The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton
Presider

The Rev. Jacqueline J. Lewis
Preacher

Amy Gardner
Reader

The Chautauqua Choir

Joshua Stafford
Director & Organist

Owen Reyda & Laura Smith
Organists

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

We invite you to quietly prepare your hearts for worship during the Prelude. 

* Denotes that the congregation is invited to rise in body or spirit. It is our custom to sing the first and last verses of hymns in unison; the interior verses may be sung in parts.

Prelude

Partia on Hymn to Joy

John G. Barr, 1997

Welcome & Announcements

The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton

Call to Worship*

Isaiah 35:1–7, 10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; 

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. 

They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 

Strengthen the weary hands and make firm the feeble knees. 

Say to the anxious, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, coming with judgment to save you.” 

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf be unstopped. 

Then, shall the lame leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. 

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 

The burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground, springs of water. 

The ransomed of God shall return with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads. 

Joy and gladness shall be there, 

And sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 

Hymn*

“Holy, holy holy!” 

Nicæa, John Bacchus Dykes, 1861
Reginald Heber, 1827, alt.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty;
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea!
Cherubim and seraphim, falling down before thee,
who wert, and art, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea!
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty;
God in three persons, blessed Trinity! Amen.

Canticle: The Song of Judith

Judith 16:13–16

I will sing a new song to my God, 

for you are great and glorious, wonderful in strength, invincible. 

Let the whole creation serve you, 

for you spoke and all things came into being. 

You sent your breath and it formed them, 

no one is able to resist your voice. 

Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths, 

rocks melt like wax at your presence. 

But to those who fear you, 

you continue to show mercy. 

No sacrifice, however fragrant, can please you, 

but whoever reveres the Lord shall stand in your sight forever! 

Prayer of Confession

Let us pray: 

Open unto me, light for my darkness. 

Open unto me, courage for my fear. 

Open unto me, hope for my despair. 

Open unto me, peace for my turmoil. 

Open unto me, joy for my sorrow. 

Open unto me, strength for my weakness. 

Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion. 

Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins. 

Open unto me, love for my hates. 

Open unto me, thy Self for my self. 

Lord, Lord, open unto me. 

Amen. 

Words of Forgiveness and Passing of the Peace

May the peace of God be always with you. 
And also with you. 

You are invited to greet your neighbor saying, “Peace be with you.”

Anthem

"Jubilate Deo in C"

Benjamin Britten, 1961
Psalm 100

O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands:

serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song.

Be ye sure that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves;

we are his people, and the sheep of is pasture.

O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving,

and into his courts with praise.

be thankful unto him, and speak good of his name.

For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting:

and his truth endureth from generation to generation

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be: world without end, Amen. 

The Prayers

God be with you. And also with you. Let us pray: 

Source of Joy, We praise you for the multitudes of people, who, all over the world seek to bear witness to peace, to reconciliation, to communion, to wonder. We bring our concerns before you now, saying, “God in your mercy, hear our prayer.” 

For our Chautauqua community, 

That in this season we may strive to become more and more a people of curiosity and compassion. God, in your mercy, 

hear our prayer. 

For those in positions of public trust, 

That they may serve justice, and promote the dignity and freedom of every human being. God, in your mercy, 

hear our prayer. 

For the spirit of play among us, 

That just as you called children to you, help us to remember ourselves as your children. Replace the weight of solemnity with delight and curiosity; help us to see opportunities for playfulness and laughter, give us the wonder to rejoice in your good world. God, in your mercy, 

hear our prayer. 

For the renewal and restoration of creation, 

That we may be faithful stewards of this earth, so that coming generations may inherit air, waters and lands that are brimming with life. God, in your mercy, 

hear our prayer. 

God of Holy Play, fill us with joy and laughter in the week to come. 

Help us to discover delight in our daily life and work, 

and in the presence of your beloved community.

Amen. 

The Prayer that Jesus Taught

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 trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn *

"Why should I feel discouraged"

Sparrow, Charles H. Gabriel, 1905
Civilla Durfee Martin, 1905

“Why should I feel discouraged”

1 Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely
and long for heaven and home,
when Jesus is my portion?
My constant friend is he:
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, (I’m happy)
I sing because I’m free, (I’m free)
for his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me.

2 “Let not your heart be troubled,”
his tender word I hear, 
and resting on his goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
though by the path he leadeth
but one step I may see:
his eye is on the sparrow, 
and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me. (Refrain)

3 Whenever I am tempted,
whenever clouds arise,
when song gives place to sighing,
when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to him,
from care he sets me free:
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me. (Refrain)

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory Anthem

"Do not be afraid"

Philip Stopford, 2010
Gerard Markland, 1978

Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you, 
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
When you walk through the waters, I’ll be with you; 
you will never sink beneath the waves.
When the fire is burning all around you, 
you will never be consumed by the flames. 
When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side. When you dwell in the exile of a stranger, remember you are precious in my eyes. You are mine, O my child. I am your Father, and I love you with a perfect love.

Presentation of the Offering

Our Sunday offering supports not only the ministry of Chautauqua Institution’s Department of Religion, but also a tithe of your contribution is directed to organizations that meet the urgent needs of our neighbors in Chautauqua County. We thank you for your generosity! Gifts and offerings may be made by check payable to the Department of Religion, or you may donate online at giving.chq.org/religion.

Doxology

Old 100th

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; 
Praise Christ, all creatures here below; 
Praise Holy Spirit evermore; 
Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.

Reading From Scripture

Amy Gardner, Reader
Psalm 30

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up 

and did not let my foes rejoice over me. 

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, 

and you have healed me. 

O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol, 

restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit. 

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones, 

and give thanks to his holy name. 

For his anger is but for a moment; 

his favor is for a lifetime. 

Weeping may linger for the night, 

but joy comes with the morning. 

As for me, I said in my prosperity, 

“I shall never be moved.” 

By your favor, O Lord, 

you had established me as a strong mountain; 

you hid your face; 

I was dismayed. 

To you, O Lord, I cried, 

and to the Lord I made supplication: 

“What profit is there in my death, 

if I go down to the Pit? 

Will the dust praise you? 

Will it tell of your faithfulness? 

Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! 

O Lord, be my helper!” 

You have turned my mourning into dancing; 

you have taken off my sackcloth 

and clothed me with joy, 

so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. 

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever. 

The word of the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

Sermon

The Rev. Jacqueline J. Lewis

"After a long dark night of the soul, joy"

Hymn*

“Joyful, joyful we adore thee” 

Hymn to Joy, Ludwig van Beethoven, 1824
Henry van Dyke, 1907, alt.

“Joyful, joyful”

1 Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love!
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day.

2 All thy works with joy surround thee;
earth and heaven reflect thy rays;
stars and angels sing around thee,
center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain,
call us to rejoice in thee.

3 Mortals, join the happy chorus
which the morning stars began.
Love divine is reigning o'er us,
joining all in heaven's plan.
Ever singing, march we onward,
victors in the midst of strife.
Joyful music leads us sunward
in the triumph song of life.

Benediction and Dismissal

Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage, hold fast that which is good, render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor everyone; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; and the blessing of the almighty Creator, Redeemer and Breath of Life be upon you and remain with you forever. Amen. 

Let us go forth in the power of the Spirit. 
Thanks be to God! 

Postlude

Toccata from Suite for Organ

Florence Price, 1942

You are invited to remain seated for the postlude.

FLOWER DEDICATIONS

The flowers on the stage are given … 

… in loving memory of Chautauqua’s Fifteenth President Daniel Lindsay Bratton by Thomas Martin Becker and Jane Cleaver Becker. 

… in loving memory of Lewis (Bud) and Janet Briggs, Hubert and Virginia Morrison and Matthew Briggs by their daughter, son, and father, Nancy, and David Briggs 

… in loving memory of Dr. and Mrs. Albert Hayes Sharpe, Mr. and Mrs. George M. Trefts III and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sharpe Trefts by The Albert Sharpe Trefts Family.

HAPPENING TODAY

10:15 a.m. Sunday School (Ages 3–Grade 6) • Children’s School

12:15 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass • Hall of Philosophy

4:30 p.m. Blessing of the Animals • Miller Park (weather permitting)

5 p.m. Massey Organ Tour • Amphiteather Stage

5 p.m. Palestine Park Tour • Near Miller Bell Tower (weather permitting)
Sponsored by The Reverend Noel A. Calhoun, Jr., D.D. Fund

8 p.m. Sacred Song Service: Save Me from the Soothing Sin Amphitheater

WEEKDAY MORNING WORSHIP AT 9:15 A.M.
Amphitheater, The Rev. Jaqueline L. Lewis

Mon 6/30 Time to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Tues 7/1 When the Trees Clap Their Hands

Wed 7/2 Just Love, So Our Joy Might Be Full

Thu 7/3 When Weeping Turns to Laughter

Fri 7/4 When There Are No More Tears

INTERFAITH LECTURES AT 2 P.M.
Hall of Philosophy, Sin and Redemption: Practices and Possibilities for Reconciliation 

In a world of cancel culture, where one perceived wrong act or utterance can lead to loss of employment or reputation, is there something we might learn from the religious concept of sin? How do we understand sin today? What do we make of sin on a personal and a corporate level? How can sinful behavior, or a sinful nature, be redeemed? This week we will dive deep on historical, theological and practical approaches to sin and redemption, and shine a light on the hope we can have for a future — reconciled to one another and to all that is holy.

Mon 6/23 Almeda Wright
Tues 6/24 Rebecca Claren
Wed 6/25 Barry W. Lynn
Thu 6/26 Martin Nguyen
Fri 6/27 Brian Webb

CREATING AN INCLUSIVE CHAUTAUQUA AND BEYOND

Chautauqua Institution, in collaboration with the African American Heritage House (AAHH), invites all Chautauquans to participate in a free, 90-minute workshop this summer to help us collectively develop the awareness, tools and resources to create an inclusive community on the grounds. This workshop was developed in response to reports of unwelcoming or othering behaviors and comments that students, artists, performers and patrons of color have reported to the Institution (for example, see page A6 of The Chautauquan Daily, July 20-21, 2024 edition). Furthermore, many Chautauquans have asked for resources on how they can be helpful in these moments, and this workshop will provide guidance on how to respond in the moment. 

The goals of this workshop are to: 

Describe the nature and scope of unwelcoming behaviors as they have happened at Chautauqua, particularly around race. 

Empower and equip Chautauquans to be able to address those behaviors in the moment 

Provide resources for ongoing learning and skills development to work toward a more inclusive experience for all Chautauquans 

Logistical Information: 

This free workshop will be offered four times weekly during the 2025 season at the following times at the Ida A. Vanderbeck Chapel (former IOKDS Chapel at 39 Pratt). 

Mondays, 3:30–5 p.m. 

Tuesdays, 9–10:30 a.m. 

Wednesdays, 9–10:30 a.m. 

Thursdays, 3:30–5 p.m. 

Participants need to sign up for only one of these times, not all four. 

The workshop will be limited to 15 participants for each session. You can guarantee a spot by registering in advance. Drop-ins will be permitted with any gate pass, as long as there is space available. 

Learn more at: https://www.chq.org/about/idea/creating-an-inclusive-chautauqua-beyond/

WEDNESDAY ORGAN CONCERT AT 12:15 P.M.
Amphitheater, Joshua Stafford, organist

JOIN THE CHAUTAUQUA CHOIR

Thu 6:15 p.m. Rehearsal at Lenna Hall
Fri 6:15 p.m. Rehearsal at Lenna Hall
Sat 6:15 p.m. Rehearsal at Fletcher Hall

We invite you to join us and sing with the Chautauqua Choir this season. This group is open to anyone who has experience singing in choirs and the ability to read music, and requires members attend at least one out of three weekly rehearsals, though two or more rehearsals are preferred. Our preference is for members to sing both Sunday Morning and Sunday Evening services, though it is possible to sing only one or the other. Questions can be directed to choir@chq.org or by calling the choir library at 716-357-6321. Click here to register ahead of rehearsals.

JOIN THE MOTET CHOIR

The Motet Choir, which leads our weekday worship services, comprises experienced auditioned singers who rehearse and perform a variety of works from the rich heritage of sacred choral music of the past and a diversity of styles from the present. Singers must have a background of choral singing experience with excellent vocal quality and sight-reading ability. Members of the Motet Choir are compensated in the form of a gate pass for the weeks that they sing in the choir. Interested singers should email choir@chq.org or call the choir library at 716-357-6321 to schedule an audition for the 2026 summer season.

CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION
Department of Religion

Melissa Spas
Vice President of Religion

The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton
Senior Pastor

Joshua Stafford
Director of Sacred Music & The Jared Jacobsen Chair Organist

Owen Reyda
Organ Scholar

Laura Smith
Organ Scholar

Carolyn Snider
Administrative Assistant

Alicen Roberts
Student Minister