Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 | Of Jesus’ parables, one of the most common is the parable of the sower. Seed falls in four places, yielding fruit only in good soil. At first glance, this parable may simply be a moralistic tale giving us the message that we “should” be “good soil.” This interpretation isn’t wrong, but the way Jesus presents his parables in the Gospels push us to go deeper. So, as we consider how Jesus’ parables paint a picture of the nature of God’s Kingdom, and as we consider Jesus’ invitation for us to become active participants within God’s ongoing and active mission, join us for worship as we hear again the promise of God’s faithfulness and as we are given yet another invitation to respond in faith.
Sunday, July 12, 2026, Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under 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: For the Fruit of All Creation. Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000. Music: Welsh traditional; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958. Text and Music: © 1970 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: O God, Whose Word Well-Planted. Text and Music: Herman G Stuempfle, Stephen P. Folkemer. Text and Music: © 1990 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: The Gardener. Text and Music: Ben Shive, Maria Roate, Sarah Quaglia. Text and Music: © 2024 Beehive Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Fiat Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) The Sounds Of Running Club Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music) Remaining portion is unaffiliated. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: God of the Fertile Fields. Text: Georgia Harkness, 1891-1974, alt. Music: ITALIAN HYMN, Felice de Giardini, 1716-1796. Text: © 1955, ren. 1983 The Hymn Society, admin Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. Covered under One License subscription.