Feast of St. Francis, Oct 4, 2026 (10:30 am)
All Scripture quotes from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible.
The Liturgy of the Word*
(During the “Season of Creation” we are using an
alternative liturgy as provided by The Episcopal Church.)
The responses of the people are in bold.
Prelude
Entrance Hymn *SEE MUSIC at end of bulletin
Opening Acclamation
Officiant Blessed be the One who creates all things.
People The Holy One’s love is new every morning.
Song of Praise (10:30am only)
The Collect of the Day (remain standing)
Officiant The Creator be with you.
People And also with you.
Officiant Let us pray.
Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may, for love of you, delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Readings and The Gospel
Psalm 148:7-14 (10:30am sings refrain only)
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds! REFRAIN
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord! REFRAIN
The Epistle: Galatians 6:14-18
Reader A reading from The Book of Galatians.
May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to all God’s Creation.
All Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn Celtic Alleluia
The Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
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
Leader For the artistry of spinning spiders, for the industry of ants, for all alert animals of field and forest, for squirrels that gather, chipmunks that chatter, and for mice that burrow.
People We give you thanks, O Lord.
Leader For the splendor of the great deep and sparkling streams, for water bugs and dolphins, for all fish and all sea life, and for the sheer size of whales.
People We give you thanks, O Lord.
Leader For all things that fly and have taught us to reach upward, for pelicans and parakeets, barn owls and peacocks, for birds that nest in eaves and attics reminding us that we are not alone.
People We give you thanks, O Lord.
Leader For beasts that lumber, For elephants and hippos, grizzly bears and tortoises, porcupines and three-toed sloths, and for all creatures that remind us not to hurry.
People We give you thanks, O Lord.
Leader For the graceful beasts, for the great cats and for gazelles, for giraffes, and for flamingos, foxes, and fawns.
People We give you thanks, O Lord.
Leader For the animals that work for human good, for horses, oxen, mules, and beasts of burden, for dogs who lead the blind and track the lost.
People We give you thanks, O Lord.
Leader For the animals that share our homes, for the faithful dogs and purring cats, for all animals that teach us how to love without judgment, for hamsters, birds, assorted reptiles, and rabbits.
People We give you thanks, O Lord.
Leader Give us grace to learn from the animal kingdom that you created all things that we might work together for the common good.
People Hear us O Lord.
Leader Deliver us from the presumption that we are creation’s central act. Remind us, who are redeemed by a cross, that these your animals have been redeemed by an ark of your grace.
People Hear us O Lord.
Leader Make of us proper stewards of all creation that, caring for your creatures and for their homes, we may come at last to that peaceable kingdom where lion and lamb lie together.
People Hear us O Lord.
Concluding Collect
Creator God, you call us into being. Inspire us with your extravagant generosity, and sustain us with hope in resurrection life. All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. Amen.
The Confession
Deacon Let us confess our sins against God and God’s creation.
Silence (kneeling in body or spirit)
All God of compassion, have mercy upon us. Heal our relationship with all creation. Forgive us for our mistreatment and neglect of the creatures who share the earth with us. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent for what we have done to harm them, and for what we have not done to help them. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may care for one another and for all creatures, according to your will and in the fullness of your love; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.
Officiant 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 Peace with yourself. Peace with Creation.
Peace with one another. The peace of Christ
be always with you.
People And also with you.
Announcements & Offering (please be seated)
Offering
Blessing of Birthdays & Anniversaries
All 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.
The Liturgy of the Table
Offertory Hymn/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?)
The Great Thanksgiving (Please rise in body or spirit)
Celebrant The Creator be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Creator.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to our loving God.
People It is right to give God 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.
Preface
Celebrant We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant. From before time you made ready the creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; and every living thing.
You made us in your image, and taught us to walk in your ways. But we rebelled against you, and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love.
And so this day we join with Saints and Angels in the chorus of praise that rings through eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we sing:
Sanctus
Celebrant and People
Celebrant Glory and honor and praise to you, holy and living God. To deliver us from the power of sin and death and to reveal the riches of your grace, you looked with favor upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and bear a son, Jesus the holy child of God.
Living among us, Jesus loved us. He broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed the sick, and proclaimed good news to the poor. He yearned to draw all the world to himself yet we were heedless of his call to walk in love.
Then, the time came for him to complete upon the cross the sacrifice of his life, and to be glorified by you.
On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, and said:
“Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again, he gave thanks to you, gave it to them, and said:
“Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Now gathered at your table, O God of all creation, and remembering Christ, crucified and risen, who was and is and is to come, we offer to you our gifts of bread and wine, and ourselves, a living sacrifice. Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ. Breathe your Spirit over the whole earth and make us your new creation, the Body of Christ given for the world you have made.
In the fullness of time bring us, with all your saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation, to feast at the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant As the Wisdom from before Creation teaches us, we now pray,
All Holy One, our only Home,
Hallowed be your name.
May your day dawn,
your will be done,
here as in heaven.
Feed us today,
and forgive us as we forgive each other.
Do not forsake us at the test,
but deliver us from evil.
For the glory, the power,
and the mercy are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
Celebrant This is Living Bread, given for all Creation.
People All who eat this bread share in Christ’s body.
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 Holy One, you feed us with bread from heaven and the gifts of mother earth. In this communion, you have drawn us into your embrace and you call us to friendship with one another. You have given us the gift of reconciliation. May we who have tasted that gift from you, offer ourselves in peace and humility to one another. And may you always walk among us as friend. Amen.
The Blessing
Celebrant God of the galaxies, God of the starburst and sunlit morning, God of the forest and shining seas, God of the blooming desert and rolling grasslands – shine on us today. And the blessing of the Creator God, the Risen Son, and the Promised Holy Spirit bless you that you might be a blessing to others today and always.Amen.
Recessional Hymn *SEE MUSIC
Dismissal
Deacon Let us bless our God and all Creation. Alleluia, alleluia.
All Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!
Postlude
*Music*
Prelude: Prelude on Hyfrydol Paul Manz
Processional Hymn: All Creatures of Our God and King H400, v 1, 2, 5,7
Offertory Anthem: All the Ends of the Earth Bob Dufford
Communion Hymn: My Song is Love Unknown H458, v 1, 2, 5
Taste & See
Recessional Hymn: Every Time I Feel the Spirit L114
Postlude: Fugue in D Major William Selby
Season of Creation Resources
Welcome to the Episcopal Church's "Season of Creation"! To learn more about why we do this and what more you can do for Creation, scan this QR code!
Episcopal Creation Care
Announcements
Diocesan Committee Nominations & Convention: If you enjoy participating in church governance, now's your chance to take on a role in a diocesan committee! Enter a nomination here: https://form.jotform.com/DioMO/2026-nominations. And/or if you're interested in attending the annual convention (Nov. 12-14), you're encouraged to do so. Find out more here by scrolling to the bottom of this webpage: https://diocesemo.org/2026convention.
Theology on Tap: Icons, or Theology in Color, Thur, Oct. 8, 6-8pm. Have you ever wondered why Orthodox icons are called 'windows to Heaven,' where the term 'iconoclast' originally came from, or the theology behind icons' use of light and shadow? Bring along your favorite icons and/or your curiosity about them as we explore why icons are considered "written" vs. "painted"--and how to read them! Meet us in the Crown Room at Schlafly Bottleworks for no-host food and beverages.
Locust Tree Blessing: Join us on Oct 11 after 10:30am worship, as we give thanks and say goodbye to the beautiful locust tree in Holy Communion’s front lawn.
A Day of Reflection & Prayer DATE CHANGED: Oct 17 from 1-4pm in the Nave. Drop-in anytime – follow the footprints for silent reflection at your own pace. This includes an opportunity to walk the labyrinth.
Episcopal City Mission Fundraiser: Thursday, Oct 15 at 6pm
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.
Servers
Godly Play Presenter: Grace Gorski
Celebrant: The Reverend Brenda Sol
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Choir Director: Mary Chapman
Organist: Earl Naylor
Crucifer: William Kelly
Readers: Maryanne Angliongto (8), (10:30)
Intercessor: Zach Adams (10:30)
Greeters: Michael Salsich (8), Nancy Donohoo (10:30)
Chalice Bearers: Karen Payne (8), Elizabeth Hines (10:30)
Streamer: Tyler Schwartz
Grace Gorski is an Early Childhood Education Specialist who serves as our volunteer coordinator for our Children's Programs. Godly Play is the curriculum we have been using with our kids. It is Montessori-based and founded on the ideals of wonder and curiosity.
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.
