Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 7/11-12
Pentecost 7 7.11-12.26. PDF Alt Set
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
JULY 11/12, 2026
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WELCOME TO ST. PAUL’S!
Saturday – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday – 10:00 a.m.
✠ ✠ ✠
THE ENTRANCE RITE
PRELUDE Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing Setting: Wayne Wold
WELCOME
ENTRANCE HYMN Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing LSB 584
1 Faith and truth and life bestowing,
Open now the Scriptures, Lord,
Seed to life eternal sowing,
Scattered on the wind abroad.
Let not hearts, Your Word receiving,
Like a barren field be found,
Choked with thorns and unbelieving,
Shallow earth or stony ground.
2 May the Spirit’s pow’r unceasing
Bring to life the hidden grain,
Daily in our hearts increasing,
Bearing fruit that shall remain.
So in Scripture, song, and story,
Savior, may Your voice be heard.
Till our eyes behold Your glory
Give us ears to hear Your Word.
INVOCATION
In the name of the Father and of the ✠ Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
God of all mercy and consolation, come to the aid of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that, attentive to your Word, we may confess our sins, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Kneel. Silence is observed for reflection and self-examination.
Gracious God,
have mercy upon us. In your compassion, forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone. Uphold us by your Spirit so that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
KYRIE (Stand) LSB 944
For the peace from above and for our salvation; and for the peace of the whole world and the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord:
Kyrie Eleison; Christe Eleison; Kyrie Eleison. (Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy.)
For the well-being of the Church of God; and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord:
Kyrie Eleison; Christe Eleison; Kyrie Eleison.
Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.
Kyrie Eleison; Christe Eleison; Kyrie Eleison.
HYMN OF PRAISE Splendor and Honor LSB 950
1 Splendor and honor, majesty and power
Are Yours, O Lord God, fount of ev’ry blessing,
For by Your bidding was the whole creation
Called into being.
2 Praised be the true Lamb, slain for our redemption,
By whose self-off’ring we are made God’s people:
A priestly kingdom, from all tongues and nations,
Called to God’s service.
3 To the Almighty, throned in heav’nly splendor,
And to the Savior, Christ our Lamb and Shepherd,
Be adoration, praise, and glory given,
Now and forever.
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray. Blessed Lord,
since You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant that
we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that we may
embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus
Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and forever. Amen.
✠ ✠ ✠
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
FIRST LESSON (Be seated) Isaiah 55:10-13
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
“For you shall go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall make a name for the Lord,
an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 65:1-2, 9-13 (Sung responsively)
Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion,
and to you shall vows be performed.
O you who hears prayer,
to you shall all flesh come.
You visit the earth and water it;
you greatly enrich it;
the river of God is full of water;
you provide their grain,
for so you have prepared it.
You water its furrows abundantly,
settling its ridges,
softening it with showers,
and blessing its growth.
You crown the year with your bounty;
your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
the hills gird themselves with joy,
the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
the valleys deck themselves with grain,
they shout and sing together for joy.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
SECOND LESSON Romans 8:12-17
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
10:00 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
ALLELUIA VERSE (Stand) LSB 952
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia!
GOSPEL Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the 13th chapter.
Glory to You, O Lord.
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear. . .
“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, O Christ.
SERMON (Be seated)
Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen. Dear friends in Christ:
As we continue our examination of Jesus’ ministry in Matthew’s Gospel, we’ve come to about the halfway point. In chapter thirteen, Matthew groups together several of Jesus’ parables. This is the first place in his Gospel where a parable is recorded, and as he’s done with other teachings from Jesus, Matthew groups them according to a particular topic. Here the topic is Jesus’ kingdom. Seven chapters later, Matthew groups three parables together which speak to Jesus’ identity. And in chapter twenty-five, he records three which speak to the importance of being prepared for his return.
Jesus was not the first teacher to use parables. Parables existed in other literature from this time and can be found in the Old Testament too. But Jesus’ use of them was more frequent than any of the Old Testament writers, and his parables are a very important part of his teaching.
From the language about them in the Old Testament, we learn that parables were employed to tease people into thinking more deeply about a message. In a passage from Ezekiel – the prophet who used parables the most – we see the word “parable” used in parallel with the word “riddle.” This shows us that such stories are meant to intrigue people and move them to try and discern the parable’s message.
Since parables aren’t quickly grasped, they also reflect the fact that some people understand God’s message while others don’t. Jesus speaks to this fact directly in the verses between today’s parable and the explanation. We skipped these verses in our reading today, but in them we see Jesus reminding the disciples that his message is a secret which must be revealed, as well as one which not everyone will understand.
Fittingly, this subject of not understanding God’s message is also the subject of the first parable. In the parable, Jesus gives three reasons why some people end up not following him. And Jesus specifically tells us that this is the topic in his explanation.
About this explanation, this is the first of only two parables that include one. The other explanation he gives is in the very next parable – a related parable which we will read next week. These explanations are very helpful to our understanding, of course. And they also give us some valuable guidelines for interpreting Jesus’ parables.
One of these guidelines is the importance of understanding the parable in light of other messages from Jesus or from the Old Testament scriptures. This is seen in our parable today as Jesus tells of a sower sowing seeds. The picture he paints echoes the passage from Isaiah that we read as our Old Testament reading today. In that passage, the power of God’s word is expressed through the metaphor of plant growth. We can easily make this connection on our own, and Jesus confirms it when he says directly that the seed is “the word of the kingdom” and then refers to this “word” five more times.
Another guideline for us is the understanding that one shouldn’t push the details of the story too far nor be too literal about them. An example of this from our parable today is how Jesus explains that the seed sown on the path is like that which is “sown in the heart and taken away.” Logically, the comparison breaks down, since seeds which fall on a path don’t normally start to grow. But the details of a parable don’t need to all logically fit together. The intended messages can come from certain points of comparison only.
What we need to remember is that parables are vehicles for holding our attention and for highlighting aspects of Jesus’ message. And as Jesus himself shows in his explanations, these stories give us a freedom to make connections.
For the rest of the sermon today, let’s first examine the three reasons for unbelief that Jesus gives in his explanation to this parable. Then, after this, I’ll make two other points from the scriptures that can also be highlighted through the details of the story.
In his explanation to the parable, Jesus first says: “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.”
It is certainly true that people often hear without understanding. This happens all the time in regular life. I sometimes feel like I’m an expert at it! And sadly, it happens with proclamations of Christ’s Gospel too.
But misunderstandings can often be remedied through clear and persistent communication. Knowing this, we in the church need to hear this explanation of Jesus and work a little harder to foster understanding among our listeners. Notice how Jesus highlights the importance of understanding in his explanation.
To help people understand, we can use stories in our teaching, like Jesus did. And we can employ other means as well – things that catch people’s attention and make them think.
Beyond the methods we employ, simply making the effort is important too. For the more teaching we can do through classes, presentations, and discussions, the higher the likelihood that people will understand the Gospel message.
This week our church held a Vacation Bible School for the kids of our church, school, and community. And as always, it provided many wonderful opportunities for growth in understanding.
At the same time, Jesus’ parable is not just a call for the church to do more teaching. It is also a call to us, as individuals, to seek further understanding ourselves. We have a responsibility as hearers too.
Let’s admit that sometimes we give up too early in our hearing of God’s word and form an opinion about the Gospel that isn’t true. At other times, we’re content with a surface understanding and fail to dig deeply enough.
This idea of a surface understanding gets to the subject of Jesus’ next reason for why some don’t follow him or believe. Jesus said: “as for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.”
The phrase “has no root in himself,” is a very literal translation. A more natural rendering for us would be to say: “he is not well-rooted.” The idea here is that such faith doesn’t have the connections to keep it strong and healthy, nor can it keep faith securely planted.
In his explanation, Jesus points to “tribulation and persecution arising on account of the word.” People can lose their faith when any kind of trouble comes, and most of us have heard someone tell of this by saying: “I can’t believe in a God who would allow these bad things to happen.” But the trouble Jesus specifically has in mind here is that which comes from trusting in God’s word. Jesus knows that such trust will sometimes put one at odds with others – whether it be from the believer’s refusal to bend the knee to other gods or their refusal to engage in behavior God’s word says is immoral – and that this being at odds will sometimes lead to the believer’s persecution.
Such persecution is not easy to endure. But it can be endured better when a believer has a mature understanding of the word and a good system of support.
Here I like to remember that when we speak about the roots of plants, we often say that a plant has a “root system.” There may be one main root, but that root also branches out. In the same way, when a Christian has a good support system, they are much better able to stand strong in the face of persecution. This is why the Christian faith urges participation in Christ’s church. When we gather together in his name, we strengthen each other.
Furthermore, this support of the church does not just come through the people. It also comes from the traditions, routines, and disciplines which order the church’s life. These all help to build strong roots and keep us healthy and secure.
Finally, Jesus said: “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”
Here is where Jesus speaks to that scenario where the difficult times of life lead a person to lose their faith. And to this scenario, he also adds the one where a person’s faith is overcome by the temptation of wealth and fine things.
Jesus’ claim that these concerns “choke the word” makes great sense upon further reflection. For a choking is a cutting off of supply. And that’s what happens to the support of our faith when worldly cares and riches become our chief concerns. When God’s word can’t get through to our hearts, because our hearts are set on other things, our faith gets choked.
All people have worldly cares. And all of us see the riches of the world which lure and distract. Here Jesus warns us against paying too much attention to them. We don’t need to fret about our daily cares and needs, because God will help us through them. And we don’t need to pine for wealth and fame, because God has given us the greatest of all riches by forgiving our sins and receiving us into his kingdom of grace.
Having considered the three points Jesus makes in his explanation, let’s now conclude with two other teachings of God’s word which Jesus’ parable helps us to illustrate. Both seem to be implied by Jesus in this parable too – since they’re based on details of the story which would have intrigued some of his first hearers.
If you were a farmer at that time – as many of the people were – you would have noticed, first, that this sower of seeds in Jesus’ story seems very wasteful. What kind of farmer wastes precious seed by sowing it on the path and on rocky soil and among thorns? Didn’t he know that the chances of growth occurring in such places was practically none?
But here’s where the parable reflects the new teachings of Jesus. Jesus taught that God is extravagant in his love and mercy. And as such, he wants his word to go out to everyone – even those who are probably not going to like what he has to say. In his kingdom, no mention or expression of his love is ever wasted.
This understanding is then a call to us followers of Christ to sow the seed of God’s word in like manner. We’re to preach to everyone – all that God puts before us – and not worry about calculating a target audience or figuring out a most efficient means.
In addition to this connection, the farmers of Jesus’ day would have noticed one other peculiar detail of Jesus’ story. And this is his statement that the seed which is sown on good soil would produce a yield to the measure of “a hundredfold, or sixty, or thirty.”
The farmers among the group would know that these numbers given by Jesus to describe the yield were way out of line. An average yield for a bushel of seed was normally only seven and a half times what was sown. But again, this seeming discrepancy speaks to the new realities Jesus wants us to know. In his kingdom, the seed of God’s word is like super seed! The yield that it gives is far beyond what is normal in this world.
When the Gospel is proclaimed and understood, great blessings will take place. People will learn to love and forgive, generations will grow and be strong in the right ways, and peace will prevail.
These blessings will never grow to perfection in this world. They will only be fully realized in the life to come, when the redeemed are gathered in God’s presence.
But what does happen perfectly in this life is our forgiveness by God. God forgives our sins fully and completely because of what his Son Jesus has done.
Jesus accomplished this salvation of ours by sacrificing himself on the cross. Through this act of love and grace, he paid the price of our sin and reconciled us to God our Father.
Our Lord Jesus – the “word made flesh” – was planted in an earthly tomb so that he might bring forth an eternal life for all believers. And Jesus himself once used this metaphor when he said about his upcoming death: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).
Jesus has indeed borne much fruit. He has done everything needed for our salvation and now works in our hearts to make them places of good soil that will continue to receive his teaching, care, and encouragement.
This message of good news is to be shared with everyone, even though everyone won’t receive it. And it is to be honored, remembered, and celebrated as the very essence of life.
God has given us his good word. “He who has ears, let him hear.”
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY (Stand) Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast LSB 577
1 Almighty God, Your Word is cast
Like seed into the ground;
Now let the dew of heav’n descend
And righteous fruits abound.
2 Let not the sly satanic foe
This holy seed remove,
But give it root in ev’ry heart
To bring forth fruits of love.
3 Let not the world’s deceitful cares
The rising plant destroy,
But let it yield a hundredfold
The fruits of peace and joy.
4 So when the precious seed is sown,
Life-giving grace bestow
That all whose souls the truth receive
Its saving pow’r may know.
APOSTLES’ CREED LSB, Back cover
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His 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 into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life ✠ everlasting. Amen.
OFFERING
Offerings support the church’s mission work – both here and through our many partners. Offerings may be placed in the box at the sanctuary entrance or sent to the church through our website or the mail. Fellowship Cards help us welcome new people and track participation. Please fill one out and place it in the offering box following the service.
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Holy Lord, Your Word does not return to You empty but accomplishes Your purpose. By Your Spirit, make our hearts good soil for Your Word, that by such faith we may bring forth in our lives the good works You have called us to do. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord of life, continue to sow Your Word through the fields of the earth. Bless pastors and missionaries as they proclaim Your truth. And prepare the hearts of all who hear to believe this truth and yield abundant fruit. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, bless parents with faithfulness as they plant Your Word into their children. Bless also our church’s ministry to children, that all who hear your word, including those who attended our Vacation Bible School this past week, may grow steadfast in faith and overcome the cares and troubles of this world. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, all the nations of the earth are Yours, and besides You there is no other God. Give our leaders the desire for peace and stability, and the ability to govern wisely. Let them plead the cause of widows and orphans and serve the needs of the least among us. Bring an end to war and strife, and allow all to live in peace and safety. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, look with mercy upon those who suffer from illness of body or mind. We pray especially for Geraine, Sophia, June, Peter, Wendy, James, Russell, Marvin, Yi, Val, Marian, Jeannie, Elianna, Lois and those we name in our hearts… Give them healing; comfort them with Your presence; grant them patience to endure suffering; and assure them at all times that they are Your dear children and the glory of Christ awaits them. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy God, You provide bread for our bodies and Your Word for our salvation. By Your grace, give us this day Your Son’s body and blood, that we may have the joy and peace of your loving presence. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Merciful Lord, we give You thanks for the many blessings You pour out upon us. Preserve us by Your Word so that our faith might not be choked by the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches, but that we may use all Your gifts in faithful service to You and our neighbors. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us, for to You alone we give all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY Create in Me LSB 956
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence;
and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation;
and uphold me with Thy free spirit. Amen.
✠ ✠ ✠
SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT
PREFACE (Stand)
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 him thanks and praise.
It is truly good, right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord… Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and saying:
SANCTUS (LSB 961)
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth;
heav’n and earth are full of Your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessèd, blessèd, blessèd is He
who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Blessed are you, Lord of heaven and earth. In mercy for our fallen world you gave your only Son, that all those who believe in him should not perish but have eternal life. We give thanks to you for the salvation you have prepared for us through Jesus Christ. Send now your Holy Spirit into our hearts, that we may receive our Lord with a living faith as he comes to us in his holy supper.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
THE WORDS OF OUR LORD
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
AGNUS DEI (LSB 962)
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 Your peace,
grant us Your peace,
grant us Your peace.
THE COMMUNION (Be seated)
Those wishing to commune at the foot of the steps should come forward first. Those wishing to commune at the altar rail should come forward after these, front rows first, from both sides of the aisle. After receiving, all should return to their seats. A common dismissal will be given at the end.
DISTRIBUTION HYMN You Satisfy the Hungry Heart LSB 641
Refrain
You satisfy the hungry heart
With gift of finest wheat.
Come give to us, O saving Lord,
The bread of life to eat.
1 As when the shepherd calls his sheep,
They know and heed his voice;
So when You call Your fam’ly, Lord,
We follow and rejoice. Refrain
2 With joyful lips we sing to You
Our praise and gratitude
That You should count us worthy, Lord,
To share this heav’nly food. Refrain
3 Is not the cup we bless and share
The blood of Christ outpoured?
Do not one cup, one loaf, declare
Our oneness in the Lord? Refrain
4 The myst’ry of Your presence, Lord,
No mortal tongue can tell:
Whom all the world cannot contain
Comes in our hearts to dwell. Refrain
5 You give Yourself to us, O Lord;
Then selfless let us be,
To serve each other in Your name
In truth and charity. Refrain
Children of the Heavenly Father LSB 725
1 Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.
2 God His own doth tend and nourish;
In His holy courts they flourish.
From all evil things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bears them.
3 Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.
4 Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.
NUNC DIMITTIS LSB 937
1 Lord, bid Your servant go in peace,
Your word is now fulfilled.
These eyes have seen salvation’s dawn,
This child so long foretold.
2 This is the Savior of the world,
The Gentiles’ promised light,
God’s glory dwelling in our midst,
The joy of Israel.
3 With saints of old, with saints to come,
To You we lift our voice;
To Father, Son, and Spirit blest
Be honor, love, and praise.
PRAYER (Stand)
BENEDICTION
SENDING HYMN Almighty Father, Bless the Word LSB 923
1 Lord, bid Your servant go in peace,
Your word is now fulfilled.
These eyes have seen salvation’s dawn,
This child so long foretold.
2 This is the Savior of the world,
The Gentiles’ promised light,
God’s glory dwelling in our midst,
The joy of Israel.
3 With saints of old, with saints to come,
To You we lift our voice;
To Father, Son, and Spirit blest
Be honor, love, and praise.
ANOUNCEMENTS
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Almighty Father, Bless the Word Setting: Wilber Held
FELLOWSHIP CONTRIBUTORS: Boards of Finance and Stewardship
Those serving:
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.:
Greeter: Lynn Jacquez
Comm. assist: Dede Dixon
Reader: Lynn Jacquez
Sunday, 10:00 a.m.:
Greeter: Charles Fisher
Comm. assist: Holly Siebrass
Reader: Charles Fisher
Acolyte: Miriam Buuck
AV Assistants: Hannes Buuck, Andreas Buuck
Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2026 Concordia Publishing House.
944 Kyrie — II Text: Traditional Tune: Russian Orthodox Tune: Public domain
950 Splendor and Honor Text: Carl P. Daw, Jr., 1944 Tune: K. Lee Scott, 1950 Tune: © 1987 K. Lee Scott, admin. MorningStar Music Publishers. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326
952 Alleluia — II Text: Traditional Tune: Fintan O’Carroll , d. 1977 Tune: © 1985 Fintan O’Carroll and Christopher Walker, admin. OCP Publications. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326
956 Create in Me Text: Psalm 51:10–12 Tune: Johann Georg Winer, 1583–1651, adapt. Tune: Public domain
961 Sanctus Text: Traditional; tr. International Consultation on English Texts, alt.
Tune: Mark L. Bender, 1951 Text: © 1975 International Consultation on English Texts. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Tune: © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326
962 Agnus Dei — I Text: Traditional; tr. International Consultation on English Texts, alt. Tune: Paul D. Weber, 1949 Text: © 1975 International Consultation on English Texts. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Tune: © 2001 Paul D. Weber. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326
937 Lord, Bid Your Servant Go in Peace Tune: American Tune: Public domain
584 Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing Text: Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1926–2024 Tune: Columbian Harmony, 1825, Cincinnati Text: © 1997 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Tune: Public domain
577 Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast Text: John Cawood, 1775–1852, alt. Tune: The Whole Booke of Psalmes, 1562, London Tune: Public domain
641 You Satisfy the Hungry Heart Text: Omer E. Westendorf, 1916–97 Tune: Robert E. Kreutz, 1922–96 Tune: © 1977 Archdiocese of Philadelphia, admin. International Liturgy Publications. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326
725 Children of the Heavenly Father Text: Carolina Sandell Berg, 1832–1903; tr. Ernst W. Olson, 1870–1958 Tune: Lofsånger och andeliga wisor, 1873, Sweden Tune: Public domain
923 Almighty Father, Bless the Word Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551, Geneva, ed. Louis Bourgeois Tune: Public domain
