Classic Worship | 11:00 AM | June 21st , 2026

Good morning everyone. Grace and peace Good morning everyone. Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ our to you in the name of Jesus Christ our to you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Welcome to worship. My name is Lord. Welcome to worship. My name is Lord. Welcome to worship. My name is Sean. I'm one of the pastors here at Sean. I'm one of the pastors here at Sean. I'm one of the pastors here at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. And I am so glad that God has gathered And I am so glad that God has gathered And I am so glad that God has gathered us together today. Thank you for being us together today. Thank you for being us together today. Thank you for being here. And if you're worshiping online here. And if you're worshiping online here. And if you're worshiping online this morning, thank you for being here this morning, thank you for being here this morning, thank you for being here from wherever you happen to be today. If from wherever you happen to be today. If from wherever you happen to be today. If you're new to MDMC, let me invite you to you're new to MDMC, let me invite you to you're new to MDMC, let me invite you to do one thing real quick. Would you do one thing real quick. Would you do one thing real quick. Would you please check in? You can scan the QR please check in? You can scan the QR please check in? You can scan the QR code that's on the front of the bulletin code that's on the front of the bulletin code that's on the front of the bulletin and do it digitally. There are notebooks and do it digitally. There are notebooks and do it digitally. There are notebooks in each row. Someone might pass that to in each row. Someone might pass that to in each row. Someone might pass that to you. I'm asking you to do this so that you. I'm asking you to do this so that you. I'm asking you to do this so that we can welcome you. Well, we want to we can welcome you. Well, we want to we can welcome you. Well, we want to know how we can uh connect you with know how we can uh connect you with know how we can uh connect you with people or with ministries that will help people or with ministries that will help people or with ministries that will help you grow in your faith here in this you grow in your faith here in this you grow in your faith here in this place. Even if you're not new, do take a place. Even if you're not new, do take a place. Even if you're not new, do take a minute to check in because this is part minute to check in because this is part minute to check in because this is part of how we uh regularly and weekly uh of how we uh regularly and weekly uh of how we uh regularly and weekly uh pray for and care for one another as a pray for and care for one another as a pray for and care for one another as a church family. So take a minute to check church family. So take a minute to check church family. So take a minute to check in right now. Today is Father's Day. So in right now. Today is Father's Day. So in right now. Today is Father's Day. So if you are celebrating today, happy if you are celebrating today, happy if you are celebrating today, happy Father's Day to you. If today is a day Father's Day to you. If today is a day Father's Day to you. If today is a day that is hard to celebrate because you've that is hard to celebrate because you've that is hard to celebrate because you've lost a father or for any of the reasons lost a father or for any of the reasons lost a father or for any of the reasons why Father's Day might be difficult, why Father's Day might be difficult, why Father's Day might be difficult, please know that we are holding you please know that we are holding you please know that we are holding you close in prayer and love. Uh and that close in prayer and love. Uh and that close in prayer and love. Uh and that you are not alone in that. Now the best you are not alone in that. Now the best you are not alone in that. Now the best of all is every time we gather for of all is every time we gather for of all is every time we gather for worship, God is here with us. So my worship, God is here with us. So my worship, God is here with us. So my prayer is that over this hour together, prayer is that over this hour together, prayer is that over this hour together, you will experience God's grace in a way

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

the music of the se. the music of the se. This is my This is my This is my go The holy night of The holy night of light. This is my father's word This is my father's word all the My heart is

My heart is the Lord is king and the heaven with with that cannot be foren. B us together. B us together. B us together. B us together. B us together. B B B together. us together.

us together. Bind us together Bind us together Bind us together with all that cannot be broken. B us together. B us together. B us together. B us together. B us together. B us together B us together B us together in love. B us together. B us together. B us together B us together B us together with with with that cannot be broken. B us together. B us together. B us together B us together B us together Lord. Lord. Lord. I us bound together in the love of God and bound together in the love of God and the grace of Jesus Christ, the the grace of Jesus Christ, the the grace of Jesus Christ, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Let's fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Let's fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Let's affirm our faith together with the words affirm our faith together with the words affirm our faith together with the words of the Apostles Creed. Would you join of the Apostles Creed. Would you join of the Apostles Creed. Would you join me? I believe in God the Father me? I believe in God the Father me? I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under

born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from and buried. The third day he rose from and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and the dead. He ascended into heaven and the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the siteth at the right hand of God the siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. from thence he shall Father Almighty. from thence he shall Father Almighty. from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I come to judge the quick and the dead. I come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Catholic Church, the communion of Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. everlasting. everlasting. Amen. to the to the to the Now, as God's people gathered in God's Now, as God's people gathered in God's house, would you take a moment to greet house, would you take a moment to greet house, would you take a moment to greet one another with signs of God's love and one another with signs of God's love and one another with signs of God's love and grace?

Look here. Look here. >> That was fun. >> That was fun. >> That was fun. I'd also like to invite any children and I'd also like to invite any children and I'd also like to invite any children and young ones who are here in our worship young ones who are here in our worship young ones who are here in our worship service to come and join me here on the service to come and join me here on the service to come and join me here on the chancel steps for our special time with chancel steps for our special time with chancel steps for our special time with children. Thanks for coming up. It is really good Thanks for coming up. It is really good to see y'all. to see y'all. to see y'all. Um it is summer. Is anyone taking any Um it is summer. Is anyone taking any Um it is summer. Is anyone taking any trips? Going on any long journeys? Tell trips? Going on any long journeys? Tell trips? Going on any long journeys? Tell me about it. me about it. me about it. >> So, we're going to go like on a cruise >> So, we're going to go like on a cruise >> So, we're going to go like on a cruise soon. soon. soon. >> Oh, a cruise. That's fun. >> Oh, a cruise. That's fun. >> Oh, a cruise. That's fun. >> Go to New York. >> Go to New York. >> Go to New York. >> That's a great trip, too. What about >> That's a great trip, too. What about >> That's a great trip, too. What about you, Olivia? you, Olivia? you, Olivia? >> And then I'm going >> And then I'm going >> And then I'm going >> Yes. >> Somewhere else. There's a lot of >> Somewhere else. There's a lot of different trips and travels that y'all different trips and travels that y'all different trips and travels that y'all are taking. I think Callaway is gonna go are taking. I think Callaway is gonna go are taking. I think Callaway is gonna go to Lake View, too. I'm gonna go on the to Lake View, too. I'm gonna go on the to Lake View, too. I'm gonna go on the bus with some of y'all tomorrow, but I bus with some of y'all tomorrow, but I bus with some of y'all tomorrow, but I don't get to stay for the fun part. But don't get to stay for the fun part. But don't get to stay for the fun part. But it made me think about um times when I it made me think about um times when I it made me think about um times when I was little, back when I was a little was little, back when I was a little was little, back when I was a little girl, once upon a time, long, long ago, girl, once upon a time, long, long ago, girl, once upon a time, long, long ago, and we would take trips during the and we would take trips during the and we would take trips during the summer. Most of the time they were road summer. Most of the time they were road summer. Most of the time they were road trips. We would drive in our big car trips. We would drive in our big car trips. We would drive in our big car with my brother and my sister, my mom with my brother and my sister, my mom with my brother and my sister, my mom and my dad. And and my dad. And and my dad. And weeks before this trip, do you know what weeks before this trip, do you know what weeks before this trip, do you know what my dad would be doing?

my dad would be doing? my dad would be doing? Packing Packing Packing packing a little bit, but he would have packing a little bit, but he would have packing a little bit, but he would have maps and he would have his atlas and all maps and he would have his atlas and all maps and he would have his atlas and all these other maps spread all over the these other maps spread all over the these other maps spread all over the table and he'd be highlighting the roads table and he'd be highlighting the roads table and he'd be highlighting the roads that we were going to go on so that he that we were going to go on so that he that we were going to go on so that he would know where to turn and where we would know where to turn and where we would know where to turn and where we needed to go and where we could stop and needed to go and where we could stop and needed to go and where we could stop and do something. Do you all ever travel do something. Do you all ever travel do something. Do you all ever travel with maps? with maps? with maps? >> No. If you were sitting in the front >> No. If you were sitting in the front >> No. If you were sitting in the front seat, your job was to hold the map and seat, your job was to hold the map and seat, your job was to hold the map and tell him when to turn. There was a lot tell him when to turn. There was a lot tell him when to turn. There was a lot of pressure. of pressure. of pressure. >> Well, then a few years later, when I'd >> Well, then a few years later, when I'd >> Well, then a few years later, when I'd be off on my own driving somewhere, we be off on my own driving somewhere, we be off on my own driving somewhere, we didn't use maps anymore. You know what didn't use maps anymore. You know what didn't use maps anymore. You know what my dad would do to help us know where to my dad would do to help us know where to my dad would do to help us know where to go? go? go? He would print off directions from the He would print off directions from the He would print off directions from the internet and we would travel along internet and we would travel along internet and we would travel along because he didn't have smartphones. So, because he didn't have smartphones. So, because he didn't have smartphones. So, you would say, "These are directions you would say, "These are directions you would say, "These are directions from our church to Lake View." Actually, from our church to Lake View." Actually, from our church to Lake View." Actually, it'd say head southwest, go for 259 ft. it'd say head southwest, go for 259 ft. it'd say head southwest, go for 259 ft. Then after 005 miles, turn left, go for Then after 005 miles, turn left, go for Then after 005 miles, turn left, go for 108 ft, and you would follow step by 108 ft, and you would follow step by 108 ft, and you would follow step by step by step, and hopefully you would step by step, and hopefully you would step by step, and hopefully you would get to where you were planning to go. If get to where you were planning to go. If get to where you were planning to go. If you if you missed a turn or if you you if you missed a turn or if you you if you missed a turn or if you wanted to stop somewhere else, you were wanted to stop somewhere else, you were wanted to stop somewhere else, you were out of luck. You had to follow the out of luck. You had to follow the out of luck. You had to follow the pages. Well, now, how do we get around?

pages. Well, now, how do we get around? pages. Well, now, how do we get around? >> Oh, yes. Now, when we're going on a >> Oh, yes. Now, when we're going on a >> Oh, yes. Now, when we're going on a trip, probably our bus driver tomorrow trip, probably our bus driver tomorrow trip, probably our bus driver tomorrow is going to do this. You open up your is going to do this. You open up your is going to do this. You open up your map app, you tape in where you want to map app, you tape in where you want to map app, you tape in where you want to go, and it's going to tell you where to go, and it's going to tell you where to go, and it's going to tell you where to go. And you know what? If you take a go. And you know what? If you take a go. And you know what? If you take a wrong turn, it'll tell you how to fix wrong turn, it'll tell you how to fix wrong turn, it'll tell you how to fix it. I was thinking about this because it. I was thinking about this because it. I was thinking about this because it's Father's Day, and my dad was always it's Father's Day, and my dad was always it's Father's Day, and my dad was always in charge of telling us where we were in charge of telling us where we were in charge of telling us where we were going to go and making sure that we had going to go and making sure that we had going to go and making sure that we had the instructions and the map to get the instructions and the map to get the instructions and the map to get there. And um this is a lot like how there. And um this is a lot like how there. And um this is a lot like how even when he wasn't there, he would even when he wasn't there, he would even when he wasn't there, he would print the directions for me. And when we print the directions for me. And when we print the directions for me. And when we think of God as our father, too, we think of God as our father, too, we think of God as our father, too, we always have those instructions with us. always have those instructions with us. always have those instructions with us. We always have someone who's going to We always have someone who's going to We always have someone who's going to guide us and tell us where to go. um guide us and tell us where to go. um guide us and tell us where to go. um whether it's your dad or your granddad, whether it's your dad or your granddad, whether it's your dad or your granddad, but always when we need directions in but always when we need directions in but always when we need directions in our life, our heavenly father will tell our life, our heavenly father will tell our life, our heavenly father will tell us which way to go and where to turn and us which way to go and where to turn and us which way to go and where to turn and will always be with us. Even if we take will always be with us. Even if we take will always be with us. Even if we take a wrong turn, tell us how to get back on a wrong turn, tell us how to get back on a wrong turn, tell us how to get back on the right track. And so, wherever you're the right track. And so, wherever you're the right track. And so, wherever you're traveling this year, um if you're traveling this year, um if you're traveling this year, um if you're looking at a map or when you're thinking looking at a map or when you're thinking looking at a map or when you're thinking of trips that you're going to go on, of trips that you're going to go on, of trips that you're going to go on, just remember that we have a lot of just remember that we have a lot of just remember that we have a lot of people, including God. We have God who people, including God. We have God who people, including God. We have God who will always help us, guide our steps, will always help us, guide our steps, will always help us, guide our steps, and show us the way to go. I'm thankful and show us the way to go. I'm thankful and show us the way to go. I'm thankful for that. How about y'all?

for that. How about y'all? for that. How about y'all? Would you pray with me? Dear God, Would you pray with me? Dear God, Would you pray with me? Dear God, >> we thank you >> we thank you >> we thank you >> for our church, >> for our church, >> for our church, >> for our church, >> for our church, >> for our church, >> for our families, >> for our families, >> for our families, >> for our for our friends, for our Thank >> for our for our friends, for our Thank >> for our for our friends, for our Thank you, God. you, God. you, God. >> Thank you, God. >> Thank you, God. >> Thank you, God. >> For guiding us, for guiding us. >> For guiding us, for guiding us. >> For guiding us, for guiding us. >> And thank you, God. >> And thank you, God. >> And thank you, God. for the people in our lives for the people in our lives for the people in our lives >> for the people in our lives >> for the people in our lives >> for the people in our lives >> who show us the way also show us. >> who show us the way also show us. >> who show us the way also show us. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Y'all make worship sweeter by being >> Y'all make worship sweeter by being >> Y'all make worship sweeter by being here. So if you want to take a lollipop here. So if you want to take a lollipop here. So if you want to take a lollipop back to your seat, you can ask your back to your seat, you can ask your back to your seat, you can ask your grown-up when you can have it. But I'm grown-up when you can have it. But I'm grown-up when you can have it. But I'm so glad that you're here at church. >> Hi friends, I'm Danny Atal. Happy >> Hi friends, I'm Danny Atal. Happy Father's Day. We're grateful for all the Father's Day. We're grateful for all the Father's Day. We're grateful for all the fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and father figures who help shape our father figures who help shape our father figures who help shape our families and our community. As we look families and our community. As we look families and our community. As we look ahead to the next few weeks, there are a ahead to the next few weeks, there are a ahead to the next few weeks, there are a few opportunities I'd love to put on few opportunities I'd love to put on few opportunities I'd love to put on your radar. First, if you're looking for your radar. First, if you're looking for your radar. First, if you're looking for a fun afternoon of good food, music, and a fun afternoon of good food, music, and a fun afternoon of good food, music, and fellowship, our older adult ministry is fellowship, our older adult ministry is fellowship, our older adult ministry is hosting their summer barbecue lunchon on hosting their summer barbecue lunchon on hosting their summer barbecue lunchon on Thursday, July 2nd at noon in Wesley Thursday, July 2nd at noon in Wesley Thursday, July 2nd at noon in Wesley Hall. You'll enjoy barbecue from the Hall. You'll enjoy barbecue from the Hall. You'll enjoy barbecue from the MDUMC Kitchen, live music from Kendrick MDUMC Kitchen, live music from Kendrick MDUMC Kitchen, live music from Kendrick Ballard, and plenty of time to connect Ballard, and plenty of time to connect Ballard, and plenty of time to connect with friends old and new. Tickets are with friends old and new. Tickets are with friends old and new. Tickets are available now. And as you make plans for

available now. And as you make plans for available now. And as you make plans for the holiday weekend, we'd love for you the holiday weekend, we'd love for you the holiday weekend, we'd love for you to join us on Sunday, July 5th. We'll to join us on Sunday, July 5th. We'll to join us on Sunday, July 5th. We'll gather for one combined worship service gather for one combined worship service gather for one combined worship service at 11:00 a.m. on main campus, followed at 11:00 a.m. on main campus, followed at 11:00 a.m. on main campus, followed by a churchwide lunch. There will be no by a churchwide lunch. There will be no by a churchwide lunch. There will be no services at the journey that morning. services at the journey that morning. services at the journey that morning. It's a simple opportunity to slow down, It's a simple opportunity to slow down, It's a simple opportunity to slow down, worship together, and enjoy some time worship together, and enjoy some time worship together, and enjoy some time around the table with our church family. around the table with our church family. around the table with our church family. If you'll be joining us for lunch, we'd If you'll be joining us for lunch, we'd If you'll be joining us for lunch, we'd love for you to RSVP online. love for you to RSVP online. love for you to RSVP online. Finally, Pastor Sha's summer book club Finally, Pastor Sha's summer book club Finally, Pastor Sha's summer book club kicks off the following Sunday on June kicks off the following Sunday on June kicks off the following Sunday on June 28th. Throughout the summer, we'll read 28th. Throughout the summer, we'll read 28th. Throughout the summer, we'll read three books together and gather for three books together and gather for three books together and gather for relaxed conversation and discussion. The relaxed conversation and discussion. The relaxed conversation and discussion. The first book is Theo of Golden by Alan first book is Theo of Golden by Alan first book is Theo of Golden by Alan Levy. And whether you'd like to join us Levy. And whether you'd like to join us Levy. And whether you'd like to join us for one book or all three, it's a great for one book or all three, it's a great for one book or all three, it's a great opportunity to connect with others and opportunity to connect with others and opportunity to connect with others and engage in thoughtful conversation. engage in thoughtful conversation. engage in thoughtful conversation. However you're spending your summer, However you're spending your summer, However you're spending your summer, we'd love to help you stay connected to we'd love to help you stay connected to we'd love to help you stay connected to this community. You can find details on this community. You can find details on this community. You can find details on these events along with schedules and these events along with schedules and these events along with schedules and registration information at registration information at registration information at mdumc.org/events.

Our gospel lesson this morning comes Our gospel lesson this morning comes from the 17th chapter of the Gospel of from the 17th chapter of the Gospel of from the 17th chapter of the Gospel of John. I invite you to hear these words John. I invite you to hear these words John. I invite you to hear these words as Jesus turns in prayer the night as Jesus turns in prayer the night as Jesus turns in prayer the night before his passion and prays for all before his passion and prays for all before his passion and prays for all people who will come to believe and people who will come to believe and people who will come to believe and follow him. follow him. follow him. Father, I don't ask you to take my Father, I don't ask you to take my Father, I don't ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep followers out of the world, but keep followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. They don't them safe from the evil one. They don't them safe from the evil one. They don't belong to this world and neither do I. belong to this world and neither do I. belong to this world and neither do I. Your word is the truth. So let this Your word is the truth. So let this Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. I am truth make them completely yours. I am truth make them completely yours. I am sending them into the world just as you sending them into the world just as you sending them into the world just as you sent me. I have given myself completely sent me. I have given myself completely sent me. I have given myself completely for their sake so they may belong for their sake so they may belong for their sake so they may belong completely to the truth. I am not completely to the truth. I am not completely to the truth. I am not praying just for these followers. I am praying just for these followers. I am praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will also praying for everyone else who will also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers have faith because of what my followers have faith because of what my followers will say about me. I want all of them to will say about me. I want all of them to will say about me. I want all of them to be one with each other. Just as I am one be one with each other. Just as I am one be one with each other. Just as I am one with you and you are one with me, I also with you and you are one with me, I also with you and you are one with me, I also want them to be one with us. Then the want them to be one with us. Then the want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that people of this world will believe that people of this world will believe that you sent me. I have honored my followers you sent me. I have honored my followers you sent me. I have honored my followers in the same way you honored me in order in the same way you honored me in order in the same way you honored me in order that they may be one with each other that they may be one with each other that they may be one with each other just as we are one. I am one with them just as we are one. I am one with them just as we are one. I am one with them and you are one with me. So they may and you are one with me. So they may and you are one with me. So they may become completely one. Then this world's become completely one. Then this world's become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They people will know that you sent me. They people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as will know that you love my followers as will know that you love my followers as much as you love me. Father, I want much as you love me. Father, I want much as you love me. Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me everyone you have given me to be with me everyone you have given me to be with me wherever I am. Then they will see the wherever I am. Then they will see the wherever I am. Then they will see the glory you have given me because you glory you have given me because you glory you have given me because you loved me before the world was created.

loved me before the world was created. loved me before the world was created. Good Father, the people of this world Good Father, the people of this world Good Father, the people of this world don't know you, but I know you and my don't know you, but I know you and my don't know you, but I know you and my followers know that you sent me. I told followers know that you sent me. I told followers know that you sent me. I told them what you are like, and I will tell them what you are like, and I will tell them what you are like, and I will tell them even more. Then the love you have them even more. Then the love you have them even more. Then the love you have for me will become part of them and I for me will become part of them and I for me will become part of them and I will be one with them. This is the word will be one with them. This is the word will be one with them. 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. to God. to God. This week, one of the ways that we This week, one of the ways that we This week, one of the ways that we celebrated who God is and how God moves celebrated who God is and how God moves celebrated who God is and how God moves in our world was with our adult in our world was with our adult in our world was with our adult superplace camp happening over on our superplace camp happening over on our superplace camp happening over on our west campus. It was full of joy and we west campus. It was full of joy and we west campus. It was full of joy and we have a recap video to give you just a have a recap video to give you just a have a recap video to give you just a little glimpse of that wonderful week little glimpse of that wonderful week little glimpse of that wonderful week here at our church. Take a look. Adult Superplace Camp started um in 2018

Adult Superplace Camp started um in 2018 uh founded by a couple of our church uh founded by a couple of our church uh founded by a couple of our church members, Paul and Cindy Smith, because members, Paul and Cindy Smith, because members, Paul and Cindy Smith, because they had a heart for creating meaningful they had a heart for creating meaningful they had a heart for creating meaningful ministry for adults with special needs. ministry for adults with special needs. ministry for adults with special needs. This year was the first year that it was This year was the first year that it was This year was the first year that it was held at the journey and it the space held at the journey and it the space held at the journey and it the space worked beautifully for them. They worked beautifully for them. They worked beautifully for them. They welcomed 38 campers. They were supported welcomed 38 campers. They were supported welcomed 38 campers. They were supported by 30 volunteers and the space was by 30 volunteers and the space was by 30 volunteers and the space was filled with connection and worship and filled with connection and worship and filled with connection and worship and joy. The theme this year centered around joy. The theme this year centered around joy. The theme this year centered around four powerful truths. You are brave. You four powerful truths. You are brave. You four powerful truths. You are brave. You can share your gifts. You can give your can share your gifts. You can give your can share your gifts. You can give your all. And you can pray. And throughout all. And you can pray. And throughout all. And you can pray. And throughout the week, the campers showed exactly the week, the campers showed exactly the week, the campers showed exactly what that looks like. living with what that looks like. living with what that looks like. living with courage, sharing their unique gifts, courage, sharing their unique gifts, courage, sharing their unique gifts, giving their whole hearts, and leaning giving their whole hearts, and leaning giving their whole hearts, and leaning on God through prayer. Adult Superplace on God through prayer. Adult Superplace on God through prayer. Adult Superplace Camp, which includes people from our Camp, which includes people from our Camp, which includes people from our congregation and from our broader congregation and from our broader congregation and from our broader community, continues to be a beautiful community, continues to be a beautiful community, continues to be a beautiful reflection of God's kingdom where reflection of God's kingdom where reflection of God's kingdom where everyone belongs, everyone matters, and everyone belongs, everyone matters, and everyone belongs, everyone matters, and everyone has something valuable to everyone has something valuable to everyone has something valuable to offer. And friends, isn't that the call offer. And friends, isn't that the call offer. And friends, isn't that the call of the church to be a place where of the church to be a place where of the church to be a place where everyone belongs, where everyone everyone belongs, where everyone everyone belongs, where everyone matters, where everyone has something matters, where everyone has something matters, where everyone has something valuable to offer. That's a truth that valuable to offer. That's a truth that valuable to offer. That's a truth that we stand on. And every Sunday when we we stand on. And every Sunday when we we stand on. And every Sunday when we come to our time of offering, that's a come to our time of offering, that's a come to our time of offering, that's a tangible way that we show that we all tangible way that we show that we all tangible way that we show that we all belong, that we have gifts we can share.

belong, that we have gifts we can share. belong, that we have gifts we can share. In a moment, the ushers will come and In a moment, the ushers will come and In a moment, the ushers will come and pass the plates down your row. Whether pass the plates down your row. Whether pass the plates down your row. Whether you put something in the plate or you you put something in the plate or you you put something in the plate or you text to give or you give online, we're text to give or you give online, we're text to give or you give online, we're thankful that we have this opportunity thankful that we have this opportunity thankful that we have this opportunity to share together in the work of the to share together in the work of the to share together in the work of the church, the work that continues to church, the work that continues to church, the work that continues to create space for all people and the work create space for all people and the work create space for all people and the work that acknowledges that each one of us that acknowledges that each one of us that acknowledges that each one of us can pray and have something to offer. can pray and have something to offer. can pray and have something to offer. Give with joy, friends, as we go to God Give with joy, friends, as we go to God Give with joy, friends, as we go to God in prayer. Holy Father, we give you in prayer. Holy Father, we give you in prayer. Holy Father, we give you thanks for all of the ministry that thanks for all of the ministry that thanks for all of the ministry that occurred here this week and for the occurred here this week and for the occurred here this week and for the gifts that have enabled that ministry. gifts that have enabled that ministry. gifts that have enabled that ministry. As we come to this time of our offering, As we come to this time of our offering, As we come to this time of our offering, I pray that you will continue to bless I pray that you will continue to bless I pray that you will continue to bless us, that you will create space for us, that you will create space for us, that you will create space for generosity within each one of us, and generosity within each one of us, and generosity within each one of us, and that you will give us those wonderful that you will give us those wonderful that you will give us those wonderful opportunities to continue to share your opportunities to continue to share your opportunities to continue to share your love and grace with our community and love and grace with our community and love and grace with our community and with our world. Amen. Shepherd me, oh God, beyond my wants, Shepherd me, oh God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I. God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I. I rest in the meadows of faithfulness I rest in the meadows of faithfulness I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and power. I walk with the quieters Champ Champ beyond thy beyond thy beyond thy beyond thy feast from death into love and heal my weary soul. You lead me my and heal my weary soul. You lead me my pathways of righteousness and truth. My pathways of righteousness and truth. My pathways of righteousness and truth. My spiritual sing spiritual sing spiritual sing music music music of your name beyond my beyond my beyond my fears. From death into I wonder the valley of death. I fear no

I wonder the valley of death. I fear no river for you are at my side. river for you are at my side. river for you are at my side. your rod and your st my comfort your rod and your st my comfort your rod and your st my comfort and my >> sheeperd meer >> sheeperd meer beyond my beyond my beyond my beyond my fears from death into You have set me a blanket of love You have set me a blanket of love in the face of hatred. Come with me on my heart Come with me on my heart to go.

my my beyond my fears. From death into love. your kindness and mercy follow me your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. all the days of my life. all the days of my life. I will dwell in the house of my God I will dwell in the house of my God I will dwell in the house of my God forever. Shepher me, oh God, Shepher me, oh God, beyond my beyond my beyond my beyond beyond beyond my fears, my fears, my fears, from death from death from death into love.

Praise God from whom the blessings flow. Praise God from whom the blessings flow. Praise God all of creatures here. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Praise the Lord for the Lord. Praise the Lord for the Lord. Praise Jesus Christ who comes. Praise Jesus Christ who comes. Praise Jesus Christ who comes. Praise the spirit. Praise the spirit. Praise the spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. Let us pray. Let us pray. God of boundless love.

God of boundless love. God of boundless love. One who shepherds us, knows us, cares One who shepherds us, knows us, cares One who shepherds us, knows us, cares for us, and parents us. for us, and parents us. for us, and parents us. On this day, we give you thanks for all On this day, we give you thanks for all On this day, we give you thanks for all who have nurtured and guided and who have nurtured and guided and who have nurtured and guided and protected us. Those who have encouraged protected us. Those who have encouraged protected us. Those who have encouraged us with a father's heart. We're grateful us with a father's heart. We're grateful us with a father's heart. We're grateful for fathers, grandfathers, for fathers, grandfathers, for fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, stepfathers, stepfathers, adoptive fathers and foster fathers, adoptive fathers and foster fathers, adoptive fathers and foster fathers, mentors, coaches, teachers, neighbors, mentors, coaches, teachers, neighbors, mentors, coaches, teachers, neighbors, and friends. All those whose steady love and friends. All those whose steady love and friends. All those whose steady love has reflected something of your own has reflected something of your own has reflected something of your own faithful care. We pray your blessing faithful care. We pray your blessing faithful care. We pray your blessing upon fathers everywhere. upon fathers everywhere. upon fathers everywhere. Strengthen them with wisdom when they Strengthen them with wisdom when they Strengthen them with wisdom when they feel uncertain, patience when they are feel uncertain, patience when they are feel uncertain, patience when they are weary, courage when life is demanding, weary, courage when life is demanding, weary, courage when life is demanding, and joy in the sacred work of loving and joy in the sacred work of loving and joy in the sacred work of loving those entrusted to their care. those entrusted to their care. those entrusted to their care. We remember too those for whom this day We remember too those for whom this day We remember too those for whom this day is complicated. is complicated. is complicated. Hold close those who mourn fathers now Hold close those who mourn fathers now Hold close those who mourn fathers now gone. Those whose relationships with gone. Those whose relationships with gone. Those whose relationships with their fathers are marked by pain or their fathers are marked by pain or their fathers are marked by pain or estrangement.

estrangement. estrangement. Those who long to become fathers but Those who long to become fathers but Those who long to become fathers but could not. And fathers grieving the loss could not. And fathers grieving the loss could not. And fathers grieving the loss of a child. of a child. of a child. Be near to fathers carrying the weight Be near to fathers carrying the weight Be near to fathers carrying the weight of unemployment of unemployment of unemployment or illness, incarceration, or illness, incarceration, or illness, incarceration, addiction, displacement, or overwhelming addiction, displacement, or overwhelming addiction, displacement, or overwhelming responsibility. responsibility. responsibility. Where there is guilt, bring forgiveness. Where there is guilt, bring forgiveness. Where there is guilt, bring forgiveness. Where there is brokenness, bring Where there is brokenness, bring Where there is brokenness, bring healing. healing. healing. Where there is loneliness, bring Where there is loneliness, bring Where there is loneliness, bring companions for the journey. Remind each companions for the journey. Remind each companions for the journey. Remind each one that nothing can separate us from one that nothing can separate us from one that nothing can separate us from your steadfast love. your steadfast love. your steadfast love. And as we pray for families, we remember And as we pray for families, we remember And as we pray for families, we remember the larger family into which Christ has the larger family into which Christ has the larger family into which Christ has called us. On the night before his called us. On the night before his called us. On the night before his death, Jesus prayed that we might be death, Jesus prayed that we might be death, Jesus prayed that we might be one, just as he and you are one, Father. one, just as he and you are one, Father. one, just as he and you are one, Father. In a world so quick to divide and so In a world so quick to divide and so In a world so quick to divide and so eager to label and dismiss and reject, eager to label and dismiss and reject, eager to label and dismiss and reject, make us people who choose the harder, make us people who choose the harder, make us people who choose the harder, holier path of listening, welcoming and holier path of listening, welcoming and holier path of listening, welcoming and loving. loving. loving. Teach us again that our unity is not Teach us again that our unity is not Teach us again that our unity is not uniformity, but the beautiful work of uniformity, but the beautiful work of uniformity, but the beautiful work of your Holy Spirit weaving together lives your Holy Spirit weaving together lives your Holy Spirit weaving together lives that are wonderfully different yet that are wonderfully different yet that are wonderfully different yet deeply beloved.

deeply beloved. deeply beloved. When we are tempted to turn away from When we are tempted to turn away from When we are tempted to turn away from one another, open our hearts. When fear one another, open our hearts. When fear one another, open our hearts. When fear keeps us apart, give us courage to draw keeps us apart, give us courage to draw keeps us apart, give us courage to draw near. When misunderstanding grows, plant near. When misunderstanding grows, plant near. When misunderstanding grows, plant compassion. compassion. compassion. Help us remember that every person we Help us remember that every person we Help us remember that every person we meet is someone you love as deeply as meet is someone you love as deeply as meet is someone you love as deeply as you love your own son. you love your own son. you love your own son. Holy Father, help us realize that there Holy Father, help us realize that there Holy Father, help us realize that there can be no true understanding can be no true understanding can be no true understanding wherever there is rejection. wherever there is rejection. wherever there is rejection. Instead, teach us to accept one another Instead, teach us to accept one another Instead, teach us to accept one another wholeheartedly, wholeheartedly, wholeheartedly, discovering that as we welcome one discovering that as we welcome one discovering that as we welcome one another, we welcome you. Root our lives another, we welcome you. Root our lives another, we welcome you. Root our lives so deeply in your spirit that your love so deeply in your spirit that your love so deeply in your spirit that your love becomes the source of our words and our becomes the source of our words and our becomes the source of our words and our decisions, our relationships, and our decisions, our relationships, and our decisions, our relationships, and our witness. witness. witness. Bind this congregation together in that Bind this congregation together in that Bind this congregation together in that love. Make us one in purpose, one in love. Make us one in purpose, one in love. Make us one in purpose, one in compassion, one in hope. Not because we compassion, one in hope. Not because we compassion, one in hope. Not because we think alike, but because Christ lives think alike, but because Christ lives think alike, but because Christ lives among us. Let our life together become a among us. Let our life together become a among us. Let our life together become a sign to our community that your love is sign to our community that your love is sign to our community that your love is stronger than fear, stronger than stronger than fear, stronger than stronger than fear, stronger than division, stronger even than death.

division, stronger even than death. division, stronger even than death. We pray for those who are sick this day. We pray for those who are sick this day. We pray for those who are sick this day. We pray for those awaiting answers or We pray for those awaiting answers or We pray for those awaiting answers or those burdened by anxiety. those burdened by anxiety. those burdened by anxiety. We lift up those who are serving others We lift up those who are serving others We lift up those who are serving others in quiet faithfulness. in quiet faithfulness. in quiet faithfulness. And we pray for those whose needs remain And we pray for those whose needs remain And we pray for those whose needs remain known only to you. known only to you. known only to you. May each one find comfort in your May each one find comfort in your May each one find comfort in your presence, strength for this day, and presence, strength for this day, and presence, strength for this day, and guidance for the future. guidance for the future. guidance for the future. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and send Fill us with your Holy Spirit and send Fill us with your Holy Spirit and send us into the world as people of us into the world as people of us into the world as people of reconciliation and peace. so that reconciliation and peace. so that reconciliation and peace. so that through our lives others may glimpse the through our lives others may glimpse the through our lives others may glimpse the love for which Jesus prayed. A love that love for which Jesus prayed. A love that love for which Jesus prayed. A love that overcomes every barrier, heals every overcomes every barrier, heals every overcomes every barrier, heals every wound, and gathers all your children wound, and gathers all your children wound, and gathers all your children into one. We ask these things in the into one. We ask these things in the into one. We ask these things in the name of Christ who taught us to pray name of Christ who taught us to pray name of Christ who taught us to pray together, saying, "Our Father, who art together, saying, "Our Father, who art together, saying, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the evil. For thine is the kingdom, the evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.

power, and the glory forever and ever. power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. with my soul with my soul to find the prost to find the prost to find the prost Best light, Best light, Best light, a dream to keep. I am a voice I am a voice that I am a voice I am a voice that God on your path on your path unknown.

God on your path on your path unknown. Feeling good on I am a voice I am a voice that sings. that sings. that sings. I am a voice I am a voice I am a voice that sings. that sings. that sings. I am a voice I am a voice I am a voice that sings. I resolve to love I resolve to love to be a I I will will will hold your tender.

Together Together we will find we will find we will find something of great is is that it is I am a voice I am a voice that sings.

that sings. that sings. I am a voice I am a voice I am a voice that together we together we will sing. will sing. will sing. Together we Together we Together we will sing. will sing. will sing. I am a Let's pray. Let's pray. Gracious God, we know that you are with Gracious God, we know that you are with Gracious God, we know that you are with us and we are glad. So by the power of us and we are glad. So by the power of us and we are glad. So by the power of your spirit, knit our hearts together.

your spirit, knit our hearts together. your spirit, knit our hearts together. Make us one with each other and one with Make us one with each other and one with Make us one with each other and one with you just as you you just as you you just as you seek to be one with us. God, let us hear seek to be one with us. God, let us hear seek to be one with us. God, let us hear your voice that sings that we might know your voice that sings that we might know your voice that sings that we might know what you have to say and what how you what you have to say and what how you what you have to say and what how you would have us live. It's in Jesus name would have us live. It's in Jesus name would have us live. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. we pray. Amen. we pray. Amen. When I was little, maybe seven or eight When I was little, maybe seven or eight When I was little, maybe seven or eight years old, uh as I unwrapped presents on years old, uh as I unwrapped presents on years old, uh as I unwrapped presents on my birthday that year, I discovered that my birthday that year, I discovered that my birthday that year, I discovered that my mom had given me a gift that I'd been my mom had given me a gift that I'd been my mom had given me a gift that I'd been desperately wanting. It was a remote desperately wanting. It was a remote desperately wanting. It was a remote control car, but not just any remote control car, but not just any remote control car, but not just any remote control car. It was a remote control control car. It was a remote control control car. It was a remote control silver Lamborghini with a top speed of silver Lamborghini with a top speed of silver Lamborghini with a top speed of 45 mph. 45 mph. 45 mph. I was incredibly excited. I tore off the I was incredibly excited. I tore off the I was incredibly excited. I tore off the paper but carefully opened the box. No paper but carefully opened the box. No paper but carefully opened the box. No one wants to scratch a new Lamborghini. one wants to scratch a new Lamborghini. one wants to scratch a new Lamborghini. I unpacked the car and the remote and I I unpacked the car and the remote and I I unpacked the car and the remote and I cleared a path on the floor and I turned cleared a path on the floor and I turned cleared a path on the floor and I turned the switch to on and began to fiddle the switch to on and began to fiddle the switch to on and began to fiddle with the controls. Nothing happened. I with the controls. Nothing happened. I with the controls. Nothing happened. I was confused. I I tried again. Nothing.

was confused. I I tried again. Nothing. was confused. I I tried again. Nothing. That's when I saw it. Small writing on That's when I saw it. Small writing on That's when I saw it. Small writing on the corner of the box. Batteries the corner of the box. Batteries the corner of the box. Batteries not included. not included. not included. I had the absolute coolest remote I had the absolute coolest remote I had the absolute coolest remote control car and it had absolutely no control car and it had absolutely no control car and it had absolutely no power. power. power. Unsurprisingly, my mother was prepared. Unsurprisingly, my mother was prepared. Unsurprisingly, my mother was prepared. She had batteries ready and soon we were She had batteries ready and soon we were She had batteries ready and soon we were off to the races. The point is, we do off to the races. The point is, we do off to the races. The point is, we do not live powerless. not live powerless. not live powerless. 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the believers, and that poured out upon the believers, and that poured out upon the believers, and that same Holy Spirit has been powering the same Holy Spirit has been powering the same Holy Spirit has been powering the church ever since. Batteries are church ever since. Batteries are church ever since. Batteries are included, as it were. And because of the included, as it were. And because of the included, as it were. And because of the Spirit's ongoing presence, we have all Spirit's ongoing presence, we have all Spirit's ongoing presence, we have all the power we need to live faithful and the power we need to live faithful and the power we need to live faithful and fruitful Christian lives. fruitful Christian lives. fruitful Christian lives. We're a few weeks into a series on the We're a few weeks into a series on the We're a few weeks into a series on the Holy Spirit, and the seed for this Holy Spirit, and the seed for this Holy Spirit, and the seed for this series was planted months ago over series was planted months ago over series was planted months ago over breakfast with my small group. We'd been breakfast with my small group. We'd been breakfast with my small group. We'd been reading a book together, and the book reading a book together, and the book reading a book together, and the book kept mentioning the Holy Spirit, and it kept mentioning the Holy Spirit, and it kept mentioning the Holy Spirit, and it quickly became apparent around our table quickly became apparent around our table quickly became apparent around our table that many of us didn't quite know what that many of us didn't quite know what that many of us didn't quite know what to say or think about the Holy Spirit.

to say or think about the Holy Spirit. to say or think about the Holy Spirit. "Who is the Holy Spirit?" we asked. Oh, "Who is the Holy Spirit?" we asked. Oh, "Who is the Holy Spirit?" we asked. Oh, well, you know, the Holy Spirit is well, you know, the Holy Spirit is well, you know, the Holy Spirit is Well, the Holy Spirit is God, right? Well, the Holy Spirit is God, right? Well, the Holy Spirit is God, right? Well, what does the Holy Spirit do? We Well, what does the Holy Spirit do? We Well, what does the Holy Spirit do? We asked. Oh, well, the Holy Spirit, you asked. Oh, well, the Holy Spirit, you asked. Oh, well, the Holy Spirit, you know, know, know, well, well, well, I you know, the Holy Spirit does the I you know, the Holy Spirit does the I you know, the Holy Spirit does the Holy Spirit things. And it's not that we Holy Spirit things. And it's not that we Holy Spirit things. And it's not that we didn't have any ideas. It's that we were didn't have any ideas. It's that we were didn't have any ideas. It's that we were less than confident in our answers. less than confident in our answers. less than confident in our answers. That's the goal for this series, to help That's the goal for this series, to help That's the goal for this series, to help us all confidently put into words who us all confidently put into words who us all confidently put into words who the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit does in us and for us and through Spirit does in us and for us and through Spirit does in us and for us and through us. A quick recap then, who is the Holy us. A quick recap then, who is the Holy us. A quick recap then, who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third person of the triune God, Father, Son, person of the triune God, Father, Son, person of the triune God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. More to the point and perhaps more More to the point and perhaps more More to the point and perhaps more helpfully, the Holy Spirit is God's helpfully, the Holy Spirit is God's helpfully, the Holy Spirit is God's power and presence in our lives today.

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

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

this to us. this to us. The Holy Spirit does this with us. To be The Holy Spirit does this with us. To be The Holy Spirit does this with us. To be made holy, we must be willing partners made holy, we must be willing partners made holy, we must be willing partners in the work, responding to the spirit, in the work, responding to the spirit, in the work, responding to the spirit, making ourselves available to the making ourselves available to the making ourselves available to the spirit's power through prayer and spirit's power through prayer and spirit's power through prayer and scripture and worship and service. scripture and worship and service. scripture and worship and service. The spirit dwells in us and the spirit The spirit dwells in us and the spirit The spirit dwells in us and the spirit makes us holy. makes us holy. makes us holy. And today, the work of the spirit that And today, the work of the spirit that And today, the work of the spirit that we'll consider is this. The spirit forms we'll consider is this. The spirit forms we'll consider is this. The spirit forms a people. a people. a people. Which is to say that the Holy Spirit Which is to say that the Holy Spirit Which is to say that the Holy Spirit takes all of us individuals takes all of us individuals takes all of us individuals and makes us one by the power of the and makes us one by the power of the and makes us one by the power of the spirit. We who are many become one body. spirit. We who are many become one body. spirit. We who are many become one body. And the scripture that we'll read is And the scripture that we'll read is And the scripture that we'll read is from first Corinthians. It's a letter from first Corinthians. It's a letter from first Corinthians. It's a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the that the apostle Paul wrote to the that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in the ancient city of Corenth. church in the ancient city of Corenth. church in the ancient city of Corenth. And he's writing to them about unity in And he's writing to them about unity in And he's writing to them about unity in the spirit because the people of this the spirit because the people of this the spirit because the people of this church had fallen into deep disunityity. church had fallen into deep disunityity. church had fallen into deep disunityity. They'd created clear hierarchies in They'd created clear hierarchies in They'd created clear hierarchies in their communities based on who had which their communities based on who had which their communities based on who had which spiritual gifts. They'd fallen into spiritual gifts. They'd fallen into spiritual gifts. They'd fallen into factions again based around spiritual factions again based around spiritual factions again based around spiritual gifts.

gifts. gifts. And they began to treat some as more And they began to treat some as more And they began to treat some as more important than others. And here's what important than others. And here's what important than others. And here's what Paul says to them. It's 1 Corinthians Paul says to them. It's 1 Corinthians Paul says to them. It's 1 Corinthians chapter 12. chapter 12. chapter 12. Therefore, I want you to understand that Therefore, I want you to understand that Therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking by the spirit of God no one speaking by the spirit of God no one speaking by the spirit of God ever says, "Let Jesus be cursed." And no ever says, "Let Jesus be cursed." And no ever says, "Let Jesus be cursed." And no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. Now, pause there for a the Holy Spirit. Now, pause there for a the Holy Spirit. Now, pause there for a moment because this first verse moment because this first verse moment because this first verse initially feels out of place, but it's initially feels out of place, but it's initially feels out of place, but it's actually the foundation for the argument actually the foundation for the argument actually the foundation for the argument that Paul is about to make. that Paul is about to make. that Paul is about to make. What he means here in this first verse What he means here in this first verse What he means here in this first verse is that the Holy Spirit is part of the is that the Holy Spirit is part of the is that the Holy Spirit is part of the life of every single person who life of every single person who life of every single person who confesses Jesus as Lord. It doesn't confesses Jesus as Lord. It doesn't confesses Jesus as Lord. It doesn't matter what your background is in his matter what your background is in his matter what your background is in his world. That was Jew or Gentile. It world. That was Jew or Gentile. It world. That was Jew or Gentile. It doesn't matter if you have one of the doesn't matter if you have one of the doesn't matter if you have one of the fancier gifts of the spirit or not. What fancier gifts of the spirit or not. What fancier gifts of the spirit or not. What matters is that you have responded to matters is that you have responded to matters is that you have responded to Jesus. Jesus is Lord is the earliest Jesus. Jesus is Lord is the earliest Jesus. Jesus is Lord is the earliest Christian confession. And to confess Christian confession. And to confess Christian confession. And to confess that Jesus is Lord is in itself evidence that Jesus is Lord is in itself evidence that Jesus is Lord is in itself evidence that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you.

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

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

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

hospitality. hospitality. Or maybe you've never thought about it Or maybe you've never thought about it Or maybe you've never thought about it at all. And today is the day that you'll at all. And today is the day that you'll at all. And today is the day that you'll start to wonder, what has God given me? start to wonder, what has God given me? start to wonder, what has God given me? In the movie Encanto, it's an animated In the movie Encanto, it's an animated In the movie Encanto, it's an animated Disney movie. It came out maybe five Disney movie. It came out maybe five Disney movie. It came out maybe five years ago. In this movie, we meet the years ago. In this movie, we meet the years ago. In this movie, we meet the Madreal family, each of whom receives a Madreal family, each of whom receives a Madreal family, each of whom receives a miraculous gift from Casita, the magical miraculous gift from Casita, the magical miraculous gift from Casita, the magical home in which they live. Julieta is home in which they live. Julieta is home in which they live. Julieta is given the ability to heal others through given the ability to heal others through given the ability to heal others through her cooking. Peppa can control the her cooking. Peppa can control the her cooking. Peppa can control the weather with her emotions. Louisa has weather with her emotions. Louisa has weather with her emotions. Louisa has super strength and everybody knows it. super strength and everybody knows it. super strength and everybody knows it. Anytime there's a problem to be fixed, Anytime there's a problem to be fixed, Anytime there's a problem to be fixed, call Louisa. She can move mountains. call Louisa. She can move mountains. call Louisa. She can move mountains. Each member of the family is given a Each member of the family is given a Each member of the family is given a gift except for Mirabel. On the day that gift except for Mirabel. On the day that gift except for Mirabel. On the day that Mirabbel is supposed to receive her Mirabbel is supposed to receive her Mirabbel is supposed to receive her gift, nothing happens. And for several gift, nothing happens. And for several gift, nothing happens. And for several years, she lives with this years, she lives with this years, she lives with this disappointment, feeling as if she can disappointment, feeling as if she can disappointment, feeling as if she can never quite measure up to her siblings.

never quite measure up to her siblings. never quite measure up to her siblings. And she always hears things like, "Oh, And she always hears things like, "Oh, And she always hears things like, "Oh, poor Mirabel. No gift." That is until poor Mirabel. No gift." That is until poor Mirabel. No gift." That is until crisis comes. And her persistent love is crisis comes. And her persistent love is crisis comes. And her persistent love is what holds the family together and what holds the family together and what holds the family together and rebuilds a broken casita and ultimately rebuilds a broken casita and ultimately rebuilds a broken casita and ultimately saves the day. It wasn't that she didn't saves the day. It wasn't that she didn't saves the day. It wasn't that she didn't have a gift. have a gift. have a gift. It just wasn't like the others. It It just wasn't like the others. It It just wasn't like the others. It wasn't flashy or fun, but it mattered. wasn't flashy or fun, but it mattered. wasn't flashy or fun, but it mattered. What Paul is trying to teach the What Paul is trying to teach the What Paul is trying to teach the Corinthians is that all have gifts and Corinthians is that all have gifts and Corinthians is that all have gifts and all gifts matter. This is important for all gifts matter. This is important for all gifts matter. This is important for us to remember today. All have gifts and us to remember today. All have gifts and us to remember today. All have gifts and all gifts matter. Because some of us, all gifts matter. Because some of us, all gifts matter. Because some of us, we're like Mirabel and we look at the we're like Mirabel and we look at the we're like Mirabel and we look at the people in our family or our colleagues people in our family or our colleagues people in our family or our colleagues at work or the friends at church or at at work or the friends at church or at at work or the friends at church or at school and and we think, "Golly, they school and and we think, "Golly, they school and and we think, "Golly, they are so good at that. They are so are so good at that. They are so are so good at that. They are so talented. They are so accomplished. talented. They are so accomplished. talented. They are so accomplished. She's so confident. She's so wise. He's She's so confident. She's so wise. He's She's so confident. She's so wise. He's such a good listener and so funny, too." such a good listener and so funny, too." such a good listener and so funny, too." We look around and we see all these We look around and we see all these We look around and we see all these people with all these incredible gifts people with all these incredible gifts people with all these incredible gifts and we think, "Ah, poor me. no gift.

and we think, "Ah, poor me. no gift. and we think, "Ah, poor me. no gift. Well, it's just not true. God has given Well, it's just not true. God has given Well, it's just not true. God has given you, even you, a gift. And you maybe you, even you, a gift. And you maybe you, even you, a gift. And you maybe haven't named it yet. And maybe nobody's haven't named it yet. And maybe nobody's haven't named it yet. And maybe nobody's celebrated it yet. It might feel so very celebrated it yet. It might feel so very celebrated it yet. It might feel so very normal, like a quiet, persistent love, normal, like a quiet, persistent love, normal, like a quiet, persistent love, but it's there and it matters. but it's there and it matters. but it's there and it matters. The other side of it is this. Some of us The other side of it is this. Some of us The other side of it is this. Some of us have very obvious gifts. Gifts that have very obvious gifts. Gifts that have very obvious gifts. Gifts that society values and affirms out loud. society values and affirms out loud. society values and affirms out loud. gifts like intellectual prowess, gifts like intellectual prowess, gifts like intellectual prowess, business acumen, athletic skill, business acumen, athletic skill, business acumen, athletic skill, leadership ability. Like Louisa, the leadership ability. Like Louisa, the leadership ability. Like Louisa, the strong one in Encanto, they get cheered strong one in Encanto, they get cheered strong one in Encanto, they get cheered at every corner. And we're tempted to at every corner. And we're tempted to at every corner. And we're tempted to think that it all rests on their think that it all rests on their think that it all rests on their shoulders. shoulders. shoulders. Maybe that's you. You felt like that. Maybe that's you. You felt like that. Maybe that's you. You felt like that. Your gifting is obvious and people have Your gifting is obvious and people have Your gifting is obvious and people have been celebrating it since you were been celebrating it since you were been celebrating it since you were little. Well, your gift matters. It's little. Well, your gift matters. It's little. Well, your gift matters. It's lovely and it's wonderful, but it might lovely and it's wonderful, but it might lovely and it's wonderful, but it might feel like a lot of pressure sometimes. feel like a lot of pressure sometimes. feel like a lot of pressure sometimes. So, you should know that you're not So, you should know that you're not So, you should know that you're not alone. Every person who confesses Jesus alone. Every person who confesses Jesus alone. Every person who confesses Jesus as Lord is gifted by the Holy Spirit.

as Lord is gifted by the Holy Spirit. as Lord is gifted by the Holy Spirit. And all those gifts are given for the And all those gifts are given for the And all those gifts are given for the good of the whole community. That's good of the whole community. That's good of the whole community. That's Paul's second powerful point. In verse Paul's second powerful point. In verse Paul's second powerful point. In verse 7, he says it like this. To each is 7, he says it like this. To each is 7, he says it like this. To each is given the manifestation of the spirit given the manifestation of the spirit given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good. for the common good. for the common good. Now, the sad truth is that our world Now, the sad truth is that our world Now, the sad truth is that our world isn't exactly set up to seek after the isn't exactly set up to seek after the isn't exactly set up to seek after the common good. The incentives of life are common good. The incentives of life are common good. The incentives of life are are to look out for yourself and your are to look out for yourself and your are to look out for yourself and your family and maybe those who are a lot family and maybe those who are a lot family and maybe those who are a lot like you. But the idea of working for like you. But the idea of working for like you. But the idea of working for the common good has mostly faded from the common good has mostly faded from the common good has mostly faded from our shared commitments. our shared commitments. our shared commitments. But whatever it is that God has given But whatever it is that God has given But whatever it is that God has given you, patience, wisdom, generosity, you, patience, wisdom, generosity, you, patience, wisdom, generosity, courage, kindness, facility with music courage, kindness, facility with music courage, kindness, facility with music or math, superhuman strength, maybe the or math, superhuman strength, maybe the or math, superhuman strength, maybe the ability to heal people with your ability to heal people with your ability to heal people with your cooking, whatever the Holy Spirit has cooking, whatever the Holy Spirit has cooking, whatever the Holy Spirit has given you, given you, given you, that gift that gift that gift isn't for you. isn't for you. isn't for you. Again, this runs counter to our Again, this runs counter to our Again, this runs counter to our self-focused culture. But this is how self-focused culture. But this is how self-focused culture. But this is how the Holy Spirit takes all of us the Holy Spirit takes all of us the Holy Spirit takes all of us individuals and forms a people. God individuals and forms a people. God individuals and forms a people. God gives each one a gift that the whole gives each one a gift that the whole gives each one a gift that the whole community needs. God gives gifts to each community needs. God gives gifts to each community needs. God gives gifts to each and to all so that the body can be and to all so that the body can be and to all so that the body can be healthy and whole.

healthy and whole. healthy and whole. Several years ago, Elizabeth and I had a Several years ago, Elizabeth and I had a Several years ago, Elizabeth and I had a TV show that we watched. It was called TV show that we watched. It was called TV show that we watched. It was called Nashville. It was about country singers Nashville. It was about country singers Nashville. It was about country singers in Nashville. And there was this couple in Nashville. And there was this couple in Nashville. And there was this couple on the show who at this point in the on the show who at this point in the on the show who at this point in the plot were struggling. In particular, she plot were struggling. In particular, she plot were struggling. In particular, she was struggling. She knew she could sing. was struggling. She knew she could sing. was struggling. She knew she could sing. She knew she had great talent, but but She knew she had great talent, but but She knew she had great talent, but but she hadn't yet made it big. There was she hadn't yet made it big. There was she hadn't yet made it big. There was roadblock after roadblock. She was tired roadblock after roadblock. She was tired roadblock after roadblock. She was tired of the grind getting ready to throw in of the grind getting ready to throw in of the grind getting ready to throw in the towel. And he writes this song for the towel. And he writes this song for the towel. And he writes this song for her about her to encourage her. And the her about her to encourage her. And the her about her to encourage her. And the chorus begins like this. What if you are chorus begins like this. What if you are chorus begins like this. What if you are just a vessel and God gave you something just a vessel and God gave you something just a vessel and God gave you something special? special? special? It ain't yours to throw away. Every time It ain't yours to throw away. Every time It ain't yours to throw away. Every time you open up your mouth, diamonds come you open up your mouth, diamonds come you open up your mouth, diamonds come rolling out. It ain't yours to throw rolling out. It ain't yours to throw rolling out. It ain't yours to throw away. away. away. Now, what if you are just a vessel and Now, what if you are just a vessel and Now, what if you are just a vessel and God gave you something special? God gave you something special? God gave you something special? Well, then it's not yours to throw away Well, then it's not yours to throw away Well, then it's not yours to throw away because the church needs it. The world because the church needs it. The world because the church needs it. The world needs it. The gifts that God has given needs it. The gifts that God has given needs it. The gifts that God has given us, we hold them in trust. They're ours, us, we hold them in trust. They're ours, us, we hold them in trust. They're ours, yes, but to be used as the giver yes, but to be used as the giver yes, but to be used as the giver intends. Your purpose, your gift has a intends. Your purpose, your gift has a intends. Your purpose, your gift has a purpose far beyond you. And what God purpose far beyond you. And what God purpose far beyond you. And what God intends for each gift in this room is intends for each gift in this room is intends for each gift in this room is that it be used for the common good. And that it be used for the common good. And that it be used for the common good. And the common good is the health of the the common good is the health of the the common good is the health of the church that God has built. the common church that God has built. the common church that God has built. the common good is the healing of the world that

good is the healing of the world that good is the healing of the world that God loves. God loves. God loves. And so this morning, let me invite you And so this morning, let me invite you And so this morning, let me invite you to ask yourself two questions. to ask yourself two questions. to ask yourself two questions. First, ask yourself, what gift has God First, ask yourself, what gift has God First, ask yourself, what gift has God given me? What gift has God given me? given me? What gift has God given me? given me? What gift has God given me? There are thousand ways you might answer There are thousand ways you might answer There are thousand ways you might answer that question. Maybe it's one gift that that question. Maybe it's one gift that that question. Maybe it's one gift that you can name. Maybe it's two. Maybe it's you can name. Maybe it's two. Maybe it's you can name. Maybe it's two. Maybe it's a whole list of things. What gift a whole list of things. What gift a whole list of things. What gift has God given me? has God given me? has God given me? And then the second question, how am I And then the second question, how am I And then the second question, how am I using that gift? Am I using it for the using that gift? Am I using it for the using that gift? Am I using it for the common good, for the health of the common good, for the health of the common good, for the health of the church and the healing of the world? church and the healing of the world? church and the healing of the world? And once you've asked yourself those two And once you've asked yourself those two And once you've asked yourself those two questions, I'd like for you to do two questions, I'd like for you to do two questions, I'd like for you to do two things. things. things. First, tell someone you know what gift First, tell someone you know what gift First, tell someone you know what gift you think God has given them. you think God has given them. you think God has given them. Sometimes we fail to see the gifts that Sometimes we fail to see the gifts that Sometimes we fail to see the gifts that others bring. I think more often we can others bring. I think more often we can others bring. I think more often we can see the giftedness of others more see the giftedness of others more see the giftedness of others more clearly than they can see it in clearly than they can see it in clearly than they can see it in themselves.

themselves. themselves. And we can help our friends recognize And we can help our friends recognize And we can help our friends recognize what they might not yet know about what they might not yet know about what they might not yet know about themselves. It's been 30 years now, but themselves. It's been 30 years now, but themselves. It's been 30 years now, but I still remember the first time someone I still remember the first time someone I still remember the first time someone told me, "Your spiritual gift is a told me, "Your spiritual gift is a told me, "Your spiritual gift is a tender heart." tender heart." tender heart." I didn't want a tender heart. I always I didn't want a tender heart. I always I didn't want a tender heart. I always thought that was a curse, but they saw thought that was a curse, but they saw thought that was a curse, but they saw it as a gift. it as a gift. it as a gift. For the sake of the common good, tell For the sake of the common good, tell For the sake of the common good, tell someone you know what gift you see in someone you know what gift you see in someone you know what gift you see in them. And then finally, find one place them. And then finally, find one place them. And then finally, find one place to use your gift this week. Not someday, to use your gift this week. Not someday, to use your gift this week. Not someday, not when life slows down. Not when you not when life slows down. Not when you not when life slows down. Not when you feel more qualified or confident, this feel more qualified or confident, this feel more qualified or confident, this week. If your gift is encouragement, week. If your gift is encouragement, week. If your gift is encouragement, encourage someone. If your gift is encourage someone. If your gift is encourage someone. If your gift is hospitality, invite someone in. If your hospitality, invite someone in. If your hospitality, invite someone in. If your gift is wisdom, share it. If your gift gift is wisdom, share it. If your gift gift is wisdom, share it. If your gift is generosity, practice it. If your gift is generosity, practice it. If your gift is generosity, practice it. If your gift is leadership, lead. If your gift is is leadership, lead. If your gift is is leadership, lead. If your gift is mercy, show mercy. The Holy Spirit does mercy, show mercy. The Holy Spirit does mercy, show mercy. The Holy Spirit does not give gifts as decorations to admire. not give gifts as decorations to admire. not give gifts as decorations to admire. The Holy Spirit gives gifts that are The Holy Spirit gives gifts that are The Holy Spirit gives gifts that are tools to use.

tools to use. tools to use. The gift you've been given isn't yours The gift you've been given isn't yours The gift you've been given isn't yours to throw away. It's also not yours to to throw away. It's also not yours to to throw away. It's also not yours to put on a shelf. It was given to you for put on a shelf. It was given to you for put on a shelf. It was given to you for the common good, for the health of the the common good, for the health of the the common good, for the health of the church and the healing of the world. church and the healing of the world. church and the healing of the world. So tell someone what gift you see in So tell someone what gift you see in So tell someone what gift you see in them and then find a way to put your own them and then find a way to put your own them and then find a way to put your own gift to work. Because when every member gift to work. Because when every member gift to work. Because when every member of the body uses what God has given of the body uses what God has given of the body uses what God has given them, the church becomes what God them, the church becomes what God them, the church becomes what God intends for us to be. Let's pray. intends for us to be. Let's pray. intends for us to be. Let's pray. Holy Spirit, thank you for not leaving Holy Spirit, thank you for not leaving Holy Spirit, thank you for not leaving us powerless. You dwell within us. You us powerless. You dwell within us. You us powerless. You dwell within us. You make us holy and you join us together as make us holy and you join us together as make us holy and you join us together as one body in Christ. Open our eyes to the one body in Christ. Open our eyes to the one body in Christ. Open our eyes to the gifts you've given us. When we're gifts you've given us. When we're gifts you've given us. When we're tempted to think we have nothing to tempted to think we have nothing to tempted to think we have nothing to offer, give us confidence that you are offer, give us confidence that you are offer, give us confidence that you are already working in us. When we're already working in us. When we're already working in us. When we're tempted to believe that we must do it tempted to believe that we must do it tempted to believe that we must do it all alone, remind us that we are all alone, remind us that we are all alone, remind us that we are surrounded by others. Help us to see and surrounded by others. Help us to see and surrounded by others. Help us to see and celebrate the gifts that everyone celebrate the gifts that everyone celebrate the gifts that everyone brings. And give us courage to use what brings. And give us courage to use what brings. And give us courage to use what you've entrusted for us, not for our own you've entrusted for us, not for our own you've entrusted for us, not for our own glory, but for the building of your glory, but for the building of your glory, but for the building of your church and the healing of your world. We church and the healing of your world. We church and the healing of your world. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

our Lord. Amen. our Lord. 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 thank you to our being here and thank you to our being here and thank you to our musicians this morning. One of you has musicians this morning. One of you has musicians this morning. One of you has left. There were four. Now there are left. There were four. Now there are left. There were four. Now there are three. Um but as you know, our choir is three. Um but as you know, our choir is three. Um but as you know, our choir is on break for the summer and these three on break for the summer and these three on break for the summer and these three and four have um worked very hard to and four have um worked very hard to and four have um worked very hard to share their gifts with us this morning. share their gifts with us this morning. share their gifts with us this morning. Thank you for doing that. Uh if you're Thank you for doing that. Uh if you're Thank you for doing that. Uh if you're new to MDUMC, Pastor Jenny and I would new to MDUMC, Pastor Jenny and I would new to MDUMC, Pastor Jenny and I would love the chance to meet you after the love the chance to meet you after the love the chance to meet you after the service. We're going to be right outside service. We're going to be right outside service. We're going to be right outside the back doors of this room. So please, the back doors of this room. So please, the back doors of this room. So please, if you have a chance, stop and say if you have a chance, stop and say if you have a chance, stop and say hello. We'd love to learn your name, hello. We'd love to learn your name, hello. We'd love to learn your name, welcome you to this place, and mostly welcome you to this place, and mostly welcome you to this place, and mostly say thank you for spending some time say thank you for spending some time say thank you for spending some time here today. Uh everybody, please take here today. Uh everybody, please take here today. Uh everybody, please take your bulletin home. There are several your bulletin home. There are several your bulletin home. There are several things coming up in the life of the things coming up in the life of the things coming up in the life of the church that I want you to know about. church that I want you to know about. church that I want you to know about. And in particular, it would help us a And in particular, it would help us a And in particular, it would help us a whole lot if you would RSVP for lunch on whole lot if you would RSVP for lunch on whole lot if you would RSVP for lunch on Sunday, July 5th. Remember, the the Sunday, July 5th. Remember, the the Sunday, July 5th. Remember, the the schedule is different that morning. schedule is different that morning. schedule is different that morning. We're going to be having lunch together, We're going to be having lunch together, We're going to be having lunch together, all of us, uh after service. If you're all of us, uh after service. If you're all of us, uh after service. If you're going to be there, would you RSVP so we going to be there, would you RSVP so we going to be there, would you RSVP so we can plan? Well, uh and then last thing, can plan? Well, uh and then last thing, can plan? Well, uh and then last thing, if you found a home here at Memorial if you found a home here at Memorial if you found a home here at Memorial Drive UMC, and you're not yet a member Drive UMC, and you're not yet a member Drive UMC, and you're not yet a member of this church, but you'd like to be, of this church, but you'd like to be, of this church, but you'd like to be, come forward as we sing this final hymn.

come forward as we sing this final hymn. come forward as we sing this final hymn. Pastor Jenny and I would love to welcome Pastor Jenny and I would love to welcome Pastor Jenny and I would love to welcome you into the membership of this you into the membership of this you into the membership of this congregation. Now, as we prepare for God congregation. Now, as we prepare for God congregation. Now, as we prepare for God to send us out into the world, would you to send us out into the world, would you to send us out into the world, would you stand as you're able and we'll sing stand as you're able and we'll sing stand as you're able and we'll sing together number 519, Lift Every Voice together number 519, Lift Every Voice together number 519, Lift Every Voice and Sing to the Lord. to the Lord. and and and with the heart of peace of full of the faith that the darkness has full of the faith that the darkness has brought us singing the rising the rising sun.

till victory till victory is We We come to the place for which our father. We have come over that tears have been We have come over that tears have been water. water. water. We have come strength our shall be my heart

shall be my heart forever. >> One final note as you think about how >> One final note as you think about how you'll be praying for your church in the you'll be praying for your church in the you'll be praying for your church in the week ahead. Our junior high students week ahead. Our junior high students week ahead. Our junior high students start their uh work camp mission trip start their uh work camp mission trip start their uh work camp mission trip this afternoon. and they'll be staying this afternoon. and they'll be staying this afternoon. and they'll be staying here at the church for several days and here at the church for several days and here at the church for several days and serving in many places all throughout serving in many places all throughout serving in many places all throughout the city of Houston. So, um there's 70 the city of Houston. So, um there's 70 the city of Houston. So, um there's 70 or 80 of them plus all the adult or 80 of them plus all the adult or 80 of them plus all the adult volunteers. So, please if you see them volunteers. So, please if you see them volunteers. So, please if you see them this week, say hello and thank you. And this week, say hello and thank you. And this week, say hello and thank you. And if you don't see them, be praying for if you don't see them, be praying for if you don't see them, be praying for them as you do this week. Um now, go in them as you do this week. Um now, go in them as you do this week. Um now, go in peace to serve God and your neighbor in peace to serve God and your neighbor in peace to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do. And may the peace of all that you do. And may the peace of all that you do. And may the peace of Christ go with you. Amen. Okay.

Okay. Heat