Introduction to the week
This Sunday brings a joyful change of pace at New Hope. While Pastor Steve is away on an educational retreat, we are grateful to welcome Deacon Lynn Bulock to preach and lead worship. She’s shaping the morning around a “Summer Hymn Sing,” drawing on songs many of us may remember from Vacation Bible School or church camp. She invites everyone to come ready to sing—and ready to go to camp—promising that we’re going to have a lot of fun together.
Even with the playful theme, our grounding remains in the gospel. Matthew 14:22–33 gives us the unforgettable moment when Peter steps out of the boat and tries to walk on water toward Jesus. Peter is bold, wholehearted, and wonderfully human—one of the disciples we can learn from again and again.
Deacon Lynn has shared this preview to her sermon:
After Mary Magdalene, Peter is my favorite disciple. He’s bold, says what he really feels, and jumps right out there to give everything his best effort. This Sunday’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel has his attempt to walk on water with Jesus. We can learn from Peter most of the time. This Sunday we learn to keep our eyes on Jesus. Because, the moment we look away, we can sink.”
As we gather for worship, may the familiar songs, the summer spirit, and the good news of Christ draw us together in joy and hope.
Introduction to this week’s readings
Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others.
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