7th Sunday after Easter & Baptism, May 17, 2026 (10:30 am)
Holy Baptism
Prelude (10:30 service)
Welcome
Processional Hymn (10:30 service)
Opening Acclamation Please rise in body or spirit
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
The Celebrant then continues
Celebrant There is one Body and one Spirit;
People There is one hope in God's call to us;
Celebrant One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People One God and Father of all.
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
The Collect of the Day SEE INSERT
Liturgy of the Word
The Lessons SEE INSERT
The people sit.
After each Reading
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn SEE INSERT
The Holy Gospel SEE INSERT
Please rise in body or spirit.
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to ______.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel Reading
Deacon The Gospel of the Savior.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
A moment of silence is observed, following the sermon.
Presentation and Examination of the Candidates (Congregation remains seated)
Celebrant The Candidate(s) for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Adults and Older Children
The candidates who are able to answer for themselves are presented individually by their Sponsors, as follows
Sponsor I present N. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
The Celebrant asks each candidate when presented
Celebrant Do you desire to be baptized?
Candidate I do.
Infants and Younger Children
Then the candidates who are unable to answer for themselves are presented
individually by their Parents and Godparents, as follows
Parents and Godparents I present N. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
When all have been presented the Celebrant asks the parents and godparents
Celebrant Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?
Parents and Godparents I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Parents and Godparents I will, with God's help.
Then the Celebrant asks the following questions of the candidates who can speak for themselves, and of the parents and godparents who speak on behalf of the infants and younger children
Celebrant Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces
of wickedness that rebel against God?
Parents and Godparents I renounce them.
Celebrant Do you renounce the evil powers of this world
which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Parents and Godparents I renounce them.
Celebrant Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you
from the love of God?
Parents and Godparents I renounce them.
Celebrant Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your
Savior?
Parents and Godparents I do.
Celebrant Do you put your whole trust in Christ’s grace and love?
Parents and Godparents I do.
Celebrant Do you promise to follow and obey Christ as your Lord?
Parents and Godparents I do.
After all have been presented, the Celebrant addresses the congregation, saying
Celebrant Will you who witness these vows do all in your
power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
People We will.
Please rise in body or spirit
Celebrant Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ
and renew our own baptismal covenant.
The Baptismal Covenant
Celebrant As we gather at the waters of life, we renew our commitment to follow Jesus as our Savior and promise to love God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves.
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I 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.
Celebrant 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.
Celebrant With God's help,
People I will continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
Celebrant With God's help,
People I will persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever I fall into sin, repent and return to Christ.
Celebrant With God's help,
People I will proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.
Celebrant With God's help,
People I will seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving my neighbor as myself.
Celebrant With God's help,
People I will strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.
Prayers for the Candidates
Celebrant Let us now pray for those who are to receive the Sacrament of new birth.
A Person appointed leads the following petitions while baptismal party processes to the front
Leader Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Send them into the world in witness to your love.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People Lord, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant says
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death
of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his
resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who
lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.
Thanksgiving Over the Water
The Celebrant blesses the water, first saying
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.
Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation.
Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage
in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus
received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy
Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death
and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are
buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his
resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his
fellowship those who come to Christ in faith, baptizing them in
the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your
Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and
born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus
Christ our Savior.
To Christ, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and
glory, now and forever. Amen.
The Baptism
N., I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When this action has been completed for all candidates, the Bishop or Priest, at a place in full sight of the congregation, prays over them, saying
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of
grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
Then the Bishop or Priest places a hand on the person's head, marking on the forehead the sign of the cross [using Chrism if desired] and saying to each one
N., you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own forever. Amen.
Then the Priest or Deacon lights a candle from the paschal candle and says to each one.
N., let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven. Amen.
When all have been baptized, the Celebrant says
Celebrant Let us welcome the newly baptized.
Celebrant and People
We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith
of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with
us in Christ’s eternal priesthood.
Welcoming Hymn SEE INSERT
The Peace
Officiant The peace of Christ be always with you.
People And also with you.
Announcements & Offering(please be seated)
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 INSERT
Doxology(please rise in body or spirit) H380, vs. 3
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heav’nly 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:
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.
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 resurrectionas 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,
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 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 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 a greeter know, and we will bring communion to you.
Communion Hymns SEE INSERT
The Sending of Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs)
LEVs deliver communion to those unable to join us in worship. The supplies are often retrieved during the week, but, occasionally, we have the opportunity to offer our blessing with the following prayer.
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.
AllEternal 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 INSERT
Dismissal
Officiant Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
AllThanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!
Postlude
Liturgical Source Material: The 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Enriching Our Worship, The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version, Expansive Language Prayer C
www.holycommunion.net
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988
and WorshipCast License #13476
INSERT:
Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 17
Day of the Ascension Observed with Baptism
Prelude: Mit Freuden zart Ernst Pepping
Processional Hymn: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee H376
Sequence Hymn: Hold You in Our Circle SEE INSERT
Welcoming Hymn: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light H490
Offertory Anthem: If Ye Love Me Thomas Tallis
Communion Hymns: Baptized in Water L121
Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song H513
Recessional Hymn: This Little Light of Mine L221
Postlude: Allegro Maestoso Flor Peeters
The Collect
Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. "This," he said, "is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All:Thanks be to God.
The Psalm 47
Please pray in unison at 8am; 10:30 sings the refrain only.
1 Clap your hands, all you peoples; *
shout to God with a cry of joy.
2 For the Lord Most High is to be feared; *
he is the great King over all the earth.
3 He subdues the peoples under us, *
and the nations under our feet.
4 He chooses our inheritance for us, *
the pride of Jacob whom he loves.
5 God has gone up with a shout, *
the Lord with the sound of the ram's-horn. REFRAIN
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; *
sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is King of all the earth; *
sing praises with all your skill.
8 God reigns over the nations; *
God sits upon his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the peoples have gathered together *
with the people of the God of Abraham.
10 The rulers of the earth belong to God, *
and he is highly exalted. REFRAIN
The Epistle: Ephesians 1:15-23
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.
God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn Hold You in Our Circle
The Gospel: Luke 24:44-53
Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke.
All: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said to his disciples, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-- that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Deacon: The Gospel of the Savior.
All: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Announcements
Laundry Love: Through Laundry Love, Holy Communion members have supported our University City community since 2017. Each third Tuesday of the month, this ministry shares fellowship, while putting quarters in the machines for our neighbors. Join us on May 19, 6-8 p.m. at Classic Coin Laundromat on Balson Ave. Sign up on website under the tabs: Service & Outreach > Laundry Love.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration: On Wed, May 20 at 5:30pm, join us for a joyful evening of worship, food, and conversation at Hope Episcopal Church (Town & Country)! Eucharist will be celebrated by Bishop Deon, with a sermon from The Rev. Jo Ann Lagman, Asiamerica missioner for The Episcopal Church. Afterward, stay for dinner and a panel discussion led by Bishop Jos Tharakan (Idaho). Register here: https://diocesemo.org/aanhpi26
Pentecost Sunday, May 24: Wear RED to worship & celebrate the fire of the Holy Spirit!
Can you speak a non-English language? Participate in our traditional Acts 2 multilingual reading: Email Darcy at office@holycommunion.net to sign up.
Musicians Wanted: It's that time of year! We invite all musicians to share their talents during the summer services (June through Labor Day). Professional ability is not necessary - just a joy of sharing music with others! If you would like to provide an anthem during one of our services, please email Mary Chapman at mchapman@holycommunion.net.
The Contemplative Prayer Group: Now is a great time to join us, if you’ve ever been curious - Help us choose a new book! Wednesdays in the Vestry Room at 7:15pm for 1 hour. Each gathering includes a 20-minute silent meditation, faith sharing, and comments on the book/video. All are welcome!
Save the Date
Adult Forum NEW Book Series: Join Mother Brenda for a discussion on the book For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional by Hanna Reichel at Adult Forum, on Sundays at 9am in Mitchell Hall, starting May 31 (chapters 1-7). Email office@holycommunion.net for a link to purchase the book & reading schedule info.
Theology on Tap: Currently 2nd Thursdays from 6-8pm. Meet in the Crown Room at Schlafly Bottleworks on June 11, July 9 & Aug 13!
Servers
Preacher: The Reverend Chester Hines
Celebrant: The Reverend Brenda Sol
Music Director: Mary Chapman
Organist: Earl Naylor
Crucifer: Sherifa Olivia Bethune
Torch Bearer: Rudy Walz
Readers: Elizabeth Hines (8), Denise Carpenter (10:30)
Intercessor: Shirley Mensah (10:30)
Announcements: Bex Comas (10:30)
Greeters: Michael Salsich (8), Elizabeth Hines (10:30)
Chalice Bearers: Karen Payne (8), Marlene O’Brien (10:30)
Streamer: Lyle Barbato
