In Matthew 14, we encounter Peter stepping out of the boat onto the stormy sea to walk toward Jesus. Like Peter, we often begin our journey with bold faith, only to become overwhelmed when the winds and waves of life’s trials crash around us. When we fixate on the size of our problems rather than the power of our Savior, fear takes over, and we begin to sink under the weight of our circumstances.

Yet, Peter’s story does not end in the depths of the sea—and neither does ours. At the exact moment Peter cries out in helplessness, Jesus reaches down, grabs his hand, and saves him. True faith isn't about our ability to perform miracles or stand strong on our own merit; it is about confessing our total dependence on the God who holds authority over every storm.

When you look back on the hardships you have endured with the help of the Lord, you may realize you have already walked on water through His grace. As you listen to today's message, be encouraged that Christ’s hand is never too short to save. In your moment of deepest fear, He is right there to pull you up and demonstrate His real power to rescue.

Service times:

Live on YouTube
In person worship

Order of service:

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Aug 9, 2026

Readings:

Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Romans 5:8-11
Psalm reading is from Psalm 34:4-8
Old Testament reading is from Job 38:4–18
New Testament reading is from Romans 10:5–17
Holy Gospel is from Matthew 14:22–33

Songs and Hymns:

Sing a New Song
Daniel N. Skorich, Danielle Rose Skorich
Copyright © 2009, Danielle Rose Skorich, published by World Library Publications
Used with permission: One License #728607-A
Lift High The Name Of Jesus
Tune: Ed Cash; Fionán de Barra; Kristyn Getty; Keith Getty
Text: Kristyn Getty; Keith Getty; Fionán De Barra; Ed Cash
Tune and Text: © Getty Music; © Fionan De Barra Pub Designee; © Capital CMG Publishing
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
II Andantino quasi allegretto
Camille Saint-Saëns, 1880
Public domain
Thy Word
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith
© 1984 Meadowgreen Music Company; Vinny Mae’s Girl
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Text (sts. 1–4): William Whiting, 1825–78, alt.; (sts. 2a–3a): Robert N. Spencer, 1877–1961, alt.
Text (sts. 2–3): © The Church Pension Fund. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220
Tune: John B. Dykes, 1823–76
Text (sts. 1–4) and tune: Public domain
Jesus Lead Thou On
Text: Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, 1700–60; tr. Jane L. Borthwick, 1813–97, alt.
Tune: Adam Drese, 1620–1701
Public domain
Victory in Jesus
Keith Getty; Kristyn Getty; Matt Boswell; Eugene M. Bartlett
© 2024 Messenger Hymns; © 2024 Getty Music Publishing; © 2024 Albert E Brumley and Sons
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

Announcements:

Saturday, Aug 8:
Sisterhood: Anchored In Hope: 9 AM to 1 PM

Saturday, August 8 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Find your footing, trade the chaos for peace, and secure your spot today for a day of biblical teaching and genuine fellowship at our Anchored in Hope sisterhood event! Register today! Bring a friend—just make sure to register her separately!  Questions? Contact Cheryl at the church […]

Sunday, Aug 9:
Worship Service (Pastor Bill Engfehr): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
Sunday School: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

Downstaris.

Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM

Downstairs.

Wednesday, Aug 12:
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, Aug 13:
AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, Aug 15:
Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
Saint James Education Support

2026-2027 School Year

Evidentialist vs. Presuppositionalist Apologetics (Ep149)

Christianity is a missionary religion, and Christians are supposed to be able to talk about their faith in Jesus with those who are unbelievers. But should Christians try to convince unbelievers with evidence for Christianity, or is there a better way to argue for the truth of the biblical narrative? Chuck and Aaron talk about how best to do Christian apologetics on this episode of Craving Answers, Craving God.


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