As Americans prepare to celebrate the 249th birthday of their nation, Jesus’ words in Luke 9 challenge us to consider a deeper allegiance: what does it mean to follow Jesus within the context of this nation?
Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, choosing the path of rejection, suffering, and ultimate sacrifice. In doing so, He established a kingdom not of this world—a kingdom of righteousness and peace that transcends every earthly nation, including the United States. Following Him today still means being misunderstood, marginalized, or even rejected. It means holding fast to God's Word in a culture that often resists truth. It means letting go of earthly comforts, reordering priorities, and sometimes even distancing from familial expectations for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.
In this sermon, we reflect on what true discipleship looks like in America today: a life of gospel proclamation, faithful witness, and heavenly citizenship—all rooted in the cross and resurrection of our Savior. As citizens of God’s eternal kingdom who temporarily reside in this earthly one, we join our voices in prayer: “God bless America… Stand beside her and guide her through the night with the light from above.”
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Tony Boos; Reader: Nic Schatte
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Matthew 11:28-30
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 16
- Old Testament reading is from 1 Kings 19:9b–21
- New Testament reading is from Galatians 5:1, 13–25
- Holy Gospel is from Luke 9:51–62
Songs and Hymns:
- “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake
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Text: tr. Charles W. Schaeffer, 1813–96; (sts. 1–3, 5): Johann Schefer, 1624–77; (st. 4): Geistliche Lieder und Lobgesänge, 1695
Tune: Bartholomäus Gesius, c. 1555–1613, adapt.
Text and tune: Public domain - My Worth Is Not in What I Own
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Text and tune by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Graham Kendrick
© 2014 Getty Music
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740 - I Will Follow
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Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, Reuben Morgan
© 2010 Rising Springs Music; Vamos Publishing; worshiptogether.com songs
© 2010 Spirit Nashville Three; So Essential Tunes; Spirit Nashville Three
© 2010 SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
- Text: George Duffield, Jr., 1818–88, alt. Tune: George J. Webb, 1803–87 Text and tune: Public domain
- Grace
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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 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth
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Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–76; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.
© 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220
Tune: Wolfgang Dachstein, c. 1487–1553, public domain - God Bless America
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Text and Tune: Irving Berlin
© 1938 Irving Berlin. Used with permission: One License #728607-A
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, Jun 29:
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- Worship Service (Pastor Tony Boos): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Sunday School and Youth Confirmation: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM
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Sanctuary.
- Adult Bible Study and Youth Confirmation: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstairs.
- Wednesday, Jul 2:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Community Group: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
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St. James Fellowship Hall with Bob & Marilyn Whipkey.
- Jr & Sr High Youth Group @ Staake Home: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
- Thursday, Jul 3:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Jul 5:
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- LWML Circle of Friends: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- Ministry Spotlight – Youth Team
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The St. James Youth Team, under the leadership of Stacey Staake, is a dedicated team that meets weekly, on Wednesday evenings with all junior and senior high students. This team is very active and in need of adults to assist with weekly meetings. Please prayerfully consider how you might help in this way. Whether it’s for one Wednesday a month, or more, you can help us to continue and grow this ministry! Contact Stacey Staake at stacey@stjamesglencarbon.org, or the church office for more information.
- Congregational Voters’ Meeting
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We will have a congregational voters’ meeting on Sunday, July 27th immediately following worship. Topics for discussion/vote will be: (1) Lutheran Education Assistance Policy and Funding (2) Ministry Coordinator Compensation.
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