1 Kings 19:9-18; Matthew 14:22-33 | It’s easy to get stuck in narrative cycles. AI algorithms learn our tendencies, streamlining what we do and don’t see online, and human tendencies move us toward people with thoughts and beliefs similar to our own. But even beyond narratives around us, narratives within us can become broken records – some for our benefit, and some for our detriment. Which, as we meet Elijah in the wilderness, numerous narratives were cycling through his mind. But unfortunately, those narratives were restricting his ability to notice – and respond – to God’s presence. So, as we gather in community for worship this weekend, join us as we assess the narrative reels that occupy our minds, our churches, and our society, and as we look to Jesus for a different reel – not focused on ourselves but on the power of God – to move us onward.
Sunday, August 9, 2026, Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: Shout to the Lord. Text and Music: Darlene Zschech. Text and Music: © 1993 Darlene Zschech/Hillsong Publishing, admin, in USA & Canada Interity’s Hosanna! Music. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: We’ve Come This Far by Faith. Text and Music: Albert A. Goodson. Text and Music: © 1993, Manna Music. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: It Is Well with My Soul. Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873. Music: Philip P. Bliss. Text and Music: © 2021 Tonioli Music, LLC. Performed by Audrey Assad. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine. Text and Music: Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.