The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton
Presider

Rabbi Peter S. Berg
Preacher

Rabbi Samuel Stahl
Reader

The Chautauqua Choir

Joshua Stafford
Director & Organist

Owen Reyda
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

Fest-Präludium, Op. 37, No. 1

Louis Lewandowski, 1871 

Welcome & Announcements

The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton

Call to Worship*

Mishkan T’Filah

May the door of this assembly be wide enough

to receive all who hunger for love, all who are lonely for friendship.

May it welcome all who have cares to unburden,

thanks to express, hopes to nurture.

May the door of this assembly be narrow enough

to shut out pettiness and pride, envy and enmity.

May its threshold be no stumbling block

to young or straying feet.

May it be too high to admit complacency,

selfishness and harshness.

May this assembly be, for all who enter,

the doorway to a richer and more meaningful life.

Let us worship God!

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.

Prayer of Confession

The Nashuva Prayer Booklet

You know us, God, You know all our secrets.

You know our lies, the way we deceive

ourselves and others.

You know the mysteries of the universe and

the secrets of every soul. You know our

thoughts, our desires, our clandestine acts.

Nothing is hidden from You.

Forgive us:

For being unforgiving,

For the slander we spoke,

For our excesses in food and drink,

For lacking the courage to ask for forgiveness

from those we hurt,

For wanting what isn’t ours,

For excessive competitiveness,

For refusing to change,

For our selfishness,

For our stubbornness,

For ignoring You,

For hating others without cause,

For not listening to our hearts.

Forgive us, God, help us to repair our lives, our relationships,

our souls, our world. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

May the God of all mercies release us of the weight of wrongdoing, heal us from scars of guilt, restore us in the image of the Eternal, and guide us along pathways of righteousness and shalom. Amen.

Blessed be the Merciful One who has heard the voice of our prayer!

To God be the glory. Alleluia!

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.”

Hymn

"Mi shebeirach"

Debbie Friedman, 1989

Mi shebeirach avoteinu
M'kor hab'racha l'imoteinu
May the source of strength
Who blessed the ones before us
Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing
And let us say Amen

Mi shebeirach imoteinu
M'kor habrachah l'avoteinu
Bless those in need of healing with r'fuah sh'leimah
The renewal of body, the renewal of spirit
And let us say Amen

The Prayers

For the expanding grandeur of Creation, worlds known and unknown,
galaxies beyond galaxies, filling us with awe and challenging our imaginations,
Modim anachnu lach.

מודים†אנחנו†לך

(We are grateful to You.)
For this fragile planet earth, its times and tides, its sunsets and seasons,
Modim anachnu lach.

מודים†אנחנו†לך

For the joy of human life, its wonders and surprises, its hopes and achievements,
Modim anachnu lach.

מודים†אנחנו†לך

For human community, our common past and future hope,
our oneness transcending all separation,
our capacity to work for peace and justice in the midst of hostility and oppression,
Modim anachnu lach.

מודים†אנחנו†לך

For high hopes and noble causes, for faith without fanaticism,
for understanding of views not shared,
Modim anachnu lach.

מודים†אנחנו†לך

For all who have labored and suffered for a fairer world,
who have lived so that others might live in dignity and freedom,
Modim anachnu lach.

מודים†אנחנו†לך

For human liberties and sacred rites: for opportunities to change and grow,
to affirm and choose,
Modim anachnu lach.

מודים†אנחנו†לך

We pray that we may live not by our fears but by our hopes,
not by our words but by our deeds.
Blessed are You, Adonai, Your Name is Goodness, and You are worthy of thanksgiving.

תוֹדוֹהלְ†האֶנָ†ךָלְוּ†¨ךָמְשִׁ†בוֹט†¨יי†הּ†תָאַ†ךְוּרּ†בָ

Baruch atah, Adonai, hatov shimcha u-l’cha na-eh l’hodot.

In Jewish worship services, the Kaddish, or Sanctification, is recited to mark the end of one section of the service. The main idea of the Kaddish is similar to that of the Lord’s Prayer: sanctification of God’s name throughout the world that God has created. Jesus, a Jewish scholar and teacher, and speaking in the Aramaic language of the Kaddish, added to that the inward prayers of the community, which focus on daily life. In the spirit of hospitality in worship, we invite everyone to join in the words of the Prayer that Jesus taught, or feel free to remain silent or recite aloud another prayer that is dear to your heart.

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 *

"O God, be gracious"

Tallis’ Ordinal, Thomas Tallis, c. 1567
Paraphrase of Psalm 4, David Gambrell, 2009

1 O God, be gracious; hear my prayer,
and answer when I cry.
You give me hope in my distress;
you will not pass me by.

2 How long, O God, will liars boast
while I am smeared with shame?
Come, set your faithful servant free;
I call upon your name!

3 When terror wakes me from my dreams
and shakes me through and through,
teach me to pray with confidence
and put my trust in you.

4 Some fear that you will not provide;
they cry, “Show us your face!”
But you have satisfied my heart
with goodness, joy, and grace.

5 Now lay me down to sleep in peace;
in safety let me rest.
O God, within your loving care
I am forever blessed.

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory Anthem

"They that go down to the sea in ships"

Herbert Sumsion, 1979
Psalm 107:23–30

They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business in great waters;

These men see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.

For at his word the stormy wind ariseth, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep.

Their soul melteth away, because of the trouble.

They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.

So when they they cry unto the Lord in their trouble

he delivereth them out of their distress.

For he maketh the storm to cease, so that the waves thereof are still.

Then are they glad because they are at rest;

and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.

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

O enter then God’s gates with praise;
approach with joy God’s courts unto;
praise, laud, and bless God’s name always,
for it is seemly so to do. Amen.

Reading From Scripture

Rabbi Samuel Stahl, Reader
Jonah 1:1–5

Now the word of Adonai came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, “Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it, for their wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of Adonai. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid his fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.

But Adonai hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a mighty storm came upon the sea that the ship threatened to break up. Then the sailors were afraid, and each cried to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten it for them. Jonah, meanwhile, had gone down into the hold of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep.

The word of the Eternal.

Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Silent Devotion & Response

Ernest Bloch, 1934

May the words of my mouth
and the meditations of my heart
be acceptable to you,
Adonai, my Rock and my Redeemer.

יהיו†לרצון†אמרי†פי
והגיון†לבי†לפניך
ײַַ†צורי†וגאלי

Sermon

Rabbi Peter S. Berg

"What Was Jonah Afraid Of?"

Hymn*

“Sing praise to God who reigns above” 

Mit freuden zart, Bohemian Brethren’s Kirchengesang, 1566
Johann Schütz, 1675; trans. F. Cox, 1864, alt.

1 Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation, 
the God of power, the God of love, 
the God of our salvation. 
With healing balm my soul is filled,
and every faithless murmur stilled: 
to God all praise and glory!

2 What God’s almighty power has made 
God's gracious mercy keepeth; 
by morning glow or evening shade 
God's watchful eye ne'er sleepeth.
Within the kingdom of God's might, 
lo! all is just and all is right: 
to God all praise and glory!

3 The Lord is never far away, 
but, through all grief distressing, 
an everpresent help and stay, 
our peace and joy and blessing,
as with a mother's tender hand 
God gently leads the chosen band: 
to God all praise and glory!

4 Thus all my toilsome way along 
I sing aloud thy praises,
that all may hear the grateful song 
my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart; 
both soul and body, take your part: 
to God all praise and glory!

Choral Benediction

“T’filat haderech”

Debbie Friedman
arr. Nancy Wertsch, 2007

May we be blessed as we go on our way

May we be guided in peace

May we be blessed with health and joy

May this our blessing, amen.

May we be sheltered by wings of peace

May we be kept in safety and in love

May grace and compassion find their

way to every heart

May this be our blessing, amen.

Amen, may this be our blessing, amen.

Postlude

Prelude for the Opening of the New Synagogue in Berlin

Hugo Schwantzer, 1866

You are invited to remain seated for the postlude.

FLOWER DEDICATIONS

The flowers on the stage are given … 

… in celebration of the presence of the Chautauqua Disciples of Christ on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution. For over 120 years, Disciples have offered a ministry of hospitality and affordable accommodation at its two houses on the corner of The Brick Walk and Jane Street, in keeping with the Disciples’ mission to be a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. 

… in loving memory of Alfreda Locke Irwin and Forest B. Irwin by their children. 

… in loving memory of Samuel M. Hazlett, 8th President of Chautauqua Institution and his wife, Mary Emma Baxter Hazlett, by their descendents.

HAPPENING TODAY

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

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

 5:30 p.m. Children's Organ Tour • Amphiteather Stage

8 p.m. Sacred Song Service: An Ecumenical Service of Holy Communion
• Amphitheater

WEEKDAY MORNING WORSHIP AT 9:15 A.M.

Amphitheater, Rabbi Peter S. Berg

Mon 7/28 Buy a Field of Hope

Tues 7/29 When Life Disappoints

Wed 7/30 Two Passports

Thu 7/31 A Man in Between

Fri 8/1 The Friends Job Really Needed

INTERFAITH LECTURES AT 2 P.M.
Hall of Philosophy, Religion’s Role in Conflict and Extremism

Religion is often regarded as a major contributor to violence, from individual acts within the home to wars and conflicts abroad. What role does religion play in promoting conflict and extremism? How has religion been used to justify the demonization and even targeted killing of “the other?” On the other hand, religion is, in the United States, a category for protection from discrimination. Most faiths direct believers toward love, forgiveness and peace, away from the nurture and establishment of hate. This week, we will hear from a diverse set of perspectives to make sense of the way that religion contributes to and defends against hate in our society.

Mon 7/28 Susan Hayward

Tues 7/29 Rabbi Justus Baird

Wed 7/30 Anantanand Rambachan

Thu 7/31 Brendan Murphy

Fri 8/1 Matthew D. Taylor

WEDNESDAY ORGAN CONCERT AT 12:15 P.M.
Note: Change of venue this week.
Hall of Christ, Joshua Stafford, organist

JOIN THE CHAUTAUQUA CHOIR

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

WALKING THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
May 3–12, 2026

Join Chautauqua Travels Expert, Melissa Spas for an unforgettable week on The Camino de Santiago, a powerful way to reconnect to simple pleasures and reconnect to the joy of journeying. One of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes during the Middle Ages, the Camino de Santiago (or St. James’ Way) has endured for centuries as a “bucket-list” journey for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection, either religious or personal. Traveling paths traversed by pilgrims for one thousand years provides a shared connection and sense of purpose not often experienced in the modern world. As Chautauqua’s Vice President of Religion, Melissa Spas will provide daily reflections to help enrich your experience. Spain’s mighty Basque region unfurls through picturesque mountains and ancient villages, where nature and history are revered, and local wine and cuisine are cherished. 

ABRAHAMIC ANDALUSIA
Exploring the Confluence of Christian, Islamic and Jewish Cultures
October 30–November 6, 2026

Join Chautauqua Travels Expert Bishop Eugene Sutton on a transformative journey through Spain’s autonomous region of Andalusia. The Iberian Peninsula has been a bridge between Europe and Africa for centuries — ruled by Romans, Greeks, Byzantines and Phoenicians — though Judaism, Islam and Christianity have left most of the marks. As part of Chautauqua’s commitment to exploring the intersection of religion, culture and society, discover the historical influence these three religions have had on this prosperous and vibrant region and explore sites where all three of the Abrahamic religions lived and thrived together. Engage in thought provoking discussions on interfaith understanding and gain insights with Chautauqua’s Senior Pastor, Bishop Sutton on how these three great cultures achieved convivencia (coexistence) for hundreds of years, and how and why the area changed and what led to the region’s transformation.

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