July 19, 2026

THE SERVICE

EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST—CHRISTIANS LIVE AS WHEAT AMONG WEEDS

The wheat that grows in the Middle East is a variety that looks much like wild grass or weeds. It is difficult to tell wheat and weeds apart until shortly before harvest time, when the wheat stalks develop a head containing the kernels of grain. Pulling the weeds out of a wheat field could lead to accidentally pulling up a fair amount of wheat. People need to wait for the harvest to separate wheat from weeds.

Jesus uses that image to illustrate life this side of heaven. What makes Christians different? They are wheat planted by the Lord. Unbelieving evildoers are pictured as weeds. We might want God to take care of evil now, pulling up all the weeds. But he tells us to wait for the harvest of judgment day. So we live as wheat among weeds, being faithful, fruitful, and mindful of the coming harvest.

OPENING HYMN 612 How Great Thou Art

1 O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed; (Refrain)

Ref Then sings my soul, my Savior-God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior-God to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!

2 When through the woods and forest glades I wander
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze; (Refrain)

3       And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
    sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
that on the cross my burden gladly bearing
    he bled and died to take away my sin; (Refrain)

4 When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
and there proclaim: “My God, how great thou art!” (Refrain)

Text: Stuart W. K. Hine, 1899–1989
Text: © 1949, 1953 The Stuart Hine Trust . US print rights admin. Hope Publishing Co. All other rights admin. Capitol CMG Publishing. . Used by permission: OneLicense no. 717826

Please Stand

INVOCATION 154 Setting One

In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

CONFESSION

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Holy God, gracious Father,
    I am sinful by nature
        and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions.
    I have not loved you with my whole heart;
    I have not loved others as I should.
        I deserve your punishment both now and forever.
    But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins
        with his innocent suffering and death.
    Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Silence for meditation and reflection

ABSOLUTION 154

Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

THE WORD

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray.

O God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of your final judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of living here and dwell with you in perfect joy hereafter; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Be seated

FIRST READING Isaiah 44:6–11

Like wheat among weeds, Christians live surrounded by evil in this world.

6“This is what the Lord says—
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
7Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
and what is yet to come— yes, let them foretell what will come.
8Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”

9All who make idols are nothing,
and the things they treasure are worthless.
Those who would speak up for them are blind;
they are ignorant, to their own shame.
10Who shapes a god and casts an idol,
which can profit nothing?
11People who do that will be put to shame;
such craftsmen are only human beings.
Let them all come together and take their stand;
they will be brought down to terror and shame.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 19

1The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.

7The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

10They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
11By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

14May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

SECOND READING Romans 1:18–25

God is not ambivalent about evil in the world. But his wrath will be fully revealed only at judgment day.

18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Please Stand

GOSPEL (in English and Karen) Matthew 13:24–30,36–43

The Lord has a plan to separate wheat and weeds at the final harvest.

24Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28“ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29“ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ ”

36Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

37He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

40“As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ!

Be seated

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE

HYMN OF THE DAY 491 Come, You Thankful People, Come

1 Come, you thankful people, come;
raise the song of harvest home.
    All be safely gathered in
    ere the winter storms begin.
God, our maker, shall provide
for our wants to be supplied.
    Come to God’s own temple, come;
    raise the song of harvest home.

2 All the world is God’s own field,
fruit unto his praise to yield;
    wheat and weeds together sown,
    unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear,
then the full corn shall appear.
    Lord of harvest, grant that we
    wholesome grain and pure may be.

3       For the Lord our God shall come
and shall take his harvest home,
    from his field shall in that day
    all offenses purge away,
give his angels charge at last
in the fire the weeds to cast,
    but the fruitful ears to store
    in his garner evermore.

4 Even so, Lord, quickly come
to your final harvest home;
    gather all your people in,
    free from sorrow, free from sin,
there, forever purified,
in your garner to abide.
    Come with all your angels, come;
    raise the glorious harvest home.

Text: Henry Alford, 1810–1871, alt.
Text: Public domain

SERMON

Please Stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH Nicene Creed 325 & 381 AD

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 in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian 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.

Be seated

OFFERING PRESENTED BEFORE THE ALTAR

OFFERING HYMN 942 Create in Me a Clean Heart

♫ Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with your free Spirit. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

O Lord, let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing in your sight.

Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer, receive our prayers.

Give us patience as we live in the world. Keep us humble, faithful and watchful as we wait for your return and the final judgment.

Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer, receive our prayers.

Let your eternal power and divine nature be clearly seen by the people of the world, that they may hear your Word and understand your power and your mercy.

Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer, receive our prayers.

You have entrusted the teaching of your Word to us, your Church. You have also called people among us to preach the Word, correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. Give all teachers of your Word wisdom and faithfulness.

Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer, receive our prayers.

The devil rages against us, the world around us is full of temptations to do evil, and our sinful flesh tempts us to selfishness from within. With your mighty Word drive back the devil, instruct us in what is right and strengthen our faith as we follow you.

Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer, receive our prayers.

O Lord, your words are perfect. Refresh the souls of those who suffer hardships of many kinds, [especially…]. Give joy to troubled hearts. Give light to weary eyes.

Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer, receive our prayers.

Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

Listen, Lord, to the thoughts and cares of our hearts.

Silent prayer.

Lord God, heavenly Father, by your Holy Spirit defend us from the enemy, that he may not sow weeds in our hearts. Keep us from worldly security, help us in all temptations, and bring us at last to eternal salvation; through your beloved Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Please Stand

THE SACRAMENT

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who promised that wherever two or three come together in his name, there he is with them to shepherd his flock until he comes again in glory. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

SANCTUS 184 Holy, Holy, Holy

♫ Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power, God of might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest!

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Lord God, you are worthy to receive thanks and praise from all people. You created the world and all who live in it, and in your mercy you saved us. We give thanks to you for the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Though in very nature God, he took the nature of a servant and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He offered himself as a sacrifice for sin and redeemed us from its curse and penalty. He rescued us from the terrors of death and restored eternal life with you. He conquered our enemies and gained for us the kingdom of grace and glory.

Bless us as we receive your Son’s body and blood, and lead us to remember his suffering, death, and resurrection. Forgive our sins and fill us with the hope of new life in heaven. Hear our praise and receive our thanks as we worship you—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my T body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my T blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.

AGNUS DEI 186 Jesus, Lamb of God

♫ Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us your peace.

Be seated

DISTRIBUTION

We now invite all the communicant members of St. Peter Lutheran Church and all the communicant members of churches in fellowship with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) to participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Please see the front page for a further description of our member-only communion practice.

DISTRIBUTION HYMN 821 On Eagle’s Wings sts. 1, Ref, 2–3, Final Refrain

1 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in his shadow for life,
say to the Lord: “My refuge,
my rock in whom I trust!” (Refrain)

Ref And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of his hand.

2 The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
and famine will bring you no fear;
under his wings your refuge,
his faithfulness your shield. (Refrain)

3 For to his angels he’s given a command
to guard you in all of your ways;
upon their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone. (Final Refrain)

Final Refrain
And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of his hand.
And hold you, hold you in the palm of his hand.

Text: Michael Joncas, b. 1951, abr.
Text: © 1979 OCP Publications. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 717826

Please Stand

NUNC DIMITTIS 951 Lord, Now You Let Your Servant

♫ Lord, now you let your servant
depart in peace according to your word.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared before the face of all people,
a light to lighten the Gentiles
and the glory of your people Israel.

Text: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, rev.
Text: Public domain

THANKSGIVING

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his mercy endures forever.

Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet you have given us in this Sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit, help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and T give you peace.
Amen.

CLOSING HYMN 704 Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus

1 Let us ever walk with Jesus,
    follow his example pure,
flee the world which would deceive us
    and to sin our souls allure.
Ever in his footsteps treading,
    body here, yet soul above,
    full of faith and hope and love,
let us do the Father’s bidding.
    Faithful Lord, abide with me;
    Savior, lead; I follow thee.

2 Let us suffer here with Jesus,
    to his image e’er conform;
heaven’s glory soon will please us,
    sunshine follow on the storm.
Though we sow in tears of sorrow,
    we shall reap in heav’nly joy,
    and the fears that now annoy
shall be laughter on the morrow.
    Christ, I suffer here with thee;
    there, O share thy joy with me.

3       Let us also die with Jesus;
    his death from the second death,
from our soul’s destruction, frees us,
    quickens us with life’s glad breath.
Let us mortify, while living,
    flesh and blood and die to sin,
    and the grave that shuts us in
shall but prove the gate to heaven.
    Jesus, here I die to thee,
    there to live eternally.

4 Let us gladly live with Jesus;
    since he’s risen from the dead,
death and grave must soon release us.
    Jesus, thou art now our head.
We are truly thine own members,
    where thou livest, there live we;
    take and own us constantly,
faithful Friend, as thy dear brethren.
    Jesus, here I live to thee,
    also there eternally.

Text: Sigmund von Birken, 1626–1681; tr. J. Adam Rimbach, 1871–1941, alt.
Text: Public domain

T T T

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you—to all who participated in our service today.
Musicians—English—Anna Meier; Spanish—Matthew Borck
Preacher & Presider—Pastor William Dunn

New Member Welcome—If you are interested in becoming a new member at St. Peter, we are planning to have our next new member welcome on Sunday, August 2nd during both services. Schedule the new member classes at stpeter.link/meet or talk to Pastor Dunn.

Summer Schedule continues—This week we continue our summer break from Sunday school. You can pick up the Diving Deeper study to take with you or stay after the service to go through it as a small group.

St. Peter Summer Meetups—Our next meet-up will be at Whitnall park on Wednesday, July 29 from 6-8 pm. We will have meet ups every other week at various Milwaukee Parks and Beer gardens.

Christ-St. Peter School News—Registration for k3 through 8th grade is open for the 2026-2027 school year. Enroll online at stpeter.link/csp.

Help us get the word out about our school and canvass our neighborhoods—due to the heat both canvassing days will be rescheduled.

Special prayers—Please speak with Pastor Dunn about any special prayer requests, fill out the prayer request card, or go to stpeter.link/prayer: Rodrigo Concha, Roy Gutierrez, Jesús, Kevin, y Gabriel Luna, Ron Metoxen, Pastor Martin Schoell, Randy Tiutczenko, Carol Tousignant

Birthdays—7/19 Eric Duwe, Tristan Wright; 7/20 Carrie Baade; 7/22 Brandon Perez, Catherine Borck, Ian Orozco-Reyes; 7/23 Justin Jensen, Nayana Gomez, Katherine Urfer

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming Meetings: Council—9/1 at 6:30 pm; Voter’s—10/6 at 6:30 pm; CSP ECCE—8/10 at 6:30 pm.
Next Food & Clothing Pantry—Friday, August 14 at 4 pm and Saturday, August 15 at 10 am.
Next Combined Service—Church Picnic & Welcome Back Sunday—August 30, 10:30 am followed by a picnic at Wilson Park.

NEXT SUNDAY AT ST. PETER—July 26

9:00 am—English Worship w/ communion
11:30 am—Bilingual Worship w/ communion

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Artwork: Ian M. Welch. © 2016. All rights reserved. (paramentics.com); Corissa Nelson © 2016-present All rights reserved. (corissanelsonart.com). Servicio Divino © 2021 Iglesia Luterana Confesional de Chile. All rights reserved. Translations in English are not official unless otherwise noted.

——-

BIENVENIDOS A SAN PEDRO

¡Bienvenidos a todos los reunidos aquí hoy, especialmente a nuestros visitantes! Si esta es tu primera vez con nosotros, queremos darte una bienvenida especial a San Pedro. Nos alegra mucho que estés aquí. Para celebrarlo, nos encantaría hacer una donación de $5 en tu nombre a una organización benéfica de tu elección. Esto es algo que hacemos regularmente en San Pedro y es un proceso muy sencillo. Solo escanea el código QR y recibirás un mensaje preguntándote a qué organización deseas que hagamos la donación. ¡Gracias una vez más por acompañarnos hoy!

ACERCA DE NUESTRO MINISTERIO

Nuestra Misión—Alcanzando a personas de todos los orígenes con la verdadera Palabra de Dios, la Iglesia Luterana San Pedro edifica vidas sobre Cristo, la Roca.

Clase de Membresía: Biblia 101—¿Te gustaría aprender más sobre la Biblia o conocer mejor nuestra iglesia? El Pastor Dunn se reunirá contigo, te guiará por un resumen de las enseñanzas de la Biblia y responderá cualquier pregunta. ¡Esta también es la manera de convertirte en miembro de San Pedro! Infórmale al Pastor Dunn que estás interesado en stpeter.link/primer.

Grupos Pequeños y Estudios Bíblicos—En San Pedro, nuestro objetivo es edificar vidas sobre Cristo, la Roca. Porque queremos que cada miembro tenga un espacio donde pueda hacer preguntas sinceras, compartir sus luchas y recibir ánimo de confianza, ¡contamos con más de 7 estudios bíblicos y grupos pequeños regulares en San Pedro! stpeter.link/estudio

Programas y Servicios Comunitarios—Clases de inglés (martes y jueves), despensa de alimentos y ropa (cada mes, el tercer viernes y sábado), apoyo para embarazadas (martes), ¡y mucho más! Nuestro propósito es mostrar el amor de Cristo sirviendo a nuestros vecinos. Descubre más en stpeter.link/comunidad.

Nuestra Escuela—Cristo-San Pedro es nuestra escuela desde K3 hasta 8º grado. Ofrecemos una educación centrada en Cristo que inspire la excelencia académica y prepare a nuestros estudiantes para vidas de servicio cristiano. stpeter.link/csp

INTRODUCCIÓN A LA ADORACIÓN

Ofrecemos un servicio en inglés con traducciones en español y karen para toda la familia en las comunidades de Walker’s Square y Walker's Point. En nuestro servicio nos reunimos delante de nuestro Dios todopoderoso para ofrecerle nuestra adoración y alabanza. También nos congregamos para escuchar la santa y poderosa Palabra de Dios y para celebrar sus sacramentos que dan la vida. Por estos medios, Dios fortalece nuestra fe y nos trae siempre más cerca a nuestro hogar eterno. Se invita a la congregación a cantar y hablar las partes del servicio impresas en negrita.

INFORMACIÓN Y NOTAS DEL SERVICIO

Baños—Hay un baño ubicado por la entrada de la iglesia. Los baños adicionales también se encuentran abajo.

Niños en el servicio—Animamos a todos nuestros niños a quedarse y participar con nosotros en el servicio. Sin embargo, si necesita un espacio tranquilo para su hijo, tenemos una habitación privada disponible por la entrada de la iglesia.

La ofrenda—Si nos acompañas como visitante hoy, por favor no te sientas obligado(a) a participar.

Comunión solo para miembros—Pedimos que solo participen en la comunión los miembros de San Pedro y los en comunión con WELS. Para más información sobre esta práctica, por favor lea la explicación en stpeter.link/comunion.

Peticiones de oración—se pueden hacer en persona o en stpeter.link/oracion.

St. Peter Tap—Para acceder a los enlaces importantes de adoración en su teléfono (info para visitantes, boletín, ofrenda, etc.), toque el logotipo de San Pedro en la banca con su teléfono.

EL SERVICIO

OCTAVO DOMINGO DESPUÉS DE PENTECOSTÉS—LOS CRISTIANOS VIVEN COMO TRIGO ENTRE LA CIZAÑA

El trigo que crece en Oriente Medio es una variedad que se asemeja mucho a la hierba silvestre o a la cizaña. Resulta difícil distinguir entre el trigo y la cizaña hasta poco antes de la cosecha, momento en que los tallos de trigo desarrollan la espiga que contiene los granos. Arrancar la cizaña de un campo de trigo podría llevar a arrancar accidentalmente una cantidad considerable de trigo. Es necesario esperar a la cosecha para separar el trigo de la cizaña.

Jesús utiliza esta imagen para ilustrar la vida en este mundo, antes de llegar al cielo. ¿Qué diferencia a los cristianos? Son trigo sembrado por el Señor. Los malvados que no creen son representados como cizaña. Quizás quisiéramos que Dios se ocupara del mal ahora mismo, arrancando toda la cizaña; sin embargo, Él nos pide que esperemos a la cosecha del día del juicio. Así pues, vivimos como trigo entre la cizaña, manteniéndonos fieles y fructíferos, y conscientes de la cosecha venidera.

HIMNO DE APERTURA 612 S HL963 Señor, mi Dios

1 Señor, mi Dios, al contemplar los cielos,
El firmamento-y las estrellas mil;
Al oír tu voz en los potentes truenos
Y ver brillar el sol en su cenit:
(estribillo)

Estr Mi corazón entona la canción,
¡Cuán grande-es Él! ¡Cuán grande-es Él!
Mi corazón entona la canción,
¡Cuán grande-es Él! ¡Cuán grande-es Él!.

2 Al recorrer los montes y los valles,
Y ver las bellas flores al pasar;
Al escuchar el canto de las aves
Y-el murmurar del claro manantial:
(estribillo)

3 Cuando me-acuerdo del amor divino
Que desde-el cielo-al Salvador envió,
Aquel Jesús que por salvarme vino
Y-en una cruz por mí su vida dio. (estribillo)

4 Cuando-el Señor me llame-a su presencia,
Al dulce-hogar, al cielo de-esplendor,
Le-adoraré, cantando la grandeza
De su poder y su-infinito-amor: (estribillo)

Text: Stuart K. Hine, 1899-1989; trad. Arturo W. Hotton Rives, s.f.
Text: © 1953 Lillenas Publishing Co.; © 1981 Manna Music, Inc. Used by permission: Onelicense no. 717826

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INVOCACIÓN 172 Setting One (traducido)

En el nombre del Padre y del T Hijo y del Espíritu Santo.
Amén.

CONFESIÓN

Si afirmamos que no tenemos pecado, nos engañamos a nosotros mismos y no tenemos la verdad.
Si confesamos nuestros pecados, Dios, que es fiel y justo,
nos los perdonará
y nos limpiará de toda maldad.

Confesemos nuestros pecados al Señor.
Santo Dios, Padre misericordioso,
    Por naturaleza soy pecador,
        y he pecado contra ti en pensamiento, palabra y obra.
    No te he amado con todo mi corazón;
    No he amado a otros como debo.
        Merezco tu castigo tanto ahora como por la eternidad.
    Pero Jesús, mi Salvador, ha pagado por mis pecados
        con su sufrimiento inocente y muerte en la cruz.
    Confiando en él, oro: Dios, ten misericordia de mi, un pecador.

Silencio para meditación y reflexión

ABSOLUCIÓN

Nuestro Padre amable en los cielos ha tenido misericordia de nosotros. Él envió a su único Hijo, Jesucristo, quien dio su vida como el sacrificio propicio por los pecados de todo el mundo. Por eso, como siervo llamado por Cristo y por su autoridad, yo te perdono todos tus pecados en el nombre, del Padre, y del T Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo.
Amén.

LA PALABRA

El Señor sea con ustedes.
Y contigo también.

ORACIÓN DEL DÍA

Oremos.

Oh Dios, gobierna y dirige de tal manera nuestros corazones y mentes mediante tu Espíritu Santo que, siempre conscientes de tu juicio final, seamos impulsados a vivir en santidad en esta vida y a habitar contigo en perfecta alegría en la venidera; por tu Hijo, Jesucristo nuestro Señor, que vive y reina contigo y el Espíritu Santo, un solo Dios, ahora y por siempre.
Amén.

Se pueden sentar

PRIMERA LECTURA Isaías 44:6–11

Como el trigo entre la cizaña, los cristianos viven rodeados de maldad en este mundo.

      6 »Así dice el SEÑOR, el SEÑOR Todopoderoso,
      rey y redentor de Israel:
      “Yo soy el primero y el último;
      fuera de mí no hay otro dios.
      7 ¿Quién es como yo? Que lo diga. Que declare lo que ha ocurrido
      desde que establecí a mi antiguo pueblo;
      que exponga ante mí lo que está por venir,
      ¡que anuncie lo que va a suceder!
      8 No tiemblen ni se asusten.
      ¿Acaso no lo anuncié y profeticé hace tiempo?
      Ustedes son mis testigos. ¿Hay algún Dios fuera de mí?
      No, no hay otra Roca; no conozco ninguna.” »

      9 Los que fabrican ídolos no valen nada;
      inútiles son sus obras más preciadas.
      Para su propia vergüenza,
      sus propios testigos no ven ni conocen.
      10 ¿Quién modela un dios o funde un ídolo,
      que no le sirve para nada?
      11 Todos sus devotos quedarán avergonzados;
      ¡simples mortales son los artesanos!
      Que todos se reúnan y comparezcan;
      ¡aterrados y avergonzados quedarán todos ellos!

Ésta es la Palabra de Dios.
Te alabamos, Señor.

SALMO DEL DÍA Salmo 19

     1 Los cielos cuentan la gloria de Dios,
      el firmamento proclama la obra de sus manos.
      2 Un día transmite al otro la noticia,
      una noche a la otra comparte su saber.
      3 Sin palabras, sin lenguaje,
      sin una voz perceptible,
      4 por toda la tierra resuena su eco,
      ¡sus palabras llegan hasta los confines del mundo!
      Dios ha plantado en los cielos un pabellón para el sol.
      5 Y éste, como novio que sale de la cámara nupcial,
      se apresta, cual atleta, a recorrer el camino.
      6 Sale de un extremo de los cielos
      y, en su recorrido, llega al otro extremo,
      sin que nada se libre de su calor.

      7 La ley del SEÑOR es perfecta:
      infunde nuevo aliento.
      El mandato del SEÑOR es digno de confianza:
      da sabiduría al sencillo.
      8 Los preceptos del SEÑOR son rectos:
      traen alegría al corazón.
      El mandamiento del SEÑOR es claro:
      da luz a los ojos.
      9 El temor del SEÑOR es puro:
      permanece para siempre.
      Las sentencias del SEÑOR son verdaderas:
      todas ellas son justas.

      10 Son más deseables que el oro,
      más que mucho oro refinado;
      son más dulces que la miel,
      la miel que destila del panal.
      11 Por ellas queda advertido tu siervo;
      quien las obedece recibe una gran recompensa.
      12 ¿Quién está consciente de sus propios errores?
      ¡Perdóname aquellos de los que no estoy consciente!
      13 Libra, además, a tu siervo de pecar a sabiendas;
      no permitas que tales pecados me dominen.
      Así estaré libre de culpa
      y de multiplicar mis pecados.

      14 Sean, pues, aceptables ante ti
      mis palabras y mis pensamientos,
      oh SEÑOR, roca mía y redentor mío.

SEGUNDA LECTURA Romanos 1:18–25

Dios no es ambivalente respecto al mal en el mundo. Pero su ira se revelará plenamente solo en el día del juicio.

18 Ciertamente, la ira de Dios viene revelándose desde el cielo contra toda impiedad e injusticia de los seres humanos, que con su maldad obstruyen la verdad. 19 Me explico: lo que se puede conocer acerca de Dios es evidente para ellos, pues él mismo se lo ha revelado. 20 Porque desde la creación del mundo las cualidades invisibles de Dios, es decir, su eterno poder y su naturaleza divina, se perciben claramente a través de lo que él creó, de modo que nadie tiene excusa.

21 A pesar de haber conocido a Dios, no lo glorificaron como a Dios ni le dieron gracias, sino que se extraviaron en sus inútiles razonamientos, y se les oscureció su insensato corazón. 22 Aunque afirmaban ser sabios, se volvieron necios 23 y cambiaron la gloria del Dios inmortal por imágenes que eran réplicas del hombre mortal, de las aves, de los cuadrúpedos y de los reptiles.

24 Por eso Dios los entregó a los malos deseos de sus corazones, que conducen a la impureza sexual, de modo que degradaron sus cuerpos los unos con los otros. 25 Cambiaron la verdad de Dios por la mentira, adorando y sirviendo a los seres creados antes que al Creador, quien es bendito por siempre. Amén.

Ésta es la Palabra de Dios.
Te alabamos, Señor.

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EVANGELIO (en inglés y karen) Mateo 13:24–30,36–43

El Señor tiene un plan para separar el trigo de la cizaña en la cosecha final.

24 Jesús les contó otra parábola: «El reino de los cielos es como un hombre que sembró buena semilla en su campo. 25 Pero mientras todos dormían, llegó su enemigo y sembró mala hierba entre el trigo, y se fue. 26 Cuando brotó el trigo y se formó la espiga, apareció también la mala hierba. 27 Los siervos fueron al dueño y le dijeron: “Señor, ¿no sembró usted semilla buena en su campo? Entonces, ¿de dónde salió la mala hierba?” 28 “Esto es obra de un enemigo”, les respondió. Le preguntaron los siervos: “¿Quiere usted que vayamos a arrancarla?” 29 “¡No!—les contestó—, no sea que, al arrancar la mala hierba, arranquen con ella el trigo. 30 Dejen que crezcan juntos hasta la cosecha. Entonces les diré a los segadores: Recojan primero la mala hierba, y átenla en manojos para quemarla; después recojan el trigo y guárdenlo en mi granero.” »

36 Una vez que se despidió de la multitud, entró en la casa. Se le acercaron sus discípulos y le pidieron: —Explícanos la parábola de la mala hierba del campo.

37 —El que sembró la buena semilla es el Hijo del hombre—les respondió Jesús—. 38 El campo es el mundo, y la buena semilla representa a los hijos del reino. La mala hierba son los hijos del maligno, 39 y el enemigo que la siembra es el diablo. La cosecha es el fin del mundo, y los segadores son los ángeles.

40 »Así como se recoge la mala hierba y se quema en el fuego, ocurrirá también al fin del mundo. 41 El Hijo del hombre enviará a sus ángeles, y arrancarán de su reino a todos los que pecan y hacen pecar. 42 Los arrojarán al horno encendido, donde habrá llanto y rechinar de dientes. 43 Entonces los justos brillarán en el reino de su Padre como el sol. El que tenga oídos, que oiga.

Éste es el Evangelio de Dios.
Te alabamos, Señor.

Se pueden sentar

MENSAJE PARA LOS NIÑOS

HIMNO DEL DÍA 491 S OC699 Elevemos al Creador

1 Elevemos al Creador
Nuestros himnos de loor,
    Pues los campos visitó
    Con su rica bendición.
Ya la siega terminó,
La cosecha se guardó;
    El invierno llegará,
    Pero nada faltará.

2 Este mundo-es del Señor,
El eterno Sembrador,
    Y-en su mies han de crecer
    Hasta-el fin el mal y-el bien.
Todo grano brotará,
Flor y-espiga crecerá.
    ¡Haznos, Dios y Segador,
    La semilla de tu-amor!

3 Cuando venga Cristo-el juez
A buscar su propia mies,
    A su campo llegará
    Y su trigo buscará.
Mandará todo-a segar,
Lo que-es malo-hará quemar,
    Mas lo bueno del trigal
    Será siega celestial.

4 Ven, Señor, a recoger
La cosecha de tu-haber;
    Junta-al pueblo-en tu-alfolí,
    Tenlo siempre-unido-a ti.
Libre ya de su pecar
Y sin penas que pasar;
    Ven, levanta, oh Señor,
    La cosecha de tu-amor.

Text: Henry Alford, 1810-1871, alt.; sts. 1,2,4 tr. by Juanita R. de Balloch, b.1894, alt.; st. 3 tr. by Dimas Planas-Belfort, 1934-1992.
Text: © 2012 Editorial Avance Luterano. Used by permission: Onelicense no. 717826

SERMÓN

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CONFESIÓN DE LA FE El Credo Niceno 325 & 381 d.C.

Creo en un solo Dios, Padre todopoderoso, creador del cielo y de la tierra, y de todo lo visible e invisible.

Y creo en un solo Señor Jesucristo, Hijo único de Dios, engendrado del Padre antes de todos los siglos, Dios de Dios, luz de luz, Dios verdadero de Dios verdadero, engendrado, y no creado, de la misma naturaleza que el Padre, por quien todo fue hecho; por nosotros y por nuestra salvación, él bajó del cielo, y por obra del Espíritu Santo se encarnó de María la virgen, y se hizo hombre; y por nuestra causa fue crucificado en tiempos de Poncio Pilato: Padeció y fue sepultado, y resucitó al tercer día, según las escrituras: Y subió al cielo, y está sentado a la derecha del Padre; y de nuevo vendrá con gloria para juzgar a los vivos y a los muertos, y su reino no tendrá fin.

Y creo en el Espíritu Santo, Señor y dador de vida, que procede del Padre y del Hijo, que con el Padre y el Hijo recibe una misma adoración y gloria, que habló por los profetas. Y creo en una sola iglesia, santa, apostólica, y universal. Reconozco un solo bautismo para el perdón de los pecados, y espero la resurrección de los muertos y la vida del mundo que ha de venir. Amén.

Se pueden sentar

LA OFRENDA SE PRESENTA ANTE EL ALTAR

OFERTORIO 942 Create in Me a Clean Heart (traducido)

♫ Crea-en mí, ¡oh, Dios!, un corazón limpio,
Y renueva-un espíritu recto dentro de mí;
No me-arrojes de tu presencia,
No me quites tu Santo-Espíritu.
Retitúyeme-el gozo de tu salvación;
Y tu-Espiritu me sostenga. Amén.

ORACIÓN DE LA IGLESIA

Oh Señor, que las palabras de nuestra boca y las meditaciones de nuestro corazón sean agradables a tus ojos.