The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton
Presider

The Rev. Dr. Frank M. Yamada
Preacher

George T. Snyder
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

Finlandia, Op. 26 

Jean Sibelius, 1899, arr. Herbert Fricker 

Welcome & Announcements

The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton

Call to Worship*

Psalm 95:1–7

Come, let us sing to the Lord; 

let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. 

Let us come before God’s presence with thanksgiving 

and raise to the Lord a shout with psalms. 

For you are a great God; 

you are great above all gods. 

In your hand are the caverns of the earth, 

and the heights of the hills are yours also. 

The sea is yours, for you made it, 

and your hands have molded the dry land. 

Come, let us bow down and bend the knee, 

and kneel before the Lord our Maker. 

For you are our God, and we are the people of your pasture 

and the sheep of your hand. 

Oh, that today we would hearken to your voice! 

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

Psalm 72

Bring justice to the peoples, O God, and your mercy to all generations!

May the people be known for mercy, rendering justice to the poor.

Let their spirits soar as the eagle; let joy abide in every heart.

May you heed the cry of the poor.

Setting free all those in need, the young and the old, 

and melting the hearts of oppressors.

May we know you as long as the sun endures

As long as the moon and stars, throughout all generations.

May we acknowledge you in the rain fallings on the fields, 

like showers that water the earth.

In our day may justice flourish, and peace abound throughout all the nations.

For you heed the needy when they call, 

the poor and those who have no friend.

You have compassion on the weak, the downtrodden, 

and give them strength and hope.

From injustice and oppression, you redeem their life; 

and precious are they in your Heart.

Prayer of Confession

God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

John 4:14

Hear these words from holy scripture, “Those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of living water.” Our sins are forgiven.

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

"Awake, my heart, and render"

Jane Marshall, 1957
Paulus Gerhardt, 1647, tr. Winifred Douglas, 1939

Awake my heart, and render
To God thy sure defender,
Thy Maker, thy preserver,
A Song of love and fervor.

Confirm my deeds and guide me:
My day, with thee beside me,
Beginning, middle, ending,
Will all be upward tending.

My heart shall be thy dwelling,
With joy and gladness swelling;
Thy word my nurture giv’n
To bring me on toward heaven.

The Prayers

God, we believe that you have called us together 

To broaden our experience of you and of each other. 

We believe that we have been called 

To help in healing the many wounds of society 

And in reconciling person to person 

And person to God. 

Help us, as individuals and together, 

To work, in love, for peace, and never to lose heart. 

We commit ourselves to each other — 

In joy and sorrow. 

We commit ourselves to all who share our belief in reconciliation —

To support and stand by them. 

We commit ourselves to the way of peace — 

In thought and deed. 

We commit ourselves to you —

As our guide and friend. 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 *

"Be still, my soul"

Finlandia, Jean Sibelius, 1899
Katharina von Schlegel, 1752; trans. Jane Laurie Borthwick

1 Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide,
who through all changes faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2 Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
to guide the future surely as the past. 
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
his voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

3 Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever with the Lord;
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory Anthem

"In the beginning"

David Hurd, 2025
John 1:1-14

For Joshua Stafford, in recognition of his significant contribution to Chautauqua Institution’s worship and in honor of five years as the Institution’s Organist and Choral Director. 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

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

George T. Snyder, Reader
Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, 

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, 

though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam, 

though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, 

the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; 

God will help it when the morning dawns.

The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter; 

he utters his voice; the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us; 

the God of Jacob is our refuge. 

Come, behold the works of the Lord; 

the one who has astounded the world with wonders. 

God makes wars cease to the end of the earth, 

breaks the bow and shatters the spear; 

and burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God! 

I am exalted among the nations; 

I am exalted in the earth.”

The Lord of hosts is with us; 

the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Sermon

The Rev. Dr. Frank Yamada

"They Cried to the Lord – Praying in God’s Time"

Hymn*

“A mighty fortress is our God” 

Ein feste Burg Martin Lurther, 1529
tr. Frederick Henry Hedge, 1852

1 A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing.
Our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe.
His craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

2 Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he.
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.

3 And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him.
His rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure.
One little word shall fell him.

4 That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also.
The body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still.
His kingdom is forever.

Benediction and Dismissal

The blessing of the God of Abraham and Sarah, and of Jesus Christ born of Mary, and of the Holy Spirit, who broods over the world as a mother over her children, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. 

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

Postlude

Toccata in D Major 

Marcel Lanquetuit, 1927

You are invited to remain seated for the postlude.

FLOWER DEDICATIONS

The flowers on the stage are given … 

… in loving memory of Thomas L. Snyder, Dorothy J. Snyder and James T. Snyder, and Patricia H. Snyder by the Snyder families. 

… in loving memory of Doris Goodrich Jones by Bill Cooper and Family. 

… by the Episcopal Cottage in honor and remembrance of members who have passed away over the past year. 

… in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Charles Heinz, Peggy Heinz Reynolds, Sally Heinz Waddell and her husband, Robert N. Waddell, Frederick Charles “Skippy” Heinz, Jr., Barbara Heinz Hancock and her husband, James Pryor Hancock, Ginger Heinz Leslie and her husband Dr. M. Russell Leslie, Jr., by their children and families. 

… in loving memory of Dr. Noel A. and Mrs. Cynthiannne Calhoun, Jr., Dr. David Lester and Mrs. Martha Say, Samuel Lester Say and Anita Say Scherzer by their families.

HAPPENING TODAY

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

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

5 p.m. Children's 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: A Service of Remembrance • Amphitheater

WEEKDAY MORNING WORSHIP AT 9:15 A.M.

Amphitheater, The Rev. Dr. Frank M. Yamada

Mon 7/14 How Long O Lord – A Lament Forgotten

Tues 7/15 The Beauty of Holiness – The Art of Prayer and Prayer as Art

Wed 7/16 Stilling the Waters of Our Soul – Relearning Trust

Thu 7/17 Search Me – Justice in a World Where Evil Exists

Fri 7/18 The Mercy of the Lord Endures Forever – Returning to Gratitude

INTERFAITH LECTURES AT 2 P.M.
Hall of Philosophy, Who Believes What, and Why That Matters – in association with Pew Research Center

Understanding social science research about religion enables people of faith, religious leaders, and the general public to have a more complete picture of continuity, change and diversity in religious life. Even as more people in many countries, including the United States, distance themselves from organized religion by embracing other forms of spirituality or identifying with no religion in particular, religion continues to be very important in the daily lives of billions of people around the world. In the U.S., who is still a believer and how do they engage with society and politics? Across the globe, how are different faith groups affected by broader societal changes? This week we will benefit from the nuanced research of the Pew Research Center’s religion team, while hearing from academics, practitioners and interpreters of data about what it all means. 

Mon 7/14 Gregory A. Smith

Tues 7/15 Teddy raShaan (Reeves) with Becka A. Alper

Wed 7/16 Wajahat Ali with Besheer Mohamed

Thu 7/17 Neha Sahgal

Fri 7/18 David Campbell with Alan Cooperman

ISLAM 101 AT 3:30 P.M.
Hurlbut Church

Mon 7/7 The Quran and What it Says About Other Faiths

Tues 7/8 Family Life and Women

Wed 7/9 Shia-Sunni Divide

Thu 7/10 Shariah

Fri 7/11 Islam in America

WEDNESDAY ORGAN CONCERT AT 12:15 P.M.
Amphitheater, Owen Reyda, 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

Annie Leech
Coordinator of Religious Education

Alicen Roberts
Student Minister