AUGUST 9, 2026 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
But Who Do You Say That I Am? by Jen Norton
7 Vandeventer Ave., Princeton, NJ, 08542 609 924 2613 www.princetonumc.org
Pre-Service Music
THE CHURCH GATHERS Andante from Sechs Bagatellen
Beethoven
Call to Worship In the name of Jesus, the bread breaker, the light gatherer, the cross carrier – welcome. We are here to sing, to celebrate, to pray, and to worship. May the peace of Jesus –the peacemaker, the temple disturber, the friend of sinners, and companion on the road — be with us all. May his peace shape our hearts and lives. Let us draw close to Jesus, the savior, the healer, the teacher, and worship him. We come with open hearts, ready to listen and to be changed. As we worship today, let us ask ourselves: Who do we say that he is?
Hymn
The Church’s One Foundation
UMH #545
Prayer of Confession The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us confess our need for God and God's grace together as we pray. Merciful God, you ask us, “Who do you say that I am?” We confess that too often we are shaped by the voices around us rather than by your voice, trusting in fear and scarcity instead of your abundance, and relying on our own strength rather than your grace. Forgive us for the ways we take your presence for granted, becoming so busy, distracted, or certain that we miss the countless ways you are already at work among us. Slow us down, O God, and awaken our curiosity to notice where you are in our midst. Give us grateful hearts to recognize your goodness and courage to speak honestly of the ways we have encountered you. May our answer to who you are come not only from what we have been taught, but from lives transformed by your love. silence for prayer
Words of Assurance
Friends, hear the good news: Jesus asks us this question not to shame us or test us, but to invite us deeper into God’s grace. The God who calls us also comes close to us with mercy, meeting us where we are and drawing us into deeper relationship. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, loved, and made new. Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Amen.
TO HEAR THE WORD AND REFLECT
Music Ministry
Into the World of Light
SHARING IN WORSHIP TODAY Acolytes - Nigel Sun, Roy Sun Liturgists - Anna Griffiths, David Bell, Susan Victor Musicians - Julia Hanna Ushers - Ida Cahill, Tom Sandford, Bhanu Prakash, Bright Rajaratnam
Tom Shelton William Ponder, soloist
TODAY’S FLOWERS ARE GIVEN
WITH DEEP GRATITUDE FOR OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY
Children's Time
Where Children Belong
TFWS #2233
Scripture Reading Matthew 16:13-20 (p.17) This is the Word of Life. Thanks be to God. Sermon
Christina Lelache
TO RESPOND IN FAITH Hymn
His Name is Wonderful
UMH #174
Prayers of the People The 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, the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Offertory
I Choose Love
Hymn
Mark Miller Leanne Griffiths, soloist
Doxology
UMH #94
Prayer of Thanksgiving
AND SCATTERS TO BE IN THE WORLD Hymn
Forth in Thy Name, O Lord
UMH #438
Canciones y danzas #5
Mompou
Benediction Recessional Postlude
PRAYER CONCERNS Prayers for all giving and receiving hospice care. May strength, calm, compassion, and rest be available to them. Prayers for all those participating in ongoing diplomatic negotiations around peace. May all sides come together, transcend their differences, and seek to elevate human flourishing as the most crucial priority. Prayers for those dealing with extreme heat, wildfires, and drought this Summer.
HAVE PRAYER CONCERNS? For our Prayer Chain, call Yvonne Macdonald at 609-577-8369 or email her at yvonnee.mac@verizon.net. Email Tyler Mathiasen at tyler@princetonumc.org when you or a family member is in the hospital or in need of a pastoral call.
WELCOME TO
Princeton United Methodist Church We are a diverse faith community, engaged in enlivening spiritually thirsty people to joyfully respond to God’s love and grow as disciples of Christ, so that together we may experience the fullness of life.
SCAN TO GIVE OR TEXT YOUR GIFT AMOUNT TO 609-554-1128
SCAN TO CONNECT WITH US OR TEXT 'PUMC' TO 609-542-2192
ANNOUNCEMENTS SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE 2026
Please bring school supplies to church on today, August 9, & 16th to provide a healthy and happy start to the school year for families in our community struggling with economic insecurity. Bins are located in the Sanford Davis Room.
DELANEY HALL PRAYER RALLY
On Aug. 15, from 9am-1pm, the GNJ Board of Church & Society invites you to join with cabinet members and others from around Greater New Jersey for a time of Prayerful Witness at Delaney Hall to demonstrate our support for detained immigrant siblings and opposition to for-profit detention centers.
STAFF
Pastor - Rev. Jenny Smith Walz Administrative Director - Tyler Mathiasen Director of Youth Ministry - Brooke Foster Director of Children’s Ministry - Blessing Gwatana Music Director - Tom Shelton Director of Communications - Abby Gillette Church Sexton - Gilmar Enamorado Custodial Staff - Santos Gonzales, Mario Villatoro
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