Finding Rest in God’s Word – Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Life often leaves us tired—not just physically, but spiritually. The pressures of temptation, the pull of the world, and the struggle against our sinful nature can wear us down. Psalm 1 reminds us of the seriousness of sin, showing how it grows and takes hold if left unchecked. But it also points us to the only source of true strength and refreshment: God’s Word.

In this message, we will reflect on the two paths Psalm 1 describes—the way of the world that leads to destruction, and the way of God that brings life, blessing, and fruitfulness. Like a tree planted by streams of water, those who delight in the Word of the Lord are nourished, sustained, and made strong to withstand temptation. Even more, they are equipped to share God’s grace with others, just as Jesus did when He walked among sinners to bring forgiveness and life.

Join us as we consider what it means to be rooted in Scripture, strengthened by the Gospel, and refreshed by the living water of Christ. In Him we find rest for our weary souls, forgiveness for our sins, and the promise of eternal life.

Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos; Reader: David Moldenhauer

Order of service:

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Sep 7, 2025

Readings:

Psalm reading is from Psalm 1

Old Testament reading is from Deuteronomy 30:15–20

New Testament reading is from Philemon 1–21

Holy Gospel is from Luke 14:25–35

Songs and Hymns:

Blessed Be Your Name

Music and lyrics: Beth Redman, Matt Redman, © 2002 Thankyou Music.
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

What Is the World to Me

Text: George Michael Pfefferkorn, trns. August Crull
Tune: Ahasverus Fritsch
Public domain

I Will Delight

John Andrew Schreiner, Walt Harrah
© 1991 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

Keep the Feast

Ben Shive, Skye Peterson
© 2024 Getty Music Publishing (BMI), Beehive Hymns (BMI)
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

Come Unto Jesus

Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story, Matthew Merker
© 2023 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music
© 2023 Laura’s Stories and Songs; Matthew Merker Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise

Text by Herbert F. Brokering
Tune by Carl F. Schalk
© 1983 Augsburg Publishing House
Used with permission, CCLI license #20286740

Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing

Text: John Fawcett
Tune: Henry T. Smart
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, Sep 7:

Worship Service (Rev. 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.

St. James Family Picnic: 12 PM

Sunday, September 7th

Tuesday, Sep 9:

Second Tuesday Women’s Bible Study: 6 PM to 8 PM

The Second Tuesday Women’s Bible Study group will be taking a summer break. The next meeting will be September 9th.

Wednesday, Sep 10:

Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Downstairs.

Jr & Sr High Youth Group @ Staake Home: 6:30 PM to 8 PM

Thursday, Sep 11:

AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, Sep 13:

No Women’s Bible Study

AA Meeting: 1:30 PM