“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Here is the link for Sunday, July 19, 2026 worship service: https://youtu.be/3ESHj6NTQLU
Sunday, July 26, 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:
July 26; August 9; August 23 – GSA
August 2; August 16; August 30 – TUC
Scripture to Ponder & Prayer
July 20, 2026
Texts this week:
Genesis 29:15–28 • Psalm 105:1–11, 45b • Romans 8:26–39 • Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52
To Ponder: “THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE…”
Jesus often spoke about the kingdom of God, but instead of giving a definition, he told stories. Again and again he begins, “The kingdom of heaven is like…” a mustard seed, yeast, hidden treasure, a pearl of great value, or a fishing net.
This week, before reading further, pause and ask yourself:
“The kingdom of God is like… ____________________.”
How would you complete that sentence? There is no single right answer. Jesus’ parables invite our imagination because God’s kingdom is too rich to be captured by one image alone.
In these parables, the kingdom begins small like a mustard seed, works quietly like yeast through dough, is worth everything like hidden treasure, and welcomes all before God alone brings final judgment. Together they reveal a God who transforms lives and communities in surprising and often unnoticed ways.
From a liberal theological perspective, these stories are not simply about heaven after death. They reveal God’s reign already at work in the world today. Wherever compassion replaces fear, justice overcomes oppression, strangers become neighbours, and hope grows amid uncertainty, the kingdom of God is becoming visible.
The kingdom is not only something we wait for—it is something we are invited to participate in. Through acts of kindness, reconciliation, hospitality, and care for creation, we become partners in God’s ongoing work of renewing the world.
So carry this question with you throughout the week:
“The kingdom of God is like…”
How would you finish that sentence today? And how might God be inviting you to help make that vision a reality?
Let us pray…
Gracious and loving God,
Your kingdom comes in ways we do not always expect—like a tiny seed, a pinch of yeast, or a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Open our eyes to recognize your presence in the ordinary moments of life and in the people, we meet each day.
Expand our imagination to dream of the world as you intend it to be—a world shaped by justice, compassion, peace, and hope. Give us the courage to become partners in your work, planting seeds of kindness, welcoming our neighbours, caring for creation, and sharing your love wherever we go.
As we ponder your Word this week, may your Spirit continue to transform our hearts, so that our lives reflect the reality of your kingdom already growing among us.
In the way of Christ, who proclaimed and embodied your reign, we pray. Amen.
Trinity United Church 