The Nativity of Our Lord

December 24, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

Our Mission Welcome to The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, a welcoming and diverse community seeking to walk in the way of Jesus and to reveal Christ’s reconciling love in our city, nation, and world.

Can I receive Communion? Yes. Whoever you are, wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, you are welcome to receive the bread and wine made holy.

Visiting Children All visiting children are invited to join in the telling of the Christmas story as shepherds and angels. During the carol singing, come see our youth group for an outfit and a sheep!

Are children welcome? Yes. Children are invited to participate actively in the service. Coloring pages, crayons, and books are at the entrances to the church. Nursery care is available 9:00am - 12:00pm for children ages 0-4; the Nursery is located through the lounge. Changing tables are located in the downstairs bathrooms and the Nursery. Our chapel is a sound-proof place to bring a crying infant, or a boisterous toddler, with windows into the church and speakers broadcasting the sound from the service.

How do I find my way around? There is a map by the Welcome Table in the main entryway (on the East side of the church). Also, feel free to ask anyone around you for directions, or help navigating the service.

Where are the restrooms? There are single-user, all-gender restrooms in the Lounge, through the main (East) door, and through the next glass door. There are gendered, larger restrooms downstairs (take the elevator or stairs at the end of the long hallway in front of that entrance). Changing tables are available in the downstairs restrooms or in the nursery. Is there wheelchair accessibility? Yes. Our entrances have auto-open buttons, and our elevator is ADA compliant. Both the downstairs restrooms and one of the upstairs restrooms are accessible. Everyone is invited to remain seated during the service as they need.

What about hearing assistance? We can help there, too. Hearing assistance devices are available from the ushers. Just ask.

How do I get involved? If you begin by filling out a “Connect Card” in your pew, or at the Welcome Table, we’d be glad to keep you up to date with all that goes on here. You can also use the Connect Cards to update your information, request prayers, or to ask a question.

Become a member. All are welcome to be here and to explore. If you would like to learn more and meet interesting people, consider joining in Pilgrimage, the Rector’s classes for newcomers and explorers. A new class begins in February, 2018. Email the rector for more information or to sign up (mangell@holycommunion.net).

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Prelude: You Are My All in All by Dennis Jernigan, arr. Mark Hayes

Carol Singing

Good Christian Friends Rejoice Hymnal 107

Lo, how a Rose Hymnal 81

Anthem Noel by Todd Smith, arr. Brad Holmes

1 Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today; ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today!

3 Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save!

2 Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; now ye hear of endless bliss; Jesus Christ was born for this! He hath opened heaven’s door, and we are blest for evermore. Christ was born for this!

1 Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming   from tender stem hath sprung!   Of Jesse’s lineage coming   as seers of old have sung.   It came, a blossom bright,   amid the cold of winter,   when half spent was the night.

3 O Flower, whose fragrance tender   with sweetness fills the air,   dispel in glorious splendor   the darkness everywhere;   true man, yet very God,   from sin and death now save us,   and share our every load.

2 Isaiah ’twas foretold it,   the Rose I have in mind,   with Mary we behold it,   the Virgin Mother kind.   To show God’s love aright,   she bore to us a Savior,   when half spent was the night.

Noel, Noel

Jesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto

Kana nge zola ku zaba mwana

Nge fwiti kwisa ku fukama

Noel, Noel

Jesus has come to live with us

If you want to know the Child

You have to come kneel

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God Rest You Merry Hymnal 105

Anthem: Lullaby Daniel Elder

Lullaby, sing lullaby, the day is far behind you.The moon sits high atop the sky, now let sweet slumber find you.

Away,the day is done, and gone the sun that lit the world so brightly,

The earth's aglow with speckled show of twinkling stars so sprightly.

Away,where the sunlight is beaming through a deep, cloudless blue,

and the treetops are gleaming with a fresh morning dew;where the mountains are shining at the meadows below,

in a brilliant white lining of a new-fallen snow.

Close your eyes, breathe in the night; a softer bed I'll make you. The trial is done, all danger gone; now let far dreaming take you.

Away,where the ocean is lapping at a soft, pearly shore,

and the swaying palms napping as their swinging fronds soar.Now the dark night approaches, yet so soft and so mild.

Lullaby, sing lullaby; sleep now, my child. 

1 God rest you merry, gentlemen,   let nothing you dismay;   remember Christ our Savior   was born on Christmas Day,   to save us all from Satan’s power   when we were gone astray.

  Refrain O tidings of comfort and joy,   comfort and joy;   O tidings of comfort and joy!

3 “Fear not, then,” said the angel,   “Let nothing you affright;   this day is born a Savior   of a pure virgin bright,   to free all those who trust in him   from Satan’s power and might.”

  Refrain

2 From God our heavenly Father   a blessèd angel came   and unto certain shepherds   brought tidings of the same:   how that in Bethlehem was born   the Son of God by name.

Refrain

4 Now to the Lord sing praises,   all you within this place,   and with true love and charity   each other now embrace;   this holy tide of Christmas   doth bring redeeming grace.

  Refrain

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The First Nowell Hymnal 109

Lighting of the Christmas Candle Please stand. Congregational responses appear in bold. O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light; Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Hymn: Please stand Oh Come, All Ye Faithful Hymnal 83, vv. 1, 3, 4, 6

Welcome and Opening Sentences The Rev. Mike Angell Please be seated for the duration of the pageant, including the hymns.

1 The first Nowell the angel did say   was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;   in fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,   on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.   Refrain: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,   born is the King of Israel.

2 They looked up and saw a star   shining in the east beyond them far,   and to the earth it gave great light,   and so it continued both day and night.   Refrain

3 And by the light of that same star   three wise men came from country far;   to seek for a king was their intent,   and to follow the star wherever it went.   Refrain

4 This star drew nigh to the northwest,   o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,   and there it did both stop and stay   right over the place where Jesus lay.   Refrain

5 Then entered in those wise men three   full reverently upon their knee,   and offered there in his presence   their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.   Refrain

6 Then let us all with one accord   sing praises to our heavenly Lord;   that hath made heaven and earth of nought,   and with his blood our life hath bought.

  Refrain

1 O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,   O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;   Come, and behold him,   born the King of angels;

  Refrain O come, let us adore him,   Christ the Lord.

4 See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle, leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze; We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps

Refrain

3 Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God, glory in the highest;

Refrain

6 Yea, Lord, we greet thee,   born this happy morning;   Jesus, to thee be glory given;   Word of the Father,   now in flesh appearing;

  Refrain

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The Setting This night is like no other night. It is a time to dream and sing our way to Bethlehem.

The little town we seek sits in the hill country some ten miles south of Jerusalem. For thousands of years the houses have gathered there on the hilltop like a family breaking bread. “Bethlehem” means “House of Bread.”

In the center of the village is a small inn. On this night it is overflowing with people seeking sleep and a place to eat. Behind the inn is a dark stable. A gray donkey chews his barley and broken straw while a weary cow leans and rests after the day’s plowing in the valley. A sheep nearby is nearly asleep. All is still and quiet in the little town.

Congregational Carol Sung by all. St. Louis Hymnal 79, vv. 1 & 2

1 O little town of Bethlehem,   how still we see thee lie!   Above thy deep and dreamless sleep   the silent stars go by;   yet in thy dark streets shineth   the everlasting Light;   the hopes and fears of all the years   are met in thee tonight.

Mary and Joseph Arrive in Bethlehem As night gathers, the last two travelers come slowly up the road. Look, there is a young woman about to be a mother. She is walking with her husband. They are Mary and Joseph from Nazareth! They have walked for six days to come to this city where King David was born, so long ago.

They have come, like so many others, because the Roman emperor wants to count each one, so he can take their money as a tax.

But it is late, and Mary is so weary. Where will they sleep? There is no room in the inn. They decide to sleep with the animals.

2 For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! and praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.

Jesus is Born Stars brighten slowly in the sky. All creation holds its breath. Suddenly, from the stable, comes the cry of a newborn child! Mary gently wraps the baby in a blanket and lays him in the feed box that his father has filled with straw.

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Congregational Carol Sung by all. Away in a Manger LEVAS 27 vv. 1 & 2

1 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed   The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.   The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,   The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.   The cattle are lowing the Baby awakes,   But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes,   I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,   And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay,   Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.   And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

Shepherds and Angels Children who are shepherds are invited to gather near the back of the church. Angels come up to the front. In the hills outside Bethlehem, shepherds watch their shadowy sheep. All at once, the dark is lost in light, and in the midst of the light is something even brighter: the faces of angels. The fearful shepherds then hear music in the sky, and a voice says clearly,

Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by all people. Today in the City of David a Savior is born! He is Christ, the Lord.

Then more angels appear, a whole heavenly host of them, praising God and singing:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to all people, everywhere.

Congregational Carol Sung by all. Angels We Have Heard on High Hymnal 96, vv. 1 & 3

1 Angels we have heard on high,   singing sweetly through the night,   and the mountains in reply   echoing their brave delight.   Refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo.

3 Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.   Refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds Head to Bethlehem The Shepherds make their way to the front of the church. The shepherds run with joy across the fields to Bethlehem to the barn behind the inn. There they find the Holy Family and creep forward, overwhelmed with mystery, to find Nativity itself in the center of all that love.

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Congregational Carol Sung by all. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Hymnal 94 vv. 1, 2 & 6

1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,   all seated on the ground,   the angel of the Lord came down   and glory shone around.

2 “Fear not,” said he, for might dread had seized their troubled mind; “Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind.”

6 “All glory be to God on high and on earth be peace; Good will henceforth from heaven to men begin and never cease.”

A Christmas Hope So now we all come, to find God-with-us. We come, as people have come all through the ages, to bring our own gifts to this Child, God’s gift to us. We tell this tale of wonder and majesty every year, as it has been told for thousands of years. The story of angels and shepherds, stables and mangers, Mary and Joseph and the Christ Child. And though the message does not change, we hope that the message continues to change our hearts, to change our minds, to bring needed change to our world. This Christmas, may God’s promised peace be born in our world again.

Joy to you and your family on this Christmastide!

Congregational Carol Sung by all. Hark the Herald Angels Sing Hymnal 87, vv. 1 – 3

1 Hark! the herald angels sing   glory to the newborn King!   Peace on earth and mercy mild,   God and sinners reconciled!   Joyful, all ye nations, rise,   join the triumph of the skies;   with the angelic host proclaim   Christ is born in Bethlehem!

  Refrain Hark! the herald angels sing   glory to the newborn King!

3 Mild he lays his glory by,   born that we no more may die,   born to raise us from the earth,   born to give us second birth.   Risen with healing in his wings,   light and life to all he brings,   hail, the Sun of Righteousness!   hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

  Refrain

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The Peace Children and Rector. Please stand May the Peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

Announcements The Rev. Mike Angell

Offertory Anthem Shepherd’s Pipe Carol John Rutter

Offertory Carol: Sung by all. Go Tell it on the Mountain LEVAS 21 LEVAS 21

2 Christ, by highest heaven adored;   Christ, the everlasting Lord;   late in time behold him come,   offspring of the Virgin’s womb.   Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;   hail the incarnate Deity.   Pleased as man with man to dwell;   Jesus, our Emmanuel!

  Refrain

Going through the hills on a night all starry On the way to Bethlehem Far away I heard a shepherd boy piping On the way to Bethlehem

Angels in the sky brought this message nigh: "Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King Is come to bring us peace on earth And He's lying cradled there at Bethlehem." 

"Tell me, shepherd boy piping tunes so merrily On the way to Bethlehem Who will hear your tunes on these hills so lonely On the way to Bethlehem? 

"None may hear my pipes on these hills so lonely On the way to Bethlehem; But a King will hear me play sweet lullabies When I get to Bethlehem."

"Where is the new King, shepherd boy piping merrily Is He there at Bethlehem?" "I will find Him soon by the star shining brightly In the sky o'vr Bethlehem." 

"May I come with you, shepherd boy piping merrily Come with you to Bethlehem? Pay my homage too at the new King's cradle Is it far to Bethlehem?

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The Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you.And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.It is right to give God thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Refrain Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.

1 While shepherds kept their watching   o’er silent flocks by night,   Behold throughout the heavens   there shown a holy light.   Refrain

2 The shepherds feared and trembled,   when lo! above the earth,   Rang out the angel chorus   that hailed the Savior’s birth.   Refrain 3 Down in a lowly manger   the humble Christ was born,   And God sent us salvation   that blessed Christmas morn.   Refrain

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Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Please remain standing. On the night Jesus was betrayed, he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper, Jesus took the cup; gave thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

And so, gracious God, we bring you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Merciful God, gather us by this Holy Communion into one body in your Christ. Make us a living sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer Pray in the language you prefer:

The Breaking of the Bread

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

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.

Administration of the Sacrament You are invited to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Gluten Free wafers are available, on request, from the minister. On the left (West) side of the altar rail, the chalice is filled with white grape juice, as a sign of welcome for those who choose not to consume wine. On the right (East) side of the altar rail, the chalice is traditional red wine. Please feel free to cross the aisle for your preferred chalice. If you would prefer to receive a blessing, simply cross your arms over your chest.

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, for ever and ever. Amen.

Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén

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Hymns During Communion Sung by allThe Hymnal is a blue book in the pew racks. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (LEVAS) has a red spine. In the Bleak Midwinter Hymnal 112 What Child is This? Hymnal 115 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Hymnal 89

Post Communion Prayer please kneel or stand Gracious God, tonight you have united earth and heaven in sending your Son to take our human nature. May we, who have tasted heavenly things, share in the life of Christ’s kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lighting of the Candles

Please tip your candle into the flame to receive the light; after receiving the light, please hold your candle upright.

Hymn after Communion Silent Night Hymnal 111

The Christmas Blessing May God, who sent angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy and make you heralds of the Gospel. And the blessing of God the holy and undivided Trinity be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

At the conclusion of the blessing, please cup your hand behind the flame and extinguish your candle.

Final Hymn Joy to the World Hymnal 100

1 Silent night, holy night,   all is calm, all is bright   round yon virgin mother and

child.   Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace.

3 Silent night, holy night,   Son of God, love’s pure light   radiant beams from thy holy face,   with the dawn of redeeming

grace,   Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

2 Silent night, holy night,   shepherds quake at the sight,   glories stream from heaven afar,   heavenly hosts sing alleluia;   Christ, the Savior, is born!

1 Joy to the world! the Lord is come:   let earth receive her King;   let every heart prepare him room,   and heaven and nature sing.

3 No more let sins and sorrows grow,   nor thorns infest the ground;   he comes to make his blessings flow   far as the curse is found.

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The Dismissal: Alleluia! Let us go forth in the name of Christ.Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

Postlude Praise Him! Praise Him! arr. Mark Hayes

Worship Leaders Officiant The Rev. Mike Angell Presider The Rev. Marc Smith Deacon The Rev. Chester Hines Chalice Joe Adams Greeter Pat Regington Ushers Hal, Drew, and Jean Parker Altar Guild Jean Parker Pagent Director Brooklyn Payne, Markie Jo Crismon Cover Art Benjamin Wildflower

2 Joy to the world! the Savior reigns;   let us our songs employ,   while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,   repeat the sounding joy.

4 He rules the world with truth and grace,   and makes the nations prove   the glories of his righteousness,   and wonders of his love.

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Special gifts made to support the Christmas Greens and Music:

In memory of Marcus Allen given Mary M. Allen

In honor of Braden, Riley, and Walter given by godparents Ellis Anderson and Mike Angell

In memory of Marge and Joe Baudendistel given by Donna, Leanna, and Simone Baudendistel

In honor of Henry Cummings given by Nancy Cummings

In memory of Ruth Gugerli given by Susan Norris, Tom, Ben, and Gavin Rose

In memory of Mary Lee given by the Rev. Marc Smith

In honor of our Lord given by James and Beth Lennox

In memory of Robert and Hazel Luckes given by David Luckes

In thanksgiving for the Mayfield and White families given by Burton W. Mayfield

In honor of Sally McClellan Currey given by anonymous

In memory of Richard Mochow and in thanksgiving for Nicole Mochow given by Kristi Mochow

In honor of the musicians given by an anonymous donor

In memory of A. K. Smith given by Eddyth Smith

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Announcements Adult Forum, Intergenerational Formation, and Godly Play remain in recess. On January 6, Christian Formation returns with an Intergenerational Formation focusing on the visitation of the Wise Men. Godly Play will return on January 13, 2019. Intergenerational Game Night- January 6th All are invited to our first intergenerational game nigh of the new year. Bring your favorite game and any leftover Christmas cookies you would like to share. We will provide the pizza and drinks. We will gather from 5-7:30pm, so please feel free to come and go as your schedule permits.Epiphany Celebration: Visit of the Three Kings – January 6 at 10:30am: Come celebrate the start of the Epiphany season as we welcome the three kings to Holy Communion. During our 10:30 worship, the Three Kings will enter as they follow the star to adore the Christ Child. After the 10:30am service, the children get to break open the star (piñata).Spanish Classes: This January Helen Burton, a member of the congregation and Spanish Teacher will offer a conversational Spanish Course on Monday evenings at 6:30pm starting January 28 and continuing through March 11 . The fee for the course is just $35, to help with the cost of resources and snacks for the class. Need-based scholarships are available. Please fill out the form at the Welcome Table so we have a sense of how many folks of what levels of Spanish are participating.January Dismantling Racism Training: January 19 & 20 from 8:30a to 4:00p. Registration now open at holycommunion.net/diversity/dismantling-racism MLK Music Festival— January 20: Help us celebrate Dr. King's holiday with soul. Join us for this music festival service as we lift our voices to remember Martin.Choir Announcements: The choral program will be on break after Christmas and will start up again with rehearsal on January 3, 2018 at 7:30pm. If you are interested in singing with the choir, contact Mary Chapman (mchapman@holycommunion.net). Theology on Tap will remain in recess throughout January and will return in February with a new year of monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at Dressel’s Pub.

Annual Giving Update

If you have already pledged. Thank you. Your generosity makes a difference. As you see in the chart below, we have already exceeded our total pledging last year, in terms of dollars. Given this year of growth, we are hopeful that more people will pledge. In order to keep parish ministry growing along with Sunday attendance, we need to hear from everyone.

New pledges for 2019: 13 Pledges increased for 2019: 49

Percent of 2018 Pledgers under age 40: 21% Historic Pledges Increase/Decrease : + $21,480

If you have not already, the leadership of the church asks you to prayerfully consider making a financial pledge to Holy Communion for 2019.

Parish Office Holiday Schedule The Parish Office is closed next week for the holidays and will re-open on Thursday, January 3, 2018 at 9:00am. During that time, clergy can be reached for pastoral emergencies by calling the parish office and listening for the clergy emergency number at the end of the message. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

2018 (final) Total Pledges: 115

Total Pledged: $263,764

2019 (to date) Total Pledges: 104

Total Pledged: $281,563

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Staff

The Rev. Mike Angell, Rector mangell@holycommunion.net

The Rev. Marc Smith, Priest Associate msmith@holycommunion.net

The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon chines@holycommunion.net

The Rev. Beth Scriven, Chaplain, Campus Ministry beth@rockwellhouse.org

Cheyanne Lovellette, Director of Operations clovellette@holycommunion.net

Mary Chapman, Director of Music mchapman@holycommunion.net

Jim Kern, Financial Administrator jkern@holycommunion.net

Heidi Olliff, Sunday Children’s Formation Coordinator hmolliff@holycommunion.net

Brooklyn Payne, Youth Director youth@holycommunion.net

Sally Thomas, Missioner for Children and Families sthomas@holycommunion.net

Jerome Harris, Sexton

Chloe Olliff, Head Acolyte

Vestry

Shirley Mensah, Sr. Warden

Susan Norris, Jr. Warden

Brian Barnhart, Treasurer

Alisa Williams, Secretary

Tahnee Jackson-Whitlock, Scott Ferguson, Rudy Nickens,

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Megan Ondr, Pat Redington

www.holycommunion.net

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