In response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan—a story that has challenged hearts for centuries. But His response is not merely a lesson in compassion. It’s a call to action: “Go and do likewise.”

Through this parable, Jesus redefines what it means to be a neighbor. It’s not about proximity or familiarity, but about mercy. The Samaritan—an outsider in the eyes of many—becomes the true neighbor because he acted in love, even when it cost him something. Jesus invites us into the same kind of faith-based initiative: caring for others with compassion, even when it’s inconvenient.

At St. James, we see the Good Samaritan story lived out in many small but powerful ways. Wherever mercy is extended and burdens are shared, the love of Christ is made visible. Jesus still speaks those words to us today: “You go, and do likewise.”

Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: William Ellington

Order of service:

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Jul 13, 2025

Readings:

Psalm reading is from Psalm 41
Old Testament reading is from Leviticus 18:1–5; 19:9–18
New Testament reading is from Colossians 1:1–14
Holy Gospel is from Luke 10:25–37

Songs and Hymns:

Let The Nations Be Glad
Aaron Boswell, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa
© 2010 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Love Your Enemies Publishing; Curb Dayspring Musi
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
The Compassion Hymn
Text and tune by Stuart Townend, Kristyn Getty, Keith Getty
© 2008 Thankyou Music
Used with permission, CCLI License # 20286740
The Servant Song
Richard Gillard
© 1977 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord
Text: Latin, 7th cent.; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–66, alt.
Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551, Geneva, ed. Louis Bourgeois
Text and tune: Public domain
We Give Thee But Thine Own
Text: William W. How, 1823–97
Tune: William H. Monk, 1823–89
Text and tune: Public domain
Here I Am, Lord
Text: Based on Isaiah 6; Dan Schutte, b.1947
Text and music: © 1981, Daniel L. Schutte and New Dawn Music
Published by OCP Publications
Used with permission: One License #728607-A
On What Has Now Been Sown
Text: John Newton, 1725–1807, alt.
Tune: John Darwall, 1731–89
Text and tune: Public domain

Liturgies:

Gloria in Excelsis
Text: Stephen P. Starke
Sanctus
Text: Stephen P. Starke
Agnus Dei
Text: Stephen P. Starke

Recording:

Audio:
Video:
Watch on YouTube

Announcements:

Sunday, Jul 13:
Worship Service (Pastor William Engfehr): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
Sunday School and Youth Confirmation: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

Sanctuary.

Adult Bible Study and Youth Confirmation: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM

Downstairs.

Wednesday, Jul 16:
Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Downstairs.

Community Group: 10 AM to 11:30 AM

St. James Fellowship Hall with Bob & Marilyn Whipkey.

Jr & Sr High Youth Group @ Staake Home: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Thursday, Jul 17:
AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, Jul 19:
AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
Sunday, Jul 27:
Congregational Voters’ Meeting: 10:30 AM

We will have a special congregational voters’ meeting on Sunday, July 27, 2025, immediately following worship service.

Calling all ladies… You are invited to join us for a morning of connection, growth, and faith

All women are warmly invited to join us for a special morning of encouragement, reflection, and connection as we continue our journey in Sisterhood. Bring your friends, neighbors, and family and gather with us on Saturday, August 9th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the St. James Fellowship Hall for our event.

Registration is free but required and childcare is available. Registration forms can be found on our St. James website, or on the table in the narthex. If you need more information, please contact Cheryl in the church office.

Christianity and Slavery

Did you know that institutional slavery still exists in many countries in the world? What does the Bible have to say about slavery? Does Scripture condone or condemn this practice? India, China, and North Korea are among nations that still allow slavery. It’s the topic on the most recent episode of Craving Answers, Craving God.

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