bank or on the church website, holycommunion.net. Thank you!
An introduction to Advent: The Courage of hope
Written by Bishop Deon K. Johnson
In this season of Advent, we are called to embrace the courage of hope. Not the kind that denies the darkness, but the kind that enters into it. God’s most profound works often unfold in obscurity—creation from chaos, resurrection from the tomb, the incarnation in the stillness of night. Advent does not rush to the joy of Christmas but lingers in the holy tension of waiting. It bids us to slow down, to notice where God is poking, provoking, and prodding us toward deeper relationship—with ourselves, with one another, and with the divine.
Advent is not just a countdown as we rush headlong towards Christmas; it is an invitation. It calls us to hold back the mad dash toward the manger and walk instead the slower, sacred path of preparation. Light a candle against the shadows. Read the prophets. Dwell in the questions. Sing the hymns of longing. Pray with the saints who waited before us.
For Jesus is coming—into our world, into our lives, into our gloom. And with him, he brings the fierce, transforming light of courageous hope.
May our anticipation of hope be holy.
May our waiting be pregnant with possibility.
May our expectation be buoyed in our longing.
For surely God dwells with us in this waiting place.
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Hymn (10:30 service) Please rise in body or spirit.
Lighting of the Advent Candles
The Season of Advent takes its name from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “visit.” Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. For Christians Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year. During Advent we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of our Jewish ancestors for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation, and new beginning.
Celebrant Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
People Thanks be to God!
A moment of silence is kept.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Celebrant May Christ, the One whose coming we await, fill our homes and hearts with joyful anticipation as we journey to the manger. Amen.
Celebrant Each week we light an Advent candle as a symbol of our journey.
People With its light comes our prayers and our stories.
Advent Week One
Celebrant The candle of this first week of Advent is a candle of hope. Today the flame of this candle reminds us of the hope that came to this world when Jesus was born. Jesus said, “I came so that everyone would have life, life in all its fullness.”
Once the candle is lit, the Celebrant continues
Celebrant You called the patriarchs and matriarchs to live by the light of faith and to journey in the hope of your promised fulfillment.
People May we be obedient to your call and be ready and watchful to receive your Christ, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Amen.
Advent Week Two
Celebrant The candle of this second week of Advent is a candle of peace. Today the flame of this candle reminds us of the peace that Jesus brings into this world. Jesus said, “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It is not like the peace that this world can give. So do not be worried or afraid.”
Once the candles are lit, the Celebrant continues
Celebrant Of old you spoke by the mouth of your prophets, but in our days, you speak through your Son, whom you have appointed the heir of all things.
People Grant us, your people, to walk in Christ’s light, that we may be found ready and watching when he comes again in glory and judgment. Amen.
Advent Week Three
Celebrant The candle of this third week of Advent is a candle of joy. Today the flame of this candle reminds us of the joy that Jesus brings into this world. Jesus said, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.”
Once the candles are lit, the Celebrant continues
Celebrant Your prophet John the Baptist was witness to the truth as a burning and shining light.
People May we your servants rejoice in Christ’s light and so be led to witness to him who is the Lord of our coming kingdom, Jesus our Savior and Sovereign of the ages. Amen.
Advent Week Four
Celebrant The candle of this fourth week of Advent is a candle of love. Today the flame of this candle reminds us of the love that came to this world when Jesus was born. Jesus said, “As God has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love.”
Once the candles are lit, the Celebrant continues
Celebrant Your light has shone in our shadowed world through the child-bearing of blessed Mary;
People Grant that we who have seen your glory may daily be renewed in your image and prepared like her for the coming of your Son, who is the Lord and Savior of all. Amen.
Opening Acclamation
Celebrant Blessed are you, Sovereign God, just and true:
People To you be praise and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The Celebrant continues
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.
Confession
Celebrant Let us confess our sins against God and one another.
Silence is kept for a time.
Celebrant Source of all being,
People We confess that we have chased busyness and neglected your gift of Sabbath. We have sought quick justice without deep mercy, and reconciliation without costly love. Forgive us, refresh us, and renew us by your Spirit, that we may walk again in the way of Christ.
Celebrant Be assured that the Almighty God has granted you forgiveness of all your sins and has gifted you the companionship of the Holy Spirit. Your sins are forgiven. Be at peace.
People Amen! Thanks be to God.
Anthem of Praise “Veni, Veni, Emmanuel” Sung by Choir
Collect of the Day SEE INSERT
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Liturgy of The Word
First Lesson Please be seated. SEE INSERT
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm Read in unison. SEE INSERT
Second Lesson SEE INSERT
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn
Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
Prepare ye the way of the Lord!
Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
and all the people will see the salvation of our God!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
The Holy Gospel Please stand, in body or spirit. SEE INSERT
Before the Gospel reading
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to [ ____ ].
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel reading
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon Following the sermon, silence is kept for a time.
The Nicene Creed [Expanded]
Deacon Let us affirm our faith in the One, Holy and Living God.
Silence is kept for a time.
Deacon We believe in one God, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
People We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Creator, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Creator. Through him all things were made.
Deacon 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 became truly human.
People In his life among us, he proclaimed good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, sight to the blind, and release to the oppressed.
Deacon Jesus ate with outcasts, forgave sinners, challenged injustice, and embodied the boundless love of God.
People In word and deed, he revealed the reign of God drawing near.
Deacon 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 Creator.
People He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
Deacon We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Creator and the Son. With the Creator is worshiped and glorified. Who has spoken through the Prophets.
People 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
Deacon In peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying, "Kyrie eleison".
[Pronounced Keer-e-ay E-lay-son; meaning, “Lord have mercy.”]
For the holy Church of God, that it may be filled with truth
and love, and be found without fault at the day of your
coming, we pray to you, O Lord.
Here and after every petition the People respond
Kyrie eleison.
For Sean our Presiding Bishop, for Deon our own Bishop, for Brenda,
Chester, Julie, and Earl; our clergy, for all ministers and for all the holy people
of God, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison.
For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our
divisions may cease, and that all may be one as you and the
Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison.
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may
preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O
Lord.
Kyrie eleison.
For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and
forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray
to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison.
For those in positions of public trust that they may serve justice,
and promote the dignity and
freedom of every person, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison.
For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for
refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may
be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison.
For this congregation that we may be delivered from
hardness of heart and show forth your glory in all that we
do, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison.
For all who have commended themselves to our prayers; for
our families, friends, and neighbors; that being freed from
anxiety, they may live in joy, peace, and health, we pray to
you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison.
For all who have died in the communion of your Church, and
those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the
saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain
or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of Mary the God-bearer and all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord our God.
A moment of silence is observed. The people may offer their petitions or thanksgivings, silently or aloud.
Celebrant For yours is the majesty, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
Peace Please rise in body or spirit.
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.
On the third Sunday of the month, we remember birthdays for the month, and invite those celebrating birthdays to come forward, as one of the clergy offers prayers and blessings.
O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants [ ___ ] as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Offertory Sentence
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.
– Ephesians 5:2
Offertory Anthem SEE INSERT
Offertory Hymn
Please rise in body, or in spirit, and sing (10:30) as the Greeters bring forward our offerings.
The Liturgy of the Table
Eucharistic Prayer Please stand, 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.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere
to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth.
Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and
death, and to make us heirs of everlasting life; that
when Christ shall come again in power and great triumph to
judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to
behold his appearing.
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 (spoken)
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 people 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 Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
For in these last days, you sent Jesus to be incarnate from
the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
In Christ, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy
to stand before you. In Christ, you have brought us out of error
into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, our Savior 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 Jesus 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 Christ’s death,
We proclaim Christ’s resurrection,
We await Christ’s coming in glory;
The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you,
O Savior 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 in the
sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through whom we are acceptable to you,
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 children;
through Jesus Christ our Savior, the firstborn of all
creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.
By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and
for ever.
AMEN.
Lord’s Prayer
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray,
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
Celebrant Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
People Therefore let us keep the feast.
Celebrant Draw near with hope and with wonder. Receive the life of Christ, the Bread of Heaven,
and the Cup of Salvation poured out in love for you.
Communion Hymns SEE INSERT
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of communion hymns at 10:30.
Post Communion Prayer Please rise in body, or in spirit.
Celebrant God is with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Together, let us pray.
People God of promise, we thank you for feeding us with the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and for gathering us into the mystery of your Advent: a time of waiting, watching, and expectation. Send us now into the world trusting in your faithful presence in all things at all times; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Sending of Lay Eucharistic Visitors
At various times, Lay Eucharistic Visitors take the consecrated bread and wine to those who cannot physically be present for worship. When we do so, the following prayer may be offered:
Deacon We send you forth, bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the Body and Blood of Christ our Savior.
People We, who are many, are one body, because we all share one bread, one cup.
The Blessing
Recessional Hymn SEE INSERT
Dismissal
Deacon Our worship is ended. Our service in the world begins. Go into the world to love what God loves. Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Postlude
Staff
The Rev. Earl Mahan, Interim Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303 text 314-669-6231
emahan@holycommunion.net
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
INSERT
Second Sunday of Advent, December 7
Prelude: Prelude of Hyfrydol Paul Manz
Processional Hymn: Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding H59
Offertory Anthem: Comfort Ye, My People Mark Schweizer
Communion Hymns: There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying H75
Be not Dismayed Whate’er Betide L183
Recessional Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling H657
Postlude: Prelude of Hyfrydol Gerhard Krapf
The Collect
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-10
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide by what his ears hear;
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.
They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Spoken in unison at both services.
1 Give the King your justice, O God, *
and your righteousness to the King's Son;
2 That he may rule your people righteously *
and the poor with justice;
3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *
and the little hills bring righteousness.
4 He shall defend the needy among the people; *
he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.
5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *
from one generation to another.
6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *
like showers that water the earth.
7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; *
there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, *
who alone does wondrous deeds!
19 And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! *
and may all the earth be filled with his glory.
Amen. Amen.
Second Lesson: Romans 15:4-13
Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
"Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles,
and sing praises to your name"; and again he says,
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; and again,
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples praise him"; and again Isaiah says,
"The root of Jesse shall come,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope."
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.’”
Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Rudy Walz donated the beautiful orchids for today’s service in honor of those
who have passed away from AIDS.
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net
Caring for Our Community at Christmas: Bring all your gifts with their ornament and any gift receipts attached to Mitchell Hall. Sorters and deliverers needed. Please stay after the 10:30 service to help Maryanne group all items with their household. Can you help deliver the items next week to Healing Action? We're making an appointment with Healing Action to deliver all the gifts. Please email Maryanne: coley7365@sbcglobal.net
The Way of Love in Advent: This Advent, join us during Adult Forum for a special program that follows The Way of Love teachings, specially formatted for Advent. Enrich yourself in interactive lessons that embody what it means to prepare for the coming of Christ.
Babies & Bibles: Join our group of infants & little ones (crawling to toddler) for a playdate on Saturday, Dec 13 from 9-11 am in the Children’s Chapel!
Clothing Drive: Please donate gently used, warm-weather items (coats, hats, gloves, sweaters, etc.) for our us to take to Trinity Church during our Dec. 21 Hot Lunch time. Want to join the Hot Lunch team? Email Scott Ferguson if you’d like to help prepare and serve lunch for our hungry community: scott@scottfergusonphoto.com
Blue Christmas: Attend worship on Sunday, Dec 21 for a contemplative service to appreciate those who have lost loved ones, are grieving, or are experiencing sadness during this Christmas season. A Special healing anointment will be offered for those who would like to participate during Communion. Guest musician Gene Dobbs-Bradford will play soulful music to accompany the Blue Christmas service.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: One evening service will be held on Dec 24, Christmas Eve, at 5 pm.
A History of Hatred: The Ever-Present Threat of Antisemitism: A 6-week course on the history of antisemitism from the Jewish perspective, which Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh would teach here at Holy Communion. Feb 1 - Mar 15, 2026. Meet Sundays after church or later in the afternoon for 90 minutes. We are seeking to gather 10 people. Sign up with Julie at jgraham@holycommunion.net or Charles Allen russky22@hotmail.com.
Pick Up Choir Sunday: Every first Sunday of the month is Pick Up Choir! Join us on, Dec 7 to sing! Email Mary at mchapman@holycommunion.net. Meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 am to practice.
HoCo Community Care and Clothing Cupboard: Emergency request for food donations in November. Ucity Schools households are being impacted by the ceasing of SNAP for November. We've had a direct request from Gary Spiller, executive Director of Student Services and Innovation, asking if we can increase our donations of food items if at all possible. Thank you for any increase in food items, along with clothing, and gift cards. Questions? Email Maryanne at coley7365@sbcglobal.net.
Servers
Preacher: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Celebrant: The Reverend Julie Graham
Music Director: Mary Chapman
Organist: Earl Naylor
Readers: Lisa Hummel (8), Denise Carpenter (10:30)
Announcements: Heidi Volkl (10:30)
Greeters: Pat Redington (8), Fran Caradonna (10:30)
Crucifer: William Kelly
Torch Bearer: Ilona Potter, Rudy Walz
Chalice Bearers: Karen Payne (8), (10:30)
Streamer: Lucas Kerbs
