Classic Worship | 11:00 AM | August 16th , 2026

Have you ever wondered whether God is Have you ever wondered whether God is real, [music] who Jesus truly is, or real, [music] who Jesus truly is, or real, [music] who Jesus truly is, or what gives life meaning and purpose? what gives life meaning and purpose? what gives life meaning and purpose? Maybe you have experienced hardship Maybe you have experienced hardship Maybe you have experienced hardship [music] or grief and wondered why a good [music] or grief and wondered why a good [music] or grief and wondered why a good God allows terrible things to happen. In God allows terrible things to happen. In God allows terrible things to happen. In Revelation 3:20, [music] Jesus says, "I Revelation 3:20, [music] Jesus says, "I Revelation 3:20, [music] Jesus says, "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone stand at the door and knock. If anyone stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I hears my voice and opens the door, I hears my voice and opens the door, I will [music] come in and eat with that will [music] come in and eat with that will [music] come in and eat with that person and they with me." God invites person and they with me." God invites person and they with me." God invites [music] us into a relationship with him. [music] us into a relationship with him. [music] us into a relationship with him. But sometimes we need a safe space But sometimes we need a safe space But sometimes we need a safe space [music] to ask honest questions before [music] to ask honest questions before [music] to ask honest questions before we're ready to open that door. That is we're ready to open that door. That is we're ready to open that door. That is why we're launching Alpha on Wednesday why we're launching Alpha on Wednesday why we're launching Alpha on Wednesday [music] night starting on August 19th. [music] night starting on August 19th. [music] night starting on August 19th. Alpha is a welcoming, judgment-free Alpha is a welcoming, judgment-free Alpha is a welcoming, judgment-free space to explore big questions about space to explore big questions about space to explore big questions about [music] faith, God, Jesus, and life. [music] faith, God, Jesus, and life. [music] faith, God, Jesus, and life. Each week, we will have dinner, watch a Each week, we will have dinner, watch a Each week, we will have dinner, watch a short video presenting the [music] short video presenting the [music] short video presenting the [music] Christian perspective, and have an open Christian perspective, and have an open Christian perspective, and have an open conversation. Child care is also [music] conversation. Child care is also [music] conversation. Child care is also [music] included. During this conversation, included. During this conversation, included. During this conversation, there's no obligation to say anything, there's no obligation to say anything, there's no obligation to say anything, and there is nothing you can't say.

and there is nothing you can't say. and there is nothing you can't say. [music] Every question, doubt, and [music] Every question, doubt, and [music] Every question, doubt, and criticism is welcome. If you want to criticism is welcome. If you want to criticism is welcome. If you want to explore life's biggest questions and explore life's biggest questions and explore life's biggest questions and decide for yourself what you believe, decide for yourself what you believe, decide for yourself what you believe, [music] we invite you to try Alpha. If [music] we invite you to try Alpha. If [music] we invite you to try Alpha. If you are already walking closely with you are already walking closely with you are already walking closely with Jesus, we invite you to pray for three Jesus, we invite you to pray for three Jesus, we invite you to pray for three people who have questions [music] about people who have questions [music] about people who have questions [music] about faith and personally invite them to faith and personally invite them to faith and personally invite them to Alpha. No matter where you [music] are Alpha. No matter where you [music] are Alpha. No matter where you [music] are in your faith journey, you are invited in your faith journey, you are invited in your faith journey, you are invited to participate in Alpha through your to participate in Alpha through your to participate in Alpha through your prayer, [music] invitation, or prayer, [music] invitation, or prayer, [music] invitation, or attendance so that everyone can attendance so that everyone can attendance so that everyone can experience the life-changing love of experience the life-changing love of experience the life-changing love of God. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> As King David wrote in his 118th Psalm, >> As King David wrote in his 118th Psalm, "This is the day that the Lord has made. "This is the day that the Lord has made. "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. I am Let us rejoice and be glad in it. I am Let us rejoice and be glad in it. I am glad that we are here now gathered in glad that we are here now gathered in glad that we are here now gathered in this place to worship together. That the this place to worship together. That the this place to worship together. That the community of faith has come together community of faith has come together community of faith has come together once more. Whether you're joining us for once more. Whether you're joining us for once more. Whether you're joining us for the first time or you've been a longtime the first time or you've been a longtime the first time or you've been a longtime member that we've set this time aside to member that we've set this time aside to member that we've set this time aside to spend some time turning our attention to spend some time turning our attention to spend some time turning our attention to God. You might be joining us online. I God. You might be joining us online. I God. You might be joining us online. I said say a special word of welcome to said say a special word of welcome to said say a special word of welcome to you too. And for all of us, whether you too. And for all of us, whether you too. And for all of us, whether you're in this space or online, whether you're in this space or online, whether you're in this space or online, whether you're a newcomer or an old-timer, I you're a newcomer or an old-timer, I you're a newcomer or an old-timer, I hope that you'll take a minute now and hope that you'll take a minute now and hope that you'll take a minute now and register your attendance, either by register your attendance, either by register your attendance, either by finding the blue folders that's on each finding the blue folders that's on each finding the blue folders that's on each pew and passing that down, or by pew and passing that down, or by pew and passing that down, or by scanning the QR code that's on the front scanning the QR code that's on the front scanning the QR code that's on the front of the bulletin and signing in that way.

of the bulletin and signing in that way. of the bulletin and signing in that way. We're a better church when we know who's We're a better church when we know who's We're a better church when we know who's worshiping with us. I'm Pastor Jenny. worshiping with us. I'm Pastor Jenny. worshiping with us. I'm Pastor Jenny. I'm one of the ministers here at MDMC. I'm one of the ministers here at MDMC. I'm one of the ministers here at MDMC. It's my joy to greet you here in the It's my joy to greet you here in the It's my joy to greet you here in the name of Christ. It's a wonderful morning name of Christ. It's a wonderful morning name of Christ. It's a wonderful morning to be here today. We are beginning uh we to be here today. We are beginning uh we to be here today. We are beginning uh we are continuing in our worship series are continuing in our worship series are continuing in our worship series back to Sunday school looking at some of back to Sunday school looking at some of back to Sunday school looking at some of those well-known Bible stories together. those well-known Bible stories together. those well-known Bible stories together. We are doing a blessing of the backpacks We are doing a blessing of the backpacks We are doing a blessing of the backpacks in just a little while as school has in just a little while as school has in just a little while as school has started for a lot of the kids and the started for a lot of the kids and the started for a lot of the kids and the young people in our community. And our young people in our community. And our young people in our community. And our chancel choir is back. They'll process chancel choir is back. They'll process chancel choir is back. They'll process in and lead us in song all morning long. in and lead us in song all morning long. in and lead us in song all morning long. But we have this time now here where the But we have this time now here where the But we have this time now here where the God who has been with us everywhere God who has been with us everywhere God who has been with us everywhere we've been over the last week, over the we've been over the last week, over the we've been over the last week, over the last month, over the last season, over last month, over the last season, over last month, over the last season, over all of our lives has been with us. But all of our lives has been with us. But all of our lives has been with us. But we sometimes neglect to spend enough we sometimes neglect to spend enough we sometimes neglect to spend enough time in one place to slow down enough to time in one place to slow down enough to time in one place to slow down enough to acknowledge and to recognize God's acknowledge and to recognize God's acknowledge and to recognize God's presence. God is indeed here. God has presence. God is indeed here. God has presence. God is indeed here. God has met us here, prepared a way for us to be met us here, prepared a way for us to be met us here, prepared a way for us to be here, prepared our hearts and our minds, here, prepared our hearts and our minds, here, prepared our hearts and our minds, our our very bodies and souls to witness our our very bodies and souls to witness our our very bodies and souls to witness to the goodness, the presence, and the to the goodness, the presence, and the to the goodness, the presence, and the um realness of God. And so, friends, um realness of God. And so, friends, um realness of God. And so, friends, again, I'm so glad that you're here.

again, I'm so glad that you're here. again, I'm so glad that you're here. Let's stand together and sing. the king of praise

the king of praise here and and here Heat. Heat. Heat. and and hear by the ten by the ten Christ the

[music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> With that majestic

>> With that majestic processional hymn, let us now affirm our processional hymn, let us now affirm our processional hymn, let us now affirm our faith using the historic confession of faith using the historic confession of faith using the historic confession of our Christian faith, the Apostles Creed. our Christian faith, the Apostles Creed. our Christian faith, the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, I believe in God the Father Almighty, I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered unto Pontious the Virgin Mary, suffered unto Pontious the Virgin Mary, suffered unto Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he arose from the dead. He The third day he arose from the dead. He The third day he arose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the ascended into heaven and siteth at the ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. from thence he shall come to judge the from thence he shall come to judge the from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. and the life everlasting. and the life everlasting. Amen.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Glory be [singing] to the Father >> Glory be [singing] to the Father >> Glory be [singing] to the Father and to the Son and to the [music] Holy and to the Son and to the [music] Holy and to the Son and to the [music] Holy Ghost. Ghost. Ghost. As he was in the [music] earth shall be [music] earth shall be [music] world and so before you're seated, take this and so before you're seated, take this moment to turn and greet those that are moment to turn and greet those that are moment to turn and greet those that are near and about you and as I invite the near and about you and as I invite the near and about you and as I invite the children to come forward with your children to come forward with your children to come forward with your backpacks for children's time.

Yes. All of our young people that are Yes. All of our young people that are here today, whether you brought your here today, whether you brought your here today, whether you brought your backpack or you didn't, don't worry backpack or you didn't, don't worry backpack or you didn't, don't worry about that too much cuz I've got about that too much cuz I've got about that too much cuz I've got something you can hold on to. This is something you can hold on to. This is something you can hold on to. This is our special blessing of the backpack our special blessing of the backpack our special blessing of the backpack Sunday. Um, let's have a seat together. Sunday. Um, let's have a seat together. Sunday. Um, let's have a seat together. >> Well, >> Well, >> Well, something changed this week in lots of something changed this week in lots of something changed this week in lots of your lives. your lives. your lives. >> What is different about this week for >> What is different about this week for >> What is different about this week for you? you? you? >> We got to bring backpacks. You got to >> We got to bring backpacks. You got to >> We got to bring backpacks. You got to bring backpacks to church. Yes. Did you bring backpacks to church. Yes. Did you bring backpacks to church. Yes. Did you bring your backpack anywhere else this bring your backpack anywhere else this bring your backpack anywhere else this week? week? week? >> School's back in session. Raise your >> School's back in session. Raise your >> School's back in session. Raise your hand if you started school this week. hand if you started school this week. hand if you started school this week. Did y'all start school this week? In the Did y'all start school this week? In the Did y'all start school this week? In the congregation, raise your hand if you congregation, raise your hand if you congregation, raise your hand if you started school this week. You might be a started school this week. You might be a started school this week. You might be a teacher. You might work at a school. Bus teacher. You might work at a school. Bus teacher. You might work at a school. Bus drivers. There are a lot of us who are drivers. There are a lot of us who are drivers. There are a lot of us who are part of school starting back. And it's part of school starting back. And it's part of school starting back. And it's an exciting time because it's a time an exciting time because it's a time an exciting time because it's a time when our schedules change and we're in when our schedules change and we're in when our schedules change and we're in new places. We're meeting new friends.

new places. We're meeting new friends. new places. We're meeting new friends. You probably have a new teacher and You probably have a new teacher and You probably have a new teacher and everything is new. everything is new. everything is new. >> I know. >> I know. >> I know. >> So when you >> So when you >> So when you >> My teacher >> My teacher >> My teacher >> Do you know who your teacher is? Yeah. >> Do you know who your teacher is? Yeah. >> Do you know who your teacher is? Yeah. You guys had a few days to get to know You guys had a few days to get to know You guys had a few days to get to know your new places and spaces. Well, do you your new places and spaces. Well, do you your new places and spaces. Well, do you know that sometimes doing new things and know that sometimes doing new things and know that sometimes doing new things and going to new places can be a little going to new places can be a little going to new places can be a little scary? scary? scary? I feel that way. Do any of you feel that I feel that way. Do any of you feel that I feel that way. Do any of you feel that way? So, it's helpful for us to do two way? So, it's helpful for us to do two way? So, it's helpful for us to do two things when we feel afraid about things when we feel afraid about things when we feel afraid about something that's new. The first thing is something that's new. The first thing is something that's new. The first thing is to pray. We can pray anytime, any place. to pray. We can pray anytime, any place. to pray. We can pray anytime, any place. And by the way, a lot of us kids and And by the way, a lot of us kids and And by the way, a lot of us kids and grown-ups and everybody from our church grown-ups and everybody from our church grown-ups and everybody from our church and from our community, a bunch of and from our community, a bunch of and from our community, a bunch of people are going to go and pray at your people are going to go and pray at your people are going to go and pray at your schools after church today. and we're schools after church today. and we're schools after church today. and we're going to walk around and say prayers going to walk around and say prayers going to walk around and say prayers that this would be a place of learning that this would be a place of learning that this would be a place of learning and friendship and a place where there's and friendship and a place where there's and friendship and a place where there's fun and safety. So, this is an open fun and safety. So, this is an open fun and safety. So, this is an open invitation to anyone to come and join us invitation to anyone to come and join us invitation to anyone to come and join us in our back to school prayer walks.

in our back to school prayer walks. in our back to school prayer walks. There's details in your bulletin. The There's details in your bulletin. The There's details in your bulletin. The other thing you can do when you're other thing you can do when you're other thing you can do when you're afraid, the first is pray. The second afraid, the first is pray. The second afraid, the first is pray. The second thing is to remember. To remember that thing is to remember. To remember that thing is to remember. To remember that God is with you wherever you go. We'll God is with you wherever you go. We'll God is with you wherever you go. We'll hear that in our Bible story today. And hear that in our Bible story today. And hear that in our Bible story today. And you might remember that from other times you might remember that from other times you might remember that from other times in your life. God is with us wherever we in your life. God is with us wherever we in your life. God is with us wherever we go. And so because we want you to go. And so because we want you to go. And so because we want you to remember that, the church made some remember that, the church made some remember that, the church made some backpack tags for you. And that's backpack tags for you. And that's backpack tags for you. And that's exactly what it says on there. It says, exactly what it says on there. It says, exactly what it says on there. It says, "Wherever you go, God goes with you." "Wherever you go, God goes with you." "Wherever you go, God goes with you." So, we're going to hand these out to you So, we're going to hand these out to you So, we're going to hand these out to you guys. And what I want you to do is um is guys. And what I want you to do is um is guys. And what I want you to do is um is hold on to those. hold on to those. hold on to those. And you might have gotten one when you And you might have gotten one when you And you might have gotten one when you came in. That's okay. So, hold on to came in. That's okay. So, hold on to came in. That's okay. So, hold on to your backpack tag. Pastor Jim has some, your backpack tag. Pastor Jim has some, your backpack tag. Pastor Jim has some, too. No, you don't have to get another too. No, you don't have to get another too. No, you don't have to get another one. one. one. That's okay. That's okay. That's okay. >> All right. So, here's what we're going >> All right. So, here's what we're going >> All right. So, here's what we're going to do. We're going to say a prayer to do. We're going to say a prayer to do. We're going to say a prayer together. And what I'd like you to do is together. And what I'd like you to do is together. And what I'd like you to do is hold on to your backpack or you can wear hold on to your backpack or you can wear hold on to your backpack or you can wear your backpack on your shoulders right your backpack on your shoulders right your backpack on your shoulders right now and hold this prayer tag, this now and hold this prayer tag, this now and hold this prayer tag, this backpack tag in your hand because it's backpack tag in your hand because it's backpack tag in your hand because it's going to remind us that God is with us going to remind us that God is with us going to remind us that God is with us wherever we go. And it's going to remind wherever we go. And it's going to remind wherever we go. And it's going to remind us that when we feel afraid, we can pray us that when we feel afraid, we can pray us that when we feel afraid, we can pray and talk to God. Sound good? I hope that and talk to God. Sound good? I hope that and talk to God. Sound good? I hope that y'all have had a good week back at y'all have had a good week back at y'all have had a good week back at school. And I hope that if you're a school. And I hope that if you're a school. And I hope that if you're a grownup in the congregation or in the grownup in the congregation or in the grownup in the congregation or in the choir who has returned to school this choir who has returned to school this choir who has returned to school this week, that you have also had a good week, that you have also had a good week, that you have also had a good week. And that you too remember that week. And that you too remember that week. And that you too remember that wherever you go, God is with you. Okay,

wherever you go, God is with you. Okay, wherever you go, God is with you. Okay, young friends, would you repeat after young friends, would you repeat after young friends, would you repeat after me? Hold on to your tags. Put them in me? Hold on to your tags. Put them in me? Hold on to your tags. Put them in your hands. Let's say this prayer your hands. Let's say this prayer your hands. Let's say this prayer together. Caring God. together. Caring God. together. Caring God. We offer these backpacks We offer these backpacks We offer these backpacks >> We offer these backpacks >> We offer these backpacks >> We offer these backpacks >> and these tags >> and these tags >> and these tags >> And these tags >> And these tags >> And these tags >> as a sign of our thanks >> as a sign of our thanks >> as a sign of our thanks >> as a sign of ours >> as a sign of ours >> as a sign of ours >> for all you will do >> for all you will do >> for all you will do >> for all you will do >> for all you will do >> for all you will do >> with us and for us >> with us and for us >> with us and for us >> with us and for us >> with us and for us >> with us and for us >> this year at school. >> this year at school. >> this year at school. >> this year at school. >> this year at school. >> this year at school. >> We bless these backpacks. >> We bless these backpacks. >> We bless these backpacks. >> We bless these backpacks >> We bless these backpacks >> We bless these backpacks >> as companions to us. >> as companions to us. >> as companions to us. >> as companions to us >> as companions to us >> as companions to us >> as we learn and grow. As we learn, >> as we learn and grow. As we learn, >> as we learn and grow. As we learn, >> may they carry food for our bodies. >> may they carry food for our bodies. >> may they carry food for our bodies. >> May they carry fruit for our bodies >> May they carry fruit for our bodies >> May they carry fruit for our bodies >> and food for thought. >> and food for thought. >> and food for thought. >> Let them be a reminder >> Let them be a reminder >> Let them be a reminder >> Let them be a reminder >> Let them be a reminder >> Let them be a reminder >> that you are as close to us >> that you are as close to us >> that you are as close to us >> that you are as close to us >> that you are as close to us >> that you are as close to us >> as the backpack on our back. >> as the backpack on our back. >> as the backpack on our back. >> as the backpack on our back. >> as the backpack on our back. >> as the backpack on our back. >> Always and forever.

>> Always and forever. >> Always and forever. >> Always and forever. >> Always and forever. >> Always and forever. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Thanks for coming down. If you don't get >> Thanks for coming down. If you don't get >> Thanks for coming down. If you don't get a tag, you can get one later, but you a tag, you can get one later, but you a tag, you can get one later, but you can head back to your seats with your can head back to your seats with your can head back to your seats with your grown-ups. And I hope that you have a grown-ups. And I hope that you have a grown-ups. And I hope that you have a wonderful week next week, too, at wonderful week next week, too, at wonderful week next week, too, at school. Thanks for being at church. school. Thanks for being at church. school. Thanks for being at church. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. Hi, friends. [music] I'm Nina Wwin, Hi, friends. [music] I'm Nina Wwin, Hi, friends. [music] I'm Nina Wwin, children's ministry coordinator here at children's ministry coordinator here at children's ministry coordinator here at MDMC. Happy back to school Sunday. MDMC. Happy back to school Sunday. MDMC. Happy back to school Sunday. Today, we're celebrating our kids, Today, we're celebrating our kids, Today, we're celebrating our kids, blessing [music] backpacks, moving into blessing [music] backpacks, moving into blessing [music] backpacks, moving into new Sunday school classes, and kicking new Sunday school classes, and kicking new Sunday school classes, and kicking off a new season together. [music] off a new season together. [music] off a new season together. [music] And a new season is a great time for all And a new season is a great time for all And a new season is a great time for all of us to take a next step. If you're of us to take a next step. If you're of us to take a next step. If you're newer to MDMC [music] or you've been newer to MDMC [music] or you've been newer to MDMC [music] or you've been coming for a while and are ready to coming for a while and are ready to coming for a while and are ready to learn more, join us next Sunday, August learn more, join us next Sunday, August learn more, join us next Sunday, August 23rd, for pizza with the pastors. We'll 23rd, for pizza with the pastors. We'll 23rd, for pizza with the pastors. We'll meet at 12:15 [music] meet at 12:15 [music] meet at 12:15 [music] p.m. in the new room on West Campus for p.m. in the new room on West Campus for p.m. in the new room on West Campus for a casual lunch with our pastors. It's an a casual lunch with our pastors. It's an a casual lunch with our pastors. It's an easy way to ask questions, meet [music] easy way to ask questions, meet [music] easy way to ask questions, meet [music] some people, and begin finding your some people, and begin finding your some people, and begin finding your place in the life of the church. Lunch place in the life of the church. Lunch place in the life of the church. Lunch is on us and kids are welcome. Our fall is on us and kids are welcome. Our fall is on us and kids are welcome. Our fall learning groups are also [music] learning groups are also [music] learning groups are also [music] starting soon. There are opportunities starting soon. There are opportunities starting soon. There are opportunities for every age and stage. Whether you're for every age and stage. Whether you're for every age and stage. Whether you're exploring faith, ready to go deeper, or exploring faith, ready to go deeper, or exploring faith, ready to go deeper, or [music] simply looking for people to [music] simply looking for people to [music] simply looking for people to walk alongside. Because faith isn't walk alongside. Because faith isn't walk alongside. Because faith isn't something we're meant to figure out something we're meant to figure out something we're meant to figure out alone. These groups give us space alone. These groups give us space alone. These groups give us space [music] to learn, ask real questions, [music] to learn, ask real questions, [music] to learn, ask real questions, and grow together. And finally, our and grow together. And finally, our and grow together. And finally, our [music] back- tochool celebration [music] back- tochool celebration [music] back- tochool celebration continues today at 12:30 p.m. with our continues today at 12:30 p.m. with our continues today at 12:30 p.m. with our prayer walk. We'll gather at local prayer walk. We'll gather at local prayer walk. We'll gather at local schools to pray for students, teachers, schools to pray for students, teachers, schools to pray for students, teachers, staff, and the year ahead. These schools staff, and the year ahead. These schools staff, and the year ahead. These schools and the people inside them are [music] and the people inside them are [music] and the people inside them are [music] an important part of our community. And

an important part of our community. And an important part of our community. And prayer is one meaningful way we can show prayer is one meaningful way we can show prayer is one meaningful way we can show up for and support our [music] neighbors up for and support our [music] neighbors up for and support our [music] neighbors as a new year begins. You'll find prayer as a new year begins. You'll find prayer as a new year begins. You'll find prayer walk details in your bulletin or at walk details in your bulletin or at walk details in your bulletin or at mdmc.org/backtoschool and everything else happening this fall and everything else happening this fall at mdmc.org. [music] We hope you'll find at mdmc.org. [music] We hope you'll find at mdmc.org. [music] We hope you'll find a way to jump in. Our first scripture lesson this morning Our first scripture lesson this morning comes from the great triumphant eth comes from the great triumphant eth comes from the great triumphant eth chapter of Romans. Hear these words. chapter of Romans. Hear these words. chapter of Romans. Hear these words. What then are we to say about these What then are we to say about these What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against things? If God is for us, who is against things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own son, us? He who did not withhold his own son, us? He who did not withhold his own son, but gave him up for all of us, how will but gave him up for all of us, how will but gave him up for all of us, how will he not with him also give us everything he not with him also give us everything he not with him also give us everything else? else? else? Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died or rather who was raised and who is also or rather who was raised and who is also or rather who was raised and who is also at the right hand of God who also at the right hand of God who also at the right hand of God who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us intercedes for us. Who will separate us intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction from the love of Christ? Will affliction from the love of Christ? Will affliction or distress or persecution or famine or or distress or persecution or famine or or distress or persecution or famine or peril or nakedness or sword?

peril or nakedness or sword? peril or nakedness or sword? No. In all these things we are more than No. In all these things we are more than No. In all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us. For victorious through him who loved us. For victorious through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor I am convinced that neither death nor I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor rulers, nor things present, life, nor rulers, nor things present, life, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor nor things to come, nor powers, nor nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in height, nor depth, nor anything else in height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us all creation will be able to separate us all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our from the love of God in Christ Jesus our from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Lord. Lord. This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. The psalmist said, "Bless the Lord, oh The psalmist said, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, my soul, and all that is within me, my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Let us keep that bless his holy name." Let us keep that bless his holy name." Let us keep that in mind as we go to prayer. Our gracious in mind as we go to prayer. Our gracious in mind as we go to prayer. Our gracious and loving God, how good it is to come and loving God, how good it is to come and loving God, how good it is to come into the house of the Lord to into the house of the Lord to into the house of the Lord to acknowledge your presence with us as we acknowledge your presence with us as we acknowledge your presence with us as we worship you. We come this morning to worship you. We come this morning to worship you. We come this morning to express our heartfelt thanks for your express our heartfelt thanks for your express our heartfelt thanks for your many blessings for family, for friends, many blessings for family, for friends, many blessings for family, for friends, for our church, for our freedom, for our for our church, for our freedom, for our for our church, for our freedom, for our health, and for the many opportunities health, and for the many opportunities health, and for the many opportunities we have to live, grow, and serve. But we have to live, grow, and serve. But we have to live, grow, and serve. But help us to know that we can also bless help us to know that we can also bless help us to know that we can also bless you as we acknowledge all that you have you as we acknowledge all that you have you as we acknowledge all that you have given to us as we celebrate and worship

given to us as we celebrate and worship given to us as we celebrate and worship you. you. you. Lord, we ask that you would keep us ever Lord, we ask that you would keep us ever Lord, we ask that you would keep us ever aware that you have called us to be your aware that you have called us to be your aware that you have called us to be your witnesses in your world. Give us a witnesses in your world. Give us a witnesses in your world. Give us a joyous and kind spirit as we witness to joyous and kind spirit as we witness to joyous and kind spirit as we witness to your awesome love and amazing grace. your awesome love and amazing grace. your awesome love and amazing grace. We pray this morning for those lacking We pray this morning for those lacking We pray this morning for those lacking shelter, food, and warmth. We pray for shelter, food, and warmth. We pray for shelter, food, and warmth. We pray for those seeking healing and comfort. We those seeking healing and comfort. We those seeking healing and comfort. We pray for those who have lost loved ones pray for those who have lost loved ones pray for those who have lost loved ones and are in mourning. We pray for those and are in mourning. We pray for those and are in mourning. We pray for those who are lonely and feel overwhelmed with who are lonely and feel overwhelmed with who are lonely and feel overwhelmed with life. We pray for the healing of our life. We pray for the healing of our life. We pray for the healing of our community, our city, our nation, and our community, our city, our nation, and our community, our city, our nation, and our world. world. world. Give us courage to be a people of faith Give us courage to be a people of faith Give us courage to be a people of faith to spread love, grace, peace, and to spread love, grace, peace, and to spread love, grace, peace, and compassion to all. Fill us with hope compassion to all. Fill us with hope compassion to all. Fill us with hope even amid difficult situations and even amid difficult situations and even amid difficult situations and circumstances. circumstances. circumstances. We make this our prayer in the name of We make this our prayer in the name of We make this our prayer in the name of Christ our Lord and pray together the Christ our Lord and pray together the Christ our Lord and pray together the prayer he taught. Our Father, who art in prayer he taught. Our Father, who art in prayer he taught. 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 and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. power and the glory forever. power and the glory forever. Amen. Amen. Amen. What a joy it is to join Pastor Jenny in What a joy it is to join Pastor Jenny in What a joy it is to join Pastor Jenny in bringing you greetings this morning. bringing you greetings this morning. bringing you greetings this morning. Both those that are here in our Both those that are here in our Both those that are here in our sanctuary as those who are watching us sanctuary as those who are watching us sanctuary as those who are watching us online. We are glad and hope you feel online. We are glad and hope you feel online. We are glad and hope you feel welcomed. welcomed. welcomed. Because this is back to Sunday school Because this is back to Sunday school Because this is back to Sunday school Sunday. There's much going on in the Sunday. There's much going on in the Sunday. There's much going on in the life of the church. We've made uh our life of the church. We've made uh our life of the church. We've made uh our bulletin a little bit more expansive bulletin a little bit more expansive bulletin a little bit more expansive this morning. I hope that you will take this morning. I hope that you will take this morning. I hope that you will take it home and notice the opportunities it home and notice the opportunities it home and notice the opportunities that that are certainly before you. that that are certainly before you. that that are certainly before you. There are many There are many There are many with our offering. know that all that we with our offering. know that all that we with our offering. know that all that we do in ministry and mission on this do in ministry and mission on this do in ministry and mission on this campus and our west campus, in our city, campus and our west campus, in our city, campus and our west campus, in our city, and in our world is only made possible and in our world is only made possible and in our world is only made possible because of your generosity. So, please because of your generosity. So, please because of your generosity. So, please keep that in mind as our ushers come keep that in mind as our ushers come keep that in mind as our ushers come forward for the giving and receiving of forward for the giving and receiving of forward for the giving and receiving of our tithes and offerings.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Joy >> Joy >> Joy of the earth. Sing for the glory Sing for the glory of [singing and music] [singing] [singing] [music] the love we have the love we have the sound of his praise Let us rejoice [singing] Let us rejoice [singing] [music] [music] [music] in him.

in him. in him. in him. For great in him. For great in him. For great is our God. is our God. is our God. [music] Great. [music] Great. [music] praise. praise. praise. Let us rejoice Let us rejoice Let us rejoice in our God. We are [music] We are [music] so to

to Jesus. Praise be [music] Praise be [music] God. [music] Halleluah.

[music] Halleluah. Hallelu. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Would you pray with me? Holy and Would you pray with me? Holy and gracious God, great are you and so gracious God, great are you and so gracious God, great are you and so present and near to us. It's you who has present and near to us. It's you who has present and near to us. It's you who has brought us here. It's you who have brought us here. It's you who have brought us here. It's you who have provided. It's you who have blessed us provided. It's you who have blessed us provided. It's you who have blessed us in abundance and invited us now to be a in abundance and invited us now to be a in abundance and invited us now to be a part of your work. And now, God, in the part of your work. And now, God, in the part of your work. And now, God, in the silence of this moment, would you silence of this moment, would you silence of this moment, would you prepare our hearts and our minds to hear prepare our hearts and our minds to hear prepare our hearts and our minds to hear a word from you today?

a word from you today? a word from you today? speak those words of life and hope and speak those words of life and hope and speak those words of life and hope and truth into us. May the words of my mouth truth into us. May the words of my mouth truth into us. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts and the meditations of all of our hearts and the meditations of all of our hearts be pleasing and acceptable in your be pleasing and acceptable in your be pleasing and acceptable in your sight, O Lord, for you are our rock and sight, O Lord, for you are our rock and sight, O Lord, for you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. our redeemer. Amen. our redeemer. Amen. We are in week two of a new worship We are in week two of a new worship We are in week two of a new worship series, Back to Sunday School, where series, Back to Sunday School, where series, Back to Sunday School, where we're taking a look at those well-known we're taking a look at those well-known we're taking a look at those well-known Bible stories and re-examining them for Bible stories and re-examining them for Bible stories and re-examining them for us in a different season of life. These us in a different season of life. These us in a different season of life. These may be stories that you are very may be stories that you are very may be stories that you are very familiar with if you grew up in the familiar with if you grew up in the familiar with if you grew up in the church. And if you are of a certain age, church. And if you are of a certain age, church. And if you are of a certain age, perhaps you encountered them through a perhaps you encountered them through a perhaps you encountered them through a felt board for the first time. Or felt board for the first time. Or felt board for the first time. Or perhaps you heard about them through a perhaps you heard about them through a perhaps you heard about them through a children's storybook bible or perhaps in children's storybook bible or perhaps in children's storybook bible or perhaps in a really funny or clever animated uh a really funny or clever animated uh a really funny or clever animated uh Bible story cartoon. These are the Bible story cartoon. These are the Bible story cartoon. These are the stories that so many people know. Today stories that so many people know. Today stories that so many people know. Today we are talking about David and Goliath. we are talking about David and Goliath. we are talking about David and Goliath. And this is, as one Bible scholar And this is, as one Bible scholar And this is, as one Bible scholar describes it, perhaps the most uh the describes it, perhaps the most uh the describes it, perhaps the most uh the the story in all of the Old Testament the story in all of the Old Testament the story in all of the Old Testament that you could most accurately describe that you could most accurately describe that you could most accurately describe as an epic tale. And so I mention that as an epic tale. And so I mention that as an epic tale. And so I mention that because it is a wonderful story and it because it is a wonderful story and it because it is a wonderful story and it is um a really fascinating and um is um a really fascinating and um is um a really fascinating and um thrilling story. It is a long story too.

thrilling story. It is a long story too. thrilling story. It is a long story too. And so I want to invite you to settle And so I want to invite you to settle And so I want to invite you to settle down, to settle in, to take a breath, down, to settle in, to take a breath, down, to settle in, to take a breath, and prepare to listen to this reading and prepare to listen to this reading and prepare to listen to this reading from 1st Samuel chapter 17. And if you from 1st Samuel chapter 17. And if you from 1st Samuel chapter 17. And if you like, because it's a longer reading, and like, because it's a longer reading, and like, because it's a longer reading, and because it's so narrative and epic, if because it's so narrative and epic, if because it's so narrative and epic, if you want to close your eyes and kind of you want to close your eyes and kind of you want to close your eyes and kind of imagine the scene as I read, you could imagine the scene as I read, you could imagine the scene as I read, you could do that, too. Of course, if you prefer do that, too. Of course, if you prefer do that, too. Of course, if you prefer to follow along with the words on the to follow along with the words on the to follow along with the words on the screen, you can do that as well. But screen, you can do that as well. But screen, you can do that as well. But here now, this word from 1st Samuel here now, this word from 1st Samuel here now, this word from 1st Samuel chapter 17. chapter 17. chapter 17. Now the Philistines gathered their Now the Philistines gathered their Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. They were gathered at armies for battle. They were gathered at armies for battle. They were gathered at Soo which belongs to Judah and encamped Soo which belongs to Judah and encamped Soo which belongs to Judah and encamped between Soo and Azaka and Ephesamim. between Soo and Azaka and Ephesamim. between Soo and Azaka and Ephesamim. Saul and the Israelites gathered and Saul and the Israelites gathered and Saul and the Israelites gathered and encamped in the valley of Aah and formed encamped in the valley of Aah and formed encamped in the valley of Aah and formed ranks against the Philistines. The ranks against the Philistines. The ranks against the Philistines. The Philistines stood on the mountain on the Philistines stood on the mountain on the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side and Israel stood on the one side and Israel stood on the one side and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side with a valley mountain on the other side with a valley mountain on the other side with a valley between them. And there came out from between them. And there came out from between them. And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion the camp of the Philistines a champion the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was named Goliath of Gath, whose height was named Goliath of Gath, whose height was four cubits and a span. He had a helmet four cubits and a span. He had a helmet four cubits and a span. He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed of bronze on his head, and he was armed of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of male. The weight of the with a coat of male. The weight of the with a coat of male. The weight of the coat was 5,000 shekels of bronze. He had coat was 5,000 shekels of bronze. He had coat was 5,000 shekels of bronze. He had greavves of bronze on his legs, and a greavves of bronze on his legs, and a greavves of bronze on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his javelin of bronze slung between his javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was shoulders. The shaft of his spear was shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's like a weaver's beam, and his spear's like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed 600 shekels of iron, and head weighed 600 shekels of iron, and head weighed 600 shekels of iron, and his shieldbearer went before him. Now, I his shieldbearer went before him. Now, I his shieldbearer went before him. Now, I saved you all the trouble of doing some saved you all the trouble of doing some saved you all the trouble of doing some math conversions. And if you're

math conversions. And if you're math conversions. And if you're wondering, according to Bible scholars, wondering, according to Bible scholars, wondering, according to Bible scholars, Goliath was either somewhere between 6 Goliath was either somewhere between 6 Goliath was either somewhere between 6 feet, 7 feet to 10 feet tall. And the feet, 7 feet to 10 feet tall. And the feet, 7 feet to 10 feet tall. And the armor that he's described as wearing armor that he's described as wearing armor that he's described as wearing would be like a 30 pound helmet. The would be like a 30 pound helmet. The would be like a 30 pound helmet. The breastplate or the chain mail that he breastplate or the chain mail that he breastplate or the chain mail that he wore probably weighed 150 lbs. And his wore probably weighed 150 lbs. And his wore probably weighed 150 lbs. And his weaponry was weaponry was weaponry was oversized. Just the the spear and the oversized. Just the the spear and the oversized. Just the the spear and the the javelin that he held would have the javelin that he held would have the javelin that he held would have weighed probably another 30 to 60 weighed probably another 30 to 60 weighed probably another 30 to 60 pounds. Let's continue. pounds. Let's continue. pounds. Let's continue. Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why have you come out to of Israel, "Why have you come out to of Israel, "Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a draw up for battle? Am I not a draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine? And are you not servants of Philistine? And are you not servants of Philistine? And are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able let him come down to me. If he is able let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we to fight with me and kill me, then we to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail will be your servants. But if I prevail will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall against him and kill him, then you shall against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us." And the be our servants and serve us." And the be our servants and serve us." And the Philistines said, "Today I defy the Philistines said, "Today I defy the Philistines said, "Today I defy the ranks of Israel. Give me a man that we ranks of Israel. Give me a man that we ranks of Israel. Give me a man that we may fight together. When Saul and all may fight together. When Saul and all may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Israel heard these words of the Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and Philistine, they were dismayed and Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. This taunting, this greatly afraid. This taunting, this greatly afraid. This taunting, this challenge went on for something like 40 challenge went on for something like 40 challenge went on for something like 40 days. And in the meantime, we skip over days. And in the meantime, we skip over days. And in the meantime, we skip over this part of the story because the this part of the story because the this part of the story because the reading could have been even longer, but reading could have been even longer, but reading could have been even longer, but it's not. In the meantime,

it's not. In the meantime, it's not. In the meantime, David, David, David, some of his brothers are in this army. some of his brothers are in this army. some of his brothers are in this army. David is not in the army, but his father David is not in the army, but his father David is not in the army, but his father sends him to the front line to deliver sends him to the front line to deliver sends him to the front line to deliver some cheese and bread, some grilled some cheese and bread, some grilled some cheese and bread, some grilled cheese to his siblings. And while David cheese to his siblings. And while David cheese to his siblings. And while David is there, not somewhere where he was is there, not somewhere where he was is there, not somewhere where he was supposed to be, he's not enlisted, not supposed to be, he's not enlisted, not supposed to be, he's not enlisted, not part of the army. But while David is part of the army. But while David is part of the army. But while David is there, he witnesses this taunting and there, he witnesses this taunting and there, he witnesses this taunting and this challenge take place. this challenge take place. this challenge take place. And David said to Saul, And David said to Saul, And David said to Saul, "Let no one's heart fail because of him. "Let no one's heart fail because of him. "Let no one's heart fail because of him. your servant will go and fight with this your servant will go and fight with this your servant will go and fight with this Philistine. Saul said to David, "You are Philistine. Saul said to David, "You are Philistine. Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against the Philistine to not able to go against the Philistine to not able to go against the Philistine to fight with him, for you are just a boy, fight with him, for you are just a boy, fight with him, for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his and he has been a warrior from his and he has been a warrior from his youth." But David said to Saul, "Your youth." But David said to Saul, "Your youth." But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep sheep for his servant used to keep sheep for his servant used to keep sheep for his father." And whenever a lion or a bear father." And whenever a lion or a bear father." And whenever a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I came and took a lamb from the flock, I came and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, went after it and struck it down, went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth. And if rescuing the lamb from its mouth. And if rescuing the lamb from its mouth. And if it turned against me, I would catch it it turned against me, I would catch it it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and Your servant has killed both lions and Your servant has killed both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has shall be like one of them, since he has shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God."

defied the armies of the living God." defied the armies of the living God." David said, "The Lord who saved me from David said, "The Lord who saved me from David said, "The Lord who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the paw of the lion and from the paw of the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will save me from the hand of the bear will save me from the hand of the bear will save me from the hand of this Philistine." So Saul said to David, this Philistine." So Saul said to David, this Philistine." So Saul said to David, "Go, and may the Lord be with you." Saul "Go, and may the Lord be with you." Saul "Go, and may the Lord be with you." Saul clothed David with his own armor. He put clothed David with his own armor. He put clothed David with his own armor. He put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed a bronze helmet on his head and clothed a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of male. David strapped him with a coat of male. David strapped him with a coat of male. David strapped Saul's sword over the armor, and he Saul's sword over the armor, and he Saul's sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not tried in vain to walk, for he was not tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, used to them. Then David said to Saul, used to them. Then David said to Saul, "I cannot walk with these, for I am not "I cannot walk with these, for I am not "I cannot walk with these, for I am not used to them." So David removed them. used to them." So David removed them. used to them." So David removed them. Then he took his staff in his hand and Then he took his staff in his hand and Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the river chose five smooth stones from the river chose five smooth stones from the river and put them in his shepherd's bag in and put them in his shepherd's bag in and put them in his shepherd's bag in the pouch. His sling was in his hand, the pouch. His sling was in his hand, the pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. and he drew near to the Philistine. and he drew near to the Philistine. The Philistine came on and drew near to The Philistine came on and drew near to The Philistine came on and drew near to David with his shieldbearer in front of David with his shieldbearer in front of David with his shieldbearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw him. When the Philistine looked and saw him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only David, he disdained him, for he was only David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in a youth, ruddy and handsome in a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to appearance. The Philistine said to appearance. The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog that you come to me David, "Am I a dog that you come to me David, "Am I a dog that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistines said David by his gods. The Philistines said David by his gods. The Philistines said to David, "Come to me and I will give to David, "Come to me and I will give to David, "Come to me and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and your flesh to the birds of the air and your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field." But to the wild animals of the field." But to the wild animals of the field." But David said to the Philistine, "You come David said to the Philistine, "You come David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with sword and spear and javelin.

to me with sword and spear and javelin. to me with sword and spear and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the But I come to you in the name of the But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very Israel, whom you have defied. This very Israel, whom you have defied. This very day, the Lord will deliver you into my day, the Lord will deliver you into my day, the Lord will deliver you into my hand. And I will strike you down and cut hand. And I will strike you down and cut hand. And I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead off your head. And I will give the dead off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very bodies of the Philistine army this very bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the day to the birds of the air and to the day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth of the earth, wild animals of the earth of the earth, wild animals of the earth of the earth, so that all the earth may know that so that all the earth may know that so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And that all there is a God in Israel. And that all there is a God in Israel. And that all this assembly may know that the Lord this assembly may know that the Lord this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear. For does not save by sword and spear. For does not save by sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will the battle is the Lord's, and he will the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand. When the give you into our hand. When the give you into our hand. When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, Philistine drew nearer to meet David, Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line David ran quickly toward the battle line David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his to meet the Philistine. David put his to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his it, and struck the Philistine on his it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down to the forehead, and he fell face down to the forehead, and he fell face down to the ground. So David prevailed over the ground. So David prevailed over the ground. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, Philistine with a sling and a stone, Philistine with a sling and a stone, striking down the Philistine and killing striking down the Philistine and killing striking down the Philistine and killing him. There was no sword in David's hand.

him. There was no sword in David's hand. him. There was no sword in David's hand. This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. of God. Thanks be to God. of God. Thanks be to God. Now, as we reckon with this story, as we Now, as we reckon with this story, as we Now, as we reckon with this story, as we think about when we read it and what's think about when we read it and what's think about when we read it and what's going on and why this story matters, we going on and why this story matters, we going on and why this story matters, we find ourselves in this back to school find ourselves in this back to school find ourselves in this back to school season. There are certain signs that the season. There are certain signs that the season. There are certain signs that the summer is officially over. summer is officially over. summer is officially over. The school supply aisles are empty. The school supply aisles are empty. The school supply aisles are empty. Hopefully because you have cleaned them Hopefully because you have cleaned them Hopefully because you have cleaned them out and brought all of them here for our out and brought all of them here for our out and brought all of them here for our back to school missions donation. back to school missions donation. back to school missions donation. Hopefully that's the reason why I could Hopefully that's the reason why I could Hopefully that's the reason why I could not for the life of me find construction not for the life of me find construction not for the life of me find construction paper or fine tip dry erase markers last paper or fine tip dry erase markers last paper or fine tip dry erase markers last week. week. week. Hopefully Hopefully Hopefully in our back to school missions we have in our back to school missions we have in our back to school missions we have taken up that challenge and met it in a taken up that challenge and met it in a taken up that challenge and met it in a gigantic kind of way. Well, there's gigantic kind of way. Well, there's gigantic kind of way. Well, there's other signs that the summer is other signs that the summer is other signs that the summer is officially over, too. We get the back to officially over, too. We get the back to officially over, too. We get the back to school first day of school pictures with school first day of school pictures with school first day of school pictures with new outfits and and carefully chosen new outfits and and carefully chosen new outfits and and carefully chosen lunchboxes um that have not yet had lunchboxes um that have not yet had lunchboxes um that have not yet had something stay in them over the weekend something stay in them over the weekend something stay in them over the weekend and suffered gravely for it. Um but I and suffered gravely for it. Um but I and suffered gravely for it. Um but I love those back to school pictures with love those back to school pictures with love those back to school pictures with the kids standing on the front porch in the kids standing on the front porch in the kids standing on the front porch in front of the school looking hopeful, front of the school looking hopeful, front of the school looking hopeful, looking maybe a little nervous, um but looking maybe a little nervous, um but looking maybe a little nervous, um but anticipating the year ahead. But the anticipating the year ahead. But the anticipating the year ahead. But the shest sign for me that summer is over shest sign for me that summer is over shest sign for me that summer is over and we are back to school is the return and we are back to school is the return and we are back to school is the return of the dreaded carpool line.

of the dreaded carpool line. of the dreaded carpool line. This week at my kids school both morning This week at my kids school both morning This week at my kids school both morning and afternoon pickup and drop off. The and afternoon pickup and drop off. The and afternoon pickup and drop off. The line is forever long. So, while I was line is forever long. So, while I was line is forever long. So, while I was sitting in that forever long car rider sitting in that forever long car rider sitting in that forever long car rider line on Thursday, I decided on a whim, line on Thursday, I decided on a whim, line on Thursday, I decided on a whim, this was the wisdom of the Lord, not this was the wisdom of the Lord, not this was the wisdom of the Lord, not Pastor Jenny, to ask a question to my Pastor Jenny, to ask a question to my Pastor Jenny, to ask a question to my kids. I was thinking ahead of of getting kids. I was thinking ahead of of getting kids. I was thinking ahead of of getting to the office after I finally got to the office after I finally got to the office after I finally got through this line and preparing this through this line and preparing this through this line and preparing this sermon. And so, I asked my boys a sermon. And so, I asked my boys a sermon. And so, I asked my boys a question I had been thinking about all question I had been thinking about all question I had been thinking about all week. What about this story of David and week. What about this story of David and week. What about this story of David and Goliath? What about it is important for Goliath? What about it is important for Goliath? What about it is important for us to know? Why has this story stood the us to know? Why has this story stood the us to know? Why has this story stood the test of time? Why does it resonate so test of time? Why does it resonate so test of time? Why does it resonate so much with us? And their answers were much with us? And their answers were much with us? And their answers were pretty good. They said that David pretty good. They said that David pretty good. They said that David trusted God, that even someone small can trusted God, that even someone small can trusted God, that even someone small can do big things, and that David saved the do big things, and that David saved the do big things, and that David saved the day. I asked this question to other day. I asked this question to other day. I asked this question to other staff members with kids, and um someone staff members with kids, and um someone staff members with kids, and um someone even put it up on Facebook for me. Ask even put it up on Facebook for me. Ask even put it up on Facebook for me. Ask your kids, what is important about the your kids, what is important about the your kids, what is important about the David and Goliath story? And as a side David and Goliath story? And as a side David and Goliath story? And as a side note, I recommend doing this if you have note, I recommend doing this if you have note, I recommend doing this if you have any kids in your life. It's always great any kids in your life. It's always great any kids in your life. It's always great to hear with their fresh ears and eyes to hear with their fresh ears and eyes to hear with their fresh ears and eyes what about a story matters. You could do what about a story matters. You could do what about a story matters. You could do this with Bible stories. You could do this with Bible stories. You could do this with Bible stories. You could do this with any story that you read with this with any story that you read with this with any story that you read with them. But hearing about what matters, them. But hearing about what matters, them. But hearing about what matters, why is this important? Um is good for why is this important? Um is good for why is this important? Um is good for your soul. And if you don't have a kid your soul. And if you don't have a kid your soul. And if you don't have a kid in your life, this is a plug. You could in your life, this is a plug. You could in your life, this is a plug. You could consider being a lunch buddy at Holly consider being a lunch buddy at Holly consider being a lunch buddy at Holly Brook Elementary.

Brook Elementary. Brook Elementary. But anyhow, I love getting their But anyhow, I love getting their But anyhow, I love getting their perspective on this. Other kids from perspective on this. Other kids from perspective on this. Other kids from social media and texts their parents social media and texts their parents social media and texts their parents sent me um identified the important sent me um identified the important sent me um identified the important parts of the story as as that being parts of the story as as that being parts of the story as as that being David saved the day and and that Goliath David saved the day and and that Goliath David saved the day and and that Goliath had all these powerful cool weapons, but had all these powerful cool weapons, but had all these powerful cool weapons, but David defeated him with just a rock from David defeated him with just a rock from David defeated him with just a rock from the river. And I thought, yes, the river. And I thought, yes, the river. And I thought, yes, those are all reasons why this story those are all reasons why this story those are all reasons why this story intrigues us and fascinates us and intrigues us and fascinates us and intrigues us and fascinates us and catches our attention in our ears. Those catches our attention in our ears. Those catches our attention in our ears. Those are all true things about why this story are all true things about why this story are all true things about why this story is important. And there's even more to is important. And there's even more to is important. And there's even more to this story than we might initially see this story than we might initially see this story than we might initially see on our first reading of it. Because we on our first reading of it. Because we on our first reading of it. Because we love the story of David and Goliath. We love the story of David and Goliath. We love the story of David and Goliath. We love this story because we love an love this story because we love an love this story because we love an underdog. The story, the story arc of underdog. The story, the story arc of underdog. The story, the story arc of David and Goliath has spread beyond the David and Goliath has spread beyond the David and Goliath has spread beyond the pages of scripture and it's in a lot of pages of scripture and it's in a lot of pages of scripture and it's in a lot of our favorite books and movies. We love our favorite books and movies. We love our favorite books and movies. We love Rocky, right? We love Rudy. We love the Rocky, right? We love Rudy. We love the Rocky, right? We love Rudy. We love the Karate Kid. We love Aaron Brochovich. We Karate Kid. We love Aaron Brochovich. We Karate Kid. We love Aaron Brochovich. We love the person who looks like they love the person who looks like they love the person who looks like they don't stand a chance and somehow don't stand a chance and somehow don't stand a chance and somehow discovers that the odds that were discovers that the odds that were discovers that the odds that were stacked against them don't get the final stacked against them don't get the final stacked against them don't get the final word. There's something deeply human in word. There's something deeply human in word. There's something deeply human in us that wants to believe that the little us that wants to believe that the little us that wants to believe that the little guy might just surprise everybody. And guy might just surprise everybody. And guy might just surprise everybody. And maybe that's why this statue that was maybe that's why this statue that was maybe that's why this statue that was installed in New York City a couple of installed in New York City a couple of installed in New York City a couple of decades ago, Fearless Girl, became so

decades ago, Fearless Girl, became so decades ago, Fearless Girl, became so compelling when it first appeared. Its compelling when it first appeared. Its compelling when it first appeared. Its first site of installation was here in first site of installation was here in first site of installation was here in front of this older statue of the stock front of this older statue of the stock front of this older statue of the stock market bull, and she was placed right market bull, and she was placed right market bull, and she was placed right there facing down this bull. She's since there facing down this bull. She's since there facing down this bull. She's since moved and now she faces down the stock moved and now she faces down the stock moved and now she faces down the stock exchange. That's another sermon for exchange. That's another sermon for exchange. That's another sermon for another time. But anyhow, there's another time. But anyhow, there's another time. But anyhow, there's something compelling about this statue. something compelling about this statue. something compelling about this statue. You have this small girl standing with You have this small girl standing with You have this small girl standing with her hands on her hips facing this her hands on her hips facing this her hands on her hips facing this enormous charging bull. It's an image of enormous charging bull. It's an image of enormous charging bull. It's an image of disproportion is what I call it, right? disproportion is what I call it, right? disproportion is what I call it, right? She's small. She's got her hair up in a She's small. She's got her hair up in a She's small. She's got her hair up in a ponytail and wearing an adorable little ponytail and wearing an adorable little ponytail and wearing an adorable little skirt. She is small. The bull is skirt. She is small. The bull is skirt. She is small. The bull is enormous. And we recognize something in enormous. And we recognize something in enormous. And we recognize something in that little figure. We want to believe that little figure. We want to believe that little figure. We want to believe that being small does not mean being that being small does not mean being that being small does not mean being powerless. And we want to believe that powerless. And we want to believe that powerless. And we want to believe that because all of us feel small at times. because all of us feel small at times. because all of us feel small at times. There's a Bible scholar Bruce Burch and There's a Bible scholar Bruce Burch and There's a Bible scholar Bruce Burch and he points out that this is part of the he points out that this is part of the he points out that this is part of the enduring power of the David and Goliath enduring power of the David and Goliath enduring power of the David and Goliath story. It's been a special especially story. It's been a special especially story. It's been a special especially meaningful this story to those who are meaningful this story to those who are meaningful this story to those who are weak or oppressed, those who live on the weak or oppressed, those who live on the weak or oppressed, those who live on the margins, those who are powerless.

margins, those who are powerless. margins, those who are powerless. People don't simply cheer for David as People don't simply cheer for David as People don't simply cheer for David as an underdog, but we see ourselves in an underdog, but we see ourselves in an underdog, but we see ourselves in David. And that's important because the David. And that's important because the David. And that's important because the story isn't simply, look, the little guy story isn't simply, look, the little guy story isn't simply, look, the little guy can beat the big guy. I knew it all can beat the big guy. I knew it all can beat the big guy. I knew it all along. But the story asks a deeper along. But the story asks a deeper along. But the story asks a deeper question. What do we do when we find question. What do we do when we find question. What do we do when we find ourselves standing in the valley against ourselves standing in the valley against ourselves standing in the valley against something that seems much bigger, much something that seems much bigger, much something that seems much bigger, much more formidable, more formidable, more formidable, much more much more much more solid and undefeable than we are as a solid and undefeable than we are as a solid and undefeable than we are as a question for every age both in history question for every age both in history question for every age both in history and every age and season of our lives. and every age and season of our lives. and every age and season of our lives. One chapter before today's story, Samuel One chapter before today's story, Samuel One chapter before today's story, Samuel is sent to Jesse's house to choose is sent to Jesse's house to choose is sent to Jesse's house to choose Israel's future king. And Samuel sees Israel's future king. And Samuel sees Israel's future king. And Samuel sees Jesse's oldest son, Eliab, and he Jesse's oldest son, Eliab, and he Jesse's oldest son, Eliab, and he thinks, "Surely this is the one. He's thinks, "Surely this is the one. He's thinks, "Surely this is the one. He's going to be the king because he's going to be the king because he's going to be the king because he's handsome and tall and muscular and the handsome and tall and muscular and the handsome and tall and muscular and the oldest." But God tells Samuel oldest." But God tells Samuel oldest." But God tells Samuel to have no regard for his appearance or to have no regard for his appearance or to have no regard for his appearance or his stature because God doesn't see and his stature because God doesn't see and his stature because God doesn't see and look at things as humans do. The Lord look at things as humans do. The Lord look at things as humans do. The Lord sees into the heart.

sees into the heart. sees into the heart. We see the outside. God sees the heart. We see the outside. God sees the heart. We see the outside. God sees the heart. We see the outside and we see all of the We see the outside and we see all of the We see the outside and we see all of the odds stacked against us and how small we odds stacked against us and how small we odds stacked against us and how small we feel and look compared to the thing that feel and look compared to the thing that feel and look compared to the thing that we're up against. we're up against. we're up against. And this matters the way that God sees. And this matters the way that God sees. And this matters the way that God sees. God sees differently because the world God sees differently because the world God sees differently because the world is very good at telling us what counts. is very good at telling us what counts. is very good at telling us what counts. The world sees the outside. And the The world sees the outside. And the The world sees the outside. And the world tells us bigger is better, world tells us bigger is better, world tells us bigger is better, stronger is better, successful is stronger is better, successful is stronger is better, successful is better, more accomplished is better. We better, more accomplished is better. We better, more accomplished is better. We measure people by what's visible. We do measure people by what's visible. We do measure people by what's visible. We do that to ourselves, too. that to ourselves, too. that to ourselves, too. We measure ourselves against other We measure ourselves against other We measure ourselves against other people all the time. We look at somebody people all the time. We look at somebody people all the time. We look at somebody else's life and we wonder why ours else's life and we wonder why ours else's life and we wonder why ours doesn't look like that. We look at doesn't look like that. We look at doesn't look like that. We look at someone else's accomplishments and someone else's accomplishments and someone else's accomplishments and relationships and family and house and relationships and family and house and relationships and family and house and career and body and faith life and we career and body and faith life and we career and body and faith life and we wonder whether we're measuring up. Why wonder whether we're measuring up. Why wonder whether we're measuring up. Why does it look so easy for them? But does it look so easy for them? But does it look so easy for them? But David's story begins with this. God is David's story begins with this. God is David's story begins with this. God is not looking at you the way the world not looking at you the way the world not looking at you the way the world looks at you. God sees your heart. God looks at you. God sees your heart. God looks at you. God sees your heart. God sees what is not visible. God sees gifts sees what is not visible. God sees gifts sees what is not visible. God sees gifts that other people might overlook. And that other people might overlook. And that other people might overlook. And God sees possibility that you might not God sees possibility that you might not God sees possibility that you might not yet see. And that's important because yet see. And that's important because yet see. And that's important because David is not the obvious choice. He's David is not the obvious choice. He's David is not the obvious choice. He's the youngest son. He's just a shepherd.

the youngest son. He's just a shepherd. the youngest son. He's just a shepherd. He's the one who wasn't even brought in He's the one who wasn't even brought in He's the one who wasn't even brought in from the fields when Samuel came looking from the fields when Samuel came looking from the fields when Samuel came looking at Jesse's sons. But God sees something at Jesse's sons. But God sees something at Jesse's sons. But God sees something that others don't. that others don't. that others don't. So then a chapter later and maybe a year So then a chapter later and maybe a year So then a chapter later and maybe a year or two later in David's life, David is or two later in David's life, David is or two later in David's life, David is sent with the cheese and bread to go sent with the cheese and bread to go sent with the cheese and bread to go check on his brothers to bring them some check on his brothers to bring them some check on his brothers to bring them some food because they've been in this food because they've been in this food because they've been in this standoff with the Philistines standoff with the Philistines standoff with the Philistines over the valley. And David walks into over the valley. And David walks into over the valley. And David walks into that valley and Goliath is impressive. that valley and Goliath is impressive. that valley and Goliath is impressive. Even the stories uh the details of the Even the stories uh the details of the Even the stories uh the details of the story are designed to make us feel the story are designed to make us feel the story are designed to make us feel the weight of his power. We're naming weight of his power. We're naming weight of his power. We're naming numbers and statistics. And his armor is numbers and statistics. And his armor is numbers and statistics. And his armor is enormous, his weapons enormous, his enormous, his weapons enormous, his enormous, his weapons enormous, his presence massive. And for 40 days, he's presence massive. And for 40 days, he's presence massive. And for 40 days, he's been standing in that valley challenging been standing in that valley challenging been standing in that valley challenging the Israelites. the Israelites. the Israelites. And nobody moves from the Israelite And nobody moves from the Israelite And nobody moves from the Israelite army. Nobody wants to face him. army. Nobody wants to face him. army. Nobody wants to face him. Then David arrives and essentially Then David arrives and essentially Then David arrives and essentially says,"I'll go." Saul tries to help. He says,"I'll go." Saul tries to help. He says,"I'll go." Saul tries to help. He gives David his armor. David puts it on.

gives David his armor. David puts it on. gives David his armor. David puts it on. And then comes one of my favorite lines And then comes one of my favorite lines And then comes one of my favorite lines in the story. David strapped Saul's in the story. David strapped Saul's in the story. David strapped Saul's sword over Saul's armor and he tried in sword over Saul's armor and he tried in sword over Saul's armor and he tried in vain to walk for he was not used to vain to walk for he was not used to vain to walk for he was not used to them. David can't even walk with this them. David can't even walk with this them. David can't even walk with this borrowed armor on him. So, he takes it borrowed armor on him. So, he takes it borrowed armor on him. So, he takes it off and sets it aside. And I think that off and sets it aside. And I think that off and sets it aside. And I think that might be the most important moment in might be the most important moment in might be the most important moment in this story because David cannot face this story because David cannot face this story because David cannot face Goliath in borrowed armor. Now, armor is Goliath in borrowed armor. Now, armor is Goliath in borrowed armor. Now, armor is not necessarily bad. It serves Saul not necessarily bad. It serves Saul not necessarily bad. It serves Saul well. It's just not David's. And that's well. It's just not David's. And that's well. It's just not David's. And that's a profoundly important a profoundly important a profoundly important and surprising spiritual lesson. Because and surprising spiritual lesson. Because and surprising spiritual lesson. Because if you think about your life, if you think about your life, if you think about your life, we all have some kind of borrowed armor we all have some kind of borrowed armor we all have some kind of borrowed armor that we attempt to put on to face our that we attempt to put on to face our that we attempt to put on to face our challenges. challenges. challenges. We learn very early on what we're We learn very early on what we're We learn very early on what we're supposed to look like if we want to be supposed to look like if we want to be supposed to look like if we want to be successful. We learn what a successful successful. We learn what a successful successful. We learn what a successful person sounds like, what a successful person sounds like, what a successful person sounds like, what a successful family looks like, what a successful family looks like, what a successful family looks like, what a successful career achieves, what a successful career achieves, what a successful career achieves, what a successful Christian does. And we try all of that Christian does. And we try all of that Christian does. And we try all of that on. Sometimes we wear armor that's on. Sometimes we wear armor that's on. Sometimes we wear armor that's handed to us by our parents or by our handed to us by our parents or by our handed to us by our parents or by our culture, by our profession, culture, by our profession, culture, by our profession, sometimes by our church, or sometimes by sometimes by our church, or sometimes by sometimes by our church, or sometimes by our own fear.

our own fear. our own fear. And sometimes that borrowed armor looks And sometimes that borrowed armor looks And sometimes that borrowed armor looks really impressive. But eventually we really impressive. But eventually we really impressive. But eventually we discover that we can't walk in it. We discover that we can't walk in it. We discover that we can't walk in it. We can't move in it. It's not ours. can't move in it. It's not ours. can't move in it. It's not ours. So in the story, David takes off Saul's So in the story, David takes off Saul's So in the story, David takes off Saul's armor. And then he does something that's armor. And then he does something that's armor. And then he does something that's pretty remarkable. He goes back to what pretty remarkable. He goes back to what pretty remarkable. He goes back to what he knows. He goes down to the stream, he knows. He goes down to the stream, he knows. He goes down to the stream, gathers five smooth stones. He picks up gathers five smooth stones. He picks up gathers five smooth stones. He picks up the tools that actually belong to him. the tools that actually belong to him. the tools that actually belong to him. He doesn't become someone else in order He doesn't become someone else in order He doesn't become someone else in order to face Goliath. He just becomes more to face Goliath. He just becomes more to face Goliath. He just becomes more fully himself in that moment. He leans fully himself in that moment. He leans fully himself in that moment. He leans into his past experiences, into his past experiences, into his past experiences, into everything that God has already into everything that God has already into everything that God has already been doing in his life and he trusts it. been doing in his life and he trusts it. been doing in his life and he trusts it. And perhaps that is part of what faith And perhaps that is part of what faith And perhaps that is part of what faith asks of us. Not to become more asks of us. Not to become more asks of us. Not to become more impressive or more powerful. Definitely impressive or more powerful. Definitely impressive or more powerful. Definitely not to become somebody else, but to not to become somebody else, but to not to become somebody else, but to become more fully the person God created become more fully the person God created become more fully the person God created us to be. us to be. us to be. And this is where I think we have to And this is where I think we have to And this is where I think we have to resist turning David and Goliath into resist turning David and Goliath into resist turning David and Goliath into just a simple self-help story. Where we just a simple self-help story. Where we just a simple self-help story. Where we just say, "Believe in yourself. You can just say, "Believe in yourself. You can just say, "Believe in yourself. You can defeat any giant. Anything is possible defeat any giant. Anything is possible defeat any giant. Anything is possible if you just try hard enough." And that's if you just try hard enough." And that's if you just try hard enough." And that's not quite what David is saying. David not quite what David is saying. David not quite what David is saying. David doesn't say, "I am stronger than doesn't say, "I am stronger than doesn't say, "I am stronger than Goliath." He says, "The Lord does not Goliath." He says, "The Lord does not Goliath." He says, "The Lord does not save by sword or spear." David's save by sword or spear." David's save by sword or spear." David's confidence is not ultimately in himself.

confidence is not ultimately in himself. confidence is not ultimately in himself. That's bold and courageous. That's bold and courageous. That's bold and courageous. His confidence is in God. And that His confidence is in God. And that His confidence is in God. And that matters because there will be times when matters because there will be times when matters because there will be times when we are not strong enough. There will be we are not strong enough. There will be we are not strong enough. There will be problems that we cannot solve. There problems that we cannot solve. There problems that we cannot solve. There will be people that we cannot change, will be people that we cannot change, will be people that we cannot change, losses we cannot prevent, and there will losses we cannot prevent, and there will losses we cannot prevent, and there will be circumstances that are simply bigger be circumstances that are simply bigger be circumstances that are simply bigger than our individual capacity to handle than our individual capacity to handle than our individual capacity to handle them. Faith doesn't promise that we'll them. Faith doesn't promise that we'll them. Faith doesn't promise that we'll always win. It just promises that we are always win. It just promises that we are always win. It just promises that we are not alone. And perhaps even more not alone. And perhaps even more not alone. And perhaps even more importantly, faith teaches us that we importantly, faith teaches us that we importantly, faith teaches us that we don't have to fight every battle on the don't have to fight every battle on the don't have to fight every battle on the world's terms. Goliath has a sword. world's terms. Goliath has a sword. world's terms. Goliath has a sword. David has a sling. Goliath has armor. David has a sling. Goliath has armor. David has a sling. Goliath has armor. David has stones. Goliath has the kind David has stones. Goliath has the kind David has stones. Goliath has the kind of power that everybody recognizes. of power that everybody recognizes. of power that everybody recognizes. But David trusts the kind of power that But David trusts the kind of power that But David trusts the kind of power that Goliath doesn't understand. Goliath doesn't understand. Goliath doesn't understand. David recognizes that there are David recognizes that there are David recognizes that there are resources beyond the technology of resources beyond the technology of resources beyond the technology of kingdoms. All of the business as usual kingdoms. All of the business as usual kingdoms. All of the business as usual stuff stuff stuff that nations tend to trust in. That's that nations tend to trust in. That's that nations tend to trust in. That's what makes this more than an underdog what makes this more than an underdog what makes this more than an underdog story. David doesn't defeat Goliath by story. David doesn't defeat Goliath by story. David doesn't defeat Goliath by becoming Goliath. He doesn't answer becoming Goliath. He doesn't answer becoming Goliath. He doesn't answer violence with violence that's greater.

violence with violence that's greater. violence with violence that's greater. He He doesn't decide that the only way He He doesn't decide that the only way He He doesn't decide that the only way to confront power is to become more to confront power is to become more to confront power is to become more powerful. He refuses to fight on powerful. He refuses to fight on powerful. He refuses to fight on Goliath's terms. And that's a lesson we Goliath's terms. And that's a lesson we Goliath's terms. And that's a lesson we need in every generation because there's need in every generation because there's need in every generation because there's Goliaths in every generation. There's Goliaths in every generation. There's Goliaths in every generation. There's personal Goliaths, fear and grief, personal Goliaths, fear and grief, personal Goliaths, fear and grief, addiction, loneliness or illness, addiction, loneliness or illness, addiction, loneliness or illness, failure, uncertainty. failure, uncertainty. failure, uncertainty. There's relational Goliaths like broken There's relational Goliaths like broken There's relational Goliaths like broken relationships and family conflict and relationships and family conflict and relationships and family conflict and estrangement. estrangement. estrangement. And there are social Goliaths, And there are social Goliaths, And there are social Goliaths, injustice and poverty, racism, injustice and poverty, racism, injustice and poverty, racism, exclusion, systems that tell some people exclusion, systems that tell some people exclusion, systems that tell some people that their lives matter less than that their lives matter less than that their lives matter less than others. And there are spiritual others. And there are spiritual others. And there are spiritual Goliaths, the voices that tell us that Goliaths, the voices that tell us that Goliaths, the voices that tell us that God is distant, that we're alone, that God is distant, that we're alone, that God is distant, that we're alone, that nothing can change. nothing can change. nothing can change. The Christian response in all of that is The Christian response in all of that is The Christian response in all of that is not to find a bigger sword. In fact, I not to find a bigger sword. In fact, I not to find a bigger sword. In fact, I would argue that the Christian response would argue that the Christian response would argue that the Christian response is never to find a bigger sword.

is never to find a bigger sword. is never to find a bigger sword. Sometimes it's to recognize that the Sometimes it's to recognize that the Sometimes it's to recognize that the weapons that we have been taught to weapons that we have been taught to weapons that we have been taught to trust are not the only sources of power. trust are not the only sources of power. trust are not the only sources of power. Truth can be powerful. Truth can be powerful. Truth can be powerful. Love is powerful. Compassion is Love is powerful. Compassion is Love is powerful. Compassion is powerful. powerful. powerful. Community can be powerful. Faithful Community can be powerful. Faithful Community can be powerful. Faithful presence can be powerful. And sometimes presence can be powerful. And sometimes presence can be powerful. And sometimes a small act of courage offered a small act of courage offered a small act of courage offered faithfully can become the stone that faithfully can become the stone that faithfully can become the stone that begins to bring something enormous down. begins to bring something enormous down. begins to bring something enormous down. The entire army of Israel had been The entire army of Israel had been The entire army of Israel had been standing on the other side of the standing on the other side of the standing on the other side of the valley, frozen, paralyzed with fear. And valley, frozen, paralyzed with fear. And valley, frozen, paralyzed with fear. And we might know something about that. we might know something about that. we might know something about that. Have you ever found yourself stuck in a Have you ever found yourself stuck in a Have you ever found yourself stuck in a standoff between fear and the standoff between fear and the standoff between fear and the possibilities of life with God? You know possibilities of life with God? You know possibilities of life with God? You know something needs to change. You know something needs to change. You know something needs to change. You know someone needs to speak. You know you someone needs to speak. You know you someone needs to speak. You know you need to take a step. But the thing in need to take a step. But the thing in need to take a step. But the thing in front of you feels so big that you don't front of you feels so big that you don't front of you feels so big that you don't even know where to begin. even know where to begin. even know where to begin. David begins just by stepping into the David begins just by stepping into the David begins just by stepping into the valley. Not because he's fearless.

valley. Not because he's fearless. valley. Not because he's fearless. Not because he knows exactly how the Not because he knows exactly how the Not because he knows exactly how the story will end. but because he trusts story will end. but because he trusts story will end. but because he trusts God enough to take the first step. God enough to take the first step. God enough to take the first step. And I think that that is a better And I think that that is a better And I think that that is a better definition of courage than fearlessness. definition of courage than fearlessness. definition of courage than fearlessness. You've heard it said before, courage is You've heard it said before, courage is You've heard it said before, courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is just not the absence of fear. Courage is just not the absence of fear. Courage is just refusing to let fear make that decision. refusing to let fear make that decision. refusing to let fear make that decision. Sometimes courage looks dramatic, but Sometimes courage looks dramatic, but Sometimes courage looks dramatic, but sometimes it looks so very ordinary. sometimes it looks so very ordinary. sometimes it looks so very ordinary. It might mean telling the truth or It might mean telling the truth or It might mean telling the truth or apologizing, apologizing, apologizing, setting a boundary or asking for help. setting a boundary or asking for help. setting a boundary or asking for help. It might mean standing beside someone It might mean standing beside someone It might mean standing beside someone who's being excluded, who's being excluded, who's being excluded, trying again after failure, beginning trying again after failure, beginning trying again after failure, beginning something new, or letting go of something new, or letting go of something new, or letting go of something that no longer fits. It might something that no longer fits. It might something that no longer fits. It might be speaking up when silence would be so be speaking up when silence would be so be speaking up when silence would be so much easier, or simply getting up much easier, or simply getting up much easier, or simply getting up tomorrow morning and taking the next tomorrow morning and taking the next tomorrow morning and taking the next faithful step. faithful step. faithful step. And so, yes, I think that this is a And so, yes, I think that this is a And so, yes, I think that this is a fitting story for the beginning of a fitting story for the beginning of a fitting story for the beginning of a school year. school year. school year. Perhaps not only because David is young.

Perhaps not only because David is young. Perhaps not only because David is young. The message isn't really about children The message isn't really about children The message isn't really about children defeating their giants, but it's about defeating their giants, but it's about defeating their giants, but it's about all of us learning to recognize that God all of us learning to recognize that God all of us learning to recognize that God has already placed something into our has already placed something into our has already placed something into our hands and that God is already at work hands and that God is already at work hands and that God is already at work and with us. For some, this year might and with us. For some, this year might and with us. For some, this year might bring a new classroom or a new school. bring a new classroom or a new school. bring a new classroom or a new school. But for someone else, it might bring But for someone else, it might bring But for someone else, it might bring retirement or a new job or a changed retirement or a new job or a changed retirement or a new job or a changed relationship or an empty nest or a new relationship or an empty nest or a new relationship or an empty nest or a new season of caregiving, a diagnosis, a season of caregiving, a diagnosis, a season of caregiving, a diagnosis, a move, a loss, a beginning you didn't move, a loss, a beginning you didn't move, a loss, a beginning you didn't choose, or maybe just another year of choose, or maybe just another year of choose, or maybe just another year of trying to be faithful in the ordinary trying to be faithful in the ordinary trying to be faithful in the ordinary circumstances of life. Whatever valley circumstances of life. Whatever valley circumstances of life. Whatever valley it is, the invitation is the same. it is, the invitation is the same. it is, the invitation is the same. Don't wear armor that doesn't fit. Don't Don't wear armor that doesn't fit. Don't Don't wear armor that doesn't fit. Don't measure yourself by somebody else's measure yourself by somebody else's measure yourself by somebody else's standard. Don't assume that the only standard. Don't assume that the only standard. Don't assume that the only kind of power that matters is the kind kind of power that matters is the kind kind of power that matters is the kind that the world recognizes. And don't that the world recognizes. And don't that the world recognizes. And don't assume that because what you have seems assume that because what you have seems assume that because what you have seems small that it is insignificant.

small that it is insignificant. small that it is insignificant. David had a sling, five stones, and David had a sling, five stones, and David had a sling, five stones, and trust in God. And that was enough for trust in God. And that was enough for trust in God. And that was enough for his next step. his next step. his next step. There's one final detail in the story There's one final detail in the story There's one final detail in the story that I love. And the reading today ends that I love. And the reading today ends that I love. And the reading today ends with verse 50. There was no sword in with verse 50. There was no sword in with verse 50. There was no sword in David's hand. No sword, no borrowed David's hand. No sword, no borrowed David's hand. No sword, no borrowed armor, just a shepherd boy, a sling, a armor, just a shepherd boy, a sling, a armor, just a shepherd boy, a sling, a few stones, and trust in God. And maybe few stones, and trust in God. And maybe few stones, and trust in God. And maybe that's where this story leaves us. Not that's where this story leaves us. Not that's where this story leaves us. Not with the promise that every giant will with the promise that every giant will with the promise that every giant will fall or that faith makes us invincible, fall or that faith makes us invincible, fall or that faith makes us invincible, but with the promise that God's power is but with the promise that God's power is but with the promise that God's power is not limited to the things that the world not limited to the things that the world not limited to the things that the world recognizes as powerful. recognizes as powerful. recognizes as powerful. The God who sees the heart sees what is The God who sees the heart sees what is The God who sees the heart sees what is in us that others cannot see. The God in us that others cannot see. The God in us that others cannot see. The God who met David in the valley meets us in who met David in the valley meets us in who met David in the valley meets us in our valley. And the God who does not our valley. And the God who does not our valley. And the God who does not save by sword or spear is still at work save by sword or spear is still at work save by sword or spear is still at work through ordinary people who trust God through ordinary people who trust God through ordinary people who trust God enough to offer what they have. So as we enough to offer what they have. So as we enough to offer what they have. So as we begin this new school year, perhaps our begin this new school year, perhaps our begin this new school year, perhaps our prayer is not, "God, make me bigger.

prayer is not, "God, make me bigger. prayer is not, "God, make me bigger. Increase my territory. Let me conquer it Increase my territory. Let me conquer it Increase my territory. Let me conquer it all." Perhaps our prayer is, "God, help all." Perhaps our prayer is, "God, help all." Perhaps our prayer is, "God, help me become more fully who you created me me become more fully who you created me me become more fully who you created me to be. Help me lay down the armor that to be. Help me lay down the armor that to be. Help me lay down the armor that doesn't fit. Help me recognize the gifts doesn't fit. Help me recognize the gifts doesn't fit. Help me recognize the gifts already in my hands. already in my hands. already in my hands. Give me courage to take the next Give me courage to take the next Give me courage to take the next faithful step. And God, when I encounter faithful step. And God, when I encounter faithful step. And God, when I encounter someone facing a Goliath of their own, someone facing a Goliath of their own, someone facing a Goliath of their own, give me the courage not simply to cheer give me the courage not simply to cheer give me the courage not simply to cheer for them from a safe distance, but to for them from a safe distance, but to for them from a safe distance, but to walk into the valley with them. because walk into the valley with them. because walk into the valley with them. because we're not promised that we will never we're not promised that we will never we're not promised that we will never face giants. We're just promised that we face giants. We're just promised that we face giants. We're just promised that we will never face them alone. will never face them alone. will never face them alone. So take off that borrowed armor, bring So take off that borrowed armor, bring So take off that borrowed armor, bring what you have, trust the God who sees what you have, trust the God who sees what you have, trust the God who sees your heart, step into that valley, and your heart, step into that valley, and your heart, step into that valley, and remember remember remember the giant may be big, but the giant does the giant may be big, but the giant does the giant may be big, but the giant does not have the final word. not have the final word. not have the final word. Amen.

As we come towards the end of our As we come towards the end of our service, there are a number of service, there are a number of service, there are a number of invitations that we offer to you. invitations that we offer to you. invitations that we offer to you. First, we want to invite you to join us First, we want to invite you to join us First, we want to invite you to join us in our back to school prayer walk. You in our back to school prayer walk. You in our back to school prayer walk. You can see details about that in your can see details about that in your can see details about that in your worship bulletin. Then you can take that worship bulletin. Then you can take that worship bulletin. Then you can take that bulletin with you. And whether you go to bulletin with you. And whether you go to bulletin with you. And whether you go to one of the campuses that's listed there one of the campuses that's listed there one of the campuses that's listed there or there's another school somewhere that or there's another school somewhere that or there's another school somewhere that is important to you and your people, is important to you and your people, is important to you and your people, there are some prayer resources in there there are some prayer resources in there there are some prayer resources in there that you can take and pray over that that you can take and pray over that that you can take and pray over that campus. Um, and just pray for the year campus. Um, and just pray for the year campus. Um, and just pray for the year ahead. All are welcome on this prayer ahead. All are welcome on this prayer ahead. All are welcome on this prayer walk. It's a communitywide thing that walk. It's a communitywide thing that walk. It's a communitywide thing that we've organized for the last six years. we've organized for the last six years. we've organized for the last six years. Um, and we would love to have you there. Um, and we would love to have you there. Um, and we would love to have you there. I also want to invite you to take your I also want to invite you to take your I also want to invite you to take your bulletin home to consider your next step bulletin home to consider your next step bulletin home to consider your next step in faith. There are different Bible in faith. There are different Bible in faith. There are different Bible studies starting up, different community studies starting up, different community studies starting up, different community groups, things like that. There's a groups, things like that. There's a groups, things like that. There's a place for you here. And if you need help place for you here. And if you need help place for you here. And if you need help finding it, just let one of us know. I finding it, just let one of us know. I finding it, just let one of us know. I especially want to invite you to talk especially want to invite you to talk especially want to invite you to talk with Pastor Jim and I in the Narthx with Pastor Jim and I in the Narthx with Pastor Jim and I in the Narthx after the service. Especially if you're after the service. Especially if you're after the service. Especially if you're new, we would love to just say hello, new, we would love to just say hello, new, we would love to just say hello, get your name, and begin to get to know get your name, and begin to get to know get your name, and begin to get to know you and make that connection. And if you you and make that connection. And if you you and make that connection. And if you um are looking and you have found your um are looking and you have found your um are looking and you have found your spiritual home here at MDMC and would spiritual home here at MDMC and would spiritual home here at MDMC and would like to join us by becoming a member, like to join us by becoming a member, like to join us by becoming a member, you can come forward as we sing our you can come forward as we sing our you can come forward as we sing our closing hymn. Now, the last invitation closing hymn. Now, the last invitation closing hymn. Now, the last invitation or reminder that I want to give is that or reminder that I want to give is that or reminder that I want to give is that we recognize that sometimes what brings we recognize that sometimes what brings we recognize that sometimes what brings you here on a Sunday morning is not the you here on a Sunday morning is not the you here on a Sunday morning is not the music or the preaching or anything else, music or the preaching or anything else, music or the preaching or anything else, but something that's going on in your but something that's going on in your but something that's going on in your life. And so if you'd like to speak with life. And so if you'd like to speak with life. And so if you'd like to speak with a Steven minister, someone who will

a Steven minister, someone who will a Steven minister, someone who will listen with compassion and empathy, listen with compassion and empathy, listen with compassion and empathy, someone who could offer a prayer with someone who could offer a prayer with someone who could offer a prayer with you, they'll be in the narthx as well. you, they'll be in the narthx as well. you, they'll be in the narthx as well. So you can find them with the ribbons So you can find them with the ribbons So you can find them with the ribbons and the name tags. But in all of these and the name tags. But in all of these and the name tags. But in all of these things, in all that lays before us, things, in all that lays before us, things, in all that lays before us, whether it looks to you like a valley or whether it looks to you like a valley or whether it looks to you like a valley or whether it looks to you like a smooth whether it looks to you like a smooth whether it looks to you like a smooth path, we stand together and sing and path, we stand together and sing and path, we stand together and sing and pray with our song that God would guide pray with our song that God would guide pray with our song that God would guide us. Would you stand? Let's sing us. Would you stand? Let's sing us. Would you stand? Let's sing together. Praise Praise the Lord.

Praise Praise the >> As you go, remember the words that we've >> As you go, remember the words that we've printed on those backpack tags that printed on those backpack tags that printed on those backpack tags that wherever you go, God goes with you. So

wherever you go, God goes with you. So wherever you go, God goes with you. So go in peace, in strength, in a sure go in peace, in strength, in a sure go in peace, in strength, in a sure knowledge that the Lord goes with you. knowledge that the Lord goes with you. knowledge that the Lord goes with you. Go to serve God and your neighbor in all Go to serve God and your neighbor in all Go to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do. Amen. that you do. Amen. that you do. Amen. Listen [music]

[music] Heat.