July 6, 2025
Prelude: Voluntary
Samuel Jackson
(From “American Organ Music,” 1776-1876)
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 44]
We have heard with our ears, O God, what deeds you performed in days of old:
You with your own hand drove out the nations, but you planted your people and set them free.
For not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm give them victory;
But your right hand, and your arm, and light of your countenance, for you delighted in them.
In God we will boast continually; we will give thanks to your name forever.
Let us worship the LORD!
Praise the Lord, God’s Glories Show (Hymn 481)
Williams/Lyte
Praise the Lord, God’s glories show, Alleluia!
Saints within God’s courts below, Alleluia!
Angels round the throne above, Alleluia!
All that see and share God’s love. Alleluia!
Earth to heaven and heaven to earth, Alleluia!
Tell the wonders, sing God’s worth, Alleluia!
Age to age and shore to shore, Alleluia!
Praise God, praise forevermore! Alleluia!
Praise the Lord, great mercies trace, Alleluia!
Praise this providence and grace, Alleluia!
All that God for us has done, Alleluia!
All God sends us through the Son. Alleluia!
Confession
Trusting God, you have blessed us with an abundance of gifts and talents. Forgive us when we fail to share them, saving up for a better time or afraid to take the risk. Forgive us for receiving in fear what you have given freely. Give us courage not to hide, but to lovingly invest in people and relationships. Help us enter into your joy and boldly put our gifts to work for your kingdom. Amen.
Silence
O My Soul, Bless Your Redeemer (Hymn 223)
Witt’s Psalmodia Sacra
O my soul, bless your Redeemer; all within me bless God’s name;
Bless the Savior, and forget not all God’s mercies to proclaim.
Far as east from west is distant, God has put away our sin;
Like the pity of a father has the Lord’s compassion been.
As it was without beginning, so it lasts without an end;
To their children’s children ever shall God’s righteousness extend.
[Psalm 103]
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.
All Who Love and Serve Your City (Hymn 413)
Routley/The United States Sacred Harmony
All who love and serve your city, all who bear its daily stress,
All who cry for peace and justice, all who curse and all who bless:
In your day of wealth and plenty, wasted work and wasted play,
Call to mind the word of Jesus, “You must work while it is day.”
For all days are days of judgment, and the Lord is waiting still,
Drawing near a world that spurns Him, offering peace from Calvary’s hill.
Risen Lord, shall yet the city be the city of despair?
Come today, our judge, our glory. Be its name “The Lord is there!”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Gary Guenther
Old Testament: Numbers 13:25-14:4
New Testament: Matthew 25:14-30
Sermon: The Danger of Playing It Safe
Rev. John Owen
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Music: Song for the Nations
1986, Chris Christenson
(Piano solo arranged by Mark Hayes)
Though this melody clearly is derived from "The Battle Hymn of the Republic,”
the text for the song sings a very different tune:
May we be a shining light to the nations,
A shining light to the peoples of the earth.
Till the whole world sees the glory of Your name;
May Your pure light shine through us.
May Your kingdom come to the nations,
Your will be done in the peoples of the earth.
Till the whole world knows that Jesus Christ is Lord;
May Your kingdom come in us.
Communion Prayer
Call to Stewardship
Shelly Owen
You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.
-Exodus 22:21
Sending Song: Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service
BEACH SPRING/Bayly
Lord, whose love through humble service bore the weight of human need,
Who upon the cross, forsaken, offered mercy’s perfect deed,
We, Your servants, bring the worship not of voice alone, but heart,
Consecrating to Your purpose every gift that You impart.
As we worship, grant us vision, till Your love’s revealing light,
In its height and depth and greatness dawn upon our quickened sight,
Making known the needs and burdens Your compassion bids us bear,
Stirring us to tireless striving, Your abundant life to share.
Called from 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, goodwill and comfort, counsel, aid, and peace we give,
That Your servants, Lord, in freedom may Your mercy know and live.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Finale from “Song for the Nations”
Christenson/Hayes
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