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)
O God, who declarest thy almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running to obtain thy promises, may be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; 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 17: 1-7
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7
A Reading from the book of Exodus.
1From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?” 3But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” 4So Moses cried out to the LORD, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5The LORD said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”
Psalm 78 — 1-4, 12-16
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 (BCP p. 694) Read responsively by whole verse.
1Hear my teaching, O my people;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will declare the mysteries of ancient times.
3That which we have heard and known, and what our forefathers have told us,
we will not hide from their children.
4We will recount to generations to come the praiseworthy deeds and the power of the Lord,
and the wonderful works he has done.
12He worked marvels in the sight of their forefathers,
in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
13He split open the sea and let them pass through;
he made the waters stand up like walls.
14He led them with a cloud by day,
and all the night through with a glow of fire.
15He split the hard rocks in the wilderness
and gave them drink as from the great deep.
16He brought streams out of the cliff,
and the waters gushed out like rivers.
Second Lesson — Philippians 2: 1-13
Second Lesson: Philippians 2:1-13
A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi.
1If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. 9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Gospel — Matthew 21: 23-32
Gospel: Matthew 21:23-32
23When [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” 27So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 28“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
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 Bob, Kathleen, Fortino, Juanita, Diane, Carol, Henry, Christine, The, Donna, John, Jerry, 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.
God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
The Peace
The Peace (BCP p. 332)
Offertory
Offertory Sentence (BCP p. 343)
Celebrant: Through Christ let us continually offer to God the sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his Name. But to do good and to distribute, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15, 16
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.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
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 – Chris LeGrande
Growing Faith: through today. 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 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: Join us Sunday, September 27 at 4:00 PM in the church for the Spring Interfaith Council Taizé prayer service, hosted by Holy. All are welcome to this hour of shared prayer for peace.
Monday Morning Maintenance Muster: 1st & 3rd Mondays of the Month (next: October 5). 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