August 9, 2026
11th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
A Service of Prayer, of Song, of Celebration,
and, of Worshiping on the lawn.
Lead Minister: The Rev. Jope Langejans
Music Director: Cody Obst
Minister Emeritus: Rev. Gerry Scharff
Honorary Associate Ministers: Rev. Clint Mooney & Rev. Kelley Warner
Licensed Lay Worship Leaders: Fiona Hayes
Chair of Council: Vacant
Reader: Beth Elliot
Worship Leader: Rev. Gerry Scharff
Special Guest Musician: Brandon Oberhamer, Soprano Saxophone
Gathering
(*Indicates that you may stand if you are able…)
WELCOMING & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Introit: MV #18 “Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary”
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: (Unison)
We acknowledge the traditional territories and the value of the traditional and current oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nations, the Metis Nation and all people what make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
Special Music: Brandon Oberhamer
CALL TO WORSHIP :
Gerry: We are glad to be here today.
ALL: We come to worship, to pray, to sing, to hear the ancient stories and to support one another.
Gerry: We come as faithful people seeking rest and renewal through the Spirit that we may have energy for another week which is sometimes too busy.
ALL: We come into this sacred outdoor space to claim your promise of being with us always.
Gerry: May our words help us to remember that with this community we follow in the way of Christ.
ALL: May our dreams and trust and spirituality have new meaning. We give thanks for all that is.
*Opening Hymn: MV #30 “It’s a Song of Praise to the Maker”
OPENING PRAYER : ( Unison)
ALL: O God of Wonder, we come from so many places and from different stages in our spiritual life. We remember moments of crazy dreams, fears and of our lack of trust. Yet we remember the good things as well as we search for meaning in our lives. We think of the stories of Joseph and his special coat and of Peter and the disciples who were afraid, stories that help us find connections to our lives.
May we nurture one another as we journey through life with all its ups and downs. When we find it difficult to accept the realities that are around us, help us to understand. We pray in the name of the One who gave many people dreams and of the One who walked across the waters. Amen.
Hymn: MV #138 “My Love Colours Outside the Lines”
Engaging
(Reader: Beth Elliot)
Older Testament Reading
GENESIS 37:1-4, 12-28 Joseph is sold into servitude by his brothers.
Hymn of Illumination: MV #90 “Don’t Be Afraid” (x3)
Gospel Reading
MATTHEW 14:22-33 Jesus walks across stormy waters…
MESSAGE: “Dreams and Fears and Life”
*Hymn: MV #135 “Called by Earth and Sky”
Responding
Prayer of Dedication (for the offering) (Rev. Gerry Scharff)
Special Music: Brandon Oberhamer
Pastoral Prayer: Nancy Gillean
Lord’s Prayer: (An ecumenical version in unison) God, who cares for us, the wonder of whose presence fills us with awe, let kindness, justice and love shine in our world. Let your secrets be known here as they are in heaven. Give us the food and the hope we need for today. Forgive us our wrong- doing as we forgive the wrongs done to us. Protect us from pride and from despair and from the fear and hate which can swallow us up. In you is truth, meaning, glory and power, while worlds come and go. Amen.
COMMISSIONING
ALL: God calls us to go out into today and tomorrow giving thanks for worship and for this time together. May we walk forward with joy and love as we seek to be disciples and walk in the way of Jesus. Amen
*Closing Hymn: MV #209 “Go Make a Difference”
*BENEDICTION (Rev. Gerry Scharff)
SPECIAL MUSIC: Brandon Oberhamer