July 26, 2026

THE SERVICE

PENTECOST 9—CHRISTIANS SEEK SPIRITUAL WEALTH

What do you consider your life’s top priorities? Many people start with family and friends. Financial security and health follow closely. Reputation and recreation make the cut. How about faith? Is it the top priority? What if other priorities must be sacrificed to keep faith the top priority?

The Bible helps Christians keep worldly wealth in perspective. It can buy the things of this world, things that rust and decay, but there is something more valuable. True wealth is spiritual wealth. It can be found only in God and his eternal blessings for us in Christ.

OPENING HYMN 770 God of Grace and God of Glory

1 God of grace and God of glory,
    on your people pour your pow’r;
crown your ancient Church’s story,
    bring its bud to glorious flow’r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
    for the facing of this hour,
    for the facing of this hour.

2 Lo, the hosts of evil round us
    scorn the Christ, assail his ways.
From the fears that long have bound us
    free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
    for the living of these days,
    for the living of these days.

3 Cure your children’s warring madness;
    bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
    rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
    lest we miss your kingdom’s goal,
    lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.

4 Save us from weak resignation
    to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of your salvation
    be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
    serving you whom we adore,
    serving you whom we adore.

Text: Harry E. Fosdick, 1878–1969, abr., alt.
Text: Public domain

Please Stand

INVOCATION

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

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION 154

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

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.

KYRIE Lord, Have Mercy

In peace let us pray to the Lord.
♫ Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
♫ Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
♫ Lord, have mercy.

For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
♫ Lord, have mercy.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
♫ Amen.

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS Glory to God in the Highest

♫ Ref: Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. (Refrain)

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
You are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer, receive our prayer. (Refrain)

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. (Refrain)

Glory to God, glory to God.

THE WORD

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray.

O God, you reveal your mighty power chiefly in showing mercy and kindness. Grant us the full measure of your grace that we may obtain your promises and become partakers of your heavenly glory; 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 1 Kings 3:5–12

When the Lord offered Solomon anything he wanted, Solomon chose spiritual wealth.

5At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

6Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

7“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

10The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 63

1You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.

2I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
7Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.
9Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
10They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.

11But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God will glory in him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

SECOND READING 1 Timothy 6:17–21

Paul warns against arrogance and false hope, sins that commonly go with worldly wealth.

17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

20Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

Grace be with you all.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Please Stand

GOSPEL (in English and Karen) Matthew 13:44–52

A series of parables about the value of spiritual wealth.

44“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

47“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

51“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

52He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

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

Be seated

CHILDREN'S MESSAGE

HYMN OF THE DAY 717 What Is the World to Me

1 What is the world to me
    with all its vaunted pleasure
when you and you alone,
    Lord Jesus, are my treasure!
You only, dearest Lord,
    my soul’s delight shall be;
you are my peace, my rest.
    What is the world to me!

2 The world seeks after wealth
    and all that money offers,
yet never is content
    though gold should fill its coffers.
I have a higher good,
    content with it I’ll be;
my Jesus is my wealth.
    What is the world to me!

3        The world is like a cloud
    and like a vapor fleeting,
a shadow that declines,
    swift to its end retreating.
My Jesus shall remain,
    though all things fade and flee,
my everlasting rock.
    What is the world to me!

4        What is the world to me!
    My Jesus is my treasure,
my life, my health, my wealth,
    my friend, my love, my pleasure,
my joy, my crown, my all,
    my bliss eternally.
Once more then I declare:
    What is the world to me!

Text: Georg M. Pfefferkorn, 1645–1732, abr.; tr. August Crull, 1845–1923, 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 CWS p21 Create in Me a Pure Heart

♫ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold, uphold me with your free Spirit.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

O God, you are our God. We rejoice in you and sing in the shadow of your wings.

We will praise you as long as we live. In your name we will lift up our hands.

Give all your servants discerning hearts to distinguish between right and wrong. Fill us with wisdom and bless us with your favor.

We will praise you as long as we live. In your name we will lift up our hands.

Let your truth instruct those who are rich in this present world, that they put their hope in you, store up true treasures in heaven, and take hold of your gift of life.

We will praise you as long as we live. In your name we will lift up our hands.

Give your blessing and guidance to the President of the United States, the governor of this state and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

We will praise you as long as we live. In your name we will lift up our hands.

Have mercy on those who suffer for the sake of your gospel. With your Word, keep then strong, firm and steadfast in faith, and finally give them your crown of life.

We will praise you as long as we live. In your name we will lift up our hands.

Hear the cries of those who thirst and long for you, who wait for health, deliverance and peace, [especially…]. At the proper time give them your gracious help. At all times strengthen and uphold them with your promise.

We will praise you as long as we live. In your name we will lift up our hands.

Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

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

Silent prayer.

Kind and wise Father, draw us to your Son, that we follow his faithful teaching, hold the gospel as our greatest treasure, and daily grow stronger in faith and hope under every cross and affliction; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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 Holy, Holy, Holy

♫ Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power, God of might.
Heav’n 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

Blessed are you, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which he has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil’s power.

    By his incarnation, he became one with us.
    By his perfect life, he fulfilled your holy will.
    By his innocent death, he overcame hell.
    By his rising from the grave, he opened heaven.

Invited by your grace and instructed by your Word, we approach your table with repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ’s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with him and all his ransomed people in glory everlasting.
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 O Christ, Lamb of God

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

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 505 For the Beauty of the Earth

1 For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

2 For the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night;
hill and vale, and tree and flow’r,
sun and moon, and stars of light:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

3 For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind’s delight,
for the mystic harmony
linking sense to sound and sight:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

4 For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above;
for all gentle thoughts and mild:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

5 For thyself, best gift divine,
to our world so freely giv’n;
for that great, great love of thine,
peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

Text: Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835–1917, abr., alt.
Text: Public domain

Please Stand

NUNC DIMITTIS CWS p26 Song of Simeon

♫ In peace, Lord, you let your servant now depart
according to your word.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for ev'ry people,
a light to lighten the Gentiles
and the glory, the glory of your people Israel.

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.

O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving-kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 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 753 My Worth Is Not in What I Own sts. 1–2, Ref, 3–5

1 My worth is not in what I own,
not in the strength of flesh and bone,
but in the costly wounds of love
at the cross. (v. 2)

2 My worth is not in skill or name,
in win or lose, in pride or shame,
but in the blood of Christ that flowed
at the cross. (Refrain)

Ref I rejoice in my Redeemer—
greatest treasure, wellspring of my soul.
I will trust in him, no other;
my soul is satisfied in him alone.

3 As summer flow’rs we fade and die;
fame, youth, and beauty hurry by.
But life eternal calls to us
at the cross. (v. 4)

4 I will not boast in wealth or might,
or human wisdom’s fleeting light.
But I will boast in knowing Christ
at the cross. (Refrain)

5 Two wonders here that I confess:
my worth and my unworthiness.
My value fixed—my ransom paid
at the cross. (Refrain)

Text: Keith Getty, b. 1974; Kristyn Getty, b. 1980; Graham Kendrick, b. 1950
Text: © 2014 Getty Music Publishing and Makeway Music, admin. MusicServices.org. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 717826

T T T

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you—to all who participated in our service today.
Musicians—English—Owen Hoppe; Spanish—Micah Hernandez
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—stay tuned for the next canvassing opportunity.

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—7/27 Gerard Vidal; 7/29 Jeremy Seiler, Muriel González; Terese Perron; 7/31 Nico Carter, Katie Vazquez Periañez

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—August 2

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Liturgical and musical settings of Scripture based on text from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

——-

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

PENTECOSTÉS 9—LOS CRISTIANOS BUSCAN LAS RIQUEZAS ESPIRITUALES

¿Cuáles consideras que son las principales prioridades de tu vida? Muchas personas comienzan con la familia y los amigos. La seguridad económica y la salud vienen muy de cerca. La reputación y el tiempo de recreación también ocupan un lugar importante. ¿Y la fe? ¿Es tu mayor prioridad? ¿Qué pasaría si tuvieras que sacrificar otras prioridades para mantener la fe como la prioridad principal?

La Biblia ayuda a los cristianos a mantener las riquezas de este mundo en la perspectiva correcta. El dinero puede comprar las cosas de este mundo, cosas que se oxidan y se desgastan, pero hay algo de mucho más valor. La verdadera riqueza es la riqueza espiritual. Solo puede encontrarse en Dios y en las bendiciones eternas que él nos da en Cristo.

HIMNO DE APERTURA 770 S HL955 Dios de gracia, Dios de gloria

1 Dios de gracia, Dios de gloria,
    Danos presto tu poder;
A tu-amada-iglesia-adorna
    Con un nuevo florecer.
Danos luz y valentía
    En la hora del deber,
    En la hora del deber.

2 Hoy las fuerzas del maligno
    Nos acosan sin cesar;
De temor y duda, Cristo
    Puede-el alma resguardar.
Danos luz y valentía
    Para nunca desmayar,
    Para nunca desmayar.

3 Nuestros odios inhumanos
    Cura con tu-inmenso-amor;
Líbranos de goces vanos,
    Sin conciencia-o sin valor.
Danos luz y valentía
    Frente-a toda tentación,
    Frente-a toda tentación.

4 Guíanos por la-alta senda,
    Cristo, de la santidad;
Proclamando para-el alma
    Verdadera libertad.
Danos luz y valentía
    Y firmeza-en tu verdad,
    Y firmeza-en tu verdad.

Text: Henry Emerson Fosdick, 1878-1969; trad. Federico J Pagura, 1923-2016.
Text: Public domain

De pie por favor

INVOCACIÓN

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

CONFESIÓN & ABSOLUCIÓN

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.

Tiempo en silencio para meditación personal

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.

KIRIE 156 Lord, Have Mercy (traducido)

En paz, oremos al Señor.
♫ Señor, ten piedad.

Por la paz celestial y por nuestra salvación, oremos al Señor.
♫ Señor, ten piedad.

Por la paz del mundo entero, por el bienestar de la Iglesia de Dios, y por la unidad de todos, oremos al Señor.
♫ Señor, ten piedad.

Por esta santa casa de Dios y por todos quienes ofrecen aquí su adoración y alabanza, oremos al Señor.
♫ Señor, ten piedad.

Ayúdanos, rescátanos, consuélanos y defiéndenos, misericordioso Señor.
♫ Amén.

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS Glory to God in the Highest (traducido)

♫ Estr: Gloria-a Dios en el cielo, y paz a los hombres en la tierra.

Señor Dios, Rey celestial, Dios Padre-omnipotente,
te alabamos, te damos gracias, por tu-inmensa gloria. (Estribillo)

Señor, Jesucristo, Hijo único del Padre,
Señor Dios, Cordero de Dios, tú que quitas el pecado del mundo, ten piedad de nosotros.
Tú que-estás sentado a la derecha del Padre, atiende nuestra súplica, atiende nuestra súplica. (Estribillo)

Porque sólo tú-eres Santo, sólo tú-eres el Señor.
Sólo tú, eres Altísimo, Jesucristo, con el Espíritu Santo en la gloria de Dios el Padre. (Estribillo)

Gloria-a Dios, gloria-a Dios.

LA PALABRA

El Señor sea con ustedes.
Y contigo también.

ORACIÓN DEL DÍA

Oremos.

Oh Dios, tú revelas tu gran poder principalmente al mostrar misericordia y bondad. Concédenos la plenitud de tu gracia para que alcancemos tus promesas y lleguemos a participar de tu gloria celestial; por tu Hijo, Jesucristo nuestro Señor, quien vive y reina contigo y con el Espíritu Santo, un solo Dios, por los siglos de los siglos.
Amén.

Se pueden sentar

PRIMERA LECTURA 1 Reyes 3:5–12

Cuando el Señor le ofreció a Salomón cualquier cosa que deseara, Salomón escogió la riqueza espiritual.

5 y allí mismo se le apareció el SEÑOR en un sueño, y le dijo: —Pídeme lo que quieras.

6 Salomón respondió: —Tú trataste con mucho amor a tu siervo David, mi padre, pues se condujo delante de ti con lealtad y justicia, y con un corazón recto. Y, como hoy se puede ver, has reafirmado tu gran amor al concederle que un hijo suyo lo suceda en el trono.

7 »Ahora, SEÑOR mi Dios, me has hecho rey en lugar de mi padre David. No soy más que un muchacho, y apenas sé cómo comportarme. 8 Sin embargo, aquí me tienes, un siervo tuyo en medio del pueblo que has escogido, un pueblo tan numeroso que es imposible contarlo. 9 Yo te ruego que le des a tu siervo discernimiento para gobernar a tu pueblo y para distinguir entre el bien y el mal. De lo contrario, ¿quién podrá gobernar a este gran pueblo tuyo?

10 Al Señor le agradó que Salomón hubiera hecho esa petición, 11 de modo que le dijo: —Como has pedido esto, y no larga vida ni riquezas para ti, ni has pedido la muerte de tus enemigos sino discernimiento para administrar justicia, 12 voy a concederte lo que has pedido. Te daré un corazón sabio y prudente, como nadie antes de ti lo ha tenido ni lo tendrá después.

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

SALMO DEL DÍA Salmo 63

      1 Oh Dios, tú eres mi Dios;
      yo te busco intensamente.
      Mi alma tiene sed de ti;
      todo mi ser te anhela,
      cual tierra seca,
extenuada y sedienta.

      2 Te he visto en el santuario
      y he contemplado tu poder y tu gloria.
      3 Tu amor es mejor que la vida;
      por eso mis labios te alabarán.

      4 Te bendeciré mientras viva,
      y alzando mis manos te invocaré.
      5 Mi alma quedará satisfecha como de un suculento banquete,
      y con labios jubilosos te alabará mi boca.

      6 En mi lecho me acuerdo de ti;
      pienso en ti toda la noche.
      7 A la sombra de tus alas cantaré,
      porque tú eres mi ayuda.
      8 Mi alma se aferra a ti;
      tu mano derecha me sostiene.

      9 Los que buscan mi muerte serán destruidos;
      bajarán a las profundidades de la tierra.
      10 Serán entregados a la espada
      y acabarán devorados por los chacales.

      11 El rey se regocijará en Dios;
      todos los que invocan a Dios lo alabarán,
      pero los mentirosos serán silenciados.

SEGUNDA LECTURA 1 Timoteo 6:17–21

Pablo advierte contra la arrogancia y la falsa esperanza, pecados que con frecuencia acompañan a las riquezas de este mundo.

17 A los ricos de este mundo, mándales que no sean arrogantes ni pongan su esperanza en las riquezas, que son tan inseguras, sino en Dios, que nos provee de todo en abundancia para que lo disfrutemos. 18 Mándales que hagan el bien, que sean ricos en buenas obras, y generosos, dispuestos a compartir lo que tienen. 19 De este modo atesorarán para sí un seguro caudal para el futuro y obtendrán la vida verdadera.

20 Timoteo, ¡cuida bien lo que se te ha confiado! Evita las discusiones profanas e inútiles, y los argumentos de la falsa ciencia. 21 Algunos, por abrazarla, se han desviado de la fe.

Que la gracia sea con ustedes.

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

De pie por favor

EVANGELIO (en inglés y karen) Mateo 13:44–52

Una serie de parábolas acerca del valor de la riqueza espiritual.

44 »El reino de los cielos es como un tesoro escondido en un campo. Cuando un hombre lo descubrió, lo volvió a esconder, y lleno de alegría fue y vendió todo lo que tenía y compró ese campo.

45 »También se parece el reino de los cielos a un comerciante que andaba buscando perlas finas. 46 Cuando encontró una de gran valor, fue y vendió todo lo que tenía y la compró.

47 »También se parece el reino de los cielos a una red echada al lago, que recoge peces de toda clase. 48 Cuando se llena, los pescadores la sacan a la orilla, se sientan y recogen en canastas los peces buenos, y desechan los malos. 49 Así será al fin del mundo. Vendrán los ángeles y apartarán de los justos a los malvados, 50 y los arrojarán al horno encendido, donde habrá llanto y rechinar de dientes.

51 —¿Han entendido todo esto?—les preguntó Jesús.

—Sí—respondieron ellos.

Entonces concluyó Jesús: 52 —Todo maestro de la ley que ha sido instruido acerca del reino de los cielos es como el dueño de una casa, que de lo que tiene guardado saca tesoros nuevos y viejos.

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

Se pueden sentar

MENSAJE PARA LOS NIÑOS

HIMNO DEL DÍA 717 S HL924 No me abandones, Dios sts. 1–3

1 ¡No me-abandones, Dios,
    Concédeme tu gracia!
Condúceme, Señor,
    A la celeste patria.
Sé de mi vida luz;
    Mi-amparo-y mi sostén,
Mi salvador y bien:
    ¡No me-abandones, Dios!

2 ¡No me-abandones, Dios!
    Dirige tú mis pasos;
Protégeme de-error,
    De mal y de pecados.
Inspírame tu-amor,
    Aviva-en mí la fe;
Mi-Apoyo firme sé:
    ¡No me-abandones, Dios!

3        ¡No me-abandones, Dios,
    Oh tú, mi fortaleza!
¡Ayúdame-a creer
    En tu leal promesa!
Concédeme, Jesús,
    De mi maldad perdón;
La-eterna salvación:
    ¡No me-abandones, Dios!

Text: Salomo Frank, 1659-1725; trad. Leopoldo Gros, 1925-2012
Text: © 1991 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: Onelicense no. 717826

SERMÓN

De pie por favor

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 CWS p21 Create in Me a Pure 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 Dios, tú eres nuestro Dios. Nos regocijamos en ti y cantamos a la sombra de tus alas.