We are worshiping at 9 am.
August 9, 2026
Join us! All are Welcome!
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ.
The peace of Christ be with you today and always.
And also with you.
Congregation members greet each other by saying:
Peace be with you.
Confession and Forgiveness
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the holy Trinity,☩ one God,
whose compassion endures forever.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin to God.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Compassionate God,
we confess to you all our sins.
Our burden is heavy, and we cannot free ourselves.
In your mercy, call us back to you.
Your yoke is easy and your burden is light.
Restore us to dwell in your peace.
In Christ’s name we pray,
Amen.
Jesus says, “Come to me,
all you who are weary
and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest.”
In the name of God,
Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit,
your sins are forgiven.
Rest in God’s love.
Amen.
Gathering Hymn “My Life Flows On in Endless Song”
1 My life flows on in endless song;
above earth's lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Refrain
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
2 Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing? Refrain
3 What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth. Refrain
4 The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing? Refrain
Text: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
Greeting
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
Canticle of Praise
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Power, riches, wisdom and strength,
and honor, blessing, and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God,
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory, and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Prayer of the Day
Let us pray,
O God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
The assembly is seated.
Assistant-First Reading 1 Kings 19:9-18
A reading beginning with the 19th chapter of 1 Kings.
9 At [Horeb, the mount of God,][Elijah] came to a cave and spent the night there.
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”
11 He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” 15 Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 17 Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill, and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
Assistant- Psalm 85:8-13 Read Responsively
8 I will listen to what the Lord God is saying; for you speak peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to you.
9 Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you, that your glory may dwell in our land.
10 Steadfast love and faithfulness have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before the Lord and shall prepare for God a pathway.
Assistant-Second Reading Romans 10:5-15
A reading from Romans beginning with chapter 10
5 Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say?
“The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart”
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim), 9 because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For one believes with the heart, leading to righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, leading to salvation. 11 The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
Congregation stands
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Gospel Matthew 14:22-33
The holy gospel according to Matthew the 14th chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
22 [Jesus] made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee,] while he dismissed the crowds.23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Congregation is seated
Sermon
Hymn of the Day “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me”
1 Jesus, Savior, pilot me
over life's tempestuous sea;
unknown waves before me roll,
hiding rock and treach'rous shoal;
chart and compass come from thee.
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
2 As a mother stills her child,
thou canst hush the ocean wild;
boist'rous waves obey thy will
when thou say'st to them: "Be still."
Wondrous sov'reign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
3 When at last I near the shore,
and the fearful breakers roar
twixt me and the peaceful rest,
then, while leaning on thy breast,
may I hear thee say to me:
"Fear not, I will pilot thee."
Text: Edward Hopper, 1818-1888
Apostles’ Creed
The presiding minister may introduce the Creed.
With the whole church, let us confess our faith using the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
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,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
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. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
With bold trust in God’s unfailing provision, we pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation.
A brief silence.
We pray for the servants of your gospel in every place, that your word may be heard. Where your voice is scorned and your people persecuted, strengthen the church in its faithful witness. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
For this world you have created, that all life may flourish. Preserve biodiversity in all its variety and help ecosystems to survive the extremes of a changing climate. Move our hearts with compassion to join in this work. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
For leaders of towns, states, nations, and organizations, and all who are in positions of authority, that they lead with justice and integrity. Teach us to respond with Christlike mercy to all who are afraid or in danger. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
For all who struggle amid the storms of life, that they find peace and hope in your loving presence. Comfort any who are lonely and grieving and all who suffer especially Mark, Ron, Sara, Janet, Mary, Dorothy, Ruth, Pastor Van Gundy, Bernard, Fritz, Lucas, Sue, Ed, Ann, Candy, Lynne, Janet, Margaret, Rillys, and for those who we name aloud or silently in our hearts (pause for people in the congregation to add their prayers here). Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
For this congregation and its ministries, that they reflect your love and life amid a turbulent world. Guide council members, elders, and other church leaders with your still, calm voice. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
We give thanks for the faithful who have gone before us. Guide us in our earthly journey, that we may one day join them in your eternal kingdom. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Receive our prayers and answer, O God, as you have promised. All this we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Offertory “This Is Christ's Body” sing twice
This is Christ's body, broken and blest.
Feed us with mercy and love. (with mercy and love.)
We are Christ's body, broken and blest.
Heal us and make us one.
Text: Anne Krentz Organ, b. 1960
Text © 2020 Augsburg Fortress
Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.
Offertory Prayer
We pray,
Loving God,
we offer at your table the gifts of our hearts.
Help us take heart in you and share freely of your love,
so that all creation can taste your abundance.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
through the Spirit abiding with us now and forever.
Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ;
who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow’r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Eucharistic Prayer
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son,
who reached out to heal the sick and suffering,
who preached good news to the poor,
and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension,
we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord,
and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food,
the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord;
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. (Spoken)
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.
Invitation to Communion
Heaven has come near.
Come, share in the feast!
Congregation is seated
Pastor COMMUNION INSTRUCTION
We commune at the rail, in our seats and online. We will begin by communing those online and in their seats. …
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace.
Distribution at the rail.
Communion
The body of Christ, given for you. Amen
The blood of Christ, shed for you. Amen
Congregation stands
Prayer after Communion
Compassionate God,
through the gifts of bread and wine
our hearts are filled with the abundance of your love.
Strengthen us that we, through this holy meal,
may share your love freely, as you have shared with us.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
through the Spirit nourishing us now and forever.
Amen.
Benediction
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer,
☩ one God,
bless, heal, and hold you
today and always.
Amen.
Sending Hymn “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
Dismissal
Heaven has come near. Go, share the good news!
Thanks be to God.
Permission for liturgies by Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS004206
Sundays and Seasons 2026
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-717005. All rights reserved