* Denotes all are invited to stand.
Bold text indicates portions of the service to be spoken or sung by the congregation.
August 10, 2025
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Music for Gathering:
Brian Jay
Organist
Welcome & Announcements:
Rev. Aaron J. White
Minute for Mission:
Jeff Koerten – Presbyterian Mission Yearbook
Call to Worship:
The Mighty One has delivered our souls from death.
In God our hearts are glad!
The Mighty One has fashioned all our hearts.
In God our hearts are glad!
The Mighty One is our help and shield.
In God our hearts are glad!
Let us worship the one in whom we trust.
Let us worship the one in whom we hope!
* Hymn 403 ”Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty”
Please see screens for lyrics.
Confession of Sin:
Together we pray. God of the ages, God of the old, old story, we hear of our ancestors and are astounded by their faith. They trusted you, but we waver.
They believed your promise, but we cling to our own ideas. Forgive us and free us from our fear, that we may follow with joy wherever you may lead;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Silence for personal confession
* Assurance of Pardon:
From age to age, from generation to generation, God’s mercy never fails. Hear the good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
* Song of Praise #742 “We Will Walk with God”
Please see Sanctuary screens for lyrics.
* Passing the Peace
Prayer for Illumination:
First Scripture:
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Anthem:
“People Need the Lord”
Second Scripture:
Luke 12:32-40
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Blessing of the Backpacks:
Remembering the Story: John 4:5-14
Blessing the Backpacks
A Sign to Go with You
The Students’ Litany
Students’ response: Jesus is with me!
Congregational Litany
Congregational response: hear our prayer.
Sermon:
Rev. Aaron J. White
* Hymn 483 “Dearest Jesus, We Are Here”
Please see screens for lyrics.
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Rhett Thoas Ranslem,
Daughter of Meghan & Gerry Ranslem
The Presentation
Profession of Faith
Thanksgiving Over the Water
The Baptism
Laying On of Hands
Welcome
Pastoral Prayer:
Congregation Response: We seek your grace
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 sins as we forgive those who sin 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. Amen.
Invitation to Discipleship
* Hymn #684 “Faith Begins by Letting Go”
Please see screens for lyrics.
* Charge & Blessing
Be not afraid, for it is God’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom, unfailing treasure and eternal blessing.
Alleluia! Amen!
* Music for departing
Today’s Scripture readings are from the Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation. © 2007 Priests for Equality.
Liturgy for today’s worship service is adapted with permission from the following sources: “Prayer for Illumination” and “Blessing” from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 2 © 2013 Westminster John Knox Press. “Invitation to Discipleship” and “Charge” from Connections Worship Companion, Year C, Volume 2. © 2022 Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Litanies Used During the Blessing of the Backpack from “Including Back To School Sunday in the Congregation’s Worship.” Posted on the website, Worshipping with Children (https://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2013/07/back-to-school-2013.html). Liturgy for the Celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism from the Book of Common Worship. © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All other liturgy from Call to Worship, Vol 58.1 © 2024 The Office of Theology and Worship of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). All rights reserved.