Classic Worship | 11 AM | August 9th , 2026

finding the blue registration folder finding the blue registration folder that's on each one of your pews, passing that's on each one of your pews, passing that's on each one of your pews, passing that down your row, getting to know the that down your row, getting to know the that down your row, getting to know the people around you. So, um, we are people around you. So, um, we are people around you. So, um, we are starting a new worship series today, starting a new worship series today, starting a new worship series today, Back to Sunday school, where we'll look Back to Sunday school, where we'll look Back to Sunday school, where we'll look at some of those big stories that you at some of those big stories that you at some of those big stories that you might have learned from your children's might have learned from your children's might have learned from your children's storybook Bible or from the felt board storybook Bible or from the felt board storybook Bible or from the felt board if you're of a certain age. Um, but I'm if you're of a certain age. Um, but I'm if you're of a certain age. Um, but I'm just glad that you're here as we wind just glad that you're here as we wind just glad that you're here as we wind down summer and lean into fall. There's down summer and lean into fall. There's down summer and lean into fall. There's a lot going on in our church, but this a lot going on in our church, but this a lot going on in our church, but this is the place and this is the time when is the place and this is the time when is the place and this is the time when we gather together to remember that we we gather together to remember that we we gather together to remember that we are the body of Christ that we need one are the body of Christ that we need one are the body of Christ that we need one another and that we have this place now another and that we have this place now another and that we have this place now set aside to pause and to become aware set aside to pause and to become aware set aside to pause and to become aware of God's presence to worship God. God of God's presence to worship God. God of God's presence to worship God. God who is in our midst here and now, but who is in our midst here and now, but who is in our midst here and now, but God who has been walking with us all God who has been walking with us all God who has been walking with us all week long through our highs and through week long through our highs and through week long through our highs and through our lows in all seasons of life. We are our lows in all seasons of life. We are our lows in all seasons of life. We are the church. We gather together and there the church. We gather together and there the church. We gather together and there is room for you here. We begin our is room for you here. We begin our is room for you here. We begin our worship services with a call to worship. worship services with a call to worship. worship services with a call to worship. It's our way of setting our intention It's our way of setting our intention It's our way of setting our intention and tuning our eyes and ears and hearts and tuning our eyes and ears and hearts and tuning our eyes and ears and hearts and minds to the presence of God around and minds to the presence of God around and minds to the presence of God around us. So, I want to invite you to stand us. So, I want to invite you to stand us. So, I want to invite you to stand now in body or in spirit as you're able.

now in body or in spirit as you're able. now in body or in spirit as you're able. And we'll join in this responsive And we'll join in this responsive And we'll join in this responsive prayer, our call to worship. prayer, our call to worship. prayer, our call to worship. God has called each one of us together God has called each one of us together God has called each one of us together to continue building the church. to continue building the church. to continue building the church. We come with trust and a willingness to We come with trust and a willingness to We come with trust and a willingness to make room for others. When the storms make room for others. When the storms make room for others. When the storms come and the floodwaters of life come and the floodwaters of life come and the floodwaters of life threaten to overwhelm us, this place is threaten to overwhelm us, this place is threaten to overwhelm us, this place is an ark, a safe refuge, and a vehicle an ark, a safe refuge, and a vehicle an ark, a safe refuge, and a vehicle carrying us toward a future with hope. carrying us toward a future with hope. carrying us toward a future with hope. Let's sing together. Glad you're here. >> Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, >> Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of to the Lord

to the Lord All things [music] ready ready [music] [music] [music] as the ar [singing] God's heaven God's heaven [music] to the [music] living [singing] to the [music] living [singing] God our God our God our here here here spreading the adore

adore me. [music] go go to to to the heart [music] [music] for the for the for the Lord. Lord. Lord. waking or [music and singing] sleeping. waking or [music and singing] sleeping. waking or [music and singing] sleeping. Thy presence, my light. Thy presence, my light. Thy presence, my light. Be thy wisdom and thy true word. Be thy wisdom and thy true word. Be thy wisdom and thy true word. I am with thee and with you Lord.

First in my heart. First in my heart. [music] Praise God of heaven and earth. [music] Praise God of heaven and earth. [music] Praise God of heaven and earth. My treasure comes. my [music] my [music] victory. May I reach May I reach your light [music] [music] still be my vision. >> [music] >> [music] >> Would you remain standing as together we >> Would you remain standing as together we >> Would you remain standing as together we join our voices and affirm our faith join our voices and affirm our faith join our voices and affirm our faith with the Apostles Creed. I believe in with the Apostles Creed. I believe in with the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified dead and buried. The third day crucified dead and buried. The third day crucified dead and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into

he rose from the dead. He ascended into he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand of heaven and siteth at the right hand of heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he God the Father Almighty. From then he God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the quick and the shall come to judge the quick and the shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Holy 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. Amen. Amen. [music] Glor Glor to the Father, [music] to the Son, and to [music] the Holy to the Son, and to [music] the Holy Ghost. Ghost. Ghost. As it was in [music] the beginning, As it was in [music] the beginning, As it was in [music] the beginning, is now is now is now shall be. [music] >> One of the important things we do when >> One of the important things we do when we gather is build community and we do we gather is build community and we do we gather is build community and we do that by passing the peace of Christ. So that by passing the peace of Christ. So that by passing the peace of Christ. So I want to invite you to say hello to the I want to invite you to say hello to the I want to invite you to say hello to the people around you and also invite people around you and also invite people around you and also invite children to come forward at this time children to come forward at this time children to come forward at this time too.

Good Morning. Good Morning. >> Oh, we're both We're both We're all >> Oh, we're both We're both We're all >> Oh, we're both We're both We're all together. We're all together. We're together. We're all together. We're together. We're all together. We're good. Okay, here's my question. Oh, look good. Okay, here's my question. Oh, look good. Okay, here's my question. Oh, look at your dress. What's on her? What's on at your dress. What's on her? What's on at your dress. What's on her? What's on their dresses? their dresses? their dresses? >> Uh, rainbows. >> Uh, rainbows. >> Uh, rainbows. >> Rainbows. >> Rainbows. >> Rainbows. >> Okay, so I I thought I Yeah, rainbows >> Okay, so I I thought I Yeah, rainbows >> Okay, so I I thought I Yeah, rainbows and rainbows. So, guess what today's and rainbows. So, guess what today's and rainbows. So, guess what today's about? What do you think today's about about? What do you think today's about about? What do you think today's about >> rainbows? Where in the Bible does it >> rainbows? Where in the Bible does it >> rainbows? Where in the Bible does it talk about a rainbow? Do y'all remember? talk about a rainbow? Do y'all remember? talk about a rainbow? Do y'all remember? It's the big Here, sit on the step here. It's the big Here, sit on the step here. It's the big Here, sit on the step here. Sit on my lap. Sit on my lap. Sit on my lap. Okay, here's a question. Where is the Okay, here's a question. Where is the Okay, here's a question. Where is the big ark in the story? Who built the ark? big ark in the story? Who built the ark? big ark in the story? Who built the ark? >> Noah. Okay, so Noah built the ark in the >> Noah. Okay, so Noah built the ark in the >> Noah. Okay, so Noah built the ark in the story. Who told Noah to build the ark? story. Who told Noah to build the ark? story. Who told Noah to build the ark? >> Um, his mom and dad. >> Um, his mom and dad. >> Um, his mom and dad. >> His mom and dad. And who did you say? >> His mom and dad. And who did you say? >> His mom and dad. And who did you say? God. Good answer. Okay. So, God said, God. Good answer. Okay. So, God said, God. Good answer. Okay. So, God said, "Make an ark because it's going to rain "Make an ark because it's going to rain "Make an ark because it's going to rain for how many days?" Do you remember for how many days?" Do you remember for how many days?" Do you remember that? How many days did it rain? that? How many days did it rain? that? How many days did it rain? >> Three. What's your guess? >> Three. What's your guess? >> Three. What's your guess? Four. What's your guess? Four. What's your guess? Four. What's your guess? >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, >> okay. Here. Here. This is five. Okay.

>> okay. Here. Here. This is five. Okay. >> okay. Here. Here. This is five. Okay. Let's Let's see if any of the pastors Let's Let's see if any of the pastors Let's Let's see if any of the pastors know. Pastors, know. Pastors, know. Pastors, >> can you tell us? Do y'all know how many >> can you tell us? Do y'all know how many >> can you tell us? Do y'all know how many days it rained? days it rained? days it rained? >> They don't They don't know either. >> They don't They don't know either. >> They don't They don't know either. >> A lot. >> A lot. >> A lot. >> I have no idea. >> I have no idea. >> I have no idea. >> Okay. You ready? >> Okay. You ready? >> Okay. You ready? >> I have no idea. >> I have no idea. >> I have no idea. >> You have no idea. You ready? Here. I'm >> You have no idea. You ready? Here. I'm >> You have no idea. You ready? Here. I'm going to say it. going to say it. going to say it. >> I think 15. >> I think 15. >> I think 15. >> She's going to go up it. She's going to >> She's going to go up it. She's going to >> She's going to go up it. She's going to go with 15. go with 15. go with 15. >> How about you ready? 40 days. and 40 >> How about you ready? 40 days. and 40 >> How about you ready? 40 days. and 40 nights. nights. nights. >> What? >> What? >> What? >> Do you know how long I'm getting a >> Do you know how long I'm getting a >> Do you know how long I'm getting a little critique here. Do y'all know how little critique here. Do y'all know how little critique here. Do y'all know how long a month is? About how many days is long a month is? About how many days is long a month is? About how many days is a month? a month? a month? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> 30. >> 30. >> 30. >> That's very good. >> That's very good. >> That's very good. >> How? >> How? >> How? >> We've started something here. So So >> We've started something here. So So >> We've started something here. So So answer this. This is a math question. answer this. This is a math question. answer this. This is a math question. You ready? Is Is 40 days longer than a You ready? Is Is 40 days longer than a You ready? Is Is 40 days longer than a month? month? month? >> Yes, it is. My third grader is like, >> Yes, it is. My third grader is like, >> Yes, it is. My third grader is like, "Yes, it is." "Yes, it is." "Yes, it is." >> All right. So God made a promise. You >> All right. So God made a promise. You >> All right. So God made a promise. You ready, Mia? God made a promise that it ready, Mia? God made a promise that it ready, Mia? God made a promise that it would not do that again. God would not would not do that again. God would not would not do that again. God would not destroy the world. And then all of a destroy the world. And then all of a destroy the world. And then all of a sudden, what did they see in the sky? sudden, what did they see in the sky? sudden, what did they see in the sky? >> A rainbow. And God said, "That is a >> A rainbow. And God said, "That is a >> A rainbow. And God said, "That is a promise that I will take care of you. I promise that I will take care of you. I promise that I will take care of you. I will always take care of you." So that will always take care of you." So that will always take care of you." So that whenever you see a rainbow, that's why whenever you see a rainbow, that's why whenever you see a rainbow, that's why we always think of it is it's a promise we always think of it is it's a promise we always think of it is it's a promise from God.

>> Oh, you saw a rainbow. Okay. >> Oh, you saw a rainbow. Okay. whenever we water the plant whenever we water the plant whenever we water the plant >> and she see oh when she's doing the >> and she see oh when she's doing the >> and she see oh when she's doing the water hose she can see the rainbow in water hose she can see the rainbow in water hose she can see the rainbow in the reflecting of the light. Okay. So the reflecting of the light. Okay. So the reflecting of the light. Okay. So every time you see a rainbow either in every time you see a rainbow either in every time you see a rainbow either in the sky or when you're watering or just the sky or when you're watering or just the sky or when you're watering or just out in the world remember that's a out in the world remember that's a out in the world remember that's a promise. A promise from God that God is promise. A promise from God that God is promise. A promise from God that God is faithful to us. Will you all say a faithful to us. Will you all say a faithful to us. Will you all say a prayer with me? Okay. Ready? Hands up, prayer with me? Okay. Ready? Hands up, prayer with me? Okay. Ready? Hands up, hands together. hands together. hands together. >> And let's pray. Dear God, >> And let's pray. Dear God, >> And let's pray. Dear God, help us help us help us >> to remember that rainbows >> to remember that rainbows >> to remember that rainbows mean promises from God. mean promises from God. mean promises from God. Amen. Okay, there's a sugar-free sucker Amen. Okay, there's a sugar-free sucker Amen. Okay, there's a sugar-free sucker right down there if you want one. Thanks right down there if you want one. Thanks right down there if you want one. Thanks for coming. >> Hi friends, [music] I'm Ryan Harvey. As >> Hi friends, [music] I'm Ryan Harvey. As summer winds down and a new school year summer winds down and a new school year summer winds down and a new school year begins, we're excited to help students, begins, we're excited to help students, begins, we're excited to help students, families, and our [music] whole church families, and our [music] whole church families, and our [music] whole church start the season with purpose. Here are start the season with purpose. Here are start the season with purpose. Here are a few opportunities coming up that I'd a few opportunities coming up that I'd a few opportunities coming up that I'd love to share with you. We're so excited love to share with you. We're so excited love to share with you. We're so excited that next Sunday is back to [music] that next Sunday is back to [music] that next Sunday is back to [music] school Sunday. We'll hope you join us school Sunday. We'll hope you join us school Sunday. We'll hope you join us for a morning of celebrating students of for a morning of celebrating students of for a morning of celebrating students of all ages as [music] they head back to all ages as [music] they head back to all ages as [music] they head back to school. Kids will move up to their new school. Kids will move up to their new school. Kids will move up to their new Sunday school classes and we invite all Sunday school classes and we invite all Sunday school classes and we invite all children to bring their backpacks for a children to bring their backpacks for a children to bring their backpacks for a special backpack [music] blessing as we special backpack [music] blessing as we special backpack [music] blessing as we pray over the year ahead. After worship, pray over the year ahead. After worship, pray over the year ahead. After worship, we'd love for you to be a part of our we'd love for you to be a part of our we'd love for you to be a part of our back to school prayer walk. We'll head back to school prayer walk. We'll head back to school prayer walk. We'll head out in teams [music] to schools across out in teams [music] to schools across out in teams [music] to schools across our community to pray for teachers, our community to pray for teachers, our community to pray for teachers, students, and administrators, as well as

students, and administrators, as well as students, and administrators, as well as [music] staff as they begin the new [music] staff as they begin the new [music] staff as they begin the new year. It's a simple but meaningful way year. It's a simple but meaningful way year. It's a simple but meaningful way to support our local schools. There's to support our local schools. There's to support our local schools. There's also still time to help local students also still time to help local students also still time to help local students start the year strong. We're collecting start the year strong. We're collecting start the year strong. We're collecting [music] school supplies, helping to [music] school supplies, helping to [music] school supplies, helping to provide new uniforms through Memorial provide new uniforms through Memorial provide new uniforms through Memorial Assistance Ministries, [music] Assistance Ministries, [music] Assistance Ministries, [music] collecting gift cards to encourage collecting gift cards to encourage collecting gift cards to encourage teachers, and looking for lunch buddy teachers, and looking for lunch buddy teachers, and looking for lunch buddy volunteers at Hollybrook Elementary. volunteers at Hollybrook Elementary. volunteers at Hollybrook Elementary. Bring all donations back with you next Bring all donations back with you next Bring all donations back with you next Sunday, August 16th. Every gift and Sunday, August 16th. Every gift and Sunday, August 16th. Every gift and every hour volunteered helps show our every hour volunteered helps show our every hour volunteered helps show our neighbors they're seen, supported, and neighbors they're seen, supported, and neighbors they're seen, supported, and loved. Finally, if the start of the new loved. Finally, if the start of the new loved. Finally, if the start of the new year has you [music] thinking about your year has you [music] thinking about your year has you [music] thinking about your own faith journey, we'd love to invite own faith journey, we'd love to invite own faith journey, we'd love to invite you to one of our two new groups you to one of our two new groups you to one of our two new groups beginning this fall. Foundations, beginning this fall. Foundations, beginning this fall. Foundations, [music] led by Pastor Sha, is a great [music] led by Pastor Sha, is a great [music] led by Pastor Sha, is a great opportunity to grow deeper in your opportunity to grow deeper in your opportunity to grow deeper in your faith. While Alpha, led by Pastor faith. While Alpha, led by Pastor faith. While Alpha, led by Pastor DeAndre and church member [music] DeAndre and church member [music] DeAndre and church member [music] Victoria Oxley, is designed for anyone Victoria Oxley, is designed for anyone Victoria Oxley, is designed for anyone exploring Christianity, returning to exploring Christianity, returning to exploring Christianity, returning to church, or simply asking questions. church, or simply asking questions. church, or simply asking questions. Wherever you are on your journey, Wherever you are on your journey, Wherever you are on your journey, there's a place for you. You can learn there's a place for you. You can learn there's a place for you. You can learn more about these opportunities [music] more about these opportunities [music] more about these opportunities [music] and find registration information at and find registration information at and find registration information at mdummc.org/backtoschool.

Hear now this reading from the 104th Hear now this reading from the 104th Psalm. Psalm. Psalm. Oh Lord, how manifold are your works. In Oh Lord, how manifold are your works. In Oh Lord, how manifold are your works. In wisdom you have made them all. The earth wisdom you have made them all. The earth wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the is full of your creatures. Yonder is the is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea great and wide. Creeping things sea great and wide. Creeping things sea great and wide. Creeping things innumerable are there. Living things innumerable are there. Living things innumerable are there. Living things both small and great. There go the ships both small and great. There go the ships both small and great. There go the ships and Leviathan that you formed to sport and Leviathan that you formed to sport and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it. These all look to you to give in it. These all look to you to give in it. These all look to you to give them their food in due season. When you them their food in due season. When you them their food in due season. When you give to them, they gather it up. When give to them, they gather it up. When give to them, they gather it up. When you open your hand, they are filled with you open your hand, they are filled with you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face, good things. When you hide your face, good things. When you hide your face, they are dismayed. When you take away they are dismayed. When you take away they are dismayed. When you take away their breath, they die and return to their breath, they die and return to their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your their dust. When you send forth your their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created and you renew spirit, they are created and you renew spirit, they are created and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the face of the ground. May the glory of the face of the ground. May the glory of the Lord endure forever. May the Lord the Lord endure forever. May the Lord the Lord endure forever. May the Lord rejoice in his works. Who looks on the rejoice in his works. Who looks on the rejoice in his works. Who looks on the earth and it trembles. Who touches the earth and it trembles. Who touches the earth and it trembles. Who touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing to mountains and they smoke. I will sing to mountains and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will sing the Lord as long as I live. I will sing the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May praise to my God while I have being. May praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I my meditation be pleasing to him, for I my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the consumed from the earth, and let the consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, oh my wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, oh my wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the Lord. This is the word soul. Praise the Lord. This is the word soul. Praise the Lord. This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be of God for the people of God. Thanks be of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Something I wanted to let you to God. Something I wanted to let you to God. Something I wanted to let you know about that happened at our 9:30 know about that happened at our 9:30 know about that happened at our 9:30 service this morning here at the chancel service this morning here at the chancel service this morning here at the chancel was that we commissioned and prayed over was that we commissioned and prayed over was that we commissioned and prayed over a mission team that is heading to Malawi

a mission team that is heading to Malawi a mission team that is heading to Malawi a week from today. We're sending six a week from today. We're sending six a week from today. We're sending six people to go and to explore new people to go and to explore new people to go and to explore new partnerships and connections for partnerships and connections for partnerships and connections for ministry and mission in Malawi. We have ministry and mission in Malawi. We have ministry and mission in Malawi. We have a photograph from that prayer that we a photograph from that prayer that we a photograph from that prayer that we offered for them as they go. They'll be offered for them as they go. They'll be offered for them as they go. They'll be gone for about two weeks and again gone for about two weeks and again gone for about two weeks and again they're looking for new ways that we can they're looking for new ways that we can they're looking for new ways that we can connect and be in mission and connect connect and be in mission and connect connect and be in mission and connect this church with the work of God's this church with the work of God's this church with the work of God's church in Malawi. So, I invite you to be church in Malawi. So, I invite you to be church in Malawi. So, I invite you to be in prayer for them too over the next in prayer for them too over the next in prayer for them too over the next several weeks and to look forward along several weeks and to look forward along several weeks and to look forward along with me to hearing back from their trip with me to hearing back from their trip with me to hearing back from their trip and seeing what the future might hold and seeing what the future might hold and seeing what the future might hold for our mission opportunities there. for our mission opportunities there. for our mission opportunities there. When I think about all that God has When I think about all that God has When I think about all that God has made, as the psalmist reminds us to do, made, as the psalmist reminds us to do, made, as the psalmist reminds us to do, when I think about sending people when I think about sending people when I think about sending people halfway around the world uh to connect halfway around the world uh to connect halfway around the world uh to connect with the church that is alive and with the church that is alive and with the church that is alive and vibrant there, I think about how vibrant there, I think about how vibrant there, I think about how humbling it is to be a small part of the humbling it is to be a small part of the humbling it is to be a small part of the big work that God is doing. And every big work that God is doing. And every big work that God is doing. And every week during our time of offering, we can week during our time of offering, we can week during our time of offering, we can have that reminder for ourselves when we have that reminder for ourselves when we have that reminder for ourselves when we put our tithe, our gift in the plate or put our tithe, our gift in the plate or put our tithe, our gift in the plate or text to give um to contribute to the text to give um to contribute to the text to give um to contribute to the work of this church. It's our small way work of this church. It's our small way work of this church. It's our small way of joining with what God is doing in the of joining with what God is doing in the of joining with what God is doing in the world. We have so much that we can share world. We have so much that we can share world. We have so much that we can share with others. And the work of MDUMC here with others. And the work of MDUMC here with others. And the work of MDUMC here within our campuses and in our community within our campuses and in our community within our campuses and in our community and around the world is a big thing and and around the world is a big thing and and around the world is a big thing and it is bigger than each one of us. But it is bigger than each one of us. But it is bigger than each one of us. But when we have this opportunity to give,

when we have this opportunity to give, when we have this opportunity to give, we can be a part of it too. So in a we can be a part of it too. So in a we can be a part of it too. So in a moment the ushers will come and you can moment the ushers will come and you can moment the ushers will come and you can place something in the plate or you can place something in the plate or you can place something in the plate or you can text to give as I said or you can give text to give as I said or you can give text to give as I said or you can give online. But I pray that you are reminded online. But I pray that you are reminded online. But I pray that you are reminded of the vastness of God's grandeur and of the vastness of God's grandeur and of the vastness of God's grandeur and our blessedness to be a part of that. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Amen.

>> Amen. [music] >> Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> Hallelujah.

>> Hallelujah. [music] Praise God.

Praise God. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Praise the spirit. Praise the spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Would you all join me in a time of Would you all join me in a time of prayer? Holy and gracious God, Holy and gracious God, we come before you this morning with we come before you this morning with we come before you this morning with grateful hearts. For you are our refuge grateful hearts. For you are our refuge grateful hearts. For you are our refuge and our strength, the source of our life and our strength, the source of our life and our strength, the source of our life and the giver of every good gift. We and the giver of every good gift. We and the giver of every good gift. We praise you for the beauty of your praise you for the beauty of your praise you for the beauty of your creation. For the heavens stretched creation. For the heavens stretched creation. For the heavens stretched before us, for the earth beneath our before us, for the earth beneath our before us, for the earth beneath our feet, for the waters that sustain us, feet, for the waters that sustain us, feet, for the waters that sustain us, for the creatures that share this world for the creatures that share this world for the creatures that share this world with us, and for the breath of life that with us, and for the breath of life that with us, and for the breath of life that animates us all. As your psalmist animates us all. As your psalmist animates us all. As your psalmist declares, "The earth is full of your declares, "The earth is full of your declares, "The earth is full of your creatures. You open your hand and they creatures. You open your hand and they creatures. You open your hand and they are filled with good things. You send are filled with good things. You send are filled with good things. You send forth your spirit and creation is

forth your spirit and creation is forth your spirit and creation is renewed. renewed. renewed. Teach us, God, to see the world with Teach us, God, to see the world with Teach us, God, to see the world with wonder again. Save us from taking your wonder again. Save us from taking your wonder again. Save us from taking your gifts for granted. gifts for granted. gifts for granted. Make us mindful that we are not owners Make us mindful that we are not owners Make us mindful that we are not owners of this earth, but participants in the of this earth, but participants in the of this earth, but participants in the life of your creation, called to tend life of your creation, called to tend life of your creation, called to tend and protect and cherish what you have and protect and cherish what you have and protect and cherish what you have made. made. made. We remember today your covenant with We remember today your covenant with We remember today your covenant with Noah. Your promise not only to humanity Noah. Your promise not only to humanity Noah. Your promise not only to humanity but to every living creature, to the but to every living creature, to the but to every living creature, to the generations that would come after us. generations that would come after us. generations that would come after us. You place the rainbow in the heavens as You place the rainbow in the heavens as You place the rainbow in the heavens as a sign of your enduring promise. a sign of your enduring promise. a sign of your enduring promise. Oh God of covenant and mercy, help us to Oh God of covenant and mercy, help us to Oh God of covenant and mercy, help us to be people who keep covenant. Faithful in be people who keep covenant. Faithful in be people who keep covenant. Faithful in our relationships, faithful to our our relationships, faithful to our our relationships, faithful to our neighbors, faithful to the vulnerable, neighbors, faithful to the vulnerable, neighbors, faithful to the vulnerable, faithful to the earth, and faithful to faithful to the earth, and faithful to faithful to the earth, and faithful to the work of peace. Where there is the work of peace. Where there is the work of peace. Where there is violence, bring your peace. Where violence, bring your peace. Where violence, bring your peace. Where there's hatred, so compassion. there's hatred, so compassion. there's hatred, so compassion. Where there is division, create Where there is division, create Where there is division, create understanding.

understanding. understanding. Where there is injustice, give us Where there is injustice, give us Where there is injustice, give us courage to pursue what is right. Where courage to pursue what is right. Where courage to pursue what is right. Where people are displaced, give them shelter people are displaced, give them shelter people are displaced, give them shelter and welcome. and welcome. and welcome. Where people are hungry, provide what Where people are hungry, provide what Where people are hungry, provide what they need. And make us willing they need. And make us willing they need. And make us willing instruments of your provision. instruments of your provision. instruments of your provision. We pray for your church throughout the We pray for your church throughout the We pray for your church throughout the world. You'd make us one in Christ, not world. You'd make us one in Christ, not world. You'd make us one in Christ, not uniform in every opinion or tradition, uniform in every opinion or tradition, uniform in every opinion or tradition, but united in love and humility and but united in love and humility and but united in love and humility and service and hope. service and hope. service and hope. renew your church by your Holy Spirit renew your church by your Holy Spirit renew your church by your Holy Spirit that we might be a living witness to that we might be a living witness to that we might be a living witness to your reconciling love. your reconciling love. your reconciling love. We pray for this congregation. We pray for this congregation. We pray for this congregation. For all of us who gather here today, For all of us who gather here today, For all of us who gather here today, we pray for those who come with joy. we pray for those who come with joy. we pray for those who come with joy. Receive our thanksgiving. Receive our thanksgiving. Receive our thanksgiving. For those who come carrying grief, meet For those who come carrying grief, meet For those who come carrying grief, meet them with your comfort. For those who them with your comfort. For those who them with your comfort. For those who are sick, bring healing and strength. are sick, bring healing and strength. are sick, bring healing and strength. For those who are lonely, make your For those who are lonely, make your For those who are lonely, make your presence known. presence known. presence known. For those who are anxious or burdened, For those who are anxious or burdened, For those who are anxious or burdened, grant peace.

grant peace. grant peace. For those who are searching for For those who are searching for For those who are searching for direction, illumine their path. direction, illumine their path. direction, illumine their path. For those who are weary, give rest. For those who are weary, give rest. For those who are weary, give rest. And for all those concerns we carry And for all those concerns we carry And for all those concerns we carry silently within us, we offer them now silently within us, we offer them now silently within us, we offer them now into your keeping. God of life, God of life, you've breathed your spirit into you've breathed your spirit into you've breathed your spirit into creation and called it good. Breathe creation and called it good. Breathe creation and called it good. Breathe your spirit into us again. your spirit into us again. your spirit into us again. Renew what is weary. Restore what is Renew what is weary. Restore what is Renew what is weary. Restore what is broken. broken. broken. Soften what has become hardened. Awaken Soften what has become hardened. Awaken Soften what has become hardened. Awaken what has grown numb. And make our lives what has grown numb. And make our lives what has grown numb. And make our lives instruments of your grace. instruments of your grace. instruments of your grace. As we go today, help us to walk humbly As we go today, help us to walk humbly As we go today, help us to walk humbly with you, to love mercy, to seek with you, to love mercy, to seek with you, to love mercy, to seek justice, and to care for the world you justice, and to care for the world you justice, and to care for the world you have entrusted to us. We ask all this in have entrusted to us. We ask all this in have entrusted to us. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, through whom the name of Jesus Christ, through whom the name of Jesus Christ, through whom you have made all things new. And in you have made all things new. And in you have made all things new. And in whose words we pray, our Father, who art whose words we pray, our Father, who art whose words we pray, our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

as it is in heaven. as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And Give us this day our daily bread. And Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive forgive us our trespasses as we forgive forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who've trespassed against us. And those who've trespassed against us. And those who've trespassed against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver lead us not into temptation, but deliver lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom us from evil. For thine is the kingdom us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. and the power and the glory forever. and the power and the glory forever. Amen. [music] >> Great >> Great is thy faithfulness, oh God, oh God, my Father, turning turning with thee. [singing] with thee. [singing] with thee. [singing] [music] Thou changest [singing] Thou changest [singing] not.

not. not. My compassions as [singing] a as [singing] a spirit spirit spirit thou forever wilt. wilt. [music] Great Great is thy faithfulness. Morning [singing] Morning [singing] by morning, by morning, by morning, new [singing] mercies new [singing] mercies new [singing] mercies [music] I see. All [singing] I have needed, All [singing] I have needed, thy [music] thy [music] thy [music] hand hand hand proided.

proided. proided. [music] [music] [music] Great Great Great is [singing] is [singing] is [singing] thy faithfulness, Lord, Lord, unto unto unto me. Summer Summer and winter and winter and winter and spring [singing] time and harvest. and spring [singing] time and harvest. and spring [singing] time and harvest. Sun, moon and stars in their courses Sun, moon and stars in their courses Sun, moon and stars in their courses [singing] [singing] [singing] on earth. on earth. on earth. Join with all [singing] Join with all [singing] Join with all [singing] your manifold your manifold your manifold witness witness witness to [singing] thy great faithfulness, to [singing] thy great faithfulness, to [singing] thy great faithfulness, mercy mercy mercy and love.

Pardon Pardon for sin and a peace for sin and a peace for sin and a peace and [singing] earth. and [singing] earth. and [singing] earth. Thine dear [music] presence to cheer Thine dear [music] presence to cheer Thine dear [music] presence to cheer [singing] [singing] [singing] and to guide. and to guide. and to guide. Strength for today Strength for today Strength for today and bright hope [singing] for tomorrow. Blessings Blessings all [singing] night all [singing] night all [singing] night with 10,000 with 10,000 with 10,000 be [music] [music] 10,000 10,000 10,000 [singing] [singing] [singing] bide. Blessings Blessings are thy wand. are thy wand. are thy wand. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] Great is thy faithfulness.

Great is thy faithfulness. Great is thy faithfulness. Great is thy faithfulness. Great is thy faithfulness. Morning Morning Morning by [singing and music] by [singing and music] by [singing and music] morning, morning, morning, new mercies new mercies new mercies I see. [music and singing] All I have needed, thy [music] All I have needed, thy [music] hand. [singing] Great thy [singing] Great thy [singing] faithfulness, [music] faithfulness, [music] faithfulness, [music] Lord Lord Lord [singing] to me. [music] Lord unto me. Lord unto me. [music] Amen. Amen. [singing] [singing] [singing] Amen. Amen indeed. Let's pray.

Amen indeed. Let's pray. God, thank you for being with us even God, thank you for being with us even God, thank you for being with us even now. And by the power of your Holy now. And by the power of your Holy now. And by the power of your Holy Spirit, open our ears and our eyes, our Spirit, open our ears and our eyes, our Spirit, open our ears and our eyes, our hearts, and our minds that we might hearts, and our minds that we might hearts, and our minds that we might truly hear your word and walk in your truly hear your word and walk in your truly hear your word and walk in your ways. And God, may the words of my mouth ways. And God, may the words of my mouth ways. And God, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of all of our hearts be and the thoughts of all of our hearts be and the thoughts of all of our hearts be acceptable and pleasing to you. for you acceptable and pleasing to you. for you acceptable and pleasing to you. for you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. Sadly, summer is over. Don't worry, we Sadly, summer is over. Don't worry, we Sadly, summer is over. Don't worry, we still have months and months and months still have months and months and months still have months and months and months to enjoy the Houston heat and humidity. to enjoy the Houston heat and humidity. to enjoy the Houston heat and humidity. But for anyone whose life is connected But for anyone whose life is connected But for anyone whose life is connected to the school calendar, summer's done. to the school calendar, summer's done. to the school calendar, summer's done. It's the last week. We're back to school It's the last week. We're back to school It's the last week. We're back to school in just a few days. A and as fun as in just a few days. A and as fun as in just a few days. A and as fun as summer vacations can be, as relaxed as summer vacations can be, as relaxed as summer vacations can be, as relaxed as summer schedules sometimes are, it's not summer schedules sometimes are, it's not summer schedules sometimes are, it's not all bad going back to school. Back to all bad going back to school. Back to all bad going back to school. Back to school time is a great time to reset school time is a great time to reset school time is a great time to reset your rhythms, to redefine your your rhythms, to redefine your your rhythms, to redefine your priorities, to recommmit yourself to the priorities, to recommmit yourself to the priorities, to recommmit yourself to the things that matter. Here at MDMC in things that matter. Here at MDMC in things that matter. Here at MDMC in worship these next several weeks, we're worship these next several weeks, we're worship these next several weeks, we're going back to Sunday school. You see the going back to Sunday school. You see the going back to Sunday school. You see the graphic on the screen. It's on the front graphic on the screen. It's on the front graphic on the screen. It's on the front of your bulletin this morning. And the of your bulletin this morning. And the of your bulletin this morning. And the idea is to revisit some very well-known idea is to revisit some very well-known idea is to revisit some very well-known Bible stories like Noah's Ark, David and Bible stories like Noah's Ark, David and Bible stories like Noah's Ark, David and Goliath, Daniel and the Lion's Den, the Goliath, Daniel and the Lion's Den, the Goliath, Daniel and the Lion's Den, the parable of the lost sheep. These are parable of the lost sheep. These are parable of the lost sheep. These are stories I remember learning as a small stories I remember learning as a small stories I remember learning as a small child on the little flannel graph boards

child on the little flannel graph boards child on the little flannel graph boards in our classroom in the basement of in our classroom in the basement of in our classroom in the basement of Hinckley United Methodist Church. These Hinckley United Methodist Church. These Hinckley United Methodist Church. These are stories that we've taught to our are stories that we've taught to our are stories that we've taught to our kids that the church has taught to our kids that the church has taught to our kids that the church has taught to our kids. It's these are the stories that kids. It's these are the stories that kids. It's these are the stories that generation after generation after generation after generation after generation after generation after generation of Christians keeps on generation of Christians keeps on generation of Christians keeps on teaching to their children. teaching to their children. teaching to their children. And it's not because they're easy to And it's not because they're easy to And it's not because they're easy to understand. And it's not because they're understand. And it's not because they're understand. And it's not because they're full of cute characters. It's because full of cute characters. It's because full of cute characters. It's because these stories communicate fundamental these stories communicate fundamental these stories communicate fundamental truths about God. things we really want truths about God. things we really want truths about God. things we really want our children to know our children to know our children to know like God will never hurt you or forget like God will never hurt you or forget like God will never hurt you or forget you. God will always love you and want you. God will always love you and want you. God will always love you and want you. you. you. God will protect you. God will provide God will protect you. God will provide God will protect you. God will provide for you in ways you could never have for you in ways you could never have for you in ways you could never have imagined. imagined. imagined. That's why we keep on teaching our kids That's why we keep on teaching our kids That's why we keep on teaching our kids these stories. That's why we're going to these stories. That's why we're going to these stories. That's why we're going to read these stories together again this read these stories together again this read these stories together again this fall. What better way to start a new fall. What better way to start a new fall. What better way to start a new season than to remember these season than to remember these season than to remember these fundamental truths about God, to fundamental truths about God, to fundamental truths about God, to remember these forever promises that God remember these forever promises that God remember these forever promises that God makes to us. So our first day of back to makes to us. So our first day of back to makes to us. So our first day of back to Sunday school, we're starting the story Sunday school, we're starting the story Sunday school, we're starting the story of Noah. And in the Bible, Noah's story of Noah. And in the Bible, Noah's story of Noah. And in the Bible, Noah's story is in the book of Genesis, the very is in the book of Genesis, the very is in the book of Genesis, the very first book of the Bible. that occupies first book of the Bible. that occupies first book of the Bible. that occupies chapters 6-9. So, it's very early on in

chapters 6-9. So, it's very early on in chapters 6-9. So, it's very early on in the story of the people of God. And if the story of the people of God. And if the story of the people of God. And if you're like me, you were perhaps first you're like me, you were perhaps first you're like me, you were perhaps first introduced to the story of Noah with an introduced to the story of Noah with an introduced to the story of Noah with an image like this one. We we'll have it on image like this one. We we'll have it on image like this one. We we'll have it on the screen here. There it is. an an the screen here. There it is. an an the screen here. There it is. an an image like this one. It captures all the image like this one. It captures all the image like this one. It captures all the key visuals of the story. There's the key visuals of the story. There's the key visuals of the story. There's the ark, of course, Noah looking ancient as ark, of course, Noah looking ancient as ark, of course, Noah looking ancient as ever, animals going two by two by two, ever, animals going two by two by two, ever, animals going two by two by two, and a rainbow in the sky. The cuteness and a rainbow in the sky. The cuteness and a rainbow in the sky. The cuteness factor is high. factor is high. factor is high. But when you consider the whole of this But when you consider the whole of this But when you consider the whole of this story, there are some much less adorable story, there are some much less adorable story, there are some much less adorable parts, too. Noah, of course, is best parts, too. Noah, of course, is best parts, too. Noah, of course, is best known for building the ark, a massive known for building the ark, a massive known for building the ark, a massive wooden boat that would hold a pair of wooden boat that would hold a pair of wooden boat that would hold a pair of every animal on all the earth to keep every animal on all the earth to keep every animal on all the earth to keep them safe during a great flood. But the them safe during a great flood. But the them safe during a great flood. But the reason that Noah had to build this ark reason that Noah had to build this ark reason that Noah had to build this ark in the first place was because life on in the first place was because life on in the first place was because life on earth was going very poorly. Here's what earth was going very poorly. Here's what earth was going very poorly. Here's what it says in Genesis 6:5. The Lord saw it says in Genesis 6:5. The Lord saw it says in Genesis 6:5. The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was that the wickedness of humankind was that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth and that every great in the earth and that every great in the earth and that every inclination of the thoughts of their inclination of the thoughts of their inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually.

hearts was only evil continually. hearts was only evil continually. It's wholesale wickedness. Every It's wholesale wickedness. Every It's wholesale wickedness. Every inclination of their thoughts of their inclination of their thoughts of their inclination of their thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. A few hearts was only evil continually. A few hearts was only evil continually. A few verses later it doubles down. Now the verses later it doubles down. Now the verses later it doubles down. Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and earth was corrupt in God's sight, and earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And the earth was filled with violence. And the earth was filled with violence. And God saw that the earth was corrupt. For God saw that the earth was corrupt. For God saw that the earth was corrupt. For all flesh had corrupted its ways upon all flesh had corrupted its ways upon all flesh had corrupted its ways upon the earth. Humanity's wickedness, the earth. Humanity's wickedness, the earth. Humanity's wickedness, had corrupted God's very good creation. had corrupted God's very good creation. had corrupted God's very good creation. Violence had polluted the earth itself. Violence had polluted the earth itself. Violence had polluted the earth itself. And God wasn't mad. God was sad, And God wasn't mad. God was sad, And God wasn't mad. God was sad, grieving over his ruined original. God grieving over his ruined original. God grieving over his ruined original. God resolved to destroy the destroyers. resolved to destroy the destroyers. resolved to destroy the destroyers. God would send a great flood to wipe out God would send a great flood to wipe out God would send a great flood to wipe out the earth and all its inhabitants. the earth and all its inhabitants. the earth and all its inhabitants. Scholars call it a decreational event. Scholars call it a decreational event. Scholars call it a decreational event. the primordial waters would once again the primordial waters would once again the primordial waters would once again cover the earth, returning it to the cover the earth, returning it to the cover the earth, returning it to the chaos that it used to be, wiping it chaos that it used to be, wiping it chaos that it used to be, wiping it clean so that God could begin again. And clean so that God could begin again. And clean so that God could begin again. And God would begin again with Noah and his God would begin again with Noah and his God would begin again with Noah and his family and all the animals they had family and all the animals they had family and all the animals they had gathered. And when Noah and his family gathered. And when Noah and his family gathered. And when Noah and his family and all the animals they had gathered and all the animals they had gathered and all the animals they had gathered were were safely in the ark, it began to were were safely in the ark, it began to were were safely in the ark, it began to rain. 40 days and 40 nights it rained rain. 40 days and 40 nights it rained rain. 40 days and 40 nights it rained and the waters rose and the waters raged and the waters rose and the waters raged and the waters rose and the waters raged until chapter 7 23 only Noah was left until chapter 7 23 only Noah was left until chapter 7 23 only Noah was left and those that were with him in the ark

and those that were with him in the ark and those that were with him in the ark and the waters swelled on the earth for and the waters swelled on the earth for and the waters swelled on the earth for 150 days. 150 days. 150 days. But God remembered Noah and all the wild But God remembered Noah and all the wild But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and all the domestic animals animals and all the domestic animals animals and all the domestic animals that were with him in the ark. And God that were with him in the ark. And God that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth and the made a wind blow over the earth and the made a wind blow over the earth and the waters subsided. waters subsided. waters subsided. The land began to dry until finally Noah The land began to dry until finally Noah The land began to dry until finally Noah and his family and all the animals he and his family and all the animals he and his family and all the animals he had gathered left the ark. And the first had gathered left the ark. And the first had gathered left the ark. And the first thing that Noah does on dry ground is thing that Noah does on dry ground is thing that Noah does on dry ground is build an altar and make an offering to build an altar and make an offering to build an altar and make an offering to the Lord. And when the Lord smelled that the Lord. And when the Lord smelled that the Lord. And when the Lord smelled that offering, offering, offering, the Lord said in his heart, "I will the Lord said in his heart, "I will the Lord said in his heart, "I will never again curse the ground because of never again curse the ground because of never again curse the ground because of humankind, nor will I ever destroy every humankind, nor will I ever destroy every humankind, nor will I ever destroy every living creature as I have done." And living creature as I have done." And living creature as I have done." And then God says to Noah, "What God said to then God says to Noah, "What God said to then God says to Noah, "What God said to Adam in the beginning, be fruitful and Adam in the beginning, be fruitful and Adam in the beginning, be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth." The multiply and fill the earth." The multiply and fill the earth." The decreational event begins a new decreational event begins a new decreational event begins a new creation. creation. creation. And that brings us to our story for this And that brings us to our story for this And that brings us to our story for this morning. It's from Genesis chapter 9, morning. It's from Genesis chapter 9, morning. It's from Genesis chapter 9, beginning in verse 8. Listen for the beginning in verse 8. Listen for the beginning in verse 8. Listen for the word of God.

word of God. word of God. Then God said to Noah and to his sons Then God said to Noah and to his sons Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing with him, "As for me, I am establishing with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your my covenant with you and your my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every descendants after you, and with every descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the living creature that is with you, the living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every birds, the domestic animals, and every birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as animal of the earth with you, as many as animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my came out of the ark. I establish my came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you that never again shall covenant with you that never again shall covenant with you that never again shall all flesh be cut off by waters of a all flesh be cut off by waters of a all flesh be cut off by waters of a flood and never again shall there be a flood and never again shall there be a flood and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth. God said, flood to destroy the earth. God said, flood to destroy the earth. God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I "This is the sign of the covenant that I "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living make between me and you and every living make between me and you and every living creature that is with you for all future creature that is with you for all future creature that is with you for all future generations. generations. generations. I have set my bow in the clouds, and it I have set my bow in the clouds, and it I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between shall be a sign of the covenant between shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds me and the earth. When I bring clouds me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow is in the over the earth, and the bow is in the over the earth, and the bow is in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that clouds, I will remember my covenant that clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living is between me and you and every living is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters creature of all flesh, and the waters creature of all flesh, and the waters shall never again become a flood to shall never again become a flood to shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in destroy all flesh. When the bow is in destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the clouds, I will see it and remember the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and the everlasting covenant between God and the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that every living creature of all flesh that every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth. And God said to Noah, is on the earth. And God said to Noah, is on the earth. And God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I "This is the sign of the covenant that I "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all have established between me and all have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth. This is the flesh that is on the earth. This is the flesh that is on the earth. This is the word of God for the people of God.

word of God for the people of God. word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God." From this chaos of Thanks be to God." From this chaos of Thanks be to God." From this chaos of the flood comes a covenant of peace. I the flood comes a covenant of peace. I the flood comes a covenant of peace. I will never again curse the ground will never again curse the ground will never again curse the ground because of humankind. Never again shall because of humankind. Never again shall because of humankind. Never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth. there be a flood to destroy the earth. there be a flood to destroy the earth. This is the first covenant that God This is the first covenant that God This is the first covenant that God makes in the scripture story. It won't makes in the scripture story. It won't makes in the scripture story. It won't be the last. There will be one with mo be the last. There will be one with mo be the last. There will be one with mo Abraham and then with Moses and then Abraham and then with Moses and then Abraham and then with Moses and then with David and and the New Testament with David and and the New Testament with David and and the New Testament covenant through Jesus. This is not the covenant through Jesus. This is not the covenant through Jesus. This is not the only covenant but it is the first. And a only covenant but it is the first. And a only covenant but it is the first. And a covenant is a promise. A promise to be covenant is a promise. A promise to be covenant is a promise. A promise to be in a particular kind of relationship in a particular kind of relationship in a particular kind of relationship to define the rules of that to define the rules of that to define the rules of that relationship. In this covenant in relationship. In this covenant in relationship. In this covenant in Genesis chapter 9, God makes it not just Genesis chapter 9, God makes it not just Genesis chapter 9, God makes it not just with Noah, but with Noah and his family with Noah, but with Noah and his family with Noah, but with Noah and his family and every living creature and even with and every living creature and even with and every living creature and even with the earth itself. And God makes this the earth itself. And God makes this the earth itself. And God makes this covenant not just for now, but for all covenant not just for now, but for all covenant not just for now, but for all future generations. And it's an future generations. And it's an future generations. And it's an expansive covenant. It's forever and for expansive covenant. It's forever and for expansive covenant. It's forever and for all. And it's a covenant of peace. Never all. And it's a covenant of peace. Never all. And it's a covenant of peace. Never again will I destroy.

again will I destroy. again will I destroy. We modern Christians have come to expect We modern Christians have come to expect We modern Christians have come to expect that from God. I think because over a that from God. I think because over a that from God. I think because over a thousand generations, God has proven to thousand generations, God has proven to thousand generations, God has proven to be loving and kind, protector and be loving and kind, protector and be loving and kind, protector and provider, slow to anger and abounding in provider, slow to anger and abounding in provider, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. But in the ancient steadfast love. But in the ancient steadfast love. But in the ancient world, in Noah's world, very early on in world, in Noah's world, very early on in world, in Noah's world, very early on in the story, this was an open question. the story, this was an open question. the story, this was an open question. What kind of God is our God? Because the What kind of God is our God? Because the What kind of God is our God? Because the pagan gods were fickle and violent and pagan gods were fickle and violent and pagan gods were fickle and violent and cared very little about humanity, cared very little about humanity, cared very little about humanity, destruction was always an option for destruction was always an option for destruction was always an option for those gods. those gods. those gods. So for our God to make a covenant of So for our God to make a covenant of So for our God to make a covenant of peace, peace, peace, never again will I destroy. never again will I destroy. never again will I destroy. That was surprising. That was surprising. That was surprising. The other surprising thing in the making The other surprising thing in the making The other surprising thing in the making of this covenant is that Noah never says of this covenant is that Noah never says of this covenant is that Noah never says a word. God doesn't ask Noah to do a word. God doesn't ask Noah to do a word. God doesn't ask Noah to do anything. Normally, when a covenant is anything. Normally, when a covenant is anything. Normally, when a covenant is made, both parties make a promise. The made, both parties make a promise. The made, both parties make a promise. The pagan gods always wanted something in pagan gods always wanted something in pagan gods always wanted something in return. When people today enter into the return. When people today enter into the return. When people today enter into the covenant of marriage, both of them make covenant of marriage, both of them make covenant of marriage, both of them make a promise to have and to hold, for a promise to have and to hold, for a promise to have and to hold, for better, for worse, in sickness and in better, for worse, in sickness and in better, for worse, in sickness and in health. In Genesis chapter 9, though, health. In Genesis chapter 9, though, health. In Genesis chapter 9, though, it's a unilateral unconditional it's a unilateral unconditional it's a unilateral unconditional covenant. God promises, "Never again covenant. God promises, "Never again covenant. God promises, "Never again will I destroy." But God requires will I destroy." But God requires will I destroy." But God requires nothing of Noah or the animals or the nothing of Noah or the animals or the nothing of Noah or the animals or the earth. That's surprising.

earth. That's surprising. earth. That's surprising. But it's good because it means that even But it's good because it means that even But it's good because it means that even when the human heart remains continually when the human heart remains continually when the human heart remains continually inclined toward only evil, inclined toward only evil, inclined toward only evil, God will not destroy it. Even when the God will not destroy it. Even when the God will not destroy it. Even when the earth continues to be polluted by the earth continues to be polluted by the earth continues to be polluted by the strong, overpowering the weak, God will strong, overpowering the weak, God will strong, overpowering the weak, God will not destroy it. Even when we take life not destroy it. Even when we take life not destroy it. Even when we take life into our own hands and and muddy the into our own hands and and muddy the into our own hands and and muddy the cosmos with violence and fear, God will cosmos with violence and fear, God will cosmos with violence and fear, God will not destroy it. not destroy it. not destroy it. Instead, Instead, Instead, God will remember. God will remember. God will remember. God pledges to set in the gathering God pledges to set in the gathering God pledges to set in the gathering clouds his bow, an instrument of war, clouds his bow, an instrument of war, clouds his bow, an instrument of war, but unstrung but unstrung but unstrung and pointed away from the earth. and pointed away from the earth. and pointed away from the earth. where God says, "I will see and remember where God says, "I will see and remember where God says, "I will see and remember this rainbow, as we call it. It's the this rainbow, as we call it. It's the this rainbow, as we call it. It's the sign of God's covenant, the visible sign of God's covenant, the visible sign of God's covenant, the visible reminder that God will not fight reminder that God will not fight reminder that God will not fight violence with violence, that God will violence with violence, that God will violence with violence, that God will not repay our evil with more evil, that not repay our evil with more evil, that not repay our evil with more evil, that God will not abandon us to drown in the God will not abandon us to drown in the God will not abandon us to drown in the chaos of life." It's a visible reminder chaos of life." It's a visible reminder chaos of life." It's a visible reminder that God is willing to accept hurt that God is willing to accept hurt that God is willing to accept hurt because God wants to keep hope alive.

because God wants to keep hope alive. because God wants to keep hope alive. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Last month, our family went on a road Last month, our family went on a road Last month, our family went on a road trip. We took a trip to Colorado. It was trip. We took a trip to Colorado. It was trip. We took a trip to Colorado. It was lovely. It was the perfect thing at the lovely. It was the perfect thing at the lovely. It was the perfect thing at the perfect time. And and on the way home, perfect time. And and on the way home, perfect time. And and on the way home, we were driving through West Texas. It we were driving through West Texas. It we were driving through West Texas. It was still daylight, but it was getting was still daylight, but it was getting was still daylight, but it was getting late. And up ahead there was not a late. And up ahead there was not a late. And up ahead there was not a rainbow but all the colors of the rainbow but all the colors of the rainbow but all the colors of the rainbow in something like a a pillar. rainbow in something like a a pillar. rainbow in something like a a pillar. It was really strange. I'd never seen It was really strange. I'd never seen It was really strange. I'd never seen anything quite like it before but it was anything quite like it before but it was anything quite like it before but it was beautiful and and in my mind it was a beautiful and and in my mind it was a beautiful and and in my mind it was a mashup of biblical images because later mashup of biblical images because later mashup of biblical images because later on in the Bible story when the on in the Bible story when the on in the Bible story when the Israelites are wandering through the Israelites are wandering through the Israelites are wandering through the wilderness, God leads them with a pillar wilderness, God leads them with a pillar wilderness, God leads them with a pillar of fire. And here we were driving of fire. And here we were driving of fire. And here we were driving through the wilderness of West Texas and through the wilderness of West Texas and through the wilderness of West Texas and there's God in a pillar of rainbow going there's God in a pillar of rainbow going there's God in a pillar of rainbow going ahead of us just like God always does. ahead of us just like God always does. ahead of us just like God always does. And as we drove though the angle changed And as we drove though the angle changed And as we drove though the angle changed or the clouds moved and the pillar or the clouds moved and the pillar or the clouds moved and the pillar became a rainbow spreading out across became a rainbow spreading out across became a rainbow spreading out across the sky and out there the skies so big the sky and out there the skies so big the sky and out there the skies so big and the land so flat that it stayed out and the land so flat that it stayed out and the land so flat that it stayed out ahead of us for an hour. We drove toward ahead of us for an hour. We drove toward ahead of us for an hour. We drove toward the rainbow. this visible sign of God's the rainbow. this visible sign of God's the rainbow. this visible sign of God's peace that forever covers the earth.

peace that forever covers the earth. peace that forever covers the earth. It was majestic. It was majestic. It was majestic. As I was preparing for this sermon, I As I was preparing for this sermon, I As I was preparing for this sermon, I came across a poem and the inspiration came across a poem and the inspiration came across a poem and the inspiration for the poem came from an interaction for the poem came from an interaction for the poem came from an interaction that the author had with her young son. that the author had with her young son. that the author had with her young son. They were out for a walk after a They were out for a walk after a They were out for a walk after a rainstorm and there in the sky they saw rainstorm and there in the sky they saw rainstorm and there in the sky they saw a rainbow. And the four-year-old looked a rainbow. And the four-year-old looked a rainbow. And the four-year-old looked up at the rainbow and said, "Mommy, can up at the rainbow and said, "Mommy, can up at the rainbow and said, "Mommy, can we take that home and put it in our we take that home and put it in our we take that home and put it in our house?" house?" house?" His aruck question prompted the mother His aruck question prompted the mother His aruck question prompted the mother to write a poem, "A rainbow in my to write a poem, "A rainbow in my to write a poem, "A rainbow in my house." She took his question literally, house." She took his question literally, house." She took his question literally, imagining what it would be like to have imagining what it would be like to have imagining what it would be like to have a rainbow in their house. The colors a rainbow in their house. The colors a rainbow in their house. The colors painted the wall. They emanated from the painted the wall. They emanated from the painted the wall. They emanated from the windows and doors. They burst out the windows and doors. They burst out the windows and doors. They burst out the top of the chimney. Their house was top of the chimney. Their house was top of the chimney. Their house was transformed. transformed. transformed. It could not contain the glory of the It could not contain the glory of the It could not contain the glory of the rainbow and its colors. rainbow and its colors. rainbow and its colors. Now, the story of God's rainbow covenant Now, the story of God's rainbow covenant Now, the story of God's rainbow covenant here in Genesis chapter 9. It's a story here in Genesis chapter 9. It's a story here in Genesis chapter 9. It's a story that the Israelites would have told that the Israelites would have told that the Israelites would have told around the fireside for generations.

around the fireside for generations. around the fireside for generations. But the people who first recorded it, But the people who first recorded it, But the people who first recorded it, the ones who wrote it down on their the ones who wrote it down on their the ones who wrote it down on their papyrus, they did so in the midst of papyrus, they did so in the midst of papyrus, they did so in the midst of exile from their homeland, it was a time exile from their homeland, it was a time exile from their homeland, it was a time of deep chaos for their community. It of deep chaos for their community. It of deep chaos for their community. It was a time when you'd really hope that was a time when you'd really hope that was a time when you'd really hope that God remembers you. God remembers you. God remembers you. And chaos, of course, is not an ancient And chaos, of course, is not an ancient And chaos, of course, is not an ancient phenomenon. phenomenon. phenomenon. We know chaos in our modern world We know chaos in our modern world We know chaos in our modern world because we've experienced things like because we've experienced things like because we've experienced things like terrorism and war and civil unrest. It's terrorism and war and civil unrest. It's terrorism and war and civil unrest. It's chaos. We know chaos through ecological chaos. We know chaos through ecological chaos. We know chaos through ecological disasters and natural disasters. We know disasters and natural disasters. We know disasters and natural disasters. We know chaos through the grossly unequal chaos through the grossly unequal chaos through the grossly unequal distribution of resources across the distribution of resources across the distribution of resources across the world's peoples. We know chaos closer to world's peoples. We know chaos closer to world's peoples. We know chaos closer to home. Chaos comes into our own lives home. Chaos comes into our own lives home. Chaos comes into our own lives through relationships broken by death or through relationships broken by death or through relationships broken by death or divorce, through sickness of body or divorce, through sickness of body or divorce, through sickness of body or mind or spirit, through addictions of mind or spirit, through addictions of mind or spirit, through addictions of all kinds. all kinds. all kinds. But in this chaos, in every chaos, God But in this chaos, in every chaos, God But in this chaos, in every chaos, God remembers us individually and remembers us individually and remembers us individually and corporately, God remembers us and God corporately, God remembers us and God corporately, God remembers us and God redeems us with love and forgiveness.

redeems us with love and forgiveness. redeems us with love and forgiveness. And that's why we keep teaching these And that's why we keep teaching these And that's why we keep teaching these stories. That's why we keep painting stories. That's why we keep painting stories. That's why we keep painting Noah's ark images on church wall, church Noah's ark images on church wall, church Noah's ark images on church wall, church nursery walls with the the ark doors nursery walls with the the ark doors nursery walls with the the ark doors wide open and animals two by two and wide open and animals two by two and wide open and animals two by two and Noah looking ancient and a rainbow Noah looking ancient and a rainbow Noah looking ancient and a rainbow stretched across the sky because this is stretched across the sky because this is stretched across the sky because this is a promise of God's never failing love a promise of God's never failing love a promise of God's never failing love and hope. At the earliest age, we want and hope. At the earliest age, we want and hope. At the earliest age, we want children to know that even in the midst children to know that even in the midst children to know that even in the midst of the worst chaos they can imagine, God of the worst chaos they can imagine, God of the worst chaos they can imagine, God will never forget them. will never forget them. will never forget them. God will always remember them. God will always remember them. God will always remember them. But it's a message that need not stay, But it's a message that need not stay, But it's a message that need not stay, that must not stay in children's Sunday that must not stay in children's Sunday that must not stay in children's Sunday school classrooms. The rainbow colors of school classrooms. The rainbow colors of school classrooms. The rainbow colors of God's covenant need to emanate through God's covenant need to emanate through God's covenant need to emanate through the halls of this place. They need to go the halls of this place. They need to go the halls of this place. They need to go into our committee meetings and our into our committee meetings and our into our committee meetings and our youth group and our choir rehearsals and youth group and our choir rehearsals and youth group and our choir rehearsals and our mission teams. Even into this room, our mission teams. Even into this room, our mission teams. Even into this room, if you look the windows, the windows of if you look the windows, the windows of if you look the windows, the windows of this room, the colors of the rainbow are this room, the colors of the rainbow are this room, the colors of the rainbow are already here.

already here. already here. Signs of God's promise. And what an Signs of God's promise. And what an Signs of God's promise. And what an extraordinary promise. I will remember, extraordinary promise. I will remember, extraordinary promise. I will remember, God says, I will never destroy. God says, I will never destroy. God says, I will never destroy. And if we take that promise seriously, And if we take that promise seriously, And if we take that promise seriously, it will change us. it will change us. it will change us. Not into perfect people, Not into perfect people, Not into perfect people, but into people who are willing to let but into people who are willing to let but into people who are willing to let our hearts be remade in the image of our hearts be remade in the image of our hearts be remade in the image of God's heart. So that we too will see and God's heart. So that we too will see and God's heart. So that we too will see and remember remember remember that we don't have to fight violence that we don't have to fight violence that we don't have to fight violence with violence. We don't need to repay with violence. We don't need to repay with violence. We don't need to repay evil for evil. evil for evil. evil for evil. That promise from God will change us That promise from God will change us That promise from God will change us into people who are who will let our into people who are who will let our into people who are who will let our hearts be broken open with grief over hearts be broken open with grief over hearts be broken open with grief over our own hard-heartedness and that of the our own hard-heartedness and that of the our own hard-heartedness and that of the world. And then we'll see. world. And then we'll see. world. And then we'll see. And we'll remember not to let anyone And we'll remember not to let anyone And we'll remember not to let anyone else drown in the chaos of life. The else drown in the chaos of life. The else drown in the chaos of life. The promise of God will change us into a promise of God will change us into a promise of God will change us into a church that's moved church that's moved church that's moved to partner with God in in patient and to partner with God in in patient and to partner with God in in patient and forgiving and loving and prophetic forgiving and loving and prophetic forgiving and loving and prophetic action that that renews the whole world action that that renews the whole world action that that renews the whole world because we're ready to absorb hurt and because we're ready to absorb hurt and because we're ready to absorb hurt and keep hope alive. The colors that spill keep hope alive. The colors that spill keep hope alive. The colors that spill forth from hearts broken open by God's forth from hearts broken open by God's forth from hearts broken open by God's love could paint the walls of this room.

love could paint the walls of this room. love could paint the walls of this room. could paint them with love and could paint them with love and could paint them with love and forgiveness and hope and joy that bursts forgiveness and hope and joy that bursts forgiveness and hope and joy that bursts through the windows and out the doors through the windows and out the doors through the windows and out the doors and this whole house will be and this whole house will be and this whole house will be transformed. transformed. transformed. It could not contain the glory of our It could not contain the glory of our It could not contain the glory of our Lord's rainbow. Lord's rainbow. Lord's rainbow. So we need to ask the question, So we need to ask the question, So we need to ask the question, can we can we can we take that rainbow, take that rainbow, take that rainbow, the promise of God's unconditional, the promise of God's unconditional, the promise of God's unconditional, unwavering, undying love? Will we take unwavering, undying love? Will we take unwavering, undying love? Will we take that rainbow that rainbow that rainbow home home home and put it in our house? and put it in our house? and put it in our house? Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. God of all creation, when chaos God of all creation, when chaos God of all creation, when chaos surrounds us, when fear rises within us, surrounds us, when fear rises within us, surrounds us, when fear rises within us, remind us that you will never forget us. remind us that you will never forget us. remind us that you will never forget us. When our hearts grow hard, break them When our hearts grow hard, break them When our hearts grow hard, break them open again with your patient, forgiving, open again with your patient, forgiving, open again with your patient, forgiving, neverending love. neverending love. neverending love. Thank you for the promise of the Thank you for the promise of the Thank you for the promise of the rainbow. The promise that you will not rainbow. The promise that you will not rainbow. The promise that you will not abandon your creation. That you will not abandon your creation. That you will not abandon your creation. That you will not repay evil with evil and that you will repay evil with evil and that you will repay evil with evil and that you will never give up on us.

never give up on us. never give up on us. By your Holy Spirit, remake our hearts By your Holy Spirit, remake our hearts By your Holy Spirit, remake our hearts in the image of yours so that we can lay in the image of yours so that we can lay in the image of yours so that we can lay down our weapons and choose forgiveness down our weapons and choose forgiveness down our weapons and choose forgiveness over vengeance, patience over anger, over vengeance, patience over anger, over vengeance, patience over anger, love over fear. love over fear. love over fear. Send us from this place. carrying the Send us from this place. carrying the Send us from this place. carrying the colors of your covenant into our homes, colors of your covenant into our homes, colors of your covenant into our homes, our relationships, and our community. our relationships, and our community. our relationships, and our community. May your love shine through us so May your love shine through us so May your love shine through us so brightly that every room we enter is brightly that every room we enter is brightly that every room we enter is transformed. transformed. transformed. And may our lives proclaim to a chaotic And may our lives proclaim to a chaotic And may our lives proclaim to a chaotic world that you remember, that you world that you remember, that you world that you remember, that you redeem, that your love never fails. We redeem, that your love never fails. We redeem, that your love never fails. We pray all this in the name of Jesus pray all this in the name of Jesus pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Christ. Amen. Christ. 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, a particular thanks to Memorial Drive, a particular thanks to Memorial Drive, a particular thanks to you. I know there are many places you you. I know there are many places you you. I know there are many places you could be on a Sunday morning, and I'm could be on a Sunday morning, and I'm could be on a Sunday morning, and I'm grateful that you're here. Pastor Jenny grateful that you're here. Pastor Jenny grateful that you're here. Pastor Jenny and I would love to meet you after the and I would love to meet you after the and I would love to meet you after the service. We're going to be outside the service. We're going to be outside the service. We're going to be outside the back of this room. If you have a moment, back of this room. If you have a moment, back of this room. If you have a moment, please stop by and say hello. We'd love please stop by and say hello. We'd love please stop by and say hello. We'd love to uh welcome you and answer any to uh welcome you and answer any to uh welcome you and answer any questions you might have. Another word questions you might have. Another word questions you might have. Another word of thanks to Jacob for helping to lead of thanks to Jacob for helping to lead of thanks to Jacob for helping to lead our music this morning and our saxophone our music this morning and our saxophone our music this morning and our saxophone quintet. They've spread throughout the quintet. They've spread throughout the quintet. They've spread throughout the room, but thank you to all of you for room, but thank you to all of you for room, but thank you to all of you for helping to lead worship this morning.

helping to lead worship this morning. helping to lead worship this morning. Uh, everybody take your bulletin home Uh, everybody take your bulletin home Uh, everybody take your bulletin home with you. It's got several things coming with you. It's got several things coming with you. It's got several things coming up in the life of the church that I want up in the life of the church that I want up in the life of the church that I want to make sure you know about. In to make sure you know about. In to make sure you know about. In particular, remember next Sunday is back particular, remember next Sunday is back particular, remember next Sunday is back to school Sunday. It'll be a normal to school Sunday. It'll be a normal to school Sunday. It'll be a normal worship schedule, but in every worship worship schedule, but in every worship worship schedule, but in every worship service, we'll do our annual blessing of service, we'll do our annual blessing of service, we'll do our annual blessing of the backpacks. A special time for the backpacks. A special time for the backpacks. A special time for anyone, whether that's a child or a anyone, whether that's a child or a anyone, whether that's a child or a middle school student or a high school middle school student or a high school middle school student or a high school student or a grown-up, anybody who's student or a grown-up, anybody who's student or a grown-up, anybody who's heading back to school in any form or heading back to school in any form or heading back to school in any form or fashion, we're going to pray for you and fashion, we're going to pray for you and fashion, we're going to pray for you and celebrate you. So, if there's somebody celebrate you. So, if there's somebody celebrate you. So, if there's somebody in your life like that, bring them with in your life like that, bring them with in your life like that, bring them with you next week. Also, as we're entering you next week. Also, as we're entering you next week. Also, as we're entering into a a new season of ministry, I want into a a new season of ministry, I want into a a new season of ministry, I want to invite you to be a part of a Bible to invite you to be a part of a Bible to invite you to be a part of a Bible study that I'm leading this fall. We're study that I'm leading this fall. We're study that I'm leading this fall. We're going to meet on Sunday afternoons and going to meet on Sunday afternoons and going to meet on Sunday afternoons and it's going to be um sort of talking it's going to be um sort of talking it's going to be um sort of talking about the foundations of our faith, some about the foundations of our faith, some about the foundations of our faith, some of the key core biblical stories that of the key core biblical stories that of the key core biblical stories that help us as Christians know how to live help us as Christians know how to live help us as Christians know how to live in the world and what we hope to become in the world and what we hope to become in the world and what we hope to become in God's world. So whether you're brand in God's world. So whether you're brand in God's world. So whether you're brand new to the faith or you've been new to the faith or you've been new to the faith or you've been practicing it for 50 years, this is practicing it for 50 years, this is practicing it for 50 years, this is designed for you. I hope you'll be a designed for you. I hope you'll be a designed for you. I hope you'll be a part of it.

part of it. part of it. Uh, last thing, if you've found a home Uh, last thing, if you've found a home Uh, last thing, if you've found a home here at Memorial Drivec and you're not here at Memorial Drivec and you're not here at Memorial Drivec and you're not yet a member of this church, but you'd yet a member of this church, but you'd yet a member of this church, but you'd like to be, come forward and meet Pastor like to be, come forward and meet Pastor like to be, come forward and meet Pastor Jenny and I here at the front as we sing Jenny and I here at the front as we sing Jenny and I here at the front as we sing this final song. We'd love to welcome this final song. We'd love to welcome this final song. We'd love to welcome you into that relationship with the you into that relationship with the you into that relationship with the church. Now, as we prepare for God to church. Now, as we prepare for God to church. Now, as we prepare for God to send us out into the world, would you send us out into the world, would you send us out into the world, would you stand as you're able and join me as we stand as you're able and join me as we stand as you're able and join me as we sing number 144, this is my father's sing number 144, this is my father's sing number 144, this is my father's world. This is [music] my father's world This is [music] my father's world and to my listening years and to my listening years and to my listening years all nature sees Angel all nature sees Angel all nature sees Angel the music of [music] the music of [music] the music of [music] the se.

the se. the se. This is my father. I have been [music and singing] the I have been [music and singing] the thought thought thought of rocks and trees on stars and seas of rocks and trees on stars and seas of rocks and trees on stars and seas and the wonder. This is my [singing] father's world. This is my [singing] father's world. The birds and heralds raise. The birds and heralds raise. The birds and heralds raise. [music] The morning light, the living [music] The morning light, the living [music] The morning light, the living white declare their anor. This [music and singing] is my father's This [music and singing] is my father's world. world. world. He shines [music and singing] in over He shines [music and singing] in over He shines [music and singing] in over in the rusting [music and singing] in the rusting [music and singing] in the rusting [music and singing] grass. I hear him pass. He speaks to me grass. I hear him pass. He speaks to me grass. I hear him pass. He speaks to me [music] [music] [music] everywhere. [singing] This is my father's world.

This is my father's world. Oh, Now go in peace to serve God and your Now go in peace to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do. And may the neighbor in all that you do. And may the neighbor in all that you do. And may the peace of Christ go with you. Amen. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat.