Classic Worship | 11:00 AM | August 23rd , 2026

Heat. Heat. Heat. Good morning and welcome Welcome to

Good morning and welcome Welcome to Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. As you came into this space this As you came into this space this As you came into this space this morning, I hope your heart has already morning, I hope your heart has already morning, I hope your heart has already begun to feel uplifted and warmed and begun to feel uplifted and warmed and begun to feel uplifted and warmed and brightened by this space and this music brightened by this space and this music brightened by this space and this music and this gathering of the body of and this gathering of the body of and this gathering of the body of Christ. I'm Jenny Shrekingst. I'm one of Christ. I'm Jenny Shrekingst. I'm one of Christ. I'm Jenny Shrekingst. I'm one of the ministers here at MDUMC. It's my joy the ministers here at MDUMC. It's my joy the ministers here at MDUMC. It's my joy to greet you here in the name of Christ. to greet you here in the name of Christ. to greet you here in the name of Christ. I'm so glad that you are here. If you're I'm so glad that you are here. If you're I'm so glad that you are here. If you're joining us online, I especially want to joining us online, I especially want to joining us online, I especially want to welcome you too and glad that you're welcome you too and glad that you're welcome you too and glad that you're tuning in via our live stream. We are a tuning in via our live stream. We are a tuning in via our live stream. We are a better church when we know who is better church when we know who is better church when we know who is worshiping with us. So, I want to invite worshiping with us. So, I want to invite worshiping with us. So, I want to invite you, whether you're here in this space you, whether you're here in this space you, whether you're here in this space or joining us online, to take a moment or joining us online, to take a moment or joining us online, to take a moment and register your attendance. You can do and register your attendance. You can do and register your attendance. You can do that if you're here by finding the blue that if you're here by finding the blue that if you're here by finding the blue folders that's on each pew and passing folders that's on each pew and passing folders that's on each pew and passing that down your row. And if you're online that down your row. And if you're online that down your row. And if you're online or if you're here, you could also just or if you're here, you could also just or if you're here, you could also just scan the QR code that's on the front of scan the QR code that's on the front of scan the QR code that's on the front of your bulletin and sign in that way. It's your bulletin and sign in that way. It's your bulletin and sign in that way. It's a good way for us to just make sure we a good way for us to just make sure we a good way for us to just make sure we have updated contact information for you have updated contact information for you have updated contact information for you and find out if there are needs or and find out if there are needs or and find out if there are needs or interest in ministry as we grow in interest in ministry as we grow in interest in ministry as we grow in Christ together. We continue in our Christ together. We continue in our Christ together. We continue in our worship series today back to Sunday worship series today back to Sunday worship series today back to Sunday school looking at some familiar stories school looking at some familiar stories school looking at some familiar stories and and finding that still there is new and and finding that still there is new and and finding that still there is new wisdom to be found from them. Uh Pastor wisdom to be found from them. Uh Pastor wisdom to be found from them. Uh Pastor Shawn will be preaching. He's on the Shawn will be preaching. He's on the Shawn will be preaching. He's on the west campus just right now helping uh west campus just right now helping uh west campus just right now helping uh and baptizing a child. He'll be back in and baptizing a child. He'll be back in and baptizing a child. He'll be back in just a few minutes time. Um, but we're just a few minutes time. Um, but we're just a few minutes time. Um, but we're just so glad that you're here. I just so glad that you're here. I just so glad that you're here. I especially want to thank you for being especially want to thank you for being especially want to thank you for being here if you're new to us. It takes a lot here if you're new to us. It takes a lot here if you're new to us. It takes a lot of courage to try out a new church. And of courage to try out a new church. And of courage to try out a new church. And so, we're glad that you're here. We hope

so, we're glad that you're here. We hope so, we're glad that you're here. We hope to connect with you, answer questions to connect with you, answer questions to connect with you, answer questions you may have, and um hope that this is you may have, and um hope that this is you may have, and um hope that this is an experience that draws you near to the an experience that draws you near to the an experience that draws you near to the presence of Christ. presence of Christ. presence of Christ. Friends, I'm hopeful and I'm excited and Friends, I'm hopeful and I'm excited and Friends, I'm hopeful and I'm excited and I'm glad that we have this time now to I'm glad that we have this time now to I'm glad that we have this time now to turn our hearts, our minds, and our turn our hearts, our minds, and our turn our hearts, our minds, and our lives over to God. We'll begin our time lives over to God. We'll begin our time lives over to God. We'll begin our time with a call to prayer. This is a with a call to prayer. This is a with a call to prayer. This is a responsive prayer that we will say back responsive prayer that we will say back responsive prayer that we will say back and forth together. And so, if you would and forth together. And so, if you would and forth together. And so, if you would stand in body or in spirit as you're stand in body or in spirit as you're stand in body or in spirit as you're able. The words are on the screen, but I able. The words are on the screen, but I able. The words are on the screen, but I invite you to join me on the parts that invite you to join me on the parts that invite you to join me on the parts that say all. Because when the world feels say all. Because when the world feels say all. Because when the world feels uncertain, where will we place our uncertain, where will we place our uncertain, where will we place our trust? trust? trust? We trust in the one who is our refuge We trust in the one who is our refuge We trust in the one who is our refuge and our shelter. and our shelter. and our shelter. When fear surrounds us, what will we When fear surrounds us, what will we When fear surrounds us, what will we remember? remember? remember? God is with us. We do not face the night God is with us. We do not face the night God is with us. We do not face the night alone. So come you who are weary. Come alone. So come you who are weary. Come alone. So come you who are weary. Come you who are hopeful. Come you who need you who are hopeful. Come you who need you who are hopeful. Come you who need courage for the journey.

courage for the journey. courage for the journey. We come to rest in the presence of God. We come to rest in the presence of God. We come to rest in the presence of God. Let us worship the one who watches over Let us worship the one who watches over Let us worship the one who watches over us, strengthens us, and holds us secure. us, strengthens us, and holds us secure. us, strengthens us, and holds us secure. We lift our hearts in worship. Let us We lift our hearts in worship. Let us We lift our hearts in worship. Let us worship God. of Jesus of Jesus And And And his king his king his king is might might say say say and still We joy

sal sal to Jesus to Jesus to Jesus our king. to God to God who s the praises the praises of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. The angels The angels The angels proclaim proclaim proclaim down all their faces down all their faces down all their faces and worship and worship and worship Amen.

Let Let us all glory all glory and honor. and honor. and honor. All his son and All his son and All his son and all with angels with angels alone. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Would you remain standing as together we Would you remain standing as together we join our voices and affirm our faith. I join our voices and affirm our faith. I join our voices and affirm our faith. I believe in God the Father Almighty, believe in God the Father Almighty, believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.

Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He The third day he rose from the dead. He The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and siteth at the ascended into heaven, and siteth at the ascended into heaven, and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the From then he shall come to judge the From then he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. and the life everlasting. and the life everlasting. Amen. Glory be to the Father Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. Ghost. Ghost. As it was in the beginning, As it was in the beginning, As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.

with with a now gathered here by God, united in song now gathered here by God, united in song and in creed, please take a moment and and in creed, please take a moment and and in creed, please take a moment and pass the peace of Christ with the people pass the peace of Christ with the people pass the peace of Christ with the people around you. Say hello to someone you around you. Say hello to someone you around you. Say hello to someone you don't know. And I'd like to especially say hello to And I'd like to especially say hello to any kids that we have here in our any kids that we have here in our any kids that we have here in our congregation today and invite you to congregation today and invite you to congregation today and invite you to come up for children's time with me on come up for children's time with me on come up for children's time with me on the chancel. It is time for children to the chancel. It is time for children to the chancel. It is time for children to come forward. come forward. come forward. I have candy. I'm glad y'all are here. I need your I'm glad y'all are here. I need your help with something today that I think help with something today that I think help with something today that I think you might know a thing or two about.

>> All right, I have a question for you >> All right, I have a question for you guys. Do you have a favorite superhero? guys. Do you have a favorite superhero? guys. Do you have a favorite superhero? >> You do? Who's your favorite superhero? >> You do? Who's your favorite superhero? >> You do? Who's your favorite superhero? >> Spider-Man. Do you guys have a favorite >> Spider-Man. Do you guys have a favorite >> Spider-Man. Do you guys have a favorite superhero? Here are some symbols. Do you superhero? Here are some symbols. Do you superhero? Here are some symbols. Do you see Spider-Man on here? see Spider-Man on here? see Spider-Man on here? >> Which one is Spider-Man? That one? >> Which one is Spider-Man? That one? >> Which one is Spider-Man? That one? >> Yeah. I brought this paper that has some >> Yeah. I brought this paper that has some >> Yeah. I brought this paper that has some different symbols that remind us of different symbols that remind us of different symbols that remind us of different superheroes. different superheroes. different superheroes. Um, and I really like Captain America. Um, and I really like Captain America. Um, and I really like Captain America. Also really like Yes, Wonder Woman. I Also really like Yes, Wonder Woman. I Also really like Yes, Wonder Woman. I was about to say that. We are on the was about to say that. We are on the was about to say that. We are on the same page, girl. Um, do you have any same page, girl. Um, do you have any same page, girl. Um, do you have any favorites? You know, why do we like favorites? You know, why do we like favorites? You know, why do we like superheroes so much? superheroes so much? superheroes so much? Do you like watching superhero movies or Do you like watching superhero movies or Do you like watching superhero movies or reading comic books or seeing cartoons? reading comic books or seeing cartoons? reading comic books or seeing cartoons? I like it because they do really amazing I like it because they do really amazing I like it because they do really amazing things. They have these special things. They have these special things. They have these special abilities. abilities. abilities. >> I also like Black Panther. >> I also like Black Panther. >> I also like Black Panther. >> Oh, Black Panther is a great story. >> Oh, Black Panther is a great story. >> Oh, Black Panther is a great story. Yeah. Okay. So, help me. We're going to Yeah. Okay. So, help me. We're going to Yeah. Okay. So, help me. We're going to do a little guessing game. I'm going to do a little guessing game. I'm going to do a little guessing game. I'm going to describe someone and you guys tell me if describe someone and you guys tell me if describe someone and you guys tell me if you can remember which superhero this you can remember which superhero this you can remember which superhero this is. Okay. All right. He uh he is a is. Okay. All right. He uh he is a is. Okay. All right. He uh he is a normal guy, but when something makes him normal guy, but when something makes him normal guy, but when something makes him mad, his muscles blow up really big, mad, his muscles blow up really big, mad, his muscles blow up really big, >> turns green. Hulk. Yes. Okay.

>> turns green. Hulk. Yes. Okay. >> turns green. Hulk. Yes. Okay. >> How about somebody who again looks like >> How about somebody who again looks like >> How about somebody who again looks like an ordinary guy, wears glasses, um but an ordinary guy, wears glasses, um but an ordinary guy, wears glasses, um but then when there's trouble, he disappears then when there's trouble, he disappears then when there's trouble, he disappears for a moment, changes clothes, wears a for a moment, changes clothes, wears a for a moment, changes clothes, wears a red cape. red cape. red cape. >> Superman. >> Superman. >> Superman. >> Superman. Yeah. >> Superman. Yeah. >> Superman. Yeah. >> What about um what about somebody who >> What about um what about somebody who >> What about um what about somebody who was an ordinary guy? He got bitten by a was an ordinary guy? He got bitten by a was an ordinary guy? He got bitten by a spider. spider. spider. >> Spider-Man. >> Spider-Man. >> Spider-Man. >> Spider-Man. Okay. >> Spider-Man. Okay. >> Spider-Man. Okay. >> It's an obvious one. >> It's an obvious one. >> It's an obvious one. >> You had me at spider. What about Okay, >> You had me at spider. What about Okay, >> You had me at spider. What about Okay, here's one. And I don't think that here's one. And I don't think that here's one. And I don't think that there's a picture on here, so this is a there's a picture on here, so this is a there's a picture on here, so this is a bit tricky. This is an old superhero. bit tricky. This is an old superhero. bit tricky. This is an old superhero. And he did some amazing things. He he And he did some amazing things. He he And he did some amazing things. He he solved some crimes. He solved some crimes. He solved some crimes. He >> proved not Buzz Lightyear. He proved >> proved not Buzz Lightyear. He proved >> proved not Buzz Lightyear. He proved that uh that these idols were no good, that uh that these idols were no good, that uh that these idols were no good, that they were just statues. that they were just statues. that they were just statues. >> Jesus, >> Jesus, >> Jesus, >> not Jesus. He >> not Jesus. He >> not Jesus. He >> He survived being in a den with lions.

>> He survived being in a den with lions. >> He survived being in a den with lions. And he also his friend survived a And he also his friend survived a And he also his friend survived a furnace. furnace. furnace. >> David, >> David, >> David, >> you're close. Don, >> you're close. Don, >> you're close. Don, >> not David. Same letter starts his name. >> not David. Same letter starts his name. >> not David. Same letter starts his name. >> Daniel. That's right. Daniel is kind of >> Daniel. That's right. Daniel is kind of >> Daniel. That's right. Daniel is kind of thought of as the superhero of the Old thought of as the superhero of the Old thought of as the superhero of the Old Testament. And we read a lot of Daniel's Testament. And we read a lot of Daniel's Testament. And we read a lot of Daniel's stories in the book of Daniel. And then stories in the book of Daniel. And then stories in the book of Daniel. And then people that lived in that time, they people that lived in that time, they people that lived in that time, they loved telling a Daniel story because he loved telling a Daniel story because he loved telling a Daniel story because he seemed to have these superpowers. seemed to have these superpowers. seemed to have these superpowers. He was this ordinary person and he just He was this ordinary person and he just He was this ordinary person and he just was very faithful to God and that was very faithful to God and that was very faithful to God and that allowed him that equipped him to do allowed him that equipped him to do allowed him that equipped him to do amazing things like survive being in the amazing things like survive being in the amazing things like survive being in the lion's den or um show powerful people lion's den or um show powerful people lion's den or um show powerful people who God really was. And so I think his who God really was. And so I think his who God really was. And so I think his superpower was faithfulness and being superpower was faithfulness and being superpower was faithfulness and being full of God's spirit. And later today full of God's spirit. And later today full of God's spirit. And later today during the Bible reading and then the during the Bible reading and then the during the Bible reading and then the sermon we're going to talk about Daniel.

sermon we're going to talk about Daniel. sermon we're going to talk about Daniel. So you might hear about some of that. Um So you might hear about some of that. Um So you might hear about some of that. Um but when we are thinking about but when we are thinking about but when we are thinking about superheroes, pretty much all of them are superheroes, pretty much all of them are superheroes, pretty much all of them are like ordinary people, right? like ordinary people, right? like ordinary people, right? >> They always start off >> They always start off >> They always start off >> they start off as ordinary people but >> they start off as ordinary people but >> they start off as ordinary people but then in their lives then in their lives then in their lives something occurs, something happens and something occurs, something happens and something occurs, something happens and then they are able to do amazing things. then they are able to do amazing things. then they are able to do amazing things. >> Batman's ordinary no matter what. >> Batman's ordinary no matter what. >> Batman's ordinary no matter what. >> Yeah. Batman's ordinary. He has gadgets. >> Yeah. Batman's ordinary. He has gadgets. >> Yeah. Batman's ordinary. He has gadgets. He's very smart. He uses those gifts. He's very smart. He uses those gifts. He's very smart. He uses those gifts. >> Spider-Man. Mhm. So all of us have are >> Spider-Man. Mhm. So all of us have are >> Spider-Man. Mhm. So all of us have are ordinary people, but with God's power ordinary people, but with God's power ordinary people, but with God's power and the power of the Holy Spirit and a and the power of the Holy Spirit and a and the power of the Holy Spirit and a trust in God and knowing who God is, we trust in God and knowing who God is, we trust in God and knowing who God is, we can do awesome, amazing, super things. can do awesome, amazing, super things. can do awesome, amazing, super things. So let's say a prayer together. You guys So let's say a prayer together. You guys So let's say a prayer together. You guys think about that some more. And in this think about that some more. And in this think about that some more. And in this next week, when you're at school or when next week, when you're at school or when next week, when you're at school or when you're at home, when you think about you're at home, when you think about you're at home, when you think about something tricky or difficult that you something tricky or difficult that you something tricky or difficult that you need to do, some challenge or something need to do, some challenge or something need to do, some challenge or something that's maybe a little scary, think about that's maybe a little scary, think about that's maybe a little scary, think about the courage that God fills you with when the courage that God fills you with when the courage that God fills you with when you are in a hard place. You can do you are in a hard place. You can do you are in a hard place. You can do amazing things, too. Let's pray. Repeat amazing things, too. Let's pray. Repeat amazing things, too. Let's pray. Repeat after me. Dear God, after me. Dear God, after me. Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> we thank you >> we thank you >> we thank you >> for filling us with your spirit.

>> for filling us with your spirit. >> for filling us with your spirit. >> For filling us with your spirit >> For filling us with your spirit >> For filling us with your spirit >> and loving us always. Help >> and loving us always. Help >> and loving us always. Help us to see us to see us to see >> Help us to see >> Help us to see >> Help us to see >> how we are ordinary >> how we are ordinary >> how we are ordinary >> how we are ordinary >> how we are ordinary >> how we are ordinary >> but also empowered >> by your love and spirit >> by your love and spirit and spirit. and spirit. and spirit. >> Help us to do amazing things. >> Help us to do amazing things. >> Help us to do amazing things. >> Help us to do amazing things >> Help us to do amazing things >> Help us to do amazing things >> in your name. >> in your name. >> in your name. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Thanks so much for coming up here. You Thanks so much for coming up here. You Thanks so much for coming up here. You guys, when you're here, you make worship guys, when you're here, you make worship guys, when you're here, you make worship a treat. And so if you want to take a a treat. And so if you want to take a a treat. And so if you want to take a lollipop back with you to your seat and lollipop back with you to your seat and lollipop back with you to your seat and you can ask your grown-up when you can you can ask your grown-up when you can you can ask your grown-up when you can have it, have it, have it, I'm glad you're here. Hi friends, I'm Nina Wwin, children's Hi friends, I'm Nina Wwin, children's ministry coordinator here at NDMC. As we ministry coordinator here at NDMC. As we ministry coordinator here at NDMC. As we step into a new fall season, it's a step into a new fall season, it's a step into a new fall season, it's a great time to think about your next great time to think about your next great time to think about your next step. Whether it's finding your place, step. Whether it's finding your place, step. Whether it's finding your place, growing in faith, or serving others. If growing in faith, or serving others. If growing in faith, or serving others. If you're newer to MDMC, Pizza with the you're newer to MDMC, Pizza with the you're newer to MDMC, Pizza with the Pastors is an easy place to start. Join Pastors is an easy place to start. Join Pastors is an easy place to start. Join us today at 12:15 p.m. in the new room us today at 12:15 p.m. in the new room us today at 12:15 p.m. in the new room on West Campus for lunch, a chance to on West Campus for lunch, a chance to on West Campus for lunch, a chance to meet our pastors, ask questions, and meet our pastors, ask questions, and meet our pastors, ask questions, and learn more about the church. Kids are learn more about the church. Kids are learn more about the church. Kids are welcome. Lunch is on us, and we'd love welcome. Lunch is on us, and we'd love welcome. Lunch is on us, and we'd love to have you. Our fall learning groups to have you. Our fall learning groups to have you. Our fall learning groups are also getting underway because faith are also getting underway because faith are also getting underway because faith grows when we have people to learn and grows when we have people to learn and grows when we have people to learn and walk alongside. These groups create walk alongside. These groups create walk alongside. These groups create space to ask real questions, build space to ask real questions, build space to ask real questions, build relationships, and grow together.

relationships, and grow together. relationships, and grow together. wherever you are in your faith journey. wherever you are in your faith journey. wherever you are in your faith journey. And maybe your next step is putting that And maybe your next step is putting that And maybe your next step is putting that faith into action. This October, we're faith into action. This October, we're faith into action. This October, we're heading to Rio Bravo, Mexico to serve heading to Rio Bravo, Mexico to serve heading to Rio Bravo, Mexico to serve with our partners at Monos Hunas. If with our partners at Monos Hunas. If with our partners at Monos Hunas. If you've never been on a mission trip, you've never been on a mission trip, you've never been on a mission trip, this is a great place to start. All ages this is a great place to start. All ages this is a great place to start. All ages and skill levels are welcome, making an and skill levels are welcome, making an and skill levels are welcome, making an opportunity for families to step outside opportunity for families to step outside opportunity for families to step outside their normal routine, serve side by their normal routine, serve side by their normal routine, serve side by side, and experience what it looks like side, and experience what it looks like side, and experience what it looks like to love our neighbors together. The trip to love our neighbors together. The trip to love our neighbors together. The trip is October 9th through 12th and is October 9th through 12th and is October 9th through 12th and registration is open through September registration is open through September registration is open through September 20th. Whatever your next step is this 20th. Whatever your next step is this 20th. Whatever your next step is this fall, we hope you'll find a place to fall, we hope you'll find a place to fall, we hope you'll find a place to jump in. Learn more and sign up at jump in. Learn more and sign up at jump in. Learn more and sign up at mdmc.org. Our first scripture lesson this morning Our first scripture lesson this morning is a psalm. I invite you now to hear is a psalm. I invite you now to hear is a psalm. I invite you now to hear these words. Psalm 91. these words. Psalm 91. these words. Psalm 91. You who live in the shelter of the most You who live in the shelter of the most You who live in the shelter of the most high, who abide in the shadow of the high, who abide in the shadow of the high, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty will say to the Lord, "My Almighty will say to the Lord, "My Almighty will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. For he will deliver you from the trust. For he will deliver you from the trust. For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly snare of the fowler and from the deadly snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pestilence. He will cover you with his pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will pinions, and under his wings you will pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness is a find refuge. His faithfulness is a find refuge. His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear shield and buckler. You will not fear shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night or the arrow the terror of the night or the arrow the terror of the night or the arrow that flies by day or the pestilence that that flies by day or the pestilence that that flies by day or the pestilence that stalks in the darkness or the stalks in the darkness or the stalks in the darkness or the destruction that wastes at noonday. A destruction that wastes at noonday. A destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, 10,000 thousand may fall at your side, 10,000 thousand may fall at your side, 10,000 at your right hand, but it will not come

at your right hand, but it will not come at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your near you. You will only look with your near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the eyes and see the punishment of the eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord wicked. Because you have made the Lord wicked. Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the most high your dwelling your refuge, the most high your dwelling your refuge, the most high your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no place, no evil shall befall you, no place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will scourge come near your tent. For he will scourge come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you, to command his angels concerning you, to command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. On their guard you in all your ways. On their guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up so that you hands they will bear you up so that you hands they will bear you up so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. will not dash your foot against a stone. will not dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the You will tread on the lion and the You will tread on the lion and the adder. The young lion and the serpent adder. The young lion and the serpent adder. The young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. Those who you will trample underfoot. Those who you will trample underfoot. Those who love me, I will deliver. I will protect love me, I will deliver. I will protect love me, I will deliver. I will protect those who know my name. When they call those who know my name. When they call those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them. I will be to me, I will answer them. I will be to me, I will answer them. I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them with them in trouble. I will rescue them with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. With long life, I will and honor them. With long life, I will and honor them. With long life, I will satisfy them and show them my salvation. satisfy them and show them my salvation. satisfy them and show them my salvation. This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people of God. of God. of God. >> Thanks be to God.

Lord, Lord, Deliver Daniel Deliver Daniel Deliver Daniel deliver my Lord my Lord Daniel. deliver deliver Daniel. He delivered Daniel from the lion's den. He delivered Daniel from the lion's den. Jonah from the belly of the Jonah from the belly of the Jonah from the belly of the Hebrew children from the fiery furnace.

Hebrew children from the fiery furnace. Hebrew children from the fiery furnace. Why not every man? Why not every man? Why not every man? Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel? Deliver Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel? Deliver Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel? Deliver Daniel. Deliver Daniel. Daniel. Deliver Daniel. Daniel. Deliver Daniel. Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel. Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel. Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel. And why not every And why not every And why not every >> man? I set my foot on the goel ship and the I set my foot on the goel ship and the ship began to sed ship began to sed ship began to sed me over on shore and deliver Daniel deliver Daniel my Lord my Lord my Lord my Lord my Lord my Lord my Lord Daniel The words of that anthem so well lead us

The words of that anthem so well lead us into prayer when our hearts cry out. Why into prayer when our hearts cry out. Why into prayer when our hearts cry out. Why not me? Why not every person? We all not me? Why not every person? We all not me? Why not every person? We all need that deliverance at times. And need that deliverance at times. And need that deliverance at times. And that's why we go to God in prayer. Would that's why we go to God in prayer. Would that's why we go to God in prayer. Would you join me? you join me? you join me? Oh God, our refuge and strength, we come Oh God, our refuge and strength, we come Oh God, our refuge and strength, we come before you this morning trusting in the before you this morning trusting in the before you this morning trusting in the promise that has echoed through the promise that has echoed through the promise that has echoed through the ages. ages. ages. That those who dwell in your shelter may That those who dwell in your shelter may That those who dwell in your shelter may rest in your presence. That when fear rest in your presence. That when fear rest in your presence. That when fear surrounds us, you are near. And that surrounds us, you are near. And that surrounds us, you are near. And that even in the darkest night, we are not even in the darkest night, we are not even in the darkest night, we are not alone. alone. alone. We've heard the ancient words of Psalm We've heard the ancient words of Psalm We've heard the ancient words of Psalm 91. And we have heard song the old 91. And we have heard song the old 91. And we have heard song the old question. question. question. Didn't you, my lord, deliver Daniel? And Didn't you, my lord, deliver Daniel? And Didn't you, my lord, deliver Daniel? And so we remember all the ways you have so we remember all the ways you have so we remember all the ways you have delivered your people. delivered your people. delivered your people. Not always by removing the danger Not always by removing the danger Not always by removing the danger or skirting around it, or skirting around it, or skirting around it, but by giving courage within it, but by giving courage within it, but by giving courage within it, strength to go through it, companionship strength to go through it, companionship strength to go through it, companionship in the midst of all of it, and hope on in the midst of all of it, and hope on in the midst of all of it, and hope on the other side.

the other side. the other side. God of mercy, be a refuge today for all God of mercy, be a refuge today for all God of mercy, be a refuge today for all who are afraid. For those facing who are afraid. For those facing who are afraid. For those facing uncertainty about the future. For those uncertainty about the future. For those uncertainty about the future. For those carrying burdens they have not told carrying burdens they have not told carrying burdens they have not told anyone else about. For those who lie anyone else about. For those who lie anyone else about. For those who lie awake at night wondering what tomorrow awake at night wondering what tomorrow awake at night wondering what tomorrow will bring. Draw near, O Christ. will bring. Draw near, O Christ. will bring. Draw near, O Christ. Be a refuge for those who are grieving. Be a refuge for those who are grieving. Be a refuge for those who are grieving. For those who are lonely, for those For those who are lonely, for those For those who are lonely, for those whose bodies are failing, for those who whose bodies are failing, for those who whose bodies are failing, for those who are waiting for answers, are waiting for answers, are waiting for answers, and for those who are weary from caring and for those who are weary from caring and for those who are weary from caring for someone they love. for someone they love. for someone they love. Be a refuge for our children and young Be a refuge for our children and young Be a refuge for our children and young people as they begin a new school year. people as they begin a new school year. people as they begin a new school year. Give them courage to be kind, wisdom to Give them courage to be kind, wisdom to Give them courage to be kind, wisdom to make choices, make choices, make choices, and people who will notice when they and people who will notice when they and people who will notice when they need help. need help. need help. Bless teachers and administrators, Bless teachers and administrators, Bless teachers and administrators, coaches, counselors, and all who care coaches, counselors, and all who care coaches, counselors, and all who care for them. Make our schools places where for them. Make our schools places where for them. Make our schools places where every person is valued, protected, and every person is valued, protected, and every person is valued, protected, and given room to flourish.

given room to flourish. given room to flourish. God of justice, be a refuge for those God of justice, be a refuge for those God of justice, be a refuge for those who live beneath the weight of violence, who live beneath the weight of violence, who live beneath the weight of violence, poverty, oppression, or war. poverty, oppression, or war. poverty, oppression, or war. Where people are displaced, make a way Where people are displaced, make a way Where people are displaced, make a way toward safety. toward safety. toward safety. Where communities are divided, make a Where communities are divided, make a Where communities are divided, make a way toward understanding. way toward understanding. way toward understanding. Where power is used to harm, give Where power is used to harm, give Where power is used to harm, give courage to those who work for justice courage to those who work for justice courage to those who work for justice and peace. and peace. and peace. And where we have grown comfortable with And where we have grown comfortable with And where we have grown comfortable with the suffering of others, open our eyes, the suffering of others, open our eyes, the suffering of others, open our eyes, soften our hearts. soften our hearts. soften our hearts. God of courage, we pray for your church. God of courage, we pray for your church. God of courage, we pray for your church. When we are tempted to retreat into When we are tempted to retreat into When we are tempted to retreat into fear, give us faith. When we are tempted fear, give us faith. When we are tempted fear, give us faith. When we are tempted to remain silent, give us wisdom. to remain silent, give us wisdom. to remain silent, give us wisdom. When we are tempted to protect ourselves When we are tempted to protect ourselves When we are tempted to protect ourselves at the expense of others, remind us that at the expense of others, remind us that at the expense of others, remind us that your shelter is wide enough for all your your shelter is wide enough for all your your shelter is wide enough for all your children. children. children. And now, oh God, we bring before you the And now, oh God, we bring before you the And now, oh God, we bring before you the people and the situations closest to our people and the situations closest to our people and the situations closest to our hearts.

hearts. hearts. Hear us as we name them silently before Hear us as we name them silently before Hear us as we name them silently before you now. Receive these prayers, oh God, and hold Receive these prayers, oh God, and hold them in your mercy. them in your mercy. them in your mercy. Teach us to trust you, not only when Teach us to trust you, not only when Teach us to trust you, not only when deliverance is obvious, but also when deliverance is obvious, but also when deliverance is obvious, but also when the path ahead is uncertain. the path ahead is uncertain. the path ahead is uncertain. Give us the faith of Daniel. Not a faith Give us the faith of Daniel. Not a faith Give us the faith of Daniel. Not a faith that denies danger, but a faith that that denies danger, but a faith that that denies danger, but a faith that refuses to believe that fear gets the refuses to believe that fear gets the refuses to believe that fear gets the final word. And as we bring these final word. And as we bring these final word. And as we bring these prayers before you, we remember that prayers before you, we remember that prayers before you, we remember that Jesus taught us not only what to pray, Jesus taught us not only what to pray, Jesus taught us not only what to pray, but to trust that we are heard by a God but to trust that we are heard by a God but to trust that we are heard by a God who knows what we need already. So with who knows what we need already. So with who knows what we need already. So with the confidence of God's beloved children the confidence of God's beloved children the confidence of God's beloved children and in the words Jesus taught his and in the words Jesus taught his and in the words Jesus taught his disciples, let us pray together. Our disciples, let us pray together. Our disciples, let us pray together. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us this day our daily bread, and forgive us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not who trespass against us, and lead us not who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the evil. For thine is the kingdom, the evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

power, and the glory forever. Amen. power, and the glory forever. Amen. Friends, every week when we gather, when Friends, every week when we gather, when Friends, every week when we gather, when we share in prayer and in song, and when we share in prayer and in song, and when we share in prayer and in song, and when we hear the story of scripture once we hear the story of scripture once we hear the story of scripture once again made fresh for us, we also gather again made fresh for us, we also gather again made fresh for us, we also gather to practice giving, to practice to practice giving, to practice to practice giving, to practice generosity, generosity, generosity, to practice our stewardship of what God to practice our stewardship of what God to practice our stewardship of what God has blessed us with. And so, we come to has blessed us with. And so, we come to has blessed us with. And so, we come to this time in our service where we take this time in our service where we take this time in our service where we take up an offering, your tithes, your up an offering, your tithes, your up an offering, your tithes, your special giving. And as the ushers come special giving. And as the ushers come special giving. And as the ushers come forward, whether you put something in forward, whether you put something in forward, whether you put something in the plate or whether you text to give or the plate or whether you text to give or the plate or whether you text to give or give online, give online, give online, I pray that this is a moment for us to I pray that this is a moment for us to I pray that this is a moment for us to remember that God has been generous with remember that God has been generous with remember that God has been generous with us. And that when we are generous in us. And that when we are generous in us. And that when we are generous in sharing our resources, we create a way sharing our resources, we create a way sharing our resources, we create a way for this church to broaden and expand for this church to broaden and expand for this church to broaden and expand that shelter, that refuge that God longs that shelter, that refuge that God longs that shelter, that refuge that God longs to offer to all who are in our midst. to offer to all who are in our midst. to offer to all who are in our midst. And so we give and we give with joy. We And so we give and we give with joy. We And so we give and we give with joy. We give with generosity and we give with give with generosity and we give with give with generosity and we give with thankful hearts.

Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Praise God the source of heart. Praise God the source of heart. Praise Jesus Christ whose power of Praise Jesus Christ whose power of Praise Jesus Christ whose power of praise the spirit. praise the spirit. praise the spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. God of all grace, thank you for yet God of all grace, thank you for yet another opportunity to engage your holy another opportunity to engage your holy another opportunity to engage your holy word and to learn from you and about word and to learn from you and about word and to learn from you and about you. So God, by the power of your Holy you. So God, by the power of your Holy you. So God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, move among us now to open us up. Spirit, move among us now to open us up. Spirit, move among us now to open us up. Open our ears and our eyes, our hearts Open our ears and our eyes, our hearts Open our ears and our eyes, our hearts and our minds so that we might hear what and our minds so that we might hear what and our minds so that we might hear what you have to say. And God, may the words you have to say. And God, may the words you have to say. And God, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of all of of my mouth and the thoughts of all of of my mouth and the thoughts of all of our hearts be acceptable and pleasing to our hearts be acceptable and pleasing to our hearts be acceptable and pleasing to you. For you are our rock and our you. For you are our rock and our you. For you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. Please be seated.

redeemer. Amen. Please be seated. redeemer. Amen. Please be seated. It is back to school time in our It is back to school time in our It is back to school time in our community. Most schools are back in community. Most schools are back in community. Most schools are back in session. Many college students have gone session. Many college students have gone session. Many college students have gone off or gone back to their various off or gone back to their various off or gone back to their various places. In our family, on the first day places. In our family, on the first day places. In our family, on the first day of school, we were walking with our of school, we were walking with our of school, we were walking with our daughter to school. Uh, and she was daughter to school. Uh, and she was daughter to school. Uh, and she was muttering something under her breath the muttering something under her breath the muttering something under her breath the whole way along. And I couldn't quite whole way along. And I couldn't quite whole way along. And I couldn't quite make it out at first, but then I inched make it out at first, but then I inched make it out at first, but then I inched a little closer to listen to her, and a little closer to listen to her, and a little closer to listen to her, and she said over and over and over and she said over and over and over and she said over and over and over and over, over, over, "Summer's over. I wish summer wasn't over." And I felt I wish summer wasn't over." And I felt the same way. I wish summer wasn't over the same way. I wish summer wasn't over the same way. I wish summer wasn't over either either. I love summer. It's a either either. I love summer. It's a either either. I love summer. It's a break from the routine. It's a uh a break from the routine. It's a uh a break from the routine. It's a uh a chance to travel a little bit, maybe chance to travel a little bit, maybe chance to travel a little bit, maybe sleep in sometimes. We had several weeks sleep in sometimes. We had several weeks sleep in sometimes. We had several weeks in a row with no soccer and no softball. in a row with no soccer and no softball. in a row with no soccer and no softball. It was great. But back to school time is It was great. But back to school time is It was great. But back to school time is good, too. Because even if our school good, too. Because even if our school good, too. Because even if our school days are well behind us, this is a time days are well behind us, this is a time days are well behind us, this is a time with a built-in new beginning, an with a built-in new beginning, an with a built-in new beginning, an opportunity to reset our routines, to opportunity to reset our routines, to opportunity to reset our routines, to reassess our priorities, to recommmit to reassess our priorities, to recommmit to reassess our priorities, to recommmit to the things that matter. And the way the things that matter. And the way the things that matter. And the way we're doing that here at MDMC this fall we're doing that here at MDMC this fall we're doing that here at MDMC this fall is going back to Sunday school, digging is going back to Sunday school, digging is going back to Sunday school, digging in to some very familiar Bible stories in to some very familiar Bible stories in to some very familiar Bible stories to see them and to hear them with fresh to see them and to hear them with fresh to see them and to hear them with fresh eyes and ears today. So far, we've eyes and ears today. So far, we've eyes and ears today. So far, we've talked about Noah's Ark and we've talked talked about Noah's Ark and we've talked talked about Noah's Ark and we've talked about David and Goliath. Today, we're about David and Goliath. Today, we're about David and Goliath. Today, we're talking about Daniel and the Lion's Den.

talking about Daniel and the Lion's Den. talking about Daniel and the Lion's Den. These are stories I remember learning as These are stories I remember learning as These are stories I remember learning as a kid. And these are stories that the a kid. And these are stories that the a kid. And these are stories that the church keeps on teaching kids generation church keeps on teaching kids generation church keeps on teaching kids generation after generation. And in part, it's after generation. And in part, it's after generation. And in part, it's because they have cute, memorable because they have cute, memorable because they have cute, memorable characters. characters. characters. But mostly, we teach these stories But mostly, we teach these stories But mostly, we teach these stories because they have clear messages about because they have clear messages about because they have clear messages about God. Messages about who God is and how God. Messages about who God is and how God. Messages about who God is and how God loves and what God wants for us. So, God loves and what God wants for us. So, God loves and what God wants for us. So, today is the story of Daniel and the today is the story of Daniel and the today is the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den. And if you're not familiar Lion's Den. And if you're not familiar Lion's Den. And if you're not familiar with it, it's exactly what it sounds with it, it's exactly what it sounds with it, it's exactly what it sounds like. A man named Daniel gets thrown like. A man named Daniel gets thrown like. A man named Daniel gets thrown into a den full of lions. And the king into a den full of lions. And the king into a den full of lions. And the king whom Daniel worked for kept this pit of whom Daniel worked for kept this pit of whom Daniel worked for kept this pit of lions at the ready as a potential lions at the ready as a potential lions at the ready as a potential punishment for anyone who might disobey punishment for anyone who might disobey punishment for anyone who might disobey the king. Now, it's a terrifying the king. Now, it's a terrifying the king. Now, it's a terrifying punishment and it makes me wonder why we punishment and it makes me wonder why we punishment and it makes me wonder why we teach this story to kids, a subset of teach this story to kids, a subset of teach this story to kids, a subset of the population that often disobys. the population that often disobys. the population that often disobys. Regardless, let's take a step back, get Regardless, let's take a step back, get Regardless, let's take a step back, get to know Daniel a little bit, and how it to know Daniel a little bit, and how it to know Daniel a little bit, and how it is that he ends up in this lion's den.

is that he ends up in this lion's den. is that he ends up in this lion's den. So Daniel's the main character of in in So Daniel's the main character of in in So Daniel's the main character of in in the Old Testament book of Daniel. He's the Old Testament book of Daniel. He's the Old Testament book of Daniel. He's what we call a prophet, somebody who what we call a prophet, somebody who what we call a prophet, somebody who speaks on behalf of God to God's people. speaks on behalf of God to God's people. speaks on behalf of God to God's people. We talked about minor prophets this We talked about minor prophets this We talked about minor prophets this summer here in worship. Daniel is a summer here in worship. Daniel is a summer here in worship. Daniel is a major prophet. And the book that's named major prophet. And the book that's named major prophet. And the book that's named after him really has two separate after him really has two separate after him really has two separate sections. The first half of the book sections. The first half of the book sections. The first half of the book tells some stories of Daniel and his tells some stories of Daniel and his tells some stories of Daniel and his friends. Shadrach, Meshach, and friends. Shadrach, Meshach, and friends. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Maybe those are names you Abednego. Maybe those are names you Abednego. Maybe those are names you know. They had an adventure in a fiery know. They had an adventure in a fiery know. They had an adventure in a fiery furnace. This first half of the book has furnace. This first half of the book has furnace. This first half of the book has the story of Daniel and the lion's den. the story of Daniel and the lion's den. the story of Daniel and the lion's den. They are stories of faith under They are stories of faith under They are stories of faith under pressure. Daniel and his friends get put pressure. Daniel and his friends get put pressure. Daniel and his friends get put in some very tough situations. And in in some very tough situations. And in in some very tough situations. And in those very tough situations, they not those very tough situations, they not those very tough situations, they not only think but act in a way that only think but act in a way that only think but act in a way that demonstrates their trust, their faith in demonstrates their trust, their faith in demonstrates their trust, their faith in God. The second half of the book is God. The second half of the book is God. The second half of the book is different. it it shifts from these different. it it shifts from these different. it it shifts from these narrative stories to what we call narrative stories to what we call narrative stories to what we call apocalyptic literature. As you read it, apocalyptic literature. As you read it, apocalyptic literature. As you read it, it feels like you're reading the book of it feels like you're reading the book of it feels like you're reading the book of Revelation. It's got all this wild Revelation. It's got all this wild Revelation. It's got all this wild imagery and terrifying beasts and imagery and terrifying beasts and imagery and terrifying beasts and prophecies about the ultimate outcome of prophecies about the ultimate outcome of prophecies about the ultimate outcome of the universe. But if you were to boil it the universe. But if you were to boil it the universe. But if you were to boil it down, the message of the whole book of down, the message of the whole book of down, the message of the whole book of Daniel is pretty simple. God is in Daniel is pretty simple. God is in Daniel is pretty simple. God is in control.

control. control. Despite any appearance to the contrary, Despite any appearance to the contrary, Despite any appearance to the contrary, God is in control, not only of the fate God is in control, not only of the fate God is in control, not only of the fate of God's people, but of all people and of God's people, but of all people and of God's people, but of all people and all of history and all creation. That all of history and all creation. That all of history and all creation. That truth orients Daniel's whole life. His truth orients Daniel's whole life. His truth orients Daniel's whole life. His faith in God shapes the way that he faith in God shapes the way that he faith in God shapes the way that he shows up in the world. shows up in the world. shows up in the world. And in Daniel chapter 6, the part of the And in Daniel chapter 6, the part of the And in Daniel chapter 6, the part of the story that we'll read today, Daniel has story that we'll read today, Daniel has story that we'll read today, Daniel has become essentially the top adviser to become essentially the top adviser to become essentially the top adviser to the king, King Darius. He's among the the king, King Darius. He's among the the king, King Darius. He's among the smartest, most successful people in the smartest, most successful people in the smartest, most successful people in the whole kingdom. And the other smart, whole kingdom. And the other smart, whole kingdom. And the other smart, successful people are kind of annoyed, successful people are kind of annoyed, successful people are kind of annoyed, envious of his success, jealous of his envious of his success, jealous of his envious of his success, jealous of his favored status in the king's court. So favored status in the king's court. So favored status in the king's court. So they make a plan to get rid of him. They they make a plan to get rid of him. They they make a plan to get rid of him. They cajul the king into making this very cajul the king into making this very cajul the king into making this very strange, very specific proclamation. strange, very specific proclamation. strange, very specific proclamation. For 30 days, the king declares, "No one For 30 days, the king declares, "No one For 30 days, the king declares, "No one can pray to anyone except the king."

can pray to anyone except the king." can pray to anyone except the king." Daniel, you won't be surprised, refuses Daniel, you won't be surprised, refuses Daniel, you won't be surprised, refuses to abide by this order. He prays to God to abide by this order. He prays to God to abide by this order. He prays to God every day, three times a day. He won't every day, three times a day. He won't every day, three times a day. He won't put his devotion to the king above his put his devotion to the king above his put his devotion to the king above his devotion to God. So Daniel keeps on devotion to God. So Daniel keeps on devotion to God. So Daniel keeps on praying despite the king's decree. And praying despite the king's decree. And praying despite the king's decree. And whether Daniel intends to be discreet whether Daniel intends to be discreet whether Daniel intends to be discreet about his daily prayer practice is about his daily prayer practice is about his daily prayer practice is something that scholars still debate. something that scholars still debate. something that scholars still debate. But either way, he gets found out. And But either way, he gets found out. And But either way, he gets found out. And the folks who'd been conspiring against the folks who'd been conspiring against the folks who'd been conspiring against him take their discovery to the king. Oh him take their discovery to the king. Oh him take their discovery to the king. Oh king, they say, Daniel has been found king, they say, Daniel has been found king, they say, Daniel has been found praying to his God, a direct violation praying to his God, a direct violation praying to his God, a direct violation of your decree. And the king calls of your decree. And the king calls of your decree. And the king calls Daniel in. Daniel, is it true? Well, yes Daniel in. Daniel, is it true? Well, yes Daniel in. Daniel, is it true? Well, yes indeed, King, I pray to my God three indeed, King, I pray to my God three indeed, King, I pray to my God three times every day. And the conspirators times every day. And the conspirators times every day. And the conspirators know they've won. Oh, king, you know know they've won. Oh, king, you know know they've won. Oh, king, you know what you've got to do now. We know you what you've got to do now. We know you what you've got to do now. We know you love David. We love David, too. But love David. We love David, too. But love David. We love David, too. But you've got to make an example of him. If you've got to make an example of him. If you've got to make an example of him. If you don't, what will the people think? you don't, what will the people think? you don't, what will the people think? They'll start to think they don't have They'll start to think they don't have They'll start to think they don't have to obey you either. And pretty soon, the to obey you either. And pretty soon, the to obey you either. And pretty soon, the whole kingdom will be doing whatever whole kingdom will be doing whatever whole kingdom will be doing whatever they want. And though he's reluctant, they want. And though he's reluctant, they want. And though he's reluctant, the king ultimately agrees. And that the king ultimately agrees. And that the king ultimately agrees. And that brings us to our scripture reading for brings us to our scripture reading for brings us to our scripture reading for today. It's Daniel chapter 6. We'll today. It's Daniel chapter 6. We'll today. It's Daniel chapter 6. We'll start in verse 16.

start in verse 16. start in verse 16. Then the king gave the command and Then the king gave the command and Then the king gave the command and Daniel was brought and thrown into the Daniel was brought and thrown into the Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, den of lions. The king said to Daniel, den of lions. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you faithfully "May your God, whom you faithfully "May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you." A stone was brought serve, deliver you." A stone was brought serve, deliver you." A stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the of the den. and laid on the mouth of the of the den. and laid on the mouth of the of the den. And the king sealed it with his own And the king sealed it with his own And the king sealed it with his own signate and with the signate of his signate and with the signate of his signate and with the signate of his lords, so that nothing might be changed lords, so that nothing might be changed lords, so that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to concerning Daniel. Then the king went to concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. his palace and spent the night fasting. his palace and spent the night fasting. No food was brought to him and sleep No food was brought to him and sleep No food was brought to him and sleep fled from him. Then at the break of day, fled from him. Then at the break of day, fled from him. Then at the break of day, the king got up and hurried to the den the king got up and hurried to the den the king got up and hurried to the den of lions. When he came near the den of lions. When he came near the den of lions. When he came near the den where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously to Daniel. Daniel, servant of the living to Daniel. Daniel, servant of the living to Daniel. Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you faithfully God, has your God whom you faithfully God, has your God whom you faithfully serve, been able to deliver you from the serve, been able to deliver you from the serve, been able to deliver you from the lions? And Daniel then said to the king, lions? And Daniel then said to the king, lions? And Daniel then said to the king, "Oh king, live forever. My God sent his "Oh king, live forever. My God sent his "Oh king, live forever. My God sent his angel and shut the lion's mouths so that angel and shut the lion's mouths so that angel and shut the lion's mouths so that they would not hurt me because I was they would not hurt me because I was they would not hurt me because I was found blameless before him and also found blameless before him and also found blameless before him and also before you, oh king, I have done no before you, oh king, I have done no before you, oh king, I have done no wrong." Then the king was exceedingly wrong." Then the king was exceedingly wrong." Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel be taken glad and commanded that Daniel be taken glad and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den." So Daniel was taken up out of the den." So Daniel was taken up out of the den." So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm up out of the den, and no kind of harm up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him because he had trusted was found on him because he had trusted was found on him because he had trusted in his God. The king gave a command and in his God. The king gave a command and in his God. The king gave a command and those who had accused Daniel were those who had accused Daniel were those who had accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of brought and thrown into the den of brought and thrown into the den of lions. They their children and their lions. They their children and their lions. They their children and their wives. Before they reached the bottom of wives. Before they reached the bottom of wives. Before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and the den, the lions overpowered them and the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces. Then broke all their bones in pieces. Then broke all their bones in pieces. Then King Darius wrote to all peoples and

King Darius wrote to all peoples and King Darius wrote to all peoples and nations of every language throughout the nations of every language throughout the nations of every language throughout the whole world. May you have abundant whole world. May you have abundant whole world. May you have abundant prosperity. I make a decree that in all prosperity. I make a decree that in all prosperity. I make a decree that in all my royal dominion, people should tremble my royal dominion, people should tremble my royal dominion, people should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For and fear before the God of Daniel. For and fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, enduring forever. he is the living God, enduring forever. he is the living God, enduring forever. His kingdom shall never be destroyed. His kingdom shall never be destroyed. His kingdom shall never be destroyed. And his dominion has no end. He delivers And his dominion has no end. He delivers And his dominion has no end. He delivers and rescues. He works signs and wonders and rescues. He works signs and wonders and rescues. He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth. For he has saved in heaven and on earth. For he has saved in heaven and on earth. For he has saved Daniel from the power of the lions. This Daniel from the power of the lions. This Daniel from the power of the lions. This is the word of God for the people of is the word of God for the people of is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. We don't usually God. Thanks be to God. We don't usually God. Thanks be to God. We don't usually tell the whole story when we teach it to tell the whole story when we teach it to tell the whole story when we teach it to kids. It turns out well for Daniel, kids. It turns out well for Daniel, kids. It turns out well for Daniel, sure, but not so much for his accusers sure, but not so much for his accusers sure, but not so much for his accusers in the end. Nevertheless, we want in the end. Nevertheless, we want in the end. Nevertheless, we want everyone to know the story of Daniel and everyone to know the story of Daniel and everyone to know the story of Daniel and the lion's den because even if it has the lion's den because even if it has the lion's den because even if it has some sticky parts to it, it also has a some sticky parts to it, it also has a some sticky parts to it, it also has a clear message about who God is and how clear message about who God is and how clear message about who God is and how God loves and what God wants for us. God loves and what God wants for us. God loves and what God wants for us. Remember, this is why we teach all of Remember, this is why we teach all of Remember, this is why we teach all of these Bible stories in Sunday school these Bible stories in Sunday school these Bible stories in Sunday school because they show us who God is and how because they show us who God is and how because they show us who God is and how God loves and what God wants for us. So, God loves and what God wants for us. So, God loves and what God wants for us. So, what does this story tell us about who what does this story tell us about who what does this story tell us about who God is? The simplest way to say it is God is? The simplest way to say it is God is? The simplest way to say it is this. God is a rescuer.

this. God is a rescuer. this. God is a rescuer. It's a truth we see illustrated It's a truth we see illustrated It's a truth we see illustrated throughout the whole Bible. Noah, the throughout the whole Bible. Noah, the throughout the whole Bible. Noah, the earth is filled with violence. And God earth is filled with violence. And God earth is filled with violence. And God rescues a remnant through the ark. Moses rescues a remnant through the ark. Moses rescues a remnant through the ark. Moses condemned as an infant because of a condemned as an infant because of a condemned as an infant because of a strange and specific decree from the strange and specific decree from the strange and specific decree from the king is rescued from a basket in the king is rescued from a basket in the king is rescued from a basket in the river. Israel enslaved in Egypt rescued river. Israel enslaved in Egypt rescued river. Israel enslaved in Egypt rescued by way of the Red Sea. All humanity, by way of the Red Sea. All humanity, by way of the Red Sea. All humanity, every one of us stuck in sin but rescued every one of us stuck in sin but rescued every one of us stuck in sin but rescued through the life, death, and through the life, death, and through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. God is a rescuer. resurrection of Jesus. God is a rescuer. resurrection of Jesus. God is a rescuer. In the book of Daniel, it tells stories In the book of Daniel, it tells stories In the book of Daniel, it tells stories from the exile. This was the time in from the exile. This was the time in from the exile. This was the time in Israel's history when they had been Israel's history when they had been Israel's history when they had been forcibly removed from their homeland and forcibly removed from their homeland and forcibly removed from their homeland and imprisoned in a faraway foreign land. imprisoned in a faraway foreign land. imprisoned in a faraway foreign land. But the book of Daniel is not written But the book of Daniel is not written But the book of Daniel is not written during the exile. It's written during the exile. It's written during the exile. It's written generations later. The people are back generations later. The people are back generations later. The people are back in the land. The temples rebuilt, but in the land. The temples rebuilt, but in the land. The temples rebuilt, but all is not well. You see, they've been all is not well. You see, they've been all is not well. You see, they've been conquered again. And this time the conquered again. And this time the conquered again. And this time the invading regime is the most violent one invading regime is the most violent one invading regime is the most violent one yet. So you can imagine why the book of yet. So you can imagine why the book of yet. So you can imagine why the book of Daniel was written. Stories of God Daniel was written. Stories of God Daniel was written. Stories of God rescuing Daniel generations ago from rescuing Daniel generations ago from rescuing Daniel generations ago from difficult and dangerous circumstances difficult and dangerous circumstances difficult and dangerous circumstances would be encouraging would be encouraging would be encouraging to people who right now were facing to people who right now were facing to people who right now were facing difficult and dangerous circumstances.

difficult and dangerous circumstances. difficult and dangerous circumstances. Who is God? They want to know. God is a Who is God? They want to know. God is a Who is God? They want to know. God is a rescuer. rescuer. rescuer. And how does God love? And how does God love? And how does God love? God loves face to face. Daniel says that God loves face to face. Daniel says that God loves face to face. Daniel says that God sent an angel to shut the lion's God sent an angel to shut the lion's God sent an angel to shut the lion's mouth. And this is a helpful image, an mouth. And this is a helpful image, an mouth. And this is a helpful image, an angel descending. But the point is not angel descending. But the point is not angel descending. But the point is not that God's love is known through that God's love is known through that God's love is known through mystical heavenly beings. The point is mystical heavenly beings. The point is mystical heavenly beings. The point is that God doesn't love from up there far that God doesn't love from up there far that God doesn't love from up there far away somewhere. God comes down to us. away somewhere. God comes down to us. away somewhere. God comes down to us. This is the story of Jesus. Jesus came This is the story of Jesus. Jesus came This is the story of Jesus. Jesus came into the world so that we could see God into the world so that we could see God into the world so that we could see God face to face. So that we could see that face to face. So that we could see that face to face. So that we could see that God's love is real. And this is the God's love is real. And this is the God's love is real. And this is the exact work that God has given to the exact work that God has given to the exact work that God has given to the church to make God's love real face to church to make God's love real face to church to make God's love real face to face with others. In the book of Acts, face with others. In the book of Acts, face with others. In the book of Acts, the story of the early church, Peter and the story of the early church, Peter and the story of the early church, Peter and John, two apostles, meet a man who can't John, two apostles, meet a man who can't John, two apostles, meet a man who can't walk. And they look at him face to face.

walk. And they look at him face to face. walk. And they look at him face to face. And it says they took him by the right And it says they took him by the right And it says they took him by the right hand and raised him up and immediately hand and raised him up and immediately hand and raised him up and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. his feet and ankles were made strong. his feet and ankles were made strong. They healed him, which is another way of They healed him, which is another way of They healed him, which is another way of saying they rescued him. They rescued saying they rescued him. They rescued saying they rescued him. They rescued him from the indignity of begging for him from the indignity of begging for him from the indignity of begging for the necessities of life. They rescued the necessities of life. They rescued the necessities of life. They rescued him from the lonely, isolated existence him from the lonely, isolated existence him from the lonely, isolated existence of one who's been marginalized and of one who's been marginalized and of one who's been marginalized and forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. One of my favorite movies is called The One of my favorite movies is called The One of my favorite movies is called The Princess Bride. It's a delightful story Princess Bride. It's a delightful story Princess Bride. It's a delightful story and one piece of the story is that and one piece of the story is that and one piece of the story is that there's an evil prince. Prince there's an evil prince. Prince there's an evil prince. Prince Humperdink is his name. And Prince Humperdink is his name. And Prince Humperdink is his name. And Prince Humpdink keeps a secret underground Humpdink keeps a secret underground Humpdink keeps a secret underground dungeon where he tortures his captured dungeon where he tortures his captured dungeon where he tortures his captured enemies. It's not a lion's den exactly, enemies. It's not a lion's den exactly, enemies. It's not a lion's den exactly, but it is called the pit of despair. but it is called the pit of despair. but it is called the pit of despair. And to one of the prisoners, the keeper And to one of the prisoners, the keeper And to one of the prisoners, the keeper of the pit says, "Don't even think about of the pit says, "Don't even think about of the pit says, "Don't even think about trying to escape. The chains are far too trying to escape. The chains are far too trying to escape. The chains are far too thick. And don't dream of being rescued thick. And don't dream of being rescued thick. And don't dream of being rescued either. There's only one way in, and either. There's only one way in, and either. There's only one way in, and it's secret.

it's secret. it's secret. If you pay much attention to this world If you pay much attention to this world If you pay much attention to this world we live in, it's easy to imagine that we live in, it's easy to imagine that we live in, it's easy to imagine that there are many people today who might there are many people today who might there are many people today who might feel like they are living in a pit of feel like they are living in a pit of feel like they are living in a pit of despair. despair. despair. Just about every day I hear another Just about every day I hear another Just about every day I hear another story of someone who's made a home in story of someone who's made a home in story of someone who's made a home in this country for 10 years or 20 years or this country for 10 years or 20 years or this country for 10 years or 20 years or 50 years and and they've lived a solid 50 years and and they've lived a solid 50 years and and they've lived a solid life and they've raised kids and they've life and they've raised kids and they've life and they've raised kids and they've paid taxes, but because of a traffic paid taxes, but because of a traffic paid taxes, but because of a traffic stop or an employment audit or some stop or an employment audit or some stop or an employment audit or some accident of fate, they've been locked up accident of fate, they've been locked up accident of fate, they've been locked up and told by immigration authorities that and told by immigration authorities that and told by immigration authorities that this can't be their home anymore. this can't be their home anymore. this can't be their home anymore. And I know that immigration challenges And I know that immigration challenges And I know that immigration challenges are complicated and polarizing. And I are complicated and polarizing. And I are complicated and polarizing. And I know that they're not new either, but know that they're not new either, but know that they're not new either, but can you imagine how that might feel like can you imagine how that might feel like can you imagine how that might feel like living in a pit of despair, living in a pit of despair, living in a pit of despair, no escape, no rescue. no escape, no rescue. no escape, no rescue. One of the things that's true about One of the things that's true about One of the things that's true about Houston, this place we call home, is Houston, this place we call home, is Houston, this place we call home, is that it's a hub for human trafficking.

that it's a hub for human trafficking. that it's a hub for human trafficking. By some measures, Houston is number one By some measures, Houston is number one By some measures, Houston is number one in the country. Obviously not a thing we in the country. Obviously not a thing we in the country. Obviously not a thing we want to be. But every day thousands and want to be. But every day thousands and want to be. But every day thousands and thousands of people, mostly women, but thousands of people, mostly women, but thousands of people, mostly women, but not only women, are treated as property not only women, are treated as property not only women, are treated as property and product. Can you imagine how that and product. Can you imagine how that and product. Can you imagine how that might feel like a pit of despair? Don't might feel like a pit of despair? Don't might feel like a pit of despair? Don't even think about trying to escape. even think about trying to escape. even think about trying to escape. Chains are far too thick. Chains are far too thick. Chains are far too thick. These are high octane, high visibility These are high octane, high visibility These are high octane, high visibility examples. But there are plenty of more examples. But there are plenty of more examples. But there are plenty of more mundane pits of despair. We might name mundane pits of despair. We might name mundane pits of despair. We might name addiction, addiction, addiction, depression, depression, depression, anxiety, abusive, manipulative anxiety, abusive, manipulative anxiety, abusive, manipulative relationships, a body that breaks down relationships, a body that breaks down relationships, a body that breaks down and betrays you, working two jobs and and betrays you, working two jobs and and betrays you, working two jobs and still can't pay the bills. There are a still can't pay the bills. There are a still can't pay the bills. There are a boatload of people in our world who need boatload of people in our world who need boatload of people in our world who need to know that ours is a God who rescues to know that ours is a God who rescues to know that ours is a God who rescues from difficult and dangerous from difficult and dangerous from difficult and dangerous circumstances. So, who is God? God is a circumstances. So, who is God? God is a circumstances. So, who is God? God is a rescuer. How does God love face to face? rescuer. How does God love face to face? rescuer. How does God love face to face? And what does God want for us?

And what does God want for us? And what does God want for us? That we do the same. That we do the same. That we do the same. We don't need to pretend that we're the We don't need to pretend that we're the We don't need to pretend that we're the savior of the world or that we can fix savior of the world or that we can fix savior of the world or that we can fix all the problems of life. But we can in all the problems of life. But we can in all the problems of life. But we can in our life our life our life bring God's God's rescuing love to the bring God's God's rescuing love to the bring God's God's rescuing love to the world. We can in our life bring God's world. We can in our life bring God's world. We can in our life bring God's rescuing love to every pit of despair. I rescuing love to every pit of despair. I rescuing love to every pit of despair. I don't know how to solve an immigration don't know how to solve an immigration don't know how to solve an immigration crisis and I don't know how to fix human crisis and I don't know how to fix human crisis and I don't know how to fix human trafficking. But I do know that every trafficking. But I do know that every trafficking. But I do know that every single someone who is trapped in one of single someone who is trapped in one of single someone who is trapped in one of those pits is a person who needs those pits is a person who needs those pits is a person who needs somebody to look them in the face and somebody to look them in the face and somebody to look them in the face and grab them by the hand and help them up. grab them by the hand and help them up. grab them by the hand and help them up. It doesn't need to be some big It doesn't need to be some big It doesn't need to be some big miraculous thing. In fact, it'll almost miraculous thing. In fact, it'll almost miraculous thing. In fact, it'll almost always be not a big miraculous thing. always be not a big miraculous thing. always be not a big miraculous thing. Something small is what it'll be. You Something small is what it'll be. You Something small is what it'll be. You see, this is why when your friend is in see, this is why when your friend is in see, this is why when your friend is in the hospital, you go visit them to show the hospital, you go visit them to show the hospital, you go visit them to show God's love face to face. This is why God's love face to face. This is why God's love face to face. This is why when someone is grieving, you take them when someone is grieving, you take them when someone is grieving, you take them a casserole to rescue them from the fear a casserole to rescue them from the fear a casserole to rescue them from the fear that they'll have to do this alone. This that they'll have to do this alone. This that they'll have to do this alone. This is why we go volunteer at the afterchool is why we go volunteer at the afterchool is why we go volunteer at the afterchool program to show God's love face to face.

program to show God's love face to face. program to show God's love face to face. This is why we might serve with an This is why we might serve with an This is why we might serve with an anti-trafficking organization. This is anti-trafficking organization. This is anti-trafficking organization. This is why we might go with our friend to why we might go with our friend to why we might go with our friend to immigration court to to rescue them from immigration court to to rescue them from immigration court to to rescue them from the fear that they'll have to do this the fear that they'll have to do this the fear that they'll have to do this alone. alone. alone. This is how the people of God, the This is how the people of God, the This is how the people of God, the followers of Jesus need to show up in followers of Jesus need to show up in followers of Jesus need to show up in the world, face to face, making God's the world, face to face, making God's the world, face to face, making God's rescuing love real. We won't always get rescuing love real. We won't always get rescuing love real. We won't always get it right, but it's the best way that we it right, but it's the best way that we it right, but it's the best way that we can be like God. can be like God. can be like God. And the word that Daniel's story might And the word that Daniel's story might And the word that Daniel's story might put onto it is faithfulness. put onto it is faithfulness. put onto it is faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. That's our job to be faithful to the God That's our job to be faithful to the God That's our job to be faithful to the God who rescues, who shows his love face to who rescues, who shows his love face to who rescues, who shows his love face to face. And Daniel's story makes two face. And Daniel's story makes two face. And Daniel's story makes two things very clear. First, faithfulness things very clear. First, faithfulness things very clear. First, faithfulness is possible. is possible. is possible. It is possible. Daniel was in exile far It is possible. Daniel was in exile far It is possible. Daniel was in exile far from home with all sorts of rules from home with all sorts of rules from home with all sorts of rules imposed upon him, all sorts of imposed upon him, all sorts of imposed upon him, all sorts of expectations of his peers. And in every expectations of his peers. And in every expectations of his peers. And in every circumstance, he chose to follow God circumstance, he chose to follow God circumstance, he chose to follow God before anything else. In every before anything else. In every before anything else. In every circumstance, he chose to let his faith circumstance, he chose to let his faith circumstance, he chose to let his faith shape the way he shows up in the world.

shape the way he shows up in the world. shape the way he shows up in the world. Faithfulness is possible. Faithfulness is possible. Faithfulness is possible. It is possible to make God's rescuing It is possible to make God's rescuing It is possible to make God's rescuing love real to someone else. Even if you love real to someone else. Even if you love real to someone else. Even if you have a busy schedule and even if you are have a busy schedule and even if you are have a busy schedule and even if you are an introvert and even if your colleagues an introvert and even if your colleagues an introvert and even if your colleagues don't care much about this sort of don't care much about this sort of don't care much about this sort of thing, faithfulness is possible. And the thing, faithfulness is possible. And the thing, faithfulness is possible. And the second thing, faithfulness is powerful. second thing, faithfulness is powerful. second thing, faithfulness is powerful. That's the closing point of Daniel's That's the closing point of Daniel's That's the closing point of Daniel's story with the lions. Faithfulness is story with the lions. Faithfulness is story with the lions. Faithfulness is powerful because it is how others will powerful because it is how others will powerful because it is how others will know who God is and how God loves. know who God is and how God loves. know who God is and how God loves. Daniel chooses to be faithful to God Daniel chooses to be faithful to God Daniel chooses to be faithful to God before all else. Faithful to God no before all else. Faithful to God no before all else. Faithful to God no matter what the king says. And the king, matter what the king says. And the king, matter what the king says. And the king, the one who puts Daniel in the lion's the one who puts Daniel in the lion's the one who puts Daniel in the lion's den, the king sees what happens. And the den, the king sees what happens. And the den, the king sees what happens. And the story ends the same way it began with story ends the same way it began with story ends the same way it began with that king making a very strange very that king making a very strange very that king making a very strange very specific proclamation. I make a decree.

specific proclamation. I make a decree. specific proclamation. I make a decree. He says that in all my royal dominion He says that in all my royal dominion He says that in all my royal dominion people should tremble and fear before people should tremble and fear before people should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel the God of Daniel the God of Daniel for he is the living God enduring for he is the living God enduring for he is the living God enduring forever. His kingdom shall never be forever. His kingdom shall never be forever. His kingdom shall never be destroyed and his dominion has no end. destroyed and his dominion has no end. destroyed and his dominion has no end. He delivers and rescues. He works signs He delivers and rescues. He works signs He delivers and rescues. He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth. For and wonders in heaven and on earth. For and wonders in heaven and on earth. For he has saved Daniel from the power of he has saved Daniel from the power of he has saved Daniel from the power of the lions. It's not clear whether the the lions. It's not clear whether the the lions. It's not clear whether the king himself has been converted. king himself has been converted. king himself has been converted. But now he knows. But now he knows. But now he knows. He knows that our God saves. He knows that our God saves. He knows that our God saves. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. rescuing God. Thank you for meeting us rescuing God. Thank you for meeting us rescuing God. Thank you for meeting us in every pit of despair, for making your in every pit of despair, for making your in every pit of despair, for making your love known to us face to face. Give us love known to us face to face. Give us love known to us face to face. Give us the faithfulness of Daniel, the courage the faithfulness of Daniel, the courage the faithfulness of Daniel, the courage to trust you, to follow you, to let our to trust you, to follow you, to let our to trust you, to follow you, to let our faith shape the way we show up in the faith shape the way we show up in the faith shape the way we show up in the world. Open our eyes to the people world. Open our eyes to the people world. Open our eyes to the people around us who need a hand or a friend or around us who need a hand or a friend or around us who need a hand or a friend or a word of hope or simply the reminder a word of hope or simply the reminder a word of hope or simply the reminder that they are not alone. And through our that they are not alone. And through our that they are not alone. And through our lives, may others come to know what lives, may others come to know what lives, may others come to know what Daniel knew. That you are the living Daniel knew. That you are the living Daniel knew. That you are the living God, the one who rescues and delivers God, the one who rescues and delivers God, the one who rescues and delivers the whole world. In the name of Jesus, the whole world. In the name of Jesus, the whole world. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

we pray. Amen. we pray. Amen. Friends, what a joy it's been to worship Friends, what a joy it's been to worship Friends, what a joy it's been to worship God together this morning. Thank you for God together this morning. Thank you for God together this morning. Thank you for being here. And if you're new to being here. And if you're new to being here. And if you're new to Memorial Drive, a particular thank you Memorial Drive, a particular thank you Memorial Drive, a particular thank you to you. Let me invite you if you have a to you. Let me invite you if you have a to you. Let me invite you if you have a moment after the service to take some moment after the service to take some moment after the service to take some time to come meet Pastor Jenny and I time to come meet Pastor Jenny and I time to come meet Pastor Jenny and I outside the doors of this sanctuary. outside the doors of this sanctuary. outside the doors of this sanctuary. We'd love the chance to welcome you or We'd love the chance to welcome you or We'd love the chance to welcome you or answer any questions you might have, but answer any questions you might have, but answer any questions you might have, but mostly just to thank you for being here mostly just to thank you for being here mostly just to thank you for being here today. Everybody, make sure to take your today. Everybody, make sure to take your today. Everybody, make sure to take your bulletin home with you. There are bulletin home with you. There are bulletin home with you. There are several things coming up in the life of several things coming up in the life of several things coming up in the life of the church that are listed on there and the church that are listed on there and the church that are listed on there and information about how to find out even information about how to find out even information about how to find out even more. Uh if you're new or if you're more. Uh if you're new or if you're more. Uh if you're new or if you're looking to get connected in new ways, looking to get connected in new ways, looking to get connected in new ways, we've got pizza with the pastors at we've got pizza with the pastors at we've got pizza with the pastors at 12:15 today on our west campus just 12:15 today on our west campus just 12:15 today on our west campus just across Memorial Drive down the street. across Memorial Drive down the street. across Memorial Drive down the street. Um if would love for you to be there. Um if would love for you to be there. Um if would love for you to be there. There's plenty of pizza, plenty of There's plenty of pizza, plenty of There's plenty of pizza, plenty of opportunity for you to get connected opportunity for you to get connected opportunity for you to get connected this fall. If you don't have a way yet, this fall. If you don't have a way yet, this fall. If you don't have a way yet, but you're looking for one, I'm starting but you're looking for one, I'm starting but you're looking for one, I'm starting a Bible study on Sunday afternoons a Bible study on Sunday afternoons a Bible study on Sunday afternoons beginning today. We're going to meet beginning today. We're going to meet beginning today. We're going to meet four o'clock, meet at four o'clock in four o'clock, meet at four o'clock in four o'clock, meet at four o'clock in the adult ministry center. Again, that's the adult ministry center. Again, that's the adult ministry center. Again, that's on our west campus, but everybody's on our west campus, but everybody's on our west campus, but everybody's invited if you'd like to come. Uh, last invited if you'd like to come. Uh, last invited if you'd like to come. Uh, last thing, if you've found a home here at thing, if you've found a home here at thing, if you've found a home here at MDMC and you're not yet a member of this MDMC and you're not yet a member of this MDMC and you're not yet a member of this church, but you'd like to be, come church, but you'd like to be, come church, but you'd like to be, come forward as we sing this final song, meet forward as we sing this final song, meet forward as we sing this final song, meet Pastor Jenny and I here at the front.

Pastor Jenny and I here at the front. Pastor Jenny and I here at the front. We'd love to welcome you into that We'd love to welcome you into that We'd love to welcome you into that relationship with the church. Now, as we relationship with the church. Now, as we relationship with the church. Now, as we prepare for God to send us out into the prepare for God to send us out into the prepare for God to send us out into the world, would you stand once again and world, would you stand once again and world, would you stand once again and we'll sing together. mighty fores mighty fores are are are All are ever to to The soul The soul The soul is his granding

that may be that may be Christ Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Jesus it is King of his name of his name from from from angels All

All to his his life Now go in peace to serve God and your Now go in peace to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do. And may the neighbor in all that you do. And may the neighbor in all that you do. And may the peace of Christ go with you. Amen.