ST. LUKE'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

AUGUST 10, 2025                                                                            

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SILENT MEDITATION: 

“Faith is stepping out into the unknown with nothing to guide us but a hand just beyond our grasp.”

 --Frederick Buechner

GATHERING MUSIC  

GREETING  

PRELUDE: "With Joy You Shall Draw Water"                             

Marty Haugen
 

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 727 “Faith Is the Victory”                                                                

SANKEY

Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers, rise
And press the battle ere the night Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world.

Refrain: Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory That overcomes the world!

His banner over us is love, Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints above With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith they, like a whirlwind's breath, Swept on o'er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death Is still our shining shield. [Refrain]

On every hand the foe we find Drawn up in dread array;
Let tents of ease be left behind And onward to the fray.
Salvation's helmet on each head, With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble 'neath our tread And echo with our shout. [Refrain]

To him that overcomes the foe White raiment shall be giv'n;
Before the angels he shall know His name confessed in heav'n.
Then onward from the hills of light, Our hearts with love aflame,
We'll vanquish all the hosts of night In Jesus' conqu'ring name. [Refrain]

CALL TO WORSHIP 

One: God calls us out of places known and secure.

All:    God invites us into an unknown future.

One:  God is constantly offering new opportunities to us.

All:    God promises to be with us and to bless us.

One:  Rejoice in the promised blessings of God!

All:    By faith we follow in the way God calls us.

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

God of Grace and God of Promise, free us from fear that blinds us to your loving presence with us. Forgetting your promises, we seek satisfaction in our own limited imaginations. Forgive us and give us eyes to see the beauty of your mercy and grace that cannot be overcome by the darkness of our wayward journey. Restore in us a faith that lifts our eyes to see the beauty of your presence with us.  Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
 

GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.

MOMENTS WITH MINNIE 

PASTORAL PRAYER and 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 sins as we forgive those
who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC "I Have Loved You"                                          .

Michael Joncas

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 15:1-6

SERMON: “Living By Faith”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN  No. 539 “My Fatih Looks Up to Thee”                                                   

OLIVET

My faith looks up to Thee, Thou, Lamb of Calvary. Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away.
O let me from this day Be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be A living fire!

While life's dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread, Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow's tears away,
Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.

When ends life's passing dream, When death's cold, threatening stream Shall o'er me roll,
Blest Savior, then, in love, Fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
CALL TO STEWARDSHIP  
THE BEAUTY OF SHARED GIFTS "Gavotte from French Suite No. 5"         

Johann Sebastian Bach

CELEBRATING STEWARDSHIP — DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host:
Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION (In Unison)       

With all the gifts of creation, you have blessed us, Gracious God. We give thanks for all your works. Gratitude is our first impulse for giving. Accept our grateful hearts, along with our gifts. As you are faithful to your promises to us, O God, may we be faithful in all things, seeking always to live by your gracious will. Amen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 143 “This Is My Father’s World”                                           

TERRA BEATA

This is my Father's world, And to my list'ning ears
All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world, I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas—His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, The birds their carols raise;
The morning light, the lily white Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world, He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.

This is my Father's world, The battle is not done;

Jesus, Who died, shall be satisfied, And earth and heav'n be one.

BENEDICTION  

POSTLUDE: Sing to the Lord with a Joyful Sound"                                     

Jill Gallina

The Liturgist today is John Kritos
Thank you to Carol Lyon for accompanying the hymns
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
There will be a special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, August 17th, following worship. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and vote on the replacement of the HVAC system and funding sources. This meeting will be hybrid and a link will be sent the morning of the meeting. 
The meeting will begin as soon as technology is in place.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Men’s Fellowship will meet on Monday, August 11th, at Noon

Soup and dessert will be served. It is a time for men and their friends to gather for a time of fellowship.
If you have any questions, please contact Larry Franciskato.

HVAC FUND

We are gathered today, and will continue to gather, in the fellowship hall for in person worship until the weather is cooler or the HVAC system in the sanctuary has been replaced…whichever comes first!
We are grateful to have this space which provides a comfortable and intimate worship experience.

There is an HVAC Fund established for the replacement of the HVAC system.  Support for that fund is being accepted to soften the hit when contracts have been secured to replace the existing system. You may donate in person by marking your donation HVAC and placing in the offering box or by donating online or via the app.

COUNCIL MEETING DATE CHANGE
The August meeting for the Church Council has been change to August 7th.
Please let Julie or the church office know if you are unable to attend.

SHARING TABLE
Take time on Sundays, or anytime during normal office hours, to SHOP at the sharing table. You are invited to contribute something if you would like but most importantly, shop for and receive what is offered.