Advent 2, December 8
Season of Creation
ORDER OF SERVICE BULLETIN
8:00 & 10:30 AM, 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 The Church of the Holy Communion, we believe that it is Christ himself who invites us to meet him in the bread and the cup. Though it is known by many names - Communion, Mass, Holy Eucharist, The Lord’s Supper, the Sacrament of the Altar - it is the means by which Christ’s real presence abides with us by faith. Therefore, all are welcome to receive. When it comes time for Communion, please follow the directions of the Greeters. The bread is offered to all, with gluten free wafers available, upon request, from the minister. If you would like to receive the wine, you may either drink from the cup, or intinct (dip) the wafer in the wine. Likewise, it is acceptable to receive only the bread, if for personal or health reasons you prefer to not consume wine. Those not receiving Communion, may also come forward. Indicate to the minister that you do not wish to receive Communion by simply crossing your arms across your chest, and the minister will offer a prayer for God’s blessing in your life.
Kids are expected! Kids are welcome to "act their age" and encouraged to fully participate in worship. Kids may use the "Pray Ground” (carpeted area near the chapel), take a Worship Wonder bag from the back of the Nave, or join their adults with kids' worship bulletins and crayons provided by greeters. Starting September 8th, Godly Play is offered downstairs beginning at 10 am. Kids return to their caregivers at 11am in time for the Peace. Mitchell Hall is our designated infant feeding area during the service. If you need assistance finding any of these options, just ask a Greeter.
Accessibility: “Priority Seating” is provided for caretakers of those with mobility needs. Our entrances have auto-open buttons, and our elevator is ADA compliant. Both the downstairs restrooms and one of the upstairs restrooms are accessible.
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 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
Preparing to Worship
Cover Image: “Mary: Love Forever Being Born”
By Kelly Latimore
A Poem for Advent "What do the stars say?” By Sister Ilia Delia, OSF
What do the stars say?
The light that meets our eyes after millions of years summons us to look beyond.
The dark that hovers over us is filled with light.
That underneath the appearance of the stable heavens is the bubbling energy of the universe.
We are forming, forming, forming and nothing can stop us.
There is a palpable power of attraction, pulling us toward we-no-not-where.
Love alone is the guide of the universe and the whole universe is in the human heart.
Tend to the heart and the power of love will name itself as God.
A Prayer in a Season of Discernment
Today, O God of all days, give us an experience of your heart. Draw us deep into your very being,
into the core of your love for us, others, and the world. Give us a glimpse of others the way you see
others: loving them, forgiving them, and delighting in the way they give glory to God through their
very existence. Help us to discern out of that open place of deep affection so that we too might be
useful vessels of your love in the world. Amen.
✠
Prelude (10:30 Service)
Welcome
Processional Hymn (10:30 Service) SEE INSERT
Opening Acclamation Please rise in body or spirit
Celebrant Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
People Thanks be to God!
Celebrant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid.
People 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.
Kyrie
Celebrant Lord, have mercy
People Christ, have mercy
Celebrant Lord, have mercy
Liturgy of the Word
The first part of the service is the Liturgy of the Word, in which we read and respond to appointed lessons from Scripture. We hear the stories of the experience of God from our spiritual ancestors. Following an ancient pattern originally from Jewish synagogue worship, readings follow a calendar, or “lectionary,” shared by Christians around the world.
Prayers for the Lighting of the Advent Wreath and the Collect SEE INSERT
Celebrant God be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
O Come O Come Emmanuel (Sung at 10:30 service) SEE INSERT
The Lessons
First Lesson
Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God.
The Psalm (Spoken in unison) SEE INSERT
Second Lesson SEE INSERT
Reader The Word of the Lord
People Thanks be to God
Gospel Processional Hymn (10:30 Service)
The Holy Gospel SEE INSERT
Please rise in body or spirit
Before the Gospel Reading
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to ______.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel Reading
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
A moment of silence is observed, following the sermon.
Affirmation of Faith (Spoken in unison) Nicene Creed
Celebrant Let us affirm our faith in God.
We believe in one God,
the Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in, Jesus Christ,
the only Child of God,
eternally begotten of the Creator,
Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Creator.
Through Christ all things were made.
For us and for our salvation,
Christ came down from heaven,
was incarnate by the Holy Spirit,
and born of the Virgin Mary,
and became truly human.
For our sake, Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
suffered death, and was buried.
On the third day, Christ rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures,
ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God.
Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and the kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Giver of life,
who proceeds from the Creator,
who with the Creator and the Christ is worshipped and glorified,
and who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy, universal, and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
The Prayers of the People
Celebrant N., Deacon in the Church of God, what cares and concerns of the world do you bring before us to be held up in prayer?
Deacon People of God, I bid your prayers for... The concerns of the community and wider world, including those who are sick, in need, or in want are named by the Deacon.
Deacon “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.” In this season of anticipation and hope, let us be seekers of the light and peddlers of hope found in Christ Jesus our Savior.
Leader You who dwell in the darkness and the light, in the silence and in the sound; dwell in the hearts of your people that in hope, peace, joy and love, we may be agents of your heavenly reign and await with anticipation the coming of Christ, the Morning Star. Christ be our light.
People Shine in our hearts.
Leader You who framed the brightness of the first light in creation; dispel the arrogance, animosity, and anger that shatters the unity of your holy Church. Fill your faithful people with the radiant light of truth, that we may be made one in faith, hope, and love. Christ be our light.
People Shine in our hearts.
Leader You who delivered your people from the misery of bondage in slavery to the land of promise; set us free from enslavement to division, disunity, and distrust in our public life and labor. Illumine those in authority with the light of vision, that they may lead the peoples of the nations to greater unity and concord. Christ be our light.
People Shine in our hearts.
Leader You who patterned the stars and called the sun in to being, who appointed the moon and chartered the cosmos. Pattern the hearts of people everywhere to see in each other the beauty of the universe and the splendor of creation, that divisions of race, class, gender, and ethnicity may dissolve into one common humanity. Christ be our light.
People Shine in our hearts.
Leader You who shower comfort and hope to the lowest, the lost, and the least, shower the light of compassion on the sick, the sorrowful and the suffering especially those we name [______] (Intercessions may be added silently or aloud). Help us to be your compassion and hope in the world. Christ be our light.
People Shine in our hearts.
Leader You who welcome into the brilliant light of eternity the souls of those who have died; welcome those whose lives have been cut short by violence, warfare, and strife. Shine the light of hope on our faithful dead, especially those we now name [______] (Intercessions may be added silently or aloud). Christ be our light.
People Shine in our hearts.
Leader You who delight in the complexity of creation and the splendor of each creature; help us to delight in the diversity of the earth, our island home. Inspire your people to care for the earth and its creatures and repent and return when we abuse, misuse, and neglect our fellow creatures. Christ be our light.
People Shine in our hearts.
Celebrant May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find us ever burning with the light of love, the spirit of truth, and the wellspring of hope; that following the way of Jesus and filled with the flame of the Holy Spirit, we may be a holy people whose lives and living inspire, incite, and inflame your world with compassion and care. Through Jesus the Christ, the light of the world. Amen.
The Peace
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Celebrant Sisters and Brothers, the peace of Christ be always with you. People And also with you. We greet one another with a sign of God’s peace.
Welcome and Announcements
Please be seated for a few brief announcements. On the 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.
Offertory Sentence
Celebrant
Offertory Anthem
At the 10:30 service, a musical offering is presented by the choir or soloist.
Offertory Hymn
At the 10:30 service, please rise in body or in spirit and sing as the ushers bring forward our offerings.
The Liturgy of the Table
The second part of the liturgy moves to the Table. As we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, we
gather in a way Christians have done since earliest times. At Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, all
are welcome at the Communion Table.
The Eucharistic Prayer
Celebrant God be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts
People We lift then to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant God of all power, Source and Sustainer of the Universe, you are worthy of glory and praise.
People Glory to you for ever and ever.
Celebrant At your command all things came to be: shining light and enfolding dark; the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, and this fragile earth, our island home.
People By your will they were created and have their being.
Celebrant From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with the capacity for memory, reason, and skill. You made us the stewards of your creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another.
People Have mercy, Lord, for we are sinners in your sight.
Celebrant Again and again, you called us to return. Through prophets and sages you revealed your righteous Law. And in the fullness of time you sent your eternal Word, born of your servant Mary, to fulfill your Law, opening for us the way of freedom and peace.
People By his blood, he reconciled us. By his wounds, we are healed.
Celebrant Therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:
Sanctus
Celebrant and People; Spoken at 8:00 service, sung at 10:30 service
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Then the Celebrant continues
On the night he was betrayed Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, 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, gave thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Remembering now his work of redemption and offering to you this sacrifice of thanksgiving,
People We celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection as we await the day of his coming. Therefore, O God, we who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ, and made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring before you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Savior. Sanctify us also, and let the grace of this Holy Communion make us one body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the world in his name.
People Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of the Bread. God of our ancestors; Redeemer and Mother of Israel; God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Deliver us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace only and not for strength; for pardon only and not for renewal. Accept these prayers and praises, Almighty God, through Jesus Christ our great High Priest, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, your Church gives honor, glory, and worship, from generation to generation. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, and in the language of our heart, we pray:
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
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
People Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Celebrant 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
Post Communion Prayer
Please rise in body or in spirit.
Celebrant Together, let us pray
Celebrant and People Eternal God, for whom we await, you have fed us with the bread of heaven and the cup of salvation: keep us ever watchful, that we may be ready to stand before the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord. 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
May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Recessional Hymn SEE INSERT
Dismissal
Deacon Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!
People Thanks be to God!
Postlude (10:30 Service)
✠
Parish Staff
The Rev. C. Earl Mahan, Interim Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303 text 314-996-9814
emahan@holycommunion.net
The Rev. Julie Graham, Associate Rector
call 314-721-7401 x302 text 314-886-7594
jgraham@holycommunion.net
The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon
call 314-367-7332
chinesj@charter.net
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
call 314-721-7401
office@holycommunion.net
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
mchapman@holycommunion.net
Earl Naylor, Organist
organist@holycommunion.net
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
jkern@holycommunion.net
Sarah Brown, Hospitality Attendant
sbrown@holycommunion.net
Parish Vestry
Fran Caradonna, Senior Warden
Rudy Walz, Junior Warden
Kellie McCoy, Treasurer
Pat Redington, Secretary
Rebecca Comas
Bob Lowes
Heidi Volkl
Andrew Wasson
Tim Anderson
Liturgical Source Material: Book of Common Prayer, Enriching Our Worship, An Order for the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist The Season of Advent Within the Diocese of Missouri, The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988, WorshipCast License #13476, and St. James Music Press License #14747
INSERT
Second Sunday of Advent – December 8
Music sung at 10:30 service
Prelude: Lo, How a Rose by Johannes Brahms
Processional Hymn: On Jordan’s Bank H76
Lighting the Advent Candle: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Verse 2
Sequence Hymn: Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
After Gospel: Alleluia
Offertory Anthem: Prepare the Way, O Zion by Mark Schweizer
Offertory Hymn: Praise to God, the One Who Made Us by R.G. Huff
Communion Hymns: There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying H75
Be Not Dismayed Whate’er Betide L183
Recessional Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling H657
Postlude: Prelude of Hyfrydol by Gerhard Krapf
Lighting the Advent Candle
Leader The candle of this second week of Advent is a candle of peace. Today the flame of this candle reminds us of the peace that Jesus brings into this world. Jesus said, “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.”
Once the candles are lit, the Presider continues
Leader Of old you spoke by the mouth of your prophets, but in our days you speak through your Son, whom you have appointed the heir of all things.
People Grant us, your people, to walk in his light, that we may be found ready and watching when he comes again in glory and judgment. Amen.
Please join in singing the second verse of O Come, O Come Emmanuel after the lighting of the Advent Candle for Advent 2.
The Collect
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Malachi 3:1-4
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Canticle 16 Page 92, BCP, The Song of Zechariah
Benedictus Dominus Deus Luke 1: 68-79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
Free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
To give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Second Lesson: Philippians 1:3-11
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
The Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
Announcements
More information on upcoming events can be found at holycommunion.net/info
Greening of the Church: Saturday, December 14th, from 9:00-12:00. Please join us as we hang lights and greens, and prepare our worship space for the season. This is an opportunity for all ages with no prior experience necessary! You are welcome to come and go as your time allows!
Christmas Flower Dedication: If you would like to donate & dedicate flowers to Holy Communion to honor a loved one, please pick up an envelope on the Welcome Table and place in the offering plate indicating the amount & name of whom the donation is in honor if. Names will be listed in our service bulletin in memoriam.
Christmas Schedule: Lessons & Carols – 12/15 at 10:30 a.m., Pop-Up Christmas Pageant at 4:00 p.m. on 12/24, Candlelight Christmas Service at 10:30 p.m. on 12/24.
Pageant details: Come early to pick out a costume to wear to help tell the story as the narrator reads during the service. It is a worship of dramatizing the story, singing Christmas carols and Holy Eucharist. There is no rehearsal, just listen for your part and process up to adore the baby Jesus. Contact Julie for any questions at jgraham@holycommunion.net.
Be Smart Gun Safety: Be SMART is an educational program about gun safety for parents and others who are responsible for children and will be sharing during Adult Forum on Dec. 15. It is carefully nonpartisan and all are welcome.
Stewardship Campaign 2025: The 2025 Stewardship Campaign for Holy Communion’s Annual Giving well underway! Please fill out a pledge card if you have not done so, or go to Giving on our website.
Pick-Up Choir Schedule: Join the choir every first Sunday of the month. All are welcome, no matter your vocal experience! Contact Music Director, Mary Chapman for more info: mchapman@holycommunion.net
Birthdays at Church! Is it your birthday month? Celebrate with HoCo by bringing a snack or dessert to share after the 10:30 service on the third Sunday of the month! No sign-up needed.
2024 Food Drive - Community Care Cupboard: 2024 Food Drive - Community Care Cupboard: As Christmas approaches, it is vital to keep donating! Many UCity School district’s families only had turkeys and other food for Thanksgiving because of our donations – THANK YOU for your generosity! Likewise, those same families will struggle for Christmas meals. HoCo’s donors can make dreams of happy, full bellies come true, which is a true Christmas gift. *If you donate a giftcard, please write the amount on it! Questions? Please email Maryanne at coley7365@sbcglobal.net.
Servers
Preacher: Andrew Wasson
Celebrant: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Deacon: The Reverend Chester Hines
Assisting Clergy: The Reverend Earl Mahan
Organist: Earl Naylor
Music Director: Mary Chapman
Readers: Maryanne Angliongto (8 am), Kellie McCoy (10:30 am)
Intercessor: Mary Duba (8 am), Barbara Robinson (10:30 am)
Announcements: Bob Lowes (8 am), Fran Caradonna (10:30 am)
Greeters: Mark Willingham (8 am), Michael Salsich (10:30 am)
Chalice Bearer: Elizabeth Hines (8 am), Kari Potts (10:30 am)
Crucifer: William Kelly
Producer: Tyler Schwartz
