Before the Service
Welcome one and all! If you are new here, we would love to get to know you a bit better. Please fill out a brief welcome form at hcec.link/welcome.
The children’s nursery is in the Education Building. All children ages
0-3 years are welcome, our staff has completed the child safety course,
Safeguarding God’s Children. A family room is
also available near the woman’s restroom at the back of the church.
Please ask an usher for an assistive listening device to help hear the service. Also find our services online at www.hcec.link/watch.
Our Mission
We worship God, love our neighbors, create community, follow Jesus, and steward our resources.
Welcome & Announcements
Processional — (H 365) Come, thou almighty King
PROCESSIONAL : (H 365) Come, thou almighty King All singing
Opening Acclamation
Opening Acclamation (BCP p. 355)
Song OF Praise — (S 280) Glory to God
SONG OF PRAISE: (S 280) Glory to God
Collect of the Day
COLLECT OF THE DAY (BCP p. 357)
Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lessons
First Lesson — Genesis 37: 1-4, 12-28
First Lesson: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
A Reading from the book of Genesis.
1Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. 2This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. 4But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. 12Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. 13And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” He answered, “Here I am.” 14So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock; and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron. He came to Shechem, 15and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” 16“I am seeking my brothers,” he said; “tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” 17The man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. 18They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. 19They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. 20Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” 21But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” 22Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. 23So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; 24and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. 25Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers agreed. 28When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
Psalm 105 — 1-6, 16-22, 45b
Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b (BCP p. 738) Read responsively by whole verse.
1Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;
make known his deeds among the peoples.
2Sing to him, sing praises to him,
and speak of all his marvelous works.
3Glory in his holy Name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4Search for the Lord and his strength;
continually seek his face.
5Remember the marvels he has done,
his wonders and the judgments of his mouth,
6O offspring of Abraham his servant,
O children of Jacob his chosen.
16Then he called for a famine in the land
and destroyed the supply of bread.
17He sent a man before them,
Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
18They bruised his feet in fetters;
his neck they put in an iron collar.
19Until his prediction came to pass,
the word of the Lord tested him.
20The king sent and released him;
the ruler of the peoples set him free.
21He set him as a master over his household,
as a ruler over all his possessions,
22To instruct his princes according to his will
and to teach his elders wisdom.
45bHallelujah!
Second Lesson — Romans 10: 4-15
Second Lesson: Romans 10:4-15
A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome.
4For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone to believes. 5Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” 6But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7“or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Please stand as you are able.
Sequence Hymn — How Deep A Father’s Love For Us
SEQUENCE HYMN: How Deep A Father’s Love For Us
Gospel — Matthew 14: 22-33
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
The Sermon
A moment of reflection.
The Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed (BCP p. 358) – Please stand.
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:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
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 and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He 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
The Prayers of the People (BCP p. 359)
Deacon: Almighty God, grant all Christians to be faithful servants that your grace may spread wide and far. Lord, in your love,
People: Be near to them.
Deacon: Strengthen all who rule and make decisions especially administrators and leaders in our schools that justice and mercy may be known. Lord, in your love,
People: Be near to them.
Deacon: Have compassion on this world and our schools that peace may be abundant. Lord, in your love,
People: Be near to them.
Deacon: Guide each of our students as they learn that they may grow in truth and compassion. Lord in your love,
People: Be near to them.
Deacon: Guide all people in their labor that they may serve you and care for others. Lord in your love,
People: Be near to them.
Deacon: Care for Marilyn, Patrick, Pauline, Mary, Linda, Sally, Darcie, Amanda, Michael, Jaquie, Jody, the poor, lonely, and all those who suffer. Lord, in your love,
People: Be near to them.
Deacon: We commend to your mercy all who have died that your will for them may be fulfilled. Lord in your love,
People: Be near to them.
Deacon: Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
The People may add their own petitions.
Celebrant and People:
Gracious God, whose Son Jesus calls the dead to new life: awaken us to your will, deepen our love for one another, and give us a clear vision, that we may be a place of holy comfort in a hurting world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Confession of Sin
CONFESSION OF SIN (BCP p. 359)
Deacon: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence
Deacon and People:
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Peace
The Peace (BCP p. 360)
The people may exchange signs of peace with one another.
Offertory
Celebrant: O Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; because you have created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Revelation 4:11
Place the wooden tokens and financial gifts in the offering plate. You may make a gift online at www.hcec.link/give in Church Cente. Please stand as the gifts (bread and wine and offering) are presented and placed on the altar and remain standing for The Great Thanksgiving.
Offertory Hymn — (levas 188) It Is Well With My Soul
OFFERTORY HYMN: (LEVAS 188) It Is Well With My Soul
The Great Thanksgiving
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (BCP p. 369)
It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever.
Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance.
Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing,
Sanctus (S 130) Holy, Holy, Holy
Please remain standing or kneel.
Celebrant continues: (BCP p. 373)
We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.
And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he 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.”
Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ’s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
Celebrant and People
We praise you, we bless you,
we give thanks to you,
and we pray to you, Lord our God.
Celebrant: (BCP p. 375)
Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.
Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.
Remember all who minister in your Church.
Remember all your people, and those who seek your truth.
Remember all students as they begin a new school year.
Remember all these bags and these items of labor here before you as well as all who carry them that they and those they serve may be blessed.
Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone; bring them into the place of eternal joy and light.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. AMEN
The Lord's Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (BCP p. 363)
Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Celebrant and People:
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,
forever and ever. Amen.
Breaking of the Bread
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
A period of silence is kept.
Fraction Anthem (S 169)
Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words:
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Amen.
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Amen.
All who seek God’s blessing are welcome to stand or kneel at the altar rail. If you are not yet baptized, or do not wish to receive for any reason, cross your arms over your chest and you will be given a blessing. All baptized Christians are invited to receive the bread and wine. To receive a wafer of bread, extend your hands with your palms up; to receive a gluten free wafer, extend your hands with your palms down. You may either drink from the chalice or dip the bread in the wine. If you wish to be baptized, please let our clergy know.
Communion Hymn # 1 — (H 307) Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor
Communion Hymn # 1: (H 307) Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor
Communion Hymn # 2 — (H 336) Come with us, O bless’d Jesus
Communion Hymn # 2: (H 336) Come with us, O bless’d Jesus
Post-Communion Prayer
Post-Communion Prayer (BCP p. 365)
Please stand or kneel.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Almighty and everliving God,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Recessional Hymn — (H 544) Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Recessional HYMN: (H 544) Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Blessing
Dismissal
Dismissal (BCP p. 366)
Announcements
Vestry Person of the Day – Wes Woods
Back to School – Blessing of the Backpack: During this service, we will be blessing backpacks, work bags, and hearts and asking for God’s guidance and grace in the year ahead. All are welcome to bring their bags.
LEM Training: Sunday, August 16th, from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, all new and current Lay Eucharistic Ministers are invited to attend LEM Training. This annual refresher is required by the Diocese and is a helpful opportunity to review responsibilities, ask questions, and prepare for this important ministry. Anyone interested in becoming a Lay Eucharistic Minister is also welcome to attend and learn more. Please register so we have an accurate headcount for lunch, hcec.link/LEMtraining
Veteran’s Ministry: The Episcopal Church is deepening its commitment to accompany veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with faith, care, and dignity. All veterans are welcome to join this kickoff meeting for the Veteran’s Ministry on Tuesday, August 18th at 10:00 AM.
Acolyte Training: Sunday, August 23rd, from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, there will be an acolyte refresher training and initial training for any individuals wanting to become an acolyte. All are welcome! Please register so we can have an accurate headcount for lunch – hcec.link/AcolyteTraining
5th Sunday Potluck: All are invited to join Community Table on Sunday, August 30th at 8:30 AM for a potluck. Please bring something to share!
Save the Date – Growing Faith: September 6 through September 27. Join us for Growing Faith, a four-week Adult Discipleship class as we explore this year’s Baptismal Covenant question: “Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?” Together, we will discover what each part of this promise means and how it can shape our daily lives as followers of Jesus. Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church or have been part of it for years, all are welcome.
Bible Study – Book of Galatians: Please join us during the Discipleship Hour for Bible study on the Book of Galatians.
“The Dove” Monthly Magazine: The August 2026 edition of The Dove is out now! To read, visit www.hcec.link/thedove
Oblation Bearers: Oblation Bearers in the Episcopal Church are families or individuals who bring the bread and wine to the altar during the Offertory at Holy Eucharist. They represent the congregation, presenting the gifts to be consecrated, symbolizing the offering of their lives and labor to God. Contact faith@holycomforterspring.org if you are interested in being an Oblation Bearer. Please use the following link to see Oblation Bearers’ duties, hcec.link/oblationbearer
Community Table
August 30: Potluck Brunch
Sunday Schedule
Nursery is available from 8:45-11:45am
8 am – Rite I Holy Eucharist
8:45 am – Community Table in Parish Hall
9:30 am – Rite II Holy Eucharist with Music
Weekly Schedule
Various Times – Discipleship Small Groups, www.hcec.link/dsg
Wednesday 9 am – Morning Prayer Rite II – Chapel
Monthly Meetings
Book Club – Fourth Wednesday at 7 pm – Zoom, hcec.link/bookclub
Clergy & Staff
John Soard, Rector
Ebele Okonkwo Onuigbo, Deacon
Kate Mumey, Curate
Debbie Daigle, Assisting Priest
debbie@holycomforterspring.org
STAFF
Faith Almond, Newcomers Minister
Kim Faasse, Director of Youth Ministries
Ashley Andreevska, Director of Music
ashley@holycomforterspring.org
Julie Rhodes, Financial Administrator
Taylor Brittain, Communication Coordinator
taylor@holycomforterspring.org
Email the vestry with thoughts and questions at vestry@holycomforterspring.org
www.holycomforterspring.org (281) 288-8169