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World Communion Sunday

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• Today is World Communion Sunday, where we celebrate our unity in Christ with the Church worldwide
• Invite you to be present in this moment — not anxious about the future or dwelling on the past

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Call to Worship

We gather today in faith, called as the people of God.
We trust in the Holy Spirit,
the One who enables us to take holy risks.

We believe a life of faith is open to God
and to our neighbors around us.
Our hearts are open this day.
Amen.

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Worship Songs

You Hold It All Together

You come at the right time
When I least expect it
Never behind

So why would I be surprised
When You deliver every time?

On mountaintops, You stay the same
On valley low, You never change

And I believe that I will see
The goodness of the Lord
I’m confident as seasons change
Your faithfulness remains

You go, You go before me
To prepare a blessing
You madе a way

It’s more than I could imagine
More than I can fathom
Or comprehend

God of my present
God of my future
You write my story
You hold it all together 

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Sound of Adoration

When we were lost ones
You were the Shepherd that carried us home
When we were prodigals
You ran to meet us with open arms
And we can’t hold back our praise

When we were refugees
You were the One who took us in
When we were enemies
You paid the price for all our sin
And we can’t hold back our praise

This is the sound of adoration
Oh, how we love You
Jesus, we love You

You are the joy of all creation
Oh, how we love You
Jesus, we love You

You are the Risen One
You conquered death and made a way
You sang our freedom song
Now we are dancing on our chains
And we can’t hold back our praise

By the cross, I am free
Your grace changes everything
I was blind, now I see
Your grace changes everything

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Prayer of Confession

Faithful God,
Like a mother bird gathering us under Your wings,
like a father running to meet us as we return,
Your Table is a place of belonging and grace.

We see how much the world needs You,
and we sense how easily we stray from You.
Hear us, O Lord, we pray: 

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Transform us at this table,
and for this table,
and send us from this table
As ambassadors of Your Kingdom.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Prayers of the People

On this World Communion Sunday, our Prayers of the People will focus on the Church — not only Anchor & Hope but the Church worldwide

After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
Lord, have mercy.

For Your Church, in San Diego and around the world… 

For meaningful connection with You, Lord, and others around us… 

For renewed public witness through faithful presence and love… 

For the healing of divisions and for genuine reconciliation… 

For worship that honors You and brings hope to our world… 

Amen.

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Communion

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Mira Mesa Street Fair: Thank you to everyone who was able to come out and help us connect with the community! 
• Sandburg Fall Carnival: We’re looking for volunteers to help out with the Sandburg Elementary Fall Carnival on Saturday, October 26th. Please talk to PD if you’re interested — this a great way for us to be a part of good things happening in our neighborhood
• Coffee Gift Cards: Our church is going to bless the teachers & staff of Sandburg with gift cards for the day after Halloween (“you’re saints for handling the post-Halloween candy rush”). If you’d like to sponsor a set of cards, please talk to Tae today
• Hurricane Helene Recovery: Let’s continue to pray and find ways to support relief and recovery efforts in areas devastated by the hurricane. There are urgent needs both now and into the near future as well 

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

The Fruit of the Spirit

Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

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Scripture Reading

Nahum 1:7-15

⁷ The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,

⁸ but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh;
he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

⁹ Whatever they plot against the Lord he will bring to an end;
trouble will not come a second time.

¹⁰ They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine;
they will be consumed like dry stubble.

¹¹ From you, Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the Lord and devises wicked plans.

12 This is what the Lord says:
“Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be destroyed and pass away.
Although I have afflicted you, Judah, I will afflict you no more.

¹³ Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away.”

¹⁴ The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
“You will have no descendants to bear your name.
I will destroy the images and idols that are in the temple of your gods.
I will prepare your grave, for you are vile.”

¹⁵ Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!
Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows.
No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

God’s Faithful Justice

Pastor Jeya

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Worship Song

Build My Life

Worthy of every song we could ever sing
Worthy of every praise we could ever bring
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You

Jesus, the Name above every other name
Jesus, the only One that could ever save
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You, oh we live for You

Holy, there is no one like You
There is none besides You
Open up our eyes in wonder

Show us who You are
and fill us with Your heart and lead us
In Your love to those around us

We will build our lives upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
We will put our trust in You alone
and we will not be shaken

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Benediction

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• Imagine a place where you’re planting seeds with Jesus — sights, smells, sounds
• After the time for growing has passed (3 deep breaths), what kind of fruit will come from the harvest?

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Call to Worship

We gather today in faith, called as the people of God.
We trust in the Holy Spirit,
the One who enables us to take holy risks.

We believe a life of faith is open to God
and to our neighbors around us.
Our hearts are open this day.
Amen.

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Worship Songs

Not Be Shaken

I will declare my choice to the nations
Shout for joy in the congregation
I will worship God… all my days

Those who love the Lord are satisfied
Those who trust in Him are justified
I will serve my God… all my days

When the nations crumble
The Word of the Lord will stand
Kings may rise and fall
His love will endure

Though the strong may stumble
Oh, the joy of the Lord is strength
To my soul
I will not be shaken…
I will not be moved
I will not be shaken

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Prayer of Confession

God of all creation,
You fill the world around us with wonder,
overflowing with Your creativity and joy.

Help us to care for and engage Your world,
including our neighbors near and far,
with faith, hope, and love.
Hear us, O God, we pray: 

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Author of Faith,
in and through the our lives,
write a Story of goodness,
so that all may know they are loved.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Prayers of the People

After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
Lord, have mercy.

For Mira Mesa, San Diego, and every community
in which we live, work, study, and play… 

For the end of racism, hatred, violence,
and discrimination in our world… 

For the Church to become a living sign
of the Beloved Community You desire… 

For our mission partners & collaborators around the world… 

For our Anchor & Hope community to grow in and share our faith… 

Amen.

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Reset Sunday: Next Sunday (9/29), we will not gather at Sandburg for worship — instead, we encourage you to experience God in rest and worship out in the world!
• Pickleball: We’re hoping to get a group together to play some pickleball this Saturday, 9/28 — all skill levels welcomed! 

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

The Fruit of the Spirit

Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Scripture Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

¹⁹ Do not try to stop the work of the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Do not laugh at those who speak for God. ²¹ Test everything and hold fast to what is good.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

Faith Conversations

Together

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Worship Song

Build My Life

Worthy of every song we could ever sing
Worthy of every praise we could ever bring
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You

Jesus, the Name above every other name
Jesus, the only One that could ever save
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You, oh we live for You

Holy, there is no one like You
There is none besides You
Open up our eyes in wonder

Show us who You are
and fill us with Your heart and lead us
In Your love to those around us

We will build our lives upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
We will put our trust in You alone
and we will not be shaken

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Benediction

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• Faith that is personal (hold hands/heart)
• Faith that is public (wide embrace) 

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Call to Worship

We gather today in faith, called as the people of God.
We trust in the Holy Spirit,
the One who enables us to take holy risks.

We believe a life of faith is open to God
and to our neighbors around us.
Our hearts are open this day.
Amen.

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Worship Songs

My Hallelujah

Open up the doors again
Let the King of glory in
His Kingdom will never end
Oh, I know that You are good

Break the darkness with the light
All the earth let praise arise
Every dead place come alive
Oh, I know that You are good
Oh, I know that You are good

You will have my hallelujah
You alone the highest name
All to You I surrender
Every breath I take
Make my life Your praise

Oh, Spirit of the Living God
Fire burning in my heart
I’m wide awake to who You are
Oh, I know that You are good
Oh, I know that You are good

You are my strength when I am weak
You are my sight when I can’t see
As praise goes up, I believe
The walls are coming down

Oh, when I was lost, You rescued me
When I was bound, You set me free
As praise goes up, I believe
The walls are coming down

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Great Are You Lord

You give life
You are love
You bring light to the darkness

You give hope
You restore
every heart that is broken
And great are You, Lord

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise

It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
To You only

All the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are You, Lord

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Prayer of Confession

God of all people,
You have always been with us,
guiding us through exodus and exile.

Spirit, You are the eternal Immigrant among us,
speaking all languages and living among all people.
Teach us to welcome and embrace our neighbors.
Hear us, O God, we pray: 

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Risen Christ,
help us to join You in building a world
where people of all backgrounds are cherished, loved,
and find their home in You.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Prayers of the People

Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. 40% of Californians and about 20% of all Americans are of Latino heritage (rule of thumb, “Latino” often refers to geographical background while “Hispanic” refers to language). We celebrate our diverse backgrounds as God-given gifts. 

Hispanic Heritage month begins on the 15th because it is the independence date for several Latin American nations, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (and Mexican Independence Day is the 16th). 

Today, we lift up and celebrate the many diverse Latine & Hispanic communities in San Diego and beyond. We see you, we love you, and we’re glad to be on this journey together! 

After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
Lord, have mercy.

For Mira Mesa, San Diego, and every community
in which we live, work, study, and play… 

For the end of racism, hatred, violence,
and discrimination in our world… 

For the Church to become a living sign
of the Beloved Community You desire… 

For our mission partners & collaborators around the world… 

For our Anchor & Hope community to grow in and share our faith… 

Amen.

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Sunday School Volunteers: We’re looking for more volunteers to teach Sunday School! If you’re a parent of a Sunday School student and haven’t signed up for 2 slots, please talk to Tae today (before being volun-chosen!)
• AMA Next Week: Please take a moment to use this link to submit questions for next Sunday’s “Ask Me Anything” with your pastors: https://forms.gle/ud6UEZX6k3uRj94cA
• Reset Sunday: In two Sundays (9/29), we will not gather at Sandburg for worship — instead, we encourage you to experience God in rest and worship out in the world!
• Mira Mesa Street Fair: On Saturday, October 5th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Anchor & Hope will host a table at the street fair! We’re hoping to have free crafts for kids — we want to build a deeper sense of connection with our neighbors here in Mira Mesa!
  • Click here for a link to the Mira Mesa Street Fair website
  • “Enjoy live music and other entertainment on two stages, a Fun Zone with pony rides for children as well as inflatables and other attractions for kids and teens, and a food court with an international flair on Camino Ruiz from Mira Mesa Blvd. to New Salem Street.”

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

I’ve Got Peace Like a River

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Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

Come Thou Fount

Come Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise

Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount I’m fixed upon it
Mount of God’s unchanging love

Here I raise my Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I’ve come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home

Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood

Oh to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be
Let Thy grace now like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart O take it seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart O take it seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above

Come Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise

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Scripture Reading

Mark 4:19-24

¹⁹ but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. ²⁰ Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

²¹ He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? ²² For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. ²³ If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”²⁴ “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

“Right” Faith

Pastor Jeya

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Reflection Questions:

• What’s a “holy risk” you hope you could take? 
• What are practices that help you counteract false understandings of yourself or God?
• What’s a holy risk that you hope we can take as a church community?

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Worship Song

Have My Heart / Here’s My Heart

Here’s my heart Lord
Here’s my heart Lord
Here’s my heart Lord
Speak what is true

You love with no reservations
You’re not looking for perfection
And there’s no need in me pretending
I’ll give You everything
I’ll give You everything

You deserve my full attention
Nothing less than my devotion
Oh, speak to me and I will listen
I’ll give You everything
I’ll give You everything

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh 
You can have my heart
You can have my heart

Be the Lord of my emotions
Set me free from selfish motives
And search me ’til there’s nothing hidden
And I’ll give You everything
Yes, I’ll give You everything

My heart is Yours forever
My heart is Yours forever

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Benediction

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• Galatians 5 talks about the fruit of the Spirit — the kind of life we naturally live when we abide in Christ: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
• Which word is speaking to you today? Hold onto that word with openness and expectation

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Call to Worship

We gather today in faith, called as the people of God.
We trust in the Holy Spirit,
the One who enables us to take holy risks.

We believe a life of faith is open to God
and to our neighbors around us.
Our hearts are open this day.
Amen.

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Worship Songs

The Way

Through every battle
Through every heartbreak
Through every circumstance
I believe that You are my fortress
You are my portion
You are my hiding place

I believe You are
The way, the truth, the life

Through every blessing
Through every promise
Through every breath I take
I believe that You are Provider
You are Protector
You are the One I love

And it’s a new horizon and I’m set on You
And You meet me here today with mercies that are new
All my fears and doubts, they can all come too
Because they can’t stay long when I’m here with You

It’s a new horizon and I’m set on You
And You meet me here today with mercies that are new
All my fears and doubts
They can all come too
Because they can’t stay long when

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You Keep on Getting Better / Come Thou Fount

I will sing of Your goodness
I will sing of Your love
Though the seasons come quickly
You have always been enough

Though the night may get darker
Though the waiting seems long
You have always been faithful
To remind me of Your love

You are good
In the morning I’ll sing
You are good
In the evening I’ll sing
You are good
You are good to me

You have always been patient
You have always been kind
You’re consistent through the ages
Oh, what a friend of mine

So I’ll remind my soul to bless You
Standing firm upon Your truth
Knowing You cannot be shaken
‘Cause I’ve seen what You can do

Come Thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise

Come Thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise

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Prayer of Confession

Creator God,
You are the beginning and the end;
You give life and breath to all things.

Breathe new life into our souls today;
send the wind of Your Spirit to move us forward.
Help us to honor You with our words and the way we live.
Hear us, O God, we pray: 

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Merciful God,
grant us rest and work in the right rhythm;
help us to join with You in creating a world
of kindness, goodness, and abundance for all.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Prayers of the People

After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
Lord, have mercy.

For Mira Mesa, San Diego, and every community
in which we live, work, study, and play… 

For the healing and renewal of Your creation,
including responsible stewardship of our resources… 

For those suffering from violence, hatred, and war… 

For our mission partners & collaborators around the world… 

For our Anchor & Hope community to grow in and share our faith… 

Amen.

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Sunday School Volunteers: We’re looking for more volunteers to teach Sunday School! If you’re a parent of a Sunday School student and haven’t signed up for 2 slots, please talk to Tae today (before being volun-chosen!)
• PLNU Church Fair: Please join us in praying for students, faculty, and staff at PLNU as we participate in their church fair this Wednesday! 
• Reset Sunday: On months with five Sundays, we do not gather as a community on the 5th Sunday. Instead, we encourage you to experience rest, renewal, and reconnection with God and others out in God’s world. Our next Reset Sunday is coming up on Sept. 29th 
• Mira Mesa Street Fair: On Saturday, October 5th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Anchor & Hope will host a table at the street fair! We’re hoping to have free crafts for kids — we want to build a deeper sense of connection with our neighbors here in Mira Mesa!
  • Click here for a link to the Mira Mesa Street Fair website
  • “Enjoy live music and other entertainment on two stages, a Fun Zone with pony rides for children as well as inflatables and other attractions for kids and teens, and a food court with an international flair on Camino Ruiz from Mira Mesa Blvd. to New Salem Street.”

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

The Fruit of the Spirit

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Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

Everything/Make Room

I will make room for You
To do whatever You want to
To do whatever You want to

God in my living, there in my breathing
God in my waking, God in my sleeping

God in my resting, there in my working
God in my thinking, God in my speaking

Be my everything
Be my everything

God in my hoping, there in my dreaming
God in my watching, God in my waiting

God in my laughing, there in my weeping
God in my hurting, God in my healing

Christ in me, Christ in you
Christ in us the hope of glory
Be our everything

Christ in me, Christ in you
Christ in us the hope of glory
You are everything

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Scripture Reading

Proverbs 11:1-11

¹ The Lord detests dishonest scales,
but accurate weights find favor with him.

² When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

³ The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

⁴ Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.

⁵ The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight,
but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

⁶ The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

⁷ Hopes placed in mortals die with them;
all the promise of their power comes to nothing.

⁸ The righteous person is rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.

⁹ With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.

¹⁰ When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;
when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

¹¹ Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

Good Faith

Pastor Dan

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Reflection Questions:

• How have you received “good faith” from others?
• How are you seeing Anchor & Hope demonstrate good faith?

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Worship Song

Open Space / Hosanna

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am is for Your kingdom’s cause
Show me how to love like You have loved me

Pull me in closer
Close to Your heart
May I be a pure reflection of all You are

Love that is patient
Love that is kind
And love that keeps no offences
or wrongs in my mind

Make me like Jesus
Make me like Jesus

You’re faithful to find me
Right where I am
Though even in my wandering You call me friend

And mercy receives me
and lifts me to my feet
And I’m caught up in the wonder and mystery

Of knowing Jesus
Of knowing Jesus

My heart is an open space
for You to come and have Your way
I’m open, I’m open

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Benediction

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• Picture a place of rest, imagine Jesus there with you
• Hold a word in your heart from this image

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Call to Worship

We gather today in faith, called as the people of God.
We trust in the Holy Spirit,
the One who enables us to take holy risks.

We believe a life of faith is open to God
and to our neighbors around us.
Our hearts are open this day.
Amen.

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Worship Songs

Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

It all comes down to this
What You require of me
Love my neighbor as myself
And You above all things

Act justly, love mercy
Walk humbly, with You God
In all things, in all ways
Walk humbly, with You God

It all comes down to this
To be Your hands and feet
Good News to all the world
The truth will set us free

It’s beauty for ashes
It’s mourning to dancing
It’s closer and closer
The Kingdom of heaven

Years from now we’ll see
The fruit our hands have sown
Faith just like a seed
The only way it grows

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Prayer of Confession

Creator God,
with great love, You made all things
and called Your creation good. 

We confess that our daily work
often feels futile or frustrating;
and that, often, we store up treasures on earth.
Renew the work of our hands, we pray: 

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Merciful God,
grant us rest and work in the right rhythm;
help us to join with You in creating a world
of kindness, goodness, and abundance for all.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Prayers of the People

After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
Lord, have mercy.

For Mira Mesa, San Diego, and every community
in which we live, work, study, and play… 

For all who are searching for work, struggling in their labor,
and for those who find joy in their daily work… 

For those suffering from violence, hatred, and war… 

For our mission partners & collaborators around the world… 

For our Anchor & Hope community to grow in and share our faith… 

Amen.

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Communion

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Sunday School Volunteers: We’re looking for more volunteers to teach Sunday School! If you’re a parent of a Sunday School student and haven’t signed up for 2 slots, please talk to Tae today (before being volun-chosen!)
• Monthly Prayer Walk: We will gather this Saturday (Sept. 7th) at 9:00 am at the Sandburg parking lot for our prayer walk
• Run Club Shirts: Please pick up your orders today! Shirts are $25 each and you can pay via Tithely or in person on Sundays. 
• Reset Sunday: On months with five Sundays, we do not gather as a community on the 5th Sunday. Instead, we encourage you to experience rest, renewal, and reconnection with God and others out in God’s world. Our next Reset Sunday is coming up on Sept. 29th 
• Mira Mesa Street Fair: On Saturday, October 5th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Anchor & Hope will host a table at the street fair! We’re hoping to have free crafts for kids — we want to build a deeper sense of connection with our neighbors here in Mira Mesa!
  • Click here for a link to the Mira Mesa Street Fair website
  • “Enjoy live music and other entertainment on two stages, a Fun Zone with pony rides for children as well as inflatables and other attractions for kids and teens, and a food court with an international flair on Camino Ruiz from Mira Mesa Blvd. to New Salem Street.”

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

The Fruit of the Spirit

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Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

Step By Step / We Are Hungry

O God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You

And I will seek You in the morning
And I will learn to walk in Your ways…
And step by step You’ll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days

We are hungry, we are hungry
We are hungry for more of You
We are thirsty, oh Jesus
We are thirsty for more of You

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Scripture Reading

1 John 5:5

The person who wins out over the world’s ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

Steps of Faith

Pastor Dan

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Reflection Questions:

• What was a long journey that changed you for the better?
• What is something you can’t see but for you, personally, is foundational?

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Worship Song

Everything

God in my living, there in my breathing
God in my waking, God in my sleeping

God in my resting, there in my working
God in my thinking, God in my speaking

Be my everything… be my everything…
Be my everything… be my everything…

God in my hoping, there in my dreaming
God in my watching, God in my waiting

God in my laughing, there in my weeping
God in my hurting, God in my healing

Christ in me, Christ in me
Christ in me, the hope of glory
You are everything

Christ in me, Christ in me
Christ in me, the hope of glory
Be my everything… be my everything…

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Benediction

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• Stand together: lean left (just a little!), lean right, find your center
• How can you be present with God right here and now, in this hour of worship?

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Call to Worship

Jesus is the vine; we are the branches.
We root ourselves in the rich soil of God’s grace,
refreshed by the Living Waters.

May the Spirit of God nurture within us
a spirit of hopefulness, insight, and creativity
as we abide in the love of Jesus.
Amen. 

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Worship Songs

The Joy of the Lord

Though tears may fall
My song will rise, my song will rise to You
Though my heart may fail
My song will rise, my song will rise to You
While there’s breath in my lungs
I will praise You, Lord

In the dead of night
I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You
When the waters rise
I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You
While there’s hope in my heart
I will praise You, Lord

The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord is my strength
In the darkness I’ll dance
In the shadows I’ll sing
The joy of the Lord is my strength

When I cannot see You with my eyes
Let faith arise to You
When I cannot feel Your hand in mine
Let faith arise to You
God of mercy and love
I will praise You, Lord

Oh You shine with glory Lord of light
I feel alive with You
In Your presence now I come alive
I am alive with You
There is strength when I say
I will praise You, Lord

When sorrow comes my way
You are the shield around me
Always You remain
Like courage in the fight
I hear You call my name
Jesus, I am coming
Walking on the waves
Reaching for Your light

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Prayer of Confession

God of majesty and mystery,
we come before You in wonder and gratitude,
open to the prompting of Your Spirit.

Restore our love for You and others;
Rebuild our vision for a world of Shalom;
Revive us with Your strength and grace;
Renew us, O God, we pray: 

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Loving God,
Open our eyes to see You all around us;
open our hearts to receive and extend mercy;
and open our hands to share Your abundance.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Prayers of the People

After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
Lord, have mercy.

For Mira Mesa, San Diego, and every community in which we live, work, study, and play… 

For those who know there is a Story bigger than themselves…

For those suffering from violence, hatred, and war… 

For Your creation, groaning under the weight of waste & sin… 

For our mission partners & collaborators around the world… 

For renewed creativity, joy & love in our Anchor & Hope community… 

Amen.

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Sunday School Volunteers: We’re looking for more volunteers to teach Sunday School! If you’re a parent of a Sunday School student and haven’t signed up for 2 slots, please talk to Tae today (before being volun-chosen!)
• Monthly Prayer Walk: We will gather on the first Saturday of month (Sept. 7th) at 9:00 am at the Sandburg parking lot for our prayer walk
• Reset Sunday: On months with five Sundays, we do not gather as a community on the 5th Sunday. Instead, we encourage you to experience rest, renewal, and reconnection with God and others out in God’s world. Our next Reset Sunday is coming up on Sept. 29th 
• Mira Mesa Street Fair: On Saturday, October 5th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Anchor & Hope will host a table at the street fair! We’re hoping to have free crafts for kids — we want to build a deeper sense of connection with our neighbors here in Mira Mesa!
  • Click here for a link to the Mira Mesa Street Fair website
  • “Enjoy live music and other entertainment on two stages, a Fun Zone with pony rides for children as well as inflatables and other attractions for kids and teens, and a food court with an international flair on Camino Ruiz from Mira Mesa Blvd. to New Salem Street.”

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

Shine (From the Inside Out)

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Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

Generous Giver / I Could Sing

You don’t withhold Your love from us
Arms open wide upon a cross
You give no matter what the cost
Jesus, we see You

All of these worlds Your hands have made
A billion stars stretched out in space
These are just echoes of Your grace
Jesus, we see You

You are the generous Giver
Your mercy overflows
Your blessing is a river — on and on and on, it goes
You are an endless fountain
You’re filling up my life
My heart must sing Your praises
Jesus, You be glorified

Jesus, You reach us in our pain
Your mercy meets us every day
Your love will never turn away
Jesus, we see You

On and on… on and on… on and on… Jesus, You be glorified

I could sing of Your love forever
I could sing of Your love forever

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Scripture Reading

Psalm 84:1-12

¹ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!

² My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

³ Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—
a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

⁴ Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.

⁵ Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

⁶ As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

⁷ They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

⁸ Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty;
listen to me, God of Jacob.

⁹ Look on our shield, O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.

¹⁰ Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

¹¹ For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

¹² Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

Being a Blessing Where We Are

Pastor Jeya

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Creative Renewal Plan

• What are some ways that you feel connected to God?
• What are things that you love to do that you haven’t had a chance to do recently?
• What is something that brings your different five senses joy? (Is there something you love to see? hear? smell? feel? taste? touch?)
• Who are the people that you want to spend some time with that fill you with joy or make you feel loved?

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Worship Song

Everything New / Here’s My Heart

I can feel Your power, Love…
Even in the hours of
The beckoning day or the darkening night

You are making all things new
You are making everything new
You are making all things new
You are making everything, everything

Like sounds of a baby crying
Light breaks over Your horizon
I’m caught in the fall and the rise of Your tide

Like mountains born in fire
Born again by Your desire
I’m caught in the heart of the world You conspire

My heart is Yours forever…

Here’s my heart Lord (3x)
Speak what is true

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Benediction

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• Get your feet rooted: Picture all of the places your feet will take you this week
• How will God be with you there? Who needs to be blessed? Where do you need strength?

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Call to Worship

Jesus is the vine; we are the branches.
We root ourselves in the rich soil of God’s grace,
refreshed by the Living Waters.

May the Spirit of God nurture within us
a spirit of hopefulness, insight, and creativity
as we abide in the love of Jesus.
Amen. 

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Worship Songs

Oh Our Lord / Center

Oh Christ be the center of our lives
Be the place we fix our eyes
Be the center of our lives

We behold the breaking dawn
The light that shines over everyone
We look to You, we long for You, oh Lord

We behold the rising sun
The earth awaits, Your hope has come
We look to You, we long for You, oh Lord

Oh, oh, oh, our Lord
Oh, oh, oh, our Lord
How majestic is Your name in all the earth

We behold the falling rain
Like waters rise, flood this place
We reach for You, we cling to You, oh Lord

Oh, Your name is a light in the darkness
Oh, Your name is the word of truth
Oh Your name, oh Your name

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Send the Rain

Lord, we come to You
Now with open hands
Broken lives and dreams
Washed up on the sand

We’ve been beaten down
But still we choose to stand
We choose to stand

Lord, we long for You
For Your hand to move
Heal this barren land
Come and make it new

Jesus, You’re the life
That is breaking through
You’re breaking through

The saints of old in ancient days
They worked the ground
that we reap from today

So use our hands to cultivate
The harvest that
our children’s children taste
We’re ready God, so send the rain

Lord, we’ll follow You
To unbroken earth
On the path not used
Where new hope is birthed

We will work as one
Holding to Your truth
To Your truth

Heal the ruined cities
We destroyed with our own hands
Bring us back together
Let us see the promised land

Pour out Your Spirit
On this dry and thirsty ground
O God of the harvest
Could it be right here and now
Could it be right here and now

Open up the heavens,
let Your rain fall down
We are thirsty, we are thirsty

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Prayer of Confession

Creator God,
in raising Christ from the dead,
You have ushered in Your new creation.

Turn our hearts back to You,
reshape the way we see the world,
and fill us with Your creative Spirit.
Hear us, O God, we pray: 

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Loving God,
Open our eyes to see You all around us;
open our hearts to receive and extend mercy;
and open our hands to share Your abundance.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Prayers of the People

After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
Lord, have mercy.

For all in San Diego and beyond who are starting a new school year… 

For those longing for hope in our world… 

For those suffering from violence, hatred, and war… 

For Your creation, groaning under the weight of waste & sin… 

For our mission partners & collaborators around the world… 

For renewed creativity, joy & love in our Anchor & Hope community… 

Amen.

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Monthly Prayer Walk: We will gather on the first Saturday of month (Sept. 7th) at 9:00 am at the Sandburg parking lot for our prayer walk
• Reset Sunday: On months with five Sundays, we do not gather as a community on the 5th Sunday. Instead, we encourage you to experience rest, renewal, and reconnection with God and others out in God’s world. Our next Reset Sunday is coming up on Sept. 29th 
• Justice Ventures International: Deleine interned with JVI this summer and will share a brief report! 

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

Shine (From the Inside Out)

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Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

You Hold It All Together / Send the Rain

Open up the heavens
Let Your rain fall down
We are thirsty, we are thirsty

You come at the right time
When I least expect it
Never behind

So why would I be surprised
When You deliver every time?

On mountaintops, You stay the same
On valley low, You never change

And I believe that I will see
The goodness of the Lord
I’m confident as seasons change
Your faithfulness remains

You go, You go before me
To prepare a blessing
You madе a way

It’s more than I could imagine
More than I can fathom
Or comprehend

God of my present
God of my future
You write my story
You hold it all together 

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Scripture Reading

Jeremiah 29:4-11

⁴ Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ⁵ Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. ⁶ Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. ⁷ But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. ⁸ For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let the prophets and the diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to your dreams that you dream, ⁹ for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, says the Lord.

¹⁰ For thus says the Lord: Only when Babylon’s seventy years are completed will I visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. ¹¹ For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.

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Sermon

Being a Blessing Where We Are

Pastor Jeya

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Reflection Questions

• What makes something feel like home for you?
• How do you wish San Diego (city & county) could be better? How do you wish the city/county could be blessed?
• Partners: “No” vs “Yes And”

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Worship Song

Open Up (reprise)

May Your love
Cause us to open up
Cause us to open up our hearts

May Your light
Cause us to shine so bright
That we bring hope into the dark

All that we do without love
It means nothing
Grant us the courage to give
As You’re calling

Make me an instrument
Of Your peace
Where there is hatred
Let me sow love

Where there is darkness
Let me shine light and…

Hope for the hopeless
Your love is
Strength in our weakness
Your love is

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Benediction

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Centering Practice

We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:

• Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths 
• The conclusion of the Olympics reminds us of Hebrews 12:1-2, which reminds us to run well the race God has set before each of us 
• As you prepare for the race ahead, embody a word or idea from this passage (community, witness, endurance, joy, Jesus) and hold it for about 10 seconds

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Call to Worship

Jesus is the vine; we are the branches.
We root ourselves in the rich soil of God’s grace,
refreshed by the Living Waters.

May the Spirit of God nurture within us
a spirit of hopefulness, insight, and creativity
as we abide in the love of Jesus.
Amen. 

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Worship Songs

Sound of Adoration

When we were lost ones
You were the Shepherd that carried us home
When we were prodigals
You ran to meet us with open arms
And we can’t hold back our praise

When we were refugees
You were the One who took us in
When we were enemies
You paid the price for all our sin
And we can’t hold back our praise

This is the sound of adoration
Oh, how we love You
Jesus, we love You

You are the joy of all creation
Oh, how we love You
Jesus, we love You

You are the Risen One
You conquered death and made a way
You sang our freedom song
Now we are dancing on our chains
And we can’t hold back our praise

By the cross, I am free
Your grace changes everything
I was blind, now I see
Your grace changes everything

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You Keep On Getting Better

I will sing of Your goodness
I will sing of Your love
Though the seasons come quickly
You have always been enough

Though the night may get darker
Though the waiting seems long
You have always been faithful
To remind me of Your love

You are good
In the morning I’ll sing
You are good
In the evening I’ll sing
You are good
You are good to me

You have always been patient
You have always been kind
You’re consistent through the ages
Oh, what a friend of mine

So I’ll remind my soul to bless You
Standing firm upon Your truth
Knowing You cannot be shaken
‘Cause I’ve seen what You can do, oh

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
When I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus, You’re my hope and stay

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Prayer of Confession

Creator God,
Your love reaches wider than the skies above,
and Your kindness embraces even the tiny sparrow.

We seek Jesus, the One who gives new life.
Heal our hearts, restore our vision,
and renew our God-given creativity.
Hear us, O God, we pray: 

— Moment of silent prayer — 

Loving God,
Open our eyes to see You all around us;
open our hearts to receive and extend mercy;
and open our hands to share Your abundance.
Amen.

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Assurance of God’s Love

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Blessing of the Backpacks

~~~

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Offering Prayer

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Announcements

• Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
• Sandburg Beautification Day: Thank you to everyone who was able to volunteer here yesterday to help kick off a brand-new school year! 
• Run Club Shirts: If you’d like to purchase an Anchor & Hope Run Club shirt, please let PD know what size you’d like to order. $25 will cover the cost of each shirt! 

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Passing of the Peace

Let’s greet each other at this time!

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Family Praise

Shine (From the Inside Out)

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Blessing of the Children

Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way! 

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Worship Song

The Kingdom is Yours

Blessed are the ones who do not bury
All the broken pieces of their heart
Blessed are the tears of all the weary
Pouring like a sky of falling stars

Blessed are the wounded ones in mourning
Brave enough to show the Lord their scars
Blessed are the hurts that are not hidden
Open to the healing touch of God

The Kingdom is yours, the Kingdom is yours
Hold on a little more, this is not the end
Hope is in the Lord, keep your eyes on Him

And blessed are the ones who walk in kindness
Even in the face of great abuse
Blessed are the deeds that go unnoticed
Serving with unguarded gratitude

And blessed are the ones who fight for justice
Longing for the coming day of peace
Blessed is the soul that thirsts for righteousness
Welcoming the last, the lost, the least

Blessed are the ones who suffer violence
And still have strength to love their enemies
Blessed is the faith of those who persevere
Though they fall, they’ll never know defeat

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Scripture Reading

Psalm 90:1-2, 12-17

¹ Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! 

² Before the mountains were born,
before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
from beginning to end, you are God… 

¹² Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom.

¹³ O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay?
Take pity on your servants!

¹⁴ Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,
so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.

¹⁵ Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!
Replace the evil years with good.

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Sermon

Nurturing Creativity
Pastor Dan

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Reflection Questions

• Fill in the blank for home
• When I’m home, I can …
• I long for home to be …
• What are some ideas you have for intentionally nurturing new ways of seeing the world

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Worship Song

Let Us Be Known

Let us be known by our love
In every word, in every deed
Honor the Son

Let our light shine in every eye
Let us be known by our love

For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our love

Let us be known by our joy
In every home, in every heart
Sing to the Lord

Let our lives show goodness and hope
Let us be known by our joy

For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our joy

Let us be known by our peace
In every town, in every tribe
Jesus is King

Let us go forth, heal and restore
Let us be known by our peace

For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our peace

For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our love

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Benediction

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