First United Methodist Church of Seattle

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

August 16, 2026

180 Denny Way Seattle, WA 98109

Order of Worship

Gathering

Prelude arr. by Elisabeth Ellis, pianist

We Sing to You, O God

Greeting and Welcome Pastor Jackie & Pastor DJ
Passing of the Peace Pastor Jackie & Pastor DJ
*Responsive Call to Worship Peter Jabin

We come to this place carrying more than we can name.
Some of us arrive steady.
Some of us arrive tired from a struggle
no one else can see.
We come as we are. God meets us here.

We do not come because we have it figured out.
We come because something in us
still wants a blessing,
even after a long night.
We hold on. We do not let go. We come to be blessed.

Whatever we carry into this room,
whatever has marked us,
God has not turned away.
God has come close.
We are not alone in the struggle. Let us worship.

*Opening Prayer Peter Jabin
*Opening Hymn UMH #126

Sing Praise to God (v. 1-3)

Proclaiming

Prayer for Illumination Dan Gustafson
Hebrew Bible Reading Dan Gustafson

Genesis 32:22-32 (CEB)

Epistle Reading Kathryn Everett

1 Corinthians 12:21-27 (CEB)

Choral Anthem

Grace - Carolyn Hamlin

Sanctuary Summer Choir; Elisabeth Ellis, Director and Pianist

Sermon Pastor DJ

Responding

Moment for Reflection

Take a moment now to reflect, pray, or simply be still.

Pastoral Prayer Pastor Jackie
Stewardship Moment
The Offering Peter Jabin
Offertory Music

On Eagle’s Wings - arr. Mark Hayes

Susanna, Tess, and Cary, vocal trio; Elisabeth Ellis, pianist

*Doxology UMH #95

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

*Prayer of Dedication Pastor Jackie
God, we bring what we have.
Use it to care for our city,
and to hold space for everyone still wrestling
toward a blessing. Amen.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion Pastor DJ
Call to Discipleship Pastor Jackie
*Closing Hymn TFWS #2211

Faith is Patience in the Night

Benediction Pastor DJ
Postlude Elisabeth Ellis, Organist

Toccata in E minor - Pachelbel

*Please rise in body or spirit
**Our thanks to those helping in worship: Worship Leader, Peter Jabin; Scripture Readers, Dan Gustafson, Kathryn Everett; Communion Steward, Peter Jabin; Altar Guild, Barbara Moreland; Audio-Visual Operator, Laura Celin

Announcements

Open Choir in August

Join us for Open Choir throughout the month of August! There is no long-term commitment—you can sing for a single Sunday, the entire month, or decide to stay with us all year. Rehearsals begin at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday in August, meeting in the sanctuary.

Pastor DJ Meet & Greet

First Church’s community is hosting some small gatherings where our new lead pastor, Rev. DJ, can get to know folks across the congregation in a casual, personal setting. The next opportunity is September 1 from 6-9 pm. The address will be sent after registering.

UMCOR’s Early Response Team (ERT) Basic Training - Sept 26 | 8:30 AM - 5 PM at Des Moines UMC

Learn hands-on skills for disaster recovery: debris removal, home cleanup, and working safely alongside survivors. Open to anyone 18 and older. Registration closes September 14. Pastor Jackie is a trained ERT member and can provide additional info on the program to anyone interested.

Forging Notes of Rest - Aug 22 | 10 AM - 3 PM at the Well at Queen Anne UMC

This unique gathering, led by blacksmith Mike Martin, pianist Julian Davis Reid, and vocalist Tramaine Parker, uses metalworking, blended with Scripture and music, as an embodied way to process grief and express God’s love back into the world.

Upcoming Classes & Events

  • Th Aug 27: Men’s Breakfast Group | Aurora IHOP at 9 AM
  • Fri Aug 28: Caregiver’s Support Group | Zoom at 4 PM
  • Tue Sept 1: Women’s Group | Narthex at 11:30 AM
  • Tue Sept 1: Pastor DJ Meet & Greet | Congregant’s Home at 6 PM