The 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept 28
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 Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost, September 28
Prelude: Prelude on “Herr Jesu Christ” by Paul Manz
Processional Hymn: Awake, My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve H546
Offertory Anthem: Ain-a That Good News arr. William Dawson
Communion Hymns: May Choirs of Angels Lead You H356
All to Jesus I surrender L133
Recessional Hymn: Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord H437
Postlude: Rondeau, from Sinfonies de Fanfares by Jean Joseph Mouret
The Collect
O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Lesson: Amos 6:1a,4-7
Alas for those who are at ease in Zion,
and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria.
Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory,
and lounge on their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock,
and calves from the stall;
who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp,
and like David improvise on instruments of music;
who drink wine from bowls,
and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!
Therefore they shall now be the first to go into exile,
and the revelry of the loungers shall pass away.
Psalm 146 Spoken in unison at both services.
1 Hallelujah! *
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
3 Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, *
for there is no help in them.
4 When they breathe their last, they return to earth, *
and in that day their thoughts perish.
5 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! *
For their hope is in the Lord their God,
6 who made heaven and earth, the seas,
and all that is in them; *
who keeps promises for ever;
7 who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *
food to those who hunger
and sets the prisoners free.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind! *
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down
and loves the righteous.
9 The Lord cares for the stranger *
and sustains the orphan and widow,
but frustrates the way of the wicked.
10 The Lord shall reign for ever, *
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.
Hallelujah!
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time-- he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
The Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, `Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers-- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, `No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net
2026 Pledge Campaign Kickoff: The 2026 Annual Giving Pledge Campaign kicks off TODAY! 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.
Tower Grove Pride: HoCo Shares the Love at Tower Grove Pride today! We will be sharing a booth with two other Episcopal Churches. Sign up to take a shift at our booth and share liberal Christianity.
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 3 pm by visiting the puppies from the APA at our PUPPY PLAYDATE!
Bring a Friend Sunday: Each first Sunday on the month, please bring a friend to church with you! Start on October 5.
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 and speak at Adult Forum at 9 a.m.
Pick-up Choir: Join Pick-up Choir the first Sunday of each month! October 5 will kick-off the year! No experience needed, contact Mary Chapman to sing at mchapman@holycommunion.net.
MTUG Weekend: On Oct 11 & 12 there will be a special education and inspiration weekend here at HoCo. Metro Trans Umbrella Group will be offering a Saturday workshop "Trans 101". Abby Mueller HoCo's own will be preaching and presenting on Sunday. Contact Abby Mueller at almueller@stlmetrotrans.org.
Bishop Deon Johnson: Will visit on Oct 19, and we look forward to welcoming him as our guest preacher, teacher, and celebrant for the day. Whenever the bishop visits there is opportunity for baptized persons to receive the rites of confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Rev. Earl Mahan, emahan@holycommunion.net. Hot breakfast will also be served!
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 Julie Graham
Celebrant: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Music Director: Mary Chapman
Organist: Earl Naylor
Readers: Alison Nash (8), Denise Carpenter (10:30)
Announcements: Gloria Grenwald (10:30)
Greeters: Pat Redington (8), Bob Lowes (10:30)
Crucifer: William Kelly
Chalice Bearers: Karen Payne (8), Kari Potts (10:30)
Streamers: Tyler Schwartz, Lyle Barbato
