Teaching Church
Every Sunday, 9:45 AM
An in-depth teaching Bible Study between services on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:25 - held in Walker Hall Dining Room. Bring your Bible and grab a donut. Together we learn, reflect, and grow...

MOBILE-FRIENDLY BULLETIN

Prelude Hymn Improvisation on "Ar hyd y nos" Michael Burkhardt
Katie Ledsinger, organ
Weekly Church News
Welcome Vicar Micah Raebel
Ringing of the Bell
Opening Hymn “Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty”
verses 1, 3 and 4
If you wish to follow the music, refer to hymnal 901.
Open now thy gates of beauty;
Zion, let me enter there,
Where my soul in joyful duty
Waits for Him who answers prayer.
Oh, how blessèd is this place,
Filled with solace, light, and grace!
Here Thy praise is gladly chanted;
Here Thy seed is duly sown.
Let my soul, where it is planted,
Bring forth precious sheaves alone,
So that all I hear may be
Fruitful unto life in me.
Thou my faith increase and quicken;
Let me keep Thy gift divine,
Howsoe’er temptations thicken;
May Thy Word still o’er me shine
As my guiding star through life,
As my comfort in all strife.
Invocation
Liturgist: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19b)
People: Amen.
Confession and Absolution
Liturgist: “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.” (Romans 12:3a)
People: We confess that we have been prideful. We often think of ourselves more highly than those around us. Christ, You are the vine and we are the branches. Teach us to bear the fruit of humility as we share Your love with our neighbors.
Liturgist: “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5)
People: We confess that we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not lived peacefully in the unity of the Spirit. Christ, You are the vine and we are the branches. Teach us to bear the fruit of peace as we share Your love with our neighbors.
(silence for reflection)
Liturgist: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Romans 12:6a) Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. Christ Himself has equipped you “for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:12-13a) Be who Christ has called you to be – serve Him in the world! It is my joy to announce to you the forgiveness of all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
Liturgist: Christ is the vine and we are the branches. Forgiven and renewed, let us bear fruit as we serve our neighbor and share the Good News with all.
People: Amen.
Hymn of Praise
Open now, thy gates wide-flinging;
Zion, city of the Lord!
O, to witness angels singing,
O, to hear their perfect chord!
Since we have been cleansed of sin,
Thankful souls: we enter in!
Old Testament Reading Isaiah 55:10–13 NIV
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.”
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Epistle Reading Romans 8:12–17 NIV
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Anthem "He Is Here" arr. Camp Kirkland
Summer Choir
Holy Gospel Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 NIV
13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Lector: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Hymn of the Day “Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast”
If you wish to follow the music, refer to hymnal 577.
Almighty God, Your Word is cast
Like seed into the ground;
Now let the dew of heav’n descend
And righteous fruits abound.
Let not the sly satanic foe
This holy seed remove,
But give it root in ev’ry heart
To bring forth fruits of love.
Let not the world’s deceitful cares
The rising plant destroy,
But let it yield a hundredfold
The fruits of peace and joy.
So when the precious seed is sown,
Life-giving grace bestow
That all whose souls the truth receive
Its saving pow’r may know.
Message Vicar Micah Raebel
Apostles’ Creed
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 everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
Each petition concludes with:
Liturgist: Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Gathering of Our Tithes and Offerings
Music at the Offering
"Meditation" from Thaïs Jules Massenet
Carrie Bark, violin
Dr. Rachel Ehring, piano
Offertory Hymn “Sing to the Lord of Harvest”
If you wish to follow the music, refer to hymnal 893.
Sing to the Lord of harvest,
Sing songs of love and praise;
With joyful hearts and voices
Your alleluias raise.
By Him the rolling seasons
In fruitful order move;
Sing to the Lord of harvest
A joyous song of love.
God makes the clouds rain goodness,
The deserts bloom and spring,
The hills leap up in gladness,
The valleys laugh and sing.
God fills them with His fullness,
All things with large increase;
He crowns the year with blessing,
With plenty and with peace.
Bring to this sacred altar
The gifts His goodness gave,
The golden sheaves of harvest,
The souls Christ died to save.
Your hearts lay down before Him
When at His feet you fall,
And with your lives adore Him
Who gave His life for all.
The Lord's Prayer
Liturgist: Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
People: 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.
Benediction
Liturgist: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24–26)
People: Amen.
Closing Hymn “For the Fruits of His Creation”
If you wish to follow the music, refer to hymnal 894.
For the fruits of His creation,
Thanks be to God.
For His gifts to ev’ry nation,
Thanks be to God.
For the plowing, sowing, reaping,
Silent growth while we are sleeping,
Future needs in earth’s safekeeping,
Thanks be to God.
In the just reward of labor,
God’s will is done.
In the help we give our neighbor,
God’s will is done.
In our worldwide task of caring
For the hungry and despairing,
In the harvests we are sharing,
God’s will is done.
For the harvests of the Spirit,
Thanks be to God.
For the good we all inherit,
Thanks be to God.
For the wonders that astound us,
For the truths that still confound us,
Most of all, that love has found us,
Thanks be to God.
Postlude Chorale Prelude on "Unser Herrscher" Timothy Albrecht
Katie Ledsinger, organ
Worship Service Participants
Preacher: Vicar Micah Raebel
Liturgist: Rev. Dr. Timothy M. Klinkenberg
Organ: Katie Ledsinger
Violin: Carrie Bark
Piano: Dr. Rachel Ehring
Choir: Summer Choir (8:30)
Choir Director: Alex Guebert
Audio/Visual: Hector Cerda, Mark Todd, and Blaine Currer
Thanks for joining us today!
July 12, 2026
Prayers of the Church
June 28, 2026
Almighty God, Your Word will not return to You empty,
but will accomplish what You desire and achieve the purpose for which You sent it.
By the working of Your Holy Spirit,
grant that we may gladly hear Your Word proclaimed among us and follow its directing.
Lord, in Your mercy,
O God, by water and the Spirit, You claim us as Your own, wash us from sin,
and set us free from the power of death.
We give You thanks for the Baptism of Paisyn Emmerson Madden,
daughter of Scott and Brittany.
Keep Paisyn and all Your baptized children in the palm of Your hand,
and may Your Spirit separate us from sin and mark us with a faith
that can stand the light of day and endure the dark of night. Lord, in Your mercy,
Heavenly Father, our times are in Your hands.
Look with favor on Luke Wobrock and Julie Wobrock as they celebrate birthdays.
May they continue to grow in wisdom and grace.
And we pray for those moving from familiar homes to new communities,
for Jesse and Julie Wobrock and Ron and Susan Whitney.
Support them in times of challenge or loneliness,
and surround them with caring Christian people,
that they may find welcome and peace in their new locations. Lord, in Your mercy,
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is Your steadfast love, O Lord, toward those who fear You.
We give You thanks for 66 years of marriage for Floyd and Betty Beisner.
Open the hearts of all spouses to receive more of Your love,
that their love for each other may never grow weary,
but deepen and grow through every joy and sorrow shared. Lord, in Your mercy,
Most merciful Lord, grant to those in trouble, sickness, fatigued, or any other adversity
the healthful Spirit of Your grace for healing, strength, and relief.
Hear us on behalf of June, Julia Gibson, Odas Glaser, Ken Gratz, Richard Hahs, Nancy Huck, Gail Nishijima, Shannon Ream, John and LaVonne Rohm, Joan Shimamoto, those on our printed prayer lists, and those we name in our hearts…
Bless especially those who suffer for the sake of Your name and Your Word.
Give us courage and patience to stand firm in afflictions until Your day of deliverance.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Father of compassion and God of all comfort, comfort those who grieve.
We pray especially for the family and friends of Carolyn Corder, sister of Ed Haarberg,
and the family and friends of Ross Vogelgesang, father of Paul and Brooke Vogelgesang.
Give consolation to Darla Hullinger, as she grieves the loss of her husband.
Preserve the bereaved in the way of the Holy Spirit,
until we stand with You and our loved ones in glory. Lord, in Your mercy,
Lord Jesus, You took children into Your arms,
placed Your hands on them, and blessed them.
Send Your blessings upon all who participated in Vacation Bible School this past week.
May they always know the wonders of Your great love for them through the cross and empty tomb. Lord, in Your 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.
Every Sunday, 9:45 AM
An in-depth teaching Bible Study between services on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:25 - held in Walker Hall Dining Room. Bring your Bible and grab a donut. Together we learn, reflect, and grow...
Every Sunday, from 07/05/2026 to 07/26/2026, 6:30 PM
Join us in The Courtyard after 6:30pm worship for dessert, connection, and time together.
Sunday, July 19, 2026, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
One donation can save 3 lives. Please register online before the event.
Sunday, August 30, 2026, 10:30 AM
ONE 10:30am Service Worship TOGETHER - After the service: Community, Food, & Fun. --Enjoy a free lunch, tasty treats, fun & games!
Every Sunday, from 09/20/2026 to 11/08/2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Our seven-session Membership Class is intended for those that are new to St. John's, either as a new member, transfer member, or anyone who is interested!
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Christmas Caroling in December!
December 14, 2026
Join us Christmas Caroling to share spread some Christmas cheer! We carpool to 9 group homes in South Orange County to sing a...

Weekly Church News
Welcome Pastor Trevor Van Blarcom
Invocation
Worship Set
“I Thank God”
“Battle Belongs”
Confession and Absolution
“Gratitude”
Scripture Readings
Message Pastor Trevor Van Blarcom
Apostles’ Creed
Prayers of the Church
"Jesus Thank You"
The Lord’s Prayer
“Gratitude"
Benediction
Preacher: Pastor Trevor Van Blarcom
Director of Worship & Music: Alex Guebert
Thanks for joining us today!
July 12, 2026
Prayers of the Church
June 28, 2026
Almighty God, Your Word will not return to You empty,
but will accomplish what You desire and achieve the purpose for which You sent it.
By the working of Your Holy Spirit,
grant that we may gladly hear Your Word proclaimed among us and follow its directing.
Lord, in Your mercy,
O God, by water and the Spirit, You claim us as Your own, wash us from sin,
and set us free from the power of death.
We give You thanks for the Baptism of Paisyn Emmerson Madden,
daughter of Scott and Brittany.
Keep Paisyn and all Your baptized children in the palm of Your hand,
and may Your Spirit separate us from sin and mark us with a faith
that can stand the light of day and endure the dark of night. Lord, in Your mercy,
Heavenly Father, our times are in Your hands.
Look with favor on Luke Wobrock and Julie Wobrock as they celebrate birthdays.
May they continue to grow in wisdom and grace.
And we pray for those moving from familiar homes to new communities,
for Jesse and Julie Wobrock and Ron and Susan Whitney.
Support them in times of challenge or loneliness,
and surround them with caring Christian people,
that they may find welcome and peace in their new locations. Lord, in Your mercy,
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is Your steadfast love, O Lord, toward those who fear You.
We give You thanks for 66 years of marriage for Floyd and Betty Beisner.
Open the hearts of all spouses to receive more of Your love,
that their love for each other may never grow weary,
but deepen and grow through every joy and sorrow shared. Lord, in Your mercy,
Most merciful Lord, grant to those in trouble, sickness, fatigued, or any other adversity
the healthful Spirit of Your grace for healing, strength, and relief.
Hear us on behalf of June, Julia Gibson, Odas Glaser, Ken Gratz, Richard Hahs, Nancy Huck, Gail Nishijima, Shannon Ream, John and LaVonne Rohm, Joan Shimamoto, those on our printed prayer lists, and those we name in our hearts…
Bless especially those who suffer for the sake of Your name and Your Word.
Give us courage and patience to stand firm in afflictions until Your day of deliverance.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Father of compassion and God of all comfort, comfort those who grieve.
We pray especially for the family and friends of Carolyn Corder, sister of Ed Haarberg,
and the family and friends of Ross Vogelgesang, father of Paul and Brooke Vogelgesang.
Give consolation to Darla Hullinger, as she grieves the loss of her husband.
Preserve the bereaved in the way of the Holy Spirit,
until we stand with You and our loved ones in glory. Lord, in Your mercy,
Lord Jesus, You took children into Your arms,
placed Your hands on them, and blessed them.
Send Your blessings upon all who participated in Vacation Bible School this past week.
May they always know the wonders of Your great love for them through the cross and empty tomb. Lord, in Your 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.
Every Sunday, 9:45 AM
An in-depth teaching Bible Study between services on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:25 - held in Walker Hall Dining Room. Bring your Bible and grab a donut. Together we learn, reflect, and grow...
Every Sunday, from 07/05/2026 to 07/26/2026, 6:30 PM
Join us in The Courtyard after 6:30pm worship for dessert, connection, and time together.
Sunday, July 19, 2026, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
One donation can save 3 lives. Please register online before the event.
Sunday, August 30, 2026, 10:30 AM
ONE 10:30am Service Worship TOGETHER - After the service: Community, Food, & Fun. --Enjoy a free lunch, tasty treats, fun & games!
Every Sunday, from 09/20/2026 to 11/08/2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Our seven-session Membership Class is intended for those that are new to St. John's, either as a new member, transfer member, or anyone who is interested!
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Christmas Caroling in December!
December 14, 2026
Join us Christmas Caroling to share spread some Christmas cheer! We carpool to 9 group homes in South Orange County to sing a...