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 — Build My Life
PROCESSIONAL : Build My Life 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)
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; 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 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.
Please stand as you are able.
Sequence Hymn — (H 662) Abide with me: fast falls the eventide
SEQUENCE HYMN: (H 662) Abide with me: fast falls the eventide
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
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)
The Leader and People pray responsively
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 Tom, Bob, Kathleen, Fortino, Juanita, Diane, Carol, Henry, Christine, The Smith Family, Donna Boswell’s Family, John, Jerry, 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
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 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.
The Peace
The Peace (BCP p. 360)
The people may exchange signs of peace with one another.
Offertory
Celebrant: If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23, 24
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 — Holy Spirit
OFFERTORY HYMN: Holy Spirit
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 — Give Me Jesus
Communion Hymn # 1: Give Me Jesus
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 — Sweet, Sweet Spirit
Recessional HYMN: Sweet, Sweet Spirit
Blessing
Dismissal
Dismissal (BCP p. 366)
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.
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
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