August 10, 2025
Prelude: We Walk By Faith
McFarland, arr. Biery
Jill Cathey, oboe
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 61:1-5]
Hear our cry, O God; listen to our prayer. From the end of the earth we call to you, when our hearts are faint.
Lead us to the rock that is higher than we; for you are our refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
Let us abide in your tent forever, and find refuge under the shelter of your wings.
For you, O God, have heard our vows; you have given us the heritage of those who fear your name.
Let us worship the LORD!
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (Hymn 281)
Hughes/Williams
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty; hold me with Thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more,
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through;
Rock of ages, rock of ages, be Thou still my strength and shield,
Be Thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell’s destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side;
Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to Thee,
I will ever give to Thee.
Confession
Faithful God, like many who have trusted you before us, we do not yet see what we hope for. We want to live your peace, but we keep hearing about more violence and chaos in the world around us. Forgive us when we are afraid and discouraged. Forgive us when our faith falters. Encourage us with the stories of those who have followed your path before us, and strengthen us by your Spirit to share your love from where we are. Amen.
Silence
Amazing Grace (Hymn 280)
Newton/Virginia Harmony
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Shall We Gather at the River
Lowry
Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain:
Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.
Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown.
(refrain)
Soon we’ll reach the shining river; soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace.
(refrain)
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Sermon: A Faithful Journey Home
Rev. Sheryl Kinder-Pyle
Response: We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight (Hymn 399)
Alford/McFarland
(This song is #399 in our hymnal. We are using slightly different words today,
but if you’d like to see the notes as well, you are welcome to sing this version.)
We walk by faith and not by sight; with gracious words draw near,
O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke: “My peace be with you here.”
We may not touch your hands and side, nor follow where you trod;
But in your promise we rejoice and cry, “My Lord and God!”
Help then, O Lord, our unbelief; and may our faith abound
To call on you when you are near and seek where you are found.
And when our life of faith is done, in realms of clearer light
May we behold you as you are, with full and endless sight.
Pastoral Prayer & 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.
-Isaiah 1:17
Sending: For All the Saints (Hymn 526, vs. 1, 2, **5, 4)
How/Williams
For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light. Alleluia! Alleluia!
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia! Alleluia!
From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: We Walk By Faith
McFarland, arr. Biery
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