EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
July 26, 2020

Waiting is seldom easy. Yet, in the process of waiting,
we discover new growth.
The Spirit moves and breathes,
and treasures are sometimes discovered.
As we wait this day,
may God’s miraculous presence be
revealed in us and through us.

PRELUDE -“March in C” – W.A. Mozart
Sam Hampton, violin
Arrangement©1958, Summy-Birchard, Inc.

CALL TO WORSHIP – Dennis, Jill & Everleigh Archer

Waiting and hoping, we gather together,
seeking God’s presence and singing God’s praises.
Waiting and hoping, we come now to worship,
praying and listening for the Spirit’s guidance.
Let us worship!

HYMN OF PRAISE – “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” – HYMN TO JOY

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays.
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou are giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,
Well spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest.
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother – all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
~Text by W. C. Smith, Public Domain

WELCOME TO WORSHIP – Rev. Aho

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REFLECTIONS – Mrs. Joy
Knights of the North Castle ~ Quest for the King’s Armor
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power! ~Ephesians 6:10

OLD TESTAMENT READING – Psalm 105:1-11,45b – Mrs. Tracy Watkins

PASTORAL PRAYER – Rev. Aho
Eternal God, waiting is hard – waiting for justice,
Waiting for peace, waiting for love, waiting for your presence to heal us.
Give us the patience and passion of Jacob, to work for the deepest desire of our hearts.
Give us the perseverance of Abraham, to keep going when all hope seems lost.
Transform our hope into action, that we may build your kingdom here on earth. Amen

MUSIC MEDITATION -“Seek Ye First” – arr., D. Wagner
Abby Kate Lumpkins, Arthur Marks, Donna Perkins
Stephanie Timberlake, Walter Wilson

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you; Alleluia!
Ask, and it shall be given unto you, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you; Alleluia!
~Text by K. Lafferty
©2005, Hope Publishing Co. CCL! #1049296

MESSAGE – “It Takes Time” – Rev. Aho
Romans 8:26-28; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

OUR OFFERING
Taking an offering is an act of worship and a part of our service each week. It is important to remember that our offering not only supports the ministry of the church but is an expression of our thankfulness for all God has given us. We give today because God first gave to us.

BENEDICTION
Like a treasure hidden in a field, Christ offers us the kingdom of God.
Like a pearl of great price, Christ offers us the kingdom of heaven.
Like a mustard seed that grows into a great shrub,
Christ offers us the realm of God’s blessing.
All things work together for those who love God; wait for God; and abide in God’s Spirit. Amen

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