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 401) The God of Abraham praise
PROCESSIONAL : (H 401) The God of Abraham praise 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)
O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lessons
First Lesson — Exodus 14: 19-31
First Lesson: Exodus 14:19-31
A Reading from the book of Exodus.
19The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them. 20It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night. 21Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. 22The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. 23The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. 24At the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. 25He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the Israelites, for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt.” 26Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers.” 27So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the LORD tossed the Egyptians into the sea. 28The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. 29But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. 30Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31Israel saw the great work that the LORD did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the LORD and believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.
Psalm 114
Psalm 114 (BCP p. 756) Read responsively by whole verse.
1Hallelujah! When Israel came out of Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of strange speech,
2Judah became God’s sanctuary
and Israel his dominion.
3The sea beheld it and fled;
Jordan turned and went back.
4The mountains skipped like rams,
and the little hills like young sheep.
5What ailed you, O sea, that you fled?
O Jordan, that you turned back?
6You mountains, that you skipped like rams?
you little hills like young sheep?
7Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water
and flint-stone into a flowing spring.
Second Lesson — Romans 14: 1-12
Second Lesson: Romans 14:1-12
A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome.
1Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. 4Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. 5Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God. 7We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. 8If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the LORD’s. 9For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” 12So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
Please stand as you are able.
Sequence Hymn — (H 488) Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
SEQUENCE HYMN: (H 488) Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Gospel — Matthew 18: 21-35
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35
21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. 23“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
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)
Leader: In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence
Leader: Tend to all people in their daily life and work;
People: Watch over our families, friends, and neighbors, and those who are alone.
Leader: Create rest for this community, the nation, and the world;
People: Give strength to all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Leader: Bring about the just and proper use of your creation;
People: Grant relief to the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Leader: Rescue all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
People: Empower those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Leader: Reveal the peace and unity of the Church of God;
People: Encourage all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Leader: Confer wisdom on all bishops and other ministers;
People: Anoint all who serve God in the Church.
Leader: Strengthen all those who await baptism;
People: Bless Levi as he waits to receive this sacrament.
Leader: For Fortino, Juanita, Diane, Carol, Henry, Christine, The Smith Family, Donna Boswell’s Family, John, Jerry, Charles & Marilyn, Connie, Marilyn, and for the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions
Leader: Hear us, Lord;
People: For your mercy is great.
Leader: We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence
The People may add their own thanksgivings
Leader: We will exalt you, O God our King;
People: And praise your Name for ever and ever.
Leader: We pray for Donna, and all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions
Leader: Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
People: Who put their trust in you.
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)
Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence
Celebrant 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.
Welcoming New Members
Celebrant:
Dear Friends in Christ, in companionship with each other as we journey in faith, we welcome new members into this community of Holy Comforter. We welcome them to join us as we worship God, love our neighbors, create community, follow Jesus, and steward our resources. We welcome and cherish their unique gifts and experiences as together we follow the Holy Spirit in transforming this community for the work and mission of Jesus Christ.
Presenter: I present David and Denise Vernon to be welcomed as members of this
community.
The Peace
The Peace (BCP p. 360)
The people may exchange signs of peace with one another.
Offertory
Celebrant: I appeal to you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1
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 525) The Church’s one foundation
OFFERTORY HYMN: (H 525) The Church’s one foundation
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 by water and the Holy Spirit you have made us a new people in Jesus Christ our Lord, to show forth your glory in all the world. 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:
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 (H 321) My God, thy table now is spread
Communion Hymn # 2 — Jesus, strong and Kind
Communion Hymn # 2: Jesus, strong and Kind
Post-Communion Prayer
Post-Communion Prayer (BCP p. 365)
Please stand or kneel.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Eternal God, heavenly Father,
you have graciously accepted us as living members
of your Son 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 Lord.
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 – Alice El-Hamaki
Visioning Work | Interest Form Due September 14: Our Visioning Work is moving into an exciting new phase, and we would love for you to be part of it! Through our spring Dove Gatherings, parish survey, and Vestry conversations, four focus areas have emerged: deepening relationships and belonging at Holy Comforter, creating new ways for people and families to get involved, expanding opportunities to love and serve our neighbors, and exploring worship beyond Sunday mornings. Everyone is invited to join a planning group and help imagine what the future could look like for our parish. Learn more in the September issue of The Dove, then select your top two focus areas by September 14 at hcec.link/Visioning.
Holy Comforter Book Club | Wednesday, September 16 at 7 PM: Come enjoy a great book and thoughtful conversation with the Holy Comforter Book Club! In September, we will discuss Daughters of Palestine: A Memoir of Five Generations by Leila Kamalick King. For more information, contact Linda Barry at lgblan281@gmail.com. Join the conversation on Zoom at hcec.link/bookclub.
Growing Faith | Continues Through September 27: Together, we are exploring this year’s Baptismal Covenant question: “Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?” We’ll discover what each part of this promise means and how it can shape our everyday lives as followers of Jesus. Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church or have been part of it for years, you are warmly invited to join us.
Bible Study on Acts | October 4, 2026 through August 22, 2027: Journey through the Book of Acts with us! Each wee, we’ll explore a different passage and take a closer look at the spiritual practices of the first Christians. Come discover what their experiences can teach us about following Jesus and living out our faith today.
Prayer Class: Turning and Returning to God | October 4 through November 8: Prayer can take many forms, and there is always more to discover! Join us for Turning and Returning to God as we explore a variety of prayer practices and ways to deepen our relationship with God. All are welcome, wherever you may be in your prayer life. Sign up at hcec.link/Returning.
Monday Morning Maintenance Muster | Next: September 21: 1st & 3rd Mondays of the Month. Meet the Jr. Warden at 8 a.m. to help with projects around our campus. Questions? jrwarden@holycomforterspring.org
Vestry Elections | Interest Forms Due October 15: In the coming months, one-third of our Vestry members will complete their terms, and we are looking for parishioners who feel called to help guide and support the work of Holy Comforter. If you are interested in learning more about serving on Vestry, please speak with any current Vestry member. Those who would like to be considered for Vestry service can complete the online interest form at hcec.link/Vestry.
“The Dove” Monthly Magazine: The September 2026 edition of The Dove is out now! To read, visit www.hcec.link/dove
Community Table
September 20: Register to Vote
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 – Third Wednesday at 7 pm – Zoom, hcec.link/bookclub
Maintenance Mondays – First & Third Mondays at 8am
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