Items for the week of Sunday, August 9th

This past Sunday, August 9^th, was the 11^th Sunday after Pentecost

We heard the following scripture readings, introduction, and prayer of the day during the Sunday morning worship service:

Introduction

Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others.

Prayer of the Day

O God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Scripture

1 Kings 19:9-18 The Lord speaks to Elijah on Mount Horeb
Psalm 85:8-13 I will listen to what the Lord God is saying. (Ps. 85:8)
Romans 10:5-15 Hearing and confessing the word of faith
Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus walking on the sea

The Message

If you would like a transcript of the message, please let the office know.

Devotion for the Week

Take Heart

Can you recall a time in your life when something happened that was so strange or out of place that your initial reaction was fear? Maybe you doubted what you were experiencing or seeing and even thought, This is not possible. This can’t be.

The disciples must have been terrified when they saw something so strange that it should have been impossible—someone walking on water, toward their boat, during a storm. They thought they were seeing a ghost until Jesus said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

Some say seeing is believing, but sometimes belief comes through experiencing. So, with Jesus’ encouragement, Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk on the water. But when he realized how hard the wind was blowing, Peter started sinking and shouted, “Lord, save me!” Jesus reached out, steadied Peter, and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (vv. 30-31). Then the storm ended.

We may be more like Peter than we realize. Maybe there are times when it’s relatively easy to trust in God—until we face something unexpected, frightening, or out of our control. Then doubts immediately overwhelm us.

The good news is that Jesus hears our cries and saves us. He is with us in our weakest moments, holding us even as our spirits sink. Take heart—Jesus is always with you, bringing peace amid the storms, faith amid your doubts, and new life out of death.