The Minors: Amos | Rev. Seann Duffin

Good. You can clap for that. Yeah. Good. You can clap for that. Yeah. Good morning everyone. Grace and peace Good morning everyone. Grace and peace Good morning everyone. Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ our to you in the name of Jesus Christ our to you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Welcome to worship. My name is Lord. Welcome to worship. My name is Lord. Welcome to worship. My name is Sean. I'm the senior pastor here at Sean. I'm the senior pastor here at Sean. I'm the senior pastor here at MDUMC and I am so glad that God has MDUMC and I am so glad that God has MDUMC and I am so glad that God has gathered us together today. Thank you gathered us together today. Thank you gathered us together today. Thank you for being here. If you're new to MDUMC, for being here. If you're new to MDUMC, for being here. If you're new to MDUMC, a particular welcome to you. I know that a particular welcome to you. I know that a particular welcome to you. I know that there are lots of places you could be on there are lots of places you could be on there are lots of places you could be on a sunny summer Sunday and I'm really a sunny summer Sunday and I'm really a sunny summer Sunday and I'm really glad grateful that you're here. Uh you glad grateful that you're here. Uh you glad grateful that you're here. Uh you can tell that this week was different at can tell that this week was different at can tell that this week was different at MDUMC. Uh it was vacation Bible school MDUMC. Uh it was vacation Bible school MDUMC. Uh it was vacation Bible school week. It's one of the best, most fun week. It's one of the best, most fun week. It's one of the best, most fun weeks of the year. And we've left up weeks of the year. And we've left up weeks of the year. And we've left up some of the decorations from Snowball some of the decorations from Snowball some of the decorations from Snowball Mountain so that you can get a sense for Mountain so that you can get a sense for Mountain so that you can get a sense for how this room was transformed all week how this room was transformed all week how this room was transformed all week long and was the home for hundreds and long and was the home for hundreds and long and was the home for hundreds and hundreds of kids as part of vacation hundreds of kids as part of vacation hundreds of kids as part of vacation bible school this week. You'll get to bible school this week. You'll get to bible school this week. You'll get to hear a little bit more about that later hear a little bit more about that later hear a little bit more about that later in the service. But now as we enter into in the service. But now as we enter into in the service. But now as we enter into worship, would you stand as you're able worship, would you stand as you're able worship, would you stand as you're able and would you join me in our call to and would you join me in our call to and would you join me in our call to worship? It's a responsive prayer. So worship? It's a responsive prayer. So worship? It's a responsive prayer. So I'll begin. Your responses will be on I'll begin. Your responses will be on I'll begin. Your responses will be on the screen.

the screen. the screen. We come for God gathers us here with We come for God gathers us here with We come for God gathers us here with that community called faith. that community called faith. that community called faith. Where the hungry are served first, where Where the hungry are served first, where Where the hungry are served first, where the thirsty drink life's water, we come the thirsty drink life's water, we come the thirsty drink life's water, we come for God welcomes us here into that home for God welcomes us here into that home for God welcomes us here into that home called grace. called grace. called grace. Where the naked are clothed in robes of Where the naked are clothed in robes of Where the naked are clothed in robes of hope, where the stranger is embraced as hope, where the stranger is embraced as hope, where the stranger is embraced as the longlost prodigal, we come for God the longlost prodigal, we come for God the longlost prodigal, we come for God reunites us here. Sisters and brothers reunites us here. Sisters and brothers reunites us here. Sisters and brothers in that family called love, where the in that family called love, where the in that family called love, where the imprisoned model justice, where the sick imprisoned model justice, where the sick imprisoned model justice, where the sick are cradled in God's peace. Let's sing are cradled in God's peace. Let's sing are cradled in God's peace. Let's sing together. God God uses

to to praise. Grant us wisdom. Grant us praise. Grant us wisdom. Grant us praise. Grant us wisdom. Grant us the living of these days. and and song. song. song. Grant us wisdom. Grant us wisdom. Grant us wisdom. Let us >> Now let's affirm our faith together with

>> Now let's affirm our faith together with the words of the Apostles Creed. Would the words of the Apostles Creed. Would the words of the Apostles Creed. Would you join me? I believe in God the Father you join me? I believe in God the Father you join me? I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified dead and Pontious Pilate, was crucified dead and Pontious 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 thence he shall come to Almighty. from thence he shall come to Almighty. from thence 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. Glory Glory to the Father to the Father to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.

Ghost. Ghost. As it in the beginning As it in the beginning As it in the beginning is now and ever shall be is now and ever shall be is now and ever shall be world without end. world without end. world without end. Amen. >> Now, as God's people gathered here in >> Now, as God's people gathered here in God's house, would you greet one another God's house, would you greet one another God's house, would you greet one another with signs of God's love and grace?

Friends, as Pastor Sean said, It has Friends, as Pastor Sean said, It has been a big week here this week. We have been a big week here this week. We have been a big week here this week. We have learned to be brave. We have learned to learned to be brave. We have learned to learned to be brave. We have learned to pray. We have learned to turn to God in pray. We have learned to turn to God in pray. We have learned to turn to God in all our circumstances. Our verse this all our circumstances. Our verse this all our circumstances. Our verse this week was from Philippians 4:13. I can do week was from Philippians 4:13. I can do week was from Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through God who gives me all things through God who gives me all things through God who gives me strength. And we would like to share strength. And we would like to share strength. And we would like to share with you just a little bit about our VBS with you just a little bit about our VBS with you just a little bit about our VBS week with a video.

Friends, if you were here this week and Friends, if you were here this week and you learned some songs and would like to you learned some songs and would like to you learned some songs and would like to come and share those with the come and share those with the come and share those with the congregation, we'd love to invite our congregation, we'd love to invite our congregation, we'd love to invite our children to come forward and do our VBS children to come forward and do our VBS children to come forward and do our VBS songs together or adults. If you're in a songs together or adults. If you're in a songs together or adults. If you're in a blue shirt, a green shirt, a purple blue shirt, a green shirt, a purple blue shirt, a green shirt, a purple shirt, if you're not in your VBS shirt shirt, if you're not in your VBS shirt shirt, if you're not in your VBS shirt at all, we'd love to have you come at all, we'd love to have you come at all, we'd love to have you come forward and share our song with us forward and share our song with us forward and share our song with us today. Can you feel it in your heart? Can you Can you feel it in your heart? Can you feel it in your soul?

the great unknown? the great unknown? I proide I proide I proide strength we've never known. This is a strength we've never known. This is a strength we've never known. This is a snowball snowball snowball mountain. This is a snowball This is a snowball mountain. No matter what the future No matter what the future with Jesus we can do allow with Jesus we can do allow with Jesus we can do allow mountain. But I've got you and you got me and But I've got you and you got me and we've got Jesus as we move into the we've got Jesus as we move into the we've got Jesus as we move into the unknown. unknown. unknown. God with Jesus. We can do our things.

with Jesus. We can do our things. >> Mountain climb climb up our mountain side climb climb up our mountain side down the hill. We're going to climb down the hill. We're going to climb down the hill. We're going to climb climb climb up mountain climb climb up mountain climb climb up mountain ride down the hill. As we move into the ride down the hill. As we move into the ride down the hill. As we move into the great unknown, great unknown, great unknown, God provides God provides God provides strength we've never known. This is a strength we've never known. This is a strength we've never known. This is a snowball snowball snowball mountain. This is a snow This is a snow mountain. No matter what the future brings, with No matter what the future brings, with Jesus we can do our things. Slow Jesus we can do our things. Slow Jesus we can do our things. Slow mountain. >> Amen. Amen. And friends, if you want to >> Amen. Amen. And friends, if you want to stick around, we're going to do stick around, we're going to do stick around, we're going to do children's time. Do you want to stick children's time. Do you want to stick children's time. Do you want to stick around? Where's our mystery box?

around? Where's our mystery box? around? Where's our mystery box? Oh, Oh, Oh, come bring our mystery box. We're going come bring our mystery box. We're going come bring our mystery box. We're going to do children's time with Pastor Kate. to do children's time with Pastor Kate. to do children's time with Pastor Kate. >> Let's see. >> Let's see. >> Let's see. >> Let's see who who has here comes our >> Let's see who who has here comes our >> Let's see who who has here comes our box. box. box. >> Come bring it on me. >> Come bring it on me. >> Come bring it on me. >> No, she's bringing a box. >> No, she's bringing a box. >> No, she's bringing a box. >> She's bringing a box. So, those of you >> She's bringing a box. So, those of you >> She's bringing a box. So, those of you who don't know, all summer long, we are who don't know, all summer long, we are who don't know, all summer long, we are doing the mystery box. So, you have put doing the mystery box. So, you have put doing the mystery box. So, you have put something in the box, right? something in the box, right? something in the box, right? >> Come sit right here. >> Come sit right here. >> Come sit right here. >> I know. Good morning. Good morning. So, >> I know. Good morning. Good morning. So, >> I know. Good morning. Good morning. So, you put something in the box, right? Do you put something in the box, right? Do you put something in the box, right? Do I know what's in the box? I know what's in the box? I know what's in the box? Nope. I have no idea what's in the box. Nope. I have no idea what's in the box. Nope. I have no idea what's in the box. So, can I see it? Let's see. Let's find So, can I see it? Let's see. Let's find So, can I see it? Let's see. Let's find Oh, it's not very heavy. Oh, it's not very heavy. Oh, it's not very heavy. >> Doesn't really shake. Is it breathe? >> Doesn't really shake. Is it breathe? >> Doesn't really shake. Is it breathe? No, it doesn't breathe. Okay, let's find No, it doesn't breathe. Okay, let's find No, it doesn't breathe. Okay, let's find out what's in here. Oh, out what's in here. Oh, out what's in here. Oh, it's a peanut. It's a like squishy it's a peanut. It's a like squishy it's a peanut. It's a like squishy peanut. peanut. peanut. I don't know. When peanuts get like I don't know. When peanuts get like I don't know. When peanuts get like this, are you supposed to eat them?

this, are you supposed to eat them? this, are you supposed to eat them? Yeah. I think I remember some people Yeah. I think I remember some people Yeah. I think I remember some people playing hot potato with this peanut. And playing hot potato with this peanut. And playing hot potato with this peanut. And obviously the connection to Jesus is obviously the connection to Jesus is obviously the connection to Jesus is clear as day. And you guys don't need me clear as day. And you guys don't need me clear as day. And you guys don't need me to fill you in right at all. But you to fill you in right at all. But you to fill you in right at all. But you know, peanuts peanuts are really know, peanuts peanuts are really know, peanuts peanuts are really interesting because they can do all interesting because they can do all interesting because they can do all kinds of things. You can make soap out kinds of things. You can make soap out kinds of things. You can make soap out of them. You can make peanut butter out of them. You can make peanut butter out of them. You can make peanut butter out of them. Don't you? Yeah. And you know, of them. Don't you? Yeah. And you know, of them. Don't you? Yeah. And you know, it's kind of like the word of God. See, it's kind of like the word of God. See, it's kind of like the word of God. See, like the word of God, we all have the like the word of God, we all have the like the word of God, we all have the same book and there's lots and lots of same book and there's lots and lots of same book and there's lots and lots of people who read it and they learn people who read it and they learn people who read it and they learn different things about God. And all of different things about God. And all of different things about God. And all of us have a little piece of it to share. us have a little piece of it to share. us have a little piece of it to share. So you might have some peanut butter to So you might have some peanut butter to So you might have some peanut butter to share, you might have candle making to share, you might have candle making to share, you might have candle making to share, you might have soap to share, but share, you might have soap to share, but share, you might have soap to share, but you all learn about it from the same you all learn about it from the same you all learn about it from the same source. There's one source and many source. There's one source and many source. There's one source and many stories that we learn. Just like a stories that we learn. Just like a stories that we learn. Just like a peanut can become many, many things in peanut can become many, many things in peanut can become many, many things in different hands. Isn't that cool? So, I different hands. Isn't that cool? So, I different hands. Isn't that cool? So, I wonder what you will make of all the wonder what you will make of all the wonder what you will make of all the stories that you learned at vacation stories that you learned at vacation stories that you learned at vacation bible school this week.

bible school this week. bible school this week. Why don't we do hands in the air and Why don't we do hands in the air and Why don't we do hands in the air and hands in prayer? Ready? Dear God, hands in prayer? Ready? Dear God, hands in prayer? Ready? Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> thank you >> thank you >> thank you >> for your word. >> for your word. >> for your word. >> for your word. >> for your word. >> for your word. >> Let it take root in me. Let it take root >> Let it take root in me. Let it take root >> Let it take root in me. Let it take root in in in >> and become something amazing. >> and become something amazing. >> and become something amazing. >> and become something amazing. >> and become something amazing. >> and become something amazing. >> In Jesus name we pray. >> In Jesus name we pray. >> In Jesus name we pray. >> In Jesus name we pray. >> In Jesus name we pray. >> In Jesus name we pray. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Awesome. Thank you for bringing this >> Awesome. Thank you for bringing this >> Awesome. Thank you for bringing this today. Do you have fun with it? today. Do you have fun with it? today. Do you have fun with it? >> All right. We can go back. We can go to >> All right. We can go back. We can go to >> All right. We can go back. We can go to Sunday school or we can go back with our Sunday school or we can go back with our Sunday school or we can go back with our the parents who brought us. >> Hi friends, I'm Caroline Stone. Some of >> Hi friends, I'm Caroline Stone. Some of the best moments in church life happen the best moments in church life happen the best moments in church life happen outside of Sunday mornings. Sharing a outside of Sunday mornings. Sharing a outside of Sunday mornings. Sharing a meal, enjoying great music, or simply meal, enjoying great music, or simply meal, enjoying great music, or simply spending time with one another. Here are spending time with one another. Here are spending time with one another. Here are a few opportunities coming up where we'd a few opportunities coming up where we'd a few opportunities coming up where we'd love to see you. First, don't miss Soul love to see you. First, don't miss Soul love to see you. First, don't miss Soul Sessions next Sunday, July 26th, at 6 Sessions next Sunday, July 26th, at 6 Sessions next Sunday, July 26th, at 6 p.m. at The Journey. This free summer p.m. at The Journey. This free summer p.m. at The Journey. This free summer concert will feature the Journey band concert will feature the Journey band concert will feature the Journey band performing favorite hits from the 60s performing favorite hits from the 60s performing favorite hits from the 60s and 70s. songs you may know and love, and 70s. songs you may know and love, and 70s. songs you may know and love, brought to life by an incredible group brought to life by an incredible group brought to life by an incredible group of musicians. Grab a friend, enjoy some of musicians. Grab a friend, enjoy some of musicians. Grab a friend, enjoy some great live music, and spend a fun summer great live music, and spend a fun summer great live music, and spend a fun summer evening together. Nursery Care will be evening together. Nursery Care will be evening together. Nursery Care will be available for children ages four and available for children ages four and available for children ages four and under, and we'll have light refreshments under, and we'll have light refreshments under, and we'll have light refreshments afterward.

afterward. afterward. Also coming up, all women are invited to Also coming up, all women are invited to Also coming up, all women are invited to our women's summer lunch on Tuesday, our women's summer lunch on Tuesday, our women's summer lunch on Tuesday, August 4th. It's a wonderful opportunity August 4th. It's a wonderful opportunity August 4th. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy lunch together, hear an to enjoy lunch together, hear an to enjoy lunch together, hear an encouraging message from our women's encouraging message from our women's encouraging message from our women's director, Carrie Neil, and spend some director, Carrie Neil, and spend some director, Carrie Neil, and spend some time connecting with other women from time connecting with other women from time connecting with other women from across the church. Lunch is provided by across the church. Lunch is provided by across the church. Lunch is provided by our church kitchen. Childcare is our church kitchen. Childcare is our church kitchen. Childcare is available, and we'd love for you to join available, and we'd love for you to join available, and we'd love for you to join us. And finally, we're excited to us. And finally, we're excited to us. And finally, we're excited to announce the upcoming expansion of our announce the upcoming expansion of our announce the upcoming expansion of our church columbombarium, a peaceful final church columbombarium, a peaceful final church columbombarium, a peaceful final resting place on our campus for members resting place on our campus for members resting place on our campus for members and their loved ones. As we prepare for and their loved ones. As we prepare for and their loved ones. As we prepare for this exciting edition, current pricing this exciting edition, current pricing this exciting edition, current pricing for niches will remain available through for niches will remain available through for niches will remain available through September 30th. If you've been September 30th. If you've been September 30th. If you've been considering reserving a space for considering reserving a space for considering reserving a space for yourself or your family, now is a great yourself or your family, now is a great yourself or your family, now is a great time to learn more. However you choose time to learn more. However you choose time to learn more. However you choose to get involved, we hope you'll find a to get involved, we hope you'll find a to get involved, we hope you'll find a place to connect, grow, and be a part of place to connect, grow, and be a part of place to connect, grow, and be a part of this community. For more information on this community. For more information on this community. For more information on these and other upcoming events, visit these and other upcoming events, visit these and other upcoming events, visit mdmc.org/events.

This morning, our first scripture This morning, our first scripture reading comes from the Gospel of reading comes from the Gospel of reading comes from the Gospel of Matthew. We're in the 23rd chapter. Hear Matthew. We're in the 23rd chapter. Hear Matthew. We're in the 23rd chapter. Hear the word of the Lord. the word of the Lord. the word of the Lord. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you tithe with mint and hypocrites, for you tithe with mint and hypocrites, for you tithe with mint and dill and human, and have neglected the dill and human, and have neglected the dill and human, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice weightier matters of the law, justice weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith. It is these you and mercy and faith. It is these you and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without ought to have practiced without ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You blind guides. neglecting the others. You blind guides. neglecting the others. You blind guides. You strain out the gnat and swallow a You strain out the gnat and swallow a You strain out the gnat and swallow a camel. camel. camel. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you clean the outside of hypocrites, for you clean the outside of hypocrites, for you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but they are full the cup and the plate, but they are full the cup and the plate, but they are full of greed and self-indulgence. of greed and self-indulgence. of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the You blind Pharisee, first clean the You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and the plate, so the inside of the cup and the plate, so the inside of the cup and the plate, so the outside also will become clean. outside also will become clean. outside also will become clean. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites. For you are like whitewashed hypocrites. For you are like whitewashed hypocrites. For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look tombs, which on the outside look tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside are full of bones beautiful, but inside are full of bones beautiful, but inside are full of bones of the dead and all kinds of of the dead and all kinds of of the dead and all kinds of uncleanness.

uncleanness. uncleanness. So you on the outside look righteous to So you on the outside look righteous to So you on the outside look righteous to others, but you are full of hypocrisy others, but you are full of hypocrisy others, but you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. and lawlessness. and lawlessness. This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people of God. of God. of God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Friends, every time we gather in Friends, every time we gather in Friends, every time we gather in worship, we pause for a moment to give worship, we pause for a moment to give worship, we pause for a moment to give back of ourselves, to give in prayer our back of ourselves, to give in prayer our back of ourselves, to give in prayer our hearts, and to give in action our money hearts, and to give in action our money hearts, and to give in action our money that the work of God might continue in that the work of God might continue in that the work of God might continue in the world. Your gifts make possible the world. Your gifts make possible the world. Your gifts make possible things like vacation bible school and things like vacation bible school and things like vacation bible school and the outreach we do in our community. And the outreach we do in our community. And the outreach we do in our community. And so as our ushers come forward and we so as our ushers come forward and we so as our ushers come forward and we hear a musical offering, I invite you to hear a musical offering, I invite you to hear a musical offering, I invite you to go to God with the tithes and offerings go to God with the tithes and offerings go to God with the tithes and offerings of your heart.

Nobody knows Nobody knows the trus. I'm down. I'm down. Glorious Glorious Glorious Lord. Glorious Glorious Lord.

Nobody Nobody knows knows knows the truth. Nobody knows Nobody knows but my Jesus. Sometimes Sometimes I feel I feel I feel like a motherless child. like a motherless child. like a motherless child. Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes I feel like a motherless I feel like a motherless I feel like a motherless child. child. child. Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes I feel like a motherless child Steal

Steal away. away. away. Steal Steal Steal away. away. away. Steal Steal Steal away away away Jesus. Steal Steal away. I ain't got I ain't got to stay to stay to stay here. here. here. No, I ain't Hallelu

Hallelu Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Friends, as we enter into a time of Friends, as we enter into a time of prayer this morning, we remember prayer this morning, we remember prayer this morning, we remember especially those who have been touched especially those who have been touched especially those who have been touched by natural disasters like our brothers by natural disasters like our brothers by natural disasters like our brothers and sisters in the Hill Country. We hold and sisters in the Hill Country. We hold and sisters in the Hill Country. We hold them in our hearts and our prayers them in our hearts and our prayers them in our hearts and our prayers before God. Let us go to God in prayer. God, we come to you this morning sure to God, we come to you this morning sure to offer our prayers and our intercessions, offer our prayers and our intercessions, offer our prayers and our intercessions, confident that the love of Christ confident that the love of Christ confident that the love of Christ continues to appear in our lives in continues to appear in our lives in continues to appear in our lives in surprising and unexpected ways. surprising and unexpected ways. surprising and unexpected ways. We pray this morning for all who seek We pray this morning for all who seek We pray this morning for all who seek your radiant light in the darkest your radiant light in the darkest your radiant light in the darkest corners of our world. corners of our world. corners of our world. May we find our way through our love to May we find our way through our love to May we find our way through our love to one another.

one another. one another. Oh God, make speed to save us. We pray Oh God, make speed to save us. We pray Oh God, make speed to save us. We pray for all who are oppressed by for all who are oppressed by for all who are oppressed by institutions and structures unjustly institutions and structures unjustly institutions and structures unjustly ordered. Bless us with the joy for ordered. Bless us with the joy for ordered. Bless us with the joy for justice that all may share in the justice that all may share in the justice that all may share in the blessings of this life, walking in right blessings of this life, walking in right blessings of this life, walking in right relationship and caring for our relationship and caring for our relationship and caring for our neighbor. neighbor. neighbor. Oh God, make speed to save us. Oh God, make speed to save us. Oh God, make speed to save us. We pray for those who have no work, for We pray for those who have no work, for We pray for those who have no work, for those who are without adequate health those who are without adequate health those who are without adequate health care, for those who hunger or have no care, for those who hunger or have no care, for those who hunger or have no shelter this day. Bless us with shelter this day. Bless us with shelter this day. Bless us with meaningful work and ample provision as meaningful work and ample provision as meaningful work and ample provision as we love and care for each other under we love and care for each other under we love and care for each other under the protection of your wing. the protection of your wing. the protection of your wing. Oh God, make speed to save us. Oh God, make speed to save us. Oh God, make speed to save us. We pray for all who suffer violence We pray for all who suffer violence We pray for all who suffer violence on dangerous streets in war torn places. on dangerous streets in war torn places. on dangerous streets in war torn places. Keep them from harm's way. Bless us with Keep them from harm's way. Bless us with Keep them from harm's way. Bless us with your vision of peace that all may your vision of peace that all may your vision of peace that all may flourish as one family under God with flourish as one family under God with flourish as one family under God with justice and freedom for all.

justice and freedom for all. justice and freedom for all. Oh God, make speed to save us. Oh God, make speed to save us. Oh God, make speed to save us. We remember before you all those who've We remember before you all those who've We remember before you all those who've died that they may know your peace. died that they may know your peace. died that they may know your peace. Bless each of us with the sure and Bless each of us with the sure and Bless each of us with the sure and certain hope of resurrection that we may certain hope of resurrection that we may certain hope of resurrection that we may know our risen Lord and share in eternal know our risen Lord and share in eternal know our risen Lord and share in eternal life with them and with you. Lord, we life with them and with you. Lord, we life with them and with you. Lord, we pray this in the name of the one who pray this in the name of the one who pray this in the name of the one who taught us to pray, saying, Our Father, taught us to pray, saying, Our Father, taught us to pray, saying, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this earth as it is in heaven. Give us this earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our day our daily bread. And forgive us our day 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 and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. My friends, as we prepare to uh dive My friends, as we prepare to uh dive into the book of Amos, uh it's rich with into the book of Amos, uh it's rich with into the book of Amos, uh it's rich with themes of social justice and deep themes of social justice and deep themes of social justice and deep understanding of right and wrong and understanding of right and wrong and understanding of right and wrong and God's justice for his people. And as I God's justice for his people. And as I God's justice for his people. And as I was reading that scripture, this song uh was reading that scripture, this song uh was reading that scripture, this song uh came to mind and I should note it was came to mind and I should note it was came to mind and I should note it was written, the text was written by Desmond written, the text was written by Desmond written, the text was written by Desmond Tutu. Uh and those of you who don't know Tutu. Uh and those of you who don't know Tutu. Uh and those of you who don't know him, he was a prominent uh priest in the him, he was a prominent uh priest in the him, he was a prominent uh priest in the Anglican church in South Africa. He won Anglican church in South Africa. He won Anglican church in South Africa. He won the Nobel Peace Prize and with um uh

the Nobel Peace Prize and with um uh the Nobel Peace Prize and with um uh many others in South Africa he helped many others in South Africa he helped many others in South Africa he helped end apartheid. end apartheid. end apartheid. So these are his words that he wrote and So these are his words that he wrote and So these are his words that he wrote and I want to teach it to you now and then I want to teach it to you now and then I want to teach it to you now and then we'll sing it together as a firm we'll sing it together as a firm we'll sing it together as a firm affirmation of our belief in goodness affirmation of our belief in goodness affirmation of our belief in goodness over evil. So it goes like this. over evil. So it goes like this. over evil. So it goes like this. Goodness love is stronger than hate. love is stronger than hate. Light is stronger than darkness. Light is stronger than darkness. Light is stronger than darkness. Life is stronger than death. Can we sing Life is stronger than death. Can we sing Life is stronger than death. Can we sing that much together? that much together? that much together? >> Goodness. And then it goes on like this. Victory And then it goes on like this. Victory is ours. Victory is ours. Through him is ours. Victory is ours. Through him is ours. Victory is ours. Through him who loved us. Can we sing that? Victory who loved us. Can we sing that? Victory who loved us. Can we sing that? Victory is ours. Victory is ours.

Let's stand and sing that whole piece Let's stand and sing that whole piece together. Goodness is stronger. Here we together. Goodness is stronger. Here we together. Goodness is stronger. Here we go. Goodness is stronger than evil. go. Goodness is stronger than evil. go. Goodness is stronger than evil. Love is stronger than hate. Love is stronger than hate. Love is stronger than hate. Light is stronger than darkness. Light is stronger than darkness. Light is stronger than darkness. Life is stronger than death. Victory. Life is stronger than death. Victory. Life is stronger than death. Victory. Victory is ours. Victory is ours. Victory is ours. Victory is ours. Victory is ours. Victory is ours. Through him who loved Through him who loved Through him who loved us. Victory is ours. Victory is ours us. Victory is ours. Victory is ours us. Victory is ours. Victory is ours through him who loved through him who loved through him who loved us. Goodness is stronger. Goodness is us. Goodness is stronger. Goodness is us. Goodness is stronger. Goodness is stronger than evil. stronger than evil. stronger than evil. Love is stronger than hate. Love is stronger than hate. Love is stronger than hate. Light is stronger than darkness. Light is stronger than darkness. Light is stronger than darkness. Life is stronger than death. Victory is Life is stronger than death. Victory is Life is stronger than death. Victory is ours. Victory is ours. Through him who ours. Victory is ours. Through him who ours. Victory is ours. Through him who loves loves loves us, victory is ours. Victory is ours.

us, victory is ours. Victory is ours. us, victory is ours. Victory is ours. Through God who loves Through God who loves Through God who loves us. us. us. Amen. You may be seated. God, we know that you are with us and we God, we know that you are with us and we are glad. For without you, who are glad. For without you, who are glad. For without you, who what and where would we be? So God, we what and where would we be? So God, we what and where would we be? So God, we pray that your spirit would continue to pray that your spirit would continue to pray that your spirit would continue to move among us to open us up, to open our move among us to open us up, to open our move among us to open us up, to open our ears and our eyes, our hearts and our ears and our eyes, our hearts and our ears and our eyes, our hearts and our minds so that we might hear what you minds so that we might hear what you minds so that we might hear what you have to say. And God, may the words of have to say. And God, may the words of have to say. And God, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of all of our my mouth and the thoughts of all of our my mouth and the thoughts of all of our hearts be acceptable and pleasing to hearts be acceptable and pleasing to hearts be acceptable and pleasing to you. For you are our rock and our you. For you are our rock and our you. For you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. Here in worship this redeemer. Amen. Here in worship this redeemer. Amen. Here in worship this summer, we are working through a series summer, we are working through a series summer, we are working through a series called the minors each week looking at called the minors each week looking at called the minors each week looking at one of the minor prophets from the Old one of the minor prophets from the Old one of the minor prophets from the Old Testament. We started with Joel whose Testament. We started with Joel whose Testament. We started with Joel whose message was return to God even now. No message was return to God even now. No message was return to God even now. No matter what your past has been like, matter what your past has been like, matter what your past has been like, turn to God and do it now so that your turn to God and do it now so that your turn to God and do it now so that your future can be fully faithfully with God.

future can be fully faithfully with God. future can be fully faithfully with God. Last week, Pastor Jenny talked about Last week, Pastor Jenny talked about Last week, Pastor Jenny talked about Hosea and his complicated relationships. Hosea and his complicated relationships. Hosea and his complicated relationships. Today, we'll meet the prophet Amos. Our Today, we'll meet the prophet Amos. Our Today, we'll meet the prophet Amos. Our communications team has been having a communications team has been having a communications team has been having a little fun with this series. They've little fun with this series. They've little fun with this series. They've been putting together little baseball been putting together little baseball been putting together little baseball cards for each one of these prophets. I cards for each one of these prophets. I cards for each one of these prophets. I I've heard that there's quite a I've heard that there's quite a I've heard that there's quite a collectible market for them. So, make collectible market for them. So, make collectible market for them. So, make sure you get yours on the way out today. sure you get yours on the way out today. sure you get yours on the way out today. Okay. But they we call these the minor Okay. But they we call these the minor Okay. But they we call these the minor profits, but not because there's profits, but not because there's profits, but not because there's something less than about them. It's not something less than about them. It's not something less than about them. It's not like baseball where if they get good like baseball where if they get good like baseball where if they get good enough, they'll be called up to be a enough, they'll be called up to be a enough, they'll be called up to be a major league prophet. No, the the minor major league prophet. No, the the minor major league prophet. No, the the minor in this case just refers to the in this case just refers to the in this case just refers to the relatively short length of the books relatively short length of the books relatively short length of the books when compared to the major prophets like when compared to the major prophets like when compared to the major prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah, much longer books Jeremiah and Isaiah, much longer books Jeremiah and Isaiah, much longer books of the Bible. And by way of reminder, a of the Bible. And by way of reminder, a of the Bible. And by way of reminder, a prophet is someone who delivers a prophet is someone who delivers a prophet is someone who delivers a message from God to God's people. The message from God to God's people. The message from God to God's people. The prophets that we'll talk about this prophets that we'll talk about this prophets that we'll talk about this summer all have different messages to summer all have different messages to summer all have different messages to deliver because they're talking to deliver because they're talking to deliver because they're talking to different people in different places at different people in different places at different people in different places at different times.

different times. different times. But every prophet in the Old Testament But every prophet in the Old Testament But every prophet in the Old Testament aims to do the same thing. And that is aims to do the same thing. And that is aims to do the same thing. And that is to remind God's people to be faithful. to remind God's people to be faithful. to remind God's people to be faithful. Another way to say it is this. Prophets Another way to say it is this. Prophets Another way to say it is this. Prophets call the people to faithfulness call the people to faithfulness call the people to faithfulness by recalling God's faithfulness. by recalling God's faithfulness. by recalling God's faithfulness. This is the aim of every prophet in the This is the aim of every prophet in the This is the aim of every prophet in the Old Testament. To call the people to Old Testament. To call the people to Old Testament. To call the people to faithfulness by recalling God's faithfulness by recalling God's faithfulness by recalling God's faithfulness. Every prophet in the Old faithfulness. Every prophet in the Old faithfulness. Every prophet in the Old Testament will in some way speak of the Testament will in some way speak of the Testament will in some way speak of the faithfulness of God. how God is patient faithfulness of God. how God is patient faithfulness of God. how God is patient and kind and forgiving. How God has led and kind and forgiving. How God has led and kind and forgiving. How God has led them out of slavery and into the them out of slavery and into the them out of slavery and into the promised land. How God has protected and promised land. How God has protected and promised land. How God has protected and provided. How God has loved and guided. provided. How God has loved and guided. provided. How God has loved and guided. That's the story of the Bible. God is That's the story of the Bible. God is That's the story of the Bible. God is faithful to God's people even when God's faithful to God's people even when God's faithful to God's people even when God's people are not faithful to God. And thus people are not faithful to God. And thus people are not faithful to God. And thus the prophets call us to faithfulness by the prophets call us to faithfulness by the prophets call us to faithfulness by recalling God's faithfulness.

recalling God's faithfulness. recalling God's faithfulness. So it's week three of this series and up So it's week three of this series and up So it's week three of this series and up to bat today is Amos. Here's a little to bat today is Amos. Here's a little to bat today is Amos. Here's a little bit of background. Amos was a prophet in bit of background. Amos was a prophet in bit of background. Amos was a prophet in the 8th century BC. This was during the the 8th century BC. This was during the the 8th century BC. This was during the reign of King Jeroboam. Jeroboam was a reign of King Jeroboam. Jeroboam was a reign of King Jeroboam. Jeroboam was a pretty successful military leader. And pretty successful military leader. And pretty successful military leader. And in the ancient world, military success in the ancient world, military success in the ancient world, military success typically led to economic prosperity. So typically led to economic prosperity. So typically led to economic prosperity. So this was a time of relative wealth for this was a time of relative wealth for this was a time of relative wealth for the people of Israel. But despite these the people of Israel. But despite these the people of Israel. But despite these successes, the prophets of the Old successes, the prophets of the Old successes, the prophets of the Old Testament denounce King Jeroboam as a Testament denounce King Jeroboam as a Testament denounce King Jeroboam as a terrible king. terrible king. terrible king. Because for the prophets, more important Because for the prophets, more important Because for the prophets, more important than military power, more important than than military power, more important than than military power, more important than economic prosperity was faithfulness to economic prosperity was faithfulness to economic prosperity was faithfulness to God. And Jeroboam just wasn't interested God. And Jeroboam just wasn't interested God. And Jeroboam just wasn't interested in being faithful to the God of Israel. in being faithful to the God of Israel. in being faithful to the God of Israel. Instead, he encouraged idol worship Instead, he encouraged idol worship Instead, he encouraged idol worship among the people. He himself set up among the people. He himself set up among the people. He himself set up temples to the gods of fertility and temples to the gods of fertility and temples to the gods of fertility and warfare and other supposed gods from warfare and other supposed gods from warfare and other supposed gods from other peoples in the ancient world.

other peoples in the ancient world. other peoples in the ancient world. Many cultures in the ancient world Many cultures in the ancient world Many cultures in the ancient world actually had these little statues. They actually had these little statues. They actually had these little statues. They called them idols and they would set called them idols and they would set called them idols and they would set them up in temples in the city or and them up in temples in the city or and them up in temples in the city or and little altars in their homes and they little altars in their homes and they little altars in their homes and they would worship these statues as gods. And would worship these statues as gods. And would worship these statues as gods. And the idea was that if you could make this the idea was that if you could make this the idea was that if you could make this idol god happy, they would do what you idol god happy, they would do what you idol god happy, they would do what you wanted. So if you poured out a bunch of wanted. So if you poured out a bunch of wanted. So if you poured out a bunch of wine for these gods and they somehow wine for these gods and they somehow wine for these gods and they somehow liked that wine, they would help you in liked that wine, they would help you in liked that wine, they would help you in battle. For instance, the idol god got battle. For instance, the idol god got battle. For instance, the idol god got what it wanted. You get what you want. what it wanted. You get what you want. what it wanted. You get what you want. That's the idea. And and idolatry is the That's the idea. And and idolatry is the That's the idea. And and idolatry is the word we use for this. The basic word we use for this. The basic word we use for this. The basic definition being that idolatry is the definition being that idolatry is the definition being that idolatry is the misdirection of our worship. Worshiping misdirection of our worship. Worshiping misdirection of our worship. Worshiping something or someone that we've created. something or someone that we've created. something or someone that we've created. More broadly, worshiping anyone or More broadly, worshiping anyone or More broadly, worshiping anyone or anything that isn't the one true God. anything that isn't the one true God. anything that isn't the one true God. And we modern folks, we don't usually And we modern folks, we don't usually And we modern folks, we don't usually set up little statues around our homes.

set up little statues around our homes. set up little statues around our homes. But but we are continually tempted to But but we are continually tempted to But but we are continually tempted to misdirect our time, misdirect our misdirect our time, misdirect our misdirect our time, misdirect our attention, misdirect our worship toward attention, misdirect our worship toward attention, misdirect our worship toward idols like money and power and pleasure idols like money and power and pleasure idols like money and power and pleasure and control and career. So it's so it's and control and career. So it's so it's and control and career. So it's so it's not just an ancient problem, but not just an ancient problem, but not just an ancient problem, but idolatry is a problem that the ancient idolatry is a problem that the ancient idolatry is a problem that the ancient prophets railed against over and over prophets railed against over and over prophets railed against over and over and over and over and over because because because worship of false gods always leads to worship of false gods always leads to worship of false gods always leads to injustice. injustice. injustice. Remember the deal with false gods is you Remember the deal with false gods is you Remember the deal with false gods is you give them what they want, they give you give them what they want, they give you give them what they want, they give you what you want. False gods don't require what you want. False gods don't require what you want. False gods don't require the same degree of justice and the same degree of justice and the same degree of justice and righteousness that the God of Israel, righteousness that the God of Israel, righteousness that the God of Israel, our God, the one true God, requires. And our God, the one true God, requires. And our God, the one true God, requires. And so when people worship false gods, their so when people worship false gods, their so when people worship false gods, their apathy grows. They begin to not care apathy grows. They begin to not care apathy grows. They begin to not care about justice and righteousness. They about justice and righteousness. They about justice and righteousness. They begin to not care about other people.

begin to not care about other people. begin to not care about other people. False gods don't require that we love False gods don't require that we love False gods don't require that we love our neighbors. False gods don't require our neighbors. False gods don't require our neighbors. False gods don't require that we provide for the widows and the that we provide for the widows and the that we provide for the widows and the orphans or feed the hungry or care for orphans or feed the hungry or care for orphans or feed the hungry or care for the sick. False gods only care about the sick. False gods only care about the sick. False gods only care about what they can get for themselves. what they can get for themselves. what they can get for themselves. And thus people who worship false gods And thus people who worship false gods And thus people who worship false gods soon begin to care only about soon begin to care only about soon begin to care only about themselves. themselves. themselves. This is the primary problem when Amos This is the primary problem when Amos This is the primary problem when Amos begins his prophetic career. Amos had begins his prophetic career. Amos had begins his prophetic career. Amos had been living a relatively stable and been living a relatively stable and been living a relatively stable and quiet life as a a shepherd and a fig quiet life as a a shepherd and a fig quiet life as a a shepherd and a fig tree farmer. But he began to hear a call tree farmer. But he began to hear a call tree farmer. But he began to hear a call from God. A call from God to speak out from God. A call from God to speak out from God. A call from God to speak out against the injustice that he saw all against the injustice that he saw all against the injustice that he saw all around him. And the particular thing around him. And the particular thing around him. And the particular thing that Amos focuses on is the treatment of that Amos focuses on is the treatment of that Amos focuses on is the treatment of the poor. Because what he saw all around the poor. Because what he saw all around the poor. Because what he saw all around him were that the poor were not just him were that the poor were not just him were that the poor were not just being ignored or neglected. That's bad being ignored or neglected. That's bad being ignored or neglected. That's bad enough. But what Amos saw all around him enough. But what Amos saw all around him enough. But what Amos saw all around him was that the poor were being taken was that the poor were being taken was that the poor were being taken advantage of. They were being cheated.

advantage of. They were being cheated. advantage of. They were being cheated. They were being treated unjustly and They were being treated unjustly and They were being treated unjustly and thus racking up huge debts. And then the thus racking up huge debts. And then the thus racking up huge debts. And then the poor were being sold into slavery as a poor were being sold into slavery as a poor were being sold into slavery as a way to pay off those unjust debts. And way to pay off those unjust debts. And way to pay off those unjust debts. And so Amos sensing this call from God stood so Amos sensing this call from God stood so Amos sensing this call from God stood up and looked around at his fellow up and looked around at his fellow up and looked around at his fellow Israelites and said, "How could you? Israelites and said, "How could you? Israelites and said, "How could you? How could you, Israel, the nation that How could you, Israel, the nation that How could you, Israel, the nation that God chose from among all the nations, God chose from among all the nations, God chose from among all the nations, how could you, the people who were how could you, the people who were how could you, the people who were treated unjustly by Pharaoh in Egypt, treated unjustly by Pharaoh in Egypt, treated unjustly by Pharaoh in Egypt, the people who were enslaved in Egypt the people who were enslaved in Egypt the people who were enslaved in Egypt until God led you out, how could you until God led you out, how could you until God led you out, how could you now be acting just like Pharaoh, now be acting just like Pharaoh, now be acting just like Pharaoh, treating the poor unjustly and selling treating the poor unjustly and selling treating the poor unjustly and selling them into slavery? How could you? them into slavery? How could you? them into slavery? How could you? Amos has a lot of harsh things to say Amos has a lot of harsh things to say Amos has a lot of harsh things to say and we'll read some of them this and we'll read some of them this and we'll read some of them this morning. It's from Amos chapter 5. The morning. It's from Amos chapter 5. The morning. It's from Amos chapter 5. The words are printed in your bulletin. words are printed in your bulletin. words are printed in your bulletin. We'll have them on the screen as well, We'll have them on the screen as well, We'll have them on the screen as well, but this passage is a bit longer than we but this passage is a bit longer than we but this passage is a bit longer than we might typically read on a Sunday might typically read on a Sunday might typically read on a Sunday morning. So, we'll stop in a couple of morning. So, we'll stop in a couple of morning. So, we'll stop in a couple of places along the way to investigate some places along the way to investigate some places along the way to investigate some of what Amos is saying. So, let's read of what Amos is saying. So, let's read of what Amos is saying. So, let's read starting in verse four. For thus says starting in verse four. For thus says starting in verse four. For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel, seek me the Lord to the house of Israel, seek me the Lord to the house of Israel, seek me and live. Pause there. Remember, and live. Pause there. Remember, and live. Pause there. Remember, idolatry is the underlying problem. The idolatry is the underlying problem. The idolatry is the underlying problem. The people are seeking after all sorts of people are seeking after all sorts of people are seeking after all sorts of things that are not God. And the results things that are not God. And the results things that are not God. And the results are all sorts of relationships and are all sorts of relationships and are all sorts of relationships and realities in the world that God does not realities in the world that God does not realities in the world that God does not want for the world. So thus says the

want for the world. So thus says the want for the world. So thus says the Lord, "Seek me and live, but do not seek Lord, "Seek me and live, but do not seek Lord, "Seek me and live, but do not seek Bethl and do not enter into Gilgal or Bethl and do not enter into Gilgal or Bethl and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersa, for Gilgal shall cross over to Beersa, for Gilgal shall cross over to Beersa, for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethl shall surely go into exile, and Bethl shall surely go into exile, and Bethl shall come to nothing. come to nothing. come to nothing. Seek the Lord and live or he will break Seek the Lord and live or he will break Seek the Lord and live or he will break out against the house of Joseph like out against the house of Joseph like out against the house of Joseph like fire and it will devour Bethl with no fire and it will devour Bethl with no fire and it will devour Bethl with no one to quench it. Ah you that turn one to quench it. Ah you that turn one to quench it. Ah you that turn justice to wormwood and bring justice to wormwood and bring justice to wormwood and bring righteousness to the ground. The one who righteousness to the ground. The one who righteousness to the ground. The one who made the pletes and Orion turns deep made the pletes and Orion turns deep made the pletes and Orion turns deep darkness into the morning and darkens darkness into the morning and darkens darkness into the morning and darkens the day into night. Who calls for the the day into night. Who calls for the the day into night. Who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on waters of the sea and pours them out on waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth. The Lord is the surface of the earth. The Lord is the surface of the earth. The Lord is his name who makes destruction flash out his name who makes destruction flash out his name who makes destruction flash out against the strong so that destruction against the strong so that destruction against the strong so that destruction comes upon the fortress. comes upon the fortress. comes upon the fortress. Now he's going to address the people Now he's going to address the people Now he's going to address the people doing injustice. They hate the one who doing injustice. They hate the one who doing injustice. They hate the one who reproves in the gate. They abhore the reproves in the gate. They abhore the reproves in the gate. They abhore the one who speaks the truth. one who speaks the truth. one who speaks the truth. Therefore, because you trample on the Therefore, because you trample on the Therefore, because you trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain, poor and take from them levies of grain, poor and take from them levies of grain, you have built houses of huen stone, but you have built houses of huen stone, but you have built houses of huen stone, but you shall not live in them. You have you shall not live in them. You have you shall not live in them. You have planted pleasant vineyards, but you planted pleasant vineyards, but you planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine. For I know shall not drink their wine. For I know shall not drink their wine. For I know how many are your transgressions, and how many are your transgressions, and how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins, you who afflict how great are your sins, you who afflict how great are your sins, you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and the righteous, who take a bribe, and the righteous, who take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate.

push aside the needy in the gate. push aside the needy in the gate. Therefore, the prudent will keep silent Therefore, the prudent will keep silent Therefore, the prudent will keep silent in such a time. For it's an evil time. in such a time. For it's an evil time. in such a time. For it's an evil time. Seek good and not evil, that you may Seek good and not evil, that you may Seek good and not evil, that you may live. And so the Lord, the God of hosts, live. And so the Lord, the God of hosts, live. And so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you just as you said. hate will be with you just as you said. hate will be with you just as you said. hate evil and love good and establish justice evil and love good and establish justice evil and love good and establish justice in the gate. It may be that the Lord, in the gate. It may be that the Lord, in the gate. It may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the God of hosts, will be gracious to the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. Therefore, thus the remnant of Joseph. Therefore, thus the remnant of Joseph. Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the says the Lord, the God of hosts, the says the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord, in all the squares there shall be Lord, in all the squares there shall be Lord, in all the squares there shall be wailing, and in all the streets they wailing, and in all the streets they wailing, and in all the streets they shall say, Alas, alas, they shall call shall say, Alas, alas, they shall call shall say, Alas, alas, they shall call the farmers to mourning, and those the farmers to mourning, and those the farmers to mourning, and those skilled in lamentation to wailing. In skilled in lamentation to wailing. In skilled in lamentation to wailing. In all the vineyards there shall be all the vineyards there shall be all the vineyards there shall be wailing. For I will pass through the wailing. For I will pass through the wailing. For I will pass through the midst of you, says the Lord. Alas, for midst of you, says the Lord. Alas, for midst of you, says the Lord. Alas, for you who desire the day of the Lord, why you who desire the day of the Lord, why you who desire the day of the Lord, why do you want the day of the Lord? It's do you want the day of the Lord? It's do you want the day of the Lord? It's darkness, not light. If someone fled darkness, not light. If someone fled darkness, not light. If someone fled from a lion and was met by a bear, or from a lion and was met by a bear, or from a lion and was met by a bear, or went into the house and rested a hand went into the house and rested a hand went into the house and rested a hand against the wall and was bitten by a against the wall and was bitten by a against the wall and was bitten by a snake, is not the day of the Lord snake, is not the day of the Lord snake, is not the day of the Lord darkness not light and gloom with no darkness not light and gloom with no darkness not light and gloom with no brightness in it? I hate I despise your brightness in it? I hate I despise your brightness in it? I hate I despise your festivals and I take no delight in your festivals and I take no delight in your festivals and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer solemn assemblies. Even though you offer solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain me your burnt offerings and grain me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. And offerings, I will not accept them. And offerings, I will not accept them. And the offerings of well-being of your the offerings of well-being of your the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals, I will not look upon.

fatted animals, I will not look upon. fatted animals, I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your Take away from me the noise of your Take away from me the noise of your songs, I will not listen to the melody songs, I will not listen to the melody songs, I will not listen to the melody of your harps. Can you hear how personal of your harps. Can you hear how personal of your harps. Can you hear how personal it's getting? These are harsh words. God it's getting? These are harsh words. God it's getting? These are harsh words. God hates their worship. The things that hates their worship. The things that hates their worship. The things that they are offering to God, God does not they are offering to God, God does not they are offering to God, God does not want them. Why? want them. Why? want them. Why? Because their worship in the temple is Because their worship in the temple is Because their worship in the temple is completely disconnected from how they completely disconnected from how they completely disconnected from how they live in the world. True worship of the live in the world. True worship of the live in the world. True worship of the one true God should always lead to one true God should always lead to one true God should always lead to justice and righteousness and loving our justice and righteousness and loving our justice and righteousness and loving our neighbor. But their worship has been neighbor. But their worship has been neighbor. But their worship has been empty. And God knows it because God has empty. And God knows it because God has empty. And God knows it because God has seen how they treat the poor. God sees seen how they treat the poor. God sees seen how they treat the poor. God sees their injustice. God sees their their injustice. God sees their their injustice. God sees their unrighteousness. And so the final verse unrighteousness. And so the final verse unrighteousness. And so the final verse is the corrective, the call to reclaim is the corrective, the call to reclaim is the corrective, the call to reclaim who God made them to be. who God made them to be. who God made them to be. But let justice roll down like waters But let justice roll down like waters But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing and righteousness like an everflowing and righteousness like an everflowing stream. This is the word of God for the stream. This is the word of God for the stream. This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. You can people of God. Thanks be to God. You can people of God. Thanks be to God. You can hear it all throughout. You can hear it.

hear it all throughout. You can hear it. hear it all throughout. You can hear it. God is deeply disappointed in his God is deeply disappointed in his God is deeply disappointed in his people. God is hurt and God is angry people. God is hurt and God is angry people. God is hurt and God is angry about our treatment of the poor and the about our treatment of the poor and the about our treatment of the poor and the needy and all who are victims of life's needy and all who are victims of life's needy and all who are victims of life's circumstances. circumstances. circumstances. And I know that Amos is talking to And I know that Amos is talking to And I know that Amos is talking to people long ago in a place far away. But people long ago in a place far away. But people long ago in a place far away. But all of this is relevant to us because all of this is relevant to us because all of this is relevant to us because there is poverty all over the city we there is poverty all over the city we there is poverty all over the city we live in. Maybe not right outside our live in. Maybe not right outside our live in. Maybe not right outside our door, but not far away. There's poverty door, but not far away. There's poverty door, but not far away. There's poverty all over this country we call home, even all over this country we call home, even all over this country we call home, even if we don't live in it or spend much if we don't live in it or spend much if we don't live in it or spend much time around it. There's poverty time around it. There's poverty time around it. There's poverty everywhere in this world. So, it matters everywhere in this world. So, it matters everywhere in this world. So, it matters how we, as God's people, treat the poor. how we, as God's people, treat the poor. how we, as God's people, treat the poor. It matters how we treat anyone who's in It matters how we treat anyone who's in It matters how we treat anyone who's in need. Because what Amos says is God has need. Because what Amos says is God has need. Because what Amos says is God has a passion for the poor. Some scholars a passion for the poor. Some scholars a passion for the poor. Some scholars call this God's preferential option for call this God's preferential option for call this God's preferential option for the poor. God has a preference for the the poor. God has a preference for the the poor. God has a preference for the poor. And it's not because there's poor. And it's not because there's poor. And it's not because there's anything virtuous about poverty. Not at anything virtuous about poverty. Not at anything virtuous about poverty. Not at all. In the ancient world and in the all. In the ancient world and in the all. In the ancient world and in the modern world, poverty is awful. To live modern world, poverty is awful. To live modern world, poverty is awful. To live in poverty is awful. It creates all in poverty is awful. It creates all in poverty is awful. It creates all sorts of mental and physical and social sorts of mental and physical and social sorts of mental and physical and social problems that we know are easily problems that we know are easily problems that we know are easily preventable.

preventable. preventable. But I'm reminded of a story of a mother But I'm reminded of a story of a mother But I'm reminded of a story of a mother with four children. And one of her with four children. And one of her with four children. And one of her children asks her, "Mama, which one of children asks her, "Mama, which one of children asks her, "Mama, which one of us do you love the most?" And we suspect us do you love the most?" And we suspect us do you love the most?" And we suspect that the mother would say, "Oh, I love that the mother would say, "Oh, I love that the mother would say, "Oh, I love you all equally." Because parents aren't you all equally." Because parents aren't you all equally." Because parents aren't supposed to have favorites. But that's supposed to have favorites. But that's supposed to have favorites. But that's not what she says. Which one of you do I not what she says. Which one of you do I not what she says. Which one of you do I love the most? Well, the one who needs love the most? Well, the one who needs love the most? Well, the one who needs me the most. And that's the perfect me the most. And that's the perfect me the most. And that's the perfect Christian answer, actually, because for Christian answer, actually, because for Christian answer, actually, because for us Christians, love is not about feeling us Christians, love is not about feeling us Christians, love is not about feeling or emotion or who we enjoy spending time or emotion or who we enjoy spending time or emotion or who we enjoy spending time with. No, love is concrete action that with. No, love is concrete action that with. No, love is concrete action that helps, helps, helps, that comforts, that cares for another. that comforts, that cares for another. that comforts, that cares for another. For this mother, today it's going to be For this mother, today it's going to be For this mother, today it's going to be the daughter who's worried about how the daughter who's worried about how the daughter who's worried about how she'll fit in at her new school. she'll fit in at her new school. she'll fit in at her new school. Tomorrow, it'll be the son with the open Tomorrow, it'll be the son with the open Tomorrow, it'll be the son with the open wound on his leg. The day after that, wound on his leg. The day after that, wound on his leg. The day after that, who knows who do I love the most? The who knows who do I love the most? The who knows who do I love the most? The one who needs me the most. This is why one who needs me the most. This is why one who needs me the most. This is why God has a preferential option for the God has a preferential option for the God has a preferential option for the poor. not because they're better, but poor. not because they're better, but poor. not because they're better, but because they need more.

because they need more. because they need more. To live in poverty is to live in To live in poverty is to live in To live in poverty is to live in constant and continual need. And the constant and continual need. And the constant and continual need. And the impact of poverty just exacerbates the impact of poverty just exacerbates the impact of poverty just exacerbates the need because living in poverty increases need because living in poverty increases need because living in poverty increases stress and anxiety. It's linked with stress and anxiety. It's linked with stress and anxiety. It's linked with greater rates of depression and despair. greater rates of depression and despair. greater rates of depression and despair. It leads to increased risk for chronic It leads to increased risk for chronic It leads to increased risk for chronic health problems. And of course, it's a health problems. And of course, it's a health problems. And of course, it's a vicious cycle because people in poverty vicious cycle because people in poverty vicious cycle because people in poverty also typically have less access to also typically have less access to also typically have less access to health care or nutritious food or health care or nutritious food or health care or nutritious food or political power that would help to solve political power that would help to solve political power that would help to solve those problems. those problems. those problems. The problem for Amos was that God's The problem for Amos was that God's The problem for Amos was that God's people saw all this need around them and people saw all this need around them and people saw all this need around them and then did nothing about it. So remember then did nothing about it. So remember then did nothing about it. So remember the final verse, the corrective, the the final verse, the corrective, the the final verse, the corrective, the call to action. But let justice roll call to action. But let justice roll call to action. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like down like waters and righteousness like down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream. These are key an everflowing stream. These are key an everflowing stream. These are key concepts for God's people. Justice and concepts for God's people. Justice and concepts for God's people. Justice and righteousness and they go hand in hand.

righteousness and they go hand in hand. righteousness and they go hand in hand. Justice refers to fairness, attention to Justice refers to fairness, attention to Justice refers to fairness, attention to the needs of the poor, an end to the needs of the poor, an end to the needs of the poor, an end to oppression, a legal system that protects oppression, a legal system that protects oppression, a legal system that protects the rights of all people. The Hebrew the rights of all people. The Hebrew the rights of all people. The Hebrew word that Amos uses is mishpot. Some of word that Amos uses is mishpot. Some of word that Amos uses is mishpot. Some of you might have heard that word before. you might have heard that word before. you might have heard that word before. It it means concrete actions that It it means concrete actions that It it means concrete actions that correct something wrong. Justice. correct something wrong. Justice. correct something wrong. Justice. Righteousness is different. Righteousness is different. Righteousness is different. Righteousness is about seeking right Righteousness is about seeking right Righteousness is about seeking right relationships between people, no matter relationships between people, no matter relationships between people, no matter what differences there might be. what differences there might be. what differences there might be. Righteousness is about relationships Righteousness is about relationships Righteousness is about relationships that are healthy. It's about a sense of that are healthy. It's about a sense of that are healthy. It's about a sense of commonality, a recognition that God has commonality, a recognition that God has commonality, a recognition that God has taken a whole lot of people and made one taken a whole lot of people and made one taken a whole lot of people and made one community that's defined by kinship and community that's defined by kinship and community that's defined by kinship and care. And thus, righteous people seek care. And thus, righteous people seek care. And thus, righteous people seek justice. justice. justice. Because righteous people care about Because righteous people care about Because righteous people care about other people and they care about the other people and they care about the other people and they care about the bonds between people and the health of bonds between people and the health of bonds between people and the health of the community as a whole. Righteous the community as a whole. Righteous the community as a whole. Righteous people seek justice.

people seek justice. people seek justice. And I've discovered that pretty much And I've discovered that pretty much And I've discovered that pretty much everybody tends to know the difference everybody tends to know the difference everybody tends to know the difference between just and unjust. We have no between just and unjust. We have no between just and unjust. We have no problem identifying injustice. problem identifying injustice. problem identifying injustice. When it happens to us, When it happens to us, When it happens to us, if it's happening to someone else, if it's happening to someone else, if it's happening to someone else, that's when we start to make all sorts that's when we start to make all sorts that's when we start to make all sorts of exclusions and excuses. of exclusions and excuses. of exclusions and excuses. Yeah, but he was here illegally. We say Yeah, but he was here illegally. We say Yeah, but he was here illegally. We say maybe, but that doesn't make what maybe, but that doesn't make what maybe, but that doesn't make what happened just. Yeah, but she should have happened just. Yeah, but she should have happened just. Yeah, but she should have listened. Probably, but that doesn't listened. Probably, but that doesn't listened. Probably, but that doesn't make what happened just. We know make what happened just. We know make what happened just. We know injustice when we see it. Whether we injustice when we see it. Whether we injustice when we see it. Whether we fight against it depends on how close to fight against it depends on how close to fight against it depends on how close to home it hits. I see this in my children home it hits. I see this in my children home it hits. I see this in my children all the time. A few years ago, I still all the time. A few years ago, I still all the time. A few years ago, I still remember it. One summer evening, we were remember it. One summer evening, we were remember it. One summer evening, we were eating a a nice big salad at dinner eating a a nice big salad at dinner eating a a nice big salad at dinner time. And the salad had olives in it. time. And the salad had olives in it. time. And the salad had olives in it. And our daughter loves olives. So I was And our daughter loves olives. So I was And our daughter loves olives. So I was sharing some of my olives with her. My sharing some of my olives with her. My sharing some of my olives with her. My son pipes up, "No fair. You're giving son pipes up, "No fair. You're giving son pipes up, "No fair. You're giving her all the olives." Now, this was the her all the olives." Now, this was the her all the olives." Now, this was the very first time in his whole life he'd very first time in his whole life he'd very first time in his whole life he'd ever expressed any interest in olives.

ever expressed any interest in olives. ever expressed any interest in olives. But as soon as she got more, kids say it But as soon as she got more, kids say it But as soon as she got more, kids say it all the time. No fair. He got to go all the time. No fair. He got to go all the time. No fair. He got to go first last time. No fair. She got a first last time. No fair. She got a first last time. No fair. She got a bigger piece than I did. No fair. We're bigger piece than I did. No fair. We're bigger piece than I did. No fair. We're all very quick to want justice when it's all very quick to want justice when it's all very quick to want justice when it's for ourselves. for ourselves. for ourselves. We typically want it le much less We typically want it le much less We typically want it le much less fervently when it's for someone else. fervently when it's for someone else. fervently when it's for someone else. Even less when justice for another might Even less when justice for another might Even less when justice for another might mean changing the way I live. mean changing the way I live. mean changing the way I live. But in the life that God describes But in the life that God describes But in the life that God describes through Amos, justice, through Amos, justice, through Amos, justice, justice is not something we seek for justice is not something we seek for justice is not something we seek for ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. Justice is what we seek for others. Justice is what we seek for others. Justice is what we seek for others. Righteousness is what we seek for Righteousness is what we seek for Righteousness is what we seek for ourselves. The call is to be righteous ourselves. The call is to be righteous ourselves. The call is to be righteous people. People who are in right people. People who are in right people. People who are in right relationship with God and with others relationship with God and with others relationship with God and with others and who thus work for justice on behalf and who thus work for justice on behalf and who thus work for justice on behalf of the poor, the pre the oppressed, the of the poor, the pre the oppressed, the of the poor, the pre the oppressed, the weak, the burdened. Let justice roll weak, the burdened. Let justice roll weak, the burdened. Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like down like waters and righteousness like down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream. There's there's an everflowing stream. There's there's an everflowing stream. There's there's no such thing as trickle down justice.

no such thing as trickle down justice. no such thing as trickle down justice. The images of justice rolling down like The images of justice rolling down like The images of justice rolling down like waters, a sudden deluge, a dam breaking, waters, a sudden deluge, a dam breaking, waters, a sudden deluge, a dam breaking, an everflowing stream like a waterfall, an everflowing stream like a waterfall, an everflowing stream like a waterfall, a steady supply available to everyone a steady supply available to everyone a steady supply available to everyone who needs it. who needs it. who needs it. William Sloan Coffin, a well-known William Sloan Coffin, a well-known William Sloan Coffin, a well-known preacher in the 60s and 70s, once said, preacher in the 60s and 70s, once said, preacher in the 60s and 70s, once said, "It's one thing to say with the prophet "It's one thing to say with the prophet "It's one thing to say with the prophet Amos, let justice roll down like mighty Amos, let justice roll down like mighty Amos, let justice roll down like mighty waters." And it's quite another to work waters." And it's quite another to work waters." And it's quite another to work out the irrigation system. I suppose the out the irrigation system. I suppose the out the irrigation system. I suppose the point is that there's no magic wand. point is that there's no magic wand. point is that there's no magic wand. It's not easy. We talk about fighting It's not easy. We talk about fighting It's not easy. We talk about fighting injustice injustice injustice because it's a struggle. And seeking because it's a struggle. And seeking because it's a struggle. And seeking justice is also incredibly complex justice is also incredibly complex justice is also incredibly complex because justice is about feeding hungry because justice is about feeding hungry because justice is about feeding hungry people. And it's also about ensuring people. And it's also about ensuring people. And it's also about ensuring access to healthy food and education and access to healthy food and education and access to healthy food and education and health care and employment for whole health care and employment for whole health care and employment for whole communities of people. Justice is about communities of people. Justice is about communities of people. Justice is about making sure that the lady down the making sure that the lady down the making sure that the lady down the street can afford her medicine and about street can afford her medicine and about street can afford her medicine and about ensuring that we root out practices and ensuring that we root out practices and ensuring that we root out practices and systems that inflate drug place prices systems that inflate drug place prices systems that inflate drug place prices and limit social mobility and and and limit social mobility and and and limit social mobility and and inadequate housing and lack of basic inadequate housing and lack of basic inadequate housing and lack of basic services. It's one thing to say let services. It's one thing to say let services. It's one thing to say let justice roll down like waters. It's justice roll down like waters. It's justice roll down like waters. It's another to work out the details, but another to work out the details, but another to work out the details, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.

that doesn't mean it's impossible. that doesn't mean it's impossible. I was reading an article recently about I was reading an article recently about I was reading an article recently about distance runners breaking barriers. The distance runners breaking barriers. The distance runners breaking barriers. The feature of the article was a runner feature of the article was a runner feature of the article was a runner named Elude Kipchig. He's the first named Elude Kipchig. He's the first named Elude Kipchig. He's the first human to run a marathon in under two human to run a marathon in under two human to run a marathon in under two hours. hours. hours. Scientists had always believed that such Scientists had always believed that such Scientists had always believed that such a feat was physiologically impossible a feat was physiologically impossible a feat was physiologically impossible that the human body just couldn't do it. that the human body just couldn't do it. that the human body just couldn't do it. And they were right until Kipchig did And they were right until Kipchig did And they were right until Kipchig did it. it. it. It was impossible until someone did it. It was impossible until someone did it. It was impossible until someone did it. And the article goes on to say, "When And the article goes on to say, "When And the article goes on to say, "When the experts are proven wrong, often the experts are proven wrong, often the experts are proven wrong, often there's a sense of a damn breaking." there's a sense of a damn breaking." there's a sense of a damn breaking." Another running world example, nobody Another running world example, nobody Another running world example, nobody could do a sub4minute mile until Roger could do a sub4minute mile until Roger could do a sub4minute mile until Roger Banister ran a mile in 3 minutes and 59 Banister ran a mile in 3 minutes and 59 Banister ran a mile in 3 minutes and 59 seconds. One month later though, an seconds. One month later though, an seconds. One month later though, an Australian named John Landy ran a mile Australian named John Landy ran a mile Australian named John Landy ran a mile in 3 minutes and 58 seconds. A year in 3 minutes and 58 seconds. A year in 3 minutes and 58 seconds. A year after that, four runners ran under four after that, four runners ran under four after that, four runners ran under four minutes in the same race. After Banister minutes in the same race. After Banister minutes in the same race. After Banister did it, it's like a whole bunch of did it, it's like a whole bunch of did it, it's like a whole bunch of people said, "Oh, well, I can do that, people said, "Oh, well, I can do that, people said, "Oh, well, I can do that, too. It is possible."

too. It is possible." too. It is possible." Poverty is a big barrier to break. Poverty is a big barrier to break. Poverty is a big barrier to break. Injustice is even bigger. Problems so Injustice is even bigger. Problems so Injustice is even bigger. Problems so large that they feel impossible. It large that they feel impossible. It large that they feel impossible. It cannot be done. cannot be done. cannot be done. But we pray the Lord's Prayer in worship But we pray the Lord's Prayer in worship But we pray the Lord's Prayer in worship every Sunday. We ask that God's will be every Sunday. We ask that God's will be every Sunday. We ask that God's will be done as part of our worship. done as part of our worship. done as part of our worship. So, shouldn't we at least try to do So, shouldn't we at least try to do So, shouldn't we at least try to do God's will out in the world? Shouldn't God's will out in the world? Shouldn't God's will out in the world? Shouldn't our worship in here lead to justice out our worship in here lead to justice out our worship in here lead to justice out there? Shouldn't God's people make sure there? Shouldn't God's people make sure there? Shouldn't God's people make sure that every hungry person has food to that every hungry person has food to that every hungry person has food to eat, every sick person has the care they eat, every sick person has the care they eat, every sick person has the care they need, every child has an excellent need, every child has an excellent need, every child has an excellent education, every person in poverty has a education, every person in poverty has a education, every person in poverty has a chance to thrive? The list goes on and chance to thrive? The list goes on and chance to thrive? The list goes on and on and on. Shouldn't we? on and on. Shouldn't we? on and on. Shouldn't we? Yes, we should let justice roll down Yes, we should let justice roll down Yes, we should let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an like waters and righteousness like an like waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream because everything is everflowing stream because everything is everflowing stream because everything is impossible impossible impossible until someone does it until someone does it until someone does it with God's help. That someone will be with God's help. That someone will be with God's help. That someone will be us.

us. us. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. God, we know that our lives don't always God, we know that our lives don't always God, we know that our lives don't always match your desire, but we know that with match your desire, but we know that with match your desire, but we know that with your help they can. And so, God, we pray your help they can. And so, God, we pray your help they can. And so, God, we pray that as you send us out into the world that as you send us out into the world that as you send us out into the world this morning, that our lives might align this morning, that our lives might align this morning, that our lives might align with your will, that our worship in here with your will, that our worship in here with your will, that our worship in here might lead to justice in your world. In might lead to justice in your world. In might lead to justice in your world. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the the name of the Father, the Son, and the the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen. Friends, Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen. Friends, Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen. Friends, what a joy it's been to worship God what a joy it's been to worship God what a joy it's been to worship God together this morning. Thank you for together this morning. Thank you for together this morning. Thank you for being here. And if you're new to MDUMC, being here. And if you're new to MDUMC, being here. And if you're new to MDUMC, either in the room or worshiping online either in the room or worshiping online either in the room or worshiping online today, I'm so glad that you've come. today, I'm so glad that you've come. today, I'm so glad that you've come. Pastor Kate and I would love the chance Pastor Kate and I would love the chance Pastor Kate and I would love the chance to meet you after the service. We're to meet you after the service. We're to meet you after the service. We're going to be right outside the back doors going to be right outside the back doors going to be right outside the back doors of this sanctuary. Make sure to take of this sanctuary. Make sure to take of this sanctuary. Make sure to take your bulletin home with you. It's got your bulletin home with you. It's got your bulletin home with you. It's got several things coming up in the life of several things coming up in the life of several things coming up in the life of the church. One that's not on here that the church. One that's not on here that the church. One that's not on here that you may be a interested in knowing is you may be a interested in knowing is you may be a interested in knowing is that we are as a congregation uh that we are as a congregation uh that we are as a congregation uh collecting funds for those of impacted collecting funds for those of impacted collecting funds for those of impacted by the flooding in the Hill Country over by the flooding in the Hill Country over by the flooding in the Hill Country over these past several days. You can if these past several days. You can if these past several days. You can if you're interested in donating to that you're interested in donating to that you're interested in donating to that effort, you can uh give online at effort, you can uh give online at effort, you can uh give online at mdumc.orgg.

mdumc.orgg. mdumc.orgg. There's a place to designate that gift. There's a place to designate that gift. There's a place to designate that gift. Um you can do that anytime this week and Um you can do that anytime this week and Um you can do that anytime this week and we'll make sure that gets to people in we'll make sure that gets to people in we'll make sure that gets to people in need on the ground in the Hill Country. need on the ground in the Hill Country. need on the ground in the Hill Country. Last thing, if you found a home here at Last thing, if you found a home here at Last thing, if you found a home here at MDUMC, uh, but you're not yet a member MDUMC, uh, but you're not yet a member MDUMC, uh, but you're not yet a member of this church and would like to be, of this church and would like to be, of this church and would like to be, come forward as we sing this final song. come forward as we sing this final song. come forward as we sing this final song. Pastor Kate and I would love to help, Pastor Kate and I would love to help, Pastor Kate and I would love to help, uh, help you take that step in your uh, help you take that step in your uh, help you take that step in your relationship with the church. Now, as we relationship with the church. Now, as we relationship with the church. Now, as we prepare for God to send us into the prepare for God to send us into the prepare for God to send us into the world, would you stand as you're able, world, would you stand as you're able, world, would you stand as you're able, and we'll sing together once again. Yes, they'll know we are Christians by Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

side. side. We will We will We will each each each work by human dignity and save human. human dignity and save human. And they'll know we are Christians by And they'll know we are Christians by And they'll know we are Christians by our love by our love. Yes, they'll know our love by our love. Yes, they'll know our love by our love. Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. to the to the holy Christians By Christians By our we go in peace to serve God and your go in peace to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do. And may the neighbor in all that you do. And may the neighbor in all that you do. And may the peace of Christ go with you. Amen.