ORDER OF WORSHIP
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
July 5, 2026
The mystery of God’s ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent. The prophet describes an everlasting realm that contrasts with earthly nations, one marked by peace, humility, and freedom. Jesus associates with those excluded from the religious community. Like Paul, we struggle with selfish desires; we lament flawed systems; and we seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. We gather around word, water, and meal by Christ’s invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary.” Here we find rest for our souls and hope for life in beloved community.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
What a Friend
arr. Harold DeCou
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,
source of hope in every nation,
rest for the weary,
glory and peace to the ends of the earth.
Amen.
Let us bring every burden to God.
Silence is kept for reflection.
God of all mercy,
we have sinned against you,
our neighbors, and your creation.
Within ourselves and our communities,
our desire to do what is good
is in conflict with the evil that dwells in us.
We lament the evil that holds us captive.
We repent of the evil we have done,
and the evil done on our behalf.
Rescue us, forgive us, and restore us
for lives of compassion and courage
through our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
All-merciful, Almighty God
forgive you all your sins
through the grace of Jesus Christ,
and by the Spirit’s power
strengthen you in doing what is good.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
Before You, Lord, We Bow
ELW 893
Before you, Lord, we bow,
our God who reigns above
and rules the world below
with boundless pow'r and love.
Our thanks we bring
in joy and praise,
our hearts we raise,
to you we sing!
May ev'ry mountain height,
each vale and forest green,
shine forth in wisdom's light,
and its rich fruits be seen!
May ev'ry tongue
be tuned to praise
and join to raise
a grateful song.
Earth, hear your maker's voice;
your great redeemer own;
believe, obey, rejoice,
and worship God alone.
Cast down your pride,
your sin deplore,
and bow before
the Crucified.
And when in pow'r he comes,
oh, then may ev'ry land
from all its rending tombs
send forth a glorious band,
a countless throng,
with joy to sing
to heav'n's high king
salvation's song!
APOSTOLIC 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.
KYRIE (WOV page 12)
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above,
and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world,
for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
You are great, O God, and greatly to be praised.
You have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
until they rest in you.
Grant that we may believe in you,
call upon you, know you, and serve you,
through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Zechariah 9:9-12
9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you;
triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10 He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the war horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
and he shall command peace to the nations;
his dominion shall be from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
11 As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
12 Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;
today I declare that I will restore to you double.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 145:8-14 (We will read the Psalm responsively by half verse.)
8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 Lord, you are good to all,
and your compassion is over all your works.
10 All your works shall praise you, O Lord,
and your faithful ones shall bless you.
11 They shall tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your power,
12 that all people may know of your power
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom;
your dominion endures throughout all ages.
You, Lord, are faithful in all your words,
and loving in all your works.
14 The Lord upholds all those who fall
and lifts up those who are bowed down.
SECOND READING: Romans 7:15-25a
15 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. 17 But in fact it is no longer I who do it but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that the good does not dwell within me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do the good lies close at hand, but not the ability. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it but sin that dwells within me.
21 So I find it to be a law that, when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, 23 but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched person that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25a Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (WOV page 17)
Alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia.
GOSPEL: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the 11th chapter:
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus spoke to the crowd saying:] 16 “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
17 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
18 “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; 19 the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
25 At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
Silence is kept for reflection.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty
ELW 777
"Come to me, all pilgrims thirsty;
drink the water I will give.
If you knew what gift I offer,
you would come to me and live."
Refrain
Jesus, ever flowing fountain,
give us water from your well.
In the gracious gift you offer
there is joy no tongue can tell.
"Come to me, all trav'lers weary;
come that I may give you rest.
Drink the cup of life I offer;
at this table be my guest." Refrain
"Come to me, believers burdened;
find refreshment in this place.
Come, receive the gift I offer,
turn to me and seek my face." Refrain
"Come to me, repentant sinners;
leave behind your guilt and shame.
Come and know divine compassion,
turn to me, I call your name." Refrain
"Come to me, distressed and needy;
I would be your trusted friend.
Come and seek the gift I offer,
come, your open hands extend." Refrain
"Come to me, abandoned, orphaned;
lonely ways no longer roam.
Come and take the gift I offer,
let me make in you my home." Refrain
APOSTLES' CREED
We now profess the faith we share using the words of the Nicene 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
Trusting in God’s steadfast love for all God has made, let us pray for the church, the world, and all of creation.
A brief silence.
Gathering God, send your Spirit on the church you have called out from every nation. Knit us together into one body and heal the divisions we have caused. Overcome our timidity to witness and act in the public square when your purpose is being thwarted. Bless our bishops, rostered ministers, and lay leaders with clarity and courage as they center your people in the gospel.
God of grace,
hear our prayer.
All your works praise you, O God. From the Arctic to the Caribbean, from the Atlantic to the western islands, these lands and waters have sustained its peoples over many centuries. As we take our part in creation’s praise, revive our wonder at what you have fashioned, and enliven our will to ensure its health for future generations. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Holy Trinity, you show us the splendor of diversity and the beauty of unity in your own divine life. As we come from many nations with many languages, make us a united people that delights in our many different gifts. As the United States of America marks its declaration of independence, give those whom we have entrusted with authority the spirit of wisdom, and curb every abuse of that trust, so that both here and abroad, justice, humility, and peace may flourish.
God of grace,
hear our prayer.
You are the Mother of exiles, O God. Extend your arms to all who are tired, who live with poverty, the tempest-tossed, all who yearn to breathe free. Embrace people seeking refuge; those incarcerated, detained, or disappeared; and neighbors fearing those they once trusted. Give healing and hope to people in any oppression and need, especially Mary, Barbara, Mabel, June, Willah, Ann, Julie, Christen, Carol, Judy, Jeff, Gloria, Betty, Brian, James & Gray, Wil, Amy, Al, Bob & Jane, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Barbara, Monica, Avery, John, Abby, Colline, Tim, Arleen & Richard, Betty, Linda, Sue, Henry, Glenn, Gary, Connie, Greg, Beverly & Ray, Helen & Ron, and Max. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
We lift up in prayer those suffering from the earthquakes in Venezuela – may they find comfort, safety, and swift relief in this time of devastation. Lord, guide the hands of rescuers, healers, and helpers, and surround all who mourn with your peace and hope. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
We remember before you those who have died in every generation: Jan Hus, executed for protesting the ecclesial system; Benedict, teacher of a prayerful life; and those who have died ensuring the freedoms of this country: people in the armed services, peace officers, advocates, and activists. Gather us, together with those who have gone before us, and with saints of every tribe and nation, into the holy city you have prepared. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Into your mercy, O God, we entrust our restless hearts and all our cares, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
GREETINGS OF PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service. Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option. Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.
OFFERTORY
"Ye people rend your hearts…If with all your hearts"
Mendelssohn's Elijah
Mark Thomsen, tenor
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
(WOV page 21)
Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord,
fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown,
that we may be fed, we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and dreams of all;
unite them with the prayers we offer now.
Grace our table with your presence,
and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
OFFERING PRAYER
Blessed are you, O God,
for waves of grain and harvesters,
fruitful vines and winepresses,
for our labor and our rest,
for the gifts of your hand in this land.
Transform us and what we offer
into the banquet of your compassion,
serving your love without limits
through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE (WOV page 22)
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 and salutary
that we should at all times and in all places
offer thanks and praise to you,
O Lord, Holy Father, almighty and ever-living 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, all creation, and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (WOV page 22)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
Lord God of pow'r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
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 handed over,
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.
For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup,
we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
LORD'S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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.
All baptized children of God are invited to the Lord’s Table, where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We partake at the communion rail; gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and we will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. Anyone may remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer, following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Citizens of the commonwealth of heaven:
Taste and know that God is good to all.
Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION
LAMB OF GOD (WOV page 25)
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us, have mercy on us, have mercy.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us, have mercy on us, have mercy.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMNS
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW 611
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting-place,
and he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's light;
look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk
till trav'ling days are done.
Light Dawns on a Weary World
ELW 726
Light dawns on a weary world
when eyes begin to see
all people's dignity.
Light dawns on a weary world:
the promised day of justice comes.
Refrain
The trees shall clap their hands;
the dry lands, gush with springs;
the hills and mountains shall break forth with singing!
We shall go out in joy,
and be led forth in peace,
as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.
Love grows in a weary world
when hungry hearts find bread
and children's dreams are fed.
Love grows in a weary world:
the promised feast of plenty comes. Refrain
Hope blooms in a weary world
when creatures, once forlorn,
find wilderness reborn.
Hope blooms in a weary world:
the promised green of Eden comes. Refrain
POST COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in His grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
We thank you, God of heaven and earth,
that you fill our deepest need
with the very gift of Jesus Christ,
broken and poured out for us.
Pour us out into a broken world.
Channel our common life
toward the common good,
following the way our Savior leads us
now and forever.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
God of Our Fathers
LBW 567
God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
leads forth in beauty all the starry band
of shining worlds in splendor through the skies:
our grateful songs before your throne arise.
Your love divine has led us in the past;
in this free land by you our lot is cast;
oh, be our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay;
your word our law, your paths our chosen way.
From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
make your strong arm our ever sure defense.
Your true religion in our hearts increase;
your bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.
Refresh your people on their toilsome way;
lead us from night to never-ending day;
fill all our lives with heav’n-born love and grace
until at last we meet before your face.
BENEDICTION
The Author of life,
the Word of salvation,
the Breath of new birth,
+ one God, bless you
and equip you for living and serving,
today and every day.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Seek liberty and justice for all.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
POSTLUDE
America
arr. E.L. Ashford
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, With One Voice, All Creation Sings, and sundaysandseasons.com, © 1995, 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
What a Friend, Tune: CONVERSE, Charles C. Converse,1832-1918, arr. Harold DeCou,1932-2008. Arr. © 1964 Singspiration, Inc. All rights reserved.
Before You, Lord, We Bow, Text: Francis Scott Key, 1779-1843, alt. Music: John Darwell, 1731-1789. Public domain.
Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty (Jesus, Ever Flowing Fountain), Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939, Text © 1992, 1996 Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN. admin: GIA Publications, Inc.. Music: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844.; arr: Sacred Hymns, 1985, Arr.© Augsburg Fortresss. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
"Ye People Rend Your Hearts" and "If With All Your Hearts", from Elijah, Music: Felix Mendelssohn, 1809-1847. Public domain.
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say, Text: Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889. Music: English folk tune. Public domain.
Light Dawns on a Weary World. Text: Mary Louise Bringle, b. 1953. Text © 2002 GIA Publications, Inc. Music: William P. Rowan, b. 1951. Music © 2000 William P. Rowan, adnin, GIA Publications, Inc.Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274. All rights reserved.
God of Our Fathers, Text: Daniel C. Roberts, 1841-1907, alt. Music: George W. Warren, 1828-1902. Public domain.
America, Music: Emma Louise Ashford, 1850-1930. Pub. in The Organist, May 1917, Lorenz Publishing Company. Public domain.
