Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21 | This weekend we hear challenging words from Jesus as he reframes what it means for him to be the Messiah and as he invites his disciples to take up their cross. Throughout the history of the church, these verses have often been taken out of context, creating detrimental results. And yet, within these verses we also find a beautiful invitation – and promise – from Christ. So as we continually discern who and what it is that we follow, join us this weekend for worship as we refocus our eyes on Jesus, as we let go of what hinders us from receiving God’s gift of life, and as we open our hands to the abundant of God’s blessing for us and all people.
Sunday, August 30, 2026, Fourteenth 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: Lord, Be Glorifi ed. Text and Music: Bob Kilpatrick, b. 1952. Music: © 1978 Bob Kilpatrick Music, assigned 1998 to The Lorenz Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. Text and Music: Eugene Thomas, Holland Davis. Text and Music: © 2005 Davis, Holland (Admin. by Worshipsong.com). Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Follow Me. Text and Music: Elizabeth Farris, performed by Casting Crowns. Text and Music: © 2014 Made To Thrive Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Lord, Reign in Me. Text and Music: Brenton Brown. Music: © 1998 Vineyard Songs. Covered under CCLI subscription.