ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
July 20, 2025 | 10:00am
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
Prelude
Very Gently, from Ten Shape Preludes
Loretta K. Notareschi (b. 1977)
Welcome
Rev. Dr. Jason Hays
Executive Minister
*Call to Worship
Leader: We gather in the name of the God who sees us in
our pain and meets us with compassion.
People: We come seeking the One who brings light to our
shadows and healing to our wounds.
Leader: We gather trusting the Spirit who moves within our
hurt and brings new life.
People: We come open to the One who transforms our hearts
and renews our hope.
All: Let us worship the God who heals, who sees, who saves.
*Opening Hymn
796 We Come to You for Healing, Lord (Land of Rest)
*Corporate Confession (Unison)
Merciful God, we confess that we do not always
want to be made well.
We cling to familiar wounds, avoid hard truths,
and turn a blind eye to our neighbor’s pain.
When healing comes in ways we do not expect,
we question your presence.
When wholeness asks something of us,
we resist your call.
Forgive us, O Healer of All,
that we might behold your grace and your
world made new.
Restore us, again, that we may walk in the Light
of your Love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
*Assurance of God’s Love
*Response To Thee, Great One in Three
*Passing of the Peace
LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD
Word to the Children
When the music begins, children are invited to gather on the chancel steps as we sing, “This is where children belong, part of our family, part of our song. Be with us, pray with us, help us grow strong: this is where children belong.” Please note that this service is livestreamed and your child’s image may appear on the video.
Anthem
Be Thou My Vision
arr. James Naigus (b. 1987)
Prayer for Illumination (Unison)
Lord, open our hearts and minds
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
That as the Scriptures are read
And your Word is proclaimed,
We may hear with joy
What you say to us today. Amen.
Scripture Lesson
John 9:1-9 (Pew Bible New Testament Page 89)
Response to Reading
Leader: Listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking to the Church.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
How We Heal
Rev. Dr. Ben Sanders, Guest Preacher
Moment for Reflection
Musical Reflection
It is Well With My Soul
arr. James Naigus
RESPONDING TO GOD’S GRACE
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts Sandy Prouty, Minister of Children & Families
Making a financial gift makes Montview’s programs and ministries possible, including this worship service. You are invited to give generously at www.montview.org/giving or by texting a dollar amount to 720.452.6449. Offering boxes are stationed at the exit for cash and checks. We’re grateful for your support.
All are invited to sign and pass the Friendship Pad and greet each other by name.
*Prayer of Dedication (Unison)
God, you have so greatly loved us, long sought us, and mercifully redeemed us. Give us grace that in everything, we may yield ourselves, our wills and our works, a continual thank offering to you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Response
607 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (Doxology)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer (Unison)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*Closing Hymn
792 There Is a Balm in Gilead (Balm in Gilead)
This morning’s singing of “There Is a Balm in Gilead” – an American Negro Spiritual – is presented in accordance with our reparations royalty pilot program: a practice of valuing the musical contributions of enslaved Africans to American worship and song. Congregants are invited to make a reparation royalty contribution via the pew offering envelope (write “reparations royalty”). Contributions can also be made online at Montview.org/giving (One-time gift: Reparations Royalty Fund) or by clicking here.
SENDING IN GOD’S LOVE
*Charge and Benediction
Postlude
Nimrod from “Enigma Variations”
Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
GUEST PREACHER: REV. DR. BEN SANDERS III
The Rev. Dr. Ben Sanders III currently serves as the Chief Equity Officer for the City and County of Denver, where he leads the Mayor’s Office of Social Equity & Innovation. He is also on the ministerial staff of New Hope Baptist Church in Denver. Rev. Dr. Sanders holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and a Ph.D. in Theology and Social Ethics from the University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology. He is committed to advancing social justice and organizational change that reflect the values of God’s kingdom. We welcome Dr. Sanders to our pulpit!
MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT: THE FAX PARTNERSHIP
The Fax Partnership is a community-based nonprofit organization that has worked since 2004 to strengthen and support residents and small businesses along the East Colfax Corridor, to advance a vision of equitable development and sustain a thriving, affordable and diverse community. Visit thefaxdenver.com to learn more and get involved in our events and initiatives! For more information, visit our table in the Commons after today’s service.
PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE: TEXAS HILL COUNTRY FLOODING
From July 4th to 5th, heavy rainfall resulted in catastrophic flash flooding in the Hill Country area in central Texas. The sudden floods resulted in more than 100 lives lost and search and rescue is ongoing. Click here to support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s work as they assess and respond to this community’s needs.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mile Long Table
July 26 | 10:00am (Auraria Campus)
Montview member Malcolm Newton is a coordinator of the “Mile Long Table” lunch on July 26 at 10:00am on the Auraria Campus. The event, organized by the non-profit Longer Tables, is designed to foster community through a shared meal. The goal is to fill the 5,280-foot long table, which can accommodate 5,280 guests. Montview will sponsor at least 20 members. Please email Malcolm at denverurbaninstitute@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ben Sanders III
Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Jason Hays and Sandy Prouty
Organ: Yinying Luo
Piano: Bob Bassett
Horn: Susan Miller-Curley
Reader: Ben Meyerhoff
Sound: Cate Thieme
Video: John Goerner
PARISH NEWS
Prayer Tree
Jolene Cranston; Mary Gerwin, mourning the death of her mother, Marie Gerwin; Dick Getzinger, brother of Nancy Getzinger; Mark Haynes; Joe Hickman; Dave Hutchison; Lynn McNeil and family, mourning the death of Bruce McNeil; Eden Murphy; The Norman Family, mourning the death of Sue Norman; Jim Polsfut; Michael Prouty; Bud and Mary Starker, mourning the death of their son, Adam; Constanza Hege de Tobasia, friend of Lisa Padilla; Tom Wegs and family, mourning the death of Jewel Wegs
Births
July 9 | John Rolland Carlton, child of Alexandra Glann and Brent Carlton
Deaths
July 15 | Sue Norman
June 22 | Adam Joseph Starker
Memorial Service
Jewel Wegs | July 25 at 1:00pm in the Miller Chapel
Pastoral Care Concerns
Please reach out to the church with pastoral care concerns such as illnesses, hospitalizations, deaths, births, or any other change of personal circumstances or condition. Contact: caring@montview.org or (303) 355-1651 (general mailbox voicemail).
TODAY AT MONTVIEW
7:00am
MOB Youth Depart for Tucson
Location: Airport
9:30am-11:30am
Childcare – Ages Birth-7
Location: Preschool Floor
Enter via the Commons past Heritage Center to the Education wing.
10:00am
Worship Service
Location: Sanctuary
11:00am
Fellowship Time with Refreshments
Location: South Plaza
6:00pm
Deacons’ Gathering at City Park Jazz
Location: City Park
MONTVIEW CHURCH STAFF
Co-Pastor: Rev. Clover Reuter Beal
Executive Minister: Rev. Dr. Jason Hays
Associate Pastor of Youth and Families: Rev. Amanda Osenga
Assoc. Pastor for Congregational Care and Older Adults: Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist
Minister of Music: Adam Waite
Minister of Children and Families: Sandy Prouty
Interim Senior Director of Operations and Finance: Rev. Dr. John Thexton
Director of Finance: Dan Gasser
Director of Video Services: John Goerner
Building Manager: Brandon Severinsen
Associate Minister of Music and Organist: Yinying Luo
Assistant Minister of Children’s Music: Becki Cornwall
Executive Assistant to the Co-Pastors: Beth Ellsworth
Membership Coordinator/Scheduler: Todd Rembe
Communications Coordinator: Christine Hofstad
Mission Life Coordinator: Jennifer Seward
Administrative Assistant for Faith Formation: Trisha Pshak
Music Ministry Administrator: Heidi Shriver
Administrative Assistant to Older Adult Ministries: Debby Sycamore
Sunday Sound Engineer: Cate Thieme
Sextons: Chantelle Bartlett and Brian Hamner
ABOUT THIS SERVICE
Assistive listening devices are available in the sound booth in the back of the sanctuary.
Restrooms are available in the Commons. An all-gender restroom is available on the lower level across from Youth Cellar.
A room for families with children who are not enjoying the service is below the sanctuary with livestream.
Childcare is available for ages Birth-7 on the Preschool floor.
Please note that this worship service will be livestreamed to several social media platforms and your image may appear on the livestream video.
MONTVIEW BOULEVARD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80220
303.355.1651 | www.montview.org