Finish the Race – Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Christian life is often compared to a race—a race not of speed, but of endurance and faith. In this week’s message, we are reminded to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders us, and to run with perseverance the race set before us. Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we are strengthened by their example, but most of all we fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. He is the one who calls us forward, sustains us in the struggle, and brings us to the finish line.

True faith not only helps us endure but also makes us witnesses of Christ in the world. As we run the race of faith together, we are encouraged to press on, trusting in the One who has already secured the victory for us.

Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: Joe Rathert

Order of service:

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Aug 17, 2025

Readings:

Psalm reading is from Psalm 119:81–88

Old Testament reading is from Jeremiah 23:16–29

New Testament reading is from Hebrews 11:17—12:3

Holy Gospel is from Luke 12:49–56

Songs and Hymns:

For All the Saints

Text: William W. How, 1823–97, alt.
Tune: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872–1958
Text and tune: Public domain

Jesus Loves Me

Text by Anna B. Warner
Tune by William B. Bradbury
Public domain

O Church, Arise

Text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
© 2005 Thankyou Music
Used with permission, CCLI License # 20286740

By Faith

Michael Card, Phil Naish
© 2000 Davaub Music; Meadowgreen Music Company; Mole End Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

Christus Victor

Matt Boswell, Bryan Fowler, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa
© 2024 Getty Music Publishing (BMI), Messenger Hymns (BMI), LIVINGHYMNS (BMI),
    Getty Music Hymns and Songs (ASCAP), Love Your Enemies Publishing (ASCAP)
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

We Sing for All the Unsung Saints

Text: Carl P. Daw, Jr., 1944, © 1996 Hope Publishing Co.
Tune: Henry S. Cutler, 1824–1902, public domain
Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220

Lord Jesus, Think on Me

Text: Synesius of Cyrene, c. 365–c. 414; tr. Allen W. Chatfield, 1808–96, alt.
Tune: William Daman, c. 1540–1591
Text and tune: Public domain

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

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, Aug 17:

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, Aug 20:

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, Aug 21:

AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, Aug 23:

No Women’s Bible Study

AA Meeting: 1:30 PM

Saturday, Sep 6:

Circle of Friends (LWML) – 2025 Schedule: 10 AM

Circle of Friends meets the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, Sep 7:

St. James Family Picnic: 12 PM

Sunday, September 7th