Little Stories Everywhere

The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Pastor Lauren continues her series of sermons – “Let Me Tell You A STORY” – from Jesus’ parables. This week’s lesson is from Matthew 13:31-35 and 44-50. In these passages, Jesus uses several different parables (five!) to explain the nature, supreme value and ultimate judgement of the Kingdom of Heaven.

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

Prelude: “Meditation”, Iteke Prins (1937-2025)

Welcome and Confession and Forgiveness

Gathering Song: “Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Reading: 1 Kings 3:5-12

Music: “What a Wonderful World” Words and Music by George D. Weiss and Bob Thiele

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:31-35, 44-50

Children’s Time

Sermon: “Little Stories Everywhere”, Pastor Lauren Chambers

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

Song of Response: “You Are the Seed”

Apostles’ Creed

Prayers of the Church

WE WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

Sharing of the Peace

Offering and Offertory: “We are an Offering”, Words and Music by Dwight Liles

WE GATHER AROUND THE LORD’S TABLE

Holy Communion Story

The Lord’s Prayer

Communion Distribution: ” Lamb of God”

Post Communion Blessing and Canticle

WE DEPART TO SERVE

Sending Prayer

Benediction

Sending Song: “I Love to Tell the Story”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Festive Voluntary”, Valeriy Antonyuk (b.1979)