Before the Service
Welcome one and all this morning! Welcome long-time parishioners and visitors alike. 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
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
Opening Acclamation
Opening Acclamation (BCP p. 323)
Collect for Purity and Great Commandments (BCP p. 323)
The Celebrant:
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.
Song of Praise
Song of Praise (BCP p. 324)
Glory be to God on high,
and on earth peace, good will towards men.
We praise thee, we bless thee,
we worship thee,
we glorify thee,
we give thanks to thee for thy great glory,
O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father,
have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy;
thou only art the Lord;
thou only, O Christ,
with the Holy Ghost,
art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Collect of the Day
COLLECT OF THE DAY (BCP p. 325)
Grant us, O Lord, not to mind earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to cleave to those that shall abide; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lessons
First Lesson — Exodus 16: 2-15
First Lesson: Exodus 16:2-15
A Reading from the book of Exodus.
2The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” 4Then the LORD said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. 5On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” 6So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your complaining against the LORD. For what are we, that you complain against us?” 8And Moses said, “When the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the LORD has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the LORD.” 9Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the LORD, for he has heard your complaining.’” 10And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. 11The LORD spoke to Moses and said, 12“I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’” 13In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.
Psalm 105 — 1-6, 37-45
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 (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.
37He led out his people with silver and gold;
in all their tribes there was not one that stumbled.
38Egypt was glad of their going,
because they were afraid of them.
39He spread out a cloud for a covering
and a fire to give light in the night season.
40They asked, and quails appeared,
and he satisfied them with bread from heaven.
41He opened the rock, and water flowed,
so the river ran in the dry places.
42For God remembered his holy word
and Abraham his servant.
43So he led forth his people with gladness,
his chosen with shouts of joy.
44He gave his people the lands of the nations,
and they took the fruit of others’ toil,
45That they might keep his statutes
and observe his laws. Hallelujah!
Second Lesson — Philippians 1: 21-30
Second Lesson: Philippians 1:21-30
A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi.
21For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. 27Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well — 30since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Gospel — Matthew 20: 1-16
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16
[Jesus said,] 1“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 10Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
The Sermon
The Sermon Please be seated as you are able for the sermon.
A moment of reflection.
The Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed (BCP p. 326) – 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. 328)
Please use the form at www.hcec.link/pray to add a concern to our prayers.
Deacon: Let us pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church and the world.
Almighty and everliving God, who in thy holy Word hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks for all men: Receive these our prayers which we offer unto thy divine Majesty, beseeching thee to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.
Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments.
And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace, and especially to this congregation here present; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive thy holy Word, truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.
Bless and strengthen those who await baptism, especially Levi, that they may grow to honor thy name.
We beseech thee also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land, that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world.
Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works, that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, they may honor thee with their substance, and be faithful stewards of thy bounty.
And we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succor Tom, Bob, Kathleen, Fortino, Juanita, Diane, Carol, Henry, Christine, The Smith Family, Donna Boswell’s Family, John, Jerry, Marilyn, and all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.
Please offer additional petitions and thanksgivings at this time.
And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear, beseeching thee to grant them continual growth in thy love and service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good examples of all thy saints, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom.
Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only mediator and Advocate. Amen.
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. 330)
Deacon: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.
Deacon and People:
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against thee
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved thee with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in thy will,
and walk in thy ways,
to the glory of thy Name.
Amen.
Celebrant:
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him.
Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Matthew 11:28
The Peace
The Peace (BCP p. 332)
Offertory
Offertory Sentence (BCP p. 343)
Celebrant: If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matthew 5:23, 24
Place 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 of bread, wine, and money are brought to the altar.
The Great Thanksgiving
The Great Thanksgiving (BCP p. 333)
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God.
Creator of the light and source of life, who hast made us in thine image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,
Sanctus
SANCTUS: (BCP p. 334)
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts:
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Please remain standing or kneel as you are able.
All glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that thou, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again.
For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Savior Jesus Christ, we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before thy divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same.
And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.
And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant that, by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we, and all thy whole Church, may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion.
And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee that we, and all others who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him.
And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses, through Jesus Christ our Lord;
By whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. AMEN.
The Lord's Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (BCP p. 336)
Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say,
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 (BCP p. 337)
Celebrant and People
We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
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 minister receives the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately delivers it to the people. 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. 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.
Post-Communion Prayer
Post-Communion Prayer (BCP p. 339)
Please stand or kneel.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Celebrant and People:
Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
Blessing
Dismissal
Dismissal (BCP p. 340)
Announcements
Vestry Person of the Day – Linda Barry
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.
Voter Registration | Today during Community Table: Voting is a privilege and, many would say, a Christian's responsibility. 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 today 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
Bible Study on Acts | October 4, 2026 - 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 - 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
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. Interest forms are due October 15.
International Day of Peace Prayer Service | Sunday, September 27 at 4:00 PM: Join us in the church for the Spring Interfaith Council Taizé prayer service. All are welcome to this hour of shared prayer for peace.
Monday Morning Maintenance Muster | Next: September 21: 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. Questions? jrwarden@holycomforterspring.org
“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