The Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec 21

E-bulletin

Dec 18

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

jgraham@holycommunion.net

The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon

call 314-367-7332 chinesj@charter.net

Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator

call 314-721-7401 x301

office@holycommunion.net

Mary Chapman, Director of Music

mchapman@holycommunion.net

Earl Naylor, Organist

organist@holycommunion.net

Jim Kern, Financial Administrator

jkern@holycommunion.net

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 Fourth of Advent, December

Blue Christmas

The Collect

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-16

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”

Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 Spoken in unison at both services.

1 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *
shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.

2 In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *
stir up your strength and come to help us.

3 Restore us, O God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

4 O Lord God of hosts, *
how long will you be angered
despite the prayers of your people?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; *
you have given them bowls of tears to drink.

6 You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *
and our enemies laugh us to scorn.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

16 Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, *
the son of man you have made so strong for yourself.

17 And so will we never turn away from you; *
give us life, that we may call upon your Name.

18 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

Second Lesson: Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

The Prayers of the People

Please rise or kneel in body or in spirit
The Leader and People pray responsively.

In the spirit of this season let us now confidently ask God for what we need.  We pray, as well, for ourselves as we participate in whatever way we can this Christmas. 

All are invited to offer their prayers aloud or silently

God hear our Prayer