“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Here is the link for Sunday, August 2, 2026 worship service: https://youtu.be/IrwL2sEaiJE
Sunday, August 9, 2026 – Worship starts at 9:30 a.m. Led by Good Shepherd Anglican (GSA)
Our joint summer services with The Church of the Good Shepherd Anglican (GSA) are as follows:
August 9; August 23 – GSA
August 16; August 30 – TUC
Scripture to Ponder & Prayer
August 3, 2026
Discovering God Beyond What We Already Know
Texts this week:
Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28; Psalm 105:1–6, 16–22, 45b; Romans 10:5–15; Matthew 14:22–33
To Ponder
Some biblical stories become so familiar that we assume we already know them. Joseph is betrayed. Jesus walks on water. Peter begins to sink. Paul proclaims that God’s word is near.
But what if these stories still have something new to reveal?
Scripture is not simply a record of the past; it is a living witness to God’s continuing presence. Each time we return to these texts, the Spirit invites us to see beyond what we have always noticed. As we sing in “Open My Eyes, That I May See” (Voices United 371), faith begins with asking God to give us new vision.
Joseph’s story is often remembered for forgiveness and reconciliation, yet before reconciliation comes fear. His brothers can no longer see Joseph as a beloved sibling. Fear distorts their vision until another person’s blessing feels like a threat to their own. Their betrayal begins long before Joseph is thrown into the pit—it begins when they forget that they belong to one another.
Matthew’s story unfolds in another place of fear. The sea represents chaos, uncertainty, and everything beyond human control. Jesus does not wait for the storm to end before coming to the disciples. He comes in the midst of it, saying, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter steps out in trust, but when fear becomes greater than hope, he begins to sink. Even then, Christ reaches out with grace before Peter can save himself.
These events remind us that God’s presence is discovered not by escaping life’s storms but by recognizing that we are never abandoned within them. This echoes the prayer of “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” (Voices United, VU 651), where pilgrims seek God’s faithful leading through every wilderness.
Our world knows many storms—war, climate change, growing inequality, polarization, and fear of those who are different. Yet perhaps the deepest storm is the one within us: the fear that keeps us from trusting God’s abundance and from embracing our neighbour as a sibling in God’s family.
The good news is that God’s love continues to seek us, restore us, and call us into lives of courage and compassion. This is the hope we proclaim each time we sing “Draw the Circle Wide” (More Voices 145): God’s love is always wider than our fear and God’s welcome always greater than our divisions.
Perhaps these familiar stories are inviting us to discover something we have long overlooked: Christ still comes toward us in the storm, and God is still transforming broken relationships into places where healing can begin.
Questions to Ponder
Where is fear limiting my ability to see others as God’s beloved?
How is Christ inviting me to trust more deeply and love more generously?
Let us pray
God of mystery and grace,
Open our eyes to see beyond fear and our hearts to recognize your presence in familiar stories and ordinary moments. When life feels uncertain, remind us that Christ still comes toward us in the storm. Give us the courage to trust your love, to welcome our neighbours, and to become instruments of your peace and reconciliation.
May our lives bear witness to your transforming grace, until the world more fully reflects your justice, compassion, and hope.
Through Christ our companion and guide. Amen.
Sources:
“Open My Eyes, That I May See” – Voices United 371. Text: Clara H. Scott (1841–1897).
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” – Voices United 651. Text: William Williams (1717–1791); English translation by Peter Williams (1722–1796).
“Draw the Circle Wide” – More Voices 145. Words and music: Gordon Light (© Common Cup Company).
Bomber Season 🏈 and Summer Concerts 
Bomber Season 🏈 and Summer Concerts 
Trinity United Church 