In this Sunday’s message, we reflect on Jesus’ words to the seventy-two He sent ahead of Him: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” In these simple but profound words, Jesus reminds us that the work of building His kingdom is like gathering a great harvest—a work that requires willing hands, faithful hearts, and trust in the One who sends us.

Jesus sends His followers out with little but His Word—no money, no bag, no sandals—yet He promises that their mission is filled with divine purpose. Though they go “as lambs among wolves,” they are not alone. He is with them, and He speaks through them. “He who listens to you listens to me,” Jesus says, affirming the sacred trust of sharing the Gospel.

The seventy-two returned with joy—not because of what they had, but because of what God had done through them. There is no greater joy than to know that God has used you in His harvest. We are reminded that the call to discipleship is not just about going, but about trusting that Jesus is already at work in the hearts of those we meet.

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

Order of service:

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Jul 6, 2025

Readings:

Psalm reading is from Psalm 66:1–7
Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 66:10–14
New Testament reading is from Galatians 6:1–10, 14–18
Holy Gospel is from Luke 10:1–20

Songs and Hymns:

Oh, How Good It Is
Text and tune by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Ross Holmes, Stuart Townend
© 2012 Getty Music
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740
Lift High the Cross
Tune: Sydney H. Nicholson, 1875–1947; Sydney H. Nicholson, 1875–1947
Text: George W. Kitchin, 1827–1912; rev. Michael R. Newbolt, 1874–1956, alt.; (sts. ref–5): tr. Leopoldo Gros, 1925–2013
© 1974 Hope Publishing Co.
Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220
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
Grace
Text and tune: Niki Shepherd; Jonny Robinson; Rich Thompson
© 2016 Getty Music Publishing; © Rich Thompson Music
© 2016 Jonny Robinson Music; © Little Life Lines Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
When Peace, like a River
Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828–88, alt.
Tune: Philip P. Bliss, 1838–76
Text and tune: Public domain
I Lay My Sins on Jesus
Text: Horatius Bonar, 1808–89
Tune: Neu-vermehrtes . . . Gesangbuch, 1693, 3rd ed., Meiningen
Text and tune: Public domain
God Bless Our Native Land
Text (st. 1): Charles T. Brooks, 1813–83, alt.; (st. 2): John S. Dwight, 1813–93, alt.
Tune: Thesaurus Musicus, c. 1740, London
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 6:
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 9:
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 10:
AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, Jul 12:
AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
Congregational Voters’ Meeting

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


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