FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
7th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
JULY 12, 2026
PRELUDE Reverie - Claude Debussy
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-NOISY COLLECTION will be taken today and also next Sunday during Children’s Time. We are collecting monetary donations for Family Back2School Project
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM, Mission Coffee House
-SESSION will meet on Wednesday, July 15, 10:00 AM, Center Meeting Room
-NO THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY this week
-SISTERHOOD will meet Thursday, July 16, 11:30 AM, at Mission Coffee House
-MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will meet Thursday, July 16, 5:30 PM at FPC Lounge
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come with grateful and expectant hearts, for God is already at work among us.
In every season of life, God remains faithful. In every season, God offers hope.
God meets us in the ordinary moments of our lives and calls us to walk in extraordinary ways.
Let us open our hearts to God's presence and our lives to God's leading.
Let us worship God!
*OPENING HYMN #305 (red) “Come Sing, O Church in Joy!”
Come sing, O church, in joy! Come join, O church, in song!
For Christ the Lord has led us through the ages long!
In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!
Long years have come and gone, and still God reigns supreme,
Empowering us to catch the vision, dream the dream!
In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!
Let courage be our friend; let wisdom be our guide,
As we in mission magnify the Crucified!
In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!
Come sing, O church, in joy! Come join, O church, in song!
For Christ the Lord has triumphed o’er the ages long!
In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious and loving God, we confess that there are times when we hear your Word without allowing it to shape our lives. We often follow our own desires more readily than your will, and allow the worries and demands of life to draw our attention away from you and from our neighbors. Forgive us, O God. Create within us hearts that are open to your presence, minds that are eager to learn, and lives that reflect your love in both what we do and what we leave undone. Renew us by your grace, strengthen us by your Spirit, and lead us in the way of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Congregational Response: Thanks be to God, Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
And ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Selections from Psalm 119 (responsive)
105 Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
124 Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees.
125 I am your servant: give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word.
135 Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.
144 Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil.
6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 Let anyone with ears listen!”
18 “Hear then the parable of the sower.
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path.
20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.
22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing.
23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
SPECIAL MUSIC “A Sower Came from Ancient Hills” (Donna F and Mary E)
SERMON Voices from the Field: The Parable of the Sower
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #462 (red) “I Love to Tell the Story”
I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story because I know ‘tis true.
it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
Refrain:
I love to tell the story; 'twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet!
I love to tell the story; for some have never heard
the message of salvation from God's own holy Word. [Refrain]
I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting to hear it, like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
'twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long. [Refrain]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Concerns: Don B, Jan J, Kris M, Bob O, Dave C (Dolores & Richard’s son), JoAnn G
Our homebound or in care members: JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Martin M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Don K & Carol G, Andrew & Beth L
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
*CLOSING HYMN #36 (red) “For the Fruit of All Creation”
For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God.
For the gifts to every nation, thanks be to God.
For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping,
future needs in earth’s safekeeping, thanks be to God.
In the just reward of labor, God’s will be done.
In the help we give our neighbor, God’s will be done.
In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,
in the harvests we are sharing, God’s will be done.
For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God.
For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God.
For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us,
most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Rejoice, the Lord is King - Darwall/Payne
ORDER OF WORSHIP
7th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
JULY 12, 2026
PRELUDE Reverie - Claude Debussy
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-NOISY COLLECTION will be taken today and also next Sunday during Children’s Time. We are collecting monetary donations for Family Back2School Project
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM, Mission Coffee House
-SESSION will meet on Wednesday, July 15, 10:00 AM, Center Meeting Room
-NO THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY this week
-SISTERHOOD will meet Thursday, July 16, 11:30 AM, at Mission Coffee House
-MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will meet Thursday, July 16, 5:30 PM at FPC Lounge
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come with grateful and expectant hearts, for God is already at work among us.
In every season of life, God remains faithful. In every season, God offers hope.
God meets us in the ordinary moments of our lives and calls us to walk in extraordinary ways.
Let us open our hearts to God's presence and our lives to God's leading.
Let us worship God!
*OPENING HYMN #305 (red) “Come Sing, O Church in Joy!”
Come sing, O church, in joy! Come join, O church, in song!
For Christ the Lord has led us through the ages long!
In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!
Long years have come and gone, and still God reigns supreme,
Empowering us to catch the vision, dream the dream!
In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!
Let courage be our friend; let wisdom be our guide,
As we in mission magnify the Crucified!
In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!
Come sing, O church, in joy! Come join, O church, in song!
For Christ the Lord has triumphed o’er the ages long!
In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious and loving God, we confess that there are times when we hear your Word without allowing it to shape our lives. We often follow our own desires more readily than your will, and allow the worries and demands of life to draw our attention away from you and from our neighbors. Forgive us, O God. Create within us hearts that are open to your presence, minds that are eager to learn, and lives that reflect your love in both what we do and what we leave undone. Renew us by your grace, strengthen us by your Spirit, and lead us in the way of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Congregational Response: Thanks be to God, Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
And ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Selections from Psalm 119 (responsive)
105 Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
124 Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees.
125 I am your servant: give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word.
135 Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.
144 Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil.
6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 Let anyone with ears listen!”
18 “Hear then the parable of the sower.
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path.
20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.
22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing.
23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
SPECIAL MUSIC “A Sower Came from Ancient Hills” (Donna F and Mary E)
SERMON Voices from the Field: The Parable of the Sower
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #462 (red) “I Love to Tell the Story”
I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story because I know ‘tis true.
it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
Refrain:
I love to tell the story; 'twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet!
I love to tell the story; for some have never heard
the message of salvation from God's own holy Word. [Refrain]
I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting to hear it, like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
'twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long. [Refrain]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Concerns: Don B, Jan J, Kris M, Bob O, Dave C (Dolores & Richard’s son), JoAnn G
Our homebound or in care members: JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Martin M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Don K & Carol G, Andrew & Beth L
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
*CLOSING HYMN #36 (red) “For the Fruit of All Creation”
For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God.
For the gifts to every nation, thanks be to God.
For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping,
future needs in earth’s safekeeping, thanks be to God.
In the just reward of labor, God’s will be done.
In the help we give our neighbor, God’s will be done.
In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,
in the harvests we are sharing, God’s will be done.
For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God.
For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God.
For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us,
most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Rejoice, the Lord is King - Darwall/Payne
