ORDER OF WORSHIP
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
August 9, 2026

Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others.

  + GATHERING +

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE

Here I Am to Worship
Tim Hughes

GATHERING      

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,
who forgives all our sin,
whose mercy endures forever.
Amen.

Let us confess our sin to God.

     Silence is kept for reflection.

Most merciful God,
we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. 
We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, 
by what we have done and by what we have left undone. 
We have not loved you with our whole heart; 
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. 
For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. 
Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we 
may delight in your will and walk in your ways, 
to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.

God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, 
and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. 
In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.
Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, 
that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.
Amen.

GATHERING HYMN

 Voices Raised to You
ELW 845

Voices raised to you we offer;
tune them, God, for songs of praise.
Hearts and hands we bring in tribute
for your gifts through all our days.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Triune God, to you we sing!

All creation joins to praise you;
earth and sky your works display.
Art and music, gifts you lend us,
we return to you today.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
God, creator, source of life!

Christ, the song of love incarnate,
touching earth with heaven's grace,
for your living, suff'ring, dying,
for your rising, hear our praise!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Christ, redeemer, Lord of life!

Spirit, flaming through creation,
kindle faith within each heart.
Lift our voices high in chorus;
through our hands your love impart.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Spirit, helper, breath of life!

How can any praise we offer
measure all the thanks we owe?
Take our hearts and hands and voices—
gifts of love we can bestow. 
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Triune God, to you we sing!

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.

CANTICLE OF PRAISE  (ELW 163)

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God's people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, 
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
   
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: 
have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, 
you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, 
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray.
O God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver us from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ,
our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

+ WORD +  

FIRST READING:     1 Kings 19:9-18

⁹ At [Horeb, the mount of God,][Elijah] came to a cave and spent the night there.
  Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁰ He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”

  ¹¹ He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, ¹² and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. ¹³ When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁴ He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” ¹⁵ Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. ¹⁶ Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. ¹⁷ Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill, and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. ¹⁸ Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

PSALM 85    (We will chant the Psalm responsively by whole verse.)

Refrain:
I will listen to what the Lord God is saying.

 ⁸ I will listen to what the Lord ^| God is saying;
  for you speak peace to your faithful people
        and to those who turn their ^| hearts to you.
 ⁹ Truly, your salvation is very near to ^| those who fear you,
  that your glory may dwell ^| in our land. R
 ¹⁰ Steadfast love and faithfulness have ^| met together;
  righteousness and peace have ^| kissed each other.
 ¹¹ Faithfulness shall spring up ^| from the earth,
  and righteousness shall look ^| down from heaven.
 ¹² The Lord will indeed ^| grant prosperity,
  and our land will ^| yield its increase.
 ¹³ Righteousness shall go be- ^| fore the Lord
  and shall prepare for ^| God a pathway. R

SECOND READING:    Romans 10:5-15

⁵ Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” ⁶ But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) ⁷ “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). ⁸ But what does it say?
 “The word is near you,
  in your mouth and in your heart”
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim), ⁹ because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For one believes with the heart, leading to righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, leading to salvation. ¹¹ The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” ¹² For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. ¹³ For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
  ¹⁴ But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? ¹⁵ And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION   (ELW 175)    

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL:    Matthew 14:22-33

The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, beginning in the 14^th chapter:
Glory to you, O Lord.

²² [Jesus] made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee,] while he dismissed the crowds.²³ And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴ but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. ²⁵ And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. ²⁶ But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. ²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
  ²⁸ Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹ He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³ And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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    

My Life Flows on in Endless Song
ELW 763

My life flows on in endless song;
above earth's lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.

Refrain
    No storm can shake my inmost calm
    while to that Rock I'm clinging.
    Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
    how can I keep from singing?

Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?  Refrain

What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.  Refrain

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing?  Refrain

APOSTLE’S CREED 
We now profess the faith we share using the words of the 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 INTERCESSION

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.

We pray for the servants of your gospel in every place, that your word may be heard. Where your voice is scorned and your people persecuted, strengthen the church in its faithful witness. Please bless presiding Bishop Curry, Bishop Suárez, and our synod staff. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

For this world you have created, that all life may flourish. Preserve biodiversity in all its variety and help ecosystems to survive the extremes of a changing climate. Be with those fleeing and recovering from the devastation of wildfires Move our hearts with compassion to join in this work.
Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

For leaders of towns, states, nations, and organizations, and all who are in positions of authority, that they lead with justice and integrity. Teach us to respond with Christlike mercy to all who are afraid or in danger.
Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

For all who struggle amid the storms of life, that they find peace and hope in your loving presence. Comfort any who are lonely and grieving and all who suffer, especially Mary, Anne, Mabel, June, Willah, Ann, Julie, Christen, Carol, Judy, Jeff, Philip, Gloria, Brian, James & Gray, Rich, Wil, Amy, Al, Al, Sharon, Bob & Jane, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Barbara, Monica, Avery, Michael, Art, John, Abby, Colline, Tim, Arleen & Richard, Betty, Linda, Sue, Natalie, Henry, Glenn, Gary, Connie, Greg, Beverly & Ray, Helen & Ron, and Max.
Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

For this congregation and its ministries, that they reflect your love and life amid a turbulent world. Guide council members, elders, and other church leaders with your still, calm voice. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

     Here other intercessions may be offered.

We give thanks for the faithful who have gone before us. Guide us in our earthly journey, that we may one day join them in your eternal kingdom.
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.

SHARING OF THE PEACE

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

We've Come This Far by Faith
Albert A. Goodson

OFFERING SONG  

Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
ELW 182

Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord,
and fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown,
that we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and the 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

Loving God,
we offer at your table the gifts of our hearts.
Help us take heart in you and share freely of your love,
so that all creation can taste your abundance.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
through the Spirit abiding with us now and forever.
Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

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 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 and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY   

Holy, holy, holy Lord, 
God of Sabaoth, adored; 
Heav'n and earth with full acclaim,  
shout the glory of Your name.
Sing hosanna in the highest,
sing hosanna to the Lord;
Oh, how blest is He who comes
in the name of the Lord!

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE  

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.

Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension,
we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord,
and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food,
the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord;
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, now and forever.
Amen.

LORD'S PRAYER    (sung)

Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:

Our Father in heaven,
  hallowed be your name,
  your kingdom come,
  your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heav'n.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins,
  as we forgive those
    who sin against us;
Save us from the time of trials
  and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are  yours
  Now and forever.
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

Heaven has come near. Come, share in the feast!
Thanks be to God.

DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION

LAMB OF GOD     (ELW 195)

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 peace, grant us peace.

COMMUNION HYMNS

Lead Me, Guide Me
ELW 768

Refrain:
   Lead me, guide me along the way;
   For if you lead me, I cannot stray;
   Lord, let me walk each day with thee.
   Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

I am weak, and I need thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.  Refrain

Help me tread in the paths of righteousness;
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.  Refrain

I am lost, if you take your hand from me;
I am blind, without thy light to see;
Lord, just always let me thy servant be,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.  Refrain

Precious Lord, Take My Hand
ELW 773

Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:
Take my hand, pre­cious Lord,
Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, lin­ger near,
When my life is al­most gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall:
Take my hand, pre­cious Lord,
Lead me home.

When the dark­ness ap­pears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the riv­er I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand:
Take my hand, pre­cious Lord,
Lead me home.

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.
Compassionate God,
through the gifts of bread and wine
our hearts are filled 
with the abundance of your love.
Strengthen us that we, 
through this holy meal,
may share your love freely, 
as you have shared with us.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
through the Spirit nourishing us 
now and forever.

Amen.

+ SENDING +  

SENDING HYMN      

Oh, Sing to the Lord
ELW 822

Oh, sing to the Lord, oh, sing God a new song.
Oh, sing to the Lord, oh, sing God a new song.
Oh, sing to the Lord, oh, sing God a new song.
Oh, sing to our God, oh, sing to our God.

For God is the Lord, and God has done wonders.
For God is the Lord, and God has done wonders.
For God is the Lord, and God has done wonders.
Oh, sing to our God, oh, sing to our God.

So dance for our God and blow all the trumpets.
So dance for our God and blow all the trumpets.
So dance for our God and blow all the trumpets,
Oh, sing to our God, oh, sing to our God.

Oh, shout to our God, who gave us the Spirit.
Oh, shout to our God, who gave us the Spirit.
Oh, shout to our God, who gave us the Spirit.
Oh, sing to our God, oh, sing to our God.

For Jesus is Lord! Amen! Alleluia!
For Jesus is Lord! Amen! Alleluia!
For Jesus is Lord! Amen! Alleluia!
Oh, sing to our God, oh, sing to our God.

BENEDICTION

May the mercy of our God,
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer,
be with you now 
and remain with you always.
Amen.

DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE  

Allelu
Ray Repp

---

Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings and sundaysandseasons.com, © 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.

Here I Am to Worship, Words and Music by Tim Hughes. Words and Music © 2000 Thankyou Music. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477.  All rights reserved.

Voices Raised to You, Text: Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., 1923-2007.  Text © 1997 GIA Publications Inc. Music: Carolyn Jennings, b. 1936.  Music © 1996 Carolyn Jennings admin Augsburg Fortress | Setting © 2009 Augsburg Fortress.  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Glory to God,  Music: Thomas Pavlechko, b. 1962.  Music © 2006 Augsburg Fortress.  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Psalm 85, Music: Thomas Pavlechko, b. 1962, based on EVENTIDE, William H. Monk, 1823-1889. Music © 2004, 2012 Thomas Pavlechko, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Alleluia 7,  Music: Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community. Music ©1984 Les Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

My Life Flows On in Endless Song, Text and music: Robert Lowrey, 1826-1899. Public domain.

We've Come This Far by Faith, Text and music: Albert A. Goodson, 1933-2003.  Text and music © 1965, ren. 1993 Manna Music, Inc. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Music: Richard W. Hillert, 1923-2010.  Text and music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin Augsburg Fortress.  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Holy, Holy, Holy, Text: Stephen P. Starke,, b. 1955. Text © 1998 Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House.  Music: Carl Schalk, 1929-2021. Music © 1983 Augsburg Publishing House.   Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  

The Lord's Prayer (major key version), Music: Jack S. Upton, Jr., 1944-2013, Used by permission of the author.

Lamb of God, Music: Bread of Life, Jeremy Young, b. 1948.  Music © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Lead Me, Guide Me, Text and music:  Doris Akers, 1922-1995. Text and music © 1953 Doris Akers, admin Unichappell Music, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  

Precious Lord, Take My Hand, Text: Thomas A. Dorsey, 1899-1993. Music: George N. Allen, 1812-1877, adapt. Thomas A. Dorsey. Text and music © 1938, 1966 Unichappell Music Inc., admin. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Oh, Sing to the Lord, Text: Brazilian folk song; tr. Gerhard M. Cartford, b. 1923, Text © Gerhard Cartford, admin Augsburg Fortress.  Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  Music: Brazilian folk song. Public domain.

Allelu, Words and music: Ray Repp, 1942-2020, Words and music © 1966 Otter Creek Music.  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477.  All rights reserved.