Sunday July 5, 2026
Message: David Sadler, CRE
Liturgist: Amy Aviles
†CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: People of God, we gather today not as those who have already won the battle, but as those who know the struggle and trust the One who fights for us.
All: We come with honesty, acknowledging the tension within us- the good we long to do and the sin that clings so closely.
One: Yet we also come with hope, for the God who calls us into the struggle is the God who meets us in it.
All: Thanks be to God who delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord!
One: Come, let us worship the God whose grace is stronger than our weakness, whose mercy is deeper than our failure, and whose Spirit empowers us to live, serve, and love.
All: We fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Let us worship God!
†OPENING HYMN: # 563 “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Holy and gracious God, we confess that sin is not only what we do, but the power that distorts our relationship with You. We turn from Your love and try to secure our own worth through achievement, comparison, and control. We trust our strength more than Your Spirit. WE cling to self-centeredness instead of surrendering to Your grace. We confess that even when we want to do what is right, we find ourselves doing the very things we hate. We avoid the struggle, search for easy formulas, and chase experiences that cannot sustain us. We blame others, distract ourselves, and resist the hard work of repentance. Forgive us, Lord. Meet us in our weakness. Fight for us when we cannot fight for ourselves. Set us free from the power of sin, and lead us into the freedom of your grace. In Jesus Christ, our Deliverer, we pray our silent prayers of confession.
SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION: We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
†PASSING OF THE PEACE
†CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: # 579 “Gloria Patri”
TIME FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
Holy Spirit, Warrior of peace and Giver of life, enter the places within us where struggle lives. Open our hearts to Your Word, that we may hear not only the truth of our condition but the truth of Your grace. Clear away distractions, fear, and self-reliance. Fix our eyes on Jesus, that Your living Word may shape us, free us, and send us out in mission. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Genesis 24: 34-38, 42-49, 58-67; Romans 7: 15-25a
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE: “Grace in the Struggle” David Sadler, CRE
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: page 14 The Apostles Creed
SPECIAL MUSIC
CALL FOR GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERING
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
†CLOSING HYMN: #562 “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”
†BENEDICTION
†CHORAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING: “You Are the Vine
One: People of God, we gather today not as those who have already won the battle, but as those who know the struggle and trust the One who fights for us.
All: We come with honesty, acknowledging the tension within us- the good we long to do and the sin that clings so closely.
One: Yet we also come with hope, for the God who calls us into the struggle is the God who meets us in it.
All: Thanks be to God who delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord!
One: Come, let us worship the God whose grace is stronger than our weakness, whose mercy is deeper than our failure, and whose Spirit empowers us to live, serve, and love.
All: We fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Let us worship God!
†OPENING HYMN: # 563 “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Holy and gracious God, we confess that sin is not only what we do, but the power that distorts our relationship with You. We turn from Your love and try to secure our own worth through achievement, comparison, and control. We trust our strength more than Your Spirit. WE cling to self-centeredness instead of surrendering to Your grace. We confess that even when we want to do what is right, we find ourselves doing the very things we hate. We avoid the struggle, search for easy formulas, and chase experiences that cannot sustain us. We blame others, distract ourselves, and resist the hard work of repentance. Forgive us, Lord. Meet us in our weakness. Fight for us when we cannot fight for ourselves. Set us free from the power of sin, and lead us into the freedom of your grace. In Jesus Christ, our Deliverer, we pray our silent prayers of confession.
SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION: We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
†PASSING OF THE PEACE
†CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: # 579 “Gloria Patri”
TIME FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
Holy Spirit, Warrior of peace and Giver of life, enter the places within us where struggle lives. Open our hearts to Your Word, that we may hear not only the truth of our condition but the truth of Your grace. Clear away distractions, fear, and self-reliance. Fix our eyes on Jesus, that Your living Word may shape us, free us, and send us out in mission. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Genesis 24: 34-38, 42-49, 58-67; Romans 7: 15-25a
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE: “Grace in the Struggle” David Sadler, CRE
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: page 14 The Apostles Creed
SPECIAL MUSIC
CALL FOR GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERING
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
†CLOSING HYMN: #562 “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”
†BENEDICTION
†CHORAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING: “You Are the Vine