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TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
August 2, 2026
GATHERING AND PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Leader: Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed!
PRELUDE: “Adagio” from Symphony #5 Piotr Tchaikovsky
Readying Our Hearts (A time of silent prayer and reflection in preparation for worshiping God together.)
Scripture for Reflection and Memorization: Romans 14:23
“But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
CALL TO WORSHIP: (adapted from Psalm 95:1-7)
Leader: Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
People: Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.
Leader: In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him.
People: The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.
Leader: Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
People: For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.
PRAYER OF ADORATION/INVOCATION
*GATHERING SONG: “My Life Is in You, Lord” Daniel Gardner
Acoustic Worship Team
Chorus
My life is in You, Lord.
My strength is in You, Lord.
My hope is in You, Lord.
In You, it’s in You. (repeat)
Verse
I will praise You with all of my life.
I will praise You with all of my strength.
With all of my life, with all of my strength,
All of my hope is in You. (Chorus)
SCRIPTURE READING: Ephesians 2:11-22 (Pew Bible pp. 1819-1820)
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands) — remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Leader: This is the word of the LORD.
People: Thanks be to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison prayer after a time of silent personal confession.)
Blessed Redeemer, the Son of the Most High God, the Christ of humanity, Who is loving toward us despite having been despised and rejected by us; Who is patient and forbearing with us despite the pain our sins brought upon You; Who shows grace upon grace toward us even when we disobey Your commands and dishonor Your name; grant that by Your wounds we would be healed. Forgive our selfish actions and self-centered attitudes, and so fill us with Your Spirit, that we might walk in Your ways, and speak of Your goodness and truth. Cleanse us from our sins that the radiance of Your glory might flow through us, and that through our witness of Your love many who are lost might come to know the love and acceptance that is for all who come to You in faith.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (adapted from Matthew 11:28-30)
Leader: In love Jesus calls out to all God’s children saying, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Remembering the forgiveness that’s yours through faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice, and having confessed your sins to God, turn from sin and take hold of God’s forgiveness, and walk in the peace and rest that’s yours in Christ.
*All: (Gloria Patri)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH GOD’S WORD
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Peter 3:8-12 (Pew Bible p. 1890)
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,
‘Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and His ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.’”
Leader: This is the word of the LORD.
People: Thanks be to God.
*SONG: #477 “Come and Find the Quiet Center”
Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.
Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, touches base,
Making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,
Raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.
In the Spirit let us travel, open to each other’s pain,
Let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain:
There’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care,
In the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare!
SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 14:19-23 (Pew Bible p. 1766)
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
[Chiastic Structure using synonymous repetition in the structure of chapter 14: ABCDEFF⸝E⸝D⸝C⸝B⸝A⸝
A: 14:5: Be fully convinced in your own mind.
B: 14:13: Don’t put a stumbling block in your brother’s way.
C: 14:14: Nothing (no food) is unclean.
D: 14:15: Do not destroy your brother.
E: 14:16: Do not let your good (liberty) be spoken of as evil.
F: 14:17: The kingdom of God is … peace.
F⸝: 14:19: Pursue the things that make for peace.
E⸝: 14:20: Your clean food becomes evil if you hurt a brother.
D⸝: 14:20: Do not tear down the work of God.
C⸝: 14:20: All things indeed are clean.
B⸝: 14:21: Don’t do anything by which your brother stumbles.
A⸝: 14:22: Have your own conviction before God.]
Leader: This is the word of the LORD.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON: “Conscience-Honoring Kingdom Building”
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD THROUGH AFFIRMATION,
OFFERING, AND PRAYER
*SONG OF REFLECTION AND RESPONSE: #571 “Christ, You Call Us All to Service”
Christ, You call us all to service, call us all who follow You;
Plant in us a deep commitment all Your work and will to do.
Fire a passion for Your justice, in us kindle love of peace;
Help us heal the broken hearted, to the captive bring release.
Teach us how to work together, brothers, sisters, side by side,
Equal partners in the struggle, in the cause of truth allied.
To each one some gift is given, man or woman, young or old;
Help us use each skill and talent Your great purpose to unfold.
Let us be a servant people, reconciling, ending strife,
Seeking ways more just of sharing and of ordering human life.
Fill us with a glowing vision of this world as it should be;
Send us forth to change that vision into blest reality.
THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER AND OFFERING
Invitation
Affirmation of Faith: The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered death and was buried. On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Words of Institution
Partaking of the Elements and the Giving of Our Offering
“I Will Remember” Montgomery/Greatorex
Acoustic Worship Team
Verse 1
According to Thy gracious Word
In meek humility
This will I do my dying Lord
I will remember Thee.
Verse 2
Thy body broken for my sake
My bread from heaven shall be
Thy testamental cup I take
And thus remember Thee.
Bridge
I will remember
I will remember
I will remember
Remember Thee.
Verse 3
When to the cross I turn mine eyes
And rest on Calvary
O Lamb of God my sacrifice
I must remember Thee.
Verse 4
Remember Thee and all Thy pains
And all Thy love to me
Yea while a breath a pulse remains
Will I remember Thee.
(For those joining us in the Sanctuary this morning, you are invited, as you come forward to receive the Communion Elements, and as you feel so led, to place your offering in one of the plates up front. For those unable to be with us physically, you are encouraged to partake of the elements in your home at this time. Also, as you are able, we invite you to set aside your offering as an act of personal dedication at this time, either to be mailed in, dropped off at the church, or brought in when you are able to join us in worship. Let this time be one of receiving from and offering yourself to our Lord — to the praise of His glory.)
Prayer of Self-Commitment and Dedication of Offering
*Sung Response (Doxology)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER OF INTERCESSION/SUPPLICATION
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
BRINGING OUR WORSHIP INTO OUR WORLD
MINUTE FOR MINISTRY: Stewardship Peter Laz
*SENDING SONG: #581 “Called as Partner’s in Christ’s Service”
Called as partners in Christ’s service, called to ministries of grace,
We respond with deep commitment fresh new lines of faith to trace.
May we learn the art of sharing, side by side and friend with friend,
Equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end.
Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring, Christ’s clear call to work and worth,
Let us follow, never faltering, reconciling folk on earth.
Men and women, richer, poorer, all God’s people, young and old,
Blending human skills together gracious gifts from God unfold.
Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission, in a small or global sense,
Help us bear each other’s burdens, breaking down each wall or fence.
Words of comfort, words of vision, words of challenge, said with care,
Bring new power and strength for action, make us colleagues, free and fair.
So God grant us for tomorrow ways to order human life
That surround each person’s sorrow with a calm that conquers strife.
Make us partners in our living, our compassion to increase,
Messengers of faith, thus giving hope and confidence and peace.
*BENEDICTION: (Romans 15:13)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
POSTLUDE: “Triumphal March” Edvard Grieg
______________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Note: Church’s email address – office@trinitychurchtroy.org. Website address – www.trinitychurchtroy.org.)
- If you would like to help support the work of Hope 7 in our local community, we encourage you to drop off non-perishable food items, toiletries and other hygiene items either at Trinity Church, or at Hope 7 directly (M-F 9:30-11:45), or call Sue Laz (518-892-4042) to arrange for a pick-up.
- We are receiving new or gently used clothes for the Capital City Rescue Mission (CCRM). There is a box in the narthex for donations. You may bring your items to the church or call Sue Laz to arrange for a pick-up.
- Church “business-style” cards are available in the narthex. You are encouraged to take some to hand out as you invite others to join us in worship.
- Sunday morning prayer, 8:30-9:00am in the Prayer Room/Library. Join us as we pray for Sunday’s worship as well as other needs, concerns, praises, and thanksgivings.
- Adult Sunday morning Bible Study meets before worship (9:15-10:00am). We are at the beginning of a series on Christin Apologetics (The reasoned defense and intellectual justification of the Christian faith.) using the book “Confronting Christianity” by Rebecca McLaugh. All are encouraged to join us.
- Wednesday evening Bible Study will meet on Wednesday, August 5th. We will continue our study of Romans with our focus on Romans 15:1-3. You can find the Zoom link at the church’s website under “Digital meetings” or as included here — https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84268790436.
- Beach Themed Picnic following worship – next Sunday, August 9th. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and Hawaiian Leis will be provided. If you are able, please bring a dish to share and be ready to have a fun time celebrating summer and fellowship with your faith family. There will be a themed backdrop ready for you to take pictures with your friends.
- “Revive” Prayer Gathering, August 12th from 6:15-7:15. We will gather to share a meal together, have a brief devotional time, and spend time together in prayer for revival: revival in our hearts, in our church, and in our community that those who profess faith in Jesus would have their faith refreshed and renewed and they would recommit to walking more closely with the Lord. We will also be praying for an awakening of hearts in our church and community, that those who do not yet know Jesus would seek after and come to know God through faith in His Son. If you are planning to attend, please speak with Sue, Peter, Andy, Pat or Pastor John so we can have an idea of how many to expect for the meal (dinner provided).
- Serving at the Capital City Rescue Mission, Saturday, August 15th. We have the privilege to minister to those in need by helping to serve the evening meal at the Capital City Rescue Mission. We will meet at the church at 5:00 for those wishing to carpool to the mission or you can meet us there around 5:30. Serving involves ensuring the tables are set for dinner, serving the meal, and cleaning up the tables afterwards. If you can help, please speak with Peter Laz.