Before the Service
The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
Welcome one and all this morning! 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 assisted 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 400) All creatures of our God and King
PROCESSIONAL : (H 400) All creatures of our God and King All singing
Opening Acclamation
Opening Acclamation (BCP p. 355)
COLLECT FOR PURITY (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)
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Please be seated for the lessons.
lessons:
First Lesson — Exodus 20: 1-4, 7-9, 12-20
First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
A Reading from the book of Exodus.
1Then God spoke all these words: 2I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; 3you shall have no other gods before me. 4You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 7You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. 8Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work. 12Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. 13You shall not murder. 14You shall not commit adultery. 15You shall not steal. 16You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 17You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. 18When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking, they were afraid and trembled and stood at a distance, 19and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, or we will die.” 20Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come only to test you and to put the fear of him upon you so that you do not sin.”
Psalm 19
Psalm 19 (BCP p. 606) Read responsively by whole verse.
1The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2One day tells its tale to another,
and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3Although they have no words or language,
and their voices are not heard,
4Their sound has gone out into all lands,
and their message to the ends of the world.
5In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun;
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again;
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
7The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.
8The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes.
9The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever;
the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold,
sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.
11By them also is your servant enlightened,
and in keeping them there is great reward.
12Who can tell how often he offends?
cleanse me from my secret faults.
13Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me;
then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Second Lesson — Philippians 3: 4b-14
Second Lesson: Philippians 3:4b-14
A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi.
4If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
Please stand as you are able.
Sequence Hymn — (levas 59)
SEQUENCE HYMN: (LEVAS 59)
Gospel — Matthew 21: 33-46
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-46
[Jesus said,] 33“Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. 34When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. 35But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. 37Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.’ 39So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.” 42Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the LORD’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’? 43Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. 44The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” 45When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. 46They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet.
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
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: For Andy, Connie, Tom, Bob, Kathleen, Fortino, Juanita, Diane, Carol, Henry, 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 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)
Deacon: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence
Minister 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
OFFERTORY (BCP p. 376)
Celebrant: O Lord our God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power; because you have created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Revelation 4:11
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 — Sing To Jesus
OFFERTORY HYMN: Sing To Jesus
The Great Thanksgiving
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (BCP p. 369)
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. 368)
We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,
Celebrant and People
We remember his death,
We proclaim his resurrection,
We await his coming in glory;
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. 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 (BCP p. 364)
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.
Prayer partners are available in the chapel if you would like to pray with someone.
Communion Hymn # 1 — Holy Spirit
Communion Hymn # 1: Holy Spirit
Post-Communion Prayer
Post-Communion Prayer (BCP p. 365)
Please stand or kneel.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
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 494) Crown him with many crowns
Recessional HYMN: (H 494) Crown him with many crowns
Blessing
Dismissal
Dismissal (BCP p. 366)
Announcements
Vestry Person of the Day – Becky Palmer
Generous God, Generous People — 2027 Pledge Campaign: Commitments due November 1. At Holy Comforter, we are called to “worship God, love our neighbors, create community, follow Jesus, and steward our resources.” James 1:17, “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights,” reminds us of God’s great generosity for which we give thanks. Because God has been so generous to us, we now have the opportunity to be generous with one another. Please submit your commitment by November 1 using a pledge card or online at hcec.link/pledge2027.
Bible Study on Acts: October 4, 2026 - August 22, 2027. Journey through the Book of Acts with us! Each week, 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 1. 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
Lunch Bunch: Today at about noon, join us at Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant (4334 FM 2920, Spring, TX 77379) after the Discipleship Hour.
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.
Community Table: The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is hosting Community Table on October 11 with a breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, and juice.
Trunk or Treat: October 25, 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Join us for Trunk or Treat at Holy Comforter! Food, games, crafts and more. All are welcome! If you would like to sign up your car, please visit: hcec.link/TrunkorTreat26
Monday Morning Maintenance Muster: Monday, October 5 at 8am. Please bring a weed-eater, loppers and/or trimmer as we continue to spruce up our campus. We also need someone to assess a non-working electrical outlet in the Parish Hall. Questions? jrwarden@holycomforterspring.org
Election Day Prayers: Tuesday, November 3, 7am-7pm. The church will be open for prayers as people vote. Come by at any point for a few minutes to say some prayers. Prayer guides will be provided.
“The Dove” Monthly Magazine: The October 2026 edition of The Dove is out now! To read, visit www.hcec.link/dove
Community Table
October 11: Breakfast from Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s
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