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, the King of creation
PROCESSIONAL : (H 390) Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation All singing
Opening Acclamation
Opening Acclamation (BCP p. 355)
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, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; 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 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.
Please stand as you are able.
Sequence Hymn — (H 416) For the beauty of the earth
SEQUENCE HYMN: (H 416) For the beauty of the earth
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
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 Levi Algama Mai 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 these persons who are committing themselves 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 him, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Open his heart to your grace and truth.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Fill him with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Keep him in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Teach him to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Send him into the world in witness to your love.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Bring him 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: Levi, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Levi, 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 him to the new life of grace. Sustain him, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give him 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 & 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: Through Christ let us continually offer to God the sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his Name. But do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:15, 16
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 — Who You Say I Am
OFFERTORY HYMN: Who You Say I Am
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.
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 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 — (H 325) Let us break bread together on our knees
Communion Hymn # 1: (H 325) Let us break bread together on our knees
Communion Hymn # 2 — (wlp 812) I, the Lord of sea and sky
Communion Hymn # 2: (WLP 812) I, the Lord of sea and sky
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 657) Love divine, all loves excelling
Recessional HYMN: (H 657) Love divine, all loves excelling
Blessing
Dismissal
Dismissal (BCP p. 366)
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