Classic Worship | 11:00 AM | July 12th , 2026

[music] [music] >> I don't know what it is. ready?

ready? [music] >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Please >> Please God. >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Good morning. >> Good morning. Welcome to Memorial Drive United Welcome to Memorial Drive United Welcome to Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. As the organist filled Methodist Church. As the organist filled Methodist Church. As the organist filled this room with music and noise and sound this room with music and noise and sound this room with music and noise and sound and life, seeing you all come in is and life, seeing you all come in is and life, seeing you all come in is filling this room with noise and sound filling this room with noise and sound filling this room with noise and sound and life and connection. And it is a and life and connection. And it is a and life and connection. And it is a beautiful thing. I'm Pastor Jenny. I'm beautiful thing. I'm Pastor Jenny. I'm beautiful thing. I'm Pastor Jenny. I'm one of the ministers here. It's my joy one of the ministers here. It's my joy one of the ministers here. 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 glad to see you here. And if you're I'm glad to see you here. And if you're I'm glad to see you here. And if you're worshiping with us online, I also want worshiping with us online, I also want worshiping with us online, I also want to welcome you. And whether you're to welcome you. And whether you're to welcome you. And whether you're visiting for the first time or you've visiting for the first time or you've visiting for the first time or you've been here every Sunday for as long as been here every Sunday for as long as been here every Sunday for as long as you can remember, I'm glad that you are you can remember, I'm glad that you are you can remember, I'm glad that you are here. And I hope that you will take a here. And I hope that you will take a here. And I hope that you will take a moment and register your attendance. You moment and register your attendance. You moment and register your attendance. You can do that by finding the blue folders can do that by finding the blue folders can do that by finding the blue folders and they're on each one of the pews.

and they're on each one of the pews. and they're on each one of the pews. Pass that down. Or you can also scan the Pass that down. Or you can also scan the Pass that down. Or you can also scan the QR code that's on the front of the QR code that's on the front of the QR code that's on the front of the bulletin and you can register your bulletin and you can register your bulletin and you can register your attendance that way. We're a better attendance that way. We're a better attendance that way. We're a better church when we can be connected with church when we can be connected with church when we can be connected with updated contact info and know what's updated contact info and know what's updated contact info and know what's going on in your life and how you might going on in your life and how you might going on in your life and how you might be interested in serving in ministry. be interested in serving in ministry. be interested in serving in ministry. So, take a minute and do that at this So, take a minute and do that at this So, take a minute and do that at this time. It is Steven Ministry Sunday. time. It is Steven Ministry Sunday. time. It is Steven Ministry Sunday. You'll hear more about that a little You'll hear more about that a little You'll hear more about that a little later in the service. You hopefully later in the service. You hopefully later in the service. You hopefully received a card that has some received a card that has some received a card that has some information about Stephen Ministry on it information about Stephen Ministry on it information about Stephen Ministry on it as you came in. Um, but stay tuned. as you came in. Um, but stay tuned. as you came in. Um, but stay tuned. You'll hear more about Steven Ministry You'll hear more about Steven Ministry You'll hear more about Steven Ministry later in our service. Um, Steven later in our service. Um, Steven later in our service. Um, Steven ministry is one of the areas that I get ministry is one of the areas that I get ministry is one of the areas that I get to be a part of in my work here at the to be a part of in my work here at the to be a part of in my work here at the church and I am so thankful for that. church and I am so thankful for that. church and I am so thankful for that. Um, so hooray for Steven Ministry Um, so hooray for Steven Ministry Um, so hooray for Steven Ministry Sunday. We are also preparing for Sunday. We are also preparing for Sunday. We are also preparing for vacation bible school. So you might see vacation bible school. So you might see vacation bible school. So you might see a lot of hustle just right after this a lot of hustle just right after this a lot of hustle just right after this service. And if you are volunteering service. And if you are volunteering service. And if you are volunteering this week at vacation bible school or if this week at vacation bible school or if this week at vacation bible school or if you are attending vacation bible school you are attending vacation bible school you are attending vacation bible school this week, I'm so grateful for you and this week, I'm so grateful for you and this week, I'm so grateful for you and so excited about what the week will so excited about what the week will so excited about what the week will hold. But we have come here at this time hold. But we have come here at this time hold. But we have come here at this time and this place to worship, to pause for and this place to worship, to pause for and this place to worship, to pause for a moment, let our spirits catch up with a moment, let our spirits catch up with a moment, let our spirits catch up with our bodies, connect in fellowship to one our bodies, connect in fellowship to one our bodies, connect in fellowship to one another, carry our burdens and our another, carry our burdens and our another, carry our burdens and our concerns to the throne of the Almighty concerns to the throne of the Almighty concerns to the throne of the Almighty together, and worship and praise God for together, and worship and praise God for together, and worship and praise God for God's presence and faithfulness all our God's presence and faithfulness all our God's presence and faithfulness all our lives long and in the past week. I'm lives long and in the past week. I'm lives long and in the past week. I'm grateful that you are here. Together, grateful that you are here. Together, grateful that you are here. Together, let's stand in body or in spirit and

let's stand in body or in spirit and let's stand in body or in spirit and call ourselves to worship. call ourselves to worship. call ourselves to worship. God calls to the lost, the least, and God calls to the lost, the least, and God calls to the lost, the least, and all who long for home. all who long for home. all who long for home. God calls when we wander astray and when God calls when we wander astray and when God calls when we wander astray and when we waste the gifts we have been given. we waste the gifts we have been given. we waste the gifts we have been given. God calls and welcomes us back to God calls and welcomes us back to God calls and welcomes us back to worship this day. worship this day. worship this day. Let us celebrate and rejoice in God's Let us celebrate and rejoice in God's Let us celebrate and rejoice in God's presence forever. Let us worship God presence forever. Let us worship God presence forever. Let us worship God together. Amen. >> Joyful, joyful >> Joyful, joyful adore.

smiles. As smiles. As sing Praise Praise you and bless bless the spring [music] The joy of living [music and singing] [music and singing] rest all [music] all [music] of our teaching We stand

We stand ever singing heart Amen. And in that same triumphant song Amen. And in that same triumphant song of life, let us affirm our faith in the of life, let us affirm our faith in the of life, let us affirm our faith in the God who gives us life by saying the God who gives us life by saying the God who gives us life by saying the words of the Apostles Creed. Let us say words of the Apostles Creed. Let us say words of the Apostles Creed. Let us say together. I believe in God the Father together. I believe in God the Father together. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the buried. The third day he rose from the buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the Father at the right hand of God the Father at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come to Almighty. From then he shall come to Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe judge the quick and the dead. I believe judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the Church, the communion of saints, the Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

the body, and the life everlasting. the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] Glor Glor to the [music] to the to the to the holy to the holy to the holy ghost ghost ghost as it was in the is now is now shall be shall be shall be world [music] [music] And now friends, as forgiven and And now friends, as forgiven and And now friends, as forgiven and reconciled people called together in reconciled people called together in reconciled people called together in under Christ's name and by Christ's own under Christ's name and by Christ's own under Christ's name and by Christ's own spirit, invite you to extend and to spirit, invite you to extend and to spirit, invite you to extend and to share the peace of Christ with one share the peace of Christ with one share the peace of Christ with one another with signs of welcome and another with signs of welcome and another with signs of welcome and reconciliation and peace. The peace of reconciliation and peace. The peace of reconciliation and peace. The peace of Christ be with you.

That's my older one. We have Michelle That's my older one. We have Michelle and Ashley back, As you make your way back to your seats, As you make your way back to your seats, we want to invite all of our children we want to invite all of our children we want to invite all of our children and any who want to be children to come and any who want to be children to come and any who want to be children to come forward for children's time this forward for children's time this forward for children's time this morning. morning. morning. You can come join me here at the steps. >> Hey guys. >> Hey guys. >> Huh? treasure box. >> Huh? treasure box. >> Huh? treasure box. >> I know. It's a treasure box. So, all >> I know. It's a treasure box. So, all >> I know. It's a treasure box. So, all summer long, you brought our mystery box summer long, you brought our mystery box summer long, you brought our mystery box today. That's awesome. All summer long, today. That's awesome. All summer long, today. That's awesome. All summer long, we are doing a fun little thing with uh we are doing a fun little thing with uh we are doing a fun little thing with uh Stump the Pastor as it is, right? Uh and Stump the Pastor as it is, right? Uh and Stump the Pastor as it is, right? Uh and so, some uh special person brings a so, some uh special person brings a so, some uh special person brings a mystery that we have to solve. Okay, we mystery that we have to solve. Okay, we mystery that we have to solve. Okay, we ready? You ready? Do you know what's in ready? You ready? Do you know what's in ready? You ready? Do you know what's in the box?

the box? the box? >> No. Jade, do you know what's in the box? >> No. Jade, do you know what's in the box? >> No. Jade, do you know what's in the box? No. No. Callaway knows what's in the No. No. Callaway knows what's in the No. No. Callaway knows what's in the box. Okay. All right. Here we go. Let's box. Okay. All right. Here we go. Let's box. Okay. All right. Here we go. Let's see what's in here and we'll see what we see what's in here and we'll see what we see what's in here and we'll see what we can do with it. All right. can do with it. All right. can do with it. All right. A look at this. A look at this. A look at this. >> A little football face. >> A little football face. >> A little football face. >> Huh? >> Huh? >> Huh? >> It's a football player. >> It's a football player. >> It's a football player. >> A football player. That's right. Huh? >> A football player. That's right. Huh? >> A football player. That's right. Huh? >> I said that at the same time. >> I said that at the same time. >> I said that at the same time. >> You said it at the same time. You did. >> You said it at the same time. You did. >> You said it at the same time. You did. Look. And his arms move, too. This is Look. And his arms move, too. This is Look. And his arms move, too. This is This makes him really cool. There. This makes him really cool. There. This makes him really cool. There. >> His legs don't >> His legs don't >> His legs don't >> Huh? >> Huh? >> Huh? >> His legs don't. >> His legs don't. >> His legs don't. >> No, his legs don't move. That's right. >> No, his legs don't move. That's right. >> No, his legs don't move. That's right. His legs don't move. Look, this is a His legs don't move. Look, this is a His legs don't move. Look, this is a season. Uh, Has anybody been watching? season. Uh, Has anybody been watching? season. Uh, Has anybody been watching? So, this is American football player. So, this is American football player. So, this is American football player. Have any of you been watching the World Have any of you been watching the World Have any of you been watching the World Cup? The other football players? Yeah. Cup? The other football players? Yeah. Cup? The other football players? Yeah. Yeah. It's been pretty awesome, huh? Yeah. It's been pretty awesome, huh? Yeah. It's been pretty awesome, huh? Yeah. Yeah. Uh, so I've been watching Yeah. Yeah. Uh, so I've been watching Yeah. Yeah. Uh, so I've been watching all the games here. Oh, his helmet's all the games here. Oh, his helmet's all the games here. Oh, his helmet's coming off. There we go. Put his helmet coming off. There we go. Put his helmet coming off. There we go. Put his helmet back on. Yeah. So, I've been watching back on. Yeah. So, I've been watching back on. Yeah. So, I've been watching all those games. And you know those all those games. And you know those all those games. And you know those guys, they've been uh playing all of guys, they've been uh playing all of guys, they've been uh playing all of these games and just like this football these games and just like this football these games and just like this football player here. And what's the object of player here. And what's the object of player here. And what's the object of the game? What what are you trying to the game? What what are you trying to the game? What what are you trying to do? What do you do? You what do you hope do? What do you do? You what do you hope do? What do you do? You what do you hope to do at the end?

to do at the end? to do at the end? >> You have you have to like throw it. >> You have you have to like throw it. >> You have you have to like throw it. >> You have to throw it. >> You have to throw it. >> You have to throw it. >> Yeah. You have to like get a point. When >> Yeah. You have to like get a point. When >> Yeah. You have to like get a point. When you like this like um it stands up, but you like this like um it stands up, but you like this like um it stands up, but you have to like throw it. And if you you have to like throw it. And if you you have to like throw it. And if you get it, you get a point. get it, you get a point. get it, you get a point. >> You get a point. That's right. And at >> You get a point. That's right. And at >> You get a point. That's right. And at the end of the game, what do you hope the end of the game, what do you hope the end of the game, what do you hope happens for your team? You lose or win. happens for your team? You lose or win. happens for your team? You lose or win. >> That's right. You you either lose or you >> That's right. You you either lose or you >> That's right. You you either lose or you win, right? And everyone hopes to win at win, right? And everyone hopes to win at win, right? And everyone hopes to win at the end, right? the end, right? the end, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, you you try your >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, you you try your >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, you you try your best together with others to try to win best together with others to try to win best together with others to try to win the game. Now, we know that of it's it's the game. Now, we know that of it's it's the game. Now, we know that of it's it's really just a game, right? really just a game, right? really just a game, right? >> Right. It's really just a game. >> Right. It's really just a game. >> Right. It's really just a game. Oftenimes in our life, we also we do our Oftenimes in our life, we also we do our Oftenimes in our life, we also we do our best to try to to win the goal, to win best to try to to win the goal, to win best to try to to win the goal, to win the prize, to win the thing that we the prize, to win the thing that we the prize, to win the thing that we think is going to help us uh live think is going to help us uh live think is going to help us uh live better, to have have better life better, to have have better life better, to have have better life together, have better community together, have better community together, have better community together, have fun together, all those together, have fun together, all those together, have fun together, all those things, right? Here's what I know about things, right? Here's what I know about things, right? Here's what I know about what it means to to win. One, it you what it means to to win. One, it you what it means to to win. One, it you can't do it by yourself. You can't.

can't do it by yourself. You can't. can't do it by yourself. You can't. >> You need you need teammates. Yeah. >> You need you need teammates. Yeah. >> You need you need teammates. Yeah. >> You need friends. You need community. >> You need friends. You need community. >> You need friends. You need community. You need others to help you help you win You need others to help you help you win You need others to help you help you win the game, to help you win at living the game, to help you win at living the game, to help you win at living together. Here's also what I know. together. Here's also what I know. together. Here's also what I know. >> If it was just two and one, then the two >> If it was just two and one, then the two >> If it was just two and one, then the two guys would just win. guys would just win. guys would just win. >> That's right. If it was just two guys, >> That's right. If it was just two guys, >> That's right. If it was just two guys, right, that they just win. They just win right, that they just win. They just win right, that they just win. They just win all the time, right? Yeah. So, here's all the time, right? Yeah. So, here's all the time, right? Yeah. So, here's what I also know. It's at the end of the what I also know. It's at the end of the what I also know. It's at the end of the game, game, game, more than more than a prize, more than more than more than a prize, more than more than more than a prize, more than points scored. Really, at the end, it's points scored. Really, at the end, it's points scored. Really, at the end, it's about how well you played, how well you about how well you played, how well you about how well you played, how well you actually did this thing called life, how actually did this thing called life, how actually did this thing called life, how well you live, how well you treated your well you live, how well you treated your well you live, how well you treated your teammates, how well that you shared teammates, how well that you shared teammates, how well that you shared together, how well that you worked together, how well that you worked together, how well that you worked together and and do that work together. together and and do that work together. together and and do that work together. And part of our our life in faith is And part of our our life in faith is And part of our our life in faith is that we do life and faith together. And that we do life and faith together. And that we do life and faith together. And how God then by God's grace shows us how how God then by God's grace shows us how how God then by God's grace shows us how better to do this well together. So that better to do this well together. So that better to do this well together. So that at the end the prize isn't really a at the end the prize isn't really a at the end the prize isn't really a trophy. It isn't a point. The prize trophy. It isn't a point. The prize trophy. It isn't a point. The prize really really really >> it isn't like a party or >> it isn't like a party or >> it isn't like a party or >> it's the connection that we make with >> it's the connection that we make with >> it's the connection that we make with each other. Right. He said a party.

each other. Right. He said a party. each other. Right. He said a party. That's right. It's the party at the end. That's right. It's the party at the end. That's right. It's the party at the end. Right. I love that. I love that. All Right. I love that. I love that. All Right. I love that. I love that. All right. Can we pray together? right. Can we pray together? right. Can we pray together? >> After we also celebrate each other. >> After we also celebrate each other. >> After we also celebrate each other. >> After we also celebrate each other. >> After we also celebrate each other. >> After we also celebrate each other. That's right. Let's pray together. Okay. That's right. Let's pray together. Okay. That's right. Let's pray together. Okay. Would you Would you Would you >> put your hands together? Bow with me. >> put your hands together? Bow with me. >> put your hands together? Bow with me. Repeat after me. Say, "Thank you, God. Repeat after me. Say, "Thank you, God. Repeat after me. Say, "Thank you, God. >> Thank you, God, >> Thank you, God, >> Thank you, God, >> for grace." >> for grace." >> for grace." >> For grace >> For grace >> For grace >> and strength >> and strength >> and strength >> and strength >> and strength >> and strength >> and fun >> and fun >> and fun >> and fun >> and fun >> and fun >> to do this life together >> to do this life together >> to do this life together >> to do this life together. >> to do this life together. >> to do this life together. >> Give us more of it. We pray. >> Give us more of it. We pray. >> Give us more of it. We pray. >> Give us more of it when we pray. >> Give us more of it when we pray. >> Give us more of it when we pray. >> In Jesus name. >> In Jesus name. >> In Jesus name. >> in Jesus name. Amen. >> in Jesus name. Amen. >> in Jesus name. Amen. >> All right. Now, last time I forgot to >> All right. Now, last time I forgot to >> All right. Now, last time I forgot to give these out, but we've got some give these out, but we've got some give these out, but we've got some awesome sugar-free prizes for you for awesome sugar-free prizes for you for awesome sugar-free prizes for you for coming for uh for children's time here. coming for uh for children's time here. coming for uh for children's time here. So, each of you get one and you can go So, each of you get one and you can go So, each of you get one and you can go back to your seats. back to your seats. back to your seats. >> You can take it and ask your mom. >> You can take it and ask your mom. >> You can take it and ask your mom. >> Hi friends, I'm [music] Caroline Stone. >> Hi friends, I'm [music] Caroline Stone. >> Hi friends, I'm [music] Caroline Stone. One of my favorite things about MDMC is One of my favorite things about MDMC is One of my favorite things about MDMC is that there are always simple ways that there are always simple ways that there are always simple ways [music] to get connected. Whether that's [music] to get connected. Whether that's [music] to get connected. Whether that's meeting new people, serving alongside meeting new people, serving alongside meeting new people, serving alongside others, or just showing up and trying others, or just showing up and trying others, or just showing up and trying something new. Here are a few something new. Here are a few something new. Here are a few opportunities [music] opportunities [music] opportunities [music] happening today and in the weeks ahead.

happening today and in the weeks ahead. happening today and in the weeks ahead. First, if you've ever [music] been First, if you've ever [music] been First, if you've ever [music] been curious about serving on a mission trip, curious about serving on a mission trip, curious about serving on a mission trip, today is a great chance to learn more. today is a great chance to learn more. today is a great chance to learn more. Right after worship, [music] we'll have Right after worship, [music] we'll have Right after worship, [music] we'll have an interest meeting for our upcoming an interest meeting for our upcoming an interest meeting for our upcoming family-friendly mission trip to Mexico family-friendly mission trip to Mexico family-friendly mission trip to Mexico with Monosas. We'll meet at [music] with Monosas. We'll meet at [music] with Monosas. We'll meet at [music] 12:15 p.m. in the refuge on the West 12:15 p.m. in the refuge on the West 12:15 p.m. in the refuge on the West Campus where you'll hear about the Campus where you'll hear about the Campus where you'll hear about the mission, [music] trip details, and what mission, [music] trip details, and what mission, [music] trip details, and what to expect. Whether you're ready to sign to expect. Whether you're ready to sign to expect. Whether you're ready to sign up or just want to explore the up or just want to explore the up or just want to explore the opportunity, we'd love to see you there. opportunity, we'd love to see you there. opportunity, we'd love to see you there. If you're in your 20s or 30s, today is If you're in your 20s or 30s, today is If you're in your 20s or 30s, today is also the first gathering of our new also the first gathering of our new also the first gathering of our new young professionals group. Around noon, young professionals group. Around noon, young professionals group. Around noon, right after worship, we'll head to the right after worship, we'll head to the right after worship, we'll head to the pit room, a local restaurant, [music] pit room, a local restaurant, [music] pit room, a local restaurant, [music] for lunch, conversation, and a chance to for lunch, conversation, and a chance to for lunch, conversation, and a chance to get to know one another. If you're get to know one another. If you're get to know one another. If you're looking to meet new people [music] and looking to meet new people [music] and looking to meet new people [music] and get connected, we'd love to have you get connected, we'd love to have you get connected, we'd love to have you join us. And finally, mark your calendar join us. And finally, mark your calendar join us. And finally, mark your calendar [music] for Soul Sessions on Sunday, [music] for Soul Sessions on Sunday, [music] for Soul Sessions on Sunday, July 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Journey. July 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Journey. July 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Journey. This free [music] summer concert will This free [music] summer concert will This free [music] summer concert will feature the Journey Band performing feature the Journey Band performing feature the Journey Band performing favorite hits from the 60s and 70s. Come favorite hits from the 60s and 70s. Come favorite hits from the 60s and 70s. Come enjoy incredible live music, sing along enjoy incredible live music, sing along enjoy incredible live music, sing along to timeless classics, and spend a to timeless classics, and spend a to timeless classics, and spend a [music] fun summer evening with friends [music] fun summer evening with friends [music] fun summer evening with friends and family.

and family. and family. However you're looking to get connected However you're looking to get connected However you're looking to get connected this summer, [music] we'd love to help this summer, [music] we'd love to help this summer, [music] we'd love to help you take that next step. You can find you take that next step. You can find you take that next step. You can find all the details, schedules, and sign all the details, schedules, and sign all the details, schedules, and sign [music] up information at [music] up information at [music] up information at ndmc.org/events. Listen now for these words from the Listen now for these words from the Gospel of Luke, beginning in chapter 15. Gospel of Luke, beginning in chapter 15. Gospel of Luke, beginning in chapter 15. Hear the word of the Lord. Then Jesus Hear the word of the Lord. Then Jesus Hear the word of the Lord. Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. said, "There was a man who had two sons. said, "There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, The younger of them said to his father, The younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of the wealth "Father, give me the share of the wealth "Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to me." So he divided that will belong to me." So he divided that will belong to me." So he divided his assets between them. A few days his assets between them. A few days his assets between them. A few days later, this younger son gathered all he later, this younger son gathered all he later, this younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant region. had and traveled to a distant region. had and traveled to a distant region. And there he squandered his wealth and And there he squandered his wealth and And there he squandered his wealth and dissolute living. dissolute living. dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe When he had spent everything, a severe When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout the region, famine took place throughout the region, famine took place throughout the region, and he began to be in need. So he set and he began to be in need. So he set and he began to be in need. So he set off and went to his father. But while he off and went to his father. But while he off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him was still far off, his father saw him was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran and was filled with compassion. He ran and was filled with compassion. He ran and put his arms around him and kissed and put his arms around him and kissed and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, "Father, him. Then the son said to him, "Father, him. Then the son said to him, "Father, I've sinned against heaven and before I've sinned against heaven and before I've sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called you. I am no longer worthy to be called you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son." But the father said to his your son." But the father said to his your son." But the father said to his slaves, "Quickly, bring out a robe, the slaves, "Quickly, bring out a robe, the slaves, "Quickly, bring out a robe, the best one, and put it on him. Put a ring best one, and put it on him. Put a ring best one, and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet, on his finger and sandals on his feet, on his finger and sandals on his feet, and get the fattic calf and kill it, and and get the fattic calf and kill it, and and get the fattic calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, for this son let us eat and celebrate, for this son let us eat and celebrate, for this son of mine was dead, and is alive again. He

of mine was dead, and is alive again. He of mine was dead, and is alive again. He was lost and is found, and they began to was lost and is found, and they began to was lost and is found, and they began to celebrate." celebrate." celebrate." This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Friends, every of God. Thanks be to God. Friends, every of God. Thanks be to God. Friends, every time we gather in worship together, we time we gather in worship together, we time we gather in worship together, we gra we gather in gratitude to God for gra we gather in gratitude to God for gra we gather in gratitude to God for grace that g that God has given us uh grace that g that God has given us uh grace that g that God has given us uh for forgiveness of sins, for freedom for forgiveness of sins, for freedom for forgiveness of sins, for freedom that sets us free to live God's abundant that sets us free to live God's abundant that sets us free to live God's abundant life in the world. We gather in life in the world. We gather in life in the world. We gather in gratitude for all the good gifts that gratitude for all the good gifts that gratitude for all the good gifts that God has given. Gifts of life and health God has given. Gifts of life and health God has given. Gifts of life and health and strength and good will and the and strength and good will and the and strength and good will and the ability to do God's good will in the ability to do God's good will in the ability to do God's good will in the world. We gather to do that. And we give world. We gather to do that. And we give world. We gather to do that. And we give of ourselves, of our tithes and our of ourselves, of our tithes and our of ourselves, of our tithes and our offerings, of our resources, of offerings, of our resources, of offerings, of our resources, of everything we have and everything we are everything we have and everything we are everything we have and everything we are as a way to demonstrate gratitude and as a way to demonstrate gratitude and as a way to demonstrate gratitude and also as a way to lay ourselves before also as a way to lay ourselves before also as a way to lay ourselves before the God who gives generously the God who gives generously the God who gives generously to say, God, how can we how can I to say, God, how can we how can I to say, God, how can we how can I participate in your generosity to participate in your generosity to participate in your generosity to others? And so as the ushers come others? And so as the ushers come others? And so as the ushers come forward, I invite you friends as you forward, I invite you friends as you forward, I invite you friends as you give of your offering today give of your offering today give of your offering today to do so out of gratitude with generous to do so out of gratitude with generous to do so out of gratitude with generous hearts.

hearts. hearts. Gratitude and a willingness to say, Gratitude and a willingness to say, Gratitude and a willingness to say, "God, how can I participate in your "God, how can I participate in your "God, how can I participate in your generosity to others in this world for generosity to others in this world for generosity to others in this world for your sake?" Let it be so in the name of your sake?" Let it be so in the name of your sake?" Let it be so in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Halleluah.

Halleluah. [music] Hallelu. Please be seated. As I mentioned at the Please be seated. As I mentioned at the beginning of our service, we are beginning of our service, we are beginning of our service, we are celebrating Steven Ministries Sunday celebrating Steven Ministries Sunday celebrating Steven Ministries Sunday today. and woven throughout this today. and woven throughout this today. and woven throughout this congregation over the last 25 years, we congregation over the last 25 years, we congregation over the last 25 years, we have had dozens and dozens of Stephen have had dozens and dozens of Stephen have had dozens and dozens of Stephen ministers serve our people in a really ministers serve our people in a really ministers serve our people in a really special way. Um, one of those Steven special way. Um, one of those Steven special way. Um, one of those Steven ministers and a Steven leader in fact is ministers and a Steven leader in fact is ministers and a Steven leader in fact is Belinda Price, who's going to come up Belinda Price, who's going to come up Belinda Price, who's going to come up now and tell you more about this really now and tell you more about this really now and tell you more about this really important life-changing ministry. important life-changing ministry. important life-changing ministry. Thanks, Belinda. Good morning. Good morning. First, let me say for all of our Steven First, let me say for all of our Steven First, let me say for all of our Steven Ministry team members, we are delighted Ministry team members, we are delighted Ministry team members, we are delighted that our church's Steven Ministry that our church's Steven Ministry that our church's Steven Ministry program is being highlighted today.

program is being highlighted today. program is being highlighted today. We celebrated our 25th anniversary of We celebrated our 25th anniversary of We celebrated our 25th anniversary of Steven Ministry at MDUMC last year and Steven Ministry at MDUMC last year and Steven Ministry at MDUMC last year and are very thankful to God, our ministry are very thankful to God, our ministry are very thankful to God, our ministry team, other staff members and you, the team, other staff members and you, the team, other staff members and you, the congregation for the support that it has congregation for the support that it has congregation for the support that it has provided to us. provided to us. provided to us. As said, my name is Belinda and I have As said, my name is Belinda and I have As said, my name is Belinda and I have been blessed to be a Steven minister for been blessed to be a Steven minister for been blessed to be a Steven minister for the past 25 years. the past 25 years. the past 25 years. My role today is to focus on two My role today is to focus on two My role today is to focus on two opportunities related to Steven ministry opportunities related to Steven ministry opportunities related to Steven ministry for those of you in the congregation. for those of you in the congregation. for those of you in the congregation. But before I do that, in case you are But before I do that, in case you are But before I do that, in case you are not familiar with this caregiving not familiar with this caregiving not familiar with this caregiving ministry, let me spend just a brief ministry, let me spend just a brief ministry, let me spend just a brief moment telling you about it. moment telling you about it. moment telling you about it. Steven Ministry is a Christ centered Steven Ministry is a Christ centered Steven Ministry is a Christ centered caregiving ministry in which a trained caregiving ministry in which a trained caregiving ministry in which a trained Steven minister meets with one person Steven minister meets with one person Steven minister meets with one person once a week for about an hour. To become once a week for about an hour. To become once a week for about an hour. To become a Steven minister requires an initial 50 a Steven minister requires an initial 50 a Steven minister requires an initial 50 hours of training which has a focus on hours of training which has a focus on hours of training which has a focus on caregiving skills, especially those caregiving skills, especially those caregiving skills, especially those related to listening.

related to listening. related to listening. During the time we meet with our care During the time we meet with our care During the time we meet with our care receiver who is facing a life challenge, receiver who is facing a life challenge, receiver who is facing a life challenge, we listen to their concerns, ask we listen to their concerns, ask we listen to their concerns, ask questions, and help them process this questions, and help them process this questions, and help them process this their situation. their situation. their situation. We do not tell them what they should do We do not tell them what they should do We do not tell them what they should do next, take them to doctor's next, take them to doctor's next, take them to doctor's appointments, nor do we help them run appointments, nor do we help them run appointments, nor do we help them run errands. We do, however, have resources errands. We do, however, have resources errands. We do, however, have resources that we can point them to in their that we can point them to in their that we can point them to in their journey to reach wholeness. As a Steven journey to reach wholeness. As a Steven journey to reach wholeness. As a Steven minister, we continue our skill building minister, we continue our skill building minister, we continue our skill building through our time in this role. We meet through our time in this role. We meet through our time in this role. We meet on the second and fourth Monday each on the second and fourth Monday each on the second and fourth Monday each month for continuing education month for continuing education month for continuing education and supervision. and supervision. and supervision. We have a speaker who helps us hone our We have a speaker who helps us hone our We have a speaker who helps us hone our skills after which we break into our skills after which we break into our skills after which we break into our supervision groups to talk about how our supervision groups to talk about how our supervision groups to talk about how our caring relationships are going. caring relationships are going. caring relationships are going. Nothing confidential is disclosed. The Nothing confidential is disclosed. The Nothing confidential is disclosed. The focus is on how we care for our care focus is on how we care for our care focus is on how we care for our care receiver to ensure that we are not receiver to ensure that we are not receiver to ensure that we are not overstepping our role or doing something overstepping our role or doing something overstepping our role or doing something we should not be doing. The supervision we should not be doing. The supervision we should not be doing. The supervision group process helps ensure that we group process helps ensure that we group process helps ensure that we provide the highest quality caregiving provide the highest quality caregiving provide the highest quality caregiving possible to our care receivers. And the possible to our care receivers. And the possible to our care receivers. And the bottom line, we learn over and over that bottom line, we learn over and over that bottom line, we learn over and over that there is a tremendous value in listening there is a tremendous value in listening there is a tremendous value in listening and a presence.

and a presence. and a presence. Now, my first task this morning is to Now, my first task this morning is to Now, my first task this morning is to let you know that we are always looking let you know that we are always looking let you know that we are always looking for people who would value having a for people who would value having a for people who would value having a Steven minister. So, we encourage you to Steven minister. So, we encourage you to Steven minister. So, we encourage you to share information with anyone you may share information with anyone you may share information with anyone you may know who is going through a crisis or a know who is going through a crisis or a know who is going through a crisis or a difficult time who needs someone to difficult time who needs someone to difficult time who needs someone to care, to listen, and share God's love care, to listen, and share God's love care, to listen, and share God's love with them on a oneto-one confidential with them on a oneto-one confidential with them on a oneto-one confidential basis. At the end of this service, basis. At the end of this service, basis. At the end of this service, myself and another Steven minister will myself and another Steven minister will myself and another Steven minister will be outside the doors in the fellowship be outside the doors in the fellowship be outside the doors in the fellowship area to speak to you if you are area to speak to you if you are area to speak to you if you are currently facing a life challenge and currently facing a life challenge and currently facing a life challenge and would like to speak to one of us. As would like to speak to one of us. As would like to speak to one of us. As well, we will have flyers available for well, we will have flyers available for well, we will have flyers available for everyone here today which provide more everyone here today which provide more everyone here today which provide more information on how to make a request for information on how to make a request for information on how to make a request for a Steven Minister. a Steven Minister. a Steven Minister. Secondly, we want to let you know that Secondly, we want to let you know that Secondly, we want to let you know that we have a training class to become a we have a training class to become a we have a training class to become a Steven Minister which will be beginning Steven Minister which will be beginning Steven Minister which will be beginning January 2027. January 2027. January 2027. If you are someone who cares, who is If you are someone who cares, who is If you are someone who cares, who is supportive, and who listens, then Steven supportive, and who listens, then Steven supportive, and who listens, then Steven Ministry might be a good match for you Ministry might be a good match for you Ministry might be a good match for you in your service to God as a member of in your service to God as a member of in your service to God as a member of MDUMC.

MDUMC. MDUMC. And if you are interested, we hope that And if you are interested, we hope that And if you are interested, we hope that you will come to one of our lunch and you will come to one of our lunch and you will come to one of our lunch and learns. One session will be held on this learns. One session will be held on this learns. One session will be held on this main campus at noon on August 23rd and main campus at noon on August 23rd and main campus at noon on August 23rd and the other will be at the adult ministry the other will be at the adult ministry the other will be at the adult ministry center to the right of the journey center to the right of the journey center to the right of the journey campus from 12 to 1 on August 30th. You campus from 12 to 1 on August 30th. You campus from 12 to 1 on August 30th. You should have received information on a should have received information on a should have received information on a flyer as you came in. flyer as you came in. flyer as you came in. With that, let me end by saying I With that, let me end by saying I With that, let me end by saying I appreciate your time and listening this appreciate your time and listening this appreciate your time and listening this morning. morning. morning. If anything I have said struck accord If anything I have said struck accord If anything I have said struck accord with you, by all means, we hope that you with you, by all means, we hope that you with you, by all means, we hope that you will act upon that wonderful nudge that will act upon that wonderful nudge that will act upon that wonderful nudge that God can give us which spurs us to God can give us which spurs us to God can give us which spurs us to action. Whether it is action to learn action. Whether it is action to learn action. Whether it is action to learn more about Steven Ministry or consider more about Steven Ministry or consider more about Steven Ministry or consider becoming one or whether it is to request becoming one or whether it is to request becoming one or whether it is to request a Steven minister to walk alongside you a Steven minister to walk alongside you a Steven minister to walk alongside you as you address a challenge in your life. as you address a challenge in your life. as you address a challenge in your life. Thank you.

Thank you, Belinda, for for that. Thank you, Belinda, for for that. Friends, would you bow with me for a Friends, would you bow with me for a Friends, would you bow with me for a word of prayer? God of every grace and all wisdom. God of every grace and all wisdom. We thank you for every word and every We thank you for every word and every We thank you for every word and every sign that leads us to you. For words and sign that leads us to you. For words and sign that leads us to you. For words and signs showing that you love us. For signs showing that you love us. For signs showing that you love us. For words and signs proving that you are words and signs proving that you are words and signs proving that you are with us. with us. with us. For words and signs demonstrating that For words and signs demonstrating that For words and signs demonstrating that you will never leave us alone. Thank you you will never leave us alone. Thank you you will never leave us alone. Thank you for these words and signs and and for for these words and signs and and for for these words and signs and and for the gift of faith to believe them, to the gift of faith to believe them, to the gift of faith to believe them, to trust them. trust them. trust them. God, we confess that to you that faith God, we confess that to you that faith God, we confess that to you that faith and trust doesn't always come easy. and trust doesn't always come easy. and trust doesn't always come easy. We are at times overwhelmed by worries We are at times overwhelmed by worries We are at times overwhelmed by worries and pressures and anxieties that seem to and pressures and anxieties that seem to and pressures and anxieties that seem to squeeze hope dry and leaves confidence squeeze hope dry and leaves confidence squeeze hope dry and leaves confidence shriveled with despair. shriveled with despair. shriveled with despair. Lord, in the moments of deepening Lord, in the moments of deepening Lord, in the moments of deepening darkness, we need your gift of faith. To darkness, we need your gift of faith. To darkness, we need your gift of faith. To hear your words once more, saying to us, hear your words once more, saying to us, hear your words once more, saying to us, I am the Lord who heals you. You are my I am the Lord who heals you. You are my I am the Lord who heals you. You are my child. I have redeemed you.

child. I have redeemed you. child. I have redeemed you. Come to me all who are weary and I will Come to me all who are weary and I will Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest. give you rest. give you rest. I am with you to the end of the age. I am with you to the end of the age. I am with you to the end of the age. Oh God, we need your gift of faith to Oh God, we need your gift of faith to Oh God, we need your gift of faith to see again every sign that points us to see again every sign that points us to see again every sign that points us to you. you. you. Signs like when neighbors refuse to Signs like when neighbors refuse to Signs like when neighbors refuse to become enemies. become enemies. become enemies. Signs like when the violent are Signs like when the violent are Signs like when the violent are transformed into peacemakers. transformed into peacemakers. transformed into peacemakers. Signs like when justice leads to Signs like when justice leads to Signs like when justice leads to restored lives and reconciled restored lives and reconciled restored lives and reconciled communities. communities. communities. Signs like when anger and bitterness Signs like when anger and bitterness Signs like when anger and bitterness gives way to forgiveness and humility. gives way to forgiveness and humility. gives way to forgiveness and humility. Give us faith, oh God, to believe again Give us faith, oh God, to believe again Give us faith, oh God, to believe again to trust again every one of your words to trust again every one of your words to trust again every one of your words and signs till our lives resound with and signs till our lives resound with and signs till our lives resound with your word spoken in us and we become for your word spoken in us and we become for your word spoken in us and we become for the world signs of your redeeming love.

the world signs of your redeeming love. the world signs of your redeeming love. We pray this in the name of Jesus, the We pray this in the name of Jesus, the We pray this in the name of Jesus, the living word, who taught us to pray by living word, who taught us to pray by living word, who taught us to pray by saying these words. Our Father, who art saying these words. Our Father, who art saying these words. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the evil. For thine is the kingdom, the evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. power, and the glory forever. power, and the glory forever. Amen. I rest I rest my we soul.

Oh, Oh, that flower saw my way. that flower saw my way. that flower saw my way. [music] I I my [music] torture. My [singing] heart [music] My [singing] heart [music] restores it. Let me [music] thy sunshine blazes Let me [music] thy sunshine blazes be brighter. Oh sh Oh sh that see [music] me through. I cannot I cannot close my heart to thee. [music] and fear.

and fear. The pro is not The pro is not The pro is not that [music] one shall hear that [music] one shall hear that [music] one shall hear us. [music] Oh cross Oh cross li and from and from the ground their blossoms the ground their blossoms the ground their blossoms spread spread spread My passion. Oh, Oh, [music] >> Oh love that will not let us go. Oh holy

>> Oh love that will not let us go. Oh holy God who calls us here. God who calls us here. God who calls us here. You are the one who claims us and You are the one who claims us and You are the one who claims us and redeems us. You are the one who hides us redeems us. You are the one who hides us redeems us. You are the one who hides us in your cross, in your cross, in your cross, who sees us through the storm, who sees us through the storm, who sees us through the storm, who meets us even now who meets us even now who meets us even now in all and everything that this day in all and everything that this day in all and everything that this day holds. holds. holds. We pray God that you would prepare us We pray God that you would prepare us We pray God that you would prepare us now to hear from you. that you would now to hear from you. that you would now to hear from you. that you would open our ears and our minds and our open our ears and our minds and our open our ears and our minds and our hearts to the richness of your love and hearts to the richness of your love and hearts to the richness of your love and your grace. your grace. your grace. This we ask in the name of Christ our This we ask in the name of Christ our This we ask in the name of Christ our redeemer. redeemer. redeemer. Amen. Amen. Amen. We continue today in our summer worship We continue today in our summer worship We continue today in our summer worship series called the miners. We're having a series called the miners. We're having a series called the miners. We're having a little bit of fun with that. You might little bit of fun with that. You might little bit of fun with that. You might have noticed with our baseball like have noticed with our baseball like have noticed with our baseball like penant banners bearing the names of penant banners bearing the names of penant banners bearing the names of different minor prophets and with the um different minor prophets and with the um different minor prophets and with the um baseball cards that you can collect if baseball cards that you can collect if baseball cards that you can collect if you're a collecting type of each one of you're a collecting type of each one of you're a collecting type of each one of the prophets after worship. We are the prophets after worship. We are the prophets after worship. We are exploring the minor prophets this exploring the minor prophets this exploring the minor prophets this summer. They're called the minor summer. They're called the minor summer. They're called the minor prophets, as Pastor Shawn said last prophets, as Pastor Shawn said last prophets, as Pastor Shawn said last week, not because their message from the week, not because their message from the week, not because their message from the Lord was less important, but simply Lord was less important, but simply Lord was less important, but simply because they were shorter. And so they because they were shorter. And so they because they were shorter. And so they follow the longer books of prophets like follow the longer books of prophets like follow the longer books of prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah and Daniel. And they

Isaiah and Jeremiah and Daniel. And they Isaiah and Jeremiah and Daniel. And they bear a word for us across time and space bear a word for us across time and space bear a word for us across time and space by the grace of God today. And so it's by the grace of God today. And so it's by the grace of God today. And so it's important for us to explore them. Today important for us to explore them. Today important for us to explore them. Today we are talking about the prophet Hosea we are talking about the prophet Hosea we are talking about the prophet Hosea and it is a difficult prophet to and it is a difficult prophet to and it is a difficult prophet to interpret sometimes but an important interpret sometimes but an important interpret sometimes but an important one. And so I invite you now to listen one. And so I invite you now to listen one. And so I invite you now to listen for a word. This is the 11th chapter of for a word. This is the 11th chapter of for a word. This is the 11th chapter of the prophet Hosea. the prophet Hosea. the prophet Hosea. When Israel was a child, I loved him and When Israel was a child, I loved him and When Israel was a child, I loved him and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I out of Egypt I called my son. The more I out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me. called them, the more they went from me. called them, the more they went from me. They kept sacrificing to the balls and They kept sacrificing to the balls and They kept sacrificing to the balls and offering incense to idols. Yet it was I offering incense to idols. Yet it was I offering incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms, but they did not know up in my arms, but they did not know up in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with that I healed them. I led them with that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of cords of human kindness, with bands of cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift love. I was to them like those who lift love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to infants to their cheeks. I bent down to infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. They shall return to them and fed them. They shall return to them and fed them. They shall return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king because they have refused to their king because they have refused to their king because they have refused to return to me. The sword rages in their return to me. The sword rages in their return to me. The sword rages in their cities. It consumes their oracle priests cities. It consumes their oracle priests cities. It consumes their oracle priests and devours because of their schemes. My and devours because of their schemes. My and devours because of their schemes. My people are bent on turning away from me.

people are bent on turning away from me. people are bent on turning away from me. To the most high they called, but he To the most high they called, but he To the most high they called, but he does not raise them up at all. How can I does not raise them up at all. How can I does not raise them up at all. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like over, O Israel? How can I make you like over, O Israel? How can I make you like Adma? How can I treat you like Zeboim? Adma? How can I treat you like Zeboim? Adma? How can I treat you like Zeboim? My heart recoils within me. My My heart recoils within me. My My heart recoils within me. My compassion grows warm and tender. I will compassion grows warm and tender. I will compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger. I will not not execute my fierce anger. I will not not execute my fierce anger. I will not again destroy Ephrame. For I am God and again destroy Ephrame. For I am God and again destroy Ephrame. For I am God and no mortal, the holy one in your midst. no mortal, the holy one in your midst. no mortal, the holy one in your midst. And I will not come in wrath. They shall And I will not come in wrath. They shall And I will not come in wrath. They shall go after the Lord who roars like a lion. go after the Lord who roars like a lion. go after the Lord who roars like a lion. When he roars, his children shall come When he roars, his children shall come When he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west. They shall come trembling from the west. They shall come trembling from the west. They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt and like trembling like birds from Egypt and like trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. And I doves from the land of Assyria. And I doves from the land of Assyria. And I will return them to their homes, says will return them to their homes, says will return them to their homes, says the Lord. It's the word of God for the the Lord. It's the word of God for the the Lord. It's the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. people of God. Thanks be to God. people of God. Thanks be to God. There are some moments of parenting that There are some moments of parenting that There are some moments of parenting that never really leave you. They seem to never really leave you. They seem to never really leave you. They seem to become embedded in your very selves.

become embedded in your very selves. become embedded in your very selves. I can still remember sitting with a list I can still remember sitting with a list I can still remember sitting with a list of names before each one of my three of names before each one of my three of names before each one of my three sons were born. Names matter and so the sons were born. Names matter and so the sons were born. Names matter and so the weight of responsibility for naming them weight of responsibility for naming them weight of responsibility for naming them felt heavy. We wondered what each child felt heavy. We wondered what each child felt heavy. We wondered what each child would be like. We imagined personalities would be like. We imagined personalities would be like. We imagined personalities that we couldn't possibly know yet. and that we couldn't possibly know yet. and that we couldn't possibly know yet. and each one of them have done their very each one of them have done their very each one of them have done their very own thing from the possible expectations own thing from the possible expectations own thing from the possible expectations we could have carried. We spoke names we could have carried. We spoke names we could have carried. We spoke names aloud over them before they could even aloud over them before they could even aloud over them before they could even recognize our voices or understand recognize our voices or understand recognize our voices or understand speech. We loved them before they had speech. We loved them before they had speech. We loved them before they had done a single thing to deserve it. You done a single thing to deserve it. You done a single thing to deserve it. You might remember those first days after a might remember those first days after a might remember those first days after a child arrives, the late night feedings, child arrives, the late night feedings, child arrives, the late night feedings, holding a tiny body that can't possibly holding a tiny body that can't possibly holding a tiny body that can't possibly survive without someone else's care. survive without someone else's care. survive without someone else's care. Learning to interpret every cry. Walking Learning to interpret every cry. Walking Learning to interpret every cry. Walking the floors in the middle of the night, the floors in the middle of the night, the floors in the middle of the night, celebrating the first smile, the first celebrating the first smile, the first celebrating the first smile, the first laugh, and then eventually those first laugh, and then eventually those first laugh, and then eventually those first steps. steps. steps. Have you ever taught a child to walk?

Have you ever taught a child to walk? Have you ever taught a child to walk? You don't stand at the other end of the You don't stand at the other end of the You don't stand at the other end of the room with your arms crossed, saying, room with your arms crossed, saying, room with your arms crossed, saying, "Well, come on, figure it out." "Well, come on, figure it out." "Well, come on, figure it out." No, you kneel down. You damage your back No, you kneel down. You damage your back No, you kneel down. You damage your back permanently with that hunch while you permanently with that hunch while you permanently with that hunch while you hold two little hands and they totle hold two little hands and they totle hold two little hands and they totle unevenly right between your feet. You unevenly right between your feet. You unevenly right between your feet. You steady them when they wobble. You catch steady them when they wobble. You catch steady them when they wobble. You catch them when they fall. You cheer wildly them when they fall. You cheer wildly them when they fall. You cheer wildly after two shaky steps as if they've just after two shaky steps as if they've just after two shaky steps as if they've just scored a World Cup soccer goal. scored a World Cup soccer goal. scored a World Cup soccer goal. Parents don't wait until children become Parents don't wait until children become Parents don't wait until children become accomplished walkers before they love accomplished walkers before they love accomplished walkers before they love them. We love them when they're falling. them. We love them when they're falling. them. We love them when they're falling. And that image is exactly how Hosea And that image is exactly how Hosea And that image is exactly how Hosea wants us to imagine God. Listen again. wants us to imagine God. Listen again. wants us to imagine God. Listen again. When Israel was a child, I loved him. It When Israel was a child, I loved him. It When Israel was a child, I loved him. It was I who taught Ephrame, another name was I who taught Ephrame, another name was I who taught Ephrame, another name for Israel. It was I who taught Ephrame for Israel. It was I who taught Ephrame for Israel. It was I who taught Ephrame to walk. I took them up in my arms. I to walk. I took them up in my arms. I to walk. I took them up in my arms. I led them with cords of human kindness, led them with cords of human kindness, led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like with bands of love. I was to them like with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheek. I those who lift infants to their cheek. I those who lift infants to their cheek. I bent down to them and fed them. This is bent down to them and fed them. This is bent down to them and fed them. This is one of the most intimate portraits of one of the most intimate portraits of one of the most intimate portraits of God in all of scripture.

God in all of scripture. God in all of scripture. Not a distant ruler, not an angry judge, Not a distant ruler, not an angry judge, Not a distant ruler, not an angry judge, not an impossible perfectionist, but a not an impossible perfectionist, but a not an impossible perfectionist, but a parent stooping down, teaching a toddler parent stooping down, teaching a toddler parent stooping down, teaching a toddler to walk, feeding a helpless child, to walk, feeding a helpless child, to walk, feeding a helpless child, lifting a little face for a kiss. It's lifting a little face for a kiss. It's lifting a little face for a kiss. It's breathtaking. breathtaking. breathtaking. But I got a good laugh this morning and But I got a good laugh this morning and But I got a good laugh this morning and it hit the concern that I carried in my it hit the concern that I carried in my it hit the concern that I carried in my mind preparing for this message mind preparing for this message mind preparing for this message perfectly um when Pastor Shawn mentioned perfectly um when Pastor Shawn mentioned perfectly um when Pastor Shawn mentioned that when he looks up the book of Hosea that when he looks up the book of Hosea that when he looks up the book of Hosea online, the AI summary that's at the top online, the AI summary that's at the top online, the AI summary that's at the top of every Google search now summarizes of every Google search now summarizes of every Google search now summarizes the book of Hosea by saying uh it the book of Hosea by saying uh it the book of Hosea by saying uh it describes Hosea as quote a prophet with describes Hosea as quote a prophet with describes Hosea as quote a prophet with an unusually dramatic marriage. an unusually dramatic marriage. an unusually dramatic marriage. If you've ever read the book of Hosea, If you've ever read the book of Hosea, If you've ever read the book of Hosea, you know what I'm talking about. That's you know what I'm talking about. That's you know what I'm talking about. That's one way to put it. Because Hosea, one way to put it. Because Hosea, one way to put it. Because Hosea, despite having this beautiful, loving, despite having this beautiful, loving, despite having this beautiful, loving, intimate portrait of God as a parent, is intimate portrait of God as a parent, is intimate portrait of God as a parent, is also difficult reading.

also difficult reading. also difficult reading. Hosea is in fact the first biblical book Hosea is in fact the first biblical book Hosea is in fact the first biblical book to use marriage as a central image for to use marriage as a central image for to use marriage as a central image for the relationship between God and God's the relationship between God and God's the relationship between God and God's people. And it's precisely that metaphor people. And it's precisely that metaphor people. And it's precisely that metaphor that makes this prophetic book difficult that makes this prophetic book difficult that makes this prophetic book difficult for modern readers to hear. My first for modern readers to hear. My first for modern readers to hear. My first real study of Hosea came during the real study of Hosea came during the real study of Hosea came during the COVID pandemic. Some of you are part of COVID pandemic. Some of you are part of COVID pandemic. Some of you are part of this online Bible study that I put this online Bible study that I put this online Bible study that I put together of women from all over the together of women from all over the together of women from all over the country and together we read the Bible country and together we read the Bible country and together we read the Bible cover to cover over the course of a cover to cover over the course of a cover to cover over the course of a year. When we reached Hosea, the year. When we reached Hosea, the year. When we reached Hosea, the conversation changed dramatically. like conversation changed dramatically. like conversation changed dramatically. like the brakes slammed on. Uh we simply the brakes slammed on. Uh we simply the brakes slammed on. Uh we simply couldn't read it and move on. We were couldn't read it and move on. We were couldn't read it and move on. We were confronted with some difficult passages confronted with some difficult passages confronted with some difficult passages that we had to learn to wrestle with. that we had to learn to wrestle with. that we had to learn to wrestle with. The book of Hosea unfolds in three The book of Hosea unfolds in three The book of Hosea unfolds in three movements. Each one of those is built movements. Each one of those is built movements. Each one of those is built around a different metaphor for God's around a different metaphor for God's around a different metaphor for God's covenant with Israel. covenant with Israel. covenant with Israel. The first three chapters of this book The first three chapters of this book The first three chapters of this book focus on the marriage between Hosea and focus on the marriage between Hosea and focus on the marriage between Hosea and Goomer. In fact, when you pick up your Goomer. In fact, when you pick up your Goomer. In fact, when you pick up your Hosea baseball card, you'll see Goomemer Hosea baseball card, you'll see Goomemer Hosea baseball card, you'll see Goomemer is on there, too, very helpfully. So, is on there, too, very helpfully. So, is on there, too, very helpfully. So, Hosea is married to Goomemer, and this Hosea is married to Goomemer, and this Hosea is married to Goomemer, and this heartbreaking marriage of theirs becomes heartbreaking marriage of theirs becomes heartbreaking marriage of theirs becomes a living parable for Israel's repeated a living parable for Israel's repeated a living parable for Israel's repeated unfaithfulness to God. Israel's worship unfaithfulness to God. Israel's worship unfaithfulness to God. Israel's worship of other gods is described as adultery, of other gods is described as adultery, of other gods is described as adultery, which was punishable by death according which was punishable by death according which was punishable by death according to the law, if God so chose.

to the law, if God so chose. to the law, if God so chose. God's eventual reconciliation with God's eventual reconciliation with God's eventual reconciliation with Israel provides the model for Hosea's Israel provides the model for Hosea's Israel provides the model for Hosea's reconciliation with Goomer in chapter 3. reconciliation with Goomer in chapter 3. reconciliation with Goomer in chapter 3. Reading those chapters through 21st Reading those chapters through 21st Reading those chapters through 21st century eyes and especially from a century eyes and especially from a century eyes and especially from a woman's perspective is deeply unsettling woman's perspective is deeply unsettling woman's perspective is deeply unsettling and it's not hard or difficult to and it's not hard or difficult to and it's not hard or difficult to understand why. Without context, the understand why. Without context, the understand why. Without context, the image of a husband representing God and image of a husband representing God and image of a husband representing God and an unfaithful wife representing sinful an unfaithful wife representing sinful an unfaithful wife representing sinful humanity can become quite dangerous. humanity can become quite dangerous. humanity can become quite dangerous. Old Testament scholar Gail Ye warns that Old Testament scholar Gail Ye warns that Old Testament scholar Gail Ye warns that these chapters come, in her words, these chapters come, in her words, these chapters come, in her words, perilously close to sanctioning a perilously close to sanctioning a perilously close to sanctioning a husband's domestic violence against his husband's domestic violence against his husband's domestic violence against his wife. wife. wife. So there are two things that I would be So there are two things that I would be So there are two things that I would be irresponsible not to say this morning. irresponsible not to say this morning. irresponsible not to say this morning. First, we have to remember the world in First, we have to remember the world in First, we have to remember the world in which Hosea was written. Context. which Hosea was written. Context. which Hosea was written. Context. Ancient Israel was profoundly Ancient Israel was profoundly Ancient Israel was profoundly patriarchal.

patriarchal. patriarchal. Men held social power, legal power, Men held social power, legal power, Men held social power, legal power, economic power, religious power. Women economic power, religious power. Women economic power, religious power. Women did not at all. And second, Hosea's did not at all. And second, Hosea's did not at all. And second, Hosea's audience is a male audience. He is audience is a male audience. He is audience is a male audience. He is speaking to men. speaking to men. speaking to men. Marriage in that culture was not Marriage in that culture was not Marriage in that culture was not imagined as a loving partnership between imagined as a loving partnership between imagined as a loving partnership between equals. For Hosea's original hearers, equals. For Hosea's original hearers, equals. For Hosea's original hearers, the surprising part of the story was not the surprising part of the story was not the surprising part of the story was not Goomemer's unfaithfulness. That's an Goomemer's unfaithfulness. That's an Goomemer's unfaithfulness. That's an unfortunate part of the story. But the unfortunate part of the story. But the unfortunate part of the story. But the truly shocking surprise in Hosea would truly shocking surprise in Hosea would truly shocking surprise in Hosea would have been Hosea's response. A husband have been Hosea's response. A husband have been Hosea's response. A husband who possessed every legal and social who possessed every legal and social who possessed every legal and social right to cast aside this woman chooses right to cast aside this woman chooses right to cast aside this woman chooses reconciliation reconciliation reconciliation instead. instead. instead. That would shock the ears of Hosea's That would shock the ears of Hosea's That would shock the ears of Hosea's listeners. listeners. listeners. A man with all the power laid that power A man with all the power laid that power A man with all the power laid that power down. He set his privilege aside and down. He set his privilege aside and down. He set his privilege aside and welcomed back the one who had no power welcomed back the one who had no power welcomed back the one who had no power at all, accepted children who may or may at all, accepted children who may or may at all, accepted children who may or may not have been his. And for those first not have been his. And for those first not have been his. And for those first hearers, again, that would have sounded hearers, again, that would have sounded hearers, again, that would have sounded almost unimaginable.

almost unimaginable. almost unimaginable. The point here is not that abusive The point here is not that abusive The point here is not that abusive relationships should be endured. relationships should be endured. relationships should be endured. Scripture never asks victims to remain Scripture never asks victims to remain Scripture never asks victims to remain in harm's way. Full stop. in harm's way. Full stop. in harm's way. Full stop. The point in Hosea is that God's The point in Hosea is that God's The point in Hosea is that God's covenant love is so steadfast, so covenant love is so steadfast, so covenant love is so steadfast, so extravagant, so unreasonable extravagant, so unreasonable extravagant, so unreasonable that God continually chooses that God continually chooses that God continually chooses reconciliation over rejection. reconciliation over rejection. reconciliation over rejection. So, yes, Hosea is difficult reading, but So, yes, Hosea is difficult reading, but So, yes, Hosea is difficult reading, but I've learned over time that when I I've learned over time that when I I've learned over time that when I encounter something difficult in encounter something difficult in encounter something difficult in scripture, even when I encounter scripture, even when I encounter scripture, even when I encounter something difficult in our contemporary something difficult in our contemporary something difficult in our contemporary lives, the answer usually isn't to close lives, the answer usually isn't to close lives, the answer usually isn't to close it off and stop reading or to turn off it off and stop reading or to turn off it off and stop reading or to turn off all other sources of information, but to all other sources of information, but to all other sources of information, but to dig a little deeper, to keep reading. dig a little deeper, to keep reading. dig a little deeper, to keep reading. Because if we stopped with the marriage Because if we stopped with the marriage Because if we stopped with the marriage metaphor in chapters 1 through three of metaphor in chapters 1 through three of metaphor in chapters 1 through three of Hosea, we would be left with an image of Hosea, we would be left with an image of Hosea, we would be left with an image of God that is incomplete, perhaps even God that is incomplete, perhaps even God that is incomplete, perhaps even harmful.

harmful. harmful. Reading Hosea invites us to ask an Reading Hosea invites us to ask an Reading Hosea invites us to ask an important question. Anytime we encounter important question. Anytime we encounter important question. Anytime we encounter something difficult in scripture or in something difficult in scripture or in something difficult in scripture or in our lives, we might ask ourselves this our lives, we might ask ourselves this our lives, we might ask ourselves this question. question. question. What image of God are we operating with? What image of God are we operating with? What image of God are we operating with? What is the image of God that I carry What is the image of God that I carry What is the image of God that I carry around in my daily functioning or that around in my daily functioning or that around in my daily functioning or that you carry around as you go about your you carry around as you go about your you carry around as you go about your days? days? days? Is God primarily angry, Is God primarily angry, Is God primarily angry, vindictive, vindictive, vindictive, shutting people out, keeping score, shutting people out, keeping score, shutting people out, keeping score, waiting for us to fail? waiting for us to fail? waiting for us to fail? Or is there another image still Or is there another image still Or is there another image still unfolding? unfolding? unfolding? When we keep reading in Hosea, we When we keep reading in Hosea, we When we keep reading in Hosea, we discover that there is. discover that there is. discover that there is. Chapters 4 through 11 contain Hosea's Chapters 4 through 11 contain Hosea's Chapters 4 through 11 contain Hosea's prophetic oracles against Israel's prophetic oracles against Israel's prophetic oracles against Israel's politics and injustice and idolatry. politics and injustice and idolatry. politics and injustice and idolatry. Hosea was the only prophet that wrote Hosea was the only prophet that wrote Hosea was the only prophet that wrote from the northern kingdom of Israel. He from the northern kingdom of Israel. He from the northern kingdom of Israel. He preached during one of Israel's most preached during one of Israel's most preached during one of Israel's most prosperous seasons in their history prosperous seasons in their history prosperous seasons in their history under King Jeroboam II. And it's that under King Jeroboam II. And it's that under King Jeroboam II. And it's that prosperity, that ease of living, that prosperity, that ease of living, that prosperity, that ease of living, that rising social economic status that rising social economic status that rising social economic status that became ironically part of the problem.

became ironically part of the problem. became ironically part of the problem. If you go back one chapter in Hosea to If you go back one chapter in Hosea to If you go back one chapter in Hosea to chapter 10, God says, "Israel is a chapter 10, God says, "Israel is a chapter 10, God says, "Israel is a luxurant vine that yields its fruit. The luxurant vine that yields its fruit. The luxurant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased, the more more his fruit increased, the more more his fruit increased, the more altars he built, the easier their life altars he built, the easier their life altars he built, the easier their life became, the further astray from God they became, the further astray from God they became, the further astray from God they went. The altars they were building went. The altars they were building went. The altars they were building weren't altars to Yahweh. They were weren't altars to Yahweh. They were weren't altars to Yahweh. They were altars built to their own goodness, to altars built to their own goodness, to altars built to their own goodness, to their own intelligence, to their own their own intelligence, to their own their own intelligence, to their own gain, to their own cleverness. gain, to their own cleverness. gain, to their own cleverness. As often happens during times of comfort As often happens during times of comfort As often happens during times of comfort and success, Israel forgets the God who and success, Israel forgets the God who and success, Israel forgets the God who had delivered them from slavery in had delivered them from slavery in had delivered them from slavery in Egypt. They trusted their economy. They Egypt. They trusted their economy. They Egypt. They trusted their economy. They trusted their military alliances, their trusted their military alliances, their trusted their military alliances, their political strength. They worshiped the political strength. They worshiped the political strength. They worshiped the balls of all of that, all of those balls of all of that, all of those balls of all of that, all of those things that were not God that made them things that were not God that made them things that were not God that made them feel secure and comfortable and powerful feel secure and comfortable and powerful feel secure and comfortable and powerful instead of the Lord. Their commitment to instead of the Lord. Their commitment to instead of the Lord. Their commitment to Yahweh had become superficial. Their Yahweh had become superficial. Their Yahweh had become superficial. Their hearts had wandered.

hearts had wandered. hearts had wandered. And then we arrive at chapter 11 and And then we arrive at chapter 11 and And then we arrive at chapter 11 and everything changes. The metaphor changes everything changes. The metaphor changes everything changes. The metaphor changes too because here God is no longer too because here God is no longer too because here God is no longer portrayed as a wounded husband. portrayed as a wounded husband. portrayed as a wounded husband. God out of a patriarchal millu. God in God out of a patriarchal millu. God in God out of a patriarchal millu. God in fact begins to sound a lot like a loving fact begins to sound a lot like a loving fact begins to sound a lot like a loving mother, a tender father, mother, a tender father, mother, a tender father, a caregiver kneeling down beside a a caregiver kneeling down beside a a caregiver kneeling down beside a toddler learning to walk. toddler learning to walk. toddler learning to walk. The relationship is no longer framed The relationship is no longer framed The relationship is no longer framed around betrayal, but around nurture. around betrayal, but around nurture. around betrayal, but around nurture. I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms. I bent down and fed them. in my arms. I bent down and fed them. in my arms. I bent down and fed them. The prophet is inviting us to see the The prophet is inviting us to see the The prophet is inviting us to see the heart of God more clearly. heart of God more clearly. heart of God more clearly. And God begins by recounting Israel's And God begins by recounting Israel's And God begins by recounting Israel's rebellion. The more I called them, the rebellion. The more I called them, the rebellion. The more I called them, the further they went from me. Some parents further they went from me. Some parents further they went from me. Some parents know that heartbreak. You teach and you know that heartbreak. You teach and you know that heartbreak. You teach and you guide and you protect. Sometimes your guide and you protect. Sometimes your guide and you protect. Sometimes your children choose to go down a pathway you children choose to go down a pathway you children choose to go down a pathway you would not have chosen for them. But then would not have chosen for them. But then would not have chosen for them. But then suddenly in Hosea, the tone changes suddenly in Hosea, the tone changes suddenly in Hosea, the tone changes almost in midsentence. Out of that almost in midsentence. Out of that almost in midsentence. Out of that heartbreak, God cries out, "How can I heartbreak, God cries out, "How can I heartbreak, God cries out, "How can I give you up?

give you up? give you up? How can I hand you over?" My heart How can I hand you over?" My heart How can I hand you over?" My heart recoils within me. My compassion grows recoils within me. My compassion grows recoils within me. My compassion grows warm and tender. warm and tender. warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger. It's I will not execute my fierce anger. It's I will not execute my fierce anger. It's as though divine wrath collides with as though divine wrath collides with as though divine wrath collides with divine compassion divine compassion divine compassion and compassion will always win. and compassion will always win. and compassion will always win. There's a holy override of sorts. God There's a holy override of sorts. God There's a holy override of sorts. God says, "I cannot stop loving you." says, "I cannot stop loving you." says, "I cannot stop loving you." And that might be the most important And that might be the most important And that might be the most important thing we hear today. thing we hear today. thing we hear today. God cannot stop loving you. God cannot stop loving you. God cannot stop loving you. Sometimes Christians carry around an Sometimes Christians carry around an Sometimes Christians carry around an understanding of God that sounds understanding of God that sounds understanding of God that sounds something like this. something like this. something like this. The Old Testament God is angry, mean, The Old Testament God is angry, mean, The Old Testament God is angry, mean, and vengeful. and vengeful. and vengeful. But the New Testament God is loving and But the New Testament God is loving and But the New Testament God is loving and kind. But that simply is not true. There kind. But that simply is not true. There kind. But that simply is not true. There is no mean Old Testament God and loving is no mean Old Testament God and loving is no mean Old Testament God and loving New Testament God. They are the same New Testament God. They are the same New Testament God. They are the same God. The God who teaches toddlers to God. The God who teaches toddlers to God. The God who teaches toddlers to walk in Hosea is the same God who tells walk in Hosea is the same God who tells walk in Hosea is the same God who tells stories about a father with a heart full stories about a father with a heart full stories about a father with a heart full of compassion running down the road to of compassion running down the road to of compassion running down the road to embrace his lost son. The God whose embrace his lost son. The God whose embrace his lost son. The God whose heart breaks in Hosea is the same God heart breaks in Hosea is the same God heart breaks in Hosea is the same God who weeps over Jerusalem.

who weeps over Jerusalem. who weeps over Jerusalem. The God who says, "How can I give you The God who says, "How can I give you The God who says, "How can I give you up?" is the same God who stretches out up?" is the same God who stretches out up?" is the same God who stretches out his arms on the cross for us. his arms on the cross for us. his arms on the cross for us. It's always been the same heart, the It's always been the same heart, the It's always been the same heart, the same relentless love. same relentless love. same relentless love. There's a group of three Jesuits, There's a group of three Jesuits, There's a group of three Jesuits, Matthew, Dennis, and Sheila Lynn, who Matthew, Dennis, and Sheila Lynn, who Matthew, Dennis, and Sheila Lynn, who have spent years asking that question. have spent years asking that question. have spent years asking that question. What image of God am I carrying around What image of God am I carrying around What image of God am I carrying around with me? What image of God are you with me? What image of God are you with me? What image of God are you carrying around inside of you? Because carrying around inside of you? Because carrying around inside of you? Because whether we realize it or not, every one whether we realize it or not, every one whether we realize it or not, every one of us has one. of us has one. of us has one. Some imagine a God who is mostly Some imagine a God who is mostly Some imagine a God who is mostly disappointed. disappointed. disappointed. Some picture a divine scorekeeper. Some picture a divine scorekeeper. Some picture a divine scorekeeper. You might imagine a God who waits for us You might imagine a God who waits for us You might imagine a God who waits for us to get our lives together before to get our lives together before to get our lives together before offering love and acceptance. offering love and acceptance. offering love and acceptance. The Linds suggests that many Christians The Linds suggests that many Christians The Linds suggests that many Christians unconsciously tell themselves a story unconsciously tell themselves a story unconsciously tell themselves a story that goes something like this. I sinned.

that goes something like this. I sinned. that goes something like this. I sinned. God punishes me. Eventually, I repent God punishes me. Eventually, I repent God punishes me. Eventually, I repent and then God forgives me. and then God forgives me. and then God forgives me. Does that sound familiar to you? Many of Does that sound familiar to you? Many of Does that sound familiar to you? Many of us probably grew up believing that. But us probably grew up believing that. But us probably grew up believing that. But when you read scripture carefully, a when you read scripture carefully, a when you read scripture carefully, a different pattern emerges. We've gotten different pattern emerges. We've gotten different pattern emerges. We've gotten the sequence out of order because the the sequence out of order because the the sequence out of order because the pattern actually is this. God loves, God pattern actually is this. God loves, God pattern actually is this. God loves, God pursues, God heals. And it is that love pursues, God heals. And it is that love pursues, God heals. And it is that love that makes repentance possible. that makes repentance possible. that makes repentance possible. Grace is not a response. Grace is not Grace is not a response. Grace is not Grace is not a response. Grace is not God's response to our repentance. Grace God's response to our repentance. Grace God's response to our repentance. Grace is our response is our response is our response uh repentance is our response to grace. uh repentance is our response to grace. uh repentance is our response to grace. Grace is not God's response to our Grace is not God's response to our Grace is not God's response to our repentance. Repentance is our response repentance. Repentance is our response repentance. Repentance is our response to grace. Think about the Apostle Paul to grace. Think about the Apostle Paul to grace. Think about the Apostle Paul for example. for example. for example. Jesus didn't wait for Saul to become Jesus didn't wait for Saul to become Jesus didn't wait for Saul to become repentant before meeting him on the repentant before meeting him on the repentant before meeting him on the Damascus road. Grace completely Damascus road. Grace completely Damascus road. Grace completely interrupts his life and changes him.

interrupts his life and changes him. interrupts his life and changes him. Think about the prodigal son. While the Think about the prodigal son. While the Think about the prodigal son. While the son is still quote a long way off, the son is still quote a long way off, the son is still quote a long way off, the father saw him and ran toward him. The father saw him and ran toward him. The father saw him and ran toward him. The father doesn't even wait for the apology father doesn't even wait for the apology father doesn't even wait for the apology that has been rehearsed by the son to that has been rehearsed by the son to that has been rehearsed by the son to get out. He just runs and embraces him. get out. He just runs and embraces him. get out. He just runs and embraces him. Or think about those parables that Jesus Or think about those parables that Jesus Or think about those parables that Jesus shares just before that one in Luke 15 shares just before that one in Luke 15 shares just before that one in Luke 15 of the lost sheep, the lost coin. of the lost sheep, the lost coin. of the lost sheep, the lost coin. Because in those parables, it's the Because in those parables, it's the Because in those parables, it's the shepherd who searches, not the sheep who shepherd who searches, not the sheep who shepherd who searches, not the sheep who gets it together and comes back. It's gets it together and comes back. It's gets it together and comes back. It's the woman who sweeps the whole house and the woman who sweeps the whole house and the woman who sweeps the whole house and finds the coin. Not the coin who somehow finds the coin. Not the coin who somehow finds the coin. Not the coin who somehow finds itself. finds itself. finds itself. God is always making the first move. God is always making the first move. God is always making the first move. That's Hosea's story, too. God tells That's Hosea's story, too. God tells That's Hosea's story, too. God tells Hosea, "Go. Go now. Love Goomemer. Not Hosea, "Go. Go now. Love Goomemer. Not Hosea, "Go. Go now. Love Goomemer. Not after she changes. Not after she comes after she changes. Not after she comes after she changes. Not after she comes home. Not after she promises to do home. Not after she promises to do home. Not after she promises to do better. Go and find her while she is better. Go and find her while she is better. Go and find her while she is still lost." And Hosea literally still lost." And Hosea literally still lost." And Hosea literally purchases her freedom while she's still purchases her freedom while she's still purchases her freedom while she's still standing in the marketplace waiting for standing in the marketplace waiting for standing in the marketplace waiting for her next offer.

her next offer. her next offer. That's redemption. And that is grace. That's redemption. And that is grace. That's redemption. And that is grace. That is the gospel before the gospel. That is the gospel before the gospel. That is the gospel before the gospel. Now, we might ask, are you really saying Now, we might ask, are you really saying Now, we might ask, are you really saying God loves sinners before they repent? God loves sinners before they repent? God loves sinners before they repent? Yes. Yes, I am. Because it's not that Yes. Yes, I am. Because it's not that Yes. Yes, I am. Because it's not that sin doesn't matter. Sin matters sin doesn't matter. Sin matters sin doesn't matter. Sin matters enormously. It's a weight that wounds enormously. It's a weight that wounds enormously. It's a weight that wounds us, that separates us from others and us, that separates us from others and us, that separates us from others and wounds them. Sin separates us from God. wounds them. Sin separates us from God. wounds them. Sin separates us from God. But God's love is never the reward for But God's love is never the reward for But God's love is never the reward for our repentance. It's God's love that our repentance. It's God's love that our repentance. It's God's love that makes repentance possible at all. As makes repentance possible at all. As makes repentance possible at all. As Paul writes, God proves his love for us Paul writes, God proves his love for us Paul writes, God proves his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, in that while we were yet sinners, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Christ died for us. Christ died for us. Love comes first. Love comes first. Love comes first. always always always people cannot change if they do not know people cannot change if they do not know people cannot change if they do not know that they are loved. They cannot uh that they are loved. They cannot uh that they are loved. They cannot uh navigate crisis if they do not feel safe navigate crisis if they do not feel safe navigate crisis if they do not feel safe and accepted and embraced with and accepted and embraced with and accepted and embraced with unconditional care and regard. This is unconditional care and regard. This is unconditional care and regard. This is true of all humans. You cannot change, true of all humans. You cannot change, true of all humans. You cannot change, you cannot navigate your difficult you cannot navigate your difficult you cannot navigate your difficult circumstances if you're not starting circumstances if you're not starting circumstances if you're not starting from a knowledge that you are loved.

from a knowledge that you are loved. from a knowledge that you are loved. That's why on this Steven Ministry That's why on this Steven Ministry That's why on this Steven Ministry Sunday, the work of Steven ministers Sunday, the work of Steven ministers Sunday, the work of Steven ministers become so important. Here you have become so important. Here you have become so important. Here you have someone who's going through a difficult someone who's going through a difficult someone who's going through a difficult time. Maybe things have occurred in time. Maybe things have occurred in time. Maybe things have occurred in their lives of their own doing or of their lives of their own doing or of their lives of their own doing or of others that have brought them to an others that have brought them to an others that have brought them to an utter low. utter low. utter low. They need someone to walk with them They need someone to walk with them They need someone to walk with them without judgment, listening, loving them without judgment, listening, loving them without judgment, listening, loving them on behalf of God so that they can take on behalf of God so that they can take on behalf of God so that they can take one step and then another towards one step and then another towards one step and then another towards wholeness. wholeness. wholeness. There's a Greek word tieios which means There's a Greek word tieios which means There's a Greek word tieios which means complete and wholeness. It's our end complete and wholeness. It's our end complete and wholeness. It's our end goal. goal. goal. And if you look at the Steven Ministry And if you look at the Steven Ministry And if you look at the Steven Ministry logo that's on this card that you logo that's on this card that you logo that's on this card that you received or you'll see it in the lobby received or you'll see it in the lobby received or you'll see it in the lobby too, you see that there are two figures too, you see that there are two figures too, you see that there are two figures of people and one of them has a of people and one of them has a of people and one of them has a brokenness on the other side of the brokenness on the other side of the brokenness on the other side of the cross. On the other side of knowing that cross. On the other side of knowing that cross. On the other side of knowing that they are loved and accepted and embraced they are loved and accepted and embraced they are loved and accepted and embraced by God is wholeness, is restoration.

by God is wholeness, is restoration. by God is wholeness, is restoration. We are called to love in that way. To We are called to love in that way. To We are called to love in that way. To love like our father loves us. To love love like our father loves us. To love love like our father loves us. To love without keeping score. To love beyond without keeping score. To love beyond without keeping score. To love beyond reciprocity or beyond deserving. reciprocity or beyond deserving. reciprocity or beyond deserving. To love beyond tribal boundaries and To love beyond tribal boundaries and To love beyond tribal boundaries and politics. Because that is exactly how politics. Because that is exactly how politics. Because that is exactly how God has loved each and every one of us. God has loved each and every one of us. God has loved each and every one of us. We live in a world that believes that We live in a world that believes that We live in a world that believes that everyone gets what they deserve. That everyone gets what they deserve. That everyone gets what they deserve. That something terrible happened to someone something terrible happened to someone something terrible happened to someone because they shouldn't have been doing because they shouldn't have been doing because they shouldn't have been doing what they were doing when they were what they were doing when they were what they were doing when they were doing it. or they shouldn't have been doing it. or they shouldn't have been doing it. or they shouldn't have been there at that place at that time. there at that place at that time. there at that place at that time. But Jesus says, "The Father lets the sun But Jesus says, "The Father lets the sun But Jesus says, "The Father lets the sun rise on both the good and the bad, on rise on both the good and the bad, on rise on both the good and the bad, on both the redeemed and those astray. Rain both the redeemed and those astray. Rain both the redeemed and those astray. Rain falls on the righteous and the falls on the righteous and the falls on the righteous and the unrighteous alike. Grace refuses to be unrighteous alike. Grace refuses to be unrighteous alike. Grace refuses to be stingy. Grace is extravagant, stingy. Grace is extravagant, stingy. Grace is extravagant, reckless even. reckless even. reckless even. Not reckless because it's careless, but Not reckless because it's careless, but Not reckless because it's careless, but reckless because from our perspective, reckless because from our perspective, reckless because from our perspective, it seems completely unreasonable.

it seems completely unreasonable. it seems completely unreasonable. Who keeps loving people like this? How Who keeps loving people like this? How Who keeps loving people like this? How could the world possibly operate in this could the world possibly operate in this could the world possibly operate in this way? Who refuses to quit? Who says, "How way? Who refuses to quit? Who says, "How way? Who refuses to quit? Who says, "How can I give you up?" can I give you up?" can I give you up?" Only God. Only God. Only God. Perhaps today you need to hear that word Perhaps today you need to hear that word Perhaps today you need to hear that word for yourself. for yourself. for yourself. God is saying, "How can I give you up? I God is saying, "How can I give you up? I God is saying, "How can I give you up? I can't. I cannot stop loving you." Maybe can't. I cannot stop loving you." Maybe can't. I cannot stop loving you." Maybe you've wandered. Maybe you've trusted in you've wandered. Maybe you've trusted in you've wandered. Maybe you've trusted in something other than God. Maybe you've something other than God. Maybe you've something other than God. Maybe you've disappointed yourself or someone else or disappointed yourself or someone else or disappointed yourself or someone else or even God. But hear the words of Hosea. even God. But hear the words of Hosea. even God. But hear the words of Hosea. Hear the parent who knelt down beside Hear the parent who knelt down beside Hear the parent who knelt down beside you before you could even stand, saying, you before you could even stand, saying, you before you could even stand, saying, "I taught you to walk. I'll teach you "I taught you to walk. I'll teach you "I taught you to walk. I'll teach you again. again. again. I carried you and I'll carry you again. I carried you and I'll carry you again. I carried you and I'll carry you again. I fed you and I will nourish you on this I fed you and I will nourish you on this I fed you and I will nourish you on this journey. journey. journey. How can I give you up? I cannot stop How can I give you up? I cannot stop How can I give you up? I cannot stop loving you. loving you. loving you. Parents don't stop loving toddlers Parents don't stop loving toddlers Parents don't stop loving toddlers because they fall. They expect them to because they fall. They expect them to because they fall. They expect them to fall. They kneel down. They reach out.

fall. They kneel down. They reach out. fall. They kneel down. They reach out. They pick them up. That even triggers a They pick them up. That even triggers a They pick them up. That even triggers a response in parents to go and take care. response in parents to go and take care. response in parents to go and take care. They whisper, "Try again. They whisper, "Try again. They whisper, "Try again. And that's Hosea's God. That is Jesus's And that's Hosea's God. That is Jesus's And that's Hosea's God. That is Jesus's father. That is the God whose love often father. That is the God whose love often father. That is the God whose love often looks almost reckless and unreasonable looks almost reckless and unreasonable looks almost reckless and unreasonable from the outside. The God who simply from the outside. The God who simply from the outside. The God who simply cannot stop loving God's children. cannot stop loving God's children. cannot stop loving God's children. That love does not excuse our sin, but That love does not excuse our sin, but That love does not excuse our sin, but it heals us from it. It restores us it heals us from it. It restores us it heals us from it. It restores us through it, and it calls us home. And we through it, and it calls us home. And we through it, and it calls us home. And we come to know the rest that our weary come to know the rest that our weary come to know the rest that our weary souls have longed for. That love that souls have longed for. That love that souls have longed for. That love that will not let us go. And when that kind will not let us go. And when that kind will not let us go. And when that kind of love finally sinks into our bones, we of love finally sinks into our bones, we of love finally sinks into our bones, we discover that loving our enemies is no discover that loving our enemies is no discover that loving our enemies is no longer just a command to obey. We longer just a command to obey. We longer just a command to obey. We discover that we can forgive [snorts] discover that we can forgive [snorts] discover that we can forgive [snorts] someone who has hurt us. We discover someone who has hurt us. We discover someone who has hurt us. We discover that there is hope beyond our current that there is hope beyond our current that there is hope beyond our current circumstances.

circumstances. circumstances. This kind of love becomes the natural This kind of love becomes the natural This kind of love becomes the natural overflow of having first been loved by overflow of having first been loved by overflow of having first been loved by God that way ourselves. We can then love God that way ourselves. We can then love God that way ourselves. We can then love others in such a powerful way. others in such a powerful way. others in such a powerful way. In the name of the Father, Son, and the In the name of the Father, Son, and the In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen. As we come to the close of our service, As we come to the close of our service, As we come to the close of our service, a couple of invitations that we want to a couple of invitations that we want to a couple of invitations that we want to offer to you. offer to you. offer to you. First, going forward, every Sunday, First, going forward, every Sunday, First, going forward, every Sunday, we'll be having a space dedicated in our we'll be having a space dedicated in our we'll be having a space dedicated in our Northx where you can go and talk with Northx where you can go and talk with Northx where you can go and talk with one of our Steven ministers. If one of our Steven ministers. If one of our Steven ministers. If something in you is stirring, perhaps something in you is stirring, perhaps something in you is stirring, perhaps that's the reason that you came today, that's the reason that you came today, that's the reason that you came today, there's a pain that can't be ignored any there's a pain that can't be ignored any there's a pain that can't be ignored any longer in your life, or maybe something longer in your life, or maybe something longer in your life, or maybe something that we've shared in worship today has that we've shared in worship today has that we've shared in worship today has brought something up. If you would like brought something up. If you would like brought something up. If you would like to speak with someone or pray with to speak with someone or pray with to speak with someone or pray with someone who is a wonderful listener who someone who is a wonderful listener who someone who is a wonderful listener who is filled with that love of God that is filled with that love of God that is filled with that love of God that will not let you go, our Steven will not let you go, our Steven will not let you go, our Steven ministers will be in the Narthx and you ministers will be in the Narthx and you ministers will be in the Narthx and you can speak with them. Uh you can also ask can speak with them. Uh you can also ask can speak with them. Uh you can also ask them about becoming a Steven minister if them about becoming a Steven minister if them about becoming a Steven minister if you are feeling that call from God. I you are feeling that call from God. I you are feeling that call from God. I also want to invite you to take your also want to invite you to take your also want to invite you to take your bulletin home and take note of the bulletin home and take note of the bulletin home and take note of the things that are happening in our church.

things that are happening in our church. things that are happening in our church. Uh first vacation Bible school is Uh first vacation Bible school is Uh first vacation Bible school is happening uh starting tomorrow. So be in happening uh starting tomorrow. So be in happening uh starting tomorrow. So be in prayer for those who are volunteering. prayer for those who are volunteering. prayer for those who are volunteering. And if you are one of our volunteers, we And if you are one of our volunteers, we And if you are one of our volunteers, we thank you and we are praying for you. Um thank you and we are praying for you. Um thank you and we are praying for you. Um you'll also see that we have a blood you'll also see that we have a blood you'll also see that we have a blood drive happening today in the scout hut drive happening today in the scout hut drive happening today in the scout hut which is over on that part of our which is over on that part of our which is over on that part of our campus. You can walk in and donate. Uh campus. You can walk in and donate. Uh campus. You can walk in and donate. Uh bring your ID, make sure you're bring your ID, make sure you're bring your ID, make sure you're hydrated. You know the drill. Um, and hydrated. You know the drill. Um, and hydrated. You know the drill. Um, and finally, if you would like to speak with finally, if you would like to speak with finally, if you would like to speak with Pastor DeAndre or I in the Narthx, if Pastor DeAndre or I in the Narthx, if Pastor DeAndre or I in the Narthx, if you're new here especially, we'd like to you're new here especially, we'd like to you're new here especially, we'd like to get to know you and say hello. If you get to know you and say hello. If you get to know you and say hello. If you found your home here and you want to found your home here and you want to found your home here and you want to continue to be a part of a community continue to be a part of a community continue to be a part of a community where we do our best to operate out of where we do our best to operate out of where we do our best to operate out of that unconditional love that God has that unconditional love that God has that unconditional love that God has given to us, we invite you to join us given to us, we invite you to join us given to us, we invite you to join us and become a member of MDUMC. If that's and become a member of MDUMC. If that's and become a member of MDUMC. If that's you today, you can meet DeAndre and I you today, you can meet DeAndre and I you today, you can meet DeAndre and I here at the steps of the chancel as we here at the steps of the chancel as we here at the steps of the chancel as we sing our closing hymn together. The sing our closing hymn together. The sing our closing hymn together. The spirit song, a song that's become spirit song, a song that's become spirit song, a song that's become important to our Steven ministers and important to our Steven ministers and important to our Steven ministers and that carries this message of loving one that carries this message of loving one that carries this message of loving one another. Well, let's stand and sing.

Let me serve you. Let me be as nice to Let me serve you. Let me be as nice to [music] you. [music] you. [music] you. Pray that I may have grace to let you be Pray that I may have grace to let you be Pray that I may have grace to let you be my servant too. my servant too. my servant too. We are pil We are pil We are pil on a journey. on a journey. on a journey. Fellow travelers Fellow travelers Fellow travelers on the road. [music] on the road. [music] on the road. [music] We are here to help each other. I will hold I will hold my for you in the night my for you in the night my for you in the night of your fear. of your fear. of your fear. I will hold my hand to you. Seek the I will hold my hand to you. Seek the I will hold my hand to you. Seek the peace you long to hear. peace you long to hear. peace you long to hear. I will weep when you are weeping.

I will weep when you are weeping. I will weep when you are weeping. When you laugh When you laugh When you laugh with you, [music] with you, [music] with you, [music] I will share your joy and sorrow I will share your joy and sorrow I will share your joy and sorrow till we sing this journey through. When we sing to my heaven, When we sing to my heaven, we shall find such a we shall find such a we shall find such a for Will you let me Will you let me your serant? your serant? your serant? Let me be as Christ to you. Let me be as Christ to you. Let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I may have the grace to let Pray that I may have the grace to let Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my serant.

[music] [music] >> What a joy it has been to worship >> What a joy it has been to worship >> What a joy it has been to worship together. And now I send you with these together. And now I send you with these together. And now I send you with these words. May you go knowing that God's words. May you go knowing that God's words. May you go knowing that God's love and grace doesn't depend on you love and grace doesn't depend on you love and grace doesn't depend on you having it all together. And likewise, having it all together. And likewise, having it all together. And likewise, may you go and share God's love and may you go and share God's love and may you go and share God's love and grace with others. Be a servant to them. grace with others. Be a servant to them. grace with others. Be a servant to them. Hold the Christ light for them. Reach Hold the Christ light for them. Reach Hold the Christ light for them. Reach out your hand and offer care. Go to out your hand and offer care. Go to out your hand and offer care. Go to serve God and your neighbor in all that serve God and your neighbor in all that serve God and your neighbor in all that you do. May the peace of Christ go with you do. May the peace of Christ go with you do. May the peace of Christ go with you. Amen. you. Amen. you. Amen. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] heat heat Heat.