22nd Sunday of Pentecost, Oct 25, 2026 (10:30 am)
The Liturgy of the Word
(Liturgy: Expansive Language Prayer C, from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.)
The responses of the people are in bold.
Prelude
Processional Hymn *SEE MUSIC (at end of service bulletin)
Welcome
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 (10:30am only)
The Collect of the Day
Officiant God be with you.
People And also with you.
Officiant Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Readings
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (please be seated)
Reader A reading from The Book of Deuteronomy.
Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the Lord showed him the whole land: Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the Negeb, and the Plain—that is, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees—as far as Zoar. The Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.” Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended.
Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.
Reader The word of the Lord.
All Thanks be to God.
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
1 Lord, you have been our refuge *
from one generation to another.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
or the land and the earth were born, *
from age to age you are God.
3 You turn us back to the dust and say, *
"Go back, O child of earth."
4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past *
and like a watch in the night.
5 You sweep us away like a dream; *
we fade away suddenly like the grass. REFRAIN
6 In the morning it is green and flourishes; *
in the evening it is dried up and withered.
13 Return, O Lord; how long will you tarry? *
be gracious to your servants.
14 Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; *
so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
15 Make us glad by the measure of the days that you afflicted us *
and the years in which we suffered adversity.
16 Show your servants your works *
and your splendor to their children.
17 May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; *
prosper the work of our hands;
prosper our handiwork. REFRAIN
Living Epistle
Sequence Hymn Over My Head
The Gospel: Matthew 22:34-46
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
All Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying,
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet”’?
If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
Deacon The Gospel of the Savior.
All Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
Contemplative Silence
The Nicene Creed (please rise in body or spirit)
Officiant 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 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 those on our parish prayer list.
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 ministries of Holy Communion, especially ____ .
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
Officiant Holy One, hear the prayers of your people; and what we have asked faithfully, grant that we may obtain effectually, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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)
Officiant The peace of Christ be always with you.
People And also with you.
Announcements & Offering (please be seated)
Offering:
Blessing of Birthdays & Anniversaries
Watch over your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever 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.
Offertory Sentence
Officiant Let us with gladness present the offerings and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord.
The Liturgy of the Table
Offertory Hymn or Anthem *SEE MUSIC
Doxology (Please rise in body or spirit, sung at 10:30 only) H380, 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.
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 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.
Celebrant 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.
Celebrant 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.
Celebrant 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.
Celebrant 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:
Sanctus
Celebrant and People
Please rise or kneel, in body or spirit.
Celebrant 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.
Celebrant 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.
Celebrant 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
Celebrant As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray, using the language or version of our hearts,
Our Father who art . . . Padre nuestro que estás . . .
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 Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
Fraction
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 are avoiding alcohol, let the bread-server know and you will be given grape juice. 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 In the name of Christ and this congregation, we send you forth bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the communion of Christ’s body and blood.
People We who are many are one body, because we all share one bread, one cup. Amen.
Post Communion Prayer (standing or kneeling as able)
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
Recessional Hymn *SEE MUSIC
Dismissal
Officiant Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
All Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!
Postlude
*Music*
Processional Hymn: Morning has Broken H8
Sequence Hymn: Over My Head SEE ABOVE
Offertory Anthem: For the Beauty of the Earth John Rutter
Communion Hymn: All Who Hunger Gather Gladly SEE ABOVE
Father, We Thank Thee H302
Recessional Hymn: Soon and Very Soon L14
Announcements
Community of Hope Information Session + Cookies! Join Denise Carpenter today after worship at 11:30am in Mitchell Hall. She'll be sharing the opportunity to join a community steeped in Benedictine spirituality, which serves others through compassionate listening. Learn more here: www.cohi.org/
Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral: Attend Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral tonight, October 25 at 5pm. Our choir will join the Cathedral choir for the service, and we'd love for you to join us!
Blessing of the Costumes: Sunday, Oct 25. Wear your costume to worship at either service for a special blessing!
Getting to Know You Gatherings: Oct 24, 27, 28, 29. Join us for one of the upcoming “Getting to Know You Gatherings.” Chat with Mother Brenda, reconnect with old friends and make new ones! Take an invitation from the Narthex and use the QR code to bring a heavy appetizer or a dessert and a bottle of your favorite beverage, & choose your date/location. Or call the office: 314-721-7401.
Names of Loved Ones due by 10/27: As part of our Nov. 1st All Saints celebration, we will publish a list of those we love but see no longer. Please email or call the office, before Oct. 27, with names of your loved ones who have passed on.
Sages Luncheon: Wed, Oct 28, 1pm at Mi Ranchito, 887 Kingsland Ave. in University City.
Save the Date
All Saints Ofrenda: Sun, Nov 1. Turn in photos of loved ones who have passed to add to our annual Orfenda – an altar to honor the dead. Or email your photo to office@holycommunion.net to have photos printed (deadline 10/27). Please leave photos in Darcy’s mailbox.
Church Work Day: Sat, Nov 7th!
Buy the Book, Save the Date: Tuesdays, 7pm, starting Nov. 9. Zoom book group and Immigration Justice discussion with Intern Alicia Shapinsky, featuring Edafe Okporo's memoir, Asylum.
Servers
Preacher: Alicia Shapinsky
Guest Organist: Cheryl Foster
Crucifer: Scott Ferguson
Readers: Elizabeth Hines (8), Bradley Currey (10:30)
Intercessor: Gloria Grenwald (10:30)
Greeters: Earl Bonds (8), Rudy Walz (10:30)
Chalice Bearers: Karen Payne (8), Elizabeth Hines (10:30)
Streamer: Fran Caradonna
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, WorshipCast License #13476, and St. James Music Press License #14747.
