Third Sunday in the Season of Easter 2024, April 14
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.
Get Involved: If you fill out a “Let’s Get Connected Card” found in your pew, or at the Welcome Table by the door where you came in the church, we’d be glad to keep you up to date with all that’s happening at Holy Communion. Or, simply scan the QR code below to visit holycommunion.net where you can share your contact information, find a worship bulletin, read the latest news, and more.
Communion: “These are the gifts of God for the people of God.”
At Church of the Holy Communion, we believe that it is Christ himself who invites us to meet him in the bread and the cup. Though it is known by many names - Communion, Mass, Holy Eucharist, The Lord’s Supper, the Sacrament of the Altar - it is the means by which Christ’s real presence abides with us by faith. Therefore, all are welcome to receive. When it comes time for Communion, please follow the directions of the Greeters. The bread is offered to all, with gluten free wafers available, upon request from the minister. If you would like to receive the wine, you may either drink from the cup, or intinct (dip) the wafer in the wine. Likewise, it is acceptable to receive only the bread, if for personal or health reasons you prefer to not consume wine. Those not receiving Communion, may also come forward. Indicate to the minister that you do not wish to receive Communion by simply crossing your arms across your chest, and the minister will offer a prayer for God’s blessing in your life.
Kids are expected! We believe that kids are welcome to "act their age" and encouraged to fully participate in worship. Options for households with kids are the "Pray Ground" , the carpeted area in the front near the chapel, best for children ages 1 - 5. Nursery Care, off the lounge, is open from 9-12noon. Godly Play is offered downstairs beginning at 10am. They return to their caregivers at 11am in time for the Peace. If you need assistance finding any of these options, just ask a Greeter.
Accessibility: “Priority Seating” is provided for caretakers of those with mobility needs. Our entrances have auto-open buttons, and our elevator is ADA compliant. Both the downstairs restrooms and one of the upstairs restrooms are accessible. If you have any questions about signage, please ask an usher or one of the ministers.
Hearing Assistance: Hearing assistance devices are available from the welcome table. Just ask a Greeter.
Donations: We welcome donations to support the mission and ministry of Church of the Holy Communion. Monetary donations can be placed in the offering plate that will be passed during the service, put in the wooden offering box found at the Welcome Table, by scanning the QR code below, or by electronic donations set up through your bank or on the church website,
holycommunion.net. Thank you!
Alleluia!
Prelude
Welcome
Processional Hymn
Opening Acclamation Please rise in body or spirit
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from your no secrets are hid.
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen
Song of Praise At the 10:30 service, we will sing this together. Gloria S28
Please speak the lyrics at the 8:30 service. Robert Powell
Liturgy of Word SEE INSERT
The first part of the service is the Liturgy of the Word: we read and respond to appointed lessons from Scripture.
Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray.
The Celebrant leads the congregation in the Collect.
The Lessons
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 calendar shared by Christians around the world.
The First Lesson
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Psalm
The psalm can be found in the weekly insert. At the 10:30 Service, please join in singing the refrain.
The Second Lesson
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Holy Gospel Please remain standing
At the 10:30 service, the congregation is invited to sing the Alleluia before and after the Gospel reading.
Before the Gospel Reading
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel Reading
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
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.
The Prayers of the People
Please rise, or kneel, in body or in spirit.
Our Lord lives, for death has no dominion over him. And so we, God’s holy church, proclaim the resurrection, saying: Christ is risen! Amen, Alleluia!
Created in the image and likeness of God, we pray to see God’s image in one another. May our lives proclaim: Christ is risen! Amen, Alleluia!
Tested in our faith and strengthened by God’s love, we pray for open hearts, that we may live to proclaim: Christ is risen! Amen, Alleluia!
Joining with those who share in the passion of Christ through illness, famine, war, temptation, and trial, we pray for their courage and strength that those who suffer may proclaim: Christ is risen! Amen, Alleluia!
You are invited to add your own prayers, silently or aloud.
United in our hope that we and all who die may live again, we pray for family and friends who have died, proclaiming: Christ is risen! Amen, Alleluia!
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
Amen.
The Peace Please rise in body or in spirit.
The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
We greet one another with a sign of God’s peace.
Welcome and Announcements
Please be seated for a few brief announcements.
On the first Sunday of the month, those celebrating birthdays that month, are invited to come forward for a special Birthday Prayer.
Offertory Anthem
At the 10:30 service, a musical offering is presented by the choir or soloist.
Offertory Hymn This Little Light of Mine
At the 10:30 service, please rise in body or in spirit and sing as the ushers bring forward our offerings.
The Liturgy of the Table
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 done since earliest times. At Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, all are welcome at the Communion Table.
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Celebrant and people may chant
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth.
Here a Proper Preface is sung or said by the Celebrant.
Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the
company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Holy and gracious God: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we
had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus
Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of
us, to reconcile us to you, the God and maker and of all.
Jesus stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Savior Jesus Christ took
bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, 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; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to
them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is
shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for
the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, Almighty God, in
this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Christ’s death,
resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the
Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new
and unending life in Christ. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully
receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy,
and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints
into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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.
Lord’s Prayer
Pray in the language of your heart.
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
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo,
santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la
tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén
The Breaking of the Bread
Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Communion Hymns
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of communion hymns
Post Communion Prayer
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Let us pray
Almighty and everliving God,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of Christ,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, send us out
to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you
as faithful witnesses of Christ our Savior.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Blessing
The Wisdom of God the Love of God
and the Grace of God strengthen you
to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world,
in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.
(source: Celtic)
Dismissal
Alleluia, alleluia! Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!
Recessional Hymn
Postlude
Insert:
Third Sunday of Easter, April 14th
Music sung at 10:30 service
Prelude
Processional Hymn: Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing H182
Sequence Hymn: Caribbean Hallelujah
Offertory Anthem: Amazing Grace, arr. James Green
Offertory Hymn: This Little Light of Mine L221
Communion Hymns: Awake, Arise, Lift Up Your Voice H212
Come, Risen Lord and Deign to be Our Guest H306
Recessional Hymn: Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing H205
Postlude
The Collect
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the
eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Lesson 1: Acts 3:12-19
12 Seeing this, Peter addressed the people: “You Israelites, why are you amazed at this? Why are you
staring at us as if we made him walk by our own power or piety? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob—the God of our ancestors—has glorified his servant Jesus. This is the one you handed over
and denied in Pilate’s presence, even though he had already decided to release him. 14 You rejected
the holy and righteous one, and asked that a murderer be released to you instead. 15 You killed the
author of life, the very one whom God raised from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 His name
itself has made this man strong. That is, because of faith in Jesus’ name, God has strengthened this
man whom you see and know. The faith that comes through Jesus gave him complete health right
before your eyes.
17 “Brothers and sisters, I know you acted in ignorance. So did your rulers. 18 But this is how God
fulfilled what he foretold through all the prophets: that his Christ would suffer. 19 Change your hearts
and lives! Turn back to God so that your sins may be wiped away.”
Psalm 4 Spoken at 8:00 a.m. service
Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; * you set me free when I am hard-pressed;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
“You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; * how long will you worship dumb idols
and run after false gods?” REFRAIN
Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful * and will hear me when I call.
Tremble, then, and do not sin; *
speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.
Offer the appointed sacrifices * REFRAIN
and put your trust in the Lord.
Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see better times!” *
Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O Lord.
You have put gladness in my heart, *
more than when grain and wine and oil increase.
I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *
for only you, Lord, make me dwell in safety. REFRAIN
Lesson 2: 1 John 3:1-7
1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us in that we should be called God’s children, and
that is what we are! Because the world didn’t recognize him, it doesn’t recognize us.
2 Dear friends, now we are God’s children, and it hasn’t yet appeared what we will be. We know that
when he appears we will be like him because we’ll see him as he is. 3 And all who have this hope in
him purify themselves even as he is pure. 4 Every person who practices sin commits an act of
rebellion, and sin is rebellion. 5 You know that he appeared to take away sins, and there is no sin in
him. 6 Every person who remains in relationship to him does not sin. Any person who sins has not
seen him or known him. 7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you. The person who practices
righteousness is righteous, in the same way that Jesus is righteous.
The Gospel: Luke 24:36-48
36 While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with
you!” 37 They were terrified and afraid. They thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 He said to them,
“Why are you startled? Why are doubts arising in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It’s
really me! Touch me and see, for a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones like you see I have.” 40 As he
said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 Because they were wondering and questioning in
the midst of their happiness, he said to them, “Do you have anything to eat?” 42 They gave him a
piece of baked fish. 43 Taking it, he ate it in front of them. 44 Jesus said to them, “These are my words
that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law from
Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand
the scriptures. 46 He said to them, “This is what is written: the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead
on the third day, 47 and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his
name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
Offertory Anthem
Historical Note:
While many Cherokee practice traditional religion and have revived it in recent decades, hymns and gospel music are also deeply
ingrained in Cherokee culture.
Amazing Grace, or God's Child is a song which holds great meaning to the Cherokee people, and is often referred to as the
"Cherokee National Anthem." While the melody is the same, the text is quite different from the hymn we know.
During the Trail of Tears in 1838-1839, the Cherokee people sang Christian hymns Amazing Grace and Guide Me, O Thou Great
Jehovah in their native language while incarcerated in the stockades and while being marched westward. Over one-third of the 12,000
Cherokee perished on the infamous Nunna dual Tsuny (Trail where they cried), better known as the Trail of Tears. During this terrible
trek, families sang songs in the traditional language to locate their kin and to bring comfort to the grieving. Cherokee people still sing
these songs to acknowledge the experiences of their ancestors on the Trail of Tears.
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info
Adult Forum Series: Join The Rev. Chester Hines for a study of the Book of Galatians on April 14, 21, and 28!
The Forum meets on Sundays following the 8:00 o’clock service from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in Mitchell Hall.
Laundry Love: Join us for the next Laundry Love ministry on April 16, 6pm-8pm at Classic Coin Laundromat
on Balson Ave. Volunteer for a one-hour shift by signing up at the link on the Holy Communion website under
the Laundry Love page or talk to Julie Farrar or Mary Duba. Love never ends and neither does laundry!
Synapsory Brunch & Fashion Show: Grace Gatherings ministry initiative for people with disabilities is
supported by the ongoing consultation of Synapsory, a nonprofit for families with kids with specific needs to
provide regulation, rest, and renewal. Synapsory has invited Holy Communion to its fundraising brunch and
fashion show. May 4th 11am, Clayton. Let Julie know if you can support with your attendance!
Camp Phoenix: Camp Phoenix is the official summer camp of The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. We
welcome all students between the ages of 8 and 18 to attend -- you do not have to be a member of an
Episcopal Church to have a great time with us! August 4 - 9, 2024
In the Footsteps of Jesus: A Way to Love and Justice: Join speaker and author Jack Jezreel for a
presentation on the critical linkage between faith and compassion. Drawing from the scriptures, Jack will
highlight how the Gospel invites us to a life of compassion, a life that changes us and the world around us. In
addition, he will describe a strategy for churches to nurture and empower their members to become vessels
of God's healing and love in the world.
Participants
Preacher: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Celebrant: The Reverend Julie Graham
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Guest Organist: Cheryl Foster
Readers: Courtney Dula (8 am), Bradley Currey & Elizabeth Hines (10:30 am)
Greeters: Earl Bonds (8 am), Scott Ferguson & Heidi Volkl (10:30 am)
Chalice Bearer: Kari Potts
Crucifer: William Kelly
Announcements: Andrew Wasson
Intercessor: Adam Pearson (8 am), Janice Nihill (10:30 am)
Producer: Lucas Kerbs
