Sermons / August 16, 2026 Worship - Replaced missing sound

August 16, 2026 - This replaces the Live video where sound was lost "We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope." - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Welcome and Announcements John Bennett Centering Moment JoAnn Wagner, piano “It Is Well with My Soul” Dino Kartsonakis, arranger *Call to Worship The world around us is loud, and our hearts often whisper of trouble and doubt. Anxiety tries to pull us down, and fear tries to close our eyes. But hear the voice of our Creator calling us to the quiet center of God's love. We leave our heavy burdens at the door and choose to lean on our Rock. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. We place our trust over our fear. We come to worship the God who holds us safe. *Opening Song Red Hymnal #92 “All Things Bright and Beautiful” Children’s Moment Pastor John Wagner Community Prayer God of surprises, break through the life of Grace Church and its people. Reveal to us new ways we can be faithful and fruitful, moving into the future You have in store. Like doubting Thomas, we sometimes fall into the trap of not trusting you, O God, and for that we apologize. You have shown us over and over the ways in which you support us, heal us, love us, forgive us and, yet, we are fallible human beings who give way to fear. That fear can fracture relationships both human and spiritual. It can result in our judgment of others in negative ways or lead us down paths of revenge and hate. Help us, Redeemer God. Move our spirits toward you, not away. Offering & Offertory Music Charis Weible, soloist “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” Jane Holstein, arranger *Song of Praise Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Christ, all people here below. Praise Holy Spirit evermore. Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen. Pastoral Prayer Pastor John 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Scripture David Larson, teller Genesis 45:1-15 Special Music Charis Weible, soloist “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Runyon, arranger Message Pastor John “The Work of Reconciliation” *Closing Song Red Hymnal #560 “Help Us Accept Each Other” Postlude JoAnn Wagner, organ “Postlude in G” Felis Mendelssohn, composer Benediction Pastor John