Before the Service
The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
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 in 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 390) Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,
PROCESSIONAL : (H 390) Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, All singing
Opening Acclamation
Opening Acclamation (BCP p. 355)
Celebrant: 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 — (S 280) Glory to God
SONG OF PRAISE: (S 280) Glory to God
Collect of the Day
COLLECT OF THE DAY (BCP p. 357)
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; 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 — Exodus 3: 1-15
First Lesson: Exodus 3:1-15
A Reading from the book of Exodus.
1Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. 3Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” 4When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7Then the LORD said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. 10So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” 11But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.” 13But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” 15God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’: This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.
Psalm 105 — 1-6, 23-26, 45c
Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c (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.
23Israel came into Egypt,
and Jacob became a sojourner in the land of Ham.
24The Lord made his people exceedingly fruitful;
he made them stronger than their enemies;
25Whose heart he turned, so that they hated his people,
and dealt unjustly with his servants.
26He sent Moses his servant,
and Aaron whom he had chosen.
45cHallelujah!
Second Lesson — Romans 12: 9-21
Second Lesson: Romans 12:9-21
A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome.
9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Please stand as you are able.
Sequence Hymn — (H 482) Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy
SEQUENCE HYMN: (H 482) Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy
Gospel — Matthew 16: 21-28
Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28
21From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” 24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? 27“For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
The Sermon
A moment of reflection.
Presentation and Examination of the Candidate (BCP p. 301)
Celebrant: The Candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented
Sponsors: I present Everlie Monroe Malek to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
Celebrant: Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?
Sponsors: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Sponsors: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
Sponsors: I renounce them.
Celebrant: Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Sponsors: I renounce them.
Celebrant: Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Sponsors: I renounce them.
Celebrant: Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Sponsors: I do.
Celebrant: Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Sponsors: I do.
Celebrant: Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Sponsors: I do.
Please stand as you are able.
Celebrant: Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
People: We will.
Celebrant: Let us join with this person who is committing herself to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.
The Baptismal Covenant (BCP p. 304)
Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Father?
People: I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People: I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Celebrant: Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God’s help.
Prayers for the Candidate (BCP p. 305)
Leader: Let us now pray for this person who is to receive the Sacrament of new birth.
Leader: Deliver her, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Open her heart to your grace and truth.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Fill her with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Keep her in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Teach her to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Send her into the world in witness to your love.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Bring her to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Celebrant: Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.
Thanksgiving over the Water (BCP p. 306)
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant:
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Baptism (BCP p. 307)
Celebrant: Everlie, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Everlie, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's
own for ever. Amen.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised her to the new life of grace. Sustain her, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give her an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
Welcome the Newly Baptized (BCP p. 308)
Celebrant: Let us welcome the newly baptized.
Celebrant and People: We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
The Peace
The Peace (BCP p. 360)
The people may exchange signs of peace with one another.
Offertory
Celebrant: Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; bring offerings and come into his courts. Psalm 96:8
Place the wooden tokens and financial gifts in the offering plate. You may make a gift online in Church Center at www.hcec.link/give
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 — (H 480) When Jesus left his Father's throne
OFFERTORY HYMN: (H 480) When Jesus left his Father's throne
The Great Thanksgiving
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (BCP p. 367)
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, 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:
Sanctus (S 130) Holy, Holy, Holy
Please remain standing or kneel.
Celebrant continues: (BCP p. 362)
Holy and gracious Father: 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 Father of all. He 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 Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his 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 him. 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 your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
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 — Sing To Jesus
Communion Hymn # 1: Sing To Jesus
Post-Communion Prayer
Post-Communion Prayer (BCP p. 366) 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 539) O Zion, haste, thy mission high fulfilling
Recessional HYMN: (H 539) O Zion, haste, thy mission high fulfilling
Blessing
Dismissal
Dismissal (BCP p. 366)
Announcements
Vestry Person of the Day – Victoria McLure
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.
Lunch Bunch: Join us on the 1st Sunday of each month after the Discipleship Hour (or noon) for lunch and fellowship. Our first “Lunch Bunch” will be next Sunday, September 6, 2026 at the Louisiana Fish House, 1402 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, Texas 77373
9/11 Prayer Service: Friday, September 11 at 3:30 PM. We will come together as a community to mark the 25th anniversary of this solemn day through a special edition of our Evening Prayer Service. All are welcome.
Voter Registration: Sunday, September 20. In order to vote in this year's November 3 election, one must be registered by October 5. Linda Astala, a Deputy Voter Registrar for Harris County, will be registering voters on September 20 in the Parish Hall during Community Table, 8:15-9:30am. Anyone who resides in Harris County and is eligible to vote can register at that time. This is a nonpartisan activity and one is not required to designate a particular political party preference. Answers to questions about voter registration eligibility can be found here: https://www.hctax.net/voter/registration
Holy Comforter Book Club: Wednesday, September 23 at 7 PM. The Holy Comforter Book Club meets on the Fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 PM on Zoom. Please contact Linda Barry, at lgblan281@gmail.com for information about the book we will discuss at our next meeting. Please join us for interesting conversation. You can access the Zoom link through www.hcec.link/bookclub
Monday Morning Maintenance Muster: 1st & 3rd Mondays of the Month. Meet the Jr. Warden at 8 a.m. the first and third Mondays of the month to help with projects around our campus. Our first one is September 6. Questions? jrwarden@holycomforterspring.com
Community Table
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