God's Loving Presence in a Hurting World

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

July 19, 2026

Dear Friends in Christ!

The summer offers many of us a slower pace than usual. If that’s you, I hope you are savoring the time!


When we think of Christian spiritual disciplines, practices such as regular prayer, scripture study, and church attendance might come to mind first. But we should recall another vital spiritual discipline, one that our Lord himself practiced. We must rest.


Taking time to delight in the many blessings God has given us is profoundly counter-cultural. We are bombarded by non-stop messages about accomplishing tasks and consuming goods. When we practice true rest, we are doing neither of those things. Simply savoring the blessings we already have, including life itself, is more than enough.


When God finished creation, he rested. That alone would be enough to sanctify rest. But there’s plenty more in the Bible. The Old Testament commands rest several times in several ways. Jesus himself followed the law in his own life, resting from the work of his ministry. 


I encourage you to take time—perhaps weekly, perhaps daily— to rest. Find a comfy spot indoors or outdoors and…do nothing more than resting. No devices, no books, no emails, no tasks. Just rest.


Resting is a way to thank God for our creation and preservation. And it is a way to refresh ourselves to take on this weary time.


Yours faithfully,

Scott Gunn

Executive Director, Forward Movement

Reprinted with Permission


Join us on Sunday for worship at 10:30AM in-person and online at hopeclinton (Facebook).


All are welcome!

Preparing for Sunday

8th Sunday after

Pentecost


Isaiah 44:6-8

Psalm 86:11-17

Romans 8:12-25

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43


Prayer

O God, may the work of our hands, the words of our mouths, indeed, every breath we take, bring glory and praise to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Choir

The choir anthem for this Sunday is, "God's Glory Echoes Through the Skies" by Hal Hopson. We will meet 10 minutes before the service to rehearse.

Free Musical Performances Streamed Live

Join Lutheran Summer Music online. Highlights include a special guest performance by Cantus, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, the Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, and joyful performances by the Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra.

Bible Study

No Bible Study gathering during the summer months.

Ponder the Thought

People who know little are usually great talkers, while men who know much say little.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, "Emile"


One nice thing about silence is that it can’t be repeated.

Gary Cooper

Council News

Council will meet THIS Sunday after the service.

Go Nats!

You’re invited to join the Metro D.C. Synod for Faith Day at Nationals Park: An evening of baseball, fellowship, and community connection.


Come cheer on the Washington Nationals as they take on the Cincinnati Reds. (Let's go Redlegs!)


When: August 8 @ 6:45 p.m.


How much: $32/person; they are limited to section 406.


For a group outing, we can purchase multiple tickets.

National Night Out

Bring the family and join the PG Co. Police Department for National Night Out!

When: Tue., Aug. 4, 5-8pm

Where: Baden Volunteer Fire/EMS Department, 16608 Brandywine Rd, Brandywine

Conversation and Connection

With Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry:


A Special Leadership Circle Fireside Chat


When: Thursday, Aug. 6, 1PM

Where: Zoom meeting

You’re invited to the next Leadership Circle Fireside Chat!



On Thursday, Aug. 6, join us for a special opportunity to hear from Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and learn more about his vision for our church. He is excited to join Leadership Circle members for this virtual event!


During this event, you will hear the presiding bishop talk about our shared mission and the deep connections that sustain and inspire ELCA members across the expressions of our church. We invite you to submit questions in advance when you register at the link below. We hope you can join us — we’re looking forward to connections and conversation!

Note: The registration page will close at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Sacred Ground

Registration is now open for Sacred Ground, a Zoom-based discussion series on race and faith; all are welcome to attend. Sacred Ground is a 12-session spiritual journey grounded in the example of Jesus Christ and the power of scripture, prayer, and God’s grace to help achieve racial equity. For more information see flyer posted in the Narthex.

Give Now

Live

Calendar

Worship Archives

We Support

6201 Coventry Way, Clinton, MD 20735

301.868.2678 | office@hopeclinton.org