So, Sarah Laughed… – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

What kind of laugh did Sarah give when the Lord promised her a child in her old age? Was it disbelief? Contempt? Joy? The Bible doesn’t tell us explicitly, but that laugh—whatever its tone—echoes through the centuries into our own lives of waiting, hoping, and sometimes doubting.

In this message based on Genesis 18, we consider the mystery and depth of Sarah’s laugh in the face of God's incredible promise. With warmth and humor, Pastor invites us to explore not only the different kinds of laughter but also the deep spiritual truth that God knows the heart behind every laugh. He knows our needs, our longings, and our struggles to believe what seems impossible.

Like Sarah, we all wait for things we hope will come true. And like Sarah, we are invited to trust that nothing is too hard for the Lord. Through Jesus Christ, God fulfills His greatest promises—bringing joy from sorrow, faith from doubt, and eternal life from death. In the end, because of God's mercy, we too will laugh—with Sarah, and with all who trust in Him.

Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos; Reader: Joe Rathert

Order of service:

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Jul 20, 2025

Readings:

Psalm reading is from Psalm 27

Old Testament reading is from Genesis 18:1–14

New Testament reading is from Colossians 1:21–29

Holy Gospel is from Luke 10:38–42

Songs and Hymns:

My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

Text: Edward Mote
Tune: William B. Bradbury
Public domain

I Will Wait for You

Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matthew Merker, Stuart Townend
© 2018 Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music; Matthew Merker Music; Townend Songs
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

Pass Me Not

Fanny Jane Crosby, William Howard Doane
Public domain

I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus

Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836–79
Tune: Henry W. Baker, 1821–77
Text and tune: Public domain

Ancient of Days

Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson;
© 2018 CityAlight Music.
Used with permission, CCLI license #20286740.

By Faith

Text and tune by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend
© 2009 Thankyou Music | © Getty Music
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740

Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing

Text: Timothy Dudley-Smith
Tune: Columbian Harmony, 1825
© 1997 Hope Publishing Co.
Used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220

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 20:

Worship Service (Pastor Tony Boos): 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 23:

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.

No Jr & Sr High Youth Group

Thursday, Jul 24:

Community Group: 6 PM to 7:30 PM

Every other Thursday in Caseyville with Tim & Cheryl Schnicker at their home.

AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, Jul 26:

No Women’s Bible Study

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.

Saturday, Aug 9:

Calling all ladies… You are invited to join us for a morning of connection, growth, and faith: 9 AM to 1 PM

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.