Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 | For the past few weeks, we’ve been immersed in the parables of Jesus in Matthew 13. Painting a picture of the kingdom of heaven through numerous parables, Jesus concludes by asking his disciples, “have you understood all this?” The disciples respond, “yes,” but we may find ourselves still scratching our heads. And yet, the point of Jesus’ parables is not for the sake of cognitive comprehension; instead, the whole of Jesus’ parables are an invitation to invest in the riches of God’s Kingdom. So, as we conclude our focus on Jesus’ parables, join us for worship as we receive again God’s unexpected forgiveness, and as we are formed to participate in what God has already begun in us.
Sunday, July 26, 2026, Ninth 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: Gather Us In. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1982, GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God. Text and Music: Karen Lafferty. Text and Music: © 1972 CCCM Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours). Text and Music: Matt Maher, Bryan Fowler, Jacob Sooter. Text and Music: © Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) bryanfowlersongs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Caroco Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Just When Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Build Us Up, Lord. Text and Music: Donna Hanna, Mark Glaeser. Text: © 2003, Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.