February 22, 2026
Prelude: Offering
Lemmens
Sostenuto
Suraynski
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 32]
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
When we acknowledged our sin to the Lord, he forgave.
Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to God; he is a hiding place for us.
He will instruct us and teach us the way we should go. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice!
Let us worship the LORD!
O God of Earth and Space (Hymn 274)
Huber/Hebrew melody
O God of earth and space, of sea and fire and air,
Your providence surrounds us here and everywhere.
In fruit and grain and tree, in shelter from the cold.
In cooling breezes, flowing wells, now as of old.
Where faithfulness is shown, where love and truth abound,
Where beauty graces human life, there You are found.
Inspirer of all thought! Creative force of art!
The melody on every tongue, in every heart!
Wherever freedom reigns, where sin is overthrown,
Where justice fused with mercy rules, there You are known.
Give us the courage clear to make the earth a home
For all to live in harmony in Christ’ shalom.
Confession
God of growth, we are your servants to plant and water in others’ lives, and we are your field and building. Sometimes we are anxious about whether any growth or progress is happening. Forgive when we seek knowledge so that we can try to control the process independent from you. Forgive us when we see other groups or churches as competition, rather than as fellow laborers working for a common purpose. In your mercy, help us set aside our anxiety and trust your care and direction for us. Amen.
Silence
Breathe on Me, Breath of God (Hymn 316)
Hatch/Jackson
Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, till I am wholly Thine,
Until this earthly part of me glows with Thy fire divine.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Doxology (Hymn 592)
Ken/Genevan Psalter
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.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Karen Bart
Old Testament: Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 3:1–9
O Day of God, Draw Nigh
Scott/Hopson
O day of God, draw nigh in beauty and in power,
Come with your timeless judgment now to match our present hour.
Bring to our troubled minds, uncertain and afraid,
The quiet of a steadfast faith, calm of a call obeyed.
Bring justice to our land, that all may dwell secure,
And finely build for days to come foundations that endure.
Sermon: God’s Growth
Scott Starbuck
Focus: Christian growth belongs to God, freeing the church to practice faithfulness without anxiety about results.
Response: Reflection on “Prospect”
Early American Tune/arr. Fedak
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
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. -1 Peter 4:10
Sending: Give to the Winds Your Fears
Gerhardt/Elvey
Give to the winds your fears, in hope be undismayed;
God hears your sighs and counts your tears, God shall lift up your head;
Through waves and clouds and storms God gently clears the way;
Wait patiently so shall this night soon end in joyous day.
Far, far above your thought God’s counsel shall appear,
When fully God the work has wrought that caused your needless fear.
Leave to God’s sovereign will to choose and to command:
With wonder filled you then shall own how wise, how strong God’s hand.
On God the Lord rely, and safe shall you go on,
Fix on God’s work your steadfast eye, so shall your work be done.
Let us in life, in death, God’s steadfast truth declare,
And publish with our final breath God’s love and guardian care.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: March
Dinda
OneLicense# A-727502
CCLI# 283345
