Classic Worship | 11:00 AM | August 30th , 2026

past in the scriptures of the Old past in the scriptures of the Old Testament to today and that will resound Testament to today and that will resound Testament to today and that will resound in generations future. Holy, holy, holy in generations future. Holy, holy, holy in generations future. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. Welcome to is the Lord God Almighty. Welcome to is the Lord God Almighty. Welcome to Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. I'm so glad that you are here. Whether I'm so glad that you are here. Whether I'm so glad that you are here. Whether you're in this space gathering, you're in this space gathering, you're in this space gathering, connecting, enjoying the beauty of our connecting, enjoying the beauty of our connecting, enjoying the beauty of our sanctuary, or you're joining us online, sanctuary, or you're joining us online, sanctuary, or you're joining us online, I want to welcome you. I'm just so glad I want to welcome you. I'm just so glad I want to welcome you. I'm just so glad that we have this time and this space that we have this time and this space that we have this time and this space set aside to be the church, to connect set aside to be the church, to connect set aside to be the church, to connect to one another and to learn about God, to one another and to learn about God, to one another and to learn about God, to be in the presence of God. Indeed, to be in the presence of God. Indeed, to be in the presence of God. Indeed, when we slow down just enough to sit and when we slow down just enough to sit and when we slow down just enough to sit and worship, we then can realize that all worship, we then can realize that all worship, we then can realize that all along God has been with us in the week along God has been with us in the week along God has been with us in the week past. And we just celebrate that in our past. And we just celebrate that in our past. And we just celebrate that in our midst when we gather. I'm Pastor Jenny. midst when we gather. I'm Pastor Jenny. midst when we gather. I'm Pastor Jenny. I'm one of the ministers here at MDUMC. I'm one of the ministers here at MDUMC. I'm one of the ministers here at MDUMC. 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. I hope that you'll take name of Christ. I hope that you'll take name of Christ. I hope that you'll take a minute now and register your a minute now and register your a minute now and register your attendance. You can do that by scanning attendance. You can do that by scanning attendance. You can do that by scanning the QR code that's on the front of your the QR code that's on the front of your the QR code that's on the front of your bulletin. You can also do that by bulletin. You can also do that by bulletin. You can also do that by finding the blue registration folder on finding the blue registration folder on finding the blue registration folder on each row of pews and filling out your each row of pews and filling out your each row of pews and filling out your sheet, passing that down. We always say sheet, passing that down. We always say sheet, passing that down. We always say it because it's true. We're a better it because it's true. We're a better it because it's true. We're a better church when we know who's worshiping church when we know who's worshiping church when we know who's worshiping with us and how we can be in ministry with us and how we can be in ministry with us and how we can be in ministry with you and for you. So, please take a with you and for you. So, please take a with you and for you. So, please take a minute and sign in. It's going to be a minute and sign in. It's going to be a minute and sign in. It's going to be a wonderful day of worship and music and wonderful day of worship and music and wonderful day of worship and music and prayer and praise. We're continuing our prayer and praise. We're continuing our prayer and praise. We're continuing our series on back to Sunday school stories series on back to Sunday school stories series on back to Sunday school stories with a wonderful story of Jonah and some with a wonderful story of Jonah and some with a wonderful story of Jonah and some say the whale. Um, as you gather in, as

say the whale. Um, as you gather in, as say the whale. Um, as you gather in, as we come together here today, we come we come together here today, we come we come together here today, we come with gladness, we come with joy, we come with gladness, we come with joy, we come with gladness, we come with joy, we come with burdens, but we come knowing that with burdens, but we come knowing that with burdens, but we come knowing that God is faithful. So, let's begin our God is faithful. So, let's begin our God is faithful. So, let's begin our time by turning our attention, calling time by turning our attention, calling time by turning our attention, calling ourselves into worship with this ourselves into worship with this ourselves into worship with this responsive prayer. I want to invite you responsive prayer. I want to invite you responsive prayer. I want to invite you to stand in body or in spirit as you're to stand in body or in spirit as you're to stand in body or in spirit as you're able and join me in this prayer. For able and join me in this prayer. For able and join me in this prayer. For we've come to worship God who loved us we've come to worship God who loved us we've come to worship God who loved us before we were yet born. Who knows us before we were yet born. Who knows us before we were yet born. Who knows us better than we know ourselves. Whose better than we know ourselves. Whose better than we know ourselves. Whose presence never leaves us and whose love presence never leaves us and whose love presence never leaves us and whose love for us never ceases. This is our God. for us never ceases. This is our God. for us never ceases. This is our God. Let's worship together.

Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. Glory. and and uses usues usues us. Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. We have We have mercy Mighty Mighty Lord I Lord I Lord I might for The mercy of his love

for The mercy of his love to my children to my children to my children glory search.

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

everlasting. everlasting. Amen. Glory Glory to the Father to the Father to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. Ghost. Ghost. As God is is ever before you're seated, I hope you'll take before you're seated, I hope you'll take a moment and greet the people around a moment and greet the people around a moment and greet the people around you. Pass the peace of Christ and say you. Pass the peace of Christ and say you. Pass the peace of Christ and say hello.

>> Good morning. Good morning. >> Good morning. Good morning. >> Good morning. And I'd like to invite any >> Good morning. And I'd like to invite any >> Good morning. And I'd like to invite any children that would like to come and children that would like to come and children that would like to come and join me for children's time here. Why join me for children's time here. Why join me for children's time here. Why don't you come sit over here? Oh, good. don't you come sit over here? Oh, good. don't you come sit over here? Oh, good. Okay. Good morning. Come on down. How Okay. Good morning. Come on down. How Okay. Good morning. Come on down. How are y'all today? Good morning. Glad to are y'all today? Good morning. Glad to are y'all today? Good morning. Glad to have you. Hi, Fiverr. How are you? Okay. have you. Hi, Fiverr. How are you? Okay. have you. Hi, Fiverr. How are you? Okay. All right. Y'all are going to help me All right. Y'all are going to help me All right. Y'all are going to help me because a lot of y'all are older. So, I because a lot of y'all are older. So, I because a lot of y'all are older. So, I think you're going to know the story. Do think you're going to know the story. Do think you're going to know the story. Do you want to guess what story I'm going you want to guess what story I'm going you want to guess what story I'm going to talk about? Just seeing if y'all were to talk about? Just seeing if y'all were to talk about? Just seeing if y'all were listening earlier. Do you want to guess listening earlier. Do you want to guess listening earlier. Do you want to guess what what story do you think I'll Yeah. what what story do you think I'll Yeah. what what story do you think I'll Yeah. Say it. Say it. Say it. >> It is about God. Very good. Okay. Good >> It is about God. Very good. Okay. Good >> It is about God. Very good. Okay. Good answer. All right. So, it's about God answer. All right. So, it's about God answer. All right. So, it's about God and it's about a man named Jonah. Have and it's about a man named Jonah. Have and it's about a man named Jonah. Have y'all heard of that name? y'all heard of that name? y'all heard of that name? >> Jonah. You know the story, right? Jonah >> Jonah. You know the story, right? Jonah >> Jonah. You know the story, right? Jonah and the and the and the >> whale. That's what she said earlier. She >> whale. That's what she said earlier. She >> whale. That's what she said earlier. She said, "Is it a whale? Is it a big fish?" said, "Is it a whale? Is it a big fish?" said, "Is it a whale? Is it a big fish?" One of the challenges I want you to do One of the challenges I want you to do One of the challenges I want you to do today is to go read it's a big fish. She today is to go read it's a big fish. She today is to go read it's a big fish. She said it. Mia says it's a big fish. is to said it. Mia says it's a big fish. is to said it. Mia says it's a big fish. is to go read about that later and see what go read about that later and see what go read about that later and see what your Bible says. See if your Bible says your Bible says. See if your Bible says your Bible says. See if your Bible says it's a whale or if it's a big fish. But it's a whale or if it's a big fish. But it's a whale or if it's a big fish. But here's what we want to talk about. Y'all here's what we want to talk about. Y'all here's what we want to talk about. Y'all help me with the story because I think help me with the story because I think help me with the story because I think you know it. So Jonah is a prophet. So you know it. So Jonah is a prophet. So you know it. So Jonah is a prophet. So that means he listens to God, right? And that means he listens to God, right? And that means he listens to God, right? And shares that. So God has a big request of shares that. So God has a big request of shares that. So God has a big request of Jonah. Jonah says, "I want you to go to Jonah. Jonah says, "I want you to go to Jonah. Jonah says, "I want you to go to this city." Does anybody know the name this city." Does anybody know the name this city." Does anybody know the name of the city?

of the city? of the city? >> God said >> God said >> God said >> God So you're right. God said, "Go >> God So you're right. God said, "Go >> God So you're right. God said, "Go Jonah, go to the big city." And the Jonah, go to the big city." And the Jonah, go to the big city." And the city's name was Nineveh. Can you say city's name was Nineveh. Can you say city's name was Nineveh. Can you say that? that? that? >> Nineveh. >> Nineveh. >> Nineveh. >> It's kind of one of those weird words, >> It's kind of one of those weird words, >> It's kind of one of those weird words, but it's Nineveh. He said, "Go to but it's Nineveh. He said, "Go to but it's Nineveh. He said, "Go to Nineveh and tell the people about me and Nineveh and tell the people about me and Nineveh and tell the people about me and all that." And guess what Jonah said? all that." And guess what Jonah said? all that." And guess what Jonah said? What do you think he said? Did he say, What do you think he said? Did he say, What do you think he said? Did he say, "I'm going to go." Or did he say, "No "I'm going to go." Or did he say, "No "I'm going to go." Or did he say, "No way, Jose." way, Jose." way, Jose." >> No. That's right, Piper. He said, "No." >> No. That's right, Piper. He said, "No." >> No. That's right, Piper. He said, "No." He said, "No, I'm not going. Those He said, "No, I'm not going. Those He said, "No, I'm not going. Those people are bad. I don't want to go people are bad. I don't want to go people are bad. I don't want to go there." And he ran the other way. Okay. there." And he ran the other way. Okay. there." And he ran the other way. Okay. So, he told him to go to Nineveh over So, he told him to go to Nineveh over So, he told him to go to Nineveh over here. And where did he go? here. And where did he go? here. And where did he go? >> He tried to run away from >> He tried to run away from >> He tried to run away from >> He did. She just said it. He tried to >> He did. She just said it. He tried to >> He did. She just said it. He tried to run away from God. Now, I'm gonna ask run away from God. Now, I'm gonna ask run away from God. Now, I'm gonna ask you children, can you run away from God? you children, can you run away from God? you children, can you run away from God? >> Will that work? >> Will that work? >> Will that work? >> No. So, Jonah should have listened to >> No. So, Jonah should have listened to >> No. So, Jonah should have listened to y'all. He should have had the faith like y'all. He should have had the faith like y'all. He should have had the faith like a child because children know you cannot a child because children know you cannot a child because children know you cannot run away from God. But he still tried. run away from God. But he still tried. run away from God. But he still tried. And he tried really hard. He tried so And he tried really hard. He tried so And he tried really hard. He tried so hard that he ran away from Nineveh and hard that he ran away from Nineveh and hard that he ran away from Nineveh and he jumped in a boat and he got on the he jumped in a boat and he got on the he jumped in a boat and he got on the boat and what happened on the boat? boat and what happened on the boat? boat and what happened on the boat? >> He fell.

>> He fell. >> He fell. >> He didn't fall. Do you know what they >> He didn't fall. Do you know what they >> He didn't fall. Do you know what they did? He They threw him out of the boat. did? He They threw him out of the boat. did? He They threw him out of the boat. She said they threw him out of the boat She said they threw him out of the boat She said they threw him out of the boat because it was storming so bad. And they because it was storming so bad. And they because it was storming so bad. And they thought, "What is going on? Why is it thought, "What is going on? Why is it thought, "What is going on? Why is it storming so bad?" And Jonah knew. And he storming so bad?" And Jonah knew. And he storming so bad?" And Jonah knew. And he raised his hand and he said, "It's raised his hand and he said, "It's raised his hand and he said, "It's because of me. I'm trying to run away because of me. I'm trying to run away because of me. I'm trying to run away from God." And the storm is to tell me from God." And the storm is to tell me from God." And the storm is to tell me that I'm not being good. So guess what that I'm not being good. So guess what that I'm not being good. So guess what they did? They did exactly what you they did? They did exactly what you they did? They did exactly what you said. They threw Jonah over overboard. said. They threw Jonah over overboard. said. They threw Jonah over overboard. Splash. And then what happened? Splash. And then what happened? Splash. And then what happened? >> He got eaten by a whale. >> He got eaten by a whale. >> He got eaten by a whale. >> He got eaten by a big fish or a big >> He got eaten by a big fish or a big >> He got eaten by a big fish or a big whale. That's right. Because this the whale. That's right. Because this the whale. That's right. Because this the biggest fish we know of is a is a whale. biggest fish we know of is a is a whale. biggest fish we know of is a is a whale. So we think of that So we think of that So we think of that >> big blue. >> big blue. >> big blue. >> A big blue whale. So he got eaten by the >> A big blue whale. So he got eaten by the >> A big blue whale. So he got eaten by the fish. Eventually what what happened to fish. Eventually what what happened to fish. Eventually what what happened to him? him? him? >> He stayed in there for a really long >> He stayed in there for a really long >> He stayed in there for a really long time. And then what happened? time. And then what happened? time. And then what happened? >> Yeah. And then what happened? >> Yeah. And then what happened? >> Yeah. And then what happened? >> How do you think it smelled inside >> How do you think it smelled inside >> How do you think it smelled inside there? How do you think it smelled there? How do you think it smelled there? How do you think it smelled inside the whale? inside the whale? inside the whale? >> Fishy. >> Fishy. >> Fishy. >> Fishy. What do you think? >> Fishy. What do you think? >> Fishy. What do you think? >> Dead fish that are a million years old. >> Dead fish that are a million years old. >> Dead fish that are a million years old. >> That's exactly right. I mean, the kind >> That's exactly right. I mean, the kind >> That's exactly right. I mean, the kind that just makes you sick to your stomach that just makes you sick to your stomach that just makes you sick to your stomach and bad smell. I always think of when and bad smell. I always think of when and bad smell. I always think of when you open up a can of tuna fish. And I you open up a can of tuna fish. And I you open up a can of tuna fish. And I love tuna fish, but man, that first time love tuna fish, but man, that first time love tuna fish, but man, that first time you open up.

you open up. you open up. Okay. So, Okay. So, Okay. So, >> so finally, what does Jonah do the >> so finally, what does Jonah do the >> so finally, what does Jonah do the spit up out of the whale, right? Or the spit up out of the whale, right? Or the spit up out of the whale, right? Or the big fish, right? And then what does big fish, right? And then what does big fish, right? And then what does Jonah finally do? Because then he Jonah finally do? Because then he Jonah finally do? Because then he finally gets the faith of a child and he finally gets the faith of a child and he finally gets the faith of a child and he realizes, what does he need to do? Where realizes, what does he need to do? Where realizes, what does he need to do? Where does he need to go? He needs to go to does he need to go? He needs to go to does he need to go? He needs to go to Nineveh because that's what God told Nineveh because that's what God told Nineveh because that's what God told him. And he finally does what God told him. And he finally does what God told him. And he finally does what God told him to do. But it took him a while. And him to do. But it took him a while. And him to do. But it took him a while. And he talk about learning a lesson. Did he he talk about learning a lesson. Did he he talk about learning a lesson. Did he learn a lesson? He did. He learned a big learn a lesson? He did. He learned a big learn a lesson? He did. He learned a big lesson. lesson. lesson. >> You can say it loud. >> You can say it loud. >> You can say it loud. >> You can never run away from God. >> You can never run away from God. >> You can never run away from God. >> Amen. There we go. All right. Will y'all >> Amen. There we go. All right. Will y'all >> Amen. There we go. All right. Will y'all say a closing prayer with me? Let's If say a closing prayer with me? Let's If say a closing prayer with me? Let's If you want to put your hands together, you want to put your hands together, you want to put your hands together, hands up. Hands together. And if you hands up. Hands together. And if you hands up. Hands together. And if you want to bow your head, repeat after me. want to bow your head, repeat after me. want to bow your head, repeat after me. Dear God, Dear God, Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> help us >> help us >> help us >> help us >> help us >> help us >> to remember >> to remember >> to remember >> what these kids said, >> what these kids said, >> what these kids said, you cannot you cannot you cannot >> run away from God. >> run away from God. >> run away from God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Does anybody want to sugar-free >> Does anybody want to sugar-free >> Does anybody want to sugar-free lollipop? We are y'all so sweet for lollipop? We are y'all so sweet for lollipop? We are y'all so sweet for coming to children's time. We're going coming to children's time. We're going coming to children's time. We're going to give you a sweet.

As the kids make their way back to their As the kids make their way back to their seats, we are excited about all of the seats, we are excited about all of the seats, we are excited about all of the things happening in the life of our things happening in the life of our things happening in the life of our church for all ages, young to old. So, I church for all ages, young to old. So, I church for all ages, young to old. So, I have a few announcements that I'm going have a few announcements that I'm going have a few announcements that I'm going to share with you today instead of our to share with you today instead of our to share with you today instead of our video. First thing to know is that next video. First thing to know is that next video. First thing to know is that next Sunday might be a little bit different. Sunday might be a little bit different. Sunday might be a little bit different. Next Sunday is family worship Sunday in Next Sunday is family worship Sunday in Next Sunday is family worship Sunday in which we encourage all families to which we encourage all families to which we encourage all families to worship together. There will not be worship together. There will not be worship together. There will not be Sunday school for children. Um, and so Sunday school for children. Um, and so Sunday school for children. Um, and so they'll be here in our space. the time, they'll be here in our space. the time, they'll be here in our space. the time, the place, everything else is the same. the place, everything else is the same. the place, everything else is the same. But we're excited about Family Worship But we're excited about Family Worship But we're excited about Family Worship Sunday because it gives kids the chance Sunday because it gives kids the chance Sunday because it gives kids the chance to experience worship alongside their to experience worship alongside their to experience worship alongside their entire church family and to see that entire church family and to see that entire church family and to see that they have an important place in worship, they have an important place in worship, they have an important place in worship, too. Nursery care will still be too. Nursery care will still be too. Nursery care will still be available for children uh up to four available for children uh up to four available for children uh up to four years old. years old. years old. Fall learning groups are kicking off Fall learning groups are kicking off Fall learning groups are kicking off across MDUMC with opportunities for across MDUMC with opportunities for across MDUMC with opportunities for every age and stage of faith to connect every age and stage of faith to connect every age and stage of faith to connect and to learn and to grow. One new and to learn and to grow. One new and to learn and to grow. One new opportunity that I want to tell you opportunity that I want to tell you opportunity that I want to tell you about is our young family connect. Um about is our young family connect. Um about is our young family connect. Um this is an awesome group designed this is an awesome group designed this is an awesome group designed especially for families with children especially for families with children especially for families with children from infants to elementary and middle from infants to elementary and middle from infants to elementary and middle school age. They meet on Wednesday school age. They meet on Wednesday school age. They meet on Wednesday evenings in the refuge. They begin the evenings in the refuge. They begin the evenings in the refuge. They begin the night by sharing dinner together and night by sharing dinner together and night by sharing dinner together and then kids head off to do an age then kids head off to do an age then kids head off to do an age appropriate lesson and parents have appropriate lesson and parents have appropriate lesson and parents have their own time for study and their own time for study and their own time for study and conversation and connection. Um it's a conversation and connection. Um it's a conversation and connection. Um it's a great way for the whole family to build great way for the whole family to build great way for the whole family to build relationships, get to know other people

relationships, get to know other people relationships, get to know other people that they're sharing church life with that they're sharing church life with that they're sharing church life with and to grow in faith at the same time. and to grow in faith at the same time. and to grow in faith at the same time. You can find information about Young You can find information about Young You can find information about Young Family Connect and all of the other Family Connect and all of the other Family Connect and all of the other Bible studies in small groups and Bible studies in small groups and Bible studies in small groups and opportunities at mdumc.org/arning. It's also in your bulletin today. It's also in your bulletin today. Lastly, we are preparing for our Mexico Lastly, we are preparing for our Mexico Lastly, we are preparing for our Mexico mission trip. It's October 9th through mission trip. It's October 9th through mission trip. It's October 9th through 12th and MDMC is heading to Rio Bravo, 12th and MDMC is heading to Rio Bravo, 12th and MDMC is heading to Rio Bravo, Mexico to serve alongside Manos Hontas, Mexico to serve alongside Manos Hontas, Mexico to serve alongside Manos Hontas, one of our United Methodist ministry one of our United Methodist ministry one of our United Methodist ministry partners. Um, we began doing this trip a partners. Um, we began doing this trip a partners. Um, we began doing this trip a year ago, so this is our second time to year ago, so this is our second time to year ago, so this is our second time to go. It's a particularly familyfriendly go. It's a particularly familyfriendly go. It's a particularly familyfriendly mission opportunity. Um, and a great way mission opportunity. Um, and a great way mission opportunity. Um, and a great way for parents and kids to experience for parents and kids to experience for parents and kids to experience serving together. It's also a great serving together. It's also a great serving together. It's also a great first mission trip if you've been first mission trip if you've been first mission trip if you've been interested in serving beyond Houston, interested in serving beyond Houston, interested in serving beyond Houston, but haven't quite known where to start. but haven't quite known where to start. but haven't quite known where to start. Uh, the team is going to do some Uh, the team is going to do some Uh, the team is going to do some hands-on projects with Manos Hunas, also hands-on projects with Manos Hunas, also hands-on projects with Manos Hunas, also some community outreach alongside our some community outreach alongside our some community outreach alongside our partners there. um you need to sign up partners there. um you need to sign up partners there. um you need to sign up for that trip by September 20th. You can for that trip by September 20th. You can for that trip by September 20th. You can find details online and any of us would find details online and any of us would find details online and any of us would be happy to answer questions for you be happy to answer questions for you be happy to answer questions for you about that trip. There's always so much about that trip. There's always so much about that trip. There's always so much going on around here and so we encourage going on around here and so we encourage going on around here and so we encourage you as always to take your bulletins you as always to take your bulletins you as always to take your bulletins home. You can find more information home. You can find more information home. You can find more information about all of this online or you can about all of this online or you can about all of this online or you can always excuse me you can always call the always excuse me you can always call the always excuse me you can always call the church office too. So our first church office too. So our first church office too. So our first scripture lesson this morning is Psalm scripture lesson this morning is Psalm scripture lesson this morning is Psalm Psalm 139. And as you hear these words, Psalm 139. And as you hear these words, Psalm 139. And as you hear these words, I invite you to consider how is God

I invite you to consider how is God I invite you to consider how is God speaking through this into your life speaking through this into your life speaking through this into your life today. today. today. Oh Lord, you have searched me and known Oh Lord, you have searched me and known Oh Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I me. You know when I sit down and when I me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up. You discern my thoughts from rise up. You discern my thoughts from rise up. You discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my far away. You search out my path and my far away. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all lying down and are acquainted with all lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my my ways. Even before a word is on my my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, oh Lord, you know it completely. tongue, oh Lord, you know it completely. tongue, oh Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in behind and before and lay You hem me in behind and before and lay You hem me in behind and before and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is so high that I wonderful for me. It is so high that I wonderful for me. It is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from cannot attain it. Where can I go from cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your your spirit? Where can I flee from your your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in shol, you are there. If I make my bed in shol, you are there. If I make my bed in shol, you are there. If I take the wings of the there. If I take the wings of the there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest morning and settle at the farthest morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand limits of the sea, even there your hand limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me. and your right hand shall shall lead me. and your right hand shall shall lead me. and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me and the light darkness shall cover me and the light darkness shall cover me and the light around me become night," even the around me become night," even the around me become night," even the darkness is not dark to you. The night darkness is not dark to you. The night darkness is not dark to you. The night is as bright as the day, for darkness is is as bright as the day, for darkness is is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.

as light to you. as light to you. >> 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. of God. of God. >> Thanks be to God. with my soul.

with my soul. with my soul. with my soul. with my soul. It is well for the for the victorious is is to the cross to the cross to the cross and I praise the praise the praise the Lord Well, Well, with my soul with my soul with my soul with my soul.

with my soul. with my soul. It is well be be even so with my soul.

with my soul. It is well Oh Lord, you have searched us and you Oh Lord, you have searched us and you have known us. And for that we are have known us. And for that we are have known us. And for that we are grateful. grateful. grateful. Sovereign God, you are the architect of Sovereign God, you are the architect of Sovereign God, you are the architect of our lives and the captain of our souls. our lives and the captain of our souls. our lives and the captain of our souls. You know our sitting down and our rising You know our sitting down and our rising You know our sitting down and our rising up. You hem us in behind before. And up. You hem us in behind before. And up. You hem us in behind before. And whether we walk through green pastures whether we walk through green pastures whether we walk through green pastures or face the dark trials of a fallen or face the dark trials of a fallen or face the dark trials of a fallen world, we praise you that your presence world, we praise you that your presence world, we praise you that your presence never leaves us. Even when peace attends never leaves us. Even when peace attends never leaves us. Even when peace attends our way or when sorrows seem to roll our way or when sorrows seem to roll our way or when sorrows seem to roll over us, you teach our heart to say that over us, you teach our heart to say that over us, you teach our heart to say that it is well.

it is well. it is well. Today, Lord, we intercede for all who Today, Lord, we intercede for all who Today, Lord, we intercede for all who are tossed about by the storms of life. are tossed about by the storms of life. are tossed about by the storms of life. For those whose hearts are heavy with For those whose hearts are heavy with For those whose hearts are heavy with sudden grief or loss, let your perfect sudden grief or loss, let your perfect sudden grief or loss, let your perfect peace rule in their hearts. When trials peace rule in their hearts. When trials peace rule in their hearts. When trials come and human strength fails, let your come and human strength fails, let your come and human strength fails, let your helpless helpless helpless help us. help us. help us. Let your help Let your help Let your help be found. Let our help be found in you. be found. Let our help be found in you. be found. Let our help be found in you. Help us in our soul to rest in the Help us in our soul to rest in the Help us in our soul to rest in the shadow of your wings. shadow of your wings. shadow of your wings. For those who are fighting silent For those who are fighting silent For those who are fighting silent battles with anxiety or doubt, remind battles with anxiety or doubt, remind battles with anxiety or doubt, remind them that even the darkness is not dark them that even the darkness is not dark them that even the darkness is not dark to you. If they take the wings of the to you. If they take the wings of the to you. If they take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest morning and settle at the farthest morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand limits of the sea, even there your hand limits of the sea, even there your hand leads us. leads us. leads us. Whatever comes our way, God, give us Whatever comes our way, God, give us Whatever comes our way, God, give us faith to declare it is well. faith to declare it is well. faith to declare it is well. For those carrying the crushing weight For those carrying the crushing weight For those carrying the crushing weight of past mistakes or regrets, we rejoice of past mistakes or regrets, we rejoice of past mistakes or regrets, we rejoice that Christ has regarded our helpless that Christ has regarded our helpless that Christ has regarded our helpless estate. We thank you that our sin in the estate. We thank you that our sin in the estate. We thank you that our sin in the whole is nailed.

whole is nailed. whole is nailed. To this cross we bear it no more. We To this cross we bear it no more. We To this cross we bear it no more. We experience the freedom of your grace. experience the freedom of your grace. experience the freedom of your grace. We praise you, oh Lord, in our soul. We praise you, oh Lord, in our soul. We praise you, oh Lord, in our soul. Search us, oh God, and know our hearts. Search us, oh God, and know our hearts. Search us, oh God, and know our hearts. Test us and know our anxious thoughts. Test us and know our anxious thoughts. Test us and know our anxious thoughts. Lead us through every storm. Anchor us Lead us through every storm. Anchor us Lead us through every storm. Anchor us in your love and guide us in the way in your love and guide us in the way in your love and guide us in the way everlasting. everlasting. everlasting. Until faith becomes sight. Until our Until faith becomes sight. Until our Until faith becomes sight. Until our trust in you is complete and perfect. trust in you is complete and perfect. trust in you is complete and perfect. Until all is known and all shall be Until all is known and all shall be Until all is known and all shall be well. In your holy and unshakable name, well. In your holy and unshakable name, well. In your holy and unshakable name, we offer this prayer. we offer this prayer. we offer this prayer. Even as we pray the words of the prayer Even as we pray the words of the prayer Even as we pray the words of the prayer that you taught, saying, "Our Father, that you taught, saying, "Our Father, that you taught, saying, "Our Father, >> who art in heaven, >> who art in heaven, >> who art in heaven, >> be thy name, >> be thy name, >> be thy name, >> thy kingdom come, >> thy kingdom come, >> thy kingdom come, >> thy will be done on earth as it is in >> thy will be done on earth as it is in >> thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily heaven. Give us this day our daily heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as bread. And forgive us our trespasses as bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against we forgive those who trespass against we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but us. And lead us not into temptation, but us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Friends, this morning we're going to do Friends, this morning we're going to do something just a little bit different. something just a little bit different. something just a little bit different. We have been on a campaign to make sure We have been on a campaign to make sure We have been on a campaign to make sure that you know more of what's happening that you know more of what's happening that you know more of what's happening as part of the ministry of MDUMC because as part of the ministry of MDUMC because as part of the ministry of MDUMC because ministry is so much more than what ministry is so much more than what ministry is so much more than what happens just here on Sunday morning. So, happens just here on Sunday morning. So, happens just here on Sunday morning. So, we've been doing some mission moments, we've been doing some mission moments, we've been doing some mission moments, some videos, some highlights, and today some videos, some highlights, and today some videos, some highlights, and today we want to talk about one of our largest we want to talk about one of our largest we want to talk about one of our largest community outreach ministries. That's community outreach ministries. That's community outreach ministries. That's our sports and wreck ministry. It's one our sports and wreck ministry. It's one our sports and wreck ministry. It's one that I find is unique to churches on that I find is unique to churches on that I find is unique to churches on this side of Houston and is an exciting this side of Houston and is an exciting this side of Houston and is an exciting opportunity for us to connect with our opportunity for us to connect with our opportunity for us to connect with our neighbors. So, I'm going to invite Ryan neighbors. So, I'm going to invite Ryan neighbors. So, I'm going to invite Ryan Harvey, who's our director of sports and Harvey, who's our director of sports and Harvey, who's our director of sports and wreck, to come up. He and I are going to wreck, to come up. He and I are going to wreck, to come up. He and I are going to have a little conversation to tell you have a little conversation to tell you have a little conversation to tell you some more about how this ministry some more about how this ministry some more about how this ministry functions in our community and how you functions in our community and how you functions in our community and how you might be a part of it. might be a part of it. might be a part of it. Would you welcome Ryan? >> Thank you. I told Kate um that I >> Thank you. I told Kate um that I realized walking up here at 9:30, the realized walking up here at 9:30, the realized walking up here at 9:30, the last time I was here in front of a crowd last time I was here in front of a crowd last time I was here in front of a crowd was 16 years ago at my wedding um and I was 16 years ago at my wedding um and I was 16 years ago at my wedding um and I only had to get out one line on that only had to get out one line on that only had to get out one line on that day. So hopefully this goes just as day. So hopefully this goes just as day. So hopefully this goes just as well.

well. well. >> And you know, all of this is easy, >> And you know, all of this is easy, >> And you know, all of this is easy, right? Because you love sports and wreck right? Because you love sports and wreck right? Because you love sports and wreck ministry. You've been a part of this ministry. You've been a part of this ministry. You've been a part of this church for a long time, um but have just church for a long time, um but have just church for a long time, um but have just recently moved into this position in the recently moved into this position in the recently moved into this position in the last couple of years. And this is really last couple of years. And this is really last couple of years. And this is really a big season for sports and recck. So, a big season for sports and recck. So, a big season for sports and recck. So, kind of give us a sense of what's kind of give us a sense of what's kind of give us a sense of what's happening right now. happening right now. happening right now. >> Yeah, it it really is a fun time right >> Yeah, it it really is a fun time right >> Yeah, it it really is a fun time right now. Um, we just got finished with a now. Um, we just got finished with a now. Um, we just got finished with a very busy summer full of camps um every very busy summer full of camps um every very busy summer full of camps um every week. It it it was fun. Um and and we're week. It it it was fun. Um and and we're week. It it it was fun. Um and and we're getting back into the normal schedule getting back into the normal schedule getting back into the normal schedule here, which means pickle ball and and here, which means pickle ball and and here, which means pickle ball and and jazz reciding yoga and things like that jazz reciding yoga and things like that jazz reciding yoga and things like that are are back up and rolling. Um which are are back up and rolling. Um which are are back up and rolling. Um which certainly you're invited to participate certainly you're invited to participate certainly you're invited to participate in if that sounds fun. Um and and we're in if that sounds fun. Um and and we're in if that sounds fun. Um and and we're getting soccer rolling, which is one of getting soccer rolling, which is one of getting soccer rolling, which is one of our biggest sports right now. Um over our biggest sports right now. Um over our biggest sports right now. Um over the next couple of weeks, um hundreds of the next couple of weeks, um hundreds of the next couple of weeks, um hundreds of families uh will be coming through um families uh will be coming through um families uh will be coming through um our doors and onto our fields with their our doors and onto our fields with their our doors and onto our fields with their parents and grandparents and and coaches parents and grandparents and and coaches parents and grandparents and and coaches and volunteers. Um and that really is and volunteers. Um and that really is and volunteers. Um and that really is one of the things that I love uh the one of the things that I love uh the one of the things that I love uh the most about this ministry. um when you most about this ministry. um when you most about this ministry. um when you come out on a Saturday or when you when come out on a Saturday or when you when come out on a Saturday or when you when you look at the field or you go into the you look at the field or you go into the you look at the field or you go into the gym and you just see a packed house, you gym and you just see a packed house, you gym and you just see a packed house, you realize this is a little bit more than realize this is a little bit more than realize this is a little bit more than just about sports.

just about sports. just about sports. >> It is a little bit more about sports. >> It is a little bit more about sports. >> It is a little bit more about sports. And kind of give us some perspective on And kind of give us some perspective on And kind of give us some perspective on what that outreach is. I mean, we serve what that outreach is. I mean, we serve what that outreach is. I mean, we serve a lot of kids. a lot of kids. a lot of kids. >> We do. Um we're very blessed to have >> We do. Um we're very blessed to have >> We do. Um we're very blessed to have great participation here. Um, for this great participation here. Um, for this great participation here. Um, for this upcoming soccer season, we have over 580 upcoming soccer season, we have over 580 upcoming soccer season, we have over 580 kids registered. Um, which is a large kids registered. Um, which is a large kids registered. Um, which is a large number and a lot of emails. Um, but, uh, number and a lot of emails. Um, but, uh, number and a lot of emails. Um, but, uh, it's wonderful. Um, and then we move it's wonderful. Um, and then we move it's wonderful. Um, and then we move into basketball season in the winter and into basketball season in the winter and into basketball season in the winter and then, um, baseball, te-ball, softball, then, um, baseball, te-ball, softball, then, um, baseball, te-ball, softball, and volleyball um, in the spring. Um, we and volleyball um, in the spring. Um, we and volleyball um, in the spring. Um, we have kids that play multiple sports, but have kids that play multiple sports, but have kids that play multiple sports, but easily every year we have over a easily every year we have over a easily every year we have over a thousand kids that participate here at thousand kids that participate here at thousand kids that participate here at MDMC. Um and when you add families and MDMC. Um and when you add families and MDMC. Um and when you add families and volunteers and everything um to that, I volunteers and everything um to that, I volunteers and everything um to that, I mean our our reach is vast. Um we we mean our our reach is vast. Um we we mean our our reach is vast. Um we we reach a whole bunch of families um every reach a whole bunch of families um every reach a whole bunch of families um every week and you know some of those families week and you know some of those families week and you know some of those families are MDMC members but a lot of them are are MDMC members but a lot of them are are MDMC members but a lot of them are not. Um and for many of them um this is not. Um and for many of them um this is not. Um and for many of them um this is their first introduction to our church.

their first introduction to our church. their first introduction to our church. >> And so it really is sports ministry more >> And so it really is sports ministry more >> And so it really is sports ministry more than just the church runs some leagues, than just the church runs some leagues, than just the church runs some leagues, right? There's a lot more happening out right? There's a lot more happening out right? There's a lot more happening out there. there. there. >> Absolutely. I mean, there's there's a >> Absolutely. I mean, there's there's a >> Absolutely. I mean, there's there's a lot of places kids can go play sports lot of places kids can go play sports lot of places kids can go play sports here in in our community. Um, and here in in our community. Um, and here in in our community. Um, and certainly we want to be a place where certainly we want to be a place where certainly we want to be a place where kids can learn how to be a better kids can learn how to be a better kids can learn how to be a better basketball player and and, you know, get basketball player and and, you know, get basketball player and and, you know, get some exercise and things like that. Um, some exercise and things like that. Um, some exercise and things like that. Um, but really we we're focused on creating but really we we're focused on creating but really we we're focused on creating a a different kind of culture. Um, you a a different kind of culture. Um, you a a different kind of culture. Um, you know, one where we encourage kids where know, one where we encourage kids where know, one where we encourage kids where one where God um kind of leads us in one where God um kind of leads us in one where God um kind of leads us in everything that that we do. um one where everything that that we do. um one where everything that that we do. um one where coaches are role models and and um coaches are role models and and um coaches are role models and and um families have an opportunity to serve families have an opportunity to serve families have an opportunity to serve alongside their kids and and you know alongside their kids and and you know alongside their kids and and you know those families um become aware if they those families um become aware if they those families um become aware if they weren't before that there's a a church weren't before that there's a a church weren't before that there's a a church in their community that cares about them in their community that cares about them in their community that cares about them >> and what's you know like one way that >> and what's you know like one way that >> and what's you know like one way that really stands out how the the church really stands out how the the church really stands out how the the church cares for the community. cares for the community. cares for the community. >> Yeah. So I was lucky enough before I >> Yeah. So I was lucky enough before I >> Yeah. So I was lucky enough before I moved over here um to be able to coach moved over here um to be able to coach moved over here um to be able to coach in Spring Branch for 15 years. Um and in Spring Branch for 15 years. Um and in Spring Branch for 15 years. Um and one of the things that uh I became aware one of the things that uh I became aware one of the things that uh I became aware of is that there's a number of kids um of is that there's a number of kids um of is that there's a number of kids um who because of financial difficulties who because of financial difficulties who because of financial difficulties had not had the chance to play organized had not had the chance to play organized had not had the chance to play organized sports um until seventh or eighth grade.

sports um until seventh or eighth grade. sports um until seventh or eighth grade. Um I'm very proud of the fact that we're Um I'm very proud of the fact that we're Um I'm very proud of the fact that we're able to give scholarships to any family able to give scholarships to any family able to give scholarships to any family that needs it here. Um we know how many that needs it here. Um we know how many that needs it here. Um we know how many life lessons sports teaches us, life lessons sports teaches us, life lessons sports teaches us, especially sports um at a church that's especially sports um at a church that's especially sports um at a church that's doing it right. Um, and you know, to doing it right. Um, and you know, to doing it right. Um, and you know, to make sure that all kids have an make sure that all kids have an make sure that all kids have an opportunity to experience that, opportunity to experience that, opportunity to experience that, um, and and get out on the field and and um, and and get out on the field and and um, and and get out on the field and and become a teammate and and really enjoy become a teammate and and really enjoy become a teammate and and really enjoy doing it is what it's all about. doing it is what it's all about. doing it is what it's all about. >> You know, one of the things we say, one >> You know, one of the things we say, one >> You know, one of the things we say, one of our values is that we really are a of our values is that we really are a of our values is that we really are a church for this community and and that's church for this community and and that's church for this community and and that's a way that it's really tangible, a way that it's really tangible, a way that it's really tangible, >> right? Exactly. I mean, every single >> right? Exactly. I mean, every single >> right? Exactly. I mean, every single Saturday, hundreds of families will come Saturday, hundreds of families will come Saturday, hundreds of families will come through here. Um, some of them have a through here. Um, some of them have a through here. Um, some of them have a church community, some of them don't. church community, some of them don't. church community, some of them don't. Some of them are at different walks in Some of them are at different walks in Some of them are at different walks in their faith life. Um, and just having their faith life. Um, and just having their faith life. Um, and just having the chance to be able to show them a the chance to be able to show them a the chance to be able to show them a little bit about what Christ's love is little bit about what Christ's love is little bit about what Christ's love is is like is special. is like is special. is like is special. >> So, kind of one last piece, um, how >> So, kind of one last piece, um, how >> So, kind of one last piece, um, how might the congregation be more involved might the congregation be more involved might the congregation be more involved with sports and wreck, especially if, with sports and wreck, especially if, with sports and wreck, especially if, you know, not all of us are going to you know, not all of us are going to you know, not all of us are going to coach soccer, right? It would be a coach soccer, right? It would be a coach soccer, right? It would be a little Ted Lassoy if I tried to coach little Ted Lassoy if I tried to coach little Ted Lassoy if I tried to coach soccer.

soccer. soccer. >> Well, it's pretty entertaining. he was. >> Well, it's pretty entertaining. he was. >> Well, it's pretty entertaining. he was. Um but yeah, I mean, so we're we're Um but yeah, I mean, so we're we're Um but yeah, I mean, so we're we're certainly always uh interested and and certainly always uh interested and and certainly always uh interested and and looking for volunteers. Um but you know, looking for volunteers. Um but you know, looking for volunteers. Um but you know, things like keeping an eye out for things like keeping an eye out for things like keeping an eye out for upcoming ways that you can help um to upcoming ways that you can help um to upcoming ways that you can help um to make our new uh family mission uh make our new uh family mission uh make our new uh family mission uh outreaches. Every season we're going to outreaches. Every season we're going to outreaches. Every season we're going to be doing a a family mission project that be doing a a family mission project that be doing a a family mission project that they can work on together. That's they can work on together. That's they can work on together. That's something that certainly the something that certainly the something that certainly the congregation can help um to make congregation can help um to make congregation can help um to make successful. Um, and also just kind of successful. Um, and also just kind of successful. Um, and also just kind of seeing and putting into perspective that seeing and putting into perspective that seeing and putting into perspective that sports and recreation is not just sports and recreation is not just sports and recreation is not just something that happens out on the field something that happens out on the field something that happens out on the field or in the gym. Um, you know, this this or in the gym. Um, you know, this this or in the gym. Um, you know, this this with our ability to touch so many with our ability to touch so many with our ability to touch so many families, this is something um that's a families, this is something um that's a families, this is something um that's a lot more than that. Um, you know, come lot more than that. Um, you know, come lot more than that. Um, you know, come by, watch a game, say hello, be by, watch a game, say hello, be by, watch a game, say hello, be welcoming to a new family. Um, and welcoming to a new family. Um, and welcoming to a new family. Um, and certainly pray for our kids, pray for certainly pray for our kids, pray for certainly pray for our kids, pray for our parents, pray for all the families our parents, pray for all the families our parents, pray for all the families that will be here. Definitely pray for that will be here. Definitely pray for that will be here. Definitely pray for the coaches. um you know uh and uh just the coaches. um you know uh and uh just the coaches. um you know uh and uh just that the families know that they're that the families know that they're that the families know that they're loved by God and that they're welcomed loved by God and that they're welcomed loved by God and that they're welcomed here and that we love seeing on the here and that we love seeing on the here and that we love seeing on the Saturdays, but man, we sure would love Saturdays, but man, we sure would love Saturdays, but man, we sure would love to see them on Sundays, too.

to see them on Sundays, too. to see them on Sundays, too. >> Well, thank you for all that you do. I >> Well, thank you for all that you do. I >> Well, thank you for all that you do. I know you do more than field a lot of know you do more than field a lot of know you do more than field a lot of emails, but um we thank you for all of emails, but um we thank you for all of emails, but um we thank you for all of your effort and for all of our coaches your effort and for all of our coaches your effort and for all of our coaches and volunteers who make this ministry and volunteers who make this ministry and volunteers who make this ministry possible. In fact, could we take a possible. In fact, could we take a possible. In fact, could we take a moment and just say a prayer over this moment and just say a prayer over this moment and just say a prayer over this ministry and you and all of our ministry and you and all of our ministry and you and all of our volunteers? Let us pray. volunteers? Let us pray. volunteers? Let us pray. Lord, we give you thanks Lord, we give you thanks Lord, we give you thanks for the gift of sport, for the for the gift of sport, for the for the gift of sport, for the opportunity to learn to play fair, to be opportunity to learn to play fair, to be opportunity to learn to play fair, to be a good teammate, to have some fun, to a good teammate, to have some fun, to a good teammate, to have some fun, to express the joy that you have given to express the joy that you have given to express the joy that you have given to us. Lord, we give thanks for all those us. Lord, we give thanks for all those us. Lord, we give thanks for all those volunteers who make this ministry volunteers who make this ministry volunteers who make this ministry possible, who pour into our young possible, who pour into our young possible, who pour into our young people, who disciple them in ways that people, who disciple them in ways that people, who disciple them in ways that they can understand, and who guide them they can understand, and who guide them they can understand, and who guide them into good life ahead. Lord, we ask that into good life ahead. Lord, we ask that into good life ahead. Lord, we ask that you bless this ministry. Not just that you bless this ministry. Not just that you bless this ministry. Not just that it be one a place of winning and losing, it be one a place of winning and losing, it be one a place of winning and losing, but that it be a place of development. but that it be a place of development. but that it be a place of development. It be a place of love and grace and that It be a place of love and grace and that It be a place of love and grace and that this church might support it with our this church might support it with our this church might support it with our full effort, with our prayers, with our full effort, with our prayers, with our full effort, with our prayers, with our presence, with our support and our presence, with our support and our presence, with our support and our service. God, we pray that you would be service. God, we pray that you would be service. God, we pray that you would be present in all of it and that it might present in all of it and that it might present in all of it and that it might be an avenue to your grace and your be an avenue to your grace and your be an avenue to your grace and your kingdom. All this we ask in the name of kingdom. All this we ask in the name of kingdom. All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Jesus Christ and by the power of the Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit we say amen.

Holy Spirit we say amen. Holy Spirit we say amen. Thank you so much Ryan. Thank you so much Ryan. Thank you so much Ryan. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> How many of you would get up here and do >> How many of you would get up here and do >> How many of you would get up here and do this with me? Huh? >> Friends. Sports and wreck is just one of >> Friends. Sports and wreck is just one of the ways that we are present to our the ways that we are present to our the ways that we are present to our community. There are so many ways that community. There are so many ways that community. There are so many ways that MDUMC is trying to be out and about the MDUMC is trying to be out and about the MDUMC is trying to be out and about the work of the kingdom of God in the world. work of the kingdom of God in the world. work of the kingdom of God in the world. And that's possible because of the ways And that's possible because of the ways And that's possible because of the ways that you give. Because of the ways that that you give. Because of the ways that that you give. Because of the ways that you give of your time, your talent, and you give of your time, your talent, and you give of your time, your talent, and your treasure. But it's more than that. your treasure. But it's more than that. your treasure. But it's more than that. Every time we come into worship, we do a Every time we come into worship, we do a Every time we come into worship, we do a moment of offering because it's a act of moment of offering because it's a act of moment of offering because it's a act of disciplehip to set aside part of disciplehip to set aside part of disciplehip to set aside part of ourselves, part of our resources for God ourselves, part of our resources for God ourselves, part of our resources for God to lay our lives down on that altar and to lay our lives down on that altar and to lay our lives down on that altar and say, "I want to serve you in all the say, "I want to serve you in all the say, "I want to serve you in all the ways that are possible and with all the ways that are possible and with all the ways that are possible and with all the things that you've given to me." So, in things that you've given to me." So, in things that you've given to me." So, in just a moment, we'll hear a beautiful just a moment, we'll hear a beautiful just a moment, we'll hear a beautiful musical offering and our ushers will musical offering and our ushers will musical offering and our ushers will come forward. And I invite you into a come forward. And I invite you into a come forward. And I invite you into a time of offering your heart, offering time of offering your heart, offering time of offering your heart, offering your prayers, but also going joyfully your prayers, but also going joyfully your prayers, but also going joyfully and generously to God with the tithes and generously to God with the tithes and generously to God with the tithes and the offerings of your world. Let us and the offerings of your world. Let us and the offerings of your world. Let us go to God in prayer.

Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Praise the Praise the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Let's continue my friends sing to the Let's continue my friends sing to the amazing praise. and save and save the I I was Grace

Grace that that that my heart my heart my heart to to to grace grace grace my His grace His grace and love and love and love he save he save he save the star the star the star and grace will God, thank you for your grace that

God, thank you for your grace that saves. For your grace that comes to us saves. For your grace that comes to us saves. For your grace that comes to us in ways and through people and at times in ways and through people and at times in ways and through people and at times we never expected but oh so needed. God, we never expected but oh so needed. God, we never expected but oh so needed. God, may this be one of those moments where may this be one of those moments where may this be one of those moments where we encounter you in a way that changes we encounter you in a way that changes we encounter you in a way that changes the course of our lives. the course of our lives. the course of our lives. So God, may the words of my mouth and So God, may the words of my mouth and So God, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of all of our hearts be the thoughts of all of our hearts be the thoughts of all of our hearts be acceptable and pleasing to you. for we acceptable and pleasing to you. for we acceptable and pleasing to you. for we know that you are our rock and our know that you are our rock and our know that you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. Please be seated. redeemer. Amen. Please be seated. redeemer. Amen. Please be seated. We are continuing this morning our back We are continuing this morning our back We are continuing this morning our back to Sunday school worship series. And to Sunday school worship series. And to Sunday school worship series. And today's story is about Jonah and the today's story is about Jonah and the today's story is about Jonah and the whale. And if you ever want to be whale. And if you ever want to be whale. And if you ever want to be slightly annoying and technically slightly annoying and technically slightly annoying and technically correct, correct, correct, you can do with your friends and family, you can do with your friends and family, you can do with your friends and family, um, if they ever do what I just did and um, if they ever do what I just did and um, if they ever do what I just did and call this the story of Jonah and the call this the story of Jonah and the call this the story of Jonah and the whale, you can say, "Well, actually, whale, you can say, "Well, actually, whale, you can say, "Well, actually, that's a common mistake. A lot of people that's a common mistake. A lot of people that's a common mistake. A lot of people make it. It's no big deal." But it's not make it. It's no big deal." But it's not make it. It's no big deal." But it's not a whale. You see, the Hebrew, it says a whale. You see, the Hebrew, it says a whale. You see, the Hebrew, it says big fish. My son, who's 13, pulled that big fish. My son, who's 13, pulled that big fish. My son, who's 13, pulled that on me a couple of years ago. Uh, and he, on me a couple of years ago. Uh, and he, on me a couple of years ago. Uh, and he, like me, is somebody who appreciates like me, is somebody who appreciates like me, is somebody who appreciates being slightly annoying and factually being slightly annoying and factually being slightly annoying and factually correct, so I use it every chance I get.

correct, so I use it every chance I get. correct, so I use it every chance I get. Uh, regardless, our story this morning Uh, regardless, our story this morning Uh, regardless, our story this morning is from the Old Testament book of Jonah. is from the Old Testament book of Jonah. is from the Old Testament book of Jonah. Here's what it says in chapter 1. Now, Here's what it says in chapter 1. Now, Here's what it says in chapter 1. Now, the word of the Lord came to Jonah, son the word of the Lord came to Jonah, son the word of the Lord came to Jonah, son of Amati, saying, "Get up and call on of Amati, saying, "Get up and call on of Amati, saying, "Get up and call on Nineveh. Go to that great city and cry Nineveh. Go to that great city and cry Nineveh. Go to that great city and cry out against it, for their wickedness has out against it, for their wickedness has out against it, for their wickedness has come up before me." But Jonah set out to come up before me." But Jonah set out to come up before me." But Jonah set out to flee to Tarses from the presence of the flee to Tarses from the presence of the flee to Tarses from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Japa and found a Lord. He went down to Japa and found a Lord. He went down to Japa and found a ship going to Tarses. So he paid his ship going to Tarses. So he paid his ship going to Tarses. So he paid his fair and went on board to go with them fair and went on board to go with them fair and went on board to go with them to Tarses, away from the presence of the to Tarses, away from the presence of the to Tarses, away from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord hurled a great wind Lord. But the Lord hurled a great wind Lord. But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a mighty storm upon the sea, and such a mighty storm upon the sea, and such a mighty storm came upon the sea that the ship came upon the sea that the ship came upon the sea that the ship threatened to break up. Then the threatened to break up. Then the threatened to break up. Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried to mariners were afraid, and each cried to mariners were afraid, and each cried to his God. They threw the cargo that was his God. They threw the cargo that was his God. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it in the ship into the sea to lighten it in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. Jonah, meanwhile, had gone for them. Jonah, meanwhile, had gone for them. Jonah, meanwhile, had gone down into the hold of the ship and had down into the hold of the ship and had down into the hold of the ship and had laid down and was fast asleep. The laid down and was fast asleep. The laid down and was fast asleep. The captain came down and said to him, "What captain came down and said to him, "What captain came down and said to him, "What are you doing sound asleep? Get up and are you doing sound asleep? Get up and are you doing sound asleep? Get up and call on your God. Perhaps the God will call on your God. Perhaps the God will call on your God. Perhaps the God will spare us a thought so that we do not spare us a thought so that we do not spare us a thought so that we do not perish."

perish." perish." And the sailors said to one another, And the sailors said to one another, And the sailors said to one another, "Come, let us cast lots so that we may "Come, let us cast lots so that we may "Come, let us cast lots so that we may know on whose account this calamity has know on whose account this calamity has know on whose account this calamity has come upon us." So they cast lots, and come upon us." So they cast lots, and come upon us." So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. And then they the lot fell on Jonah. And then they the lot fell on Jonah. And then they said to him, ' Tell us why this calamity said to him, ' Tell us why this calamity said to him, ' Tell us why this calamity has come upon us. What's your has come upon us. What's your has come upon us. What's your occupation? Where do you come from? occupation? Where do you come from? occupation? Where do you come from? What's your country and of what people What's your country and of what people What's your country and of what people are you? I'm a Hebrew, he replied. I are you? I'm a Hebrew, he replied. I are you? I'm a Hebrew, he replied. I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land. Then the made the sea and the dry land. Then the made the sea and the dry land. Then the men were even more afraid and said to men were even more afraid and said to men were even more afraid and said to him, "What is this that you've done?" him, "What is this that you've done?" him, "What is this that you've done?" For the men knew he was fleeing from the For the men knew he was fleeing from the For the men knew he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord because he told presence of the Lord because he told presence of the Lord because he told them so. Then they said to him, "What them so. Then they said to him, "What them so. Then they said to him, "What shall we do to you that the sea may shall we do to you that the sea may shall we do to you that the sea may quiet down for us? for the sea was quiet down for us? for the sea was quiet down for us? for the sea was growing more and more tempestuous. He growing more and more tempestuous. He growing more and more tempestuous. He said to them, "Pick me up and throw me said to them, "Pick me up and throw me said to them, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will quiet into the sea. Then the sea will quiet into the sea. Then the sea will quiet down for you. For I know it is because down for you. For I know it is because down for you. For I know it is because of me that this great storm has come of me that this great storm has come of me that this great storm has come upon you." Nevertheless, the men rode upon you." Nevertheless, the men rode upon you." Nevertheless, the men rode hard to bring the ship back to land, but hard to bring the ship back to land, but hard to bring the ship back to land, but they couldn't, for the sea grew more and they couldn't, for the sea grew more and they couldn't, for the sea grew more and more stormy against them. Then they more stormy against them. Then they more stormy against them. Then they cried out to the Lord, "Please, O Lord, cried out to the Lord, "Please, O Lord, cried out to the Lord, "Please, O Lord, we pray, do not let us perish on account we pray, do not let us perish on account we pray, do not let us perish on account of this man's life. Do not make us of this man's life. Do not make us of this man's life. Do not make us guilty of innocent blood, for you, oh guilty of innocent blood, for you, oh guilty of innocent blood, for you, oh Lord, have done as it pleased you." So Lord, have done as it pleased you." So Lord, have done as it pleased you." So they picked Jonah up and threw him into they picked Jonah up and threw him into they picked Jonah up and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its the sea, and the sea ceased from its the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord raging. Then the men feared the Lord raging. Then the men feared the Lord even more. And they offered a sacrifice even more. And they offered a sacrifice even more. And they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows. But the Lord to the Lord and made vows. But the Lord to the Lord and made vows. But the Lord provided a large fish to swallow up provided a large fish to swallow up provided a large fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.

fish for three days and three nights. fish for three days and three nights. 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. I have a of God. Thanks be to God. I have a of God. Thanks be to God. I have a theory that Jonah is an introvert. theory that Jonah is an introvert. theory that Jonah is an introvert. As an introvert myself, I recognize it As an introvert myself, I recognize it As an introvert myself, I recognize it immediately. He gets a job assignment immediately. He gets a job assignment immediately. He gets a job assignment that requires him to go talk to a bunch that requires him to go talk to a bunch that requires him to go talk to a bunch of people he doesn't know. And of people he doesn't know. And of people he doesn't know. And immediately he says, "Nope, I would immediately he says, "Nope, I would immediately he says, "Nope, I would rather die." And walks off in the other rather die." And walks off in the other rather die." And walks off in the other direction. And he gets on a boat to take direction. And he gets on a boat to take direction. And he gets on a boat to take him to a place far far away. And when he him to a place far far away. And when he him to a place far far away. And when he gets on the boat, he again does the gets on the boat, he again does the gets on the boat, he again does the classic introvert thing. He doesn't hang classic introvert thing. He doesn't hang classic introvert thing. He doesn't hang out on the deck with all the other out on the deck with all the other out on the deck with all the other sailors. He goes down below to take a sailors. He goes down below to take a sailors. He goes down below to take a nap by himself. Now, in some ways, nap by himself. Now, in some ways, nap by himself. Now, in some ways, Jonah, this whole book of the Bible, is Jonah, this whole book of the Bible, is Jonah, this whole book of the Bible, is an enigma. Is the only prophetic book in an enigma. Is the only prophetic book in an enigma. Is the only prophetic book in the Bible that doesn't focus on the the Bible that doesn't focus on the the Bible that doesn't focus on the message of the prophet. Jonah's message, message of the prophet. Jonah's message, message of the prophet. Jonah's message, the thing he's been given by God to say, the thing he's been given by God to say, the thing he's been given by God to say, takes up only one sentence of the whole takes up only one sentence of the whole takes up only one sentence of the whole book. book. book. Jonah, the person, he's an enigma, too.

Jonah, the person, he's an enigma, too. Jonah, the person, he's an enigma, too. He's a prophet. So, he's a man of God, He's a prophet. So, he's a man of God, He's a prophet. So, he's a man of God, someone we should be able to trust, someone we should be able to trust, someone we should be able to trust, someone whose faithfulness and holiness someone whose faithfulness and holiness someone whose faithfulness and holiness should be evident in his life. He's should be evident in his life. He's should be evident in his life. He's someone who should be able to lead us someone who should be able to lead us someone who should be able to lead us toward the Lord. But Jonah isn't any of toward the Lord. But Jonah isn't any of toward the Lord. But Jonah isn't any of that. He's not a hero. He's an that. He's not a hero. He's an that. He's not a hero. He's an anti-hero. He's a study in what not to anti-hero. He's a study in what not to anti-hero. He's a study in what not to do. When the story starts, God says to do. When the story starts, God says to do. When the story starts, God says to Jonah, "Get up and call on Nineveh. Go Jonah, "Get up and call on Nineveh. Go Jonah, "Get up and call on Nineveh. Go cry out against that great city because cry out against that great city because cry out against that great city because they are evil." God says, "Go." they are evil." God says, "Go." they are evil." God says, "Go." And Jonah does go. Only Jonah makes it And Jonah does go. Only Jonah makes it And Jonah does go. Only Jonah makes it clear that he will decide the direction. clear that he will decide the direction. clear that he will decide the direction. Have you ever fallen into that trap? Have you ever fallen into that trap? Have you ever fallen into that trap? It's tempting to want to try to take It's tempting to want to try to take It's tempting to want to try to take control of our lives, to make clear to control of our lives, to make clear to control of our lives, to make clear to somebody that we are in charge. maybe somebody that we are in charge. maybe somebody that we are in charge. maybe even to tell God where we're going to go even to tell God where we're going to go even to tell God where we're going to go and what we're going to do. Even when and what we're going to do. Even when and what we're going to do. Even when God has been making it clear that God is God has been making it clear that God is God has been making it clear that God is preparing something for us, it's preparing something for us, it's preparing something for us, it's tempting still today to say, "Well, no, tempting still today to say, "Well, no, tempting still today to say, "Well, no, I'm going to do this instead."

I'm going to do this instead." I'm going to do this instead." Jonah didn't go to Nineveh. He went to Jonah didn't go to Nineveh. He went to Jonah didn't go to Nineveh. He went to Tarses. And the story makes it clear. It Tarses. And the story makes it clear. It Tarses. And the story makes it clear. It says this four times over and over says this four times over and over says this four times over and over reminding us Jonah goes the place he reminding us Jonah goes the place he reminding us Jonah goes the place he wasn't supposed to go. It's the exact wasn't supposed to go. It's the exact wasn't supposed to go. It's the exact opposite direction as far away as he opposite direction as far away as he opposite direction as far away as he could get from the presence of the Lord. could get from the presence of the Lord. could get from the presence of the Lord. And if we're making a list, this is And if we're making a list, this is And if we're making a list, this is Jonah's first what not to do anti-hero Jonah's first what not to do anti-hero Jonah's first what not to do anti-hero that he is. Jonah shows us very clearly that he is. Jonah shows us very clearly that he is. Jonah shows us very clearly that we shouldn't flee from the Lord. that we shouldn't flee from the Lord. that we shouldn't flee from the Lord. And to say that in church on a Sunday And to say that in church on a Sunday And to say that in church on a Sunday morning standing in a pulpit feels like morning standing in a pulpit feels like morning standing in a pulpit feels like a no-brainer. Of course, we shouldn't a no-brainer. Of course, we shouldn't a no-brainer. Of course, we shouldn't flee from the Lord. And yet we do it flee from the Lord. And yet we do it flee from the Lord. And yet we do it relatively often, don't we? relatively often, don't we? relatively often, don't we? But here's the thing we can learn from But here's the thing we can learn from But here's the thing we can learn from Jonah. When we are tempted to flee from Jonah. When we are tempted to flee from Jonah. When we are tempted to flee from the Lord, whether that's from a thing we the Lord, whether that's from a thing we the Lord, whether that's from a thing we think God wants us to do or a change God think God wants us to do or a change God think God wants us to do or a change God wants us to make or a new faith practice wants us to make or a new faith practice wants us to make or a new faith practice that might make us more faithful. When that might make us more faithful. When that might make us more faithful. When we're tempted to flee from the Lord, the we're tempted to flee from the Lord, the we're tempted to flee from the Lord, the very best thing we can do is turn to very best thing we can do is turn to very best thing we can do is turn to face the Lord.

face the Lord. face the Lord. Because when you turn and face the Lord, Because when you turn and face the Lord, Because when you turn and face the Lord, you'll be looking not at someone who's you'll be looking not at someone who's you'll be looking not at someone who's angry with you, not at someone who's angry with you, not at someone who's angry with you, not at someone who's deeply disappointed in you, not at deeply disappointed in you, not at deeply disappointed in you, not at someone who's saying, "How could you do someone who's saying, "How could you do someone who's saying, "How could you do that?" You'll be looking into the face that?" You'll be looking into the face that?" You'll be looking into the face of Jesus, the one who loves you more of Jesus, the one who loves you more of Jesus, the one who loves you more than you can imagine. If you are ever than you can imagine. If you are ever than you can imagine. If you are ever tempted to flee from the Lord, the best tempted to flee from the Lord, the best tempted to flee from the Lord, the best thing you can do is turn and face the thing you can do is turn and face the thing you can do is turn and face the Lord. Because there, face to face with Lord. Because there, face to face with Lord. Because there, face to face with God, you will encounter love that passes God, you will encounter love that passes God, you will encounter love that passes understanding. understanding. understanding. But you'll also encounter power. But you'll also encounter power. But you'll also encounter power. power that enables you to avoid evil, power that enables you to avoid evil, power that enables you to avoid evil, that helps you put aside selfishness, that helps you put aside selfishness, that helps you put aside selfishness, that allows you to walk away from that allows you to walk away from that allows you to walk away from arrogance, power to make you new in the arrogance, power to make you new in the arrogance, power to make you new in the image of Christ. image of Christ. image of Christ. That of course is not what Jonah does. That of course is not what Jonah does. That of course is not what Jonah does. He flees from the presence of the Lord.

He flees from the presence of the Lord. He flees from the presence of the Lord. Unwilling or uninterested in the plans Unwilling or uninterested in the plans Unwilling or uninterested in the plans that God has made, he runs. And it turns that God has made, he runs. And it turns that God has made, he runs. And it turns out terribly. The Lord hurls a great out terribly. The Lord hurls a great out terribly. The Lord hurls a great wind upon the sea and such a mighty wind upon the sea and such a mighty wind upon the sea and such a mighty storm comes up that the ship is about to storm comes up that the ship is about to storm comes up that the ship is about to break and the sailors panic. They throw break and the sailors panic. They throw break and the sailors panic. They throw up all these emergency prayers to every up all these emergency prayers to every up all these emergency prayers to every god they can think of and none of them god they can think of and none of them god they can think of and none of them work. They keep using their own wits, work. They keep using their own wits, work. They keep using their own wits, their own strength to try to save the their own strength to try to save the their own strength to try to save the ship. They throw the cargo overboard. ship. They throw the cargo overboard. ship. They throw the cargo overboard. Nothing works. And where's Jonah the Nothing works. And where's Jonah the Nothing works. And where's Jonah the whole time? sound asleep below deck, whole time? sound asleep below deck, whole time? sound asleep below deck, blissfully unaware of all the trouble blissfully unaware of all the trouble blissfully unaware of all the trouble he's caused, the ship's captain goes he's caused, the ship's captain goes he's caused, the ship's captain goes down and discovers him. This is no time down and discovers him. This is no time down and discovers him. This is no time for rest. Get up and call, the captain for rest. Get up and call, the captain for rest. Get up and call, the captain says. It's interesting. It's the same says. It's interesting. It's the same says. It's interesting. It's the same thing that God says to non to Jonah at thing that God says to non to Jonah at thing that God says to non to Jonah at the beginning of the story. Get up and the beginning of the story. Get up and the beginning of the story. Get up and call. Jonah must have thought he was call. Jonah must have thought he was call. Jonah must have thought he was having a nightmare, but he sees through having a nightmare, but he sees through having a nightmare, but he sees through sleepy eyes that it's not an iate god sleepy eyes that it's not an iate god sleepy eyes that it's not an iate god standing over him, just the captain standing over him, just the captain standing over him, just the captain telling him to pray.

telling him to pray. telling him to pray. But what do you think with what you know But what do you think with what you know But what do you think with what you know about Jonah so far? Do you think he's about Jonah so far? Do you think he's about Jonah so far? Do you think he's going to pray to the God from whom he going to pray to the God from whom he going to pray to the God from whom he runs? We're not surprised when he runs? We're not surprised when he runs? We're not surprised when he doesn't pray, doesn't pray, doesn't pray, but he does get found out. The sailors but he does get found out. The sailors but he does get found out. The sailors cast lots to see who it was that brought cast lots to see who it was that brought cast lots to see who it was that brought this trouble to them. And of course, this trouble to them. And of course, this trouble to them. And of course, Jonah loses the lottery. And as soon as Jonah loses the lottery. And as soon as Jonah loses the lottery. And as soon as he's singled out as the culprit, the he's singled out as the culprit, the he's singled out as the culprit, the questions begin. The crew wants to know, questions begin. The crew wants to know, questions begin. The crew wants to know, "Who are you? Where are you from? Who's "Who are you? Where are you from? Who's "Who are you? Where are you from? Who's your God?" And imagine their horror when your God?" And imagine their horror when your God?" And imagine their horror when Jonah says, "My God." Oh, my God is the Jonah says, "My God." Oh, my God is the Jonah says, "My God." Oh, my God is the God of heaven who made the sea and the God of heaven who made the sea and the God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land. And are you kidding me? You're dry land. And are you kidding me? You're dry land. And are you kidding me? You're running away from the God who made the running away from the God who made the running away from the God who made the sea by getting on our boat. What should sea by getting on our boat. What should sea by getting on our boat. What should we do with you? Jonah says the solution we do with you? Jonah says the solution we do with you? Jonah says the solution is simple. Throw me into the water. And is simple. Throw me into the water. And is simple. Throw me into the water. And the sailors, they don't want to do it. the sailors, they don't want to do it. the sailors, they don't want to do it. We should give them credit for that. We should give them credit for that. We should give them credit for that. It's a weighty thing to throw someone It's a weighty thing to throw someone It's a weighty thing to throw someone into the ocean. So, they give their own into the ocean. So, they give their own into the ocean. So, they give their own power one more try. They row and they power one more try. They row and they power one more try. They row and they row, but they can't get the boat to row, but they can't get the boat to row, but they can't get the boat to shore. In fact, the storm gets worse.

shore. In fact, the storm gets worse. shore. In fact, the storm gets worse. So, now they cry out. So, now they cry out. So, now they cry out. They call to Jonah's God and beg They call to Jonah's God and beg They call to Jonah's God and beg forgiveness for what they're about to forgiveness for what they're about to forgiveness for what they're about to do. And then they throw Jonah into the do. And then they throw Jonah into the do. And then they throw Jonah into the sea. And the result is dramatic. sea. And the result is dramatic. sea. And the result is dramatic. The storm switches off and the sea The storm switches off and the sea The storm switches off and the sea quiets and the sailors are relieved, but quiets and the sailors are relieved, but quiets and the sailors are relieved, but they're afraid. And so they worship and they're afraid. And so they worship and they're afraid. And so they worship and they sacrifice to Jonah's God. And they sacrifice to Jonah's God. And they sacrifice to Jonah's God. And meanwhile, this is the part we know, the meanwhile, this is the part we know, the meanwhile, this is the part we know, the Lord provides a large fish, not a whale, Lord provides a large fish, not a whale, Lord provides a large fish, not a whale, a large fish. And Jonah was in the belly a large fish. And Jonah was in the belly a large fish. And Jonah was in the belly of that fish for three days and three of that fish for three days and three of that fish for three days and three nights. nights. nights. And so what do we say about Jonah here And so what do we say about Jonah here And so what do we say about Jonah here today in 2026? What lesson is there for today in 2026? What lesson is there for today in 2026? What lesson is there for us? There's two. I think the first is us? There's two. I think the first is us? There's two. I think the first is this. God is gracious to those who don't this. God is gracious to those who don't this. God is gracious to those who don't deserve it. God is gracious to those who deserve it. God is gracious to those who deserve it. God is gracious to those who don't deserve it. Even in his own mind, don't deserve it. Even in his own mind, don't deserve it. Even in his own mind, Jonah knew he deserved to die. The Jonah knew he deserved to die. The Jonah knew he deserved to die. The punishment punishment he had earned punishment punishment he had earned punishment punishment he had earned wasn't in question. He hadn't simply wasn't in question. He hadn't simply wasn't in question. He hadn't simply made a mistake. After all, he a made a mistake. After all, he a made a mistake. After all, he a messenger from God, sent by God, messenger from God, sent by God, messenger from God, sent by God, blatantly disobeyed a direct command blatantly disobeyed a direct command blatantly disobeyed a direct command from God. When the sailors ask him, from God. When the sailors ask him, from God. When the sailors ask him, "What should we do with you?" He's quick "What should we do with you?" He's quick "What should we do with you?" He's quick with an answer. Throw me in the water.

with an answer. Throw me in the water. with an answer. Throw me in the water. It's just a matter of time. Once I'm It's just a matter of time. Once I'm It's just a matter of time. Once I'm dead, justice will be done. The Lord dead, justice will be done. The Lord dead, justice will be done. The Lord will be satisfied. The seas will quit. will be satisfied. The seas will quit. will be satisfied. The seas will quit. But that's not what happens. But that's not what happens. But that's not what happens. Because God is gracious to Jonah, who Because God is gracious to Jonah, who Because God is gracious to Jonah, who doesn't deserve it. God doesn't abandon doesn't deserve it. God doesn't abandon doesn't deserve it. God doesn't abandon Jonah to this watery grave. And instead, Jonah to this watery grave. And instead, Jonah to this watery grave. And instead, God hatches this strange but miraculous God hatches this strange but miraculous God hatches this strange but miraculous rescue plan. An enormous fish plays the rescue plan. An enormous fish plays the rescue plan. An enormous fish plays the part of a submarine that goes down and part of a submarine that goes down and part of a submarine that goes down and rescues Jonah, keeps him safe, and then rescues Jonah, keeps him safe, and then rescues Jonah, keeps him safe, and then gives him a new opportunity at life. gives him a new opportunity at life. gives him a new opportunity at life. The fish, of course, is God's grace that The fish, of course, is God's grace that The fish, of course, is God's grace that comes down to where he was in the depths comes down to where he was in the depths comes down to where he was in the depths of the sea and lifts him to new life. of the sea and lifts him to new life. of the sea and lifts him to new life. Contrary to all expectations, Jonah Contrary to all expectations, Jonah Contrary to all expectations, Jonah doesn't die. doesn't die. doesn't die. We should see ourselves here. We are We should see ourselves here. We are We should see ourselves here. We are Jonah, imperfect, disobedient, unwilling Jonah, imperfect, disobedient, unwilling Jonah, imperfect, disobedient, unwilling to meet God's expectations, unwilling to to meet God's expectations, unwilling to to meet God's expectations, unwilling to follow God's commands. The Apostle Paul follow God's commands. The Apostle Paul follow God's commands. The Apostle Paul tells us later in the New Testament that tells us later in the New Testament that tells us later in the New Testament that all have sinned and fall short of the all have sinned and fall short of the all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. He tells us as well that glory of God. He tells us as well that glory of God. He tells us as well that that the wages of sin is death. The that the wages of sin is death. The that the wages of sin is death. The thing our sin earns is death. We are thing our sin earns is death. We are thing our sin earns is death. We are Jonah. We don't deserve God's grace. We Jonah. We don't deserve God's grace. We Jonah. We don't deserve God's grace. We haven't earned it either. And yet, haven't earned it either. And yet, haven't earned it either. And yet, God is gracious God is gracious God is gracious to those who don't deserve it. God is to those who don't deserve it. God is to those who don't deserve it. God is merciful to those who haven't earned it.

merciful to those who haven't earned it. merciful to those who haven't earned it. That's us. That's us. That's us. In other words, there's no place you In other words, there's no place you In other words, there's no place you could be, figuratively or literally. could be, figuratively or literally. could be, figuratively or literally. There's no depth to which you could sink There's no depth to which you could sink There's no depth to which you could sink where God's grace couldn't find you. where God's grace couldn't find you. where God's grace couldn't find you. Jonah was at the bottom of the ocean and Jonah was at the bottom of the ocean and Jonah was at the bottom of the ocean and God's grace came for him. There's no God's grace came for him. There's no God's grace came for him. There's no place you can go. There's no thing you place you can go. There's no thing you place you can go. There's no thing you can do to keep God's grace away. can do to keep God's grace away. can do to keep God's grace away. Jonah disobeyed. He ran. He hid. He gave Jonah disobeyed. He ran. He hid. He gave Jonah disobeyed. He ran. He hid. He gave up. And God's grace came for him. Again, up. And God's grace came for him. Again, up. And God's grace came for him. Again, Paul in the New Testament says it in a Paul in the New Testament says it in a Paul in the New Testament says it in a way we can remember. Nothing, he says, way we can remember. Nothing, he says, way we can remember. Nothing, he says, nothing can separate us from the love of nothing can separate us from the love of nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God in Christ Jesus. God in Christ Jesus. God is gracious to those who don't God is gracious to those who don't God is gracious to those who don't deserve it. And here's the second deserve it. And here's the second deserve it. And here's the second lesson. It's a bit harder to swallow for lesson. It's a bit harder to swallow for lesson. It's a bit harder to swallow for Jonah and for us. God is gracious to Jonah and for us. God is gracious to Jonah and for us. God is gracious to those who we think don't deserve it. those who we think don't deserve it. those who we think don't deserve it. Jonah is the recipient of God's grace, Jonah is the recipient of God's grace, Jonah is the recipient of God's grace, of course. But do you know why Jonah of course. But do you know why Jonah of course. But do you know why Jonah refused to go to Nineveh in the first refused to go to Nineveh in the first refused to go to Nineveh in the first place? It wasn't because it was far place? It wasn't because it was far place? It wasn't because it was far away. It wasn't because they were away. It wasn't because they were away. It wasn't because they were foreigners he hated. Not just that, we foreigners he hated. Not just that, we foreigners he hated. Not just that, we find out at the very end of the book. At find out at the very end of the book. At find out at the very end of the book. At the end of the book, Jonah has finally the end of the book, Jonah has finally the end of the book, Jonah has finally gone to Nineveh. He's shared his one-s gone to Nineveh. He's shared his one-s gone to Nineveh. He's shared his one-s sentence message with them. The sentence message with them. The sentence message with them. The Ninevites have repented and God's grace Ninevites have repented and God's grace Ninevites have repented and God's grace has saved them. And Jonah gets angry and has saved them. And Jonah gets angry and has saved them. And Jonah gets angry and he calls out to God and he said, "I knew he calls out to God and he said, "I knew he calls out to God and he said, "I knew you would do it. I knew you would save you would do it. I knew you would save you would do it. I knew you would save them. I knew that you were full of love them. I knew that you were full of love them. I knew that you were full of love and slow to anger. I knew that you were

and slow to anger. I knew that you were and slow to anger. I knew that you were abounding in grace and mercy, and I abounding in grace and mercy, and I abounding in grace and mercy, and I didn't want the Ninevites to know. Jonah didn't want the Ninevites to know. Jonah didn't want the Ninevites to know. Jonah didn't think that they deserved God's didn't think that they deserved God's didn't think that they deserved God's mercy. Jonah didn't want his enemies to mercy. Jonah didn't want his enemies to mercy. Jonah didn't want his enemies to be changed by God's grace, but he knew. be changed by God's grace, but he knew. be changed by God's grace, but he knew. He knew that God is gracious. God is He knew that God is gracious. God is He knew that God is gracious. God is merciful even to those we think don't merciful even to those we think don't merciful even to those we think don't deserve it. deserve it. deserve it. Several years ago, I I remember it well. Several years ago, I I remember it well. Several years ago, I I remember it well. Our family went to Galveastston for a Our family went to Galveastston for a Our family went to Galveastston for a spring break weekend. And and we went to spring break weekend. And and we went to spring break weekend. And and we went to that big ice cream and candy shop that's that big ice cream and candy shop that's that big ice cream and candy shop that's on the Strand. Some of you will know it. on the Strand. Some of you will know it. on the Strand. Some of you will know it. And if you've ever been there, you know And if you've ever been there, you know And if you've ever been there, you know that there's just not enough seating. that there's just not enough seating. that there's just not enough seating. There's like five tables in the middle. There's like five tables in the middle. There's like five tables in the middle. They're always full. But but we were They're always full. But but we were They're always full. But but we were there and we got our ice cream and we there and we got our ice cream and we there and we got our ice cream and we got our kids and a table opened up and got our kids and a table opened up and got our kids and a table opened up and it had three chairs and there were four it had three chairs and there were four it had three chairs and there were four of us and Elizabeth sits down, James of us and Elizabeth sits down, James of us and Elizabeth sits down, James sits down, Sarah sits down and Sarah, sits down, Sarah sits down and Sarah, sits down, Sarah sits down and Sarah, she was like four at the time, so it was she was like four at the time, so it was she was like four at the time, so it was several years ago. And she looks at the several years ago. And she looks at the several years ago. And she looks at the table and she looks up at me and she table and she looks up at me and she table and she looks up at me and she looks at the table and she looks up at looks at the table and she looks up at looks at the table and she looks up at me and she says, "Well, daddy, you can't me and she says, "Well, daddy, you can't me and she says, "Well, daddy, you can't sit here." sit here." sit here." And she meant it in the completely like And she meant it in the completely like And she meant it in the completely like in a completely innocent little girl in a completely innocent little girl in a completely innocent little girl kind of way. There were three chairs, kind of way. There were three chairs, kind of way. There were three chairs, four of us. You can't sit here. But it four of us. You can't sit here. But it four of us. You can't sit here. But it made me laugh. It was like when Forest made me laugh. It was like when Forest made me laugh. It was like when Forest Gump gets on the bus. You can't sit Gump gets on the bus. You can't sit Gump gets on the bus. You can't sit here. And how often, I wonder, do we do here. And how often, I wonder, do we do here. And how often, I wonder, do we do that to others? accidentally or on that to others? accidentally or on that to others? accidentally or on purpose in what we say or in what we do.

purpose in what we say or in what we do. purpose in what we say or in what we do. Subtly communicating you you can't sit Subtly communicating you you can't sit Subtly communicating you you can't sit here. You're not you're not welcome here. You're not you're not welcome here. You're not you're not welcome here. You don't belong here because you here. You don't belong here because you here. You don't belong here because you act like that and not like this because act like that and not like this because act like that and not like this because you are that and not this because you're you are that and not this because you're you are that and not this because you're from there and not from here. It comes from there and not from here. It comes from there and not from here. It comes from the same part of our heart that from the same part of our heart that from the same part of our heart that wants to tell God where we're going to wants to tell God where we're going to wants to tell God where we're going to go. go. go. We want to decide and then tell God. We We want to decide and then tell God. We We want to decide and then tell God. We want to decide and then tell God who's want to decide and then tell God who's want to decide and then tell God who's in and who's out, who's good and who's in and who's out, who's good and who's in and who's out, who's good and who's bad. But try as we ma might, God is bad. But try as we ma might, God is bad. But try as we ma might, God is gracious and merciful even to those who gracious and merciful even to those who gracious and merciful even to those who we think don't deserve it. we think don't deserve it. we think don't deserve it. Now, we're all a little bit too polite, Now, we're all a little bit too polite, Now, we're all a little bit too polite, I think, I hope, to ever say that I think, I hope, to ever say that I think, I hope, to ever say that someone doesn't deserve God's grace. someone doesn't deserve God's grace. someone doesn't deserve God's grace. We're too nice usually to say that We're too nice usually to say that We're too nice usually to say that someone can't sit at the table with us. someone can't sit at the table with us. someone can't sit at the table with us. But Jonah didn't come out and say it But Jonah didn't come out and say it But Jonah didn't come out and say it either. either. either. He just ran away from the work. God He just ran away from the work. God He just ran away from the work. God called him. God asked him to be a vessel called him. God asked him to be a vessel called him. God asked him to be a vessel of God's grace for someone else. A whole of God's grace for someone else. A whole of God's grace for someone else. A whole city actually.

city actually. city actually. And Jonah got mad and wasn't going to do And Jonah got mad and wasn't going to do And Jonah got mad and wasn't going to do it because Jonah knew that God was so it because Jonah knew that God was so it because Jonah knew that God was so gracious and so merciful that even his gracious and so merciful that even his gracious and so merciful that even his enemies might be saved. enemies might be saved. enemies might be saved. You, we are sinners saved by grace. You, we are sinners saved by grace. You, we are sinners saved by grace. There's one thing to do this morning. There's one thing to do this morning. There's one thing to do this morning. It's to open yourself to that glorious It's to open yourself to that glorious It's to open yourself to that glorious truth. There's nothing you did or could truth. There's nothing you did or could truth. There's nothing you did or could ever do to make that happen. It's a gift ever do to make that happen. It's a gift ever do to make that happen. It's a gift from God. from God. from God. And then there's an even more glorious And then there's an even more glorious And then there's an even more glorious truth behind that that there's a truth behind that that there's a truth behind that that there's a wideness to God's mercy that we could wideness to God's mercy that we could wideness to God's mercy that we could never comprehend. never comprehend. never comprehend. So if this week or this month or So if this week or this month or So if this week or this month or sometime somewhere you find yourself sometime somewhere you find yourself sometime somewhere you find yourself wanting to avoid somebody or wanting to wanting to avoid somebody or wanting to wanting to avoid somebody or wanting to avoid a whole group of somebody's if avoid a whole group of somebody's if avoid a whole group of somebody's if you're certain that that you're right you're certain that that you're right you're certain that that you're right and they are wrong. and they are wrong. and they are wrong. Maybe that's one more way that we're Maybe that's one more way that we're Maybe that's one more way that we're like Jonah. like Jonah. like Jonah. And maybe that's God's way of giving you And maybe that's God's way of giving you And maybe that's God's way of giving you an assignment.

an assignment. an assignment. Don't run away from that work. Walk Don't run away from that work. Walk Don't run away from that work. Walk right toward it. Because like Jonah, we right toward it. Because like Jonah, we right toward it. Because like Jonah, we worship the God of heaven who made the worship the God of heaven who made the worship the God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land. And our God is sea and the dry land. And our God is sea and the dry land. And our God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and gracious and merciful, slow to anger and gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. And maybe, abounding in steadfast love. And maybe, abounding in steadfast love. And maybe, just maybe, God has chosen you just maybe, God has chosen you just maybe, God has chosen you to be a vessel of that love for someone to be a vessel of that love for someone to be a vessel of that love for someone else, else, else, even somebody you never thought even somebody you never thought even somebody you never thought possible. In the name of the Father, the possible. In the name of the Father, the possible. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, let all God's Son, and the Holy Spirit, let all God's Son, and the Holy Spirit, let all God's people say, "Amen." people say, "Amen." people say, "Amen." friends. What a joy it's been to worship friends. What a joy it's been to worship friends. What a joy it's been to worship God together this morning. Thank you for God together this morning. Thank you for God together this morning. Thank you for being here. And if you're new to being here. And if you're new to being here. And if you're new to Memorial Drive, I would love the chance Memorial Drive, I would love the chance Memorial Drive, I would love the chance to meet you. The pastors and I will be to meet you. The pastors and I will be to meet you. The pastors and I will be outside the uh back doors of this outside the uh back doors of this outside the uh back doors of this sanctuary as you leave today. If you sanctuary as you leave today. If you sanctuary as you leave today. If you have a minute, we'd love to say hello have a minute, we'd love to say hello have a minute, we'd love to say hello and learn your name and mostly just and learn your name and mostly just and learn your name and mostly just thank you for being here today. And if thank you for being here today. And if thank you for being here today. And if you um have found a home here at you um have found a home here at you um have found a home here at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, and you'd like to be a member of this and you'd like to be a member of this and you'd like to be a member of this congregation, but you're not yet, come congregation, but you're not yet, come congregation, but you're not yet, come forward as we sing this final hymn. We'd forward as we sing this final hymn. We'd forward as we sing this final hymn. We'd love to help you take that step in your love to help you take that step in your love to help you take that step in your relationship with the church. Now, as we relationship with the church. Now, as we relationship with the church. Now, as we prepare for God to send us out into the prepare for God to send us out into the prepare for God to send us out into the world, would you stand as you're able world, would you stand as you're able world, would you stand as you're able and join me as we sing?

>> and all that you do. And may the peace >> and all that you do. And may the peace of Christ go with you. Amen.