Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 | When we hear images of fire, weeping, and gnashing of teeth in Scripture, it’s not uncommon to be uncomfortable or even to label God as vindictive, angry, or judgmental. But if we look at these images in isolation, we miss the message of God’s ultimate desire for God’s Kingdom of goodness and wholeness to reign over all things. So, as we continue to wrestle with Jesus’ parables of the kingdom, join us this weekend as we acknowledge the weeds that reside within and around us, as we pray for Jesus to invade our lives and our world for good, and as we are sent to spread seeds of hope.
Sunday, July 19, 2026, Eighth 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: Sing to the Lord of Harvest. Text: John S. B. Monsell, 1811-1875, alt. Music: Johann Steurlein, 1546-1613. Text and Music: © Oregon Catholic Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: The Reign of God, like Farmer’s Field. Text and Music: Delores Dufner. Text and Music: © 2003 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: In the Fields of the Lord. Text and Music: Isaac Wardell, Audrey Assad. Text and Music: © 2017 Essential Music Publishing LLC. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Bring Forth the Kingdom. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text: © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.