We mean it when we say, “Everyone is Welcome here!”

August 5-11, 2026

This Week @ First Church

Wednesday August 5

Mindful Meditation – 6 p.m.

Come every Wednesday evening and leave the troubles of the world outside as you spend an hour in meditation. Enter the church through the Delaware Street entrance.

Sunday August 9

Worship Service – 10 a.m.

Communion Sunday

Worship Service In-Person and on Facebook

SERMON: “S.O.S.” by Tom Seeberger

Based on Romans 10:5-15 and Matthew 14:22-33

Note for Romans 10:5-15

Our first reading today is from ROMANS 10:5-15. Paul expresses deep sorrow that his fellow Jewish people have a strong passion for God, but they are pursuing a righteous status through strict human effort and Mosaic law-keeping rather than accepting God’s grace through believing that Jesus was the Messiah and his death, resurrection and ascension our salvation.

Romans 10:5-15

5  Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” [a]   6  But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” [b]  (that is, to bring Christ down)  7  “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” [c]  (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).  8  But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” [d]  that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:  9  If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your
mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.  11  As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” [e]   12  For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  13  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” [f]

14  How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  15  And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Note for Matthew 14:22-33

Our Gospel reading today from MATTHEW 14:22-33 is a story most know. Jesus walks on water demonstrating his command over the seas and nature. When Peter asks Jesus to further prove his abilities by allowing Peter to walk on water, Jesus does and Peter walks on water until fear sets in. His doubts. He cries out for help and Jesus saves him. Our lesson today is to ask for help and have faith in God, for he will save us as promised.

Matthew 14:22-33

22  Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  23  After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,  24  and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25  Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  26  When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,”they said, and cried out in fear.

28  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

27  But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29  “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  30  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32  And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  33  Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”