8am Service July 4, 2021: Sixth 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.
Song of Praise
Psalm 113 Order of Saint Helena Psalter
Song of Praise, often the “Gloria” comes at this place in the service, but this psalm helps us to remember God’s faithfulness not just to our nation, but to all especially the weak and poor. We say the words together.
Hallelujah! Give praise, you servants of God;
praise the Name of the Most High.
Let God’s Name be blest,
from this time forth for evermore.
From the rising of the sun to its going down
let God’s holy Name be praised.
God is high above all nations,
and God’s glory above the heavens.
Who is like our God, who sits enthroned on high,
but stoops to behold the heavens and the earth?
God takes up the weak out of the dust
and lifts up the poor from the ashes.
To set them up on high,
with the rulers of the people.
God makes the woman of a childless house
to be a joyful mother of children
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.
O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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 (2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10)
All the Israelite tribes came to David at Hebron and said, “Listen: We are your very own flesh and bone. In the past, when Saul ruled over us, you were the one who led Israel out to war and back. What’s more, the Lord told you, You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will be Israel’s leader.
So all the Israelite elders came to the king at Hebron. King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.
David was 30 years old when he became king, and he ruled for forty years. He ruled over Judah for seven and a half years in Hebron. He ruled thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah in Jerusalem.
David occupied the fortress, so it was renamed David’s City. David built a city around it from the earthen terraces inward. David grew increasingly powerful, and the Lord of heavenly forces was with him.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Psalm (Psalm 48)
The Psalm is read responsively. The congregation is invited to read the verses in bold.
Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised;
in whose city is the holy hill of God.
Beautiful and lofty, the joy of all the earth, is the hill of Zion,
the very centre of the world and the city of the great sovereign.
God is in its citadels
and is known to be its sure refuge.
Behold, the rulers of the earth assembled
and marched forward together.
They looked and were astounded;
they retreated and fled in terror.
Trembling seized them there;
they writhed like a woman in childbirth,
like ships of the sea
when the east wind shatters them.
As we have heard, so have we seen,
in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God;
God has established it for ever.
We have waited in silence on your loving-kindness, O God,
in the midst of your temple.
Your praise, like your name, O God, reaches to the world’s end;
your hand is full of justice.
Let Mount Zion be glad and the cities of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgements.
Make the circuit of Zion; walk round about it;
count the number of its towers.
Consider well its bulwarks; examine its strongholds;
that you may tell those who come after.
This God is our God for ever and ever,
who shall be our guide for evermore.
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Mark (Mark 6:1-13)
Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples followed him. On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this man get all this? What’s this wisdom he’s been given? What about the powerful acts accomplished through him? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin.
Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometowns, among their relatives, and in their own households.” He was unable to do any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. He was appalled by their disbelief.
Then Jesus traveled through the surrounding villages teaching.
He called for the Twelve and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick—no bread, no bags, and no money in their belts. He told them to wear sandals but not to put on two shirts. He said, “Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. If a place doesn’t welcome you or listen to you, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should change their hearts and lives. They cast out many demons, and they anointed many sick people with olive oil and healed them.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Homily The Rev. Marc Smith
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
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For the Church in El Salvador; [here the leader prays for a church or ministry in the cycle of prayer of Diocese of Missouri]; for Michael, our presiding bishop, Deon our bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
For all who serve God in the Church.
For those on our prayer list and for the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
The people may add their own petitions silently or aloud,
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For those celebrating a birthday this week especially Zachary Clark; we thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
The people may add their own petitions silently or aloud.
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Have mercy upon us, most merciful God;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown, things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Absolution (the priest pronounces absolution)
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. 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.
The presider concludes with prayer for the coming of God’s reign.
Through 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 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. Marc Smith
Presider: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Reader: Earl Bonds
Intercessor: Elizabeth Hines
Usher: Mark Willingham
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.
