4th Sunday of Easter, May 11
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 Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 11
Happy Mother’s Day!
Prelude: Prelude on “St. Columba” by Healey Willan
Processional Hymn: The King of Love My Shepherd is H645
Offertory Anthem: The Lord is My Shepherd by Howard Goodall
Communion Hymns: Jerusalem, My Happy Home H620
You Hear the Lambs A-cryin’ L110
Recessional Hymn: Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim H535
Postlude: Lobe den Herrn by Johann Walther
The Collect
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Lesson: Acts 9:36-43
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2 You make me lie down in green pastures *
and lead me beside still waters.
3 You revive my soul *
and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake. REFRAIN
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, *
I shall fear no evil;
for you are with me; *
your rod and your staff, they comfort me. REFRAIN
5 You spread a table before me *
in the presence of those who trouble me;
you have anointed my head with oil, *
and my cup is running over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. REFRAIN
Second Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17
I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever!
Amen.”
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
For this reason they are before the throne of God,
and worship him day and night within his temple,
and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them,
nor any scorching heat;
for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
The Gospel: John 10:22-30
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net
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.
Join Godly Play! 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.
Trinity Hot Lunch: Help cook & serve at Trinity Hot Lunch on Sunday, May 18! Each third Sunday of the month, Holy Communion volunteers at Trinity Episcopal Church’s food pantry. Help nourish our hungry community with good food and HoCo’s spirited fellowship! Email Scott Ferguson to sign up: scott@scottfergusonphoto.com
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 pizza and conversation, while putting quarters in the machines for our neighbors. Join us on May 20, 6-8 p.m. at Classic Coin Laundromat on Balson Ave. Sign up on website under the Service & Outreach > Laundry Love tab.
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: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Organist: Earl Naylor
Readers: Maryanne Angliongto (8), Fran Caradonna, Bradley Currey (10:30)
Intercessor: Lisa Hummel (8), Alisa Williams (10:30)
Announcements: Tim Anderson (10:30)
Greeters: Earl Bonds (8), Carol Schmidt, Scott Ferguson (10:30)
Crucifer: William Kelly
Torch Bearers: Rudy Walz, Luca Barbato
Chalice Bearers: Karen Payne (8), Elizabeth Hines, Andrew Wasson (10:30)
Streamer: Lucas Kerbs
