Classic Worship | 9:30 AM | July 12th , 2026

Good morning. Good morning. >> Welcome to Memorial Drive United >> Welcome to Memorial Drive United >> Welcome to Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. I love having a good Methodist Church. I love having a good Methodist Church. I love having a good organ prelude to begin our time of organ prelude to begin our time of organ prelude to begin our time of worship because of the way it fills this worship because of the way it fills this worship because of the way it fills this space and reminds us that God's presence space and reminds us that God's presence space and reminds us that God's presence is filling this space and is filling our is filling this space and is filling our is filling this space and is filling our lives. I'm so glad that you are here. lives. I'm so glad that you are here. lives. I'm so glad that you are here. Whether you're visiting us for the first Whether you're visiting us for the first Whether you're visiting us for the first time or watching online or you're here time or watching online or you're here time or watching online or you're here every Sunday, I want to welcome you here every Sunday, I want to welcome you here every Sunday, I want to welcome you here to this time that we set aside for to this time that we set aside for to this time that we set aside for worship. It's an important thing when worship. It's an important thing when worship. It's an important thing when the people of God come together to share the people of God come together to share the people of God come together to share in worship, to lift up praise, and to in worship, to lift up praise, and to in worship, to lift up praise, and to support each other in communion and support each other in communion and support each other in communion and fellowship. So, I'm really glad that fellowship. So, I'm really glad that fellowship. So, I'm really glad that you're here. If you would take a minute you're here. If you would take a minute you're here. If you would take a minute and scan the QR code that's on the front and scan the QR code that's on the front and scan the QR code that's on the front of your bulletin, and let us know that of your bulletin, and let us know that of your bulletin, and let us know that you're here. We're a better church when you're here. We're a better church when you're here. We're a better church when we know who is worshiping with us. I'm we know who is worshiping with us. I'm we know who is worshiping with us. I'm Jenny Verus Shrekingst, one of the Jenny Verus Shrekingst, one of the Jenny Verus Shrekingst, one of the ministers here at MDUMC. It's my joy to ministers here at MDUMC. It's my joy to ministers here at MDUMC. It's my joy to greet you here in the name of Christ. greet you here in the name of Christ. greet you here in the name of Christ. I'm excited. Today we are celebrating I'm excited. Today we are celebrating I'm excited. Today we are celebrating Stephen Ministry Sunday and you will Stephen Ministry Sunday and you will Stephen Ministry Sunday and you will hear more about that as our service goes hear more about that as our service goes hear more about that as our service goes on. Steven Ministry is one of the areas on. Steven Ministry is one of the areas on. Steven Ministry is one of the areas of ministry here at our church that I of ministry here at our church that I of ministry here at our church that I get to be a special part of and they um get to be a special part of and they um get to be a special part of and they um are a powerful and important ministry.

are a powerful and important ministry. are a powerful and important ministry. You received a card when you came in You received a card when you came in You received a card when you came in that has some more information about that has some more information about that has some more information about Steven Ministry and you'll hear more Steven Ministry and you'll hear more Steven Ministry and you'll hear more about that later in our service. I want about that later in our service. I want about that later in our service. I want to invite you now as you're able to to invite you now as you're able to to invite you now as you're able to stand in body and in spirit and to join stand in body and in spirit and to join stand in body and in spirit and to join me in our call to worship. God calls to the lost, the least, and God calls to the lost, the least, and all who long for home. God calls when we all who long for home. God calls when we all who long for home. God calls when we wander from the path chosen. wander from the path chosen. wander from the path chosen. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. God calls. And God calls. And God calls. And let's go back. Let's begin again. let's go back. Let's begin again. let's go back. Let's begin again. Everyone gets a doover. Let's join in Everyone gets a doover. Let's join in Everyone gets a doover. Let's join in our call to worship. God calls to the our call to worship. God calls to the our call to worship. God calls to the lost, the least, and all who long for lost, the least, and all who long for lost, the least, and all who long for home. home. home. God calls when we wander astray, and God calls when we wander astray, and God calls when we wander astray, and when we waste the gifts we have been when we waste the gifts we have been when we waste the gifts we have been given. God calls and welcomes us back to given. God calls and welcomes us back to given. God calls and welcomes us back to worship this day. Let us celebrate and worship this day. Let us celebrate and worship this day. Let us celebrate and rejoice in God's presence forever. Let rejoice in God's presence forever. Let rejoice in God's presence forever. Let us worship God together. There we go.

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee God The Joyful, joyful, we adore thee God The glory of Lord above hearts unfold like glory of Lord above hearts unfold like glory of Lord above hearts unfold like clouds before thee opening to the sun clouds before thee opening to the sun clouds before thee opening to the sun above. Build the clouds of sin and above. Build the clouds of sin and above. Build the clouds of sin and sadness. Drive the dark sadness. Drive the dark sadness. Drive the dark here of gladness. Fill us with the light of of gladness. Fill us with the light of day. day. day. All thy works rejoice surrounding All thy works rejoice surrounding All thy works rejoice surrounding earth and every earth and every earth and every thy thy thy stars and angels sing around the center stars and angels sing around the center stars and angels sing around the center of my broken gra of my broken gra of my broken gra forest forest forest and mountain of flashing sea chanting of flashing sea chanting and flowing mountain and flowing mountain and flowing mountain to rejoice in me and for and for everlasting everlasting everlasting ever Our

Our father Christ our teach us to love each other teach us to love each other with us to the joy divine. maring. The word victory in the star of maring. The word victory in the star of stren.

>> Amen. Friends, let us now uh affirm our >> Amen. Friends, let us now uh affirm our faith by saying the apostles creed faith by saying the apostles creed faith by saying the apostles creed together. Would you say these words? I together. Would you say these words? I together. Would you say these words? I believe in God the Father Almighty, believe in God the Father Almighty, believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Ponteus the Virgin Mary, suffered under Ponteus the Virgin Mary, suffered under Ponteus Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He The third day he rose from the dead. He The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the ascended into heaven and siteth at the ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. from thence he shall come to judge the from thence he shall come to judge the from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Glory be to the father Glory be to the father and to the son to the holy and to the son to the holy and to the son to the holy ghost.

ghost. ghost. As it was in the beginning, As it was in the beginning, As it was in the beginning, is now is now is now ever shall ever shall ever shall world. Amen. And often times in the mornings we Amen. And often times in the mornings we greet one another and say hello. But we greet one another and say hello. But we greet one another and say hello. But we do this as part of the unique Christian do this as part of the unique Christian do this as part of the unique Christian tradition. That is as forgiven and tradition. That is as forgiven and tradition. That is as forgiven and reconciled people. We share the peace of reconciled people. We share the peace of reconciled people. We share the peace of Christ with one another. So I invite you Christ with one another. So I invite you Christ with one another. So I invite you to turn to your neighbor and say the to turn to your neighbor and say the to turn to your neighbor and say the peace of Christ be with you and also peace of Christ be with you and also peace of Christ be with you and also with you. And as you return to your seats, we want And as you return to your seats, we want to invite any children who are in the to invite any children who are in the to invite any children who are in the room to come on down for our children's room to come on down for our children's room to come on down for our children's time. Any children who are with us who time. Any children who are with us who time. Any children who are with us who would like to join us for children's would like to join us for children's would like to join us for children's time. Yes. Come on down. Come on. Come time. Yes. Come on down. Come on. Come time. Yes. Come on down. Come on. Come on.

What's happening? What's happening? Hello. Hello. Hello. All right. So, all Hello. Hello. Hello. All right. So, all Hello. Hello. Hello. All right. So, all summer long we are doing the uh Stump summer long we are doing the uh Stump summer long we are doing the uh Stump the Pastor uh mystery uh bucket uh the Pastor uh mystery uh bucket uh the Pastor uh mystery uh bucket uh mystery bag, mystery Trader Joe's here. mystery bag, mystery Trader Joe's here. mystery bag, mystery Trader Joe's here. Uh and so I have no idea what is in this Uh and so I have no idea what is in this Uh and so I have no idea what is in this bag. And we will figure out what's in it bag. And we will figure out what's in it bag. And we will figure out what's in it and what it has to do with faith. All and what it has to do with faith. All and what it has to do with faith. All right, you ready? This came from you. right, you ready? This came from you. right, you ready? This came from you. You chose this and you chose this, You chose this and you chose this, You chose this and you chose this, right? Okay. All right. Let's see. Let's right? Okay. All right. Let's see. Let's right? Okay. All right. Let's see. Let's see what we got here. see what we got here. see what we got here. Little Jeopardy theme song going on. Ah, Little Jeopardy theme song going on. Ah, Little Jeopardy theme song going on. Ah, nice. I love it. It is a replica World nice. I love it. It is a replica World nice. I love it. It is a replica World Cup FIFA uh trophy. I love this. This is Cup FIFA uh trophy. I love this. This is Cup FIFA uh trophy. I love this. This is awesome. Yeah. Well, h awesome. Yeah. Well, h awesome. Yeah. Well, h you know what I'm reminded of is I'm you know what I'm reminded of is I'm you know what I'm reminded of is I'm reminded of the many instances in which reminded of the many instances in which reminded of the many instances in which uh in scripture particularly in the New uh in scripture particularly in the New uh in scripture particularly in the New Testament uh the Apostle Paul he talks Testament uh the Apostle Paul he talks Testament uh the Apostle Paul he talks about how this this life of faith is about how this this life of faith is about how this this life of faith is like running a race. Running a race and like running a race. Running a race and like running a race. Running a race and that the prize at the end really is that the prize at the end really is that the prize at the end really is about relationship with Jesus Christ.

about relationship with Jesus Christ. about relationship with Jesus Christ. that we run the race that we might gain that we run the race that we might gain that we run the race that we might gain the prize and that prize is the deeper the prize and that prize is the deeper the prize and that prize is the deeper relationship with Jesus where our lives relationship with Jesus where our lives relationship with Jesus where our lives look more and more like Jesus. They look more and more like Jesus. They look more and more like Jesus. They reflect more and more of Jesus um so reflect more and more of Jesus um so reflect more and more of Jesus um so that we might be Christ's own hands and that we might be Christ's own hands and that we might be Christ's own hands and feet in the world. So I don't think we feet in the world. So I don't think we feet in the world. So I don't think we would receive a trophy like this but would receive a trophy like this but would receive a trophy like this but instead we might get life everlasting. instead we might get life everlasting. instead we might get life everlasting. Yeah. Which might be better but it won't Yeah. Which might be better but it won't Yeah. Which might be better but it won't look as good on the on the shelf look as good on the on the shelf look as good on the on the shelf perhaps. perhaps. perhaps. Awesome. Well, that's cool. Is this Awesome. Well, that's cool. Is this Awesome. Well, that's cool. Is this yours? yours? yours? >> I love it. I love it. >> I love it. I love it. >> I love it. I love it. >> It's my dad. >> It's my dad. >> It's my dad. >> It's your dad's. Okay. And And you took >> It's your dad's. Okay. And And you took >> It's your dad's. Okay. And And you took it off of your dad's shelf. it off of your dad's shelf. it off of your dad's shelf. >> All right. All right. Gotcha. Gotcha. >> All right. All right. Gotcha. Gotcha. >> All right. All right. Gotcha. Gotcha. We're going We're going to keep it. We're going We're going to keep it. We're going We're going to keep it. We're going to safeguard it right there. We're going to safeguard it right there. We're going to safeguard it right there. Awesome. How about we pray together? Awesome. How about we pray together? Awesome. How about we pray together? Sound good? All right. Clap your hands Sound good? All right. Clap your hands Sound good? All right. Clap your hands in front of your face like this. And if in front of your face like this. And if in front of your face like this. And if you'll bow your heads, repeat after me. you'll bow your heads, repeat after me. you'll bow your heads, repeat after me. Thank you, God. Thank you, God. Thank you, God. >> Thank you, God. >> Thank you, God. >> Thank you, God. >> For giving us grace. to us >> For giving us grace. to us >> For giving us grace. to us >> and strength >> and strength >> and strength >> and strength >> and strength >> and strength >> to run the race before us >> to run the race before us >> to run the race before us >> to run the race before us.

>> to run the race before us. >> to run the race before us. >> Help us >> Help us >> Help us >> help us >> help us >> help us >> to be deeper in relationship with you. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Awesome. Thank you guys. Thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you guys. Thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you guys. Thank you. Here, I'll put it back in your bag here. Here, I'll put it back in your bag here. Here, I'll put it back in your bag here. Amen. >> Hi, friends. I'm Caroline Stone. One of >> Hi, friends. I'm Caroline Stone. One of my favorite things about MDMC is that my favorite things about MDMC is that my favorite things about MDMC is that there are always simple ways to get there are always simple ways to get there are always simple ways to get connected. Whether that's meeting new connected. Whether that's meeting new connected. Whether that's meeting new people, serving alongside others, or people, serving alongside others, or people, serving alongside others, or just showing up and trying something just showing up and trying something just showing up and trying something new. Here are a few opportunities new. Here are a few opportunities new. Here are a few opportunities happening today and in the weeks ahead. happening today and in the weeks ahead. happening today and in the weeks ahead. First, if you've ever been curious about First, if you've ever been curious about First, if you've ever been curious about serving on a mission trip, today is a serving on a mission trip, today is a serving on a mission trip, today is a great chance to learn more. Right after great chance to learn more. Right after great chance to learn more. Right after worship, we'll have an interest meeting worship, we'll have an interest meeting worship, we'll have an interest meeting for our upcoming family-friendly mission for our upcoming family-friendly mission for our upcoming family-friendly mission trip to Mexico with Monos Hunas. We'll trip to Mexico with Monos Hunas. We'll trip to Mexico with Monos Hunas. We'll meet at 12:15 p.m. in the Refuge on the meet at 12:15 p.m. in the Refuge on the meet at 12:15 p.m. in the Refuge on the West Campus, where you'll hear about the West Campus, where you'll hear about the West Campus, where you'll hear about the mission, trip details, and what to mission, trip details, and what to mission, trip details, and what to expect. Whether you're ready to sign up expect. Whether you're ready to sign up expect. Whether you're ready to sign up or just want to explore the opportunity, or just want to explore the opportunity, or just want to explore the opportunity, we'd love to see you there. If you're in we'd love to see you there. If you're in we'd love to see you there. If you're in your 20s or 30s, today is also the first your 20s or 30s, today is also the first your 20s or 30s, today is also the first gathering of our new young professionals gathering of our new young professionals gathering of our new young professionals group. Around noon, right after worship, group. Around noon, right after worship, group. Around noon, right after worship, we'll head to the pit room, a local we'll head to the pit room, a local we'll head to the pit room, a local restaurant, for lunch, conversation, and restaurant, for lunch, conversation, and restaurant, for lunch, conversation, and a chance to get to know one another. If a chance to get to know one another. If a chance to get to know one another. If you're looking to meet new people and you're looking to meet new people and you're looking to meet new people and get connected, we'd love to have you get connected, we'd love to have you get connected, we'd love to have you join us. And finally, mark your calendar join us. And finally, mark your calendar join us. And finally, mark your calendar for soul sessions on Sunday, July 26th

for soul sessions on Sunday, July 26th for soul sessions on Sunday, July 26th at 6 p.m. at the Journey. This free at 6 p.m. at the Journey. This free at 6 p.m. at the Journey. This free summer concert will feature the Journey summer concert will feature the Journey summer concert will feature the Journey band performing favorite hits from the band performing favorite hits from the band performing favorite hits from the 60s and 70s. Come enjoy incredible live 60s and 70s. Come enjoy incredible live 60s and 70s. Come enjoy incredible live music, sing along to timeless classics, music, sing along to timeless classics, music, sing along to timeless classics, and spend a fun summer evening with and spend a fun summer evening with and spend a fun summer evening with friends and family. friends and family. friends and family. However you're looking to get connected However you're looking to get connected However you're looking to get connected this summer, we'd love to help you take this summer, we'd love to help you take this summer, we'd love to help you take that next step. You can find all the that next step. You can find all the that next step. You can find all the details, schedules, and sign up details, schedules, and sign up details, schedules, and sign up information at ndmc.org/events. Would you listen to these words now from Would you listen to these words now from the Gospel of Luke? the Gospel of Luke? the Gospel of Luke? Hear the word of the Lord. Hear the word of the Lord. Hear the word of the Lord. Then Jesus said, "There was a man who Then Jesus said, "There was a man who Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said had two sons. The younger of them said had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the to his father, "Father, give me the to his father, "Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to share of the wealth that will belong to share of the wealth that will belong to me." So he divided his assets between me." So he divided his assets between me." So he divided his assets between them. A few days later, the younger son them. A few days later, the younger son them. A few days later, the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a gathered all he had and traveled to a gathered all he had and traveled to a distant region, and there he squandered distant region, and there he squandered distant region, and there he squandered his wealth and dissolute living. When he his wealth and dissolute living. When he his wealth and dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine had spent everything, a severe famine had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout the region, and he took place throughout the region, and he took place throughout the region, and he began to be in need. So he set off and began to be in need. So he set off and began to be in need. So he set off and went to his father. But while he was went to his father. But while he was went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and still far off, his father saw him and still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran and was filled with compassion. He ran and was filled with compassion. He ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.

put his arms around him and kissed him. put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, "Father, I've Then the son said to him, "Father, I've Then the son said to him, "Father, I've sinned against heaven and before you. I sinned against heaven and before you. I sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your am no longer worthy to be called your am no longer worthy to be called your son." But the father said to his slaves, son." But the father said to his slaves, son." But the father said to his slaves, "Quickly, bring out a robe, the best "Quickly, bring out a robe, the best "Quickly, bring out a robe, the best one, and put it on him. Put a ring on one, and put it on him. Put a ring on one, and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet and his finger and sandals on his feet and his finger and sandals on his feet and get the fatted calf and kill it and let get the fatted calf and kill it and let get the fatted calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate for this son of us eat and celebrate for this son of us eat and celebrate for this son of mine was dead and is alive again. He was mine was dead and is alive again. He was mine was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found. And they began to lost and is found. And they began to lost and is found. And they began to celebrate. This is the word of God for celebrate. This is the word of God for celebrate. This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. As the people of God. Thanks be to God. As the people of God. Thanks be to God. As forgiven and reconciled people who have forgiven and reconciled people who have forgiven and reconciled people who have received the Father's embrace, when we received the Father's embrace, when we received the Father's embrace, when we gather in worship, we gather that we gather in worship, we gather that we gather in worship, we gather that we might give thanks to God for God's might give thanks to God for God's might give thanks to God for God's immeasurable grace that saves us and immeasurable grace that saves us and immeasurable grace that saves us and forgives us of all of our sins and that forgives us of all of our sins and that forgives us of all of our sins and that keeps us and strengthens us for Christ's keeps us and strengthens us for Christ's keeps us and strengthens us for Christ's own living in the world. own living in the world. own living in the world. As part of our worship, we give of As part of our worship, we give of As part of our worship, we give of ourselves, of our resources, of our ourselves, of our resources, of our ourselves, of our resources, of our monies, of our tithes and our offerings monies, of our tithes and our offerings monies, of our tithes and our offerings as a way to say thank you. Thank you, as a way to say thank you. Thank you, as a way to say thank you. Thank you, God, for grace that we didn't deserve, God, for grace that we didn't deserve, God, for grace that we didn't deserve, nor could we earn. Thank you for gifts nor could we earn. Thank you for gifts nor could we earn. Thank you for gifts that have been given that allow us to that have been given that allow us to that have been given that allow us to know your goodness and abundance and know your goodness and abundance and know your goodness and abundance and participate in that abundance in the participate in that abundance in the participate in that abundance in the world. We give as a way to say thank you world. We give as a way to say thank you world. We give as a way to say thank you and as a way to offer ourselves to God

and as a way to offer ourselves to God and as a way to offer ourselves to God so that we might be agents of that same so that we might be agents of that same so that we might be agents of that same grace, that same forgiveness, that same grace, that same forgiveness, that same grace, that same forgiveness, that same healing in the world. So as the ushers healing in the world. So as the ushers healing in the world. So as the ushers come forward, we invite you friends to come forward, we invite you friends to come forward, we invite you friends to give generously out of gratitude and out give generously out of gratitude and out give generously out of gratitude and out of submission to what God can and will of submission to what God can and will of submission to what God can and will do in and through your life. Let it be do in and through your life. Let it be do in and through your life. Let it be so. Amen. And amen.

Please be seated. Please be seated. It is Steven Ministries Sunday and I It is Steven Ministries Sunday and I It is Steven Ministries Sunday and I have the privilege of working with a have the privilege of working with a have the privilege of working with a team of about uh 25 of some of the most team of about uh 25 of some of the most team of about uh 25 of some of the most generous and faithful church members generous and faithful church members generous and faithful church members that I know, our Steven Ministry team. that I know, our Steven Ministry team. that I know, our Steven Ministry team. And this morning, I'd like to invite one And this morning, I'd like to invite one And this morning, I'd like to invite one of our Steven leaders, Belinda Price, up of our Steven leaders, Belinda Price, up of our Steven leaders, Belinda Price, up to tell you more about Steven Ministry. to tell you more about Steven Ministry. to tell you more about Steven Ministry. Thank you, Belinda, for being here. Good morning. Good morning. First, let me say for all of our Steven First, let me say for all of our Steven First, let me say for all of our Steven Ministry team members that we are Ministry team members that we are Ministry team members that we are delighted that our church's Steven delighted that our church's Steven delighted that our church's Steven Ministry program is being highlighted Ministry program is being highlighted Ministry program is being highlighted today. We celebrated our 25th today. We celebrated our 25th today. We celebrated our 25th anniversary of Steven Ministry at MDUMC anniversary of Steven Ministry at MDUMC anniversary of Steven Ministry at MDUMC last year and are very thankful to God, last year and are very thankful to God, last year and are very thankful to God, our ministry team, other staff members, our ministry team, other staff members, our ministry team, other staff members, and you, the congregation, for the and you, the congregation, for the and you, the congregation, for the support that it has provided to us.

support that it has provided to us. support that it has provided to us. As Jenny said, my name is Belinda and I As Jenny said, my name is Belinda and I As Jenny said, my name is Belinda and I have been blessed to be a Steven have been blessed to be a Steven have been blessed to be a Steven minister for the past 25 and a half minister for the past 25 and a half minister for the past 25 and a half years. years. years. My role today is to focus on two My role today is to focus on two My role today is to focus on two opportunities related to Steven ministry opportunities related to Steven ministry opportunities related to Steven ministry for those of you in the congregation. for those of you in the congregation. for those of you in the congregation. But before I do that, in case you are But before I do that, in case you are But before I do that, in case you are not familiar with this caregiving not familiar with this caregiving not familiar with this caregiving ministry, let me spend just a few brief ministry, let me spend just a few brief ministry, let me spend just a few brief moments telling you about it. moments telling you about it. moments telling you about it. Steven Ministry is a Christ centered Steven Ministry is a Christ centered Steven Ministry is a Christ centered caregiving ministry in which a trained caregiving ministry in which a trained caregiving ministry in which a trained Steven minister meets with one person Steven minister meets with one person Steven minister meets with one person once a week for about an hour. To become once a week for about an hour. To become once a week for about an hour. To become a Steven minister requires an initial 50 a Steven minister requires an initial 50 a Steven minister requires an initial 50 hours of training which has a focus on hours of training which has a focus on hours of training which has a focus on caregiving skills, especially those caregiving skills, especially those caregiving skills, especially those related to listening. related to listening. related to listening. During the time we meet with our care During the time we meet with our care During the time we meet with our care receiver who is facing a life challenge, receiver who is facing a life challenge, receiver who is facing a life challenge, we listen to their concerns, ask we listen to their concerns, ask we listen to their concerns, ask questions, and help them process their questions, and help them process their questions, and help them process their situation.

situation. situation. We do not tell them what they should do We do not tell them what they should do We do not tell them what they should do next, take them to doctor's next, take them to doctor's next, take them to doctor's appointments, nor do we run their appointments, nor do we run their appointments, nor do we run their errands. We do, however, have resources errands. We do, however, have resources errands. We do, however, have resources that we can point them to in their that we can point them to in their that we can point them to in their journey to reach wholeness. journey to reach wholeness. journey to reach wholeness. As a Steven minister, we continue our As a Steven minister, we continue our As a Steven minister, we continue our skill building throughout the time in skill building throughout the time in skill building throughout the time in this role. We meet on the second and this role. We meet on the second and this role. We meet on the second and fourth Monday each month for continuing fourth Monday each month for continuing fourth Monday each month for continuing education and supervision. We have a education and supervision. We have a education and supervision. We have a speaker who helps us hone our skills speaker who helps us hone our skills speaker who helps us hone our skills after which we break into our after which we break into our after which we break into our supervision groups to talk about how our supervision groups to talk about how our supervision groups to talk about how our caring relationships are going. Nothing caring relationships are going. Nothing caring relationships are going. Nothing confidential is disclosed. The focus is confidential is disclosed. The focus is confidential is disclosed. The focus is on how we care for our care receiver on how we care for our care receiver on how we care for our care receiver to ensure that we are not overstepping to ensure that we are not overstepping to ensure that we are not overstepping our role or doing something we should our role or doing something we should our role or doing something we should not be doing. The supervision group not be doing. The supervision group not be doing. The supervision group process helps ensure that we provide the process helps ensure that we provide the process helps ensure that we provide the highest quality caregiving possible to highest quality caregiving possible to highest quality caregiving possible to our care receivers. And the bottom line, our care receivers. And the bottom line, our care receivers. And the bottom line, we learn over and over that there is a we learn over and over that there is a we learn over and over that there is a tremendous value in presence and tremendous value in presence and tremendous value in presence and listening.

listening. listening. Now, my first task this morning is to Now, my first task this morning is to Now, my first task this morning is to let you know that we are always looking let you know that we are always looking let you know that we are always looking for people who would value having a for people who would value having a for people who would value having a Steven minister. So, we encourage you to Steven minister. So, we encourage you to Steven minister. So, we encourage you to share information with anyone that you share information with anyone that you share information with anyone that you may know who is going through a crisis may know who is going through a crisis may know who is going through a crisis or a difficult time who needs someone to or a difficult time who needs someone to or a difficult time who needs someone to care, listen, and share God's love with care, listen, and share God's love with care, listen, and share God's love with them on a one-to-one confidential basis. them on a one-to-one confidential basis. them on a one-to-one confidential basis. At the end of this service, myself and At the end of this service, myself and At the end of this service, myself and another Steven minister will be outside another Steven minister will be outside another Steven minister will be outside the doors in the fellowship area to the doors in the fellowship area to the doors in the fellowship area to speak to you if you are currently facing speak to you if you are currently facing speak to you if you are currently facing a life challenge and would like to speak a life challenge and would like to speak a life challenge and would like to speak to one of us. As well, we have flyers to one of us. As well, we have flyers to one of us. As well, we have flyers available for everyone here today which available for everyone here today which available for everyone here today which provide more information on how to make provide more information on how to make provide more information on how to make a request for a Steven Minister. a request for a Steven Minister. a request for a Steven Minister. Secondly, we want to let you know that Secondly, we want to let you know that Secondly, we want to let you know that we have a training class to become a we have a training class to become a we have a training class to become a Steven minister which is beginning in Steven minister which is beginning in Steven minister which is beginning in January of 2027. January of 2027. January of 2027. If you are someone who cares, who is If you are someone who cares, who is If you are someone who cares, who is supportive, and who listens, then Steven supportive, and who listens, then Steven supportive, and who listens, then Steven Ministry might be a good match for you Ministry might be a good match for you Ministry might be a good match for you in your service to God as a member of in your service to God as a member of in your service to God as a member of MDUMC.

MDUMC. MDUMC. And if you are interested, we hope that And if you are interested, we hope that And if you are interested, we hope that you will come to one of our lunch and you will come to one of our lunch and you will come to one of our lunch and learns. One session will be held on the learns. One session will be held on the learns. One session will be held on the main campus at noon August 23rd and the main campus at noon August 23rd and the main campus at noon August 23rd and the other will be at the adult ministry other will be at the adult ministry other will be at the adult ministry center to the right of the journey from center to the right of the journey from center to the right of the journey from 12 to 1 on August 30th. You should have 12 to 1 on August 30th. You should have 12 to 1 on August 30th. You should have received a flyer as you came in. received a flyer as you came in. received a flyer as you came in. With that, let me end by saying I With that, let me end by saying I With that, let me end by saying I appreciate your time and listening this appreciate your time and listening this appreciate your time and listening this morning. If anything I have said struck morning. If anything I have said struck morning. If anything I have said struck a chord with you, by all means, we hope a chord with you, by all means, we hope a chord with you, by all means, we hope that you will act upon that wonderful that you will act upon that wonderful that you will act upon that wonderful nudge that God can give us which spurs nudge that God can give us which spurs nudge that God can give us which spurs us to action. Whether it is action to us to action. Whether it is action to us to action. Whether it is action to learn more about Steven Ministry and learn more about Steven Ministry and learn more about Steven Ministry and consider becoming one or whether it is consider becoming one or whether it is consider becoming one or whether it is to request a Steven minister to walk to request a Steven minister to walk to request a Steven minister to walk alongside you as you address a challenge alongside you as you address a challenge alongside you as you address a challenge in your life. Thank you.

Thank you, Belinda. We do hope that you Thank you, Belinda. We do hope that you will engage in Steven Ministry as an will engage in Steven Ministry as an will engage in Steven Ministry as an additional support for how um the additional support for how um the additional support for how um the community of faith can come alongside community of faith can come alongside community of faith can come alongside you in whatever life's challenges may you in whatever life's challenges may you in whatever life's challenges may bring. And now friends, let us go to God bring. And now friends, let us go to God bring. And now friends, let us go to God in prayer. God of every grace and all wisdom, we God of every grace and all wisdom, we thank you for every word and every sign thank you for every word and every sign thank you for every word and every sign that leads us to you. For words and that leads us to you. For words and that leads us to you. For words and signs showing that you love us. Words signs showing that you love us. Words signs showing that you love us. Words and signs proving that you are with us. and signs proving that you are with us. and signs proving that you are with us. Words and signs demonstrating that you Words and signs demonstrating that you Words and signs demonstrating that you will never leave us alone. will never leave us alone. will never leave us alone. Thank you for these words and signs and Thank you for these words and signs and Thank you for these words and signs and for the gift of faith to believe them, for the gift of faith to believe them, for the gift of faith to believe them, to trust them. to trust them. to trust them. Yet we confess to you that faith and Yet we confess to you that faith and Yet we confess to you that faith and trust does not always feel easy. trust does not always feel easy. trust does not always feel easy. We are at times overwhelmed by worries We are at times overwhelmed by worries We are at times overwhelmed by worries and pressures and anxieties that squeeze and pressures and anxieties that squeeze and pressures and anxieties that squeeze hope dry and leaves confidence shriveled hope dry and leaves confidence shriveled hope dry and leaves confidence shriveled with despair.

with despair. with despair. In the moments of deepening darkness, we In the moments of deepening darkness, we In the moments of deepening darkness, we need your gift of faith to hear your need your gift of faith to hear your need your gift of faith to hear your words once more, saying to us, "I am the words once more, saying to us, "I am the words once more, saying to us, "I am the Lord who heals you. Lord who heals you. Lord who heals you. You are my child. I have redeemed you. You are my child. I have redeemed you. You are my child. I have redeemed you. Come to me all who are weary and I will Come to me all who are weary and I will Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest. give you rest. give you rest. I am with you to the end of the age." I am with you to the end of the age." I am with you to the end of the age." We need your gift of faith to see again We need your gift of faith to see again We need your gift of faith to see again every sign that points us to you. every sign that points us to you. every sign that points us to you. Signs like when neighbors refuse to Signs like when neighbors refuse to Signs like when neighbors refuse to become enemies. become enemies. become enemies. Signs like when the violent are Signs like when the violent are Signs like when the violent are transformed into peacemakers. transformed into peacemakers. transformed into peacemakers. Signs like when justice leads to Signs like when justice leads to Signs like when justice leads to restored lives and reconciled restored lives and reconciled restored lives and reconciled communities. communities. communities. signs like when anger and bitterness signs like when anger and bitterness signs like when anger and bitterness gives way to forgiveness and humility. gives way to forgiveness and humility. gives way to forgiveness and humility. Give us this faith, oh God, to believe Give us this faith, oh God, to believe Give us this faith, oh God, to believe again, to trust again every one of your again, to trust again every one of your again, to trust again every one of your words and signs till our lives resound words and signs till our lives resound words and signs till our lives resound with your word spoken in us and we with your word spoken in us and we with your word spoken in us and we become for the world signs of your become for the world signs of your become for the world signs of your redeeming love.

redeeming love. redeeming love. We pray this in the name of Jesus, the We pray this in the name of Jesus, the We pray this in the name of Jesus, the living word, even as we pray as he living word, even as we pray as he living word, even as we pray as he taught us, saying,"Our Father, who art taught us, saying,"Our Father, who art taught us, saying,"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the evil. For thine is the kingdom, the evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. power, and the glory forever and ever. power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. I rest I rest my weary soul.

I give I give thee backers. I I flicking torch to my my restores. Let me Let me th I cannot I cannot close my eyes to thee.

I chase I chase the rain of the rain and and the proise the proise the proise is not a thing is not a thing is not a thing that shall be. Oh cross Oh cross that with this just my just my dead and from and from the ground the ground the ground there.

Oh love that will not let us go, allow Oh love that will not let us go, allow us now in the silence of this moment to us now in the silence of this moment to us now in the silence of this moment to rest our souls in thee, to hide behind rest our souls in thee, to hide behind rest our souls in thee, to hide behind the cross, to offer back our lives to the cross, to offer back our lives to the cross, to offer back our lives to you you you and know the wholeness and the and know the wholeness and the and know the wholeness and the restoration and the complete and perfect restoration and the complete and perfect restoration and the complete and perfect love that you offer to every one of us. love that you offer to every one of us. love that you offer to every one of us. Prepare us, oh God, to hear a word from Prepare us, oh God, to hear a word from Prepare us, oh God, to hear a word from you. you. you. Open our hearts, Open our hearts, Open our hearts, our ears, our minds, our ears, our minds, our ears, our minds, so that your will may be done in our so that your will may be done in our so that your will may be done in our lives. lives. lives. May the words of my mouth, the May the words of my mouth, the May the words of my mouth, the meditations of all of our hearts be meditations of all of our hearts be meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable in your sight. Oh Lord, you acceptable in your sight. Oh Lord, you acceptable in your sight. Oh Lord, you are our strength, our redeemer, and the are our strength, our redeemer, and the are our strength, our redeemer, and the relentless love that always pursues us relentless love that always pursues us relentless love that always pursues us and holds us in your goodness and in and holds us in your goodness and in and holds us in your goodness and in your presence. In the name of the your presence. In the name of the your presence. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Friends, we continue today in our summer Friends, we continue today in our summer Friends, we continue today in our summer worship series called the Miners. You worship series called the Miners. You worship series called the Miners. You might notice we're having a little bit might notice we're having a little bit might notice we're having a little bit of fun with that. of fun with that. of fun with that. taking a nod towards minor league taking a nod towards minor league taking a nod towards minor league baseball with our banners and um I don't baseball with our banners and um I don't baseball with our banners and um I don't know if you realized this starting last know if you realized this starting last know if you realized this starting last week, we actually have baseball cards week, we actually have baseball cards week, we actually have baseball cards for the prophets. You can receive these for the prophets. You can receive these for the prophets. You can receive these on your way out today. Um but we are on your way out today. Um but we are on your way out today. Um but we are exploring the minor prophets. And as exploring the minor prophets. And as exploring the minor prophets. And as Pastor Shawn said last week, they're not Pastor Shawn said last week, they're not Pastor Shawn said last week, they're not minor because their message was less minor because their message was less minor because their message was less important. They're minor just because of important. They're minor just because of important. They're minor just because of the length of their work. The books that the length of their work. The books that the length of their work. The books that contain their words of prophecy, their contain their words of prophecy, their contain their words of prophecy, their messages to God's people are shorter in messages to God's people are shorter in messages to God's people are shorter in length than, for example, Jeremiah and length than, for example, Jeremiah and length than, for example, Jeremiah and Isaiah and Daniel. And so there is Isaiah and Daniel. And so there is Isaiah and Daniel. And so there is important information. There is important information. There is important information. There is important theology for us in these minor important theology for us in these minor important theology for us in these minor prophets. So we are exploring them prophets. So we are exploring them prophets. So we are exploring them together. This morning we are going to together. This morning we are going to together. This morning we are going to be listening to a passage from the book be listening to a passage from the book be listening to a passage from the book of Hosea. And I invite you now to hear of Hosea. And I invite you now to hear of Hosea. And I invite you now to hear this from chapter 11.

this from chapter 11. this from chapter 11. When Israel was a child, I loved him. When Israel was a child, I loved him. When Israel was a child, I loved him. And out of Egypt I called my son. The And out of Egypt I called my son. The And out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went more I called them, the more they went more I called them, the more they went from me. They kept sacrificing to the from me. They kept sacrificing to the from me. They kept sacrificing to the balls and offering incense to idols. Yet balls and offering incense to idols. Yet balls and offering incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I it was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I it was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms, but they did took them up in my arms, but they did took them up in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them not know that I healed them. I led them not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands with cords of human kindness, with bands with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who of love. I was to them like those who of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent lift infants to their cheeks. I bent lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. down to them and fed them. down to them and fed them. They shall return to the land of Egypt, They shall return to the land of Egypt, They shall return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king because and Assyria shall be their king because and Assyria shall be their king because they have refused to return to me. The they have refused to return to me. The they have refused to return to me. The sword rages in their cities. It consumes sword rages in their cities. It consumes sword rages in their cities. It consumes their oracle priests and devours because their oracle priests and devours because their oracle priests and devours because of their schemes. My people are bent on of their schemes. My people are bent on of their schemes. My people are bent on turning away from me. To the most high turning away from me. To the most high turning away from me. To the most high they call, but he does not raise them up they call, but he does not raise them up they call, but he does not raise them up at all. How can I give you up, Ephrame?

at all. How can I give you up, Ephrame? at all. How can I give you up, Ephrame? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How How can I hand you over, O Israel? How How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Adma? How can I can I make you like Adma? How can I can I make you like Adma? How can I treat you like Zeboim? My heart recoils treat you like Zeboim? My heart recoils treat you like Zeboim? My heart recoils within me. My compassion grows warm and within me. My compassion grows warm and within me. My compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce tender. I will not execute my fierce tender. I will not execute my fierce anger. I will not again destroy Ephraim, anger. I will not again destroy Ephraim, anger. I will not again destroy Ephraim, for I am God and no mortal, the holy one for I am God and no mortal, the holy one for I am God and no mortal, the holy one in your midst. And I will not come in in your midst. And I will not come in in your midst. And I will not come in wrath. They shall go after the Lord who wrath. They shall go after the Lord who wrath. They shall go after the Lord who roars like a lion. When he roars, his roars like a lion. When he roars, his roars like a lion. When he roars, his children shall come trembling from the children shall come trembling from the children shall come trembling from the west. They shall come trembling like west. They shall come trembling like west. They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the birds from Egypt and like doves from the birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. And I will return them land of Assyria. And I will return them land of Assyria. And I will return them to their homes, says the Lord. Says the to their homes, says the Lord. Says the to their homes, says the Lord. Says the word of God for the people of God. word of God for the people of God. word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. There are some moments of parenting that There are some moments of parenting that There are some moments of parenting that never really leave you. I can still never really leave you. I can still never really leave you. I can still remember sitting with lists of names remember sitting with lists of names remember sitting with lists of names before each one of our three children before each one of our three children before each one of our three children was born.

was born. was born. Names matter. We wondered what each Names matter. We wondered what each Names matter. We wondered what each child would be like. We imagined child would be like. We imagined child would be like. We imagined personalities we couldn't possibly know personalities we couldn't possibly know personalities we couldn't possibly know yet. We spoke those names aloud long yet. We spoke those names aloud long yet. We spoke those names aloud long before they could recognize our voices. before they could recognize our voices. before they could recognize our voices. We loved them before they had done a We loved them before they had done a We loved them before they had done a single thing to deserve it. And then single thing to deserve it. And then single thing to deserve it. And then there were those first days after they there were those first days after they there were those first days after they arrived, the late night feedings, arrived, the late night feedings, arrived, the late night feedings, holding a tiny body that couldn't holding a tiny body that couldn't holding a tiny body that couldn't possibly survive without someone else's possibly survive without someone else's possibly survive without someone else's care, learning and interpreting every care, learning and interpreting every care, learning and interpreting every cry, walking the floors in the middle of cry, walking the floors in the middle of cry, walking the floors in the middle of the night, celebrating the first smile, the night, celebrating the first smile, the night, celebrating the first smile, the first laugh, and then eventually the first laugh, and then eventually the first laugh, and then eventually those first steps. I don't know if those first steps. I don't know if those first steps. I don't know if you've had this experience. Do you you've had this experience. Do you you've had this experience. Do you remember doing it yourself or perhaps remember doing it yourself or perhaps remember doing it yourself or perhaps watching someone else teaching a child watching someone else teaching a child watching someone else teaching a child to walk? You don't stand at the other to walk? You don't stand at the other to walk? You don't stand at the other end of the room with your arms crossed end of the room with your arms crossed end of the room with your arms crossed saying, "Come on, figure it out." No, saying, "Come on, figure it out." No, saying, "Come on, figure it out." No, you kneel down. You reach out your arms. you kneel down. You reach out your arms. you kneel down. You reach out your arms. You steady them when they wobble. You You steady them when they wobble. You You steady them when they wobble. You might still have back pain from that might still have back pain from that might still have back pain from that posture that you assume where you're posture that you assume where you're posture that you assume where you're hunched over, gripping both of those hunched over, gripping both of those hunched over, gripping both of those tiny arms as they take one step after tiny arms as they take one step after tiny arms as they take one step after another.

another. another. You catch them when they fall. You cheer You catch them when they fall. You cheer You catch them when they fall. You cheer wildly after two shaky steps as if wildly after two shaky steps as if wildly after two shaky steps as if they've just scored a winning goal in a they've just scored a winning goal in a they've just scored a winning goal in a World Cup game. World Cup game. World Cup game. Parents don't wait until children become Parents don't wait until children become Parents don't wait until children become accomplished walkers before they love accomplished walkers before they love accomplished walkers before they love them. We love them when they're falling. them. We love them when they're falling. them. We love them when they're falling. And that image is exactly how Hosea And that image is exactly how Hosea And that image is exactly how Hosea wants us to imagine God. Listen again. wants us to imagine God. Listen again. wants us to imagine God. Listen again. When Israel was a child, I loved him. It When Israel was a child, I loved him. It When Israel was a child, I loved him. It was I who taught Ephrame to walk. I took was I who taught Ephrame to walk. I took was I who taught Ephrame to walk. I took them up in my arms. I led them with them up in my arms. I led them with them up in my arms. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of cords of human kindness, with bands of cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift love. I was to them like those who lift love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to infants to their cheeks. I bent down to infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. This is one of the them and fed them. This is one of the them and fed them. This is one of the most intimate and loving portraits of most intimate and loving portraits of most intimate and loving portraits of God in all of scripture. Not a distant God in all of scripture. Not a distant God in all of scripture. Not a distant ruler, not an angry judge, not an ruler, not an angry judge, not an ruler, not an angry judge, not an impossible to please perfectionist. impossible to please perfectionist. impossible to please perfectionist. A parent stooping down, teaching a A parent stooping down, teaching a A parent stooping down, teaching a toddler to walk, feeding a helpless toddler to walk, feeding a helpless toddler to walk, feeding a helpless child, lifting a little face for a kiss.

child, lifting a little face for a kiss. child, lifting a little face for a kiss. It's breathtaking. It's breathtaking. It's breathtaking. I fell in love with Hosea when I read I fell in love with Hosea when I read I fell in love with Hosea when I read that passage. that passage. that passage. But I got a good laugh earlier this But I got a good laugh earlier this But I got a good laugh earlier this morning when as the pastors were morning when as the pastors were morning when as the pastors were meeting, Pastor Sean, who's preaching at meeting, Pastor Sean, who's preaching at meeting, Pastor Sean, who's preaching at the journey this morning, shared that the journey this morning, shared that the journey this morning, shared that when he uh Googled Hosea, just to kind when he uh Googled Hosea, just to kind when he uh Googled Hosea, just to kind of remember and get up to speed, uh he's of remember and get up to speed, uh he's of remember and get up to speed, uh he's preaching on a different prophet. uh preaching on a different prophet. uh preaching on a different prophet. uh when he when he looked that up this when he when he looked that up this when he when he looked that up this morning, the little AI summary that's at morning, the little AI summary that's at morning, the little AI summary that's at the top of the Google search summarized the top of the Google search summarized the top of the Google search summarized the book of Hosea by saying Hosea was the book of Hosea by saying Hosea was the book of Hosea by saying Hosea was quote a prophet with an unusually quote a prophet with an unusually quote a prophet with an unusually dramatic marriage end quote. Well, dramatic marriage end quote. Well, dramatic marriage end quote. Well, that's certainly one way to put it. that's certainly one way to put it. that's certainly one way to put it. Hosea as a prophet is probably known Hosea as a prophet is probably known Hosea as a prophet is probably known more for the other metaphor that he more for the other metaphor that he more for the other metaphor that he employs to talk about God's pursuit and employs to talk about God's pursuit and employs to talk about God's pursuit and reconciliation to God's people. And that reconciliation to God's people. And that reconciliation to God's people. And that makes Hosea a difficult reading. In makes Hosea a difficult reading. In makes Hosea a difficult reading. In fact, Hosea is the first biblical book fact, Hosea is the first biblical book fact, Hosea is the first biblical book to use marriage as the central image for to use marriage as the central image for to use marriage as the central image for the relationship between God and God's the relationship between God and God's the relationship between God and God's people. And it's precisely that metaphor people. And it's precisely that metaphor people. And it's precisely that metaphor that makes this prophetic book difficult that makes this prophetic book difficult that makes this prophetic book difficult for modern readers to hear. My first for modern readers to hear. My first for modern readers to hear. My first real study of Hosea came during the real study of Hosea came during the real study of Hosea came during the COVID pandemic. Some of you were a part COVID pandemic. Some of you were a part COVID pandemic. Some of you were a part of this online Bible study that I put of this online Bible study that I put of this online Bible study that I put together with women from around the together with women from around the together with women from around the country. And together we read all of country. And together we read all of country. And together we read all of scripture, all of the Bible from cover scripture, all of the Bible from cover scripture, all of the Bible from cover to cover during a calendar year. And

to cover during a calendar year. And to cover during a calendar year. And when we reached Hosea, the conversation when we reached Hosea, the conversation when we reached Hosea, the conversation changed dramatically. We couldn't simply changed dramatically. We couldn't simply changed dramatically. We couldn't simply read it and move on. We had to stop. We read it and move on. We had to stop. We read it and move on. We had to stop. We had to wrestle. This book of prophecy had to wrestle. This book of prophecy had to wrestle. This book of prophecy unfolds in three movements and each is unfolds in three movements and each is unfolds in three movements and each is built around a different metaphor for built around a different metaphor for built around a different metaphor for God's covenant with Israel. Sometimes God's covenant with Israel. Sometimes God's covenant with Israel. Sometimes called Ephrame in the text. The first called Ephrame in the text. The first called Ephrame in the text. The first four chapters focus on this marriage four chapters focus on this marriage four chapters focus on this marriage between Hosea and Goomer. Goomer is who between Hosea and Goomer. Goomer is who between Hosea and Goomer. Goomer is who is featured alongside Hosea on your is featured alongside Hosea on your is featured alongside Hosea on your baseball card today. baseball card today. baseball card today. So Hosea's heartbreaking marriage to So Hosea's heartbreaking marriage to So Hosea's heartbreaking marriage to Goomemer becomes a living parable for Goomemer becomes a living parable for Goomemer becomes a living parable for Israel's repeated unfaithfulness to God. Israel's repeated unfaithfulness to God. Israel's repeated unfaithfulness to God. Israel's worship of other gods is Israel's worship of other gods is Israel's worship of other gods is described here as adultery, punishable described here as adultery, punishable described here as adultery, punishable by death according to the law if God so by death according to the law if God so by death according to the law if God so chooses. chooses. chooses. God's eventual reconciliation with God's eventual reconciliation with God's eventual reconciliation with Israel provides the model for Hosea's Israel provides the model for Hosea's Israel provides the model for Hosea's reconciliation with Goomemer in chapter reconciliation with Goomemer in chapter reconciliation with Goomemer in chapter 3. 3. 3. reading those chapters with 21st century reading those chapters with 21st century reading those chapters with 21st century eyes and especially from a woman's eyes and especially from a woman's eyes and especially from a woman's perspective is deeply unsettling. So perspective is deeply unsettling. So perspective is deeply unsettling. So again, imagine a group of of uh 12 to 20 again, imagine a group of of uh 12 to 20 again, imagine a group of of uh 12 to 20 women talking through this oracle, this women talking through this oracle, this women talking through this oracle, this book of prophecy from Hosea. It's not book of prophecy from Hosea. It's not book of prophecy from Hosea. It's not difficult to understand why we wrestled difficult to understand why we wrestled difficult to understand why we wrestled with it so much because without context, with it so much because without context, with it so much because without context, the image of a husband representing God the image of a husband representing God the image of a husband representing God and the image of an unfaithful wife and the image of an unfaithful wife and the image of an unfaithful wife representing sinful humanity can become

representing sinful humanity can become representing sinful humanity can become dangerous. dangerous. dangerous. There's an Old Testament scholar named There's an Old Testament scholar named There's an Old Testament scholar named Gail Ye who warns that these chapters Gail Ye who warns that these chapters Gail Ye who warns that these chapters come, in her words, perilously close to come, in her words, perilously close to come, in her words, perilously close to sanctioning a husband's domestic sanctioning a husband's domestic sanctioning a husband's domestic violence against his wife. violence against his wife. violence against his wife. So there are two things I would be So there are two things I would be So there are two things I would be irresponsible not to say this morning. irresponsible not to say this morning. irresponsible not to say this morning. First, we have to remember the world in First, we have to remember the world in First, we have to remember the world in which Hosea was written. Ancient Israel which Hosea was written. Ancient Israel which Hosea was written. Ancient Israel was profoundly patriarchal. was profoundly patriarchal. was profoundly patriarchal. Men held social, legal, economic, and Men held social, legal, economic, and Men held social, legal, economic, and religious power. Women did not. Full religious power. Women did not. Full religious power. Women did not. Full stop. stop. stop. Second, Hosea is speaking primarily to a Second, Hosea is speaking primarily to a Second, Hosea is speaking primarily to a male audience. It would be men receiving male audience. It would be men receiving male audience. It would be men receiving these words. It would be men challenged these words. It would be men challenged these words. It would be men challenged to consider these metaphors. Now, to consider these metaphors. Now, to consider these metaphors. Now, marriage in that culture was not marriage in that culture was not marriage in that culture was not imagined as a loving partnership between imagined as a loving partnership between imagined as a loving partnership between equals. For Hosea's original hearers, equals. For Hosea's original hearers, equals. For Hosea's original hearers, the surprising part of the story was not the surprising part of the story was not the surprising part of the story was not Goomemer's unfaithfulness. The Goomemer's unfaithfulness. The Goomemer's unfaithfulness. The surprising part was Hosea's response. A surprising part was Hosea's response. A surprising part was Hosea's response. A husband who possessed every legal and husband who possessed every legal and husband who possessed every legal and social right to cast her aside chose social right to cast her aside chose social right to cast her aside chose reconciliation reconciliation reconciliation instead. A man with all the power laid instead. A man with all the power laid instead. A man with all the power laid that power down. He welcomed back the that power down. He welcomed back the that power down. He welcomed back the one who had no power at all and accepted one who had no power at all and accepted one who had no power at all and accepted children who may or may not be his own.

children who may or may not be his own. children who may or may not be his own. For those first hearers, that would have For those first hearers, that would have For those first hearers, that would have sounded completely unimaginable. sounded completely unimaginable. sounded completely unimaginable. The point is not that abusive The point is not that abusive The point is not that abusive relationships should be endured and relationships should be endured and relationships should be endured and there is no justification for violence there is no justification for violence there is no justification for violence in a family. in a family. in a family. Scripture never asks victims to remain Scripture never asks victims to remain Scripture never asks victims to remain in harm's way. The point is that God's in harm's way. The point is that God's in harm's way. The point is that God's covenant love is so steadfast, so covenant love is so steadfast, so covenant love is so steadfast, so extravagant, so unreasonable that God extravagant, so unreasonable that God extravagant, so unreasonable that God continually chooses reconciliation over continually chooses reconciliation over continually chooses reconciliation over rejection. rejection. rejection. So yes, Hosea is difficult reading, but So yes, Hosea is difficult reading, but So yes, Hosea is difficult reading, but I've learned that when I encounter I've learned that when I encounter I've learned that when I encounter something difficult in scripture, the something difficult in scripture, the something difficult in scripture, the answer usually is not to stop reading. answer usually is not to stop reading. answer usually is not to stop reading. It's to keep reading. Because if we It's to keep reading. Because if we It's to keep reading. Because if we stopped with the marriage metaphor in stopped with the marriage metaphor in stopped with the marriage metaphor in chapters 1 through3, we would be left chapters 1 through3, we would be left chapters 1 through3, we would be left with an image of God that is incomplete, with an image of God that is incomplete, with an image of God that is incomplete, perhaps even deeply harmful. perhaps even deeply harmful. perhaps even deeply harmful. Reading Hosea invites us to ask an Reading Hosea invites us to ask an Reading Hosea invites us to ask an important question. important question. important question. What image of God are we? Or what image What image of God are we? Or what image What image of God are we? Or what image of God am I or you operating with? Is of God am I or you operating with? Is of God am I or you operating with? Is God primarily angry or vindictive, God primarily angry or vindictive, God primarily angry or vindictive, waiting for us to fail, keeping a score?

waiting for us to fail, keeping a score? waiting for us to fail, keeping a score? Or is there another image still Or is there another image still Or is there another image still unfolding? unfolding? unfolding? When we keep reading, we discover that When we keep reading, we discover that When we keep reading, we discover that there is. Chapters 4 through 11 contain there is. Chapters 4 through 11 contain there is. Chapters 4 through 11 contain Hosea's prophetic oracles against Hosea's prophetic oracles against Hosea's prophetic oracles against Israel's politics and injustice and Israel's politics and injustice and Israel's politics and injustice and idolatry. Hosea was the only writing idolatry. Hosea was the only writing idolatry. Hosea was the only writing prophet from the northern kingdom of prophet from the northern kingdom of prophet from the northern kingdom of Israel. He preached during one of Israel. He preached during one of Israel. He preached during one of Israel's most prosperous seasons under Israel's most prosperous seasons under Israel's most prosperous seasons under King Jerobom II. And ironically, it's King Jerobom II. And ironically, it's King Jerobom II. And ironically, it's that prosperity, their ease of living, that prosperity, their ease of living, that prosperity, their ease of living, their rising economic circumstances that their rising economic circumstances that their rising economic circumstances that became a big part of their problem. In became a big part of their problem. In became a big part of their problem. In fact, if you go back one chapter to 10, fact, if you go back one chapter to 10, fact, if you go back one chapter to 10, God says, "Israel is a luxurant vine God says, "Israel is a luxurant vine God says, "Israel is a luxurant vine that yields its fruit. the more his that yields its fruit. the more his that yields its fruit. the more his fruit increased, the more altars that he fruit increased, the more altars that he fruit increased, the more altars that he built. And friends, these are not altars built. And friends, these are not altars built. And friends, these are not altars to Yahweh. These are altars to all the to Yahweh. These are altars to all the to Yahweh. These are altars to all the other gods, altars to their own other gods, altars to their own other gods, altars to their own achievements, altars to things that are achievements, altars to things that are achievements, altars to things that are not ultimately of God.

not ultimately of God. not ultimately of God. As often happens during times of comfort As often happens during times of comfort As often happens during times of comfort and success, Israel forgot the God who and success, Israel forgot the God who and success, Israel forgot the God who had delivered them from slavery while had delivered them from slavery while had delivered them from slavery while they were in Egypt. They trusted in they were in Egypt. They trusted in they were in Egypt. They trusted in their economy. They trusted in their their economy. They trusted in their their economy. They trusted in their military alliances. They trusted in military alliances. They trusted in military alliances. They trusted in their political strength. They worshiped their political strength. They worshiped their political strength. They worshiped all of that captured under this word bal all of that captured under this word bal all of that captured under this word bal while still pretending to worship the while still pretending to worship the while still pretending to worship the Lord Yahweh. Their commitment had become Lord Yahweh. Their commitment had become Lord Yahweh. Their commitment had become completely superficial. Their hearts had completely superficial. Their hearts had completely superficial. Their hearts had wandered. And then we arrive at chapter wandered. And then we arrive at chapter wandered. And then we arrive at chapter 11 and everything changes. The metaphor 11 and everything changes. The metaphor 11 and everything changes. The metaphor changes. God here is no longer portrayed changes. God here is no longer portrayed changes. God here is no longer portrayed as a wounded husband. God becomes a as a wounded husband. God becomes a as a wounded husband. God becomes a parent, a loving mother, a tender parent, a loving mother, a tender parent, a loving mother, a tender father, a caregiver kneeling beside a father, a caregiver kneeling beside a father, a caregiver kneeling beside a toddler who is learning to walk. The toddler who is learning to walk. The toddler who is learning to walk. The relationship is no longer framed around relationship is no longer framed around relationship is no longer framed around betrayal, but around nurture. I taught betrayal, but around nurture. I taught betrayal, but around nurture. I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms. I bent down and fed them. The arms. I bent down and fed them. The arms. I bent down and fed them. The prophet is inviting us to see the heart prophet is inviting us to see the heart prophet is inviting us to see the heart of God more clearly.

of God more clearly. of God more clearly. God begins by recounting Israel's God begins by recounting Israel's God begins by recounting Israel's rebellion. The more I called them, the rebellion. The more I called them, the rebellion. The more I called them, the more they went from me. more they went from me. more they went from me. Every parent knows that heartbreak. You Every parent knows that heartbreak. You Every parent knows that heartbreak. You teach, you guide, you protect. Sometimes teach, you guide, you protect. Sometimes teach, you guide, you protect. Sometimes your children choose another path. But your children choose another path. But your children choose another path. But then suddenly in Hosea, the tone changes then suddenly in Hosea, the tone changes then suddenly in Hosea, the tone changes almost in midsentence. almost in midsentence. almost in midsentence. God cries out, "How can I give you up? God cries out, "How can I give you up? God cries out, "How can I give you up? How can I hand you over? My heart How can I hand you over? My heart How can I hand you over? My heart recoils within me. My compassion grows recoils within me. My compassion grows recoils within me. My compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my warm and tender. I will not execute my warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger." It's as though divine fierce anger." It's as though divine fierce anger." It's as though divine wrath collides with divine compassion, wrath collides with divine compassion, wrath collides with divine compassion, and compassion wins. There's a holy and compassion wins. There's a holy and compassion wins. There's a holy override. God says, "I cannot stop override. God says, "I cannot stop override. God says, "I cannot stop loving you." loving you." loving you." That might be the most important That might be the most important That might be the most important sentence that we hear today. I cannot sentence that we hear today. I cannot sentence that we hear today. I cannot stop loving you. stop loving you. stop loving you. Sometimes Christians carry around an Sometimes Christians carry around an Sometimes Christians carry around an image of God that sounds something like image of God that sounds something like image of God that sounds something like this. The Old Testament God is angry and this. The Old Testament God is angry and this. The Old Testament God is angry and mean. The New Testament God is loving mean. The New Testament God is loving mean. The New Testament God is loving and kind. But that simply isn't true, and kind. But that simply isn't true, and kind. But that simply isn't true, friends. There's no mean Old Testament friends. There's no mean Old Testament friends. There's no mean Old Testament God and loving New Testament God. They God and loving New Testament God. They God and loving New Testament God. They are the same God. The God who teaches are the same God. The God who teaches are the same God. The God who teaches toddlers to walk in Hosea is the same toddlers to walk in Hosea is the same toddlers to walk in Hosea is the same God who tells stories about a father God who tells stories about a father God who tells stories about a father running down the road to embrace his running down the road to embrace his running down the road to embrace his lost son. The God whose heart breaks in

lost son. The God whose heart breaks in lost son. The God whose heart breaks in Hosea is the same God who weeps over Hosea is the same God who weeps over Hosea is the same God who weeps over Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. The God who says, "How can I give you The God who says, "How can I give you The God who says, "How can I give you up?" is the same God who stretches out up?" is the same God who stretches out up?" is the same God who stretches out his arms on the cross. his arms on the cross. his arms on the cross. It has always been the same heart, the It has always been the same heart, the It has always been the same heart, the same relentless love. same relentless love. same relentless love. There's a group of three Jesuit There's a group of three Jesuit There's a group of three Jesuit theologians that work together, Matthew, theologians that work together, Matthew, theologians that work together, Matthew, Sheila, and Dennis Lynn, and they have Sheila, and Dennis Lynn, and they have Sheila, and Dennis Lynn, and they have spent years asking a fascinating spent years asking a fascinating spent years asking a fascinating question, that same one that you question, that same one that you question, that same one that you considered just a minute ago. What image considered just a minute ago. What image considered just a minute ago. What image of God are we actually carrying around of God are we actually carrying around of God are we actually carrying around inside of us? Because whether we realize inside of us? Because whether we realize inside of us? Because whether we realize it or not, every one of us has one. Some it or not, every one of us has one. Some it or not, every one of us has one. Some imagine a God who's mostly disappointed imagine a God who's mostly disappointed imagine a God who's mostly disappointed in you. Some picture a divine in you. Some picture a divine in you. Some picture a divine scorekeeper. scorekeeper. scorekeeper. Others imagine a God who waits for us to Others imagine a God who waits for us to Others imagine a God who waits for us to get our lives together before offering get our lives together before offering get our lives together before offering love. love. love. And the Linds in their books suggest And the Linds in their books suggest And the Linds in their books suggest that many Christians unconsciously tell that many Christians unconsciously tell that many Christians unconsciously tell themselves a story that goes something themselves a story that goes something themselves a story that goes something like this. I sin. God punishes me.

like this. I sin. God punishes me. like this. I sin. God punishes me. Eventually, I repent and then God Eventually, I repent and then God Eventually, I repent and then God forgives me. That story sounds familiar. forgives me. That story sounds familiar. forgives me. That story sounds familiar. You know that story. You know that cycle You know that story. You know that cycle You know that story. You know that cycle because many of us grew up believing it. because many of us grew up believing it. because many of us grew up believing it. But when you read scripture carefully, a But when you read scripture carefully, a But when you read scripture carefully, a different pattern emerges from Old different pattern emerges from Old different pattern emerges from Old Testament to new, through and through. Testament to new, through and through. Testament to new, through and through. God loves, God pursues, God heals. And God loves, God pursues, God heals. And God loves, God pursues, God heals. And it is that love that makes repentance it is that love that makes repentance it is that love that makes repentance and change possible. and change possible. and change possible. Grace is not God's response to our Grace is not God's response to our Grace is not God's response to our repentance. repentance. repentance. Repentance is our response to grace. Repentance is our response to grace. Repentance is our response to grace. Think about the Apostle Paul. Jesus Think about the Apostle Paul. Jesus Think about the Apostle Paul. Jesus doesn't wait for Saul to become doesn't wait for Saul to become doesn't wait for Saul to become repentant before meeting him on the repentant before meeting him on the repentant before meeting him on the Damascus road. Grace interrupts him. Damascus road. Grace interrupts him. Damascus road. Grace interrupts him. Think about the prodigal son. While the Think about the prodigal son. While the Think about the prodigal son. While the son was still a long way off, we read in son was still a long way off, we read in son was still a long way off, we read in scripture, the father saw him and ran scripture, the father saw him and ran scripture, the father saw him and ran toward him. The father didn't even wait toward him. The father didn't even wait toward him. The father didn't even wait for the apology to get out of his son's for the apology to get out of his son's for the apology to get out of his son's mouth. He ran and embraced him. Or think mouth. He ran and embraced him. Or think mouth. He ran and embraced him. Or think about those other parables that go just about those other parables that go just about those other parables that go just right before the prodigal son. The right before the prodigal son. The right before the prodigal son. The parables about the lost sheep and the parables about the lost sheep and the parables about the lost sheep and the lost coin. It's the shepherd who lost coin. It's the shepherd who lost coin. It's the shepherd who searches. It's the woman who sweeps and searches. It's the woman who sweeps and searches. It's the woman who sweeps and looks for that coin. God always seems to looks for that coin. God always seems to looks for that coin. God always seems to make the first move. That's Hosea's make the first move. That's Hosea's make the first move. That's Hosea's story, too.

story, too. story, too. God tells Hosea, "Go. Love Goomemer." God tells Hosea, "Go. Love Goomemer." God tells Hosea, "Go. Love Goomemer." Not after she changes. Not after she Not after she changes. Not after she Not after she changes. Not after she comes home. Not after she promises to do comes home. Not after she promises to do comes home. Not after she promises to do better. Go while she is still lost. better. Go while she is still lost. better. Go while she is still lost. Hosea literally purchases her freedom. Hosea literally purchases her freedom. Hosea literally purchases her freedom. While she is still standing in the While she is still standing in the While she is still standing in the marketplace, waiting for the next offer. marketplace, waiting for the next offer. marketplace, waiting for the next offer. That is redemption. That is grace. That That is redemption. That is grace. That That is redemption. That is grace. That is the gospel before the gospel. is the gospel before the gospel. is the gospel before the gospel. Someone might ask, "Are we really saying Someone might ask, "Are we really saying Someone might ask, "Are we really saying that God loves sinners before they that God loves sinners before they that God loves sinners before they repent?" repent?" repent?" Yes. Yes, we are. Not because sin Yes. Yes, we are. Not because sin Yes. Yes, we are. Not because sin doesn't matter. It matters enormously. doesn't matter. It matters enormously. doesn't matter. It matters enormously. Sin wounds us. It separates us from Sin wounds us. It separates us from Sin wounds us. It separates us from others and separates us from God. But others and separates us from God. But others and separates us from God. But God's love is not ever the reward for God's love is not ever the reward for God's love is not ever the reward for our repentance. God's love is the reason our repentance. God's love is the reason our repentance. God's love is the reason that repentance becomes possible at all. that repentance becomes possible at all. that repentance becomes possible at all. As Paul writes, God proves his love for As Paul writes, God proves his love for As Paul writes, God proves his love for us while we were yet sinners us while we were yet sinners us while we were yet sinners in dying and and being born again.

in dying and and being born again. in dying and and being born again. That proves God's love for us. Love That proves God's love for us. Love That proves God's love for us. Love comes first always to everyone. comes first always to everyone. comes first always to everyone. People cannot change. People cannot People cannot change. People cannot People cannot change. People cannot become whole if they do not know that become whole if they do not know that become whole if they do not know that they are loved. they are loved. they are loved. That is true in the Old Testament. It is That is true in the Old Testament. It is That is true in the Old Testament. It is true in the New Testament. It is true in true in the New Testament. It is true in true in the New Testament. It is true in this church. And that's why the work of this church. And that's why the work of this church. And that's why the work of Steven ministry and other things that Steven ministry and other things that Steven ministry and other things that remind people that they are loved, that remind people that they are loved, that remind people that they are loved, that stand with people who are hurting, that stand with people who are hurting, that stand with people who are hurting, that walk with them without judgment, but walk with them without judgment, but walk with them without judgment, but simply love are so transformative, so simply love are so transformative, so simply love are so transformative, so important, and so holy. important, and so holy. important, and so holy. There's a Greek word tieios, which means There's a Greek word tieios, which means There's a Greek word tieios, which means complete and whole. And if you look at complete and whole. And if you look at complete and whole. And if you look at the Steven Ministry card that you the Steven Ministry card that you the Steven Ministry card that you received, you can see the Steven received, you can see the Steven received, you can see the Steven Ministry logo. It's the cross and Ministry logo. It's the cross and Ministry logo. It's the cross and there's two two figures of people on there's two two figures of people on there's two two figures of people on each side. On one side, you see the each side. On one side, you see the each side. On one side, you see the figure has a brokenness. On the other figure has a brokenness. On the other figure has a brokenness. On the other side of the cross is wholeness. side of the cross is wholeness. side of the cross is wholeness. That isn't because someone figured it That isn't because someone figured it That isn't because someone figured it out and healed themselves. It's because out and healed themselves. It's because out and healed themselves. It's because they were reminded that they are loved they were reminded that they are loved they were reminded that they are loved unconditionally with a steadfast love.

unconditionally with a steadfast love. unconditionally with a steadfast love. That they were led with cords of That they were led with cords of That they were led with cords of kindness and bands of holy love. kindness and bands of holy love. kindness and bands of holy love. And so when we remember that we are And so when we remember that we are And so when we remember that we are recipients of that love, that God loves recipients of that love, that God loves recipients of that love, that God loves us unconditionally, us unconditionally, us unconditionally, we are called to love in the same way. we are called to love in the same way. we are called to love in the same way. To love like God loves. To love without To love like God loves. To love without To love like God loves. To love without keeping score. To love beyond keeping score. To love beyond keeping score. To love beyond reciprocity. To love someone who doesn't reciprocity. To love someone who doesn't reciprocity. To love someone who doesn't even deserve it. Whatever that means. To even deserve it. Whatever that means. To even deserve it. Whatever that means. To love beyond tribal boundaries. Because love beyond tribal boundaries. Because love beyond tribal boundaries. Because friends, that's exactly how God has friends, that's exactly how God has friends, that's exactly how God has loved you. loved you. loved you. We live in a world where we tend to We live in a world where we tend to We live in a world where we tend to believe that everyone gets what they believe that everyone gets what they believe that everyone gets what they deserve. But Jesus says the father lets deserve. But Jesus says the father lets deserve. But Jesus says the father lets the sun rise on both the good and the the sun rise on both the good and the the sun rise on both the good and the evil. Rain falls on the righteous and evil. Rain falls on the righteous and evil. Rain falls on the righteous and the unrighteous alike. Grace refuses to the unrighteous alike. Grace refuses to the unrighteous alike. Grace refuses to be stingy. Grace is extravagant, maybe be stingy. Grace is extravagant, maybe be stingy. Grace is extravagant, maybe even reckless. even reckless. even reckless. Not reckless because it's careless, but Not reckless because it's careless, but Not reckless because it's careless, but reckless because from our perspective, reckless because from our perspective, reckless because from our perspective, it seems almost unreasonable. it seems almost unreasonable. it seems almost unreasonable. Who keeps loving people like this? Who Who keeps loving people like this? Who Who keeps loving people like this? Who refuses to quit? Who does that? Who refuses to quit? Who does that? Who refuses to quit? Who does that? Who says, "How can I give you up?"

says, "How can I give you up?" says, "How can I give you up?" Only God. Only God. Only God. Perhaps today you need to hear that word Perhaps today you need to hear that word Perhaps today you need to hear that word personally. personally. personally. Maybe you've wandered. Maybe you've Maybe you've wandered. Maybe you've Maybe you've wandered. Maybe you've trusted other things. Maybe you've trusted other things. Maybe you've trusted other things. Maybe you've disappointed yourself or God. disappointed yourself or God. disappointed yourself or God. Maybe you find it hard to believe that Maybe you find it hard to believe that Maybe you find it hard to believe that anybody could possibly love you. anybody could possibly love you. anybody could possibly love you. But hear the words from Hosea. The words But hear the words from Hosea. The words But hear the words from Hosea. The words that God speaks through Hosea. How the that God speaks through Hosea. How the that God speaks through Hosea. How the parent who knelt beside you before you parent who knelt beside you before you parent who knelt beside you before you could even stand says, "I taught you to could even stand says, "I taught you to could even stand says, "I taught you to walk. I carried you and I fed you. How walk. I carried you and I fed you. How walk. I carried you and I fed you. How can I give you up? I cannot stop loving can I give you up? I cannot stop loving can I give you up? I cannot stop loving you." you." you." Parents don't stop loving toddlers Parents don't stop loving toddlers Parents don't stop loving toddlers because they fall. They expect them to because they fall. They expect them to because they fall. They expect them to fall. They kneel down. They reach out. fall. They kneel down. They reach out. fall. They kneel down. They reach out. They pick them up. They whisper, "Try They pick them up. They whisper, "Try They pick them up. They whisper, "Try again." again." again." That's Hosea's God. That is Jesus's That's Hosea's God. That is Jesus's That's Hosea's God. That is Jesus's father. That is the God whose love often father. That is the God whose love often father. That is the God whose love often looks almost reckless and unreasonable looks almost reckless and unreasonable looks almost reckless and unreasonable from the outside. The God who simply from the outside. The God who simply from the outside. The God who simply cannot stop loving God's children.

cannot stop loving God's children. cannot stop loving God's children. That love doesn't excuse our That love doesn't excuse our That love doesn't excuse our imperfection. That love covers over it. imperfection. That love covers over it. imperfection. That love covers over it. It heals us from it. It restores us It heals us from it. It restores us It heals us from it. It restores us through it. And it calls us home. And through it. And it calls us home. And through it. And it calls us home. And when that kind of love finally sinks when that kind of love finally sinks when that kind of love finally sinks into our bones, then we discover that into our bones, then we discover that into our bones, then we discover that loving our enemies, for example, is no loving our enemies, for example, is no loving our enemies, for example, is no longer just a command to obey, but a way longer just a command to obey, but a way longer just a command to obey, but a way of life. We discover that wholeness is of life. We discover that wholeness is of life. We discover that wholeness is possible. And we want to be a part of possible. And we want to be a part of possible. And we want to be a part of that wholeness that God is holding out that wholeness that God is holding out that wholeness that God is holding out and offering to everybody. It becomes a and offering to everybody. It becomes a and offering to everybody. It becomes a natural overflow of having first been natural overflow of having first been natural overflow of having first been loved by God that way ourselves. We loved by God that way ourselves. We loved by God that way ourselves. We share it with others. And so today, share it with others. And so today, share it with others. And so today, take that with you. take that with you. take that with you. God cannot stop loving us. God cannot stop loving us. God cannot stop loving us. God's love covers us. And God lo God God's love covers us. And God lo God God's love covers us. And God lo God God's love calls us forward to love and God's love calls us forward to love and God's love calls us forward to love and serve others. In the name of the Father, serve others. In the name of the Father, serve others. In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Son, and the Holy Spirit. Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

As we prepare to go from this place, we As we prepare to go from this place, we will sing together in a minute, but uh a will sing together in a minute, but uh a will sing together in a minute, but uh a couple of things that I just wanted to couple of things that I just wanted to couple of things that I just wanted to mention to you and invite you into as a mention to you and invite you into as a mention to you and invite you into as a next step. First, next step. First, next step. First, um going forward, today is Steven um going forward, today is Steven um going forward, today is Steven Ministry Sunday, but going forward, Ministry Sunday, but going forward, Ministry Sunday, but going forward, every Sunday, we're going to have Steven every Sunday, we're going to have Steven every Sunday, we're going to have Steven ministers available in the Narthx. If ministers available in the Narthx. If ministers available in the Narthx. If you would like someone to talk to, if you would like someone to talk to, if you would like someone to talk to, if you would like someone to pray with, you would like someone to pray with, you would like someone to pray with, they are good listeners. They understand they are good listeners. They understand they are good listeners. They understand vulnerability and they understand vulnerability and they understand vulnerability and they understand confidentiality. And so they will always confidentiality. And so they will always confidentiality. And so they will always be available in the Narthx after be available in the Narthx after be available in the Narthx after worship. You can look for them with a worship. You can look for them with a worship. You can look for them with a Steven Ministry name tag and a ribbon Steven Ministry name tag and a ribbon Steven Ministry name tag and a ribbon and they'll be happy to speak with you. and they'll be happy to speak with you. and they'll be happy to speak with you. We understand that sometimes worship We understand that sometimes worship We understand that sometimes worship brings up things that are heavy and brings up things that are heavy and brings up things that are heavy and difficult to hold. You don't have to difficult to hold. You don't have to difficult to hold. You don't have to hold them alone. hold them alone. hold them alone. We also want to remind you that we have We also want to remind you that we have We also want to remind you that we have a blood drive happening today in the a blood drive happening today in the a blood drive happening today in the Scout Hut. And so if you're able to Scout Hut. And so if you're able to Scout Hut. And so if you're able to donate blood, you can head over there. donate blood, you can head over there. donate blood, you can head over there. They always accept walk-ins and they They always accept walk-ins and they They always accept walk-ins and they really appreciate every donation.

really appreciate every donation. really appreciate every donation. And finally, I want to invite you to And finally, I want to invite you to And finally, I want to invite you to take your bulletin home and notice that take your bulletin home and notice that take your bulletin home and notice that there are a couple of new groups forming there are a couple of new groups forming there are a couple of new groups forming in our church. that there is an in our church. that there is an in our church. that there is an information meeting happening at the information meeting happening at the information meeting happening at the refuge regarding our Mexico mission refuge regarding our Mexico mission refuge regarding our Mexico mission trip. Take your bulletin home. There's trip. Take your bulletin home. There's trip. Take your bulletin home. There's all those details and more for ways that all those details and more for ways that all those details and more for ways that you can be a part of what God is doing you can be a part of what God is doing you can be a part of what God is doing here at our church. If you found a home here at our church. If you found a home here at our church. If you found a home here and you're ready to join Memorial here and you're ready to join Memorial here and you're ready to join Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, I want to Drive United Methodist Church, I want to Drive United Methodist Church, I want to invite you to come and to meet Pastor invite you to come and to meet Pastor invite you to come and to meet Pastor DeAndre and I down here at the steps of DeAndre and I down here at the steps of DeAndre and I down here at the steps of the chancel while we stand and sing the chancel while we stand and sing the chancel while we stand and sing together our closing hymn, The Servant together our closing hymn, The Servant together our closing hymn, The Servant Song. My sister, My sister, let me serve you that he has Christ to let me serve you that he has Christ to let me serve you that he has Christ to you.

you. you. Pray that I may have Pray that I may have Pray that I may have to let you be my we are we are on journey on journey on journey together. We are here to help each other We are here to help each other on the wild. in the light in the light of your fear. of your fear. of your fear. I will hold my hand and out to you. See I will hold my hand and out to you. See I will hold my hand and out to you. See the peace you want to hear. the peace you want to hear. the peace you want to hear. I will bring with you bring with you with you.

with you. with you. I will share your joy and sorrow I will share your joy and sorrow I will share your joy and sorrow till we sing this. As you go this day, remember that we are As you go this day, remember that we are called to be servants of one another in called to be servants of one another in called to be servants of one another in the name of Christ's love. To be the the name of Christ's love. To be the the name of Christ's love. To be the Christ light to those who are walking in Christ light to those who are walking in Christ light to those who are walking in darkness, and to remember that God has darkness, and to remember that God has darkness, and to remember that God has loved us with a love that does not ever loved us with a love that does not ever loved us with a love that does not ever quit. Go in peace to serve God and your quit. Go in peace to serve God and your quit. Go in peace to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do. And may the neighbor in all that you do. And may the neighbor in all that you do. And may the peace of Christ go with you. Amen.

Heat. Heat. Heat.