Sunday August 9, 2020

CALL TO WORSHIP

God speaks peace to the faithful, to those who turn to God in their hearts.

Surely salvation is at hand for those who fear God.

Where God dwells, steadfast love and faithfulness meet;

righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Faithfulness springs up from the ground and righteousness looks down from the sky.

God gives what is good and we respond with abundant praise!*

HYMN: "Tu Amor"

PRAYER TIME

Pause for individual prayers: Take a moment to silently lift your prayers and praises to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this time of silence. 

Prayers of Intercession:* God of power and love, you are with us in every circumstance of this life. We thank you for your steadfast faithfulness. We thank you for the gift of your peace, which comes to us even in times of chaos and fear, trouble and doubt. We thank you for your powerful arms of mercy that grasp us when we are sinking. We put our trust in you, for you alone can save us.

We ask for your power and love to overwhelm the chaos of the nations. Send your encompassing shalom to restore and repair all that is torn and broken. Give us faith and courage to follow Christ so closely that divisions are dismantled, reconciliation is accomplished, and love casts out all fear. 

Increase mutual understanding and a sense of unity in our community. In our personal relationships bring healing where there is estrangement and hurt. In our relationship to your creation, give us creativity and perseverance as we work to be faithful stewards of all you have made. 

We entrust to your providence and care all those who suffer. To one struggling with doubt, increase faith. For those caught in the grip of anxiety and uncertainty, grant the calm rest that your peace alone gives. And for all who face illness, pain, or even death, we pray for restoration and wholeness to fill them—in heart, mind, and body.

You alone can save us, almighty God; hear our cries to you, we pray. We ask all things in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray saying…

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, your will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. 

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours 

now and forever. AMEN.

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 14:22-23

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

MEDITATION & COMMUNION

OFFERINGS

God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory). 

We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.  

SENDING BLESSING

Step out in faith, trusting that the God who has called you is able to keep you from falling and holds you in love. May the steadfast love and faithfulness of God surround you; the peace of Christ enfold you; and the Holy Spirit encourage you, now and forever.*

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples ahead while he stayed to pray alone? 
• How have you noticed Jesus coming toward you in the midst of stormy experiences? 
• Matthew’s gospel may offer another possibility for understanding “little faith.” How does it feel to hear Jesus encouraging us in our faith rather than scolding us for a lack of faith? 
• Have you noticed any examples of “little faith” this week? Share with those around you.
 

*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 103-108).