| August 16, 2026 – 9:30am
12th Sunday Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us. |
Cypress Waters by Erin Hanson |
|
GATHERING |
|
Prelude Andante Tranquillo George E. Whiting
Breathe on Me, Breath of God Robert Jackson
Yeon Soh, Organ
WELCOME
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
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 Oh, Praise the Gracious Power ELW 651
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.
HYMN OF PRAISE
Prayer of the Day
Let us pray. God of all peoples, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call upon you. Teach us as disciples of your Son to love the world with compassion and constancy, that your name may be known throughout the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
|
WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song |
FIRST READING Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
The prophet calls upon Israel to do justice in view of God’s imminent intervention to save. Righteousness and obedience define who belongs to the Israelite community—not race, nationality, or any other category.
A reading from Isaiah.
1 Thus says the Lord:
Maintain justice, and do what is right,
for soon my salvation will come
and my deliverance be revealed.
6 And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,
to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the Sabbath and do not profane it
and hold fast my covenant—
7 these I will bring to my holy mountain
and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar,
for my house shall be called a house of prayer
for all peoples.
8 Thus says the Lord God,
who gathers the outcasts of Israel:
I will gather others to them
besides those already gathered.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Psalm 67 read responsively
A reading from Psalms.
1 May God be merciful to us and bless us;
may the light of God’s face shine upon us.
2 Let your way be known upon earth,
your saving health among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations on earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
6 The earth has brought forth its increase;
God, our own God, has blessed us.
7 May God give us blessing,
and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
Children’s Message Pastor Cassie
GOSPEL Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus teaches his disciples that true purity is a matter of the heart rather than outward religious observances. Almost immediately, this teaching is tested when a woman considered to be a religious outsider approaches him for help.
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.
21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that moment.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon Pastor Cassie
HYMN OF THE DAY Faithful Love Rita Springer
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 THE PEOPLE
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.
For believers around the world who stream to your holy mountain, that all be united in faith and harmony in the body of Christ. Let your church on earth be a witness to the beloved community of your heavenly kingdom. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For your wondrous creation, that it thrives and flourishes as you intend. Raise up wise stewards to understand the natural world and defend it against carelessness and destruction. Safeguard endangered species and their habitats. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For the nations of the world and all in authority, that they heed the cry of the outcast, seek liberation, and ensure care for the most vulnerable. Give wisdom to leaders of countries and communities, that they lead and serve justly. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For all who are lonely, grieving, or struggling with chronic pain, that they find comfort, community, and hope. Send relief to all who struggle with illness of any kind especially Warren, Katy, Pat, Linda, Janet, Bob, Bert, Bill, the family and friends of Tarah Sproul, Stanley, John, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders.. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For this congregation, for visitors and those new to this faith community, that all may recognize the presence of Christ in each new face. Bring us together in celebration, as we celebrate H. Heusmann’s birthday with altar flowers today. Draw this community closer in love and strengthen it in unwavering faith. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
For the saints before us whose work is done, that their faithful example continues to direct your church. May their witness remind us that your gifts and calling are irrevocable, whether in life or death. 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.
Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you.
OFFERING INVITATION
(Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the bulletin)
OFFERING ANTHEM
Melody S. Coleridge-Taylor
Yeon Soh, Organ
|
MEAL |
Dialogue
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.
PREFACE
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, sharing our life, lived among us to reveal your justice and love, that our brokenness should be healed through the coming of your light. 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:
Sanctus
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy Maker, Redeemer, and Healer, in the harmonious world of your creation,
the plants and animals, the seas and stars were whole and well in your praise.
When sin had scarred the world, you sent your Son
to heal our ills, and form us again into one.
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 acts of healing, his body given up, and his victory over death,
we await that day when all the peoples of the earth will come to the river to enjoy the tree of life.
Send your Spirit upon us and this meal, so that as grains scattered on the hillside become one bread, your Church may be gathered from the ends of the earth,
and all may be fed with the Bread of life, your Son.
Through him all glory and honor is yours, Almighty God,
with the Holy Spirit, in your holy community, now and forever. Amen
LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
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.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come and share in God’s feast of love!
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence.
We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer), and where you receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
COMMUNION MUSIC All the Poor and Powerless All Sons & Daughters
New Direction CCLI #5881130
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen
|
SENDING |
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace. Amen.
SENDING SONG Great Is the Lord M.W. Smith & D. D. Smith
Dismissal
Go in peace. Share the good news! Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE House of the Lord Phil Wickham
New Direction CCLI#7168995
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Elizabeth
Lector Kara Fontes
Ushers Jim Scanlon and Gail Walker
Organist Yeon Soh
New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Michelle Grim Kati, Lawrence Kati
Linda Frederico, Jim Molloy, Joshua Nadar, Matt Overholt, Holly Pavlak
Altar Care Katy Zimmermann and Trudy Roybal
Livestream Operator Rahul Meriga
Hospitality Kara Fontes
Upcoming Commemorations
Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, died 1153
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Bernard, a Cistercian monk, was a man of great spirituality who wrote mystical works and criticized those whom he thought took an overly intellectual approach to the faith. He became an abbot, and wrote several hymns that are still beloved today.
From sundaysandseasons.com.
 |
|
| From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2026 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS007028. New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. |
|
| Your financial gifts help us to grow, nurture, and make disciples in Christ!Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using this QR code. |
 |