Traditional | 11 a.m. | 08.30.2026

Heat. Heat. Heat. See

See who is the new day of wealth and new day of wealth and praise praise praise and grace in pray and grace in pray and grace in pray to mind the word of Jesus. to mind the word of Jesus. to mind the word of Jesus. worthy for all days are days of judgment for all days are days of judgment and the Lord is waiting and the Lord is waiting and the Lord is waiting still near to all near to all to him. to him. to him. All great peace of God receive the Lord shall the Lord shall the city the city the city the city the city the city of despair.

of despair. of despair. All today All today All today our child are glory >> Please remain standing as we affirm >> Please remain standing as we affirm together our faith in the triune God together our faith in the triune God together our faith in the triune God with the Apostles Creed. I believe in with the Apostles Creed. I believe in with the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who is conceived by the son, our Lord, who is conceived by the son, our Lord, who is conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and siteth at the right into heaven, and siteth at the right into heaven, and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From hand of God the Father Almighty. From hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the quick then he shall come to judge the quick then he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy and the dead. I believe in the Holy and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of communion of saints, the forgiveness of communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and sins, the resurrection of the body, and sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

the life everlasting. the life everlasting. Amen. Glor to the Father Glor to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. Ghost. Ghost. As it was in the beginning, As it was in the beginning, As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Please be seated. Please be seated. Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through of salvation and given new birth through of salvation and given new birth through water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is God's gift offered to us without price. God's gift offered to us without price. God's gift offered to us without price. We present today for holy baptism Nancy We present today for holy baptism Nancy We present today for holy baptism Nancy Elizabeth Landry, daughter of Bo Landry Elizabeth Landry, daughter of Bo Landry Elizabeth Landry, daughter of Bo Landry and Riley Landry.

and Riley Landry. and Riley Landry. Parents, in presenting this child for Parents, in presenting this child for Parents, in presenting this child for holy baptism, do you confess Jesus holy baptism, do you confess Jesus holy baptism, do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put your whole Christ as your savior? Put your whole Christ as your savior? Put your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve trust in his grace and promise to serve trust in his grace and promise to serve him as your Lord in union with the him as your Lord in union with the him as your Lord in union with the church which Christ has opened to people church which Christ has opened to people church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races. If you of all ages, nations, and races. If you of all ages, nations, and races. If you do, say we do. do, say we do. do, say we do. >> Amen. Will you nurture her in Christ's >> Amen. Will you nurture her in Christ's >> Amen. Will you nurture her in Christ's holy church that by your teaching and holy church that by your teaching and holy church that by your teaching and example she may be guided to accept example she may be guided to accept example she may be guided to accept God's grace for herself to profess her God's grace for herself to profess her God's grace for herself to profess her faith openly and to lead a Christian faith openly and to lead a Christian faith openly and to lead a Christian life if you will say we will. life if you will say we will. life if you will say we will. >> Amen. Alrighty. >> Amen. Alrighty. >> Amen. Alrighty. Hello. Hello. Hello. Come with me for just a second. Thank Come with me for just a second. Thank Come with me for just a second. Thank you. you. you. Hi. What's your name? No. All right. Hi. What's your name? No. All right. Hi. What's your name? No. All right. I know a lot of people out there. What I know a lot of people out there. What I know a lot of people out there. What name is given to this child? name is given to this child? name is given to this child? >> Betty. >> All right, Betty.

>> All right, Betty. We baptize you in the name of the Father We baptize you in the name of the Father We baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. May God pour out his richest blessings May God pour out his richest blessings May God pour out his richest blessings all the days of your life. Amen. All all the days of your life. Amen. All all the days of your life. Amen. All right. You see those people back there? right. You see those people back there? right. You see those people back there? That is your new church family. Your That is your new church family. Your That is your new church family. Your mothers and your sisters and your mothers and your sisters and your mothers and your sisters and your brothers and church. This is our new brothers and church. This is our new brothers and church. This is our new daughter. Would you welcome her uh in daughter. Would you welcome her uh in daughter. Would you welcome her uh in blessing this morning? blessing this morning? blessing this morning? Great job. Great job. Great job. Beloved of the household of faith, I Beloved of the household of faith, I Beloved of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child commend to your love and care this child commend to your love and care this child whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that she may grow up in the so to live that she may grow up in the so to live that she may grow up in the knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father through our Savior Jesus Christ? With through our Savior Jesus Christ? With through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God's help, we will proclaim the good God's help, we will proclaim the good God's help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example news and live according to the example news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround this child of Christ. We will surround this child of Christ. We will surround this child with a community of love and forgiveness with a community of love and forgiveness with a community of love and forgiveness that she may grow in her service to that she may grow in her service to that she may grow in her service to others. We will pray for her that she others. We will pray for her that she others. We will pray for her that she may be a true disciple who walks in the may be a true disciple who walks in the may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life eternal. Amen.

way that leads to life eternal. Amen. way that leads to life eternal. Amen. Amen. Let me offer one more prayer of Amen. Let me offer one more prayer of Amen. Let me offer one more prayer of blessing over uh our sweet new daughter blessing over uh our sweet new daughter blessing over uh our sweet new daughter in the faith. God, we give thanks for in the faith. God, we give thanks for in the faith. God, we give thanks for every gift that you have given us. And every gift that you have given us. And every gift that you have given us. And our prayer is that you just might lift our prayer is that you just might lift our prayer is that you just might lift up Betty in your faith for all the days up Betty in your faith for all the days up Betty in your faith for all the days of her life. Allow her to discern the of her life. Allow her to discern the of her life. Allow her to discern the calling and the love that you have for calling and the love that you have for calling and the love that you have for her. Make her abiding abiding your her. Make her abiding abiding your her. Make her abiding abiding your abiding presence known every day of her abiding presence known every day of her abiding presence known every day of her life. We say this in your son's holy and life. We say this in your son's holy and life. We say this in your son's holy and precious name. Amen. Amen. With that uh precious name. Amen. Amen. With that uh precious name. Amen. Amen. With that uh you guys can make your way uh back to you guys can make your way uh back to you guys can make your way uh back to your seats. Thank you so much uh for your seats. Thank you so much uh for your seats. Thank you so much uh for that. And as the family, you can take uh that. And as the family, you can take uh that. And as the family, you can take uh your seat as well. Uh it is so good to your seat as well. Uh it is so good to your seat as well. Uh it is so good to be with all of you this morning. if we be with all of you this morning. if we be with all of you this morning. if we haven't had the chance to meet. Uh my haven't had the chance to meet. Uh my haven't had the chance to meet. Uh my name is Chris Wax. I am blessed to be name is Chris Wax. I am blessed to be name is Chris Wax. I am blessed to be one of the pastors here. Uh the newest one of the pastors here. Uh the newest one of the pastors here. Uh the newest pastor, I've made it two months now. pastor, I've made it two months now. pastor, I've made it two months now. Haven't gotten rid of me yet. So, uh Haven't gotten rid of me yet. So, uh Haven't gotten rid of me yet. So, uh we're very grateful. But really, it's we're very grateful. But really, it's we're very grateful. But really, it's been a wonderful time. Thanks to all of been a wonderful time. Thanks to all of been a wonderful time. Thanks to all of you who have made it such a welcoming uh you who have made it such a welcoming uh you who have made it such a welcoming uh environment and who have introduced environment and who have introduced environment and who have introduced yourself to me dozens of times and we'll yourself to me dozens of times and we'll yourself to me dozens of times and we'll continue to do that as I get names down continue to do that as I get names down continue to do that as I get names down better. I want to take a quick second to better. I want to take a quick second to better. I want to take a quick second to make you aware of a couple of things make you aware of a couple of things make you aware of a couple of things happening in the life of the church.

happening in the life of the church. happening in the life of the church. Number one, uh today is the 70th Number one, uh today is the 70th Number one, uh today is the 70th anniversary uh of our Gethsemane campus anniversary uh of our Gethsemane campus anniversary uh of our Gethsemane campus that we're uh celebrating their 70 years that we're uh celebrating their 70 years that we're uh celebrating their 70 years of ministry. Dr. Pace is actually uh at of ministry. Dr. Pace is actually uh at of ministry. Dr. Pace is actually uh at that campus today preaching over there. that campus today preaching over there. that campus today preaching over there. Um and so what a real blessing it is. I Um and so what a real blessing it is. I Um and so what a real blessing it is. I know they've got big plans to celebrate know they've got big plans to celebrate know they've got big plans to celebrate that uh uh with celebrations for that that uh uh with celebrations for that that uh uh with celebrations for that after church today and we continue uh as after church today and we continue uh as after church today and we continue uh as one church family really to celebrate one church family really to celebrate one church family really to celebrate the ministry that takes place there. Uh, the ministry that takes place there. Uh, the ministry that takes place there. Uh, I've got four good things that I want to I've got four good things that I want to I've got four good things that I want to mention coming up uh in the life of the mention coming up uh in the life of the mention coming up uh in the life of the church and one piece of bad news. We'll church and one piece of bad news. We'll church and one piece of bad news. We'll start with the bad news. The organ um start with the bad news. The organ um start with the bad news. The organ um all hopes and beliefs uh were on track all hopes and beliefs uh were on track all hopes and beliefs uh were on track that it might be ready today and uh I that it might be ready today and uh I that it might be ready today and uh I was here yesterday and Sid was here, Jim was here yesterday and Sid was here, Jim was here yesterday and Sid was here, Jim was here, uh Jason who's been uh working was here, uh Jason who's been uh working was here, uh Jason who's been uh working on the organ for us was here. Uh, and on the organ for us was here. Uh, and on the organ for us was here. Uh, and amidst all of that preparation, amidst all of that preparation, amidst all of that preparation, the blower, which I've learned is kind the blower, which I've learned is kind the blower, which I've learned is kind of back through that wall there. Really, of back through that wall there. Really, of back through that wall there. Really, the lungs of the organ, uh, blew up the lungs of the organ, uh, blew up the lungs of the organ, uh, blew up quite literally uh, yesterday, exploded, quite literally uh, yesterday, exploded, quite literally uh, yesterday, exploded, um, in the pieces that basically get air um, in the pieces that basically get air um, in the pieces that basically get air uh, into the organ. So, one, pray for uh, into the organ. So, one, pray for uh, into the organ. So, one, pray for Jim. Uh, maybe bring him cookies this Jim. Uh, maybe bring him cookies this Jim. Uh, maybe bring him cookies this week. Uh, you know, just things to know.

week. Uh, you know, just things to know. week. Uh, you know, just things to know. We're thinking about him. Uh but out of We're thinking about him. Uh but out of We're thinking about him. Uh but out of that, it kind of pushes back that that, it kind of pushes back that that, it kind of pushes back that timeline. We're so thankful that it timeline. We're so thankful that it timeline. We're so thankful that it happened, you know, not in the middle of happened, you know, not in the middle of happened, you know, not in the middle of service today, but it was something that service today, but it was something that service today, but it was something that happened uh while the Oregon technician happened uh while the Oregon technician happened uh while the Oregon technician was there. They're going to bring it to was there. They're going to bring it to was there. They're going to bring it to their spot, fix it uh and bring it back their spot, fix it uh and bring it back their spot, fix it uh and bring it back to us. And so uh the anticipation for to us. And so uh the anticipation for to us. And so uh the anticipation for that is now still continues to build, that is now still continues to build, that is now still continues to build, but hopefully uh in the next couple of but hopefully uh in the next couple of but hopefully uh in the next couple of weeks here when we get that clearer weeks here when we get that clearer weeks here when we get that clearer sense uh there, we'll let you know. Uh sense uh there, we'll let you know. Uh sense uh there, we'll let you know. Uh in your in your bulletin, there are a in your in your bulletin, there are a in your in your bulletin, there are a number of announcements of things number of announcements of things number of announcements of things happening in the life of the church. happening in the life of the church. happening in the life of the church. which I'll point you to. Today is the which I'll point you to. Today is the which I'll point you to. Today is the last day of our CCSC um school last day of our CCSC um school last day of our CCSC um school collection. It's what a gift we can collection. It's what a gift we can collection. It's what a gift we can offer to students to help give them the offer to students to help give them the offer to students to help give them the supplies they need for school uh to supplies they need for school uh to supplies they need for school uh to start that year off right. And so uh as start that year off right. And so uh as start that year off right. And so uh as you're able, we would love for you to you're able, we would love for you to you're able, we would love for you to give and give generously to the ways to give and give generously to the ways to give and give generously to the ways to really help those kids have a wonderful really help those kids have a wonderful really help those kids have a wonderful start to their school year. One other start to their school year. One other start to their school year. One other announcement I want to make and like a announcement I want to make and like a announcement I want to make and like a preacher, I want to tell you a quick preacher, I want to tell you a quick preacher, I want to tell you a quick story. Uh just a couple of weeks ago, I story. Uh just a couple of weeks ago, I story. Uh just a couple of weeks ago, I was at HB over there in West Alabama. It was at HB over there in West Alabama. It was at HB over there in West Alabama. It was after work one day, had to pick was after work one day, had to pick was after work one day, had to pick something up, and Eleanor, my something up, and Eleanor, my something up, and Eleanor, my six-year-old daughter, was in the car six-year-old daughter, was in the car six-year-old daughter, was in the car with me. And it was that classic moment with me. And it was that classic moment with me. And it was that classic moment of I'm backing out of the spot. A car is of I'm backing out of the spot. A car is of I'm backing out of the spot. A car is waiting to turn into my spot. A car is waiting to turn into my spot. A car is waiting to turn into my spot. A car is honking at the car waiting to turn into honking at the car waiting to turn into honking at the car waiting to turn into my spot. And Eleanor is peppering me my spot. And Eleanor is peppering me my spot. And Eleanor is peppering me with questions. Dad, why is that car with questions. Dad, why is that car with questions. Dad, why is that car honking? Dad, why didn't you do this honking? Dad, why didn't you do this honking? Dad, why didn't you do this before you picked me up? Dad, why before you picked me up? Dad, why before you picked me up? Dad, why couldn't I get that dessert? Dad, why couldn't I get that dessert? Dad, why couldn't I get that dessert? Dad, why couldn't I get ice cream? Dad, where's couldn't I get ice cream? Dad, where's couldn't I get ice cream? Dad, where's mom? Dad, why isn't mom here? Dad, when

mom? Dad, why isn't mom here? Dad, when mom? Dad, why isn't mom here? Dad, when we die, do our bones go to heaven with we die, do our bones go to heaven with we die, do our bones go to heaven with us? us? us? And in that moment, I'm a pastor. I've And in that moment, I'm a pastor. I've And in that moment, I'm a pastor. I've done a lot of theological education. I done a lot of theological education. I done a lot of theological education. I had no idea what to say to her. Not had no idea what to say to her. Not had no idea what to say to her. Not because I don't know how to answer that because I don't know how to answer that because I don't know how to answer that question. I do, but I don't know how to question. I do, but I don't know how to question. I do, but I don't know how to answer it to her in a way without answer it to her in a way without answer it to her in a way without thinking through, well, what is she thinking through, well, what is she thinking through, well, what is she asking? What does she mean? And I'm asking? What does she mean? And I'm asking? What does she mean? And I'm tired, overstimulated, and wanted to go tired, overstimulated, and wanted to go tired, overstimulated, and wanted to go home. If you with your kids or grandkids home. If you with your kids or grandkids home. If you with your kids or grandkids have ever been in that place, I want to have ever been in that place, I want to have ever been in that place, I want to commend to you our woven study. Meredith commend to you our woven study. Meredith commend to you our woven study. Meredith Miller is an author. She wrote a book uh Miller is an author. She wrote a book uh Miller is an author. She wrote a book uh called woven, how to nurture a faith in called woven, how to nurture a faith in called woven, how to nurture a faith in your kids they don't have to heal from. your kids they don't have to heal from. your kids they don't have to heal from. A and really the heart of it is how A and really the heart of it is how A and really the heart of it is how might we answer those challenging might we answer those challenging might we answer those challenging questions, but how do we really nurture questions, but how do we really nurture questions, but how do we really nurture a faith in our kids that is sticky and a faith in our kids that is sticky and a faith in our kids that is sticky and longlasting and is really theirs? And so longlasting and is really theirs? And so longlasting and is really theirs? And so I want to commend you to you those I want to commend you to you those I want to commend you to you those opportunities whether it's through some opportunities whether it's through some opportunities whether it's through some of our Sunday schools that are doing it of our Sunday schools that are doing it of our Sunday schools that are doing it or we've got a whole host of other or we've got a whole host of other or we've got a whole host of other groups. Uh Dr. Pace is going to lead one groups. Uh Dr. Pace is going to lead one groups. Uh Dr. Pace is going to lead one uh for grandparents. I'm going to lead uh for grandparents. I'm going to lead uh for grandparents. I'm going to lead one for parents. There's one for men.

one for parents. There's one for men. one for parents. There's one for men. There's one for women. There are some There's one for women. There are some There's one for women. There are some for day school parents. All kinds of for day school parents. All kinds of for day school parents. All kinds of ways that you can connect and to do so ways that you can connect and to do so ways that you can connect and to do so in community. Right? As you know, it's in community. Right? As you know, it's in community. Right? As you know, it's one of our inside out habits to say that one of our inside out habits to say that one of our inside out habits to say that we make friends, that we do this life we make friends, that we do this life we make friends, that we do this life together. So, I encourage you to that uh together. So, I encourage you to that uh together. So, I encourage you to that uh do that. There are other ways that we do that. There are other ways that we do that. There are other ways that we make community. Uh one of them too make community. Uh one of them too make community. Uh one of them too coming up is our community night in coming up is our community night in coming up is our community night in September uh where we will play bingo September uh where we will play bingo September uh where we will play bingo together. Uh if you went to one of the together. Uh if you went to one of the together. Uh if you went to one of the previous ones, you know how great a time previous ones, you know how great a time previous ones, you know how great a time it is. And it's always good to be able it is. And it's always good to be able it is. And it's always good to be able to in such a big church get small, to to in such a big church get small, to to in such a big church get small, to meet new people, to make friends. Uh meet new people, to make friends. Uh meet new people, to make friends. Uh your clergy will be calling bingo. Uh your clergy will be calling bingo. Uh your clergy will be calling bingo. Uh and so we're ready uh to show you all and so we're ready uh to show you all and so we're ready uh to show you all the great talents that we have. Uh the great talents that we have. Uh the great talents that we have. Uh calling bingo being one of them as well. calling bingo being one of them as well. calling bingo being one of them as well. One one last announcement for connecting One one last announcement for connecting One one last announcement for connecting and plugging in is our fall guide live. and plugging in is our fall guide live. and plugging in is our fall guide live. Uh after service today over in the Hines Uh after service today over in the Hines Uh after service today over in the Hines Baker room, we're going to have uh this Baker room, we're going to have uh this Baker room, we're going to have uh this event where if you've ever said, "I had event where if you've ever said, "I had event where if you've ever said, "I had no idea that this was happening at no idea that this was happening at no idea that this was happening at church today," then we should see you church today," then we should see you church today," then we should see you there. Uh whether you are new to this there. Uh whether you are new to this there. Uh whether you are new to this church or you've been here for years, church or you've been here for years, church or you've been here for years, this is our opportunity to give you this is our opportunity to give you this is our opportunity to give you really more information on what is going really more information on what is going really more information on what is going on and how to plug into all these on and how to plug into all these on and how to plug into all these different kinds of ways. With that, in different kinds of ways. With that, in different kinds of ways. With that, in just a minute, we're going to hear from just a minute, we're going to hear from just a minute, we're going to hear from a scripture uh in our service as we a scripture uh in our service as we a scripture uh in our service as we continue in this series, this beautiful continue in this series, this beautiful continue in this series, this beautiful scripture where Jesus washes the feet of scripture where Jesus washes the feet of scripture where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. But before that, I invite his disciples. But before that, I invite his disciples. But before that, I invite you to take in the words uh of this you to take in the words uh of this you to take in the words uh of this anthem uh from our wonderful uh

anthem uh from our wonderful uh anthem uh from our wonderful uh wonderful Kredo group this morning. first scripture from today is from

first scripture from today is from John's Gospel chapter 13. John's Gospel chapter 13. John's Gospel chapter 13. Now before the festival of the Passover, Now before the festival of the Passover, Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to Jesus knew that his hour had come to Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the depart from this world and go to the depart from this world and go to the father. Having loved his own who were in father. Having loved his own who were in father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The the world, he loved them to the end. The the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already decided that Judas son devil had already decided that Judas son devil had already decided that Judas son of Simon Escariat would betray Jesus. of Simon Escariat would betray Jesus. of Simon Escariat would betray Jesus. And during supper, Jesus, knowing that And during supper, Jesus, knowing that And during supper, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his the Father had given all things into his the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and hands, and that he had come from God and hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from supper, was going to God, got up from supper, was going to God, got up from supper, took off his outer robe and tied a towel took off his outer robe and tied a towel took off his outer robe and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water around himself. Then he poured water around himself. Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the into a basin, and began to wash the into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with disciples feet, and to wipe them with disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. the towel that was tied around him. the towel that was tied around him. after he had washed their feet, had put after he had washed their feet, had put after he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had reclined again, he on his robe, and had reclined again, he on his robe, and had reclined again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have said to them, "Do you know what I have said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me teacher and done to you? You call me teacher and done to you? You call me teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is Lord, and you are right, for that is Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and what I am. So if I, your Lord and what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also Teacher, have washed your feet, you also Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I ought to wash one another's feet. For I ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example that you also have set you an example that you also have set you an example that you also should do as I have done to you."

should do as I have done to you." should do as I have done to you." Very truly I tell you, slaves are not Very truly I tell you, slaves are not Very truly I tell you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are greater than their master, nor are greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent messengers greater than the one who sent messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are them. If you know these things, you are them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. blessed if you do them. blessed if you do them. And from Philippians chapter 2, And from Philippians chapter 2, And from Philippians chapter 2, let the same mind be in you that was in let the same mind be in you that was in let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who though he existed in Christ Jesus, who though he existed in Christ Jesus, who though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality the form of God, did not regard equality the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but with God as something to be grasped, but with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a emptied himself, taking the form of a emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness, slave, assuming human likeness, slave, assuming human likeness, and being found in appearance as a and being found in appearance as a and being found in appearance as a human, he humbled himself and became human, he humbled himself and became human, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even obedient to the point of death, even obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. death on a cross. death on a cross. The word of God for the people of God. The word of God for the people of God. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Bless the Lord my soul Bless the Lord my soul and bless. Let us pray. Let us pray. Gracious and merciful God, Gracious and merciful God, Gracious and merciful God, we thank you for Christ we thank you for Christ we thank you for Christ who showed us what love looks like and who showed us what love looks like and who showed us what love looks like and what love does. what love does. what love does. In Jesus, you knelt down, took the place In Jesus, you knelt down, took the place In Jesus, you knelt down, took the place of a servant, and washed tired and dusty of a servant, and washed tired and dusty of a servant, and washed tired and dusty feet. feet. feet. You gave yourself freely, You gave yourself freely, You gave yourself freely, choosing humility, love, compassion, choosing humility, love, compassion, choosing humility, love, compassion, and not seeking any recognition. and not seeking any recognition. and not seeking any recognition. So Lord, continue to transform our minds So Lord, continue to transform our minds So Lord, continue to transform our minds and hearts to be more like Christ.

and hearts to be more like Christ. and hearts to be more like Christ. Forgive us when we become so focused on Forgive us when we become so focused on Forgive us when we become so focused on ourselves, our schedules, our worries, ourselves, our schedules, our worries, ourselves, our schedules, our worries, our own needs, our own needs, our own needs, and we neglect the people around us. and we neglect the people around us. and we neglect the people around us. Forgive us when we wait for someone else Forgive us when we wait for someone else Forgive us when we wait for someone else to help, when we believe the task is to help, when we believe the task is to help, when we believe the task is beneath us, or when we are beneath us, or when we are beneath us, or when we are only only only in a place to serve when it is in a place to serve when it is in a place to serve when it is convenient or appreciated. convenient or appreciated. convenient or appreciated. God, continue to open our eyes to the God, continue to open our eyes to the God, continue to open our eyes to the needs of those around us. To those who needs of those around us. To those who needs of those around us. To those who are lonely, are lonely, are lonely, to those overwhelmed and exhausted, to those overwhelmed and exhausted, to those overwhelmed and exhausted, for those of us grieving, afraid, for those of us grieving, afraid, for those of us grieving, afraid, hungry, hungry, hungry, worrying about what tomorrow may bring. worrying about what tomorrow may bring. worrying about what tomorrow may bring. God, show us what you would have us God, show us what you would have us God, show us what you would have us to be a friend, to help carry a burden, to be a friend, to help carry a burden, to be a friend, to help carry a burden, to comfort those in need, or simply to to comfort those in need, or simply to to comfort those in need, or simply to be present be present be present and to listen and respond with a and to listen and respond with a and to listen and respond with a couraging word.

couraging word. couraging word. Lord, remind us that in serving others, Lord, remind us that in serving others, Lord, remind us that in serving others, we too are changed. we too are changed. we too are changed. When we give, we also receive. When we give, we also receive. When we give, we also receive. And as we offer ourselves in loves, we And as we offer ourselves in loves, we And as we offer ourselves in loves, we are also reminded of the joy and freedom are also reminded of the joy and freedom are also reminded of the joy and freedom of following Jesus. of following Jesus. of following Jesus. So give us a servant's heart, a heart So give us a servant's heart, a heart So give us a servant's heart, a heart that serves out of love and gratitude, that serves out of love and gratitude, that serves out of love and gratitude, seeking nothing in return. seeking nothing in return. seeking nothing in return. God, we thank you. We praise you. We God, we thank you. We praise you. We God, we thank you. We praise you. We trust you. And we lift all this up as we trust you. And we lift all this up as we trust you. And we lift all this up as we pray together with one voice saying,"Our pray together with one voice saying,"Our pray together with one voice saying,"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give done on earth as it is in heaven. Give done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. Our hymn of preparation is in the faith. Our hymn of preparation is in the faith. Our hymn of preparation is in the faith. We sing your himnil supplement on page We sing your himnil supplement on page We sing your himnil supplement on page 2130. And there's an interesting St. 2130. And there's an interesting St. 2130. And there's an interesting St. Luke's connection to this hymn this very Luke's connection to this hymn this very Luke's connection to this hymn this very morning. You'll notice that the hymn morning. You'll notice that the hymn morning. You'll notice that the hymn tune is Kelvin Grove. And Kelvin Grove tune is Kelvin Grove. And Kelvin Grove tune is Kelvin Grove. And Kelvin Grove is an area of Glasgow that I'm told has is an area of Glasgow that I'm told has is an area of Glasgow that I'm told has a train station and parks and museums a train station and parks and museums a train station and parks and museums and all manner of people gather there. and all manner of people gather there. and all manner of people gather there. All manner of humanity. And it fits this All manner of humanity. And it fits this All manner of humanity. And it fits this summons uh text very well. And it just summons uh text very well. And it just summons uh text very well. And it just so happens that this very morning our so happens that this very morning our so happens that this very morning our Katie McGomery Mirs is in Glasgow headed Katie McGomery Mirs is in Glasgow headed Katie McGomery Mirs is in Glasgow headed to the aisle of Iona for a spiritual to the aisle of Iona for a spiritual to the aisle of Iona for a spiritual retreat. And these this text was written retreat. And these this text was written retreat. And these this text was written by the former spiritual director of the by the former spiritual director of the by the former spiritual director of the island of Iona where she is headed. So island of Iona where she is headed. So island of Iona where she is headed. So Katie, if you're watching us this Katie, if you're watching us this Katie, if you're watching us this morning, we're thinking about you. We're morning, we're thinking about you. We're morning, we're thinking about you. We're going to stand and sing all of the going to stand and sing all of the going to stand and sing all of the verses of the summons. Would you stand verses of the summons. Would you stand verses of the summons. Would you stand please and sing with me?

your name? Will you go where you don't your name? Will you go where you don't go and never be the same? Will you let go and never be the same? Will you let go and never be the same? Will you let my love be strong? Will you let my name my love be strong? Will you let my name my love be strong? Will you let my name be known? Will you let my life be grown be known? Will you let my life be grown be known? Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me? Will you leave yourself behind divine Will you leave yourself behind divine but your name? Will you rule and die and but your name? Will you rule and die and but your name? Will you rule and die and never be the same? Will you risk the never be the same? Will you risk the never be the same? Will you risk the host? host? host? Should your life attract or scare? Will Should your life attract or scare? Will Should your life attract or scare? Will you let me ask a prayer in you and you you let me ask a prayer in you and you you let me ask a prayer in you and you in me? Will you let the blind see Will you let the blind see and call your name? Will you set the and call your name? Will you set the and call your name? Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?

prisoners free and never be the same? prisoners free and never be the same? Will you kiss the L Will you kiss the L Will you kiss the L and s and s and s and admit to what I need in you and you and admit to what I need in you and you and admit to what I need in you and you in me? call your name? Will you fear inside and call your name? Will you fear inside and never be the same? never be the same? never be the same? We use the ground to reshape the world We use the ground to reshape the world We use the ground to reshape the world around around around my sight and touch and sound in you and my sight and touch and sound in you and my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me. For your son was true when you not call For your son was true when you not call my name and eternity with your I love your love and show with your I love your love and show and live and grow in you and you Amen. You may be seated. Uh I want to Amen. You may be seated. Uh I want to invite our ushers forward uh at this invite our ushers forward uh at this invite our ushers forward uh at this time as we prepare for our offering, the time as we prepare for our offering, the time as we prepare for our offering, the taking of our offering. We say thanks taking of our offering. We say thanks taking of our offering. We say thanks for the ways that you give and make this for the ways that you give and make this for the ways that you give and make this ministry here possible. All of that

ministry here possible. All of that ministry here possible. All of that comes through the ways in which you give comes through the ways in which you give comes through the ways in which you give yourself away uh in generosity really to yourself away uh in generosity really to yourself away uh in generosity really to make service that happens around here make service that happens around here make service that happens around here possible. Uh as the ushers come through, possible. Uh as the ushers come through, possible. Uh as the ushers come through, I want to invite you to take in and I want to invite you to take in and I want to invite you to take in and reflect uh the words that our wonderful reflect uh the words that our wonderful reflect uh the words that our wonderful chancel choir will lead us And I

I to praise for the sweetness praise for the sweetness of the darkness is the son of is the son of is the morning for God for God might Amen. Amen. You may be seated.

Amen. Amen. You may be seated. Join me in a word of prayer. Join me in a word of prayer. Join me in a word of prayer. Lord, Lord, Lord, may the words of my mouth and the may the words of my mouth and the may the words of my mouth and the meditation of all our hearts be meditation of all our hearts be meditation of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, our rock and acceptable in your sight, our rock and acceptable in your sight, our rock and our redeemer. Amen. our redeemer. Amen. our redeemer. Amen. Um, so I was delighted yesterday to get Um, so I was delighted yesterday to get Um, so I was delighted yesterday to get the chance to spend some time uh with the chance to spend some time uh with the chance to spend some time uh with some of our SLA students uh our servant some of our SLA students uh our servant some of our SLA students uh our servant leaders uh yesterday. A wonderful group leaders uh yesterday. A wonderful group leaders uh yesterday. A wonderful group of kids. They really kicked off this new of kids. They really kicked off this new of kids. They really kicked off this new year for them. And it reminded me of year for them. And it reminded me of year for them. And it reminded me of when I was that age or when I was a when I was that age or when I was a when I was that age or when I was a senior in high school really. We had a senior in high school really. We had a senior in high school really. We had a similar kind of program in our church similar kind of program in our church similar kind of program in our church for seniors in high school or you could for seniors in high school or you could for seniors in high school or you could help with our church's junior high help with our church's junior high help with our church's junior high ministry, seventh and eighth grade. And ministry, seventh and eighth grade. And ministry, seventh and eighth grade. And it was the place that really affirmed it was the place that really affirmed it was the place that really affirmed my own call to ministry. I had the my own call to ministry. I had the my own call to ministry. I had the opportunity for the first time to help opportunity for the first time to help opportunity for the first time to help co-lead a Bible study. We would plan co-lead a Bible study. We would plan co-lead a Bible study. We would plan events together and we do games, all events together and we do games, all events together and we do games, all kinds of great stuff. And it was really kinds of great stuff. And it was really kinds of great stuff. And it was really that kind of foundational place. And one that kind of foundational place. And one that kind of foundational place. And one of the things that we got to do in that of the things that we got to do in that of the things that we got to do in that summer at the end of it was church camp.

summer at the end of it was church camp. summer at the end of it was church camp. And I grew up in in Arizona and went to And I grew up in in Arizona and went to And I grew up in in Arizona and went to church out in Arizona. And they had a church out in Arizona. And they had a church out in Arizona. And they had a camp we would go to a little bit north camp we would go to a little bit north camp we would go to a little bit north in the mountains, though it was still in the mountains, though it was still in the mountains, though it was still plenty hot in the summer. And I remember plenty hot in the summer. And I remember plenty hot in the summer. And I remember that year the the theme of the camp was that year the the theme of the camp was that year the the theme of the camp was the Christian life. The Christian life. the Christian life. The Christian life. the Christian life. The Christian life. and not unlike our faith supplement and not unlike our faith supplement and not unlike our faith supplement series that we've been in thinking about series that we've been in thinking about series that we've been in thinking about what are these kind of foundational what are these kind of foundational what are these kind of foundational pieces of our faith and how do we live pieces of our faith and how do we live pieces of our faith and how do we live as disciples and and the last uh the as disciples and and the last uh the as disciples and and the last uh the last day of that camp on Friday was the last day of that camp on Friday was the last day of that camp on Friday was the lesson about service right given all lesson about service right given all lesson about service right given all these things that it means to be a these things that it means to be a these things that it means to be a disciple how do we serve one another and disciple how do we serve one another and disciple how do we serve one another and they use that text out of John chapter they use that text out of John chapter they use that text out of John chapter 13 as the picture for what service looks 13 as the picture for what service looks 13 as the picture for what service looks like. And they had this idea, the like. And they had this idea, the like. And they had this idea, the leadership, which I was not privy to, to leadership, which I was not privy to, to leadership, which I was not privy to, to wash the feet of the kids, right? Let's wash the feet of the kids, right? Let's wash the feet of the kids, right? Let's sub subvert this natural dynamic. We're sub subvert this natural dynamic. We're sub subvert this natural dynamic. We're the leaders, they're the kids, and we the leaders, they're the kids, and we the leaders, they're the kids, and we will wash their feet to model that same will wash their feet to model that same will wash their feet to model that same service that Jesus modeled for us. a service that Jesus modeled for us. a service that Jesus modeled for us. a wonderful idea wonderful idea wonderful idea in theory in theory in theory because again seventh and eighth graders because again seventh and eighth graders because again seventh and eighth graders and seventh and eighth grade boys in and seventh and eighth grade boys in and seventh and eighth grade boys in particular, I can say this as a former particular, I can say this as a former particular, I can say this as a former seventh and eighth grade boy, there is seventh and eighth grade boy, there is seventh and eighth grade boy, there is some unspoken rule at church camp that some unspoken rule at church camp that some unspoken rule at church camp that when you go as a seventh and eighth when you go as a seventh and eighth when you go as a seventh and eighth grade boy, you do not shower. It's like

grade boy, you do not shower. It's like grade boy, you do not shower. It's like a competition to see who can go the a competition to see who can go the a competition to see who can go the longest without showering. And so we get longest without showering. And so we get longest without showering. And so we get to the end of this hot week in Arizona to the end of this hot week in Arizona to the end of this hot week in Arizona and we in the middle of the day come to and we in the middle of the day come to and we in the middle of the day come to this service and the pastor preaches this service and the pastor preaches this service and the pastor preaches that sermon on on Jesus's footwashing that sermon on on Jesus's footwashing that sermon on on Jesus's footwashing and and begins to introduce what we're and and begins to introduce what we're and and begins to introduce what we're going to do. And he explains here's going to do. And he explains here's going to do. And he explains here's what's going to happen. And there are what's going to happen. And there are what's going to happen. And there are two women sitting up front, two of our two women sitting up front, two of our two women sitting up front, two of our volunteers, and says they are going to volunteers, and says they are going to volunteers, and says they are going to wash the feet of all the girls. Girls, wash the feet of all the girls. Girls, wash the feet of all the girls. Girls, go ahead and get in line over there. And go ahead and get in line over there. And go ahead and get in line over there. And he says, Chris and I, and by the way, he says, Chris and I, and by the way, he says, Chris and I, and by the way, this is the first time I'm learning of this is the first time I'm learning of this is the first time I'm learning of this. says, "Chris and I are going to be this. says, "Chris and I are going to be this. says, "Chris and I are going to be over here and we're going to wash the over here and we're going to wash the over here and we're going to wash the feet of all of the boys." And he says, feet of all of the boys." And he says, feet of all of the boys." And he says, "Go on and and go ahead." And he invites "Go on and and go ahead." And he invites "Go on and and go ahead." And he invites us off. And he conveniently stays up us off. And he conveniently stays up us off. And he conveniently stays up there to pray. So, it's just me and this there to pray. So, it's just me and this there to pray. So, it's just me and this line of junior high boys. And the first line of junior high boys. And the first line of junior high boys. And the first one comes up and his feet are caked in one comes up and his feet are caked in one comes up and his feet are caked in dirt. He'd been wearing sandals all dirt. He'd been wearing sandals all dirt. He'd been wearing sandals all week. And I take the rag and I kind of week. And I take the rag and I kind of week. And I take the rag and I kind of ring it out over his his dirt, the dirt ring it out over his his dirt, the dirt ring it out over his his dirt, the dirt on his feet. And I kid you not, the on his feet. And I kid you not, the on his feet. And I kid you not, the water beaded and just rolled right off, water beaded and just rolled right off, water beaded and just rolled right off, right? Didn't do a single thing uh for right? Didn't do a single thing uh for right? Didn't do a single thing uh for that. And I'm like, I have no idea what that. And I'm like, I have no idea what that. And I'm like, I have no idea what to do now. So I grab it and I'm as hard to do now. So I grab it and I'm as hard to do now. So I grab it and I'm as hard as I can rubbing uh this foot and as I can rubbing uh this foot and as I can rubbing uh this foot and nothing happens. I mean, it's as brown nothing happens. I mean, it's as brown nothing happens. I mean, it's as brown as this Bible still. And eventually the as this Bible still. And eventually the as this Bible still. And eventually the tiniest piece of dirt cracks off and I tiniest piece of dirt cracks off and I tiniest piece of dirt cracks off and I say, "Good enough. Go take a seat." Next say, "Good enough. Go take a seat." Next say, "Good enough. Go take a seat." Next kid comes up and he had been wearing kid comes up and he had been wearing kid comes up and he had been wearing shoes. And I kid you not, he had one

shoes. And I kid you not, he had one shoes. And I kid you not, he had one pair of socks the whole week. And I take pair of socks the whole week. And I take pair of socks the whole week. And I take off that sock and it is harder than the off that sock and it is harder than the off that sock and it is harder than the shoe and it smells like a locker room. shoe and it smells like a locker room. shoe and it smells like a locker room. And my my shirt is over my nose again And my my shirt is over my nose again And my my shirt is over my nose again and wash those feet. And so we're going and wash those feet. And so we're going and wash those feet. And so we're going to do a foot washing. Now Sid has to do a foot washing. Now Sid has to do a foot washing. Now Sid has graciously agreed, thank you, Sid, uh to graciously agreed, thank you, Sid, uh to graciously agreed, thank you, Sid, uh to do all of that. No, I'm just kidding. do all of that. No, I'm just kidding. do all of that. No, I'm just kidding. But again, maybe you have at some point But again, maybe you have at some point But again, maybe you have at some point in your life gone to a footwashing in your life gone to a footwashing in your life gone to a footwashing service or a Monday Thursday service service or a Monday Thursday service service or a Monday Thursday service where they observe that footwashing. where they observe that footwashing. where they observe that footwashing. And if you have, I hope that whoever's And if you have, I hope that whoever's And if you have, I hope that whoever's feet you washed were better than those feet you washed were better than those feet you washed were better than those junior high boys. junior high boys. junior high boys. But if you've gone, you know that it is But if you've gone, you know that it is But if you've gone, you know that it is a thing that is messy. It is vulnerable a thing that is messy. It is vulnerable a thing that is messy. It is vulnerable and it is beautiful. and it is beautiful. and it is beautiful. You know, in spite of how smelly those You know, in spite of how smelly those You know, in spite of how smelly those boys feet were, I cherished that boys feet were, I cherished that boys feet were, I cherished that opportunity to serve them. I'd been able opportunity to serve them. I'd been able opportunity to serve them. I'd been able to be with them all year to get to know to be with them all year to get to know to be with them all year to get to know them, to learn about them, uh to learn them, to learn about them, uh to learn them, to learn about them, uh to learn to love them. And so, what a a marvelous to love them. And so, what a a marvelous to love them. And so, what a a marvelous opportunity it really was for me to opportunity it really was for me to opportunity it really was for me to serve them in that moment, right? It's serve them in that moment, right? It's serve them in that moment, right? It's messy, it's vulnerable, and it's messy, it's vulnerable, and it's messy, it's vulnerable, and it's beautiful. That's at the heart of beautiful. That's at the heart of beautiful. That's at the heart of service. And that's the picture we see service. And that's the picture we see service. And that's the picture we see here in Jesus, right? Uh Jesus in that here in Jesus, right? Uh Jesus in that here in Jesus, right? Uh Jesus in that ancient world, folks feet were not all ancient world, folks feet were not all ancient world, folks feet were not all that dissimilar to junior high boys.

that dissimilar to junior high boys. that dissimilar to junior high boys. There were no roads and folks traveled There were no roads and folks traveled There were no roads and folks traveled around on dirt often. And so feet were around on dirt often. And so feet were around on dirt often. And so feet were often the the most unclean, the dirtiest often the the most unclean, the dirtiest often the the most unclean, the dirtiest part of the body. And and so in the same part of the body. And and so in the same part of the body. And and so in the same way that we wash hands, it was customary way that we wash hands, it was customary way that we wash hands, it was customary for folks typically a servant or for folks typically a servant or for folks typically a servant or typically uh the kind of lowest person typically uh the kind of lowest person typically uh the kind of lowest person in in the totem pole. It's customary for in in the totem pole. It's customary for in in the totem pole. It's customary for them to wash the feet of guests or them to wash the feet of guests or them to wash the feet of guests or others who would come to the household. others who would come to the household. others who would come to the household. And so Jesus does this and it's easy for And so Jesus does this and it's easy for And so Jesus does this and it's easy for us to miss how kind of radical Jesus's us to miss how kind of radical Jesus's us to miss how kind of radical Jesus's actions are here. It's easy for us to actions are here. It's easy for us to actions are here. It's easy for us to miss how deeply Jesus was operating with miss how deeply Jesus was operating with miss how deeply Jesus was operating with a different set of convictions. Um, if a different set of convictions. Um, if a different set of convictions. Um, if you've got your scripture uh with you you've got your scripture uh with you you've got your scripture uh with you and open or in your bulletin there, if and open or in your bulletin there, if and open or in your bulletin there, if you want to turn to the scripture, I you want to turn to the scripture, I you want to turn to the scripture, I want to show you something. In verse want to show you something. In verse want to show you something. In verse three of chapter 13, John 13, it says, three of chapter 13, John 13, it says, three of chapter 13, John 13, it says, "Jesus, knowing the father had given all "Jesus, knowing the father had given all "Jesus, knowing the father had given all things into his hands, that he had come things into his hands, that he had come things into his hands, that he had come from God and was going to God." Let me from God and was going to God." Let me from God and was going to God." Let me pause there. Because Jesus, pause there. Because Jesus, pause there. Because Jesus, John wants us to know in this really John wants us to know in this really John wants us to know in this really unique way that Jesus is divine, right?

unique way that Jesus is divine, right? unique way that Jesus is divine, right? That Jesus is made from the very fabric That Jesus is made from the very fabric That Jesus is made from the very fabric of creation there with God, the image of of creation there with God, the image of of creation there with God, the image of the invisible God. And so see that there the invisible God. And so see that there the invisible God. And so see that there that all things had been given into his that all things had been given into his that all things had been given into his hands. He had come from God and he was hands. He had come from God and he was hands. He had come from God and he was going to God. Right? John wants us to going to God. Right? John wants us to going to God. Right? John wants us to know this is the guy. All things are in know this is the guy. All things are in know this is the guy. All things are in his hand. The fullness of divinity is his hand. The fullness of divinity is his hand. The fullness of divinity is there. there. there. And so what does Jesus do to follow that And so what does Jesus do to follow that And so what does Jesus do to follow that up in verse four? He takes um No, I lost up in verse four? He takes um No, I lost up in verse four? He takes um No, I lost it. There we go. He got up from the it. There we go. He got up from the it. There we go. He got up from the table and he was going to God or he took table and he was going to God or he took table and he was going to God or he took off the outer robe and he tied a towel off the outer robe and he tied a towel off the outer robe and he tied a towel around himself and then he poured water around himself and then he poured water around himself and then he poured water into a basin began to wash the feet of into a basin began to wash the feet of into a basin began to wash the feet of the disciples. Right? Jesus in this the disciples. Right? Jesus in this the disciples. Right? Jesus in this powerful kind of moment, right? You got powerful kind of moment, right? You got powerful kind of moment, right? You got to get this. If you missed this, you you to get this. If you missed this, you you to get this. If you missed this, you you miss the sermon. and it'll be on the miss the sermon. and it'll be on the miss the sermon. and it'll be on the test. test. test. Jesus in this sort of moment of Jesus in this sort of moment of Jesus in this sort of moment of divinity, right? The fullness of God is divinity, right? The fullness of God is divinity, right? The fullness of God is in him. All things are in his hands, in him. All things are in his hands, in him. All things are in his hands, pauses to serve and to wash the feet of pauses to serve and to wash the feet of pauses to serve and to wash the feet of his disciples. Now, again, it's easy for his disciples. Now, again, it's easy for his disciples. Now, again, it's easy for us to miss because sometimes we kind of us to miss because sometimes we kind of us to miss because sometimes we kind of moralize Jesus, right? We make him this moralize Jesus, right? We make him this moralize Jesus, right? We make him this nice guy and it's easy for us to think, nice guy and it's easy for us to think, nice guy and it's easy for us to think, you know, maybe he was just doing you know, maybe he was just doing you know, maybe he was just doing something nice for his disciples, right?

something nice for his disciples, right? something nice for his disciples, right? Disciple appreciation Sunday was coming Disciple appreciation Sunday was coming Disciple appreciation Sunday was coming up and he forgot to run to bearings to up and he forgot to run to bearings to up and he forgot to run to bearings to get him a nice gift and and so he get him a nice gift and and so he get him a nice gift and and so he thought, "Ah, I should really do thought, "Ah, I should really do thought, "Ah, I should really do something nice for him. They've been something nice for him. They've been something nice for him. They've been journeying with me all this time and journeying with me all this time and journeying with me all this time and Peter cooks all of our meat. I just feel Peter cooks all of our meat. I just feel Peter cooks all of our meat. I just feel for him. Let me do something nice for for him. Let me do something nice for for him. Let me do something nice for him. Let me wash their feet." him. Let me wash their feet." him. Let me wash their feet." So, it's not that Jesus was just trying So, it's not that Jesus was just trying So, it's not that Jesus was just trying to do something nice for his disciples. to do something nice for his disciples. to do something nice for his disciples. Instead, Jesus does this as a way of Instead, Jesus does this as a way of Instead, Jesus does this as a way of showing who he is as Lord showing who he is as Lord showing who he is as Lord and showing us who God is. Paul picks up and showing us who God is. Paul picks up and showing us who God is. Paul picks up on this in Philippians chapter 2, our on this in Philippians chapter 2, our on this in Philippians chapter 2, our our second reading in the scripture. our second reading in the scripture. our second reading in the scripture. It goes like this. Let me reread it to It goes like this. Let me reread it to It goes like this. Let me reread it to you again in verse 5. Let the same mind you again in verse 5. Let the same mind you again in verse 5. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Who be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Who be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Who though he was in the form of God, did though he was in the form of God, did though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as not regard equality with God as not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied something to be grasped, but emptied something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, himself, taking the form of a servant, himself, taking the form of a servant, and being for in uh being born in human and being for in uh being born in human and being for in uh being born in human likeness, and being found in human form, likeness, and being found in human form, likeness, and being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient he humbled himself and became obedient he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even on a cross.

to the point of death, even on a cross. to the point of death, even on a cross. Right? Paul picks up on this. The word Right? Paul picks up on this. The word Right? Paul picks up on this. The word uh sort of humbling himself, giving uh sort of humbling himself, giving uh sort of humbling himself, giving himself away that gets used there in himself away that gets used there in himself away that gets used there in Greek is the word kenosis. Greek is the word kenosis. Greek is the word kenosis. And it doesn't mean, you know, humility. And it doesn't mean, you know, humility. And it doesn't mean, you know, humility. It doesn't mean that lowest rung of the It doesn't mean that lowest rung of the It doesn't mean that lowest rung of the totem pole. It is a full and complete totem pole. It is a full and complete totem pole. It is a full and complete emptying, a giving self away. If Paul emptying, a giving self away. If Paul emptying, a giving self away. If Paul had had our inside out habit language, had had our inside out habit language, had had our inside out habit language, he'd have written it. Jesus gave himself he'd have written it. Jesus gave himself he'd have written it. Jesus gave himself away in generosity and service. But he away in generosity and service. But he away in generosity and service. But he put the next best thing down there. But put the next best thing down there. But put the next best thing down there. But Paul wants to pick up on this picture Paul wants to pick up on this picture Paul wants to pick up on this picture that that John paints for us that Jesus that that John paints for us that Jesus that that John paints for us that Jesus in the fullness of this divinity and the in the fullness of this divinity and the in the fullness of this divinity and the moment all things are in his hands. He moment all things are in his hands. He moment all things are in his hands. He doesn't teach about it. He doesn't do doesn't teach about it. He doesn't do doesn't teach about it. He doesn't do theology about it. He doesn't do a theology about it. He doesn't do a theology about it. He doesn't do a miracle or a healing to show that miracle or a healing to show that miracle or a healing to show that divinity in action divinity in action divinity in action in the fullness when all things are in in the fullness when all things are in in the fullness when all things are in his hands. his hands. his hands. He lowers himself. He grabs the towel He lowers himself. He grabs the towel He lowers himself. He grabs the towel and he takes the form of a servant and and he takes the form of a servant and and he takes the form of a servant and he washes the feet of his disciples.

he washes the feet of his disciples. he washes the feet of his disciples. Jesus does something messy, vulnerable, Jesus does something messy, vulnerable, Jesus does something messy, vulnerable, and beautiful. and beautiful. and beautiful. And if we as Christians are called to And if we as Christians are called to And if we as Christians are called to live and love like Jesus, live and love like Jesus, live and love like Jesus, we're called to also find ways of giving we're called to also find ways of giving we're called to also find ways of giving ourself, emptying ourself away in ourself, emptying ourself away in ourself, emptying ourself away in service. Uh if you've been with us over service. Uh if you've been with us over service. Uh if you've been with us over the last couple of weeks, we've been in the last couple of weeks, we've been in the last couple of weeks, we've been in this series called faith supplements. this series called faith supplements. this series called faith supplements. Thinking that if that connection to God, Thinking that if that connection to God, Thinking that if that connection to God, our relationship to God and God's our relationship to God and God's our relationship to God and God's kingdom is is the core of our faith. kingdom is is the core of our faith. kingdom is is the core of our faith. What are these things that are adjacent What are these things that are adjacent What are these things that are adjacent to that that are essential to that, but to that that are essential to that, but to that that are essential to that, but supplement it, right? Make that supplement it, right? Make that supplement it, right? Make that stronger. And a couple of weeks ago when stronger. And a couple of weeks ago when stronger. And a couple of weeks ago when we kicked off the series, Dr. Pace we kicked off the series, Dr. Pace we kicked off the series, Dr. Pace talked about the supplements that we talked about the supplements that we talked about the supplements that we take in our life for health. And so this take in our life for health. And so this take in our life for health. And so this week I was really trying to think, okay, week I was really trying to think, okay, week I was really trying to think, okay, what supplement would service be? And what supplement would service be? And what supplement would service be? And and what's a supplement that when you and what's a supplement that when you and what's a supplement that when you take it, like immediately you feel the take it, like immediately you feel the take it, like immediately you feel the effect and the benefit of it? Like I've effect and the benefit of it? Like I've effect and the benefit of it? Like I've taken vitamin D for years now, and I'm taken vitamin D for years now, and I'm taken vitamin D for years now, and I'm not convinced it does anything uh to not convinced it does anything uh to not convinced it does anything uh to make me feel better, but what's one of make me feel better, but what's one of make me feel better, but what's one of those supplements that when you take it those supplements that when you take it those supplements that when you take it after 2 or 3 days, you're like, "Oh, I after 2 or 3 days, you're like, "Oh, I after 2 or 3 days, you're like, "Oh, I feel so much better." and you buy it and feel so much better." and you buy it and feel so much better." and you buy it and give it to all your friends and you give it to all your friends and you give it to all your friends and you swear by it. And every at least every swear by it. And every at least every swear by it. And every at least every woman I talked to said iron was that woman I talked to said iron was that woman I talked to said iron was that supplement that when they took iron they supplement that when they took iron they supplement that when they took iron they felt infinitely better. So I want to say felt infinitely better. So I want to say felt infinitely better. So I want to say to you service is like iron for our

to you service is like iron for our to you service is like iron for our faith that when we serve pretty quickly faith that when we serve pretty quickly faith that when we serve pretty quickly thereafter we feel the effect in our thereafter we feel the effect in our thereafter we feel the effect in our life. Um, I remember at a a previous life. Um, I remember at a a previous life. Um, I remember at a a previous church I served, I talked to a man who church I served, I talked to a man who church I served, I talked to a man who had been a part of this church for a had been a part of this church for a had been a part of this church for a long time, had grown up in church, and long time, had grown up in church, and long time, had grown up in church, and we were talking and he said, "You know, we were talking and he said, "You know, we were talking and he said, "You know, I just feel kind of stagnant in my I just feel kind of stagnant in my I just feel kind of stagnant in my spiritual life. I go to church every spiritual life. I go to church every spiritual life. I go to church every week and I'm a part of a Bible study and week and I'm a part of a Bible study and week and I'm a part of a Bible study and I read the upper room regularly and and I read the upper room regularly and and I read the upper room regularly and and I do these things, but it just feels I do these things, but it just feels I do these things, but it just feels kind of complacent and and I don't know kind of complacent and and I don't know kind of complacent and and I don't know what I should be doing, right? Is there what I should be doing, right? Is there what I should be doing, right? Is there better prayer that I could pray or a new better prayer that I could pray or a new better prayer that I could pray or a new book that I could read? And and we got book that I could read? And and we got book that I could read? And and we got to talking for a little bit and I said, to talking for a little bit and I said, to talking for a little bit and I said, "What if you come join us?" Uh, every "What if you come join us?" Uh, every "What if you come join us?" Uh, every Monday night we did or uh once a month Monday night we did or uh once a month Monday night we did or uh once a month on Monday nights we would do a big food on Monday nights we would do a big food on Monday nights we would do a big food distribution with the food bank and we'd distribution with the food bank and we'd distribution with the food bank and we'd invite f uh folks to come serve and we'd invite f uh folks to come serve and we'd invite f uh folks to come serve and we'd have like 300 families that would come have like 300 families that would come have like 300 families that would come through uh and receive food. And I said, through uh and receive food. And I said, through uh and receive food. And I said, "We always need folks who can lift heavy "We always need folks who can lift heavy "We always need folks who can lift heavy stuff. Come join us for that." We did stuff. Come join us for that." We did stuff. Come join us for that." We did and it went well. And a couple days and it went well. And a couple days and it went well. And a couple days later, I was walking the halls of the later, I was walking the halls of the later, I was walking the halls of the church and kind of came through opposite church and kind of came through opposite church and kind of came through opposite corners and uh and he grabbed me and corners and uh and he grabbed me and corners and uh and he grabbed me and said, "Chris, when is that next one? Uh said, "Chris, when is that next one? Uh said, "Chris, when is that next one? Uh I am could it be tomorrow? I am so ready I am could it be tomorrow? I am so ready I am could it be tomorrow? I am so ready to go." Because in this moment, right, to go." Because in this moment, right, to go." Because in this moment, right, his faith had sort of reignited his faith had sort of reignited his faith had sort of reignited in ways that had felt stagnant for a in ways that had felt stagnant for a in ways that had felt stagnant for a while. That's what service, I think, can while. That's what service, I think, can while. That's what service, I think, can do in our life when we make it a rhythm.

do in our life when we make it a rhythm. do in our life when we make it a rhythm. And so this morning, I want to give you And so this morning, I want to give you And so this morning, I want to give you two practices and a promise around two practices and a promise around two practices and a promise around service. There are these great sermon service. There are these great sermon service. There are these great sermon extenders Pastor Amy wrote uh around extenders Pastor Amy wrote uh around extenders Pastor Amy wrote uh around ways that you can integrate service into ways that you can integrate service into ways that you can integrate service into your life. And I commend them to you to your life. And I commend them to you to your life. And I commend them to you to look at, to take home, to practice this look at, to take home, to practice this look at, to take home, to practice this week. Um she'll give you better bingo week. Um she'll give you better bingo week. Um she'll give you better bingo stuff if you do that and let her know. stuff if you do that and let her know. stuff if you do that and let her know. But one of the ways that I want to But one of the ways that I want to But one of the ways that I want to commend to you is to serve together as a commend to you is to serve together as a commend to you is to serve together as a family. to serve as a family, whatever family. to serve as a family, whatever family. to serve as a family, whatever that might look like. Maybe it's you and that might look like. Maybe it's you and that might look like. Maybe it's you and your spouse and your kids. Maybe it's your spouse and your kids. Maybe it's your spouse and your kids. Maybe it's you and your grandkids. Maybe it's you you and your grandkids. Maybe it's you you and your grandkids. Maybe it's you and your Sunday school class or a small and your Sunday school class or a small and your Sunday school class or a small group and and your neighbors. But serve group and and your neighbors. But serve group and and your neighbors. But serve together together together as a family, especially especially as a family, especially especially as a family, especially especially if you've got kids. Just a couple of if you've got kids. Just a couple of if you've got kids. Just a couple of weeks ago, we served my daughter and I weeks ago, we served my daughter and I weeks ago, we served my daughter and I have a six-year-old daughter, Eleanor, have a six-year-old daughter, Eleanor, have a six-year-old daughter, Eleanor, and her and I served together at and her and I served together at and her and I served together at Sandwich Oramama. And um a number of you Sandwich Oramama. And um a number of you Sandwich Oramama. And um a number of you were there for that. It was a wonderful were there for that. It was a wonderful were there for that. It was a wonderful time. We made 8,000 sandwiches. Eleanor time. We made 8,000 sandwiches. Eleanor time. We made 8,000 sandwiches. Eleanor and I maybe contributed eight of those and I maybe contributed eight of those and I maybe contributed eight of those 8,000 sandwiches, 8,000 sandwiches, 8,000 sandwiches, but we still were a part of the team.

but we still were a part of the team. but we still were a part of the team. And Eleanor spent the entirety of that And Eleanor spent the entirety of that And Eleanor spent the entirety of that week just buzzing with excitement about week just buzzing with excitement about week just buzzing with excitement about what we did, how we made 8,000 what we did, how we made 8,000 what we did, how we made 8,000 sandwiches, right? We told mom when we sandwiches, right? We told mom when we sandwiches, right? We told mom when we got home. Uh we called Nana and Papa to got home. Uh we called Nana and Papa to got home. Uh we called Nana and Papa to tell them how we made 8,000 sandwiches tell them how we made 8,000 sandwiches tell them how we made 8,000 sandwiches at Meet the Teacher. That's the first at Meet the Teacher. That's the first at Meet the Teacher. That's the first thing we told her. We made 8,000 thing we told her. We made 8,000 thing we told her. We made 8,000 sandwiches. Uh when we were walking sandwiches. Uh when we were walking sandwiches. Uh when we were walking through HB and the bread aisle, the through HB and the bread aisle, the through HB and the bread aisle, the strangers next to us, "Hey, did you know strangers next to us, "Hey, did you know strangers next to us, "Hey, did you know we just made 8,000 sandwiches?" Right? we just made 8,000 sandwiches?" Right? we just made 8,000 sandwiches?" Right? Wherever we went, she was telling people Wherever we went, she was telling people Wherever we went, she was telling people how we did all of this stuff. how we did all of this stuff. how we did all of this stuff. And what a better way, I think, I really And what a better way, I think, I really And what a better way, I think, I really can think of no better way to teach her can think of no better way to teach her can think of no better way to teach her the importance both of faith and of the importance both of faith and of the importance both of faith and of serving than by getting to serve with serving than by getting to serve with serving than by getting to serve with her. Growing up for us, it was never a her. Growing up for us, it was never a her. Growing up for us, it was never a question of if we were going to go to question of if we were going to go to question of if we were going to go to church, but when we were going to go to church, but when we were going to go to church, but when we were going to go to church, would it be early with my mom or church, would it be early with my mom or church, would it be early with my mom or early early with my dad? And often my early early with my dad? And often my early early with my dad? And often my dad would sign up for like six volunteer dad would sign up for like six volunteer dad would sign up for like six volunteer jobs and I'd have to take three of them. jobs and I'd have to take three of them. jobs and I'd have to take three of them. But some of the fond memories I have in But some of the fond memories I have in But some of the fond memories I have in the church were on Saturdays going with the church were on Saturdays going with the church were on Saturdays going with him to change. They had like 300 air him to change. They had like 300 air him to change. They had like 300 air filters that needed changing and he and filters that needed changing and he and filters that needed changing and he and I would do it together. Now, he could I would do it together. Now, he could I would do it together. Now, he could have done it probably far faster by have done it probably far faster by have done it probably far faster by himself than with me. My complaining and himself than with me. My complaining and himself than with me. My complaining and other things probably slowed him down, other things probably slowed him down, other things probably slowed him down, but he always took the time to bring me but he always took the time to bring me but he always took the time to bring me along where we would do it together. And along where we would do it together. And along where we would do it together. And through that, I learned and in was through that, I learned and in was through that, I learned and in was instilled in me the value of serving.

instilled in me the value of serving. instilled in me the value of serving. Whether it is something as as small but Whether it is something as as small but Whether it is something as as small but important as changing air filters around important as changing air filters around important as changing air filters around the church or whether it is any other the church or whether it is any other the church or whether it is any other kind of service that it's critical to kind of service that it's critical to kind of service that it's critical to our life. So that's the first way to our life. So that's the first way to our life. So that's the first way to serve together in community. The second serve together in community. The second serve together in community. The second thing I would commend you is to serve at thing I would commend you is to serve at thing I would commend you is to serve at our Gethsemane campus. We celebrate our Gethsemane campus. We celebrate our Gethsemane campus. We celebrate today, the 70th anniversary of that. And today, the 70th anniversary of that. And today, the 70th anniversary of that. And and what a gift that is. And there are and what a gift that is. And there are and what a gift that is. And there are all kinds of ways that you can serve. all kinds of ways that you can serve. all kinds of ways that you can serve. The two biggest needs we have are The two biggest needs we have are The two biggest needs we have are through the Mercy Closet uh in the through the Mercy Closet uh in the through the Mercy Closet uh in the cooking for Wednesday night fellowship. cooking for Wednesday night fellowship. cooking for Wednesday night fellowship. And um you could make me the greatest And um you could make me the greatest And um you could make me the greatest new pastor ever by signing up for those new pastor ever by signing up for those new pastor ever by signing up for those today. Um but again, those are some of today. Um but again, those are some of today. Um but again, those are some of the ways that God has called us to kind the ways that God has called us to kind the ways that God has called us to kind of live out our mission to serve in that of live out our mission to serve in that of live out our mission to serve in that area, that part uh of our community. But area, that part uh of our community. But area, that part uh of our community. But one of the best things maybe the the one of the best things maybe the the one of the best things maybe the the kind of secret sauce of serving in kind of secret sauce of serving in kind of secret sauce of serving in Gethsemane I would say is that ability Gethsemane I would say is that ability Gethsemane I would say is that ability to serve to serve to serve with one another to serve alongside with one another to serve alongside with one another to serve alongside people and people who have needs. I I people and people who have needs. I I people and people who have needs. I I think of this picture of Jesus and his think of this picture of Jesus and his think of this picture of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus served a lot of people.

disciples. Jesus served a lot of people. disciples. Jesus served a lot of people. There were folks that came up to him and There were folks that came up to him and There were folks that came up to him and and they had needs and and there were and they had needs and and there were and they had needs and and there were folks who uh were a part of that crowd. folks who uh were a part of that crowd. folks who uh were a part of that crowd. But Jesus journeyied with those But Jesus journeyied with those But Jesus journeyied with those disciples. He loved them. They loved disciples. He loved them. They loved disciples. He loved them. They loved each other. They probably lived all each other. They probably lived all each other. They probably lived all kinds of life together. And so how kinds of life together. And so how kinds of life together. And so how powerful was it for Jesus who had walked powerful was it for Jesus who had walked powerful was it for Jesus who had walked alongside these disciples to serve them? alongside these disciples to serve them? alongside these disciples to serve them? In that same way, how powerful is it In that same way, how powerful is it In that same way, how powerful is it when we are at place like Gethsemane when we are at place like Gethsemane when we are at place like Gethsemane serving? Whether it's through the garden serving? Whether it's through the garden serving? Whether it's through the garden and the youth that are there or homework and the youth that are there or homework and the youth that are there or homework help that takes place with elementary help that takes place with elementary help that takes place with elementary age kids or the neighboring schools, all age kids or the neighboring schools, all age kids or the neighboring schools, all the kinds of ways the kinds of ways the kinds of ways that we can serve alongside someone to that we can serve alongside someone to that we can serve alongside someone to get to know them, to get to know their get to know them, to get to know their get to know them, to get to know their life, their hopes, their dreams. life, their hopes, their dreams. life, their hopes, their dreams. What a gift when we can serve in that What a gift when we can serve in that What a gift when we can serve in that kind of powerful way. kind of powerful way. kind of powerful way. And one last thing, a promise. You got And one last thing, a promise. You got And one last thing, a promise. You got those two practices to serve together, those two practices to serve together, those two practices to serve together, to serve at Gethsemane. But Jesus gives to serve at Gethsemane. But Jesus gives to serve at Gethsemane. But Jesus gives us a promise about service. Uh in John us a promise about service. Uh in John us a promise about service. Uh in John 13 there, if you've got your uh bulletin 13 there, if you've got your uh bulletin 13 there, if you've got your uh bulletin still up or your scripture open at the still up or your scripture open at the still up or your scripture open at the end of verse 17 there, says this. Jesus end of verse 17 there, says this. Jesus end of verse 17 there, says this. Jesus promises if you do uh if you know these promises if you do uh if you know these promises if you do uh if you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

things, you are blessed if you do them. things, you are blessed if you do them. If you know these things, you're blessed If you know these things, you're blessed If you know these things, you're blessed when you do them. That when we serve, when you do them. That when we serve, when you do them. That when we serve, we will be blessed. Now, that's not a we will be blessed. Now, that's not a we will be blessed. Now, that's not a prosperity gospel kind of promise that prosperity gospel kind of promise that prosperity gospel kind of promise that says, you know, if you volunteer enough, says, you know, if you volunteer enough, says, you know, if you volunteer enough, the ROI on your investment is going to the ROI on your investment is going to the ROI on your investment is going to go up, you know, 10fold. go up, you know, 10fold. go up, you know, 10fold. Instead, it's a different kind of Instead, it's a different kind of Instead, it's a different kind of promise. One that says, "If you serve in promise. One that says, "If you serve in promise. One that says, "If you serve in this way, you will be blessed because this way, you will be blessed because this way, you will be blessed because you will know a peace and a satisfaction you will know a peace and a satisfaction you will know a peace and a satisfaction that is beyond all understanding. that is beyond all understanding. that is beyond all understanding. That you will know a joy that is deep That you will know a joy that is deep That you will know a joy that is deep and it is lasting and it is more and it is lasting and it is more and it is lasting and it is more satisfying than anything you could satisfying than anything you could satisfying than anything you could purchase. purchase. purchase. You will know community that is deep and You will know community that is deep and You will know community that is deep and loving and abiding. loving and abiding. loving and abiding. and you will know the calling that God and you will know the calling that God and you will know the calling that God has placed in your life. The great has placed in your life. The great has placed in your life. The great pastor and spiritual writer Frederick pastor and spiritual writer Frederick pastor and spiritual writer Frederick Beckner has a great quote about calling.

Beckner has a great quote about calling. Beckner has a great quote about calling. He says that the place that God calls us He says that the place that God calls us He says that the place that God calls us to is the place where our deep gladness, to is the place where our deep gladness, to is the place where our deep gladness, our deep joy, the thing that awakens our our deep joy, the thing that awakens our our deep joy, the thing that awakens our heart every morning heart every morning heart every morning meets the world's deep hunger. the great meets the world's deep hunger. the great meets the world's deep hunger. the great needs in the world. We will be blessed needs in the world. We will be blessed needs in the world. We will be blessed when we find the place where our deep when we find the place where our deep when we find the place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger. gladness meets the world's deep hunger. gladness meets the world's deep hunger. Let me end and tell you a story. So, Let me end and tell you a story. So, Let me end and tell you a story. So, when I was serving down at Moody a when I was serving down at Moody a when I was serving down at Moody a number of years ago, number of years ago, number of years ago, uh we like here had a number of folks uh we like here had a number of folks uh we like here had a number of folks who would come through and uh in need of who would come through and uh in need of who would come through and uh in need of assistance and often they were in need assistance and often they were in need assistance and often they were in need of financial assistance, you know, help of financial assistance, you know, help of financial assistance, you know, help paying an electric bill or or something paying an electric bill or or something paying an electric bill or or something and and we had a wonderful ministry. One and and we had a wonderful ministry. One and and we had a wonderful ministry. One of our pastors, Lance there, was over it of our pastors, Lance there, was over it of our pastors, Lance there, was over it and a number of great lay people called and a number of great lay people called and a number of great lay people called the Society of St. Stevens. That was the Society of St. Stevens. That was the Society of St. Stevens. That was kind of that ministry of benevolence and kind of that ministry of benevolence and kind of that ministry of benevolence and Lance was a master al of walking Lance was a master al of walking Lance was a master al of walking alongside people in those journeys. But alongside people in those journeys. But alongside people in those journeys. But every now and then folks would maybe try every now and then folks would maybe try every now and then folks would maybe try and circumvent that system a little bit and circumvent that system a little bit and circumvent that system a little bit and they'd try and book an appointment and they'd try and book an appointment and they'd try and book an appointment with a pastor and think, you know, if I with a pastor and think, you know, if I with a pastor and think, you know, if I could, you know, spin a sad enough could, you know, spin a sad enough could, you know, spin a sad enough story, maybe they'll give me some money story, maybe they'll give me some money story, maybe they'll give me some money at the end. And and so it was pretty at the end. And and so it was pretty at the end. And and so it was pretty clear that we would try and discern, clear that we would try and discern, clear that we would try and discern, hey, if you were in need of financial hey, if you were in need of financial hey, if you were in need of financial assistance, we will walk you down to assistance, we will walk you down to assistance, we will walk you down to sign up and get that appointment. and sign up and get that appointment. and sign up and get that appointment. and and pray for you. But if you want and pray for you. But if you want and pray for you. But if you want someone to to talk and listen, we are so someone to to talk and listen, we are so someone to to talk and listen, we are so here for that, but we can give you zero

here for that, but we can give you zero here for that, but we can give you zero dollars at the end of this. And every dollars at the end of this. And every dollars at the end of this. And every now and then, someone would kind of now and then, someone would kind of now and then, someone would kind of ignore that and try and we'd have to ignore that and try and we'd have to ignore that and try and we'd have to say, "No, I'm sorry. Let me try and sign say, "No, I'm sorry. Let me try and sign say, "No, I'm sorry. Let me try and sign you up." And so, one time a guy named you up." And so, one time a guy named you up." And so, one time a guy named Bobby came into my office and uh came in Bobby came into my office and uh came in Bobby came into my office and uh came in and he said he needed prayer. And I and he said he needed prayer. And I and he said he needed prayer. And I again at the outset had asked, "Well, do again at the outset had asked, "Well, do again at the outset had asked, "Well, do you need financial assistance because I you need financial assistance because I you need financial assistance because I could get you an appointment and then we could get you an appointment and then we could get you an appointment and then we could be on our way." And in my head, I could be on our way." And in my head, I could be on our way." And in my head, I thought, man, I've got such a busy week. thought, man, I've got such a busy week. thought, man, I've got such a busy week. I've got a sermon to write, a Bible I've got a sermon to write, a Bible I've got a sermon to write, a Bible study to prepare for. I've got emails to study to prepare for. I've got emails to study to prepare for. I've got emails to catch up on. I've got some meetings to catch up on. I've got some meetings to catch up on. I've got some meetings to write agendas for. Just a busy, busy write agendas for. Just a busy, busy write agendas for. Just a busy, busy week. And so I said, "No, I really need week. And so I said, "No, I really need week. And so I said, "No, I really need someone to talk to." And I said, "Okay." someone to talk to." And I said, "Okay." someone to talk to." And I said, "Okay." And so we sat down and began to share And so we sat down and began to share And so we sat down and began to share his life with me. And his life could his life with me. And his life could his life with me. And his life could probably have been turned into a country probably have been turned into a country probably have been turned into a country western song. Um uh his wife had just up western song. Um uh his wife had just up western song. Um uh his wife had just up and left, him and his kid. And uh his and left, him and his kid. And uh his and left, him and his kid. And uh his job had let him go the day afterwards. job had let him go the day afterwards. job had let him go the day afterwards. And then about a week later, his truck And then about a week later, his truck And then about a week later, his truck broke down. And uh and he had a dog, but broke down. And uh and he had a dog, but broke down. And uh and he had a dog, but his dog died. And I mean, just the all his dog died. And I mean, just the all his dog died. And I mean, just the all the things you could imagine had the things you could imagine had the things you could imagine had happened. And he said it he had $200 happened. And he said it he had $200 happened. And he said it he had $200 left in his bank and he spent it for his left in his bank and he spent it for his left in his bank and he spent it for his son's birthday, which was tomorrow. And son's birthday, which was tomorrow. And son's birthday, which was tomorrow. And his son was turning 10.

his son was turning 10. his son was turning 10. And so he kind of goes on in the story And so he kind of goes on in the story And so he kind of goes on in the story and some of the red flags are going up and some of the red flags are going up and some of the red flags are going up in my head and I think, "Oh, he's going in my head and I think, "Oh, he's going in my head and I think, "Oh, he's going to ask for, you know, money and I can't to ask for, you know, money and I can't to ask for, you know, money and I can't give it to him. Uh, you know, what give it to him. Uh, you know, what give it to him. Uh, you know, what should we do?" And and he kind of goes should we do?" And and he kind of goes should we do?" And and he kind of goes on for a bit and it gets to the end and on for a bit and it gets to the end and on for a bit and it gets to the end and I asked him, "Okay, what is it that you I asked him, "Okay, what is it that you I asked him, "Okay, what is it that you need?" And I'll never forget he had need?" And I'll never forget he had need?" And I'll never forget he had tears kind of welling in his eyes. He tears kind of welling in his eyes. He tears kind of welling in his eyes. He said, "Chris, man, I just need a birthday cake for my son I just need a birthday cake for my son tomorrow." And the conviction hit me tomorrow." And the conviction hit me tomorrow." And the conviction hit me like a ton of bricks. And I said, "You like a ton of bricks. And I said, "You like a ton of bricks. And I said, "You know what? this is probably against the know what? this is probably against the know what? this is probably against the rules. Hop in my car and we drove to rules. Hop in my car and we drove to rules. Hop in my car and we drove to Walmart and we found a birthday cake and Walmart and we found a birthday cake and Walmart and we found a birthday cake and we had him, you know, write his son's we had him, you know, write his son's we had him, you know, write his son's name on it and say happy birthday. And name on it and say happy birthday. And name on it and say happy birthday. And we bought some candles. I called someone we bought some candles. I called someone we bought some candles. I called someone at the church to take the gifts that he at the church to take the gifts that he at the church to take the gifts that he had brought over and I said, "Could you had brought over and I said, "Could you had brought over and I said, "Could you wrap them for us real quick and just, wrap them for us real quick and just, wrap them for us real quick and just, you know, make them presentable?" And you know, make them presentable?" And you know, make them presentable?" And they found some gift wrap and and they found some gift wrap and and they found some gift wrap and and wrapped them up for him. and we brought wrapped them up for him. and we brought wrapped them up for him. and we brought him back to the church and said, "You him back to the church and said, "You him back to the church and said, "You know, we've got a new pair of shoes in know, we've got a new pair of shoes in know, we've got a new pair of shoes in this closet if you need um you've got a this closet if you need um you've got a this closet if you need um you've got a job interview tomorrow." He said, "Why job interview tomorrow." He said, "Why job interview tomorrow." He said, "Why don't you take them?" And and so we don't you take them?" And and so we don't you take them?" And and so we packed it all up in my car. And I drove packed it all up in my car. And I drove packed it all up in my car. And I drove him back to his apartment and brought him back to his apartment and brought him back to his apartment and brought all this stuff in and we shared just the all this stuff in and we shared just the all this stuff in and we shared just the biggest hug. And he told me, "Man, it biggest hug. And he told me, "Man, it biggest hug. And he told me, "Man, it felt like such a weight has been lifted felt like such a weight has been lifted felt like such a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders."

off of my shoulders." off of my shoulders." And I've got to be honest, I I remember And I've got to be honest, I I remember And I've got to be honest, I I remember praying for him, but I don't remember praying for him, but I don't remember praying for him, but I don't remember what sermon I had to write that week. I what sermon I had to write that week. I what sermon I had to write that week. I don't remember what Bible study I was don't remember what Bible study I was don't remember what Bible study I was preparing for. I don't remember what preparing for. I don't remember what preparing for. I don't remember what meeting it was. It was probably about meeting it was. It was probably about meeting it was. It was probably about the color of the carpet or something the color of the carpet or something the color of the carpet or something very important like that. I don't very important like that. I don't very important like that. I don't remember what agendas I had to do. I remember what agendas I had to do. I remember what agendas I had to do. I don't remember what emails I had to don't remember what emails I had to don't remember what emails I had to send. send. send. But what will stick with me for the rest But what will stick with me for the rest But what will stick with me for the rest of my life was that experience of my life was that experience of my life was that experience to serve alongside of him and the to serve alongside of him and the to serve alongside of him and the difference that that made. That is what difference that that made. That is what difference that that made. That is what Jesus means. A blessing beyond all Jesus means. A blessing beyond all Jesus means. A blessing beyond all others. The blessing of seeing and others. The blessing of seeing and others. The blessing of seeing and knowing someone and seeing and being knowing someone and seeing and being knowing someone and seeing and being known. known. known. It's messy. It's vulnerable. But it's It's messy. It's vulnerable. But it's It's messy. It's vulnerable. But it's beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. And so the invitation for us this And so the invitation for us this And so the invitation for us this morning is to discover Jesus's promise morning is to discover Jesus's promise morning is to discover Jesus's promise about serving, to discover the blessing about serving, to discover the blessing about serving, to discover the blessing that it is in our life.

that it is in our life. that it is in our life. If we're to be people who live and love If we're to be people who live and love If we're to be people who live and love as Jesus loves, as Jesus loves, as Jesus loves, let's learn ways of giving ourself away let's learn ways of giving ourself away let's learn ways of giving ourself away of emptying oursel of emptying oursel of emptying oursel in service. Let me pray. in service. Let me pray. in service. Let me pray. God, we give thanks for the great gift God, we give thanks for the great gift God, we give thanks for the great gift of service that you have given to us. of service that you have given to us. of service that you have given to us. What a joy it is to be What a joy it is to be What a joy it is to be a part of your body. a part of your body. a part of your body. Thank you for the ways that that you are Thank you for the ways that that you are Thank you for the ways that that you are a God who not showed us the way, a God who not showed us the way, a God who not showed us the way, who came not to be served, but to serve, who came not to be served, but to serve, who came not to be served, but to serve, that you gave us the example. And so that you gave us the example. And so that you gave us the example. And so help us live in your light and your love help us live in your light and your love help us live in your light and your love as people who love and serve our Lord. as people who love and serve our Lord. as people who love and serve our Lord. Amen. Uh as we continue and really close Amen. Uh as we continue and really close Amen. Uh as we continue and really close in our service of worship, our final in our service of worship, our final in our service of worship, our final hymn uh is number 2,222. hymn uh is number 2,222. hymn uh is number 2,222. Again, it's in that little supplement Again, it's in that little supplement Again, it's in that little supplement book there, The Faith We Sing. Uh it's a book there, The Faith We Sing. Uh it's a book there, The Faith We Sing. Uh it's a servant song, the servant song, 2222. Uh servant song, the servant song, 2222. Uh servant song, the servant song, 2222. Uh we're going to sing the first three we're going to sing the first three we're going to sing the first three verses of that hymn. We'll sing the verses of that hymn. We'll sing the verses of that hymn. We'll sing the first three verses. I want to invite you first three verses. I want to invite you first three verses. I want to invite you to stand as you are able as we close in to stand as you are able as we close in to stand as you are able as we close in song together.

Let me serve you. Let me be as Christ to Let me serve you. Let me be as Christ to you. Pray that I may have the grace to you. Pray that I may have the grace to you. Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my ser. We are on a journey. We're together on We are on a journey. We're together on this. this. this. We are here to help each other. of the We are here to help each other. of the We are here to help each other. of the island and dead alone. I will hold the Christ for you in the I will hold the Christ for you in the night time of your night time of your night time of your I will hold my hand out to you. Amen. Amen. Uh two quick invitations. Amen. Amen. Uh two quick invitations. one, we'd love for you to join us in the one, we'd love for you to join us in the one, we'd love for you to join us in the gathering room after the service for gathering room after the service for gathering room after the service for fellowship and drinks. What uh better fellowship and drinks. What uh better fellowship and drinks. What uh better way to continue the spirit of our way to continue the spirit of our way to continue the spirit of our gathering this morning than to do so gathering this morning than to do so gathering this morning than to do so together. And then secondly, next week, together. And then secondly, next week, together. And then secondly, next week, I invite you to uh join us as we I invite you to uh join us as we I invite you to uh join us as we continue uh in this series and think continue uh in this series and think continue uh in this series and think about the impact uh that worship has on about the impact uh that worship has on about the impact uh that worship has on our faith. You won't want to miss that.

our faith. You won't want to miss that. our faith. You won't want to miss that. But friends, hear this benediction. As But friends, hear this benediction. As But friends, hear this benediction. As we go from this place in the spirit and we go from this place in the spirit and we go from this place in the spirit and love of our Lord, let us go remembering love of our Lord, let us go remembering love of our Lord, let us go remembering the good news that Christ gave us the the good news that Christ gave us the the good news that Christ gave us the picture of service which gives itself picture of service which gives itself picture of service which gives itself away. Let us give ourselves away in away. Let us give ourselves away in away. Let us give ourselves away in generosity and service. May the grace of generosity and service. May the grace of generosity and service. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit abide the fellowship of the Holy Spirit abide the fellowship of the Holy Spirit abide and be with you all now and forever. and be with you all now and forever. and be with you all now and forever. Amen. Please enjoy this coral Amen. Please enjoy this coral Amen. Please enjoy this coral benediction. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.