June 28, 2026
Prelude: Lead On, O King Eternal/Jesus Shall Reign
arr. Carter/Organ
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 84]
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! Our souls long for the courts of the LORD.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, that puts its young by your altars, O LORD of hosts.
Our King and our God, happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.
Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose hearts are the highways to Zion.
Let us worship the LORD!
Sing Praise to God (Hymn 483)
Schütz/Bohemian Brethren’s Kirchengesang
Sing praise to God, who reigns above, the God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation;
With healing balm my soul is filled, and every faithless murmur stilled;
To God all praise and glory!
The Lord is never far away, but through all grief distressing,
An ever present help and stay, our peace, and joy, and blessing;
As with a mother’s tender hand, God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory!
Thus all my gladsome way along, I sing aloud Thy praises,
That all may hear the grateful song my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart, both soul and body take your part:
To God all praise and glory!
Confession
God our refuge, we long to feel close to you and to experience your presence in tangible ways. Amid many distractions and demands on our time, forgive us when we fail to set aside time to focus on you. Forgive us when our worship becomes rote, an item to check off a list rather than an opportunity to listen to you. Help us make space for you in our lives and our hearts, and teach us your truth and discernment. Empower us with your Spirit to be your witnesses in the world. Amen.
Silence
God Is Our Strength
Montgomery/Trentham
God is our strength and song, now is salvation ours;
Then be God’s love in Christ proclaimed with all our ransomed powers.
O for the living flame from God’s own altar brought,
To touch our lips, our minds inspire, and wing to heaven our thought!
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
Old Testament: 1 Kings 18:30; 1 Kings 3:16-28
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 15:58
Sermon: Rebuilding the Altar
Itohan Idumwonyi
Focus: Rebuilding one’s spiritual altar requires a conscious return to authentic worship, prayer, and personal integrity. As believers, let us intentionally restore and prioritize our personal relationship with God amidst life's daily distractions, so that we may remain steadfast in our faith.
Response: Fight the Good Fight (Hymn 307)
Monsell/Hatton
Fight the good fight with all thy might;
Christ is thy strength and Christ thy right;
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
thy joy and crown eternally.
Run the straight race through God’s good grace,
Lift up thine eyes, and seek Christ’s face;
Life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.
Cast care aside, lean on thy guide;
God’s boundless mercy will provide;
Trust, and thy trusting soul shall prove
Christ is its life, and Christ its love.
Faint not nor fear, God’s arms are near;
God changeth not, and thou art dear;
Only believe, and thou shalt see
That Christ is all in all to thee.
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
Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. -Proverbs 31:8-9
Sending: Lead On, O King Eternal (Hymn 447)
Shurtleff/Smart
Lead on, O King eternal, the day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest Thy tents shall be our home:
Through days of preparation Thy grace has made us strong,
And now, O King eternal, we lift our battle song.
Lead on, O King eternal, till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace;
For not with swords’ loud clashing, nor roll of stirring drums;
With deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes.
Lead on, O King eternal: we follow, not with fears;
For gladness breaks like morning where’er Thy face appears;
Thy cross is lifted o’er us; we journey in its light:
The crown awaits the conquest; lead on, O God of might.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Adagio and Allegro
Stanley/Kittel
OneLicense# A-727502
CCLI# 283345
