What kind of laugh did Sarah give when the Lord promised her a child in her old age? Was it disbelief? Contempt? Joy? The Bible doesn’t tell us explicitly, but that laugh—whatever its tone—echoes through the centuries into our own lives of waiting, hoping, and sometimes doubting.

In this message based on Genesis 18, we consider the mystery and depth of Sarah’s laugh in the face of God's incredible promise. With warmth and humor, Pastor invites us to explore not only the different kinds of laughter but also the deep spiritual truth that God knows the heart behind every laugh. He knows our needs, our longings, and our struggles to believe what seems impossible.

Like Sarah, we all wait for things we hope will come true. And like Sarah, we are invited to trust that nothing is too hard for the Lord. Through Jesus Christ, God fulfills His greatest promises—bringing joy from sorrow, faith from doubt, and eternal life from death. In the end, because of God's mercy, we too will laugh—with Sarah, and with all who trust in Him.

So, Sarah Laughed... — Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 20, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-sixth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250720-order-of-service.pdf
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Psalm 27
Genesis 18:1–14
Colossians 1:21–29
Luke 10:38–42

Songs and Hymns:
    - My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less: Text: Edward Mote. Tune: William B. Bradbury. Tune and text: Public domain.
    - I Will Wait for You: Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matthew Merker, Stuart Townend; © 2018 Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music; Matthew Merker Music; Townend Songs; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Pass Me Not: Fanny Jane Crosby, William Howard Doane; Public domain.
    - I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus: Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836–79; Tune: Henry W. Baker, 1821–77; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Ancient of Days: Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson; © 2018 CityAlight Music. Used with permission, CCLI license #20286740.
    - By Faith: Text and tune by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend, © 2009 Thankyou Music, © Getty Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing: Text: Timothy Dudley-Smith; Tune: Columbian Harmony, 1825; © 1997 Hope Publishing Co.; used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220.

Liturgies:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

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So, Sarah Laughed... - Jul 20 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

St. James Lutheran Church was established in 1982. We are a church rooted on Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone. And we are a body of sinners and saints focused on spreading the Good News in the Greater Glen Carbon community.

St. James is located in Glen Carbon, IL at 146 North Main Street. We are located across from Glen Carbon Village Hall and right next to Schon Park.

So, Sarah Laughed... - Jul 20 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

St James Lutheran Church