3rd Sunday of Easter, May 4
Sundays of Easter 2025
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist
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 into 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.
Children’s Worship: Kids are expected and encouraged to participate in worship! The Pray Ground (the carpeted area at the front of the Sanctuary) is open for those in need of some wiggle room. Children are welcome to help with greeting and passing the offertory plate. Godly Play begins at 10am and is offered now through May 18! Godly Play teachers will assist kids in joining their caregivers for worship at the Peace, in time for receiving communion with their adults. Godly Play is located on the Lower Level, next to the Parish Office entrance.
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.
Hearing Assistance: Hearing assistance devices are available from the welcome table. If you have any questions, just ask a Greeter.
Donations: We welcome donations to support the mission and ministry of the Episcopal 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!
The cover photo The Resurrection is credited to, and used with permission by artist, Kelly Lattimore.
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Hymn
Opening Acclamation
Please rise in body or spirit.
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The Celebrant continues
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you 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 – Gloria
Spoken at 8:00; Sung at 10:30. S280
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Liturgy of Word
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 SEE INSERT
The Lord be with you
And also with you
First Lesson SEE INSERT
Please be seated.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm SEE INSERT
Please rise in body, or spirit. Read at 8:00; Sung at 10:30.
Second Lesson SEE INSERT
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn
The Holy Gospel SEE INSERT
Please remain standing, in body or spirit.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to [ ____ ].
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
Nicene Creed
Spoken in unison.
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
Deacon Shout aloud, rejoice and exult with all your hearts! Let us offer our prayers and thanksgivings with one voice, calling out the good news that Jesus Christ is risen!
A moment of silence is kept.
Leader Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene
came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.
People At Easter time we celebrate Christ’s resurrection and the chance for resurrection in our lives.
Leader We pray for this world, our garden home — for the rain and the snow, the seed and the sprout — for the birthing room and the last place of rest —for every new creation.
People That we may treasure and preserve our world as stewards of God’s creation.
Leader We pray for all faithful people — for every human soul that turns to God in longing and in love.
People We pray for the poor, the hungry and those who suffer. That their needs might inspire acts of compassion.
Leader We pray for the nations of the earth — for those in authority, and for those under authority.
People As we strive for peace, we ask God to bless leaders of the world and faith communities with wisdom, compassion and forgiveness.
Leader We pray for those who are sick or suffering — for anyone who needs extra help just now.
People We pray especially for those named here today, aloud and in our hearts, especially… [Petitions may be added silently, or aloud.]
Leader We pray for those who have died, and for all who mourn.
People We pray especially for those named here today, aloud and in our hearts, especially… [Petitions may be added silently, or aloud.]
Leader With joy and exultation, we give thanks for the triumph of life over death, offering special thanks for those joys, sorrows, challenges and delights named here today, aloud and in our hearts.
People We pray for those who celebrate here today, aloud and in our hearts, especially… [Petitions may be added silently, or aloud.]
The Celebrant continues
Holy One, even before we call, you answer; while we are yet speaking,
you hear. We offer up these prayers in the name of the Risen Christ —
our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend.
All Amen.
Peace
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Alleluia! The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you. Alleluia!
You are invited to greet those around you by saying “Peace be with you” or simply “Peace.”
Welcome and Announcements
Please be seated for a few brief announcements. On the third Sunday of the month, we remember birthdays for the month, and invite those celebrating birthdays to come forward, as one of the clergy offers prayers and blessings:
O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants [ ___ ] as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Offertory Anthem SEE INSERT
Offertory Hymn
Please rise in body, or in spirit, and sing (10:30) as the Greeters bring forward our financial offering.
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 for millenia.
Eucharistic Prayer
Please remain standing, in body or spirit.
Celebrant The Lord 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.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere
to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of
heaven and earth.
Celebrant
But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious
resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the
true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken
away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed
death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us
everlasting life.
Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and
Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever
sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Celebrant and People
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Sung at 10:30 service.
Please stand or kneel, in body or spirit.
The Celebrant continues
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love
which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling
of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the
prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your
Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from
the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy
to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error
into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
Celebrant continues, holding the cup
On the night before he died for us, our Lord 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 he 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, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
The Celebrant continues
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you,
O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this
bread and this wine.
We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon
these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of
Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your
Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him,
being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time,
put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to
that heavenly country where, with [ ___________ and] all your
saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and
daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all
creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our
salvation.
By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and
for ever. AMEN.
Great Amen
The congregation sings the “Great Amen” to the tune of Halle Halle.
Celebrant
And now, as our Savior
Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,
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.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Communion Hymns SEE INSERT
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of communion hymns at 10:30.
Post Communion Prayer
Please rise in body, or in spirit.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is
in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen.
Sending of Lay Eucharistic Visitors
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.
The Blessing
Recessional Hymn SEE INSERT
Dismissal
Deacon Alleluia, Alleluia! Go in Peace and serve the Lord!
People Thanks be to God, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Postlude
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988 and WorshipCast License #13476
Staff
The Rev. Earl Mahan, Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303 text 314-669-6231
emahan@holycommunion.net
The Rev. Julie Graham, Associate Rector
call 314-721-7401 x302 text 314-886-7594
The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon
call 314-367-7332 chinesj@charter.net
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
call 314-721-7401 x301
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
Earl Naylor, Organist
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
Vestry
Fran Caradonna, Senior Warden
Joe Donahou, Junior Warden
Kellie McCoy, Treasurer
Pat Redington, Secretary
Rebecca Comas
Heidi Volkl
Andrew Wasson
Tim Anderson
Rudy Walz
Gloria Grenwald
INSERT:
The Third Sunday of Easter, May 4
Prelude: Dialogue for the Trumpet by Clerambault
Processional Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation H525
Offertory Anthem: When Christ Broke Bread by Carol Muehlig
Communion Hymns: Now the Green Blade Riseth H204
Give Me a Clean Heart L124
Recessional Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling H657
Postlude: Allegro Vivace by Schroeder
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.
First Lesson: Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)
Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." [The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."]
Psalm 30
1 I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have lifted me up *
and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, *
and you restored me to health.
3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; *
you restored my life as I was going down to the grave. REFRAIN
4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of God; *
give thanks for the remembrance of the holiness of God.
5 For the wrath of God endures but the twinkling of an eye, *
the divine favour for a lifetime.
Weeping may spend the night, *
but joy comes in the morning. REFRAIN
6 While I felt secure, I said,*
“I shall never be disturbed.
7 Lord, with your favour, you made me as strong as the mountains.” *
Then you hid your face, and I was filled with fear. REFRAIN
8 I cried to you, O Lord; *
I pleaded with you, saying,
9 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit? *
Will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness? REFRAIN
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; *
O Lord, be my helper.”
11 You have turned my wailing into dancing; *
you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
12 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever. REFRAIN
Second Lesson: Revelation 5:11-14
I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!"
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,
"To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped.
The Gospel: John 21:1-19
Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me."
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net
Godly Play is Back! Godly Play has returned - Now through May 18! Register on our website under the “Children’s Spiritual Journey” tab and click the “Sign up for Godly Play” button.
Hot Breakfast Adult Forum: Join us at Adult Forum TODAY in Mitchell Hall at 9 am, and enjoy Hot Breakfast!
Rite 13 Ceremony: Save the Date! On Sunday, May 18, we will celebrate a Rite 13 Ceremony at the 10:30 service. We will pray, and bless our celebrity, Luca Barbato, as he embraces his adult journey of faith.
Friday Morning Contemplative Prayer: An additional Contemplative Prayer meeting time is now available on Friday mornings at 10am. Join us in the Vestry room, or request the Zoom link for remote participation. Contact Kurt Bauer if you have any questions at kfbauer1@gmail.com.
Hiring Sensory Room Staff: HoCo's Sensory Room Ministry is looking to complete the staff! We are actively looking to hire a second staff person for two Sundays per month. Childcare experience required.
Until we find a new hire . . . We are seeking an adult member to volunteer! This volunteer would assist our staff person in the Sensory Room two Sundays per month. Please help us begin our case study to use this room - We can’t begin without a second adult! All training would be provided. Please contact Darcy at office@holycommunion.net or Rev. Julie at jgraham@holycommunion.net for more info, or to apply.
Community Care Cupboard: Thank you to everyone who has donated to the UCity Schools Community Cupboard! We are thrilled to announce that we met our 24/25-year goal early! That doesn't mean our outreach is complete. Please continue to bring donations for May, June, and July so that our church can continue to help those with food insecurity. In July we will set a goal for the 25/26 school year!
Servers
Preacher: Andrew Wasson
Celebrant: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Organist: Earl Naylor
Readers: Alison Nash (8), Alisa Williams, Denise Carpenter (10:30)
Intercessor: Lisa Hummel (8), Kellie McCoy (10:30)
Announcements: Rebecca Comas (10:30)
Greeters: Michael Salsich (8),
Heidi Volkl, Scott Ferguson (10:30)
Crucifer: Lydia Roesler
Torch Bearers: William Kelly, Ilona Potter
Chalice Bearers: Karen Payne (8), Kari Potts (10:30)
Streamer: Tyler Schwartz
