Rev. Brenda Sol’s Ministry Renewal, May 6, 2026 (6:00 pm)
Welcome
Historic Land Acknowledgement for the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
Leader In humility, we recognize and acknowledge that we in the Diocese of Missouri worship and live on the traditional ancestral lands of the Osage Nation, the Illiniwek/Peoria Tribe, the O-Gah-Pah (Quapaw) Tribe, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, and the First Peoples.
People We recognize our mutual dependence upon and benefit from this land; we proclaim our solidarity with and our debt to the Peoples who first claimed and improved this land as their home.
Leader We acknowledge our complicity in the process of colonization that dispossessed the First Peoples from their ancestral lands. We affirm our commitment to stand with indigenous communities today and henceforth as they seek justice and resist continued threats to sovereignty and humanity.
People We are also cognizant that the history of the Episcopal Church is intertwined with the history of colonialism and slavery in the United States. More than four centuries ago, the first Africans were brought to the Americas and enslaved.
Leader Two centuries ago, enslaved and indigenous persons contributed to the exploration of this state by Lewis and Clark. Our state’s history is entangled with both the Missouri Compromise making this that officially a slave state, and the cases of Scott v. Emerson that petitioned for Dred and Harriet Scott’s emancipation.
People We acknowledge the tragic legacy of slavery in our diocese, and the blood, sweat, and tears of enslaved people that soak the earth beneath our feet in Missouri. This legacy persists today as we continue to work towards racial justice, equity, liberation, and community, here in Missouri and across the Episcopal Church.
Processional Hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling H657
The clergy and people process into the worship space. The newly selected clergy remains outside the main entrance door. The Bishop, greets the people after hymn is sung.
Greeting
Bishop Dear people of God, in Holy Baptism we are buried and raised with Christ to new life and empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim, far and near, the Good News of Salvation. We come bearing a variety of gifts, talents, and skills to proclaim God’s love, to abide in hope, and to be renewed in faith. For generations countless people, both lay and ordained have been bearers of the Good News of Jesus Christ in this place.
We come today, not to make new but to renew the ministry that this community of love proclaims. We give thanks for those who have brought us to this day and we lay the foundation for those who will come after. We gather with our spiritual ancestors, who crowd the air about us, to continue the legacy of hope and expectation for which this community is named. We gather to offer holy hospitality as Christ makes all things new. As we celebrate the renewal of ministry and emergence of new relationships, let us commit ourselves to walking in the way of the Risen One. Therefore, let us dedicate ourselves once more to being prophets of hope, and bearers of love as we follow Jesus Christ our Savior.
Acclamation & Collect
Bishop Blessed be the One, Holy and Living God.
People Glory to God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Bishop There is one Body and one Spirit;
People There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Bishop One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People One God and Creator of all.
Bishop God is with you.
People And also with you.
Bishop Let us pray:
Silence is kept for a time.
Bishop O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Bishop, Wardens and Greeter of the congregation make their way to the main doors of the worship space.
Hymn Rejoice, Come Sing with Me by Andrew Donaldson
Welcome
The community remains standing, in body or spirit.
Greeter Who are you and why have you come?
Priest I am Brenda Sol, a servant and follower of Jesus Christ, and I come as one seeking the grace of God, the
prayers of God’s holy people and to be a companion with fellow followers of Christ as we embark on a new journey.
Warden Brenda Sol we welcome you to this place. How do you come among us and with what confidence?
Priest I come knowing nothing except Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. I come as a pilgrim to walk in love with the people of God here at Holy Communion and to be together strengthened for the journey ahead.
Bishop People of Holy Communion, you have reflected on your ministry and discerned your choice for a new Rector.
Wardens We have chosen and called Brenda Sol to be our Rector, and she has accepted.
Bishop I commend your choice and affirm this call.
The Letter of Institution
The Letter of Institution (BCP, p. 557) is read by Diocesan representative.
All standing
Bishop Are you, the people of Holy Communion, ready to continue in your ministry, with Brenda as your priest?
People We are.
Deacon Let us then humble ourselves before God and together seek God’s mercy and strength. Let us pray.
Silence is kept for a time.
Priest Lord God, you have built your Church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets and you sent your Holy Spirit to guide and empower your church for the work of ministry; it is through that guidance alone that we can make right choices to carry on the work of ministry; you alone know the thoughts of human hearts; you alone can enable us to discern the gifts you have given.
Warden Help us now to open ourselves to the presence of your Spirit; be with us in the quiet and peace of this time of prayer and listening; make us instruments of your will for your Church, that we may be prepared to serve your people and glorify your name.
Greeter You are great, O God, and worthy of highest praise; you stir in us the joy of praising you, since you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.
Deacon One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the fair beauty of the lord and to see the Holy One in the temple. For God alone my soul in silence waits; from God comes my salvation. Psalm 27:5-6, 62:1
Silence is kept for a time
Prayer
The newly selected priest, kneels devoutly praying.
Priest Teach us, O God, to view our life here on earth as a pilgrim’s path to heaven, and give us grace to tread it courageously in the company of your faithful people.
People Help us to set our affections on things above, not on the passing vanities of this world, and grant that as we journey on in the way of holiness we may bear a good witness to our Lord, and serve all who need our help along the way, for the glory of your name. Amen
Priest Bless to me, O God, the earth beneath my feet. Bless to me, O God, the path whereon I go. Bless to me, O God, the people whom I meet, today, tonight and tomorrow. Amen
Giving of Baptismal Water
Bishop Brenda, people of Holy Communion: in Holy Baptism we received full adoption through God’s grace and full empowerment for ministry through the Holy Spirit. Will you work together as partners in the mission of the Church, to reconcile all people to God through Christ?
People We will, with God’s help.
The Bishop then addresses the priest.
Bishop Brenda, take this water, a symbol of new birth, new life, new hope, and help me baptize in obedience to our Lord.
Priest Amen
Thanksgiving Over Water
Bishop God is with you.
People And also with you.
Bishop Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Bishop We thank you God for your love in all creation, especially for your gift of water to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life. We give you thanks for the gift of baptism. In this water we were buried with Christ in his death; from this water we were raised to share in the resurrection; through this water we were reborn of the Holy Spirit. We thank you that through the waters of baptism you cleanse us, renew us by your Spirit and raise us to new life. In the new covenant we are made members of your Church and share in your eternal kingdom. We pray that all who have passed through the waters of baptism may continue for ever in the risen life of Christ.
People Pour out your Holy Spirit, that as we died and rose again in the water of baptism, we may now preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, and set at liberty those who are oppressed.
Bishop Through Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all praise and thanks be yours, Redeemer God, now and for ever. Amen.
Renewal of Baptismal Vows
Bishop Dear friends in Christ, each of us has made public profession of our faith, therefore let us renew the call to follow Christ by serving the world in his name. Will you uphold the covenant God made with you in holy baptism: To continue the apostle’s teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers; to resist evil and seek repentance and forgiveness; to proclaim in word and deed the Good
News; to seek and serve Christ by loving your neighbor and yourself; and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
People I will, God being my helper and guide.
Sprinkling Rite
Bishop May this water be a reminder of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which enlightens us with Holy Wisdom: that it may renew in us our call to ministry and strengthen us for loving service, that we may proclaim and live the Good News of Christ.
The congregation is then sprinkled as a reminder of their baptism or may be invited to touch the water in the font.
Hymn Lord, You Give the Great Commission WLP780
The Liturgy continues with the readings.
The Readings
First Lesson Acts 15: 1-6
Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. So they were sent on their way by the church, and as they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the believers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and said, ‘It is necessary for them to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses.’
The apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter.
Reader The Word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God.
Psalm 122
1 I was glad when they said to me,
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’
2 Our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem—built as a city
that is bound firmly together. REFRAIN
4 To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5 For there the thrones for judgement were set up,
the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
‘May they prosper who love you. REFRAIN
7 Peace be within your walls,
and security within your towers.’
8 For the sake of my relatives and friends
I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good. REFRAIN
The Gospel John 15: 1-8
Please rise in body or spirit.
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to John.
All Glory to you, Lord Christ.
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
Deacon The Gospel of the Savior.
All Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon The Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas
Please rise in body or spirit, following the Sermon.
The Creed
Bishop Let us stand and affirm our faith. Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
People I do.
Deacon Do you believe in God the Father?
PeopleI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Deacon Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
PeopleI believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Deacon Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Prayers
Leader Brenda, with this binder we offer our prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings to God.
Priest Amen. In the Spirit of God, who searches the heart and knows our deepest needs, let us pray for the Church, the world, and all who yearn for Christ’s healing.
Prayers of the People Form VI, BCP
The Leader and People pray responsively
Leader In peace, we pray to you, God. For all people in their daily life and work;
All For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Leader For this community, the nation, and the world;
All For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Leader For the just and proper use of your creation;
All For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Leader For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
All For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Leader For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
All For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Leader For Deon, our Bishop; and for all bishops and other ministers;
All For all who serve God in God’s Church.
Leader For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, including….
The People may add their own petitions
Leader Hear us, Lord;
All For your mercy is great.
Leader We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life, including…
The People may add their own thanksgivings, silently or aloud.
Leader We will exalt you, O God;
All And praise your Name for ever and ever.
Leader We pray for all who have died, … that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
The People may add their own petitions
Leader God, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
All Who put their trust in you.
Concluding Collect
Bishop Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask: Help us to ask only what accords with your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Confession is omitted during the Season of Eastertide.
The Presentation of Gifts
Leader Brenda, with prayer, companionship and laying-on of hands we present this oil stock and bring the reconciling presence of Christ to those who seek healing. Join us in this ministry by calling us to repentance, and assuring us of God’s forgiveness and love.
Priest Amen. Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, loves you eternally, and reconciles you to one another.
Leader Brenda, accept this Bible, and be among us as we proclaim the Sacred Stories and be our pastor and priest.
Priest Amen. Together let meditate on God’s work in the world.
Leader Brenda, receive this Icon, and be among us as one rooted and grounded in prayer.
Priest Amen. Our lives will be living prayers to all in need.
Leader Brenda, receive this key, and let the doors of this place be open to all people.
Priest Amen. My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.
Leader Brenda, receive this welcome mat for your new home. May it be a reminder of our joy in welcoming you to Holy Communion,
Priest Amen. May my energy to serve alongside you be nurtured through the visits of family and friends. And may those who enter my house feel God's love.
Leader Brenda, obey these Canons, and be among us to share in the councils of this diocese.
Priest Amen. We will seek the presence of the Holy Spirit in all that we do.
The bread and wine are now presented with these words.
Leader Brenda, when we share the bread and the cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Join us at God’s table to offer and bless our gifts of bread and wine.
Priest Amen. Together, let us keep the feast.
The Bishop now presents a gift to the new Rector concluding with these words.
Bishop We offer thanksgiving to God for the ministries represented by these symbols, and ask God’s grace to live ever more fully into the commitments we have made in Baptism.
People Amen.
The Peace
Bishop The peace of Christ be always with you.
People And also with you.
Offertory Anthem
O Praise Ye the Lord by Charles H.H.Parry, arr Mark Schweizer
O praise ye the Lord! Praise him in the height;
rejoice in his word, ye angels of light;
ye heavens, adore him by whom ye were made,
and worship before him, in brightness arrayed.
O praise ye the Lord! All things that give sound;
each jubilant chord reecho around;
loud organs, his glory forth tell in deep tone,
and sweet harp, the story of what he hath done.
O praise ye the Lord and sing a new song,
Amid all His saints His praises prolong;
The praise of their Maker His people shall sing,
And children of Zion rejoice in their King.
O praise ye the Lord! Praise him upon earth,
in tuneful accord, ye sons of new birth;
praise him who hath brought you his grace from above,
praise him who hath taught you to sing of his love.
O praise ye the Lord! Thanksgiving and song
to him be outpoured all ages along!
For love in creation, for heaven restored,
for grace of salvation, O praise ye the Lord!
Doxology H380, vs. 3
The Great Thanksgiving
Expansive language Prayer C, BCP
Bishop God be with you.
People And also with you.
Bishop Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Bishop Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Bishop God of all power, Source and Sustainer of the Universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.
All Glory to you for ever and ever.
Bishop At your command all things came to be: shining light and enfolding dark; the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.
All By your will they were created and have their being.
Bishop From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with the capacity for memory, reason, and skill. You made us the stewards of your creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another.
All Have mercy, Lord, for we are sinners in your sight.
Bishop Again and again, you called us to return. Through prophets and sages you revealed your righteous Law. And in the fullness of time you sent your eternal Word, born of your servant Mary, to fulfill your Law, opening for us the way of freedom and peace.
All By his blood, he reconciled us. By his wounds, we are healed.
Bishop And therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:
Please rise or kneel, in body or spirit.
Bishop Blessed are you, Lord our God, for sending us Jesus, the Christ, who on the night he was handed over to suffering and death, took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, 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, gave thanks, and said,
"Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
Remembering now his work of redemption, and offering to you this sacrifice of thanksgiving,
All We celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection as we await the day of his coming.
Bishop Therefore, O God, we who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ, and made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring before you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Savior. Sanctify us also, and let the grace of this Holy Communion make us one body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the world in Christ’s name.
All Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of the Bread.
Bishop God of our ancestors; Redeemer and Mother of Israel; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Deliver us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace only and not for strength; for pardon only and not for renewal.
Accept these prayers and praises, Almighty God, through Jesus Christ our great High Priest, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, your Church gives honor, glory, and worship, from generation to generation. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Bishop As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray, using the language or version of our hearts,
Padre nuestro que estás . . . Our Father who art . . .
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
The Bishop breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
Fraction
Bishop Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Bishop These are God's holy gifts, for you, God's holy people.
Deacon This is the table of company with Jesus. It is the table of sharing with the poor and lowly of the world, with whom Jesus identified.
Bishop So come to this table you who have much faith or you who would like to have more; you who have been here often and you who have not been here in a long time. Come. It is Christ who invites you to meet him here.
People Amen. As the bread and wine are transformed, may we be changed into the likeness of Christ; bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh, loving and caring in the world.
Communion Protocol
Everyone is welcome at God’s table. The Greeters will direct you to the altar rail and the host (bread) will be dropped into your cupped hands. When you move to the wine, you may either drink from the cup, or have your host dipped. If you require gluten-free, let the server know. If you prefer a blessing, cross your arms over your chest, and if you are unable to come to the altar rail, let an usher know, and we will bring communion to you.
Communion Hymns I am the Bread of Life H335
Taste and See L154
Postcommunion Prayer
Bishop God is with you.
People And also with you.
Bishop Let us pray.
People Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.
Bishop We have celebrated this new pastoral relationship in the great prayer of the Church. Brenda, I commend to your love and care the people of Holy Communion. My siblings in Christ, I commend to your love and care your new Rector, colleague and friend, Brenda.
The Blessing
Processional Hymn There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit L120
Dismissal
Deacon Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
All Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!
Postlude Toccata by Theodore Dubois
Thank You!
A special thank you to The Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas who travelled from California to be our preacher tonight. Her time in the Diocese of San Diego has included serving a number of parishes, and a two-year stint as the Canon to the Ordinary. In retirement, she enjoys journeying with people as a Spiritual Director.
Servers
Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri: The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson
Archdeacon of the Diocese of Missouri: The Ven. Harry Leip
Canon to the Ordinary: The Rev. Canon Doris Westfall
Choir: The Holy Communion Choir
Chalice Bearers: Andrew Wasson, Marlene O’Brien
Crucifer: Scott Ferguson
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Intercessor: Zachary Adams
Land Acknowledgement: Carol Schmidt
Preacher: The Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas
Rector: The Rev. Brenda Sol
Reader “Greeter”: Luca Barbato
Reader 1 & Psalm: Ilona Potter
Livestream & Sound Techs: Tyler Schwartz, Sara Schoenborn
Ushers: Joe Donahou, Pat Redington
Vestry, Gift Presenters & Preparers
Kellie McCoy, Senior Warden
Joe Donahou, Junior Warden
Tim Anderson, Interim Treasurer
Pat Redington, Secretary
Rebecca Comas, Heidi Volkl, Rudy Walz,
Gloria Grenwald, Karen Payne, Nancy Donohoo
Fran Caradonna & Shirley Mensah, Gift Presenters
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988
and WorshipCast License #13476
Many ways to grow and belong at Holy Communion!
20s & 30s Brunch: 3rd Sundays, after 10:30 Worship (at a local restaurant)
Adult Forum: All Sundays (unless otherwise noted), 9am (Mitchell Hall)
Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11am (Vestry Room)
Choir: Practice on Thursdays, 7-8:30pm (Choir Rooml)
Contemplative Prayer: Wednesdays, 7:15pm (Vestry Room & Zoom)
Community Care Cupboard: Donate to our Community Care Cupboard, a food drive that fills the UCity School District's food pantry.
Laundry Love: 3rd Tuesdays, 6-8pm (Classic Coin Laundromat on Balson Ave.)
Men’s Prayer: 1st Saturdays, 8am (Mitchell Hall)
Noonday Eucharist: Wednesdays, 12pm (Chapel)
Pick Up Choir: 1st Sundays, 9:30 am (Chancel). (Last one before Summer is May 3rd)
Second Half Book Group: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 1:30-2:30pm (Lounge)
Theology on Tap: Currently 2nd Thursdays, starting June 11, 6-8pm (at a local restaurant)
Trinity Hot Lunch: 3rd Sundays, 1-3pm, help cook lunch for those in need (Trinity Episcopal Church)
Find more event/activity information at holycommunion.net
Looking for other ways to get involved? Just ask!
General Inquiries: office@holycommunion.net
New to Holy Communion?
We are excited to welcome you to worship at Holy Communion! Please sign the guestbook, or fill out a “Let’s Get Connected” card and turn it to a Greeter, or drop it in the Communion plate.
