8am Service June 13: Third Sunday after Pentecost
Our Mission Welcome to The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, a welcoming and diverse community seeking to walk in the way of Jesus and to reveal Christ’s reconciling love in our city, nation, and world.
Things are different right now. The pandemic means we are keeping things simple, short, and safe. Masks are required thorughout the service. There are a few other ground rules.
Distancing: As much as we wish we could greet one another, out of love for our neighbor we have to stay distanced. Please maintain 6 or more feet from other households at all times. Consider sending a text, a message on Facebook, or even writing a letter or email to someone who could use some peace. A wave, a peace sign, or a “smize” (a smile with your eyes) will do.
Masks: Please ensure all members of your household over age 6 are wearing a mask covering both the mouth and nose at all times. Ushers have some masks available, if you forgot yours. Please do not remove your mask or lift your mask at any time. When it comes time for communion, simply slip the wafer under your mask.
Communion: All are welcome to receive. When it comes time, please maintain a distance of greater than 6 feet in a single file line up to the front. Please come to the communion minister on the side of the church where you are sitting. Make your way down the side aisle to return to your seat. Under the bishop’s order, wine is not available at this time. If you would prefer not to receive, simply cross your arms across your chest and the minister will give you a blessing.
Donations: We welcome donations to support the work of Holy Communion, whether a payment on a pledge or simply an offering. An offering box is available at the welcome table, if you would like to make a gift after the service. You can also text GIVE to (833) 864-5384 or give any time on our website holycommunion.net/give
Is there wheelchair accessibility? Yes. Our entrances have auto-open buttons, and our elevator is ADA compliant. Both the downstairs restrooms and one of the upstairs restrooms are accessible. Everyone is invited to remain seated during the service as they need.
What about hearing assistance? We can help there, too. Hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers. Just ask.
How do I get involved? If you begin by filling out a “Connect Card” at the Welcome Table or online, we’d be glad to keep you up to date with all that goes on here. You can also use the Connect Cards to update your information, request prayers, or to ask a question. Turn them in to the wooden offering box in the entryway.
Throughout the service, the bold portions are the parts the congregation says together.
Procession
The in-person congregation is invited to stand as the clergy enter and reverence the altar.
Welcome
A priest welcomes the congregation. If you are new to us, consider filling out our “get connected” form, let us get to know you better.
Opening Dialogue
please stand as you are able
Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
And blessed be God’s reign, now and forever. Amen.
A Song of Wisdom
Sapientia liberavit Wisdom 10:15-19,20b-21
Song of Praise, often the “Gloria” comes at this place in the service, but this hymn from the Book of Wisdom in the Bible is chosen for the Pentecost season. The Spirit of Wisdom is often given feminine pronouns in Scripture. We say the words together.
Wisdom freed from a nation of oppressors *
a holy people and a blameless race.
She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, *
withstood dread rulers with wonders and signs.
To the saints she gave the reward of their labors, *
and led them by a marvelous way;
She was their shelter by day *
and a blaze of stars by night.
She brought them across the Red Sea, *
she led them through mighty waters;
But their enemies she swallowed in the waves *
and spewed them out from the depths of the abyss.
And then, Lord, the righteous sang hymns to your Name, *
and praised with one voice your protecting hand;
For Wisdom opened the mouths of the mute, *
and gave speech to the tongues of a new-born people.
The Collect of the Day
Our service begins with a Collect, a prayer that helps gather us, and may name themes of the day and season
Let us Pray.
Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Readings
We hear the stories of the experience of God from our spiritual ancestors. Following an ancient pattern originally from Jewish synagogue worship, readings follow a set calendar for what will be read when. The translation used at Holy Communion is the Common English Bible translation.
The First Reading
please be seated
A Reading from the first book of Samuel (1 Samuel 15:34-16:13)
Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah. Samuel never saw Saul again before he died, but he grieved over Saul. However, the Lord regretted making Saul king over Israel.
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long are you going to grieve over Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have found my next king among his sons.”
“How can I do that?” Samuel asked. “When Saul hears of it he’ll kill me!”
“Take a heifer with you,” the Lord replied, “and say, ‘I have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will make clear to you what you should do. You will anoint for me the person I point out to you.”
Samuel did what the Lord instructed. When he came to Bethlehem, the city elders came to meet him. They were shaking with fear. “Do you come in peace?” they asked.
“Yes,” Samuel answered. “I’ve come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Now make yourselves holy, then come with me to the sacrifice.” Samuel made Jesse and his sons holy and invited them to the sacrifice as well.
When they arrived, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, That must be the Lord’s anointed right in front.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.”
Next Jesse called for Abinadab, who presented himself to Samuel, but he said, “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either.” So Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “No, the Lord hasn’t chosen this one.” Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord hasn’t picked any of these.” Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?”
“There is still the youngest one,” Jesse answered, “but he’s out keeping the sheep.”
“Send for him,” Samuel told Jesse, “because we can’t proceed until he gets here.”
So Jesse sent and brought him in. He was reddish brown, had beautiful eyes, and was good-looking. The Lord said, “That’s the one. Go anoint him.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him right there in front of his brothers. The Lord’s spirit came over David from that point forward.
Then Samuel left and went to Ramah.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Psalm (Psalm 20)
The Psalm is read responsively. The congregation is invited to read the verses in bold.
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble,
the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
send you help from the holy place of the Lord
and strengthen you out of Zion;
remember all your offerings
and accept your burnt sacrifice;
grant you your heart’s desire
and prosper all your plans.
We will shout for joy at your victory
and triumph in the name of our God;
may the Lord grant all your requests.
Now I know that you, O Lord, give victory to your anointed,
whom you will answer out of the heavenly realms
with the victorious strength of your mighty hand.
Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we will call upon the name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall down,
but we will arise and stand upright.
O Lord, give victory to your anointed
and answer us when we call.
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Mark (Mark 4:26-34)
Then Jesus said, “This is what God’s kingdom is like. It’s as though someone scatters seed on the ground, then sleeps and wakes night and day. The seed sprouts and grows, but the farmer doesn’t know how. The earth produces crops all by itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full head of grain. Whenever the crop is ready, the farmer goes out to cut the grain because it’s harvesttime.”
He continued, “What’s a good image for God’s kingdom? What parable can I use to explain it? Consider a mustard seed. When scattered on the ground, it’s the smallest of all the seeds on the earth; but when it’s planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all vegetable plants. It produces such large branches that the birds in the sky are able to nest in its shade.”
With many such parables he continued to give them the word, as much as they were able to hear. He spoke to them only in parables, then explained everything to his disciples when he was alone with them.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Homily The Rev. Mike Angell
please be seated at the invitation of the preacher
The Homily is designed to help us make the Word a living and transforming reality in our lives.
The Prayers
please stand as you are able for the prayers
God-in-community, you created humankind in your image and blessed us with the capacity to love. As we celebrate Pride month, we thank you for the gift of diverse sexualities and gender identities, especially those of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer siblings, which reflect your multi-faceted likeness.
God of power, send your Spirit to lead your Church. We repent of the harm done to our LGBTQ+ siblings, and recommit ourselves to making your church a place of refuge and fulfillment for all people. We pray for Michael our Presiding Bishop; Deon our bishop; and all those who minister in your name.
God of love,
Hear our prayer.
God of wisdom, we ask your guidance for all who bear the authority of government throughout the world, this nation, and our neighborhoods. Inspire us to create communities of justice and inclusion.
God of love,
Hear our prayer.
God who, in Jesus, came among us as one who heals, we ask you to bring reconciliation and healing wherever there is division, sickness, and sorrow. We pray and for all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, from this city to the farthest reaches of your creation.
God of love,
Hear our prayer.
God of creation, we thank you for the gifts of gender and sexuality. We pray for all who live under the threat of violence, oppression, and intimidation from their families, neighbors, or the state. We pray especially this day for our partners at Cristosal working on behalf of Human Rights in Central America Open our hearts and our minds to your creative brilliance and help us to transgress the boundaries that prevent us from honoring your goodness in one another.
God of love,
Hear our prayer.
God of harmony, we thank you for the gift of this community, especially Cheyanne Lovellette and Amarachi Onyema celebrating birthdays this week: Inspire this congregation to do the work you have called us to do. Help our parish to embody our core values of welcome, diversity and community, that we might reflect your radical love to the world.
God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Eternal God, this Pride Sunday, we especially thank you for the witness of LGBTQ+ leaders who have gone before us, who dared to envision a world of radical inclusion. We remember those who have fought and died to advance equality for the LGBTQ+ community, and for those who continue the work.
God of love,
Hear our prayer.
God of life, we pray for all who have died, especially those who have fought and died to advance equality for the LGBTQ+ community that in the glorious company of the saints they may find rest eternal.
God of love,
Hear our prayer.
Silence
The Presider adds a concluding collect:
O God, you created us in your image and blessed us with the capacity to love. Accept the prayers of your people. Teach us to fully and radically love all your children as their true and whole selves and lead us with courage to continually advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, just as your Holy Spirit advocates for us. In the name of Jesus, your beloved, we pray. Amen.
The Peace
The Peace is then exchanged. Please do not approach people outside your household. A wave, a peace sign, or a “smize” (a smile with your eyes) will do.
The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you
Announcements
The rector or other clergy give this week’s announcements.
Offering While we cannot pass the plate, we welcome donations to support the work of Holy Communion, whether a payment on a pledge or simply an offering. An offering box is available at the welcome table, if you would like to make a gift after the service. You can also give on our website or by texting GiveHoCO to (833) 864-5384
Eucharistic Prayer
please stand as you are able
The second part of the liturgy moves to the Table. As we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, we gather in a way Christians have for millenia.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
The presider offers our thanks to God for the grace and mercy made available to us in Christ.
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.
The presider gives thanks to God for the reconciling work of Christ’s passion and resurrection and prays over the bread and wine.
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The presider concludes with prayer for the coming of God’s reign.
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 forever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Let us pray in the way Christ taught us, and in the language of our hearts.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Administration of the Sacrament
All are welcome to receive. When it comes time, please maintain a distance of greater than 6 feet in a single file line up to the front. Please come to the priest on the side of the church where you are sitting. Make your way down the side aisle to return to your seat. Under the bishop’s order, wine is not available at this time. If you would rather receive a blessing, please come forward to the altar rail during communion and cross your arms across your chest. Gluten free wafers are available, on request, from the minister.
Post Communion Prayer
God of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Blessing
The people stand or kneel as the presider proclaims the final blessing. The People respond: Amen
The Dismissal
The Deacon dismisses the congregation. The final act of our common worship is the Dismissal. It is not an afterthought, but an integral part of the service. The word “Mass” comes from the Latin words “missa est”- “you are sent.”
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.
Procession
The in-person congregation is invited to stand as the clergy exit and reverence the altar.
Please make your way outside as soon as you can after the service. The clergy will greet you outdoors. Our newly revised guidelines allow folks who are vaccinated to remove their masks outdoors. (Please keep them on indoors). You are welcome to join us for light refreshments and fellowship on the front lawn, weather permitting.
Service Leaders
Preacher: The Rev. Mike Angell
Celebrant: The Rev. Julie Graham
Assisting: The Rev. Marc Smith.
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Reader: Lisa Hummel
Intercessor: Elizabeth Hines
Usher: Earl Bonds
Music reprinted and broadcast with permission by OneLicense # A-704988
The Psalms are copyright of the Anglican Church of Canada. The Scripture Translation is the Common English Bible. All are used by permission.
The Prayers of the People: On June 28, 1969, a group of queer women of color, drag queens, lesbians, and gay men resisted a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar on Christopher Street in the New York. The ensuing riots lasted for five nights. This act of resistance, led by queer women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, is now known as the Stonewall Uprising and is widely recognized as the birth of the Gay Liberation movement in the United States. Since then, LGBTQ+ communities around the world have recognized June as Pride Month—a time to celebrate our God-given identities and recommit to the work of liberation for our community These prayers originally come from Trinity Wallstreet in New York.
