First Trinity Lutheran Church

12 July 2026

The Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Lutheran Service Book Divine Service Setting Three

Stand

644 The Church’s One Foundation LSB 644 sts. 1–5

1 The Church’s one foundation. Is Jesus Christ, her Lord;.She is His new creation. By water and the Word..From heav’n He came and sought her. To be His holy bride;.With His own blood He bought her,. And for her life He died.

2 Elect from ev’ry nation,. Yet one o’er all the earth;.Her charter of salvation:. One Lord, one faith, one birth..One holy name she blesses,. Partakes one holy food,.And to one hope she presses. With ev’ry grace endued.

3 Though with a scornful wonder. The world sees her oppressed,.By schisms rent asunder,. By heresies distressed,.Yet saints their watch are keeping;. Their cry goes up, “How long?”.And soon the night of weeping. Shall be the morn of song.

4 Through toil and tribulation. And tumult of her war.She waits the consummation. Of peace forevermore.Till with the vision glorious. Her longing eyes are blest,.And the great Church victorious. Shall be the Church at rest.

5 Yet she on earth has union. With God, the Three in One,.And mystic sweet communion. With those whose rest is won..O blessèd heav’nly chorus!. Lord, save us by Your grace.That we, like saints before us,. May see You face to face.

Text: Samuel J. Stone, 1839–1900, alt..Text: Public domain

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation

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

C Amen.

Exhortation LSB 184

P Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

P Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C who made heaven and earth.

P I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,

C and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Silence for reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination.

Confession of Sins LSB 184

P O almighty God, merciful Father,

C I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.

Absolution LSB 185

P Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen.

SERVICE OF THE WORD

Kyrie LSB 186

C Lord, have mercy upon us.

Christ, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Gloria in Excelsis LSB 187

P Glory be to God on high:

C and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee,

we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee, for Thy great glory.

O Lord God, heav’nly King, God the Father Almighty.

O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ;

O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,

that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.

Thou that takest away the sin of the world, receive our prayer.

Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.

For Thou only art holy; Thou only art the Lord.

Thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost,

art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Salutation and Collect of the Day

P The Lord be with you.

C And with thy spirit.

P Let us pray.

Blessed Lord, since You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C Amen.

Sit

Old Testament Reading Isaiah 55:10–13

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven. and do not return there but water the earth,.making it bring forth and sprout,. giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,.so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;. it shall not return to me empty,.but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,. and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it..“For you shall go out in joy. and be led forth in peace;.the mountains and the hills before you. shall break forth into singing,. and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands..Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;. instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;.and it shall make a name for the Lord,. an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

A This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Psalm Psalm 65:9–13

You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water;. you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it..You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges,. softening it with showers, and blessing its growth..You crown the year with your bounty;. your wagon tracks overflow with abundance..The pastures of the wilderness overflow,. the hills gird themselves with joy,.the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain,. they shout and sing together for joy.

Epistle Romans 8:12–17

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

A This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Stand

Alleluia LSB 190

C Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Holy Gospel Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23

P The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the thirteenth chapter.

C Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear. . . .

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

P This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

Apostles’ Creed

C I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven

and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy Christian Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life T everlasting. Amen.

Sit

655 Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word LSB 655

1 Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word;.Curb those who by deceit or sword.Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son.And bring to naught all He has done.

2 Lord Jesus Christ, Your pow’r make known,.For You are Lord of lords alone;.Defend Your holy Church that we.May sing Your praise eternally.

3 O Comforter of priceless worth,.Send peace and unity on earth;.Support us in our final strife.And lead us out of death to life.

Text: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt..Text: Public domain

Sermon - Pastor Bill Willson

Offering

The Organist plays as the offerings are being collected.

Stand as the ushers bring forth the offering.

Offertory LSB 192

C Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and uphold me with Thy free spirit. Amen.

Prayers

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

For grace to receive God’s Word, that the Holy Spirit would make our hearts good soil and bring forth in our lives saving faith and the good works to which He has called us, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For an abundant harvest of believers, that God would bless pastors and missionaries as they sow His Word among the nations and prepare the hearts of all who hear to believe and yield abundant fruit, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For parents, that the Lord would bless them with faithfulness as they plant His Word into their children; and for children, that by His Word the Lord would protect them amid the cares and troubles of this world, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For our leaders, that they may plead the cause of widows and orphans and serve the needs of the least among us; and that peace and safety may abound, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For those suffering from illnesses of body or mind, [especially _____________,] that the Lord would give them healing, comfort them with His loving presence, grant them patience to endure suffering, and assure them always of the glory of Christ that awaits them, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For all who commune this day, that we may trust that as surely as God provides bread for the eater and His Word for salvation, He would provide His Son’s body and blood for salvation, joy and peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For our faith, that it might not be choked out by the cares of the world or the deceitfulness of riches; and that God would richly grant us His Word and gifts to serve Him and our neighbors, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us, for to You alone we give all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT

Preface LSB 194

P The Lord be with you.

C And with thy spirit.

P Lift up your hearts.

C We lift them up unto the Lord.

P Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.

C It is meet and right so to do. 194

Proper Preface

P It is truly meet, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who on this day overcame death and the grave and by His glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

Sanctus LSB 195

C Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth;

heav’n and earth are full of Thy glory.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is He, blessed is He, blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

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 trespasses

as we forgive those

who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom

and the power and the glory

forever and ever. Amen.

The Words of Our Lord

P On the night, in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same also, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood, shed for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

Pax Domini LSB 197

P The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C Amen.

Agnus Dei 198

C O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.

O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.

O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, grant us Thy peace. Amen.

Sit

Distribution

The pastor and those who assist him receive the body and blood of Christ first and then distribute them to those who come to receive, saying:

The Dismissal

In dismissing the communicants, the following is said:

P The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you in body and soul to life everlasting. Depart T in peace.

C Amen.

SILENT PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

O blessed Jesus, my Lord and Savior, thank You for giving Yourself to me in this Sacrament. By the power of the Holy Spirit, keep me in the true faith and empower me to live my life for You until that day that I live with You forever in heaven. Amen.

Stand

Nunc Dimittis LSB 199

C Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word,

for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people,

a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel.

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.

Thanksgiving 200

P O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good,

C and His mercy endureth forever.

Post-Communion Collect

P We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and in fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Salutation LSB 201

P The Lord be with you.

C And with thy spirit.

Benedicamus 202

P Bless we the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Benediction LSB 202

P The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and T give you peace.

C Amen, amen, amen.

790 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty LSB 790

1 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!.O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!. Let all who hear. Now to His temple draw near,.Joining in glad adoration!

2 Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things is wondrously reigning.And, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining.. Have you not seen. All that is needful has been.Sent by His gracious ordaining?

3 Praise to the Lord, who has fearfully, wondrously, made you,.Health has bestowed and, when heedlessly falling, has stayed you.. What need or grief. Ever has failed of relief?.Wings of His mercy did shade you.

4 Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;.Surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.. Ponder anew. What the Almighty can do.As with His love He befriends you.

5 Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!.All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him!. Let the Amen. Sound from His people again;.Gladly forever adore Him!

Text: Joachim Neander, 1650–80; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt..Text: Public domain

CLOSING RESPONSE

Acknowledgments

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.