Classic Worship | 9:30 AM | June 21st , 2026

Good morning everyone. Grace and peace Good morning everyone. Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ our to you in the name of Jesus Christ our to you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and welcome to worship. My name is Lord and welcome to worship. My name is Lord and welcome to worship. My name is Sean. I'm the senior pastor here and I Sean. I'm the senior pastor here and I Sean. I'm the senior pastor here and I am so glad that God has gathered us am so glad that God has gathered us am so glad that God has gathered us together today. Thank you for being together today. Thank you for being together today. Thank you for being here. And if you're worshiping online here. And if you're worshiping online here. And if you're worshiping online this morning, thank you for being here this morning, thank you for being here this morning, thank you for being here from wherever you happen to be this from wherever you happen to be this from wherever you happen to be this morning. If you're new to MDUMC, let me morning. If you're new to MDUMC, let me morning. If you're new to MDUMC, let me invite you to check in real quickly. You invite you to check in real quickly. You invite you to check in real quickly. You can scan the QR code that's on the front can scan the QR code that's on the front can scan the QR code that's on the front of your bulletin or you can fill out one of your bulletin or you can fill out one of your bulletin or you can fill out one of the um notebooks that's in each row. of the um notebooks that's in each row. of the um notebooks that's in each row. Someone might pass that to you. Do take Someone might pass that to you. Do take Someone might pass that to you. Do take a minute to check in because we want to a minute to check in because we want to a minute to check in because we want to welcome you well. We want to help you welcome you well. We want to help you welcome you well. We want to help you connect with people and with ministries connect with people and with ministries connect with people and with ministries that will allow you to grow in your that will allow you to grow in your that will allow you to grow in your faith here at MDUMC. Even if you're not faith here at MDUMC. Even if you're not faith here at MDUMC. Even if you're not new, take a minute to check in. This is new, take a minute to check in. This is new, take a minute to check in. This is part of how we care for and pray for one part of how we care for and pray for one part of how we care for and pray for one another as a church family. Today is another as a church family. Today is another as a church family. Today is Father's Day. So, if you're celebrating Father's Day. So, if you're celebrating Father's Day. So, if you're celebrating today, happy Father's Day. If today is a today, happy Father's Day. If today is a today, happy Father's Day. If today is a difficult day because of any of the many difficult day because of any of the many difficult day because of any of the many reasons that family is sometimes hard, reasons that family is sometimes hard, reasons that family is sometimes hard, um please know that you're not alone in um please know that you're not alone in um please know that you're not alone in that and that we are lifting you in that and that we are lifting you in that and that we are lifting you in prayer today. Uh our choir continues to prayer today. Uh our choir continues to prayer today. Uh our choir continues to be on their summer break. So, as we have be on their summer break. So, as we have be on their summer break. So, as we have for the past couple of weeks, we've got for the past couple of weeks, we've got for the past couple of weeks, we've got um some wonderful musical guests who um some wonderful musical guests who um some wonderful musical guests who will share their gifts and lead the way will share their gifts and lead the way will share their gifts and lead the way today. Thank you all for being here.

today. Thank you all for being here. today. Thank you all for being here. You'll hear from them in just a moment. You'll hear from them in just a moment. You'll hear from them in just a moment. Now friends, the the best of all is that Now friends, the the best of all is that Now friends, the the best of all is that God is with us here and now. And my God is with us here and now. And my God is with us here and now. And my prayer is that in our time together prayer is that in our time together prayer is that in our time together today, you will experience God's grace today, you will experience God's grace today, you will experience God's grace in a way that refreshes you and renews in a way that refreshes you and renews in a way that refreshes you and renews you body, mind, and soul. So as we enter you body, mind, and soul. So as we enter you body, mind, and soul. So as we enter into worship, would you stand as you're into worship, would you stand as you're into worship, would you stand as you're able and join me in our call to worship? able and join me in our call to worship? able and join me in our call to worship? It's a responsive prayer. So I'll begin It's a responsive prayer. So I'll begin It's a responsive prayer. So I'll begin and your responses will be on the and your responses will be on the and your responses will be on the screen. screen. screen. We have come to worship God, the living We have come to worship God, the living We have come to worship God, the living God, who calls prophets and teachers to God, who calls prophets and teachers to God, who calls prophets and teachers to bear witness. We have come to praise bear witness. We have come to praise bear witness. We have come to praise God, the almighty God, who answers the God, the almighty God, who answers the God, the almighty God, who answers the forces of hatred and hurt with the power forces of hatred and hurt with the power forces of hatred and hurt with the power of grace. We have come to worship God, of grace. We have come to worship God, of grace. We have come to worship God, all gracious God, who chooses even you all gracious God, who chooses even you all gracious God, who chooses even you and me to receive and carry the word of and me to receive and carry the word of and me to receive and carry the word of life and hope. All glory to God. Amen.

This is my father's word This is my father's word to highest all all S and S and S and the music of the se This is my father's word. This is my father's word. The world's The world's The world's face face face the morning light praise. praise. This is my father's world the Lord

the Lord Jesus Jesus Jesus might be be the Lord is King of the heavens the Lord is King of the heavens the Lord is King of the heavens from the earth. B us together B us together Lord. B us together Lord. B us together Lord. B us together with with with that. B B together.

that is that is receive. B us together Lord. B us together Lord. us together us together us together with with with that cannot be broken. B us together. B us together. B us together. B us together. B us together. us together. Lord, find us together Lord, find us together with with with that that that broken together, together, Lord. B us together.

Lord. B us together. Lord. B us together. B B B together. Bound together in the love of God and Bound together in the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit. Let us the communion of the Holy Spirit. Let us the communion of the Holy Spirit. Let us affirm our faith together with the words affirm our faith together with the words affirm our faith together with the words of the Apostles Creed. I believe in God of the Apostles Creed. I believe in God of the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and siteth at the right into heaven, and siteth at the right into heaven, and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. from hand of God the Father Almighty. from hand of God the Father Almighty. from thence he shall come to judge the quick thence he shall come to judge the quick thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy and the dead. I believe in the Holy and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of communion of saints, the forgiveness of communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and sins, the resurrection of the body, and sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

the life everlasting. the life everlasting. Amen. now as God's people gathered in God's now as God's people gathered in God's house, would you greet one another with house, would you greet one another with house, would you greet one another with signs of God's love and grace?

Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and we are given new birth of salvation and we are given new birth of salvation and we are given new birth through water and the spirit. All this through water and the spirit. All this through water and the spirit. All this is God's gift offered to us without is God's gift offered to us without is God's gift offered to us without price. It's our privilege this morning price. It's our privilege this morning price. It's our privilege this morning to share in the sacrament of baptism to share in the sacrament of baptism to share in the sacrament of baptism with the O'Donnell family. Welcome. with the O'Donnell family. Welcome. with the O'Donnell family. Welcome. On behalf of the whole church, I ask On behalf of the whole church, I ask On behalf of the whole church, I ask you, do you renounce the spiritual you, do you renounce the spiritual you, do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil forces of wickedness, reject the evil forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your powers of this world, and repent of your powers of this world, and repent of your sin? If you do, say, I do. sin? If you do, say, I do. sin? If you do, say, I do. >> I do. Do you accept the freedom and >> I do. Do you accept the freedom and >> I do. Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, power God gives you to resist evil, power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever injustice, and oppression in whatever injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves? If you forms they present themselves? If you forms they present themselves? If you do, say, "I do." I do. do, say, "I do." I do. do, say, "I do." I do. >> And do you confess Jesus Christ as your >> And do you confess Jesus Christ as your >> And do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put your whole trust in his savior? Put your whole trust in his savior? Put your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve him as your grace and promise to serve him as your grace and promise to serve him as your Lord in union with the church which Lord in union with the church which Lord in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, Christ has opened to people of all ages, Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races. If you do, say, "I nations, and races. If you do, say, "I nations, and races. If you do, say, "I do. do. do. >> I do." And will you nurture this child >> I do." And will you nurture this child >> I do." And will you nurture this child in Christ's holy church that by your in Christ's holy church that by your in Christ's holy church that by your teaching and example she may be guided teaching and example she may be guided teaching and example she may be guided to accept God's grace for herself to to accept God's grace for herself to to accept God's grace for herself to profess her faith openly and to lead a profess her faith openly and to lead a profess her faith openly and to lead a Christian life if you will say I will.

Christian life if you will say I will. Christian life if you will say I will. >> I will. >> I will. >> I will. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Friends, we have a part in this >> Friends, we have a part in this >> Friends, we have a part in this sacrament too. Do you as Christ body the sacrament too. Do you as Christ body the sacrament too. Do you as Christ body the church reaffirm both your rejection of church reaffirm both your rejection of church reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? sin and your commitment to Christ? sin and your commitment to Christ? >> We do. Will you nurture one another in >> We do. Will you nurture one another in >> We do. Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include the Christian faith and life and include the Christian faith and life and include this child now before you in your care? this child now before you in your care? this child now before you in your care? >> With God's help, we will proclaim the >> With God's help, we will proclaim the >> With God's help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the good news and live according to the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround this example of Christ. We will surround this example of Christ. We will surround this child with a community of love and child with a community of love and child with a community of love and forgiveness that she may grow in her forgiveness that she may grow in her forgiveness that she may grow in her service to others. We will pray for her service to others. We will pray for her service to others. We will pray for her that she may be a true disciple who that she may be a true disciple who that she may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life. walks in the way that leads to life. walks in the way that leads to life. Amen. Amen. Amen. Eternal God, when nothing existed but Eternal God, when nothing existed but Eternal God, when nothing existed but chaos, you swept across the dark waters chaos, you swept across the dark waters chaos, you swept across the dark waters and brought forth light. In the days of and brought forth light. In the days of and brought forth light. In the days of Noah, you saved those on the ark through Noah, you saved those on the ark through Noah, you saved those on the ark through water. After the flood, you set in the water. After the flood, you set in the water. After the flood, you set in the clouds a rainbow. When you saw your clouds a rainbow. When you saw your clouds a rainbow. When you saw your people enslaved in Egypt, you led them people enslaved in Egypt, you led them people enslaved in Egypt, you led them to freedom through the sea. Their to freedom through the sea. Their to freedom through the sea. Their children you brought through the Jordan children you brought through the Jordan children you brought through the Jordan to the land which you promised. In the to the land which you promised. In the to the land which you promised. In the fullness of time, you sent Jesus, fullness of time, you sent Jesus, fullness of time, you sent Jesus, nurtured in the water of a womb. He was nurtured in the water of a womb. He was nurtured in the water of a womb. He was baptized by John and anointed by your baptized by John and anointed by your baptized by John and anointed by your spirit. He called his disciples to share spirit. He called his disciples to share spirit. He called his disciples to share in the baptism of his death and in the baptism of his death and in the baptism of his death and resurrection and to make disciples of resurrection and to make disciples of resurrection and to make disciples of all nations. So God, pour out your Holy all nations. So God, pour out your Holy all nations. So God, pour out your Holy Spirit to bless this gift of water and Spirit to bless this gift of water and Spirit to bless this gift of water and she who receives it to wash away all sin she who receives it to wash away all sin she who receives it to wash away all sin and clothe her in righteousness and clothe her in righteousness and clothe her in righteousness throughout her life that dying and being throughout her life that dying and being throughout her life that dying and being raised with Christ, she may share in raised with Christ, she may share in raised with Christ, she may share in Christ's final victory. Amen.

Are you ready? Are you ready? Will you come to me? Hi. Will you come to me? Hi. Will you come to me? Hi. Okay. Mom and dad are still there. Yep. Okay. Okay. You're all dressed up. What name have You're all dressed up. What name have You're all dressed up. What name have you given this child? you given this child? you given this child? >> Lennin Rose. >> Lennin Rose. >> Lennin Rose. >> Lennin Rose. >> Lennin Rose. >> Lennin Rose. I baptize you in the name of the Father I baptize you in the name of the Father I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Son and the Son and the Holy Spirit. and the Holy Spirit. and the Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit work within you that May the Holy Spirit work within you that May the Holy Spirit work within you that being born by water and the spirit, you being born by water and the spirit, you being born by water and the spirit, you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus may be a faithful disciple of Jesus may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Amen. Friends, Friends, this is Len Rose. Lennen Rose, do you this is Len Rose. Lennen Rose, do you this is Len Rose. Lennen Rose, do you see all these people out here? Do you see all these people out here? Do you see all these people out here? Do you see them out here? No. These people out see them out here? No. These people out see them out here? No. These people out here, here, here, >> those are your new family members in the >> those are your new family members in the >> those are your new family members in the church. mothers and fathers and brothers church. mothers and fathers and brothers church. mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles in and sisters and aunts and uncles in and sisters and aunts and uncles in Christ. They've promised to love you and Christ. They've promised to love you and Christ. They've promised to love you and to care for you, to teach you all about to care for you, to teach you all about to care for you, to teach you all about Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. And so your family here will help you And so your family here will help you And so your family here will help you and so will your family here. Friends, and so will your family here. Friends, and so will your family here. Friends, will you welcome your newest sister in will you welcome your newest sister in will you welcome your newest sister in Christ? Let's pray. Let's pray. God, we give you thanks for your grace God, we give you thanks for your grace God, we give you thanks for your grace that goes before us. We're grateful for that goes before us. We're grateful for that goes before us. We're grateful for the grace that's already at work in the grace that's already at work in the grace that's already at work in Lennon's life. And we pray that she Lennon's life. And we pray that she Lennon's life. And we pray that she might early learn to put her trust in might early learn to put her trust in might early learn to put her trust in you and be found faithful each and every you and be found faithful each and every you and be found faithful each and every day. Amen. Great job. day. Amen. Great job. day. Amen. Great job. Brothers, can you help me with Brothers, can you help me with Brothers, can you help me with something? This inside has gifts for something? This inside has gifts for something? This inside has gifts for your sister for her baptism. There's a your sister for her baptism. There's a your sister for her baptism. There's a card, there's a blanket, and there's a card, there's a blanket, and there's a card, there's a blanket, and there's a cross. All of it is to help her remember cross. All of it is to help her remember cross. All of it is to help her remember this day. Can you make sure she gets this day. Can you make sure she gets this day. Can you make sure she gets this when you get home? this when you get home? this when you get home? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. As they're on their way back >> Thank you. As they're on their way back >> Thank you. As they're on their way back to their seats, let me invite the to their seats, let me invite the to their seats, let me invite the children in the room to come forward for children in the room to come forward for children in the room to come forward for Children's Time with Pastor Jenny.

Yes, I see a few kids coming up and all Yes, I see a few kids coming up and all are welcome to come and spend just a few are welcome to come and spend just a few are welcome to come and spend just a few minutes with me up here on the chancel minutes with me up here on the chancel minutes with me up here on the chancel for our special children's time in for our special children's time in for our special children's time in worship. worship. worship. All right, I know that today is a special day for a I know that today is a special day for a lot of us. Um, can you help me remember lot of us. Um, can you help me remember lot of us. Um, can you help me remember what that is? what that is? what that is? It's Father's Day. Okay, some of us are It's Father's Day. Okay, some of us are It's Father's Day. Okay, some of us are readers, some of us are not yet readers, readers, some of us are not yet readers, readers, some of us are not yet readers, but I wonder if I could get your help but I wonder if I could get your help but I wonder if I could get your help because there are some things that I because there are some things that I because there are some things that I think about when I think about fathers. think about when I think about fathers. think about when I think about fathers. And one of them is that a father is And one of them is that a father is And one of them is that a father is someone you can always talk to. Um, and someone you can always talk to. Um, and someone you can always talk to. Um, and now in the scripture passage that I'm now in the scripture passage that I'm now in the scripture passage that I'm going to read in a few minutes, you're going to read in a few minutes, you're going to read in a few minutes, you're going to hear the word father several going to hear the word father several going to hear the word father several times. Okay? So, who likes to read? times. Okay? So, who likes to read? times. Okay? So, who likes to read? Stephen and Finn, right? Okay, you guys Stephen and Finn, right? Okay, you guys Stephen and Finn, right? Okay, you guys take a look and help me count how many take a look and help me count how many take a look and help me count how many times the word father is in this prayer.

times the word father is in this prayer. times the word father is in this prayer. And then help me think who is it that is And then help me think who is it that is And then help me think who is it that is praying this prayer. This is from the praying this prayer. This is from the praying this prayer. This is from the Gospel of John in chapter 17. Like I Gospel of John in chapter 17. Like I Gospel of John in chapter 17. Like I said, I'm going to read it in a few said, I'm going to read it in a few said, I'm going to read it in a few minutes. So y'all in the congregation minutes. So y'all in the congregation minutes. So y'all in the congregation too, this is a heads up for you to be too, this is a heads up for you to be too, this is a heads up for you to be attentive to this when we come to that attentive to this when we come to that attentive to this when we come to that part of our worship service. part of our worship service. part of our worship service. How many times do you see the word How many times do you see the word How many times do you see the word father in that? father in that? father in that? Got three. Three times. Do you know that Got three. Three times. Do you know that Got three. Three times. Do you know that in the Bible Jesus says the word father in the Bible Jesus says the word father in the Bible Jesus says the word father something like something like something like 150 times? It's a lot of times, right? 150 times? It's a lot of times, right? 150 times? It's a lot of times, right? When he says the word father, who is he When he says the word father, who is he When he says the word father, who is he talking to? talking to? talking to? He's talking to God. So when we hear the He's talking to God. So when we hear the He's talking to God. So when we hear the word father in scripture, we remember word father in scripture, we remember word father in scripture, we remember that we have our father God who is that we have our father God who is that we have our father God who is always there for us, always ready to always there for us, always ready to always there for us, always ready to hear us. And so when we think about what hear us. And so when we think about what hear us. And so when we think about what it means to pray, it mean it reminds us it means to pray, it mean it reminds us it means to pray, it mean it reminds us that God is always ready to listen. that that God is always ready to listen. that that God is always ready to listen. that there's never a time when God is too there's never a time when God is too there's never a time when God is too busy to listen to us, when God doesn't busy to listen to us, when God doesn't busy to listen to us, when God doesn't want to hear what's on our minds or in want to hear what's on our minds or in want to hear what's on our minds or in our hearts, that we can go to God in our hearts, that we can go to God in our hearts, that we can go to God in prayer because God loves us as a father.

prayer because God loves us as a father. prayer because God loves us as a father. Would you all pray with me? Would you all pray with me? Would you all pray with me? Dear God. Dear God. Dear God. Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father, Heavenly Father, >> Father, >> Father, >> Father, >> we thank you >> we thank you >> we thank you >> for our church, >> for our church, >> for our church, >> for our church, >> for our church, >> for our church, >> for our families, >> for our families, >> for our families, >> our family, >> our family, >> our family, >> for our friends, >> for our friends, >> for our friends, >> for our friends. >> for our friends. >> for our friends. >> Show us, God, >> Show us, God, >> Show us, God, >> show us, God, >> show us, God, >> show us, God, >> that you always are ready >> that you always are ready >> that you always are ready >> that you always are ready >> that you always are ready >> that you always are ready >> to listen to us >> to listen to us >> to listen to us >> to listen to us. >> to listen to us. >> to listen to us. >> And help us, God, >> And help us, God, >> And help us, God, >> help us, God, >> help us, God, >> help us, God, >> to listen to others >> to listen to others >> to listen to others >> to listen to others. >> to listen to others. >> to listen to others. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Y'all make worship and church sweeter. Y'all make worship and church sweeter. Y'all make worship and church sweeter. And so if you want to take a lollipop And so if you want to take a lollipop And so if you want to take a lollipop with you back to your seat, you are with you back to your seat, you are with you back to your seat, you are welcome to do that. You can ask your welcome to do that. You can ask your welcome to do that. You can ask your grown-up when you can have it. But I'm grown-up when you can have it. But I'm grown-up when you can have it. But I'm so thankful that y'all came up here and so thankful that y'all came up here and so thankful that y'all came up here and so glad that you're at church. >> Hi friends, I'm Danny Atal. Happy >> Hi friends, I'm Danny Atal. Happy Father's Day. We're grateful for all the Father's Day. We're grateful for all the Father's Day. We're grateful for all the fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and father figures who help shape our father figures who help shape our father figures who help shape our families and our community. As we look families and our community. As we look families and our community. As we look ahead to the next few weeks, there are a ahead to the next few weeks, there are a ahead to the next few weeks, there are a few opportunities I'd love to put on few opportunities I'd love to put on few opportunities I'd love to put on your radar. First, if you're looking for your radar. First, if you're looking for your radar. First, if you're looking for a fun afternoon of good food, music, and a fun afternoon of good food, music, and a fun afternoon of good food, music, and fellowship, our older adult ministry is fellowship, our older adult ministry is fellowship, our older adult ministry is hosting their summer barbecue lunchon on hosting their summer barbecue lunchon on hosting their summer barbecue lunchon on Thursday, July 2nd at noon in Wesley Thursday, July 2nd at noon in Wesley Thursday, July 2nd at noon in Wesley Hall. You'll enjoy barbecue from the

Hall. You'll enjoy barbecue from the Hall. You'll enjoy barbecue from the MDUMC Kitchen, live music from Kendrick MDUMC Kitchen, live music from Kendrick MDUMC Kitchen, live music from Kendrick Ballard, and plenty of time to connect Ballard, and plenty of time to connect Ballard, and plenty of time to connect with friends old and new. Tickets are with friends old and new. Tickets are with friends old and new. Tickets are available now. And as you make plans for available now. And as you make plans for available now. And as you make plans for the holiday weekend, we'd love for you the holiday weekend, we'd love for you the holiday weekend, we'd love for you to join us on Sunday, July 5th. We'll to join us on Sunday, July 5th. We'll to join us on Sunday, July 5th. We'll gather for one combined worship service gather for one combined worship service gather for one combined worship service at 11:00 a.m. on main campus, followed at 11:00 a.m. on main campus, followed at 11:00 a.m. on main campus, followed by a churchwide lunch. There will be no by a churchwide lunch. There will be no by a churchwide lunch. There will be no services at the journey that morning. services at the journey that morning. services at the journey that morning. It's a simple opportunity to slow down, It's a simple opportunity to slow down, It's a simple opportunity to slow down, worship together, and enjoy some time worship together, and enjoy some time worship together, and enjoy some time around the table with our church family. around the table with our church family. around the table with our church family. If you'll be joining us for lunch, we'd If you'll be joining us for lunch, we'd If you'll be joining us for lunch, we'd love for you to RSVP online. Finally, love for you to RSVP online. Finally, love for you to RSVP online. Finally, Pastor Shaun's summer book club kicks Pastor Shaun's summer book club kicks Pastor Shaun's summer book club kicks off the following Sunday on June 28th. off the following Sunday on June 28th. off the following Sunday on June 28th. Throughout the summer, we'll read three Throughout the summer, we'll read three Throughout the summer, we'll read three books together and gather for relaxed books together and gather for relaxed books together and gather for relaxed conversation and discussion. The first conversation and discussion. The first conversation and discussion. The first book is Theo of Golden by Alan Levy. And book is Theo of Golden by Alan Levy. And book is Theo of Golden by Alan Levy. And whether you'd like to join us for one whether you'd like to join us for one whether you'd like to join us for one book or all three, it's a great book or all three, it's a great book or all three, it's a great opportunity to connect with others and opportunity to connect with others and opportunity to connect with others and engage in thoughtful conversation.

engage in thoughtful conversation. engage in thoughtful conversation. However you're spending your summer, However you're spending your summer, However you're spending your summer, we'd love to help you stay connected to we'd love to help you stay connected to we'd love to help you stay connected to this community. You can find details on this community. You can find details on this community. You can find details on these events along with schedules and these events along with schedules and these events along with schedules and registration information at registration information at registration information at mdumc.org/events. I mentioned a moment ago, our first I mentioned a moment ago, our first scripture reading is from the 17th scripture reading is from the 17th scripture reading is from the 17th chapter of the Gospel of John, a portion chapter of the Gospel of John, a portion chapter of the Gospel of John, a portion of the prayer that Jesus raises up uh of the prayer that Jesus raises up uh of the prayer that Jesus raises up uh just the evening before his sacrifice. just the evening before his sacrifice. just the evening before his sacrifice. Hear these words. Hear these words. Hear these words. Father, I don't ask you to take my Father, I don't ask you to take my Father, I don't ask you to take my followers out of this world, but keep followers out of this world, but keep followers out of this world, but keep them safe from the evil one. They don't them safe from the evil one. They don't them safe from the evil one. They don't belong to this world, and neither do I. belong to this world, and neither do I. belong to this world, and neither do I. Your word is the truth. So let this Your word is the truth. So let this Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. I am truth make them completely yours. I am truth make them completely yours. I am sending them into the world just as you sending them into the world just as you sending them into the world just as you sent me. I have given myself completely sent me. I have given myself completely sent me. I have given myself completely for their sake so that they may belong for their sake so that they may belong for their sake so that they may belong completely to the truth. I am praying completely to the truth. I am praying completely to the truth. I am praying not just for these followers. I am not just for these followers. I am not just for these followers. I am praying for everyone else who will have praying for everyone else who will have praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will faith because of what my followers will faith because of what my followers will say about me. I want all of them to be say about me. I want all of them to be say about me. I want all of them to be one with each other just as I am one one with each other just as I am one one with each other just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also with you and you are one with me. I also with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the want them to be one with us. Then the want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that people of this world will believe that people of this world will believe that you sent me. I have honored my followers you sent me. I have honored my followers you sent me. I have honored my followers in the same way you honored me in order in the same way you honored me in order in the same way you honored me in order that they may be one with each other that they may be one with each other that they may be one with each other just as we are one. I am one with them just as we are one. I am one with them just as we are one. I am one with them and you are one with me so they may

and you are one with me so they may and you are one with me so they may become completely one. Then this world's become completely one. Then this world's become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They people will know that you sent me. They people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as will know that you love my followers as will know that you love my followers as much as you love me. much as you love me. much as you love me. Father, I want everyone you have given Father, I want everyone you have given Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me wherever I am. Then me to be with me wherever I am. Then me to be with me wherever I am. Then they will see the glory you have given they will see the glory you have given they will see the glory you have given me because you loved me before the world me because you loved me before the world me because you loved me before the world was created. Good Father, the people of was created. Good Father, the people of was created. Good Father, the people of this world don't know you. But I know this world don't know you. But I know this world don't know you. But I know you and my followers know that you sent you and my followers know that you sent you and my followers know that you sent me. I told them what you are like and I me. I told them what you are like and I me. I told them what you are like and I will tell them even more. Then the love will tell them even more. Then the love will tell them even more. Then the love you have for me will become part of them you have for me will become part of them you have for me will become part of them and I will be one with them. This is the and I will be one with them. This is the and I will be one with them. This is 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. As we come to this Thanks be to God. As we come to this Thanks be to God. As we come to this time of our offering, we want to time of our offering, we want to time of our offering, we want to highlight something pretty special that highlight something pretty special that highlight something pretty special that happened on our campus this week. We happened on our campus this week. We happened on our campus this week. We have a video recap of adult superplace have a video recap of adult superplace have a video recap of adult superplace camp that took place on our west campus camp that took place on our west campus camp that took place on our west campus all week long. Hope that you can catch a all week long. Hope that you can catch a all week long. Hope that you can catch a bit of the joy as you watch this.

hey, hey. hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Adult Superplace Camp is something that Adult Superplace Camp is something that was started back in 2018 um by some of was started back in 2018 um by some of was started back in 2018 um by some of our church members, Paul and Cindy our church members, Paul and Cindy our church members, Paul and Cindy Smith, because they had a heart for Smith, because they had a heart for Smith, because they had a heart for creating a meaningful ministry here at creating a meaningful ministry here at creating a meaningful ministry here at our church for adults with special our church for adults with special our church for adults with special needs. Um so this was the first year needs. Um so this was the first year needs. Um so this was the first year that we had Superplace camp at the that we had Superplace camp at the that we had Superplace camp at the journey. welcomed 38 campers, 30 journey. welcomed 38 campers, 30 journey. welcomed 38 campers, 30 volunteers, volunteers, volunteers, a space that was filled with connection a space that was filled with connection a space that was filled with connection and worship and joy. Um, the theme this and worship and joy. Um, the theme this and worship and joy. Um, the theme this year centered around four powerful year centered around four powerful year centered around four powerful truths. You are brave. You can share truths. You are brave. You can share truths. You are brave. You can share your gifts. You can give your all. You your gifts. You can give your all. You your gifts. You can give your all. You can pray. So throughout the week, the can pray. So throughout the week, the can pray. So throughout the week, the campers showed us exactly what that campers showed us exactly what that campers showed us exactly what that looks like. living with courage, sharing looks like. living with courage, sharing looks like. living with courage, sharing their unique gifts, giving their whole their unique gifts, giving their whole their unique gifts, giving their whole hearts, and leaning on God through hearts, and leaning on God through hearts, and leaning on God through prayer. Adult Superplace Camp, which prayer. Adult Superplace Camp, which prayer. Adult Superplace Camp, which serves people from our congregation, but serves people from our congregation, but serves people from our congregation, but far beyond as well, continues to be a

far beyond as well, continues to be a far beyond as well, continues to be a beautiful reflection of God's kingdom beautiful reflection of God's kingdom beautiful reflection of God's kingdom where everyone belongs, everyone where everyone belongs, everyone where everyone belongs, everyone matters, and everyone has something matters, and everyone has something matters, and everyone has something valuable to offer. Is that not what the valuable to offer. Is that not what the valuable to offer. Is that not what the church is called to do and be? a place church is called to do and be? a place church is called to do and be? a place where all belong, where everyone where all belong, where everyone where all belong, where everyone matters, where we recognize that we all matters, where we recognize that we all matters, where we recognize that we all have gifts to share. have gifts to share. have gifts to share. As we come to this time of our offering, As we come to this time of our offering, As we come to this time of our offering, this is the tangible and visible way this is the tangible and visible way this is the tangible and visible way that we share some of those gifts. And that we share some of those gifts. And that we share some of those gifts. And so, in a moment, as the ushers come down so, in a moment, as the ushers come down so, in a moment, as the ushers come down your row, whether you put something in your row, whether you put something in your row, whether you put something in the plate or you text to give or you the plate or you text to give or you the plate or you text to give or you give online, give with joy because all give online, give with joy because all give online, give with joy because all belong here. And I thank you for your belong here. And I thank you for your belong here. And I thank you for your faithful giving that creates space for faithful giving that creates space for faithful giving that creates space for all people. Would you pray with me? Holy all people. Would you pray with me? Holy all people. Would you pray with me? Holy God, continue to equip us to be a church God, continue to equip us to be a church God, continue to equip us to be a church where all are welcome, where everyone where all are welcome, where everyone where all are welcome, where everyone belongs and everyone matters. Allow belongs and everyone matters. Allow belongs and everyone matters. Allow these gifts that we give now to multiply these gifts that we give now to multiply these gifts that we give now to multiply your kingdom and your goodness for all your kingdom and your goodness for all your kingdom and your goodness for all in our midst. Amen.

Let me out. Let me out. Beyond my walls, beyond my fears, from Beyond my walls, beyond my fears, from Beyond my walls, beyond my fears, from death into life. God is my God is my shall I. shall I. shall I. I rest in the medals of faithfulness and I rest in the medals of faithfulness and I rest in the medals of faithfulness and love. I walk through the quieters my my beyond my fears. us from death.

Gently Gently me and my soul. me and my soul. me and my soul. You lead me by paths of righteousness You lead me by paths of righteousness You lead me by paths of righteousness and truth. and truth. and truth. My spirit shall sing the music My spirit shall sing the music My spirit shall sing the music of your name. my my beyond my fears from death into I should I should the valley of the the valley of the the valley of the I fear no evil for you are at my side. I fear no evil for you are at my side. I fear no evil for you are at my side. Your rod and your staff Your rod and your staff Your rod and your staff comfort comfort comfort and my home.

Shepherd me, shepherd me beyond my Shepherd me, shepherd me beyond my beyond my fears. from death into a banquet of love a banquet of love in the face of hatred. me my heart beyond what I was beyond my me my heart beyond what I was beyond my fears from death into Lord in your kindness and mercy follow Lord in your kindness and mercy follow me.

me. me. All the days of my love All the days of my love All the days of my love I look down in the house of my God I look down in the house of my God I look down in the house of my God forever. Shepher me, oh God, Shepher me, oh God, beyond my beyond my beyond my beond my fears, beond my fears, beond my fears, from death into love.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God. Praise God for the source of our gifts. Praise God for the source of our gifts. Praise Jesus Christ whose power lives. Praise Jesus Christ whose power lives. Praise Jesus Christ whose power lives. Praise the spirit. Praise the spirit. Praise the spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Hallelu. Let us pray together. Let us pray together. God of boundless love, good shepherd, God of boundless love, good shepherd, God of boundless love, good shepherd, holy father, holy father, holy father, on this day we give you thanks for all on this day we give you thanks for all on this day we give you thanks for all who have nurtured, guided, protected, who have nurtured, guided, protected, who have nurtured, guided, protected, and encouraged us with a father's heart.

and encouraged us with a father's heart. and encouraged us with a father's heart. We are grateful for fathers, We are grateful for fathers, We are grateful for fathers, grandfathers, grandfathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, stepfathers, stepfathers, adoptive fathers, foster fathers, adoptive fathers, foster fathers, adoptive fathers, foster fathers, mentors, coaches, teachers, teachers, mentors, coaches, teachers, teachers, mentors, coaches, teachers, teachers, neighbors, and friends. those whose neighbors, and friends. those whose neighbors, and friends. those whose steady love has reflected something of steady love has reflected something of steady love has reflected something of your own faithful care for us. your own faithful care for us. your own faithful care for us. We pray your blessing upon fathers We pray your blessing upon fathers We pray your blessing upon fathers everywhere. everywhere. everywhere. Strengthen them with wisdom when they Strengthen them with wisdom when they Strengthen them with wisdom when they feel uncertain, patience when they are feel uncertain, patience when they are feel uncertain, patience when they are weary, courage when life is demanding, weary, courage when life is demanding, weary, courage when life is demanding, and joy in the sacred work of loving and joy in the sacred work of loving and joy in the sacred work of loving those entrusted to their care. those entrusted to their care. those entrusted to their care. We remember too those for whom this day We remember too those for whom this day We remember too those for whom this day is complicated. is complicated. is complicated. Hold close those who mourn fathers now Hold close those who mourn fathers now Hold close those who mourn fathers now gone. Those whose relationships with gone. Those whose relationships with gone. Those whose relationships with their fathers are marked by pain or their fathers are marked by pain or their fathers are marked by pain or estrangement. estrangement. estrangement. Those who longed to become fathers but Those who longed to become fathers but Those who longed to become fathers but could not. And fathers grieving the loss could not. And fathers grieving the loss could not. And fathers grieving the loss of a child. of a child. of a child. Be near to fathers carrying the weight Be near to fathers carrying the weight Be near to fathers carrying the weight of unemployment or illness, of unemployment or illness, of unemployment or illness, incarceration, incarceration, incarceration, addiction, displacement or overwhelming addiction, displacement or overwhelming addiction, displacement or overwhelming responsibility.

responsibility. responsibility. Where there is guilt, bring forgiveness. Where there is guilt, bring forgiveness. Where there is guilt, bring forgiveness. Where there is brokenness, bring Where there is brokenness, bring Where there is brokenness, bring healing. healing. healing. Where there is loneliness, bring Where there is loneliness, bring Where there is loneliness, bring compions for the journey. Remind each compions for the journey. Remind each compions for the journey. Remind each one that nothing can separate us from one that nothing can separate us from one that nothing can separate us from your steadfast love. your steadfast love. your steadfast love. And as we pray for families, we remember And as we pray for families, we remember And as we pray for families, we remember the larger family into which Christ has the larger family into which Christ has the larger family into which Christ has called us. On the night before his called us. On the night before his called us. On the night before his death, Jesus prayed that we might be death, Jesus prayed that we might be death, Jesus prayed that we might be one, just as he and you are one. In a one, just as he and you are one. In a one, just as he and you are one. In a world so quick to divide, so eager to world so quick to divide, so eager to world so quick to divide, so eager to label, dismiss, and reject, make us label, dismiss, and reject, make us label, dismiss, and reject, make us people who choose the harder, holier people who choose the harder, holier people who choose the harder, holier path of listening, welcoming, and path of listening, welcoming, and path of listening, welcoming, and loving. loving. loving. Teach us again that our unity is not Teach us again that our unity is not Teach us again that our unity is not uniformity, but the beautiful work of uniformity, but the beautiful work of uniformity, but the beautiful work of your Holy Spirit. weaving together lives your Holy Spirit. weaving together lives your Holy Spirit. weaving together lives that are wonderfully different yet that are wonderfully different yet that are wonderfully different yet deeply beloved. deeply beloved. deeply beloved. When we are tempted to turn away from When we are tempted to turn away from When we are tempted to turn away from one another, open our hearts. When fear one another, open our hearts. When fear one another, open our hearts. When fear keeps us apart, give us courage to draw keeps us apart, give us courage to draw keeps us apart, give us courage to draw near. When misunderstanding grows, plant near. When misunderstanding grows, plant near. When misunderstanding grows, plant compassion.

compassion. compassion. Help us remember that every person we Help us remember that every person we Help us remember that every person we meet is someone you love as deeply as meet is someone you love as deeply as meet is someone you love as deeply as you love your own son. you love your own son. you love your own son. Holy Father, help us realize that there Holy Father, help us realize that there Holy Father, help us realize that there can be no true understanding where there can be no true understanding where there can be no true understanding where there is mutual rejection. is mutual rejection. is mutual rejection. Instead, teach us to accept one another Instead, teach us to accept one another Instead, teach us to accept one another wholeheartedly, wholeheartedly, wholeheartedly, discovering that as we welcome one discovering that as we welcome one discovering that as we welcome one another, we welcome you. Root our lives another, we welcome you. Root our lives another, we welcome you. Root our lives so deeply in your spirit that your love so deeply in your spirit that your love so deeply in your spirit that your love becomes the source of our words, our becomes the source of our words, our becomes the source of our words, our decisions, our relationships, and our decisions, our relationships, and our decisions, our relationships, and our witness. witness. witness. Bind this congregation together in that Bind this congregation together in that Bind this congregation together in that love. Make us one in purpose, one in love. Make us one in purpose, one in love. Make us one in purpose, one in compassion, one in hope. Not because we compassion, one in hope. Not because we compassion, one in hope. Not because we think alike, but because Christ lives think alike, but because Christ lives think alike, but because Christ lives among us. Let our life together become a among us. Let our life together become a among us. Let our life together become a sign to our community that your love is sign to our community that your love is sign to our community that your love is stronger than fear, stronger than stronger than fear, stronger than stronger than fear, stronger than division, stronger even than death.

division, stronger even than death. division, stronger even than death. We pray for those who are sick, those We pray for those who are sick, those We pray for those who are sick, those awaiting answers, awaiting answers, awaiting answers, those burdened by anxiety, those burdened by anxiety, those burdened by anxiety, those serving others in quiet those serving others in quiet those serving others in quiet faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. And we pray for those whose needs remain And we pray for those whose needs remain And we pray for those whose needs remain known only to you. known only to you. known only to you. May each one find comfort in your May each one find comfort in your May each one find comfort in your presence and strength for this day. presence and strength for this day. presence and strength for this day. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and send Fill us with your Holy Spirit and send Fill us with your Holy Spirit and send us into the world as people of us into the world as people of us into the world as people of reconciliation and peace. So that reconciliation and peace. So that reconciliation and peace. So that through our lives others may glimpse the through our lives others may glimpse the through our lives others may glimpse the love for which Jesus prayed. A love that love for which Jesus prayed. A love that love for which Jesus prayed. A love that overcomes every barrier, heals every overcomes every barrier, heals every overcomes every barrier, heals every wound, and gathers all your children wound, and gathers all your children wound, and gathers all your children into one. We ask these things in the into one. We ask these things in the into one. We ask these things in the name of Christ who taught us to pray name of Christ who taught us to pray name of Christ who taught us to pray together saying,"Our Father who art in together saying,"Our Father who art in together saying,"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy 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. Amen.

Deep Deep in my soul in my soul in my soul to find the prost to find the prost to find the prost Best night, Best night, Best night, a dream to keep a dream to keep a dream to keep inside. I am a voice I am a voice that speaks. that speaks. that speaks. I am a voice I am a voice I am a voice that on your path on your path on your path. on your path. on your path. Feeling good. I resolve to love

I resolve to love to be a to be a to be a part. My hand My hand will together together we will find we will find we will find something of grace something of grace something of grace and peace. when the stars are when the stars are when the when the when the sorrow from deep within In from deep within In the heart

the heart the heart the song of God. I am a voice I am a voice that sings. that sings. that sings. I am a heart. Together we Together we will sing. will sing. will sing. Together we Together we Together we will sing. will sing. will sing. I am a voice. Together we Together we sing. together together will sing.

God, by the power of your spirit, bind God, by the power of your spirit, bind us together in your love. Make us one us together in your love. Make us one us together in your love. Make us one with each other and one with you, just with each other and one with you, just with each other and one with you, just as you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are as you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are as you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. one. one. Lord, may we hear your voice that sings Lord, may we hear your voice that sings Lord, may we hear your voice that sings among us even now and know how to do among us even now and know how to do among us even now and know how to do your will in this world. It's in Jesus your will in this world. It's in Jesus your will in this world. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. name we pray. Amen. name we pray. Amen. When I was little, maybe seven or eight When I was little, maybe seven or eight When I was little, maybe seven or eight years old, as I unwrapped presents on my years old, as I unwrapped presents on my years old, as I unwrapped presents on my birthday, I discovered that my mom had birthday, I discovered that my mom had birthday, I discovered that my mom had given me a gift that I had desperately given me a gift that I had desperately given me a gift that I had desperately wanted. It was a remote control car. A wanted. It was a remote control car. A wanted. It was a remote control car. A remote control silver Lamborghini to be remote control silver Lamborghini to be remote control silver Lamborghini to be more precise. I was so excited. I tore more precise. I was so excited. I tore more precise. I was so excited. I tore off the paper but carefully opened the off the paper but carefully opened the off the paper but carefully opened the box. No one wants to scratch a new box. No one wants to scratch a new box. No one wants to scratch a new Lamborghini. I unpacked the car and the Lamborghini. I unpacked the car and the Lamborghini. I unpacked the car and the remote and I cleared a path on the remote and I cleared a path on the remote and I cleared a path on the floor. I turned the switch to on and floor. I turned the switch to on and floor. I turned the switch to on and began to fiddle with the controls. began to fiddle with the controls. began to fiddle with the controls. Nothing happened. I was confused. I Nothing happened. I was confused. I Nothing happened. I was confused. I checked the switches. I looked again. I checked the switches. I looked again. I checked the switches. I looked again. I I tried again. Nothing. And that's when I tried again. Nothing. And that's when I tried again. Nothing. And that's when I saw it written in small letters on the I saw it written in small letters on the I saw it written in small letters on the corner of the box. Batteries corner of the box. Batteries corner of the box. Batteries not included.

not included. not included. I had the absolute coolest remote I had the absolute coolest remote I had the absolute coolest remote control car and it had absolutely no control car and it had absolutely no control car and it had absolutely no power. Of course, my mom was prepared power. Of course, my mom was prepared power. Of course, my mom was prepared though. She had batteries at the ready though. She had batteries at the ready though. She had batteries at the ready and soon we were off to the races. The and soon we were off to the races. The and soon we were off to the races. The point is we point is we point is we do not live powerless. do not live powerless. do not live powerless. 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was poured upon believers and that same Holy poured upon believers and that same Holy poured upon believers and that same Holy Spirit has been powering the church ever Spirit has been powering the church ever Spirit has been powering the church ever since. Batteries are included, as it since. Batteries are included, as it since. Batteries are included, as it were. And because of the Spirit's were. And because of the Spirit's were. And because of the Spirit's ongoing presence, we have all the power ongoing presence, we have all the power ongoing presence, we have all the power we need to live faithful and fruitful we need to live faithful and fruitful we need to live faithful and fruitful Christian lives. Christian lives. Christian lives. We're a few weeks in to a series on the We're a few weeks in to a series on the We're a few weeks in to a series on the Holy Spirit, and the seed for this Holy Spirit, and the seed for this Holy Spirit, and the seed for this series was planted months ago over series was planted months ago over series was planted months ago over breakfast with my small group. Actually, breakfast with my small group. Actually, breakfast with my small group. Actually, we'd been reading a book together and we'd been reading a book together and we'd been reading a book together and and the book kept mentioning the Holy and the book kept mentioning the Holy and the book kept mentioning the Holy Spirit, but it quickly became apparent Spirit, but it quickly became apparent Spirit, but it quickly became apparent that many of us around that table did that many of us around that table did that many of us around that table did not quite know what to say or think not quite know what to say or think not quite know what to say or think about the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy about the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy about the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit? We asked. Oh, well, the Holy Spirit? We asked. Oh, well, the Holy Spirit? We asked. Oh, well, the Holy Spirit is Spirit is Spirit is God, right?

God, right? God, right? Well, what does the Holy Spirit do? Oh, Well, what does the Holy Spirit do? Oh, Well, what does the Holy Spirit do? Oh, well, the Holy Spirit um well, you know, well, the Holy Spirit um well, you know, well, the Holy Spirit um well, you know, the Holy Spirit does. the Holy Spirit does. the Holy Spirit does. We had ideas, of course, we weren't We had ideas, of course, we weren't We had ideas, of course, we weren't totally lost, but we weren't exactly totally lost, but we weren't exactly totally lost, but we weren't exactly confident in our answers. That's the confident in our answers. That's the confident in our answers. That's the goal for this series, to help us all goal for this series, to help us all goal for this series, to help us all confidently put into words who the Holy confidently put into words who the Holy confidently put into words who the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit does Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit does Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit does for us and in us and through us. A quick for us and in us and through us. A quick for us and in us and through us. A quick recap then. Who is the Holy Spirit? The recap then. Who is the Holy Spirit? The recap then. Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Spirit is the third person of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy triune God, Father, Son, and Holy triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. More to the point though, the Spirit. More to the point though, the Spirit. More to the point though, the Holy Spirit is God's power and presence Holy Spirit is God's power and presence Holy Spirit is God's power and presence in our lives. The Holy Spirit is God's in our lives. The Holy Spirit is God's in our lives. The Holy Spirit is God's power and presence in our lives today. power and presence in our lives today. power and presence in our lives today. And what does the Holy Spirit do? And what does the Holy Spirit do? And what does the Holy Spirit do? One mostly true answer is everything.

One mostly true answer is everything. One mostly true answer is everything. There's no part of our lives, no piece There's no part of our lives, no piece There's no part of our lives, no piece of our world that is untouched by or of our world that is untouched by or of our world that is untouched by or unavailable to the Holy Spirit. But to unavailable to the Holy Spirit. But to unavailable to the Holy Spirit. But to say that the Holy Spirit does everything say that the Holy Spirit does everything say that the Holy Spirit does everything or can do anything isn't really all that or can do anything isn't really all that or can do anything isn't really all that helpful when thinking about how we live. helpful when thinking about how we live. helpful when thinking about how we live. So in this series so far, we've talked So in this series so far, we've talked So in this series so far, we've talked about two specific things that the Holy about two specific things that the Holy about two specific things that the Holy Spirit does. First, the Holy Spirit Spirit does. First, the Holy Spirit Spirit does. First, the Holy Spirit dwells in us. dwells in us. dwells in us. In many of the Old Testament stories, In many of the Old Testament stories, In many of the Old Testament stories, the stories of the judges and the kings the stories of the judges and the kings the stories of the judges and the kings and the prophets, we're told that the and the prophets, we're told that the and the prophets, we're told that the Spirit rested on them. And for as long Spirit rested on them. And for as long Spirit rested on them. And for as long as the spirit remained resting on them, as the spirit remained resting on them, as the spirit remained resting on them, they had power and wisdom and authority they had power and wisdom and authority they had power and wisdom and authority from God to fulfill their particular from God to fulfill their particular from God to fulfill their particular role. But if the spirit ever ceased to role. But if the spirit ever ceased to role. But if the spirit ever ceased to rest on them, they lost that power, that rest on them, they lost that power, that rest on them, they lost that power, that wisdom, that authority. I'm thinking of wisdom, that authority. I'm thinking of wisdom, that authority. I'm thinking of Saul, the first king of Israel. After Saul, the first king of Israel. After Saul, the first king of Israel. After several incidents of disobedience, God's several incidents of disobedience, God's several incidents of disobedience, God's spirit departs from Saul. It's perhaps spirit departs from Saul. It's perhaps spirit departs from Saul. It's perhaps the thing that the second king of the thing that the second king of the thing that the second king of Israel, David, has in mind when he Israel, David, has in mind when he Israel, David, has in mind when he writes Psalm 51. Do not cast me from writes Psalm 51. Do not cast me from writes Psalm 51. Do not cast me from your presence. Do not take your Holy your presence. Do not take your Holy your presence. Do not take your Holy Spirit from me.

Spirit from me. Spirit from me. But the Holy Spirit that we encounter I But the Holy Spirit that we encounter I But the Holy Spirit that we encounter I in the New Testament, the one that's in the New Testament, the one that's in the New Testament, the one that's poured out on the day of Pentecost, it's poured out on the day of Pentecost, it's poured out on the day of Pentecost, it's the same spirit, but it behaves in a new the same spirit, but it behaves in a new the same spirit, but it behaves in a new way. Instead of resting on us, it dwells way. Instead of resting on us, it dwells way. Instead of resting on us, it dwells in us. in us. in us. The difference is important because it The difference is important because it The difference is important because it means that there's nothing temporary means that there's nothing temporary means that there's nothing temporary about the spirit's presence in our about the spirit's presence in our about the spirit's presence in our lives. No danger that we will lose the lives. No danger that we will lose the lives. No danger that we will lose the spirit somehow. In fact, the Holy Spirit spirit somehow. In fact, the Holy Spirit spirit somehow. In fact, the Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the fulfillment of dwelling in us is the fulfillment of dwelling in us is the fulfillment of God's promise to be with us always. The God's promise to be with us always. The God's promise to be with us always. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, which makes it Holy Spirit dwells in us, which makes it Holy Spirit dwells in us, which makes it possible for the spirit to do the second possible for the spirit to do the second possible for the spirit to do the second thing. The Holy Spirit makes us holy. thing. The Holy Spirit makes us holy. thing. The Holy Spirit makes us holy. The churchy word for this is The churchy word for this is The churchy word for this is sanctification. And it means that the sanctification. And it means that the sanctification. And it means that the Holy Spirit who dwells in us actually Holy Spirit who dwells in us actually Holy Spirit who dwells in us actually changes us. Forms us into people who do changes us. Forms us into people who do changes us. Forms us into people who do good and are good. Transforms us into good and are good. Transforms us into good and are good. Transforms us into people whose lives are characterized by people whose lives are characterized by people whose lives are characterized by defined by love, joy, peace, patience, defined by love, joy, peace, patience, defined by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here's the gentleness, and self-control. Here's the gentleness, and self-control. Here's the key, though. The Holy Spirit doesn't do key, though. The Holy Spirit doesn't do key, though. The Holy Spirit doesn't do this to us.

this to us. this to us. The Holy Spirit does this with us. To be The Holy Spirit does this with us. To be The Holy Spirit does this with us. To be made holy, we must be willing partners made holy, we must be willing partners made holy, we must be willing partners in the work, responding to the spirit, in the work, responding to the spirit, in the work, responding to the spirit, making ourselves available to the making ourselves available to the making ourselves available to the spirit's power through prayer and study spirit's power through prayer and study spirit's power through prayer and study and worship and service. The spirit and worship and service. The spirit and worship and service. The spirit dwells in us and the spirit makes us dwells in us and the spirit makes us dwells in us and the spirit makes us holy. holy. holy. And today the work of the spirit that And today the work of the spirit that And today the work of the spirit that we'll consider is this. The spirit forms we'll consider is this. The spirit forms we'll consider is this. The spirit forms a people. Which is to say that the holy a people. Which is to say that the holy a people. Which is to say that the holy spirit takes all of us individuals spirit takes all of us individuals spirit takes all of us individuals and makes us one. By the power of the and makes us one. By the power of the and makes us one. By the power of the spirit we who are many become one body. spirit we who are many become one body. spirit we who are many become one body. The scripture that we'll read is from The scripture that we'll read is from The scripture that we'll read is from first Corinthians. It's a letter that first Corinthians. It's a letter that first Corinthians. It's a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in the ancient city of Corenth. And he's the ancient city of Corenth. And he's the ancient city of Corenth. And he's writing to them about unity in the writing to them about unity in the writing to them about unity in the spirit because the people of that church spirit because the people of that church spirit because the people of that church had fallen into severe disunityity.

had fallen into severe disunityity. had fallen into severe disunityity. They'd created clear hierarchies in They'd created clear hierarchies in They'd created clear hierarchies in their community. They'd fallen into their community. They'd fallen into their community. They'd fallen into factions and it was all based around the factions and it was all based around the factions and it was all based around the spiritual gifts that individuals spiritual gifts that individuals spiritual gifts that individuals displayed. They'd begun to treat some displayed. They'd begun to treat some displayed. They'd begun to treat some gifts as much more important than gifts as much more important than gifts as much more important than others. And here's what Paul says to others. And here's what Paul says to others. And here's what Paul says to them. 1 Corinthians 12. them. 1 Corinthians 12. them. 1 Corinthians 12. Therefore, I want you to understand that Therefore, I want you to understand that Therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking by the spirit of God no one speaking by the spirit of God no one speaking by the spirit of God ever says, "Let Jesus be cursed." And no ever says, "Let Jesus be cursed." And no ever says, "Let Jesus be cursed." And no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. Now, pause there for a the Holy Spirit. Now, pause there for a the Holy Spirit. Now, pause there for a moment because this first verse actually moment because this first verse actually moment because this first verse actually feels a little bit out of place. feels a little bit out of place. feels a little bit out of place. But it's really the foundation of the But it's really the foundation of the But it's really the foundation of the argument Paul is about to make. What he argument Paul is about to make. What he argument Paul is about to make. What he means is that the Holy Spirit is part of means is that the Holy Spirit is part of means is that the Holy Spirit is part of the life of every person who confesses the life of every person who confesses the life of every person who confesses that Jesus is Lord. It doesn't matter that Jesus is Lord. It doesn't matter that Jesus is Lord. It doesn't matter what your background is. For him that what your background is. For him that what your background is. For him that was Jew or Gentile. It doesn't matter if was Jew or Gentile. It doesn't matter if was Jew or Gentile. It doesn't matter if you have one of the fancier gifts like you have one of the fancier gifts like you have one of the fancier gifts like speaking in tongues. What matters is speaking in tongues. What matters is speaking in tongues. What matters is your response to Jesus. Jesus is Lord is your response to Jesus. Jesus is Lord is your response to Jesus. Jesus is Lord is the earliest Christian confession. And the earliest Christian confession. And the earliest Christian confession. And to confess that Jesus is Lord is in to confess that Jesus is Lord is in to confess that Jesus is Lord is in itself evidence that the Holy Spirit is itself evidence that the Holy Spirit is itself evidence that the Holy Spirit is living in you. So if you confess that living in you. So if you confess that living in you. So if you confess that Jesus is Lord, the spirit dwells in you.

Jesus is Lord, the spirit dwells in you. Jesus is Lord, the spirit dwells in you. And Paul starts there so that every And Paul starts there so that every And Paul starts there so that every person in the Corinthian church, whether person in the Corinthian church, whether person in the Corinthian church, whether they think they're on the top of the they think they're on the top of the they think they're on the top of the heap or somehow secondass, he wants heap or somehow secondass, he wants heap or somehow secondass, he wants every person in that church to hear, the every person in that church to hear, the every person in that church to hear, the Holy Spirit is at work in you. Holy Spirit is at work in you. Holy Spirit is at work in you. And that same Holy Spirit is at work in And that same Holy Spirit is at work in And that same Holy Spirit is at work in every single person around you, whether every single person around you, whether every single person around you, whether you can see it or not, and whether you you can see it or not, and whether you you can see it or not, and whether you like it or not. He continues in verse like it or not. He continues in verse like it or not. He continues in verse four. Now there are varieties of gifts four. Now there are varieties of gifts four. Now there are varieties of gifts but the same spirit and there are but the same spirit and there are but the same spirit and there are varieties of services but the same Lord varieties of services but the same Lord varieties of services but the same Lord and there are varieties of activities and there are varieties of activities and there are varieties of activities but it is the same God who activates all but it is the same God who activates all but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given of them in everyone. To each is given of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the the manifestation of the spirit for the the manifestation of the spirit for the common good. To one is given through the common good. To one is given through the common good. To one is given through the spirit the utterance of wisdom and to spirit the utterance of wisdom and to spirit the utterance of wisdom and to another the utterance of knowledge another the utterance of knowledge another the utterance of knowledge according to the same spirit. to another according to the same spirit. to another according to the same spirit. to another faith by the same Spirit. To another faith by the same Spirit. To another faith by the same Spirit. To another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another the working of miracles, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the another prophecy, to another the another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another discernment of spirits, to another discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the various kinds of tongues, to another the various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are interpretation of tongues. All these are interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same spirit who activated by one and the same spirit who activated by one and the same spirit who all lots to each one individually just all lots to each one individually just all lots to each one individually just as the spirit chooses.

as the spirit chooses. as the spirit chooses. For just as the body is one and has many For just as the body is one and has many For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the members, and all the members of the members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it body, though many, are one body, so it body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one spirit, is with Christ. For in the one spirit, is with Christ. For in the one spirit, we were all baptized into one body. Jews we were all baptized into one body. Jews we were all baptized into one body. Jews or Greeks, slaves were free, and we were or Greeks, slaves were free, and we were or Greeks, slaves were free, and we were all made to drink of one spirit. This is all made to drink of one spirit. This is all made to drink of one spirit. This is the word of God for the people of God. the word of God for the people of God. the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Paul makes two Thanks be to God. Paul makes two Thanks be to God. Paul makes two powerful points. First, every person who powerful points. First, every person who powerful points. First, every person who confesses Jesus as Lord is gifted by the confesses Jesus as Lord is gifted by the confesses Jesus as Lord is gifted by the Holy Spirit. Second, all those spiritual Holy Spirit. Second, all those spiritual Holy Spirit. Second, all those spiritual gifts are given for the good of the gifts are given for the good of the gifts are given for the good of the community. community. community. In our world, when someone is called In our world, when someone is called In our world, when someone is called gifted, it usually refers to an ability gifted, it usually refers to an ability gifted, it usually refers to an ability that that lifts that individual above us that that lifts that individual above us that that lifts that individual above us rank and file folks. It implies greater rank and file folks. It implies greater rank and file folks. It implies greater promise than most, higher potential for promise than most, higher potential for promise than most, higher potential for success.

success. success. Paul's point runs a bit counter to our Paul's point runs a bit counter to our Paul's point runs a bit counter to our cultural definition, though. Paul says cultural definition, though. Paul says cultural definition, though. Paul says that everyone is gifted. Not all in the that everyone is gifted. Not all in the that everyone is gifted. Not all in the same way, of course. How boring would it same way, of course. How boring would it same way, of course. How boring would it be if we all had the same gifts, the be if we all had the same gifts, the be if we all had the same gifts, the same talents, the same interests? He same talents, the same interests? He same talents, the same interests? He makes a list of some of the spiritual makes a list of some of the spiritual makes a list of some of the spiritual gifts that they've been arguing about in gifts that they've been arguing about in gifts that they've been arguing about in Corenth. wisdom, knowledge, faith, Corenth. wisdom, knowledge, faith, Corenth. wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, discernment, tongues. healing, prophecy, discernment, tongues. healing, prophecy, discernment, tongues. It's not an exhaustive accounting of the It's not an exhaustive accounting of the It's not an exhaustive accounting of the gifts. It's simply an illustration of gifts. It's simply an illustration of gifts. It's simply an illustration of the sheer variety of gifts the sheer variety of gifts the sheer variety of gifts and mostly the fact that the spirit is and mostly the fact that the spirit is and mostly the fact that the spirit is the source of all of them. the source of all of them. the source of all of them. I wonder if you have ever thought about I wonder if you have ever thought about I wonder if you have ever thought about your spiritual gift or gifts. I suspect your spiritual gift or gifts. I suspect your spiritual gift or gifts. I suspect that some of you in the room have read a that some of you in the room have read a that some of you in the room have read a book or taken a survey and you've book or taken a survey and you've book or taken a survey and you've learned that you have the spiritual gift learned that you have the spiritual gift learned that you have the spiritual gift of leadership or faith or mercy or of leadership or faith or mercy or of leadership or faith or mercy or hospitality.

hospitality. hospitality. Maybe you've never thought about it Maybe you've never thought about it Maybe you've never thought about it before and today's the day you'll start before and today's the day you'll start before and today's the day you'll start to wonder what gift has God given me? to wonder what gift has God given me? to wonder what gift has God given me? In the movie Encanto, it's an animated In the movie Encanto, it's an animated In the movie Encanto, it's an animated Disney movie came out maybe five years Disney movie came out maybe five years Disney movie came out maybe five years ago. In this movie in KTO, we meet the ago. In this movie in KTO, we meet the ago. In this movie in KTO, we meet the Madreal family, each of whom receives a Madreal family, each of whom receives a Madreal family, each of whom receives a miraculous gift from Casita, the magical miraculous gift from Casita, the magical miraculous gift from Casita, the magical house in which they live. Julieta is house in which they live. Julieta is house in which they live. Julieta is given the ability to heal others through given the ability to heal others through given the ability to heal others through her cooking. Peppa can control the her cooking. Peppa can control the her cooking. Peppa can control the weather with her emotions. Louisa has weather with her emotions. Louisa has weather with her emotions. Louisa has super strength and everybody knows it. super strength and everybody knows it. super strength and everybody knows it. Anytime there's a problem to be fixed, Anytime there's a problem to be fixed, Anytime there's a problem to be fixed, call Louisa. She can move mountains. call Louisa. She can move mountains. call Louisa. She can move mountains. Each family member is given a gift Each family member is given a gift Each family member is given a gift except for Mirabel. On the day that except for Mirabel. On the day that except for Mirabel. On the day that Mirabel is supposed to receive her gift, Mirabel is supposed to receive her gift, Mirabel is supposed to receive her gift, nothing happens. And for several years, nothing happens. And for several years, nothing happens. And for several years, she lives with this disappointment, she lives with this disappointment, she lives with this disappointment, feeling as if she can never quite feeling as if she can never quite feeling as if she can never quite measure up to her family. Always hearing measure up to her family. Always hearing measure up to her family. Always hearing things like, "Poor Mirabel, no gift."

things like, "Poor Mirabel, no gift." things like, "Poor Mirabel, no gift." That is until crisis comes. And it is That is until crisis comes. And it is That is until crisis comes. And it is her persistent love that holds the her persistent love that holds the her persistent love that holds the family together, that rebuilds a broken family together, that rebuilds a broken family together, that rebuilds a broken casita, and ultimately saves the day. It casita, and ultimately saves the day. It casita, and ultimately saves the day. It wasn't that she didn't have a gift. It wasn't that she didn't have a gift. It wasn't that she didn't have a gift. It just wasn't like the others. It wasn't just wasn't like the others. It wasn't just wasn't like the others. It wasn't flashy or fun, but it mattered. What flashy or fun, but it mattered. What flashy or fun, but it mattered. What Paul is trying to teach the Corinthians Paul is trying to teach the Corinthians Paul is trying to teach the Corinthians is that they all have gifts, and all is that they all have gifts, and all is that they all have gifts, and all gifts matter. It's important for us to gifts matter. It's important for us to gifts matter. It's important for us to remember today. all have gifts and all remember today. all have gifts and all remember today. all have gifts and all gifts matter because some of us we're gifts matter because some of us we're gifts matter because some of us we're like Mirabbel and we look at all the like Mirabbel and we look at all the like Mirabbel and we look at all the people in our family or our colleagues people in our family or our colleagues people in our family or our colleagues at work or our friends at church or at at work or our friends at church or at at work or our friends at church or at school and we think golly they are so school and we think golly they are so school and we think golly they are so good, so talented, so accomplished. good, so talented, so accomplished. good, so talented, so accomplished. She's so confident, so wise. He's such a She's so confident, so wise. He's such a She's so confident, so wise. He's such a good listener, so funny. We look at good listener, so funny. We look at good listener, so funny. We look at around us and and we see all these around us and and we see all these around us and and we see all these people with all these great gifts and we people with all these great gifts and we people with all these great gifts and we think, "Ah, poor me. no gift.

think, "Ah, poor me. no gift. think, "Ah, poor me. no gift. But it's just not true. God has given But it's just not true. God has given But it's just not true. God has given you, even you, a gift. And you may not you, even you, a gift. And you may not you, even you, a gift. And you may not have named it yet. No one may have have named it yet. No one may have have named it yet. No one may have celebrated it yet. It might feel so very celebrated it yet. It might feel so very celebrated it yet. It might feel so very normal, like a quiet, persistent love, normal, like a quiet, persistent love, normal, like a quiet, persistent love, but it's there and it matters. but it's there and it matters. but it's there and it matters. The other side of it is this. Some among The other side of it is this. Some among The other side of it is this. Some among us have very obvious gifts. Gifts that us have very obvious gifts. Gifts that us have very obvious gifts. Gifts that our society values and affirms out loud. our society values and affirms out loud. our society values and affirms out loud. gifts like intellectual prowess, gifts like intellectual prowess, gifts like intellectual prowess, business acumen, athletic skill, business acumen, athletic skill, business acumen, athletic skill, leadership ability. Like Louisa, the leadership ability. Like Louisa, the leadership ability. Like Louisa, the strong one in Enkanto, they get cheered strong one in Enkanto, they get cheered strong one in Enkanto, they get cheered at every corner. And we're tempted to at every corner. And we're tempted to at every corner. And we're tempted to think that it all rests on their think that it all rests on their think that it all rests on their shoulders. shoulders. shoulders. Maybe that's you. Maybe your gifting is Maybe that's you. Maybe your gifting is Maybe that's you. Maybe your gifting is obvious and people have been celebrating obvious and people have been celebrating obvious and people have been celebrating it since you were little. Your gift it since you were little. Your gift it since you were little. Your gift matters. It's lovely and it's wonderful. matters. It's lovely and it's wonderful. matters. It's lovely and it's wonderful. But it might also feel like a lot of But it might also feel like a lot of But it might also feel like a lot of pressure pressure pressure so that you so you should know that you so that you so you should know that you so that you so you should know that you are not alone. Every person who are not alone. Every person who are not alone. Every person who confesses Jesus as Lord is gifted by the confesses Jesus as Lord is gifted by the confesses Jesus as Lord is gifted by the Holy Spirit and all those gifts are Holy Spirit and all those gifts are Holy Spirit and all those gifts are given for the good of the whole given for the good of the whole given for the good of the whole community.

community. community. That's Paul's second powerful point. In That's Paul's second powerful point. In That's Paul's second powerful point. In verse 7, he says it like this. To each verse 7, he says it like this. To each verse 7, he says it like this. To each is given the manifestation of the spirit is given the manifestation of the spirit is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good. for the common good. for the common good. Our world frankly isn't set up for Our world frankly isn't set up for Our world frankly isn't set up for seeking after the common good. The seeking after the common good. The seeking after the common good. The incentives of life are to look out for incentives of life are to look out for incentives of life are to look out for yourself or your family or maybe those yourself or your family or maybe those yourself or your family or maybe those who are just like you. But the idea of who are just like you. But the idea of who are just like you. But the idea of working for the common good has mostly working for the common good has mostly working for the common good has mostly faded from our shared commitments. faded from our shared commitments. faded from our shared commitments. Whatever it is that God has given you, Whatever it is that God has given you, Whatever it is that God has given you, whatever gift you carry, patience, whatever gift you carry, patience, whatever gift you carry, patience, generosity, wisdom, courage, kindness, generosity, wisdom, courage, kindness, generosity, wisdom, courage, kindness, facility with music or math, maybe facility with music or math, maybe facility with music or math, maybe superhuman strength or the ability to superhuman strength or the ability to superhuman strength or the ability to heal people with your cooking, whatever heal people with your cooking, whatever heal people with your cooking, whatever the spirit has given you the spirit has given you the spirit has given you isn't for you. Let me say that again. isn't for you. Let me say that again. isn't for you. Let me say that again. Whatever the spirit has given you isn't Whatever the spirit has given you isn't Whatever the spirit has given you isn't for you. for you. for you. Again, this runs counter to our Again, this runs counter to our Again, this runs counter to our self-focused culture. But this is how self-focused culture. But this is how self-focused culture. But this is how the Holy Spirit takes all of us the Holy Spirit takes all of us the Holy Spirit takes all of us individuals and forms a people.

individuals and forms a people. individuals and forms a people. God gives each one a gift that the whole God gives each one a gift that the whole God gives each one a gift that the whole community needs. community needs. community needs. God gives gifts to each and to all so God gives gifts to each and to all so God gives gifts to each and to all so that the body can be healthy and whole. that the body can be healthy and whole. that the body can be healthy and whole. Several years ago, Elizabeth and I would Several years ago, Elizabeth and I would Several years ago, Elizabeth and I would watch this show on TV. It was called watch this show on TV. It was called watch this show on TV. It was called Nashville. It was about country singers Nashville. It was about country singers Nashville. It was about country singers in Nashville. There was this young in Nashville. There was this young in Nashville. There was this young couple on the show and and at this point couple on the show and and at this point couple on the show and and at this point in the plot, they were struggling. In in the plot, they were struggling. In in the plot, they were struggling. In particular, she was struggling. She knew particular, she was struggling. She knew particular, she was struggling. She knew that she could sing. She knew she was that she could sing. She knew she was that she could sing. She knew she was very talented, but she hadn't yet made very talented, but she hadn't yet made very talented, but she hadn't yet made it big and she was tired of the grind it big and she was tired of the grind it big and she was tired of the grind and she was going to throw in the towel. and she was going to throw in the towel. and she was going to throw in the towel. And he writes this song for her about And he writes this song for her about And he writes this song for her about her to encourage her. And the chorus her to encourage her. And the chorus her to encourage her. And the chorus starts like this. What if you're just a starts like this. What if you're just a starts like this. What if you're just a vessel and God gave you something vessel and God gave you something vessel and God gave you something special? special? special? It ain't yours to throw away. It ain't yours to throw away. It ain't yours to throw away. Every time you open up your mouth, Every time you open up your mouth, Every time you open up your mouth, diamonds come rolling out. It ain't diamonds come rolling out. It ain't diamonds come rolling out. It ain't yours to throw away.

yours to throw away. yours to throw away. Now, what if you are just a vessel and Now, what if you are just a vessel and Now, what if you are just a vessel and God gave you something special? God gave you something special? God gave you something special? Well, then it's not yours to throw away. Well, then it's not yours to throw away. Well, then it's not yours to throw away. The church needs it. The world needs it. The church needs it. The world needs it. The church needs it. The world needs it. The gifts that God has given us, we hold The gifts that God has given us, we hold The gifts that God has given us, we hold them in trust. They're ours, yes, to be them in trust. They're ours, yes, to be them in trust. They're ours, yes, to be used as the giver intends. Your gift has used as the giver intends. Your gift has used as the giver intends. Your gift has a purpose far beyond you. And what God a purpose far beyond you. And what God a purpose far beyond you. And what God intends for each gift in this room is intends for each gift in this room is intends for each gift in this room is that it be used for the common good. And that it be used for the common good. And that it be used for the common good. And the common good is the health of the the common good is the health of the the common good is the health of the church that God has built. The common church that God has built. The common church that God has built. The common good is the healing of the world that good is the healing of the world that good is the healing of the world that God loves. God loves. God loves. And so this morning, let me invite you And so this morning, let me invite you And so this morning, let me invite you to ask yourself two questions. to ask yourself two questions. to ask yourself two questions. First, ask yourself, what gift has God First, ask yourself, what gift has God First, ask yourself, what gift has God given me? given me? given me? There are thousand ways you might answer There are thousand ways you might answer There are thousand ways you might answer that question. Maybe it's one gift that that question. Maybe it's one gift that that question. Maybe it's one gift that you know, maybe it's two, maybe it's a you know, maybe it's two, maybe it's a you know, maybe it's two, maybe it's a whole list of things. What gift has God whole list of things. What gift has God whole list of things. What gift has God given you?

given you? given you? And then the second question, how am I And then the second question, how am I And then the second question, how am I using those gifts? using those gifts? using those gifts? Am I using them for the common good, for Am I using them for the common good, for Am I using them for the common good, for the health of the church, and the the health of the church, and the the health of the church, and the healing of the world? healing of the world? healing of the world? And once you've asked yourself those two And once you've asked yourself those two And once you've asked yourself those two questions, I want you to do two things. questions, I want you to do two things. questions, I want you to do two things. First, tell someone you know First, tell someone you know First, tell someone you know what gift you think God has given them. what gift you think God has given them. what gift you think God has given them. It's sometimes true that we can't see It's sometimes true that we can't see It's sometimes true that we can't see the giftedness in others, the giftedness in others, the giftedness in others, but I think it's more often true that we but I think it's more often true that we but I think it's more often true that we see someone else's gift more clearly see someone else's gift more clearly see someone else's gift more clearly than they see it themselves. than they see it themselves. than they see it themselves. And we can help our friends recognize And we can help our friends recognize And we can help our friends recognize what they might not yet know about what they might not yet know about what they might not yet know about themselves. I still remember the first themselves. I still remember the first themselves. I still remember the first time that someone told me, "Your time that someone told me, "Your time that someone told me, "Your spiritual gift is a tender heart." spiritual gift is a tender heart." spiritual gift is a tender heart." I had never wanted to have a tender I had never wanted to have a tender I had never wanted to have a tender heart and I'd always thought it was a heart and I'd always thought it was a heart and I'd always thought it was a curse, but they saw it as a gift. For curse, but they saw it as a gift. For curse, but they saw it as a gift. For the sake of the common good, tell the sake of the common good, tell the sake of the common good, tell someone you know what gift you think God someone you know what gift you think God someone you know what gift you think God has given them.

has given them. has given them. And then finally, find one place to use And then finally, find one place to use And then finally, find one place to use your gift this week. Not someday, not your gift this week. Not someday, not your gift this week. Not someday, not when life slows down, not when you feel when life slows down, not when you feel when life slows down, not when you feel more qualified or confident. this week. more qualified or confident. this week. more qualified or confident. this week. If your gift is encouragement, encourage If your gift is encouragement, encourage If your gift is encouragement, encourage someone. If your gift is hospitality, someone. If your gift is hospitality, someone. If your gift is hospitality, invite someone in. If your gift is invite someone in. If your gift is invite someone in. If your gift is wisdom, share it. If it's generosity, wisdom, share it. If it's generosity, wisdom, share it. If it's generosity, give. If it's mercy, show mercy. The give. If it's mercy, show mercy. The give. If it's mercy, show mercy. The Holy Spirit doesn't give gifts as Holy Spirit doesn't give gifts as Holy Spirit doesn't give gifts as decorations to admire. The Spirit gives decorations to admire. The Spirit gives decorations to admire. The Spirit gives gifts as tools to use. gifts as tools to use. gifts as tools to use. The gift you've been given is not yours The gift you've been given is not yours The gift you've been given is not yours to throw away, nor is it yours to keep to throw away, nor is it yours to keep to throw away, nor is it yours to keep on a shelf. It was given to you for the on a shelf. It was given to you for the on a shelf. It was given to you for the common good. So tell someone what gift common good. So tell someone what gift common good. So tell someone what gift you see in them this week and then find you see in them this week and then find you see in them this week and then find one way to put your gift to work. one way to put your gift to work. one way to put your gift to work. Because when every member of the body Because when every member of the body Because when every member of the body offers what God has given them, the offers what God has given them, the offers what God has given them, the church becomes what God intends us to church becomes what God intends us to church becomes what God intends us to be. Let's pray.

be. Let's pray. be. Let's pray. Holy Spirit, thank you for not leaving Holy Spirit, thank you for not leaving Holy Spirit, thank you for not leaving us powerless. You dwell within us. You us powerless. You dwell within us. You us powerless. You dwell within us. You make us holy. you join us together as make us holy. you join us together as make us holy. you join us together as one body in Christ. Open our eyes to the one body in Christ. Open our eyes to the one body in Christ. Open our eyes to the gifts you've given us. And when we are gifts you've given us. And when we are gifts you've given us. And when we are tempted to believe we have nothing to tempted to believe we have nothing to tempted to believe we have nothing to offer, give us confidence that you are offer, give us confidence that you are offer, give us confidence that you are at work within us. When we are tempted at work within us. When we are tempted at work within us. When we are tempted to believe we can do it all alone, to believe we can do it all alone, to believe we can do it all alone, remind us of our need for one another. remind us of our need for one another. remind us of our need for one another. Teach us to encourage one another, honor Teach us to encourage one another, honor Teach us to encourage one another, honor one another, and work together for the one another, and work together for the one another, and work together for the common good. common good. common good. And this week, give us courage to use And this week, give us courage to use And this week, give us courage to use what you've entrusted to us, not for our what you've entrusted to us, not for our what you've entrusted to us, not for our own glory, but for the building of your own glory, but for the building of your own glory, but for the building of your church and the healing of your world. We church and the healing of your world. We church and the healing of your world. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. Friends, what a joy it's been to worship Friends, what a joy it's been to worship Friends, what a joy it's been to worship God together this morning. Thank you for God together this morning. Thank you for God together this morning. Thank you for being here. Uh again, if you're new to being here. Uh again, if you're new to being here. Uh again, if you're new to MDUMC, Pastor Jenny and I would like to MDUMC, Pastor Jenny and I would like to MDUMC, Pastor Jenny and I would like to invite you to take a moment after the invite you to take a moment after the invite you to take a moment after the service to um meet us in the Narthx. us service to um meet us in the Narthx. us service to um meet us in the Narthx. us a room right outside the back doors of a room right outside the back doors of a room right outside the back doors of this sanctuary. We'd love to welcome you this sanctuary. We'd love to welcome you this sanctuary. We'd love to welcome you or learn your name or answer any or learn your name or answer any or learn your name or answer any questions you might have, but mostly to questions you might have, but mostly to questions you might have, but mostly to thank you for being here. Everybody take thank you for being here. Everybody take thank you for being here. Everybody take your bulletin home. Uh it's got several your bulletin home. Uh it's got several your bulletin home. Uh it's got several things coming up in the life of the things coming up in the life of the things coming up in the life of the church that I want you to know about. In church that I want you to know about. In church that I want you to know about. In particular, maybe before you get home particular, maybe before you get home particular, maybe before you get home today, would you RSVP for lunch on today, would you RSVP for lunch on today, would you RSVP for lunch on Sunday, July 5th? Remember the schedule Sunday, July 5th? Remember the schedule Sunday, July 5th? Remember the schedule that morning is different, but one thing that morning is different, but one thing that morning is different, but one thing that will help us plan is if you are that will help us plan is if you are that will help us plan is if you are going to be here, let us know by

going to be here, let us know by going to be here, let us know by RSVPing. There's a QR code on the back RSVPing. There's a QR code on the back RSVPing. There's a QR code on the back of your bulletin to do that. Finally, of your bulletin to do that. Finally, of your bulletin to do that. Finally, last thing, if you've found a home here last thing, if you've found a home here last thing, if you've found a home here at MDMC and you're not yet a member of at MDMC and you're not yet a member of at MDMC and you're not yet a member of this church, but you'd like to be, come this church, but you'd like to be, come this church, but you'd like to be, come forward as we sing this final song, meet forward as we sing this final song, meet forward as we sing this final song, meet Pastor Jenny and I at the front. We'd Pastor Jenny and I at the front. We'd Pastor Jenny and I at the front. We'd love to welcome you into the fellowship love to welcome you into the fellowship love to welcome you into the fellowship of this church. Now, as you're able, of this church. Now, as you're able, of this church. Now, as you're able, would you stand and we'll sing together would you stand and we'll sing together would you stand and we'll sing together number 519, Lift Every Voice and Sing? Sing our song Sing our song will the rising the rising Oh

and tears has been watered. and tears has been watered. We have come spreading our path through We have come spreading our path through We have come spreading our path through the blood of the Lord with a with a bright star. one last note as you think about how

one last note as you think about how you'll be praying for your church in the you'll be praying for your church in the you'll be praying for your church in the week ahead. This afternoon, our junior week ahead. This afternoon, our junior week ahead. This afternoon, our junior high students begin their work camp. high students begin their work camp. high students begin their work camp. They're going to be staying here at the They're going to be staying here at the They're going to be staying here at the church and serving out all around the church and serving out all around the church and serving out all around the city of Houston. Uh but it's 70 or 80 city of Houston. Uh but it's 70 or 80 city of Houston. Uh but it's 70 or 80 students plus a bunch of adult students plus a bunch of adult students plus a bunch of adult volunteers. So if you see them around, volunteers. So if you see them around, volunteers. So if you see them around, thank them. Uh and make sure to be thank them. Uh and make sure to be thank them. Uh and make sure to be praying for them this week. Now go in praying for them this week. Now go in praying for them this week. Now go in peace to serve God and your neighbor in peace to serve God and your neighbor in peace to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do. And may the peace of all that you do. And may the peace of all that you do. And may the peace of Christ go with you. Amen.