ORDER OF WORSHIP
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 2, 2026
In today’s first reading God invites all who are hungry or thirsty to receive food and drink without cost. Jesus feeds the hungry multitude and reveals the abundance of God. At the eucharistic table we remember all who are hungry or poor in our world today. As we share the bread of life, we are sent forth to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Praise to the Lord
arr. Johann Gottfried Walther
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
All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly
ELW 461
All who hunger gather gladly;
holy manna is our bread.
Come from wilderness and wand'ring.
Here in truth we will be fed.
You that yearn for days of fullness,
all around us is our food.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
All who hunger, never strangers;
seeker, be a welcome guest.
Come from restlessness and roaming.
Here in joy we keep the feast.
We that once were lost and scattered
in communion's love have stood.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
All who hunger, sing together,
Jesus Christ is living bread.
Come from loneliness and longing.
Here in peace we have been fed.
Blest are those who from this table
live their days in gratitude.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
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 (page 147)
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.
Glorious God, your generosity waters the world with goodness, and you cover creation with abundance. Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with this food fill all the starving world; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Isaiah 55:1-5
1 Hear, everyone who thirsts;
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread
and your earnings for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
4 See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.
5 Now you shall call nations that you do not know,
and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 (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.
14 The Lord upholds all those who fall
and lifts up those who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord,
and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open wide your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 You are righteous in all your ways
and loving in all your works.
18 You are near to all who call upon you,
to all who call upon you faithfully.
19 You fulfill the desire of those who fear you;
you hear their cry and save them.
20 You watch over all those who love you,
but all the wicked you shall destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord;
let all flesh bless God’s holy name forever and ever.
SECOND READING: Romans 9:1-5
1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit—2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; 5 to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
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 14:13-21
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the 14th chapter:
Glory to you, O Lord.
13 Now when Jesus heard [about the beheading of John the Baptist,] he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled, and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
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
Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken
ACS 966
Loaves were broken, words were spoken
by the Galilean shore.
Jesus, Bread of life from heaven,
was their food forevermore.
Refrain
By your body broken for us,
by your wine of life outpoured,
Jesus, feed again your people.
Be our Host, our Life, our Lord.
Loaves were broken, words were spoken
in a quiet room one night.
In the bread and wine you gave them,
Christ, you came as Light from Light. Refrain
Loaves are broken, words are spoken,
as in faith we gather here.
Jesus speaks across the ages:
"I am with you; do not fear!" Refrain
By the loaves you break and give us,
send us in your name to share
bread for which the millions hunger,
words that tell your love and care. Refrain
APOSTLES' 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.
For your church in every place, that it satisfies those who hunger for your word. Bless the ministry of readers, translators, Bible study leaders, and writers, that God’s word is broken open and shared with all. Please bless presiding Bishop Curry, Bishop Suárez, and our synod staff. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
For your wondrous creation and all the bounty it provides, that your creatures are fed and nourished. Bless the work of farmers, farmworkers, those who fish, and all whose labor brings your abundance to our tables.
Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
For your children in every nation, that they learn to love justice and live in harmony. As this week we remember the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, keep us mindful of the horrors of war; draw our hearts instead toward your reign of love, hope, and peace. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
For all who cry out with great sorrow and unceasing anguish, that they are comforted. Feed all who struggle with food insecurity; have mercy on all who are suffering in body, mind, and spirit especially Mary, Anne, Barbara, 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, that it bears faithful witness to the abundance and joy of life in you. Bless all your faithful people gathered here, that they may become blessings for this community. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
With thanksgiving for the faithful who now rest in your mercy, that their witness continues to inspire the church. By their example, may we trust your promises in life and in 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.
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
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
W.B. Bradbury, arr. J.T. Benson
Naomi Thomsen, soprano
OFFERING SONG
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
ELW 182
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
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 (page 152)
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 (page 153)
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
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
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
Come to the banquet, for all is now ready.
Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION
LAMB OF GOD (page 154)
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
You Satisfy the Hungry Heart
ELW 484
Refrain
You satisfy the hungry heart
with gift of finest wheat.
Come give to us, O saving Lord,
the bread of life to eat.
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
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
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
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
You give yourself to us, O Lord;
then selfless let us be,
to serve each other in your name
in truth and charity. Refrain
Come to the Water of Life
ACS 955
All who are thirsty for mercy,
all who are thirsty for love;
all who are thirsty for love, for mercy, come:
come to the Water of life.
All who are thirsty for healing,
all who are thirsty for touch;
all who are thirsty for touch, for healing, come:
come to the Water of life.
All who are thirsty for beauty,
all who are thirsty for truth;
all who are thirsty for truth, for beauty, come:
come to the Water of life.
All who are thirsty for justice,
all who are thirsty for peace;
all who are thirsty for peace, for justice, come:
come to the Water of life.
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 OF COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND
Gracious God, loving all your family with a mother’s tender care: As you sent the angel to feed Elijah with heavenly bread, assist us in this ministry on which we are sent forth. In your love and care, nourish and strengthen those to whom we bring this sacrament, that through the body and blood of your Son we all may know the comfort of your abiding presence.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW 712
Lord, whose love in humble service
bore the weight of human need,
who upon the cross, forsaken,
worked your mercy's perfect deed:
we, your servants, bring the worship
not of voice alone, but heart;
consecrating to your purpose
ev'ry gift which you impart.
Still your children wander homeless;
still the hungry cry for bread;
still the captives long for freedom;
still in grief we mourn our dead.
As you, Lord, in deep compassion
healed the sick and freed the soul,
by your Spirit send your power
to our world to make it whole.
As we worship, grant us vision,
till your love's revealing light
in its height and depth and greatness
dawns upon our quickened sight,
making known the needs and burdens
your compassion bids us bear,
stirring us to ardent service,
your abundant life to share.
Called by worship to your service,
forth in your dear name we go,
to the child, the youth, the aged,
love in living deeds to show;
hope and health, good will and comfort,
counsel, aid and peace we give,
that your servants, Lord, in freedom
may your mercy know and live.
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. Alleluia!
POSTLUDE
Rigaudon
Gordon Young
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.
Chorale Prelude on 'Praise to the Lord, the Almighty', Tune: LOBE DEN HERREN, Music: Ernewerten Gesangbuch, Part II, Stralsund, 1665. arr. Johann Gottfried Walther, 1684-1748. Public domain.
All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly, Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993. Music: W. Moore, Columbian Harmony, 1825; arr. hymnal version, Text © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Arr.© 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken, Text: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr., 1923-2007. Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text © 2006 and Music © 1987 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, Tune: BRADBURY, William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868, arr. John T. Benson, 1861-1930. Arr. © 1987 John T. Benson Publishing Company, admin The Zondervan Music Group. All rights reserved.
Gift of Finest Wheat (You Satisfy the Hungry Heart), Text: Omer Westendorf, 1916-1997, Music: Robert E. Kreutz, 1922-1996.Text and music © 1977 Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Come to the Water of Life, Text and Music: Ray Makeever, b. 1943. Text and music © Ray Makeever, admin Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service, Text: Albert F. Bayly, 1901-1984. Text © 1961 Oxford University Press. Music: The Sacred Heart, Philadelphia, 1844; arr. Selected Hymns, 1985. Arr.© Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
IV. Rigaudon from Cathedral Suite, Music: Gordon Young, 1919-1990. Music © 1943 Sacred Music Press, div Lorenz Publishing Company, admin Music Services. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
