12th Sunday of Pentecost, Aug 16, 2026 (10:30 am)
All Scripture quotes from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible. Unless otherwise noted, all music reproduced under copyright license through RiteSong. Streaming permission for music in this service from ONE LICENSE (license #M-739297). All rights reserved.
The Liturgy of the Word
(Our liturgy comes directly from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.
This version is the approved Expansive Language Prayer B)
The responses of the people are in bolded italics.
Prelude
Opening Hymn *See Music*
Opening Acclamation
Officiant Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
People And blessed be God’s reign, now and for ever. Amen.
Song of Praise God Welcomes All
The Collect (remain standing in body or spirit)
Celebrant God be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Lesson: Genesis 45:1-15 (please be seated)
Reader A reading from The Book of Genesis.
Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.’ And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
All Thanks be to God.
Psalm 133 Please pray responsively by half verse (bolded text).
1 Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *
when brethren live together in unity!
2 It is like fine oil upon the head *
that runs down upon the beard,
3 Upon the beard of Aaron, *
and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
4 It is like the dew of Hermon *
that falls upon the hills of Zion.
5 For there the Lord has ordained the blessing: *
life for evermore.
The Epistle: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Reader A reading from The Book of Romans.
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
All Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn Come, All You People
The Gospel: Matthew 15: 21-28
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Deacon The Gospel of the Savior.
All Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
Contemplative Silence
The Nicene Creed (Please rise in body or spirit)
Celebrant Let us affirm our faith in the words of the 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,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
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 (standing or kneeling in body or spirit) Form IV
Leader Let us pray for the Church and for the world. Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
(Silence)
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
Leader Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
(Silence)
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
Leader Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
(Silence)
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
Leader We give thanks for the many ministries of Holy Communion, this week we lift up . . . Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.
(Silence)
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
Leader Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.
(Silence)
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
Leader We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.
(Silence)
Leader Lord, in your mercy
People Hear our prayer.
The People may add their own petitions
Concluding Collect
Celebrant Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give to you; my own peace I leave with you:” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church, and give to us the peace and unity of that heavenly City, where with the Creator and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign, now and for ever. Amen.
The Confession
Deacon Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence (kneeling in body or spirit)
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Peace (Please rise in body or spirit)
Celebrant The peace of Christ be always with you.
People And also with you.
Announcements & Offering (Please be seated)
As part of our offering, a basket of food, which will be delivered to the U-City School's Community Cupboard, will also be brought to the altar.
Offering:
Blessing of Birthdays & Anniversaries
AllWatch over your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide themwherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may your peace which passes all understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Table
Offertory Hymn or Anthem *See Music*
Doxology (Please rise in body or spirit) The Hymnal 1982, #380, vs. 3
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heavenly host:
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost.
Words: Thomas Ken (1637-1711)
Music: Old 100th, melody from Psaumes octante trois de David, 1551, alt.; harm. after Louis Bourgeois (1510?1561?)
Please rise or kneel, in body or spirit
The Great Thanksgiving
Celebrant God 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.
Celebrant It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth.
For by water and the Holy Spirit you have made us a new people in Jesus Christ our Lord, to show forth your glory in all the world.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Sanctus
Celebrant and People
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.
Celebrant 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 Creator,
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 Holy Communion 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.
The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant 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 . . .
AllOur 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 forever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Celebrant 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.
Celebrant 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, where you are welcome to stand or kneel. 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 *See Music*
The Sending of Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs)
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.
Post Communion Prayer (standing or kneeling, in body or spirit)
Celebrant Let us pray.
All Eternal God, you have graciously accepted us as living members of our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Blessing
Closing Hymn *See Music*
Dismissal
Deacon Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, Alleluia!
All Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Postlude
✠
*Music*
Prelude: Prelude on Hyfrydol Gerhard Krapf
Processional Hymn: O Bless the Lord, My Soul H411
Sequence Hymn: Come, All You People SEE INSERT
Offertory Anthem: Be Thou My Vision arr. Richard Walters
Communion Hymn: Here I am, Lord WLP812; SEE INSERT
Recessional Hymn: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands L217
Postlude: Allegro Vivace Hermann Schroeder
Announcements
DioMo Annual Picnic: The Annual DioMO Picnic returns on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Camp MoVal. This is one of the most beloved gatherings in the diocesan year, bringing together friends from across our congregations and ministries for a full day of fellowship, fun, and celebration in the beautiful setting of Camp MoVal. Learn more here: diocesemo.org
Save the Date
Godly Play & Children's Chapel: Children’s programs return Sunday, Sept 13!
Episcopal City Mission Fundraiser: Thursday, Oct 15 at 6:00 pm
Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Retreat & Annual Meeting: Sept 18 & 19, 2026
Servers
Preacher: The Reverend Brenda Sol
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Organist: Earl Naylor
Guest Musician: Michael Salsich
Crucifer: William Kelly
Readers: Maryanne Angliongto (8), Ashlyn Walls (10:30)
Intercessor: Barbara Robinson (10:30)
Announcements: Gloria Grenwald (10:30)
Greeters: Earl Bonds (8), Carol Schmidt (10:30)
Chalice Bearers: Karen Payne (8), Marlene O’Brien (10:30)
Streamer: Tyler Schwartz
Vestry
Joe Donahou, Rector’s Warden
Heidi Volkl, People’s Warden
Jim Wire, Treasurer
Pat Redington, Secretary
Tim Anderson, Bex Comas, Nancy Donohoo,
Gloria Grenwald, Karen Payne, Rudy Walz
Staff
The Rev. Brenda Sol, Rector
314-721-7401 x302; rector@holycommunion.net
The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon
314-386-7762; chinesj@charter.net
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
314-721-7401 x301; office@holycommunion.net
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
Earl Naylor, Organist
Erin Meadows, Financial Administrator
314-721-7401 x304; financeadmin@holycommunion.net
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988
and WorshipCast License #13476
