The 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept 14
The Sundays after Pentecost
Fall 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.
Children’s Chapel: After the Gospel reading, children are welcome to proceed to the Children's Chapel (at the end of the lounge) for engaging in a scripture lesson, pray and sing as an alternative to the sermon. For children infant through early elementary age though all ages are welcome. Older kids are invited to be worship leaders. Kids under the age of four need to bring their caregiver.
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.
Cover Art – “St. Francis and the Leper” by Kelly Latimore
The story of St. Francis and his companionship with lepers has been an ongoing inspiration for me. Francis has a conversion of sight. When face to face with one of the most despised people of his time St. Francis kisses and embraces the leper. Leprosy in the time of St. Francis resulted in a sort of banishment, whether into a colony or outside of the city walls. The disease brought upon much shame and discomfort to the person. It is a terrible disease that results in deformities and skin sores that was often thought to have been affiliated with acts of sin. Many folks made every attempt to avoid contact with someone with leprosy, not just to prevent infection but affiliation with lepers could have negative social consequences. However, it is at the margins with the lepers where St. Francis continued to find Jesus for the rest of his life. St. Francis is still showing us that if we are looking for Jesus he can be found in the encounter with "the other". This is where Christ is to be found and where the Church should be.
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Hymn (10:30 service) Please rise in body or spirit.
Opening Acclamation
Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
And blessed be God’s reign, now and forever. Amen
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 Spoken at 8:00; Sung at 10:30.
Collect of the Day SEE INSERT
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Liturgy of The Word
First Lesson Please be seated. SEE INSERT
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm Read in unison. SEE INSERT
Second Lesson SEE INSERT
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn Sung before and after the Gospel at 10:30.
The Holy Gospel Please stand, in body or spirit. SEE INSERT
Before the Gospel reading
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to [ ____ ].
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel reading
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
Nicene Creed Please rise in body, or spirit. 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 or other leader
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the
Lord, saying "Lord, have mercy."
For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For Sean, our Presiding Bishop, for Deon, our Diocesan Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this city of St. Louis, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to
the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O Lord, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
In the communion of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord our God. Amen.
Confession
The Deacon or Celebrant says
Let us confess our sins to God.
A moment of silence is observed
Minister and People
God of all mercy,
we confess that we have sinned against you,
opposing your will in our lives.
We have denied your goodness in each other,
in ourselves, and in the world you have created.
We repent of the evil that enslaves us,
the evil we have done,
and the evil done on our behalf.
Forgive, restore, and strengthen us
through our Savior Jesus Christ,
that we may abide in your love
and serve only your will. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins
through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
Amen.
Peace Please rise in body or in spirit.
The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
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 Sentence
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High.
- Psalm 50:14
Offertory Anthem SEE INSERT
Offertory Hymn
Please rise in body, or in spirit, and sing (10:30) as the Greeters bring forward our offerings.
The Liturgy of the Table
Eucharistic Prayer Please stand, 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.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and
everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of
heaven and earth. For you are the source of light and life; you made us in your image and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
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 Spoken at 8:00 service, Sung at 10:30 service
The people stand or kneel.
Then the Celebrant continues
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 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:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
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.
AMEN.
Lord’s Prayer
And now, as our Savior
Christ has taught us,
we are bold to pray,
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
The Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world.
Have mercy on us
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world.
Have mercy on us
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world.
Grant us peace.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Communion Hymns SEE INSERT
The congregation is invited to sing the communion hymns at 10:30.
Post Communion Prayer Please rise in body, or in spirit.
Let us pray.
Eternal God,
you have graciously accepted us as living members
of our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Savior. 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 Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord!
People Thanks be to God.
Postlude
Prayer In a Time Transition
Gracious and loving God,
We come before you as a community united in faith and hope,
Seeking your guidance and strength as we live into this time of transition.
Bless the efforts of our congregation as we work together,
Supporting one another with patience, compassion, and love.
Grant us wisdom to make decisions that honor our shared mission,
And courage to embrace the new paths you lay before us.
Fill our hearts with unity and understanding,
That we may reflect your love in all our endeavors.
May your Holy Spirit guide us as we build upon our foundation,
Utilizing the gifts and abilities of all,
And renew our spirits for the journey ahead.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord,
Amen. www.holycommunion.net
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988 and WorshipCast License #13476
Staff
The Rev. Earl Mahan, Interim 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 Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, September 14
Prelude: Fugue in G Minor by Dietrich Buxtehude
Processional Hymn: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven H410
Offertory Anthem: O for a Closer Walk with God by Charles Villiers Stanford
Communion Hymns: The King of Love my Shepherd is H645
Creator of the Earth and Skies H148
Recessional Hymn: God the Omnipotent H569
Postlude: Caprice sur les Grand Jeu by Louis-Nicolas Clerambault
The Collect
O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Lesson: Exodus 32:7-14
The Lord said to Moses, "Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, `These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!'" The Lord said to Moses, "I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation."
But Moses implored the Lord his God, and said, "O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, `It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, `I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.'" And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.
Psalm 51:1-11 Spoken in unison at both services.
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *
in your great compassion blot out my offenses.
2 Wash me through and through from my wickedness *
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, *
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you only have I sinned *
and done what is evil in your sight.
And so you are justified when you speak *
and upright in your judgement.
5 Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *
a sinner from my mother’s womb.
6 For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *
and will make me understand wisdom secretly.
7 Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *
wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.
8 Make me hear of joy and gladness, *
that the body you have broken may rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins *
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Gospel: Luke 15:1-10
All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."
So he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
"Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net
Adult Forum: Join us TODAY at 9 am to learn about the Adult Forum discussion lineup through November!
Pilgrimage Class: New to Holy Communion or being an Episcopalian? Want to be Confirmed or Received into the church? Join our Pilgrimage class series on 9/14, 9/28 & 10/12 at 12pm with Interim Rector, Rev. Earl Mahan. Email Earl to sign-up at emahan@holycommunion.net.
Spirituality for the Second Half: A small group is gathering for reflection and community on the journey of the second half of life with Christ at the center. We'll use Richard Rohr's Falling Upward as a guide, beginning 9/18 18 at 2:30 pm. Want to join? Email Julie at jgraham@holycommunion.net.
2026 Pledge Campaign Kickoff: The 2026 Annual Giving Pledge Campaign kicks off on Sunday, September 28! We encourage you to make a commitment by filling out a pledge card. All gifts matter no matter the size! Pledging directly supports our outreach programs and ministries - help spread the love of God.
Guest Preacher Deborah Nelson Linck: On Sept 21, Deborah Nelson Linck, book author of Pauli Murray, Shouting for the Rights of All People, will be our guest preacher at both services. Join the Adult Forum to learn about life of The Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, American lawyer, activist, writer & Episcopal priest at 9 am.
St. Francis Pet Blessing & Puppy Playdate! On Saturday, October 4, bring your pet for a special blessing in honor of St. Francis at 4pm! We are doing a PET SUPPLY DRIVE for the Animal Protective Association – Use the donation box by Darcy’s office. Start at 3pm by visiting the puppies from the APA at our PUPPY PLAYDATE!
Guest Preacher Neil Tumber: Sunday, October 5: Neil Tumber is a Franciscan - a member of the Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis - an Anglican/Episcopalian religious order. Saint Francis followed a life of simplicity characterized by the notes of humility, love and joy. Neil has taken these notes with him in his work as an engineer in various locations across the globe over the last 50 years. See him preach at both services.
Tornado Relief Help Needed: The Lewis Place & Fountain Park neighborhoods suffered and we have an opportunity to help families who sustained damage. Interested in helping out and developing a relationship with our neighbors in these areas? Please contact Hal Parker at parkerch2@gmail.com.
Servers
Preacher: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Celebrant: The Reverend Julie Graham
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Music Director: Mary Chapman
Organist: Earl Naylor
Readers: Maryanne Angliongto (8), Scott Ferguson (10:30)
Announcements: Andrew Wasson (10:30)
Greeters: Michael Salsich (8), Carol Schmidt (10:30)
Crucifer: Lydia Roesler
Torch Bearers: William Kelly, Ilona Potter
Chalice Bearers: Karen Payne (8), Kari Potts (10:30)
Streamers: Rebecca Comas, Aris Diaz
