Traditional | 8:30 a.m. | 08.16.2026

[music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music]

[music] >> I don't know. know. [music] [music] [music] >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, heat. [music]

[music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> Joes. [music] joy of living

[music] joy of living the happiness. [music] the happiness. [music] the happiness. [music] Christ our father our father [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. >> Let's affirm our faith together by >> Let's affirm our faith together by saying the Apostles Creed. I believe in saying the Apostles Creed. I believe in saying 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 was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was 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 Pilot, was suffered under Pontious Pilot, was suffered under Pontious Pilot, 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 thence he shall come to judge the quick thence he shall come to judge the quick thence 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. [music] [music] >> Please be seated. >> Please be seated. >> Please be seated. Well, good morning everybody. I'm so Well, good morning everybody. I'm so Well, good morning everybody. I'm so glad you're here, that you're worshiping glad you're here, that you're worshiping glad you're here, that you're worshiping with us. Uh today, this is kickoff with us. Uh today, this is kickoff with us. Uh today, this is kickoff Sunday. This is the day we launch all of Sunday. This is the day we launch all of Sunday. This is the day we launch all of our uh fall activities. our children our uh fall activities. our children our uh fall activities. our children moved to their new classes. Um we uh moved to their new classes. Um we uh moved to their new classes. Um we uh have all sorts of wonderful things that have all sorts of wonderful things that have all sorts of wonderful things that are going on and I'm so excited to tell are going on and I'm so excited to tell are going on and I'm so excited to tell you about them. Um but uh before we do you about them. Um but uh before we do you about them. Um but uh before we do that, let me just invite you after the that, let me just invite you after the that, let me just invite you after the service to come out to the gathering service to come out to the gathering service to come out to the gathering room. If you're here in the sanctuary, room. If you're here in the sanctuary, room. If you're here in the sanctuary, come out to the gathering room. After come out to the gathering room. After come out to the gathering room. After the service, have uh some coffee and um the service, have uh some coffee and um the service, have uh some coffee and um actually go on on uh well, no, after

actually go on on uh well, no, after actually go on on uh well, no, after this service, you just go out the this service, you just go out the this service, you just go out the gathering room. Don't go outside yet. Uh gathering room. Don't go outside yet. Uh gathering room. Don't go outside yet. Uh but we have all sorts of fun things but we have all sorts of fun things but we have all sorts of fun things happening today. Uh there'll be Kona ice happening today. Uh there'll be Kona ice happening today. Uh there'll be Kona ice outside and um uh music on the green and outside and um uh music on the green and outside and um uh music on the green and I'm just so uh grateful for our um I'm just so uh grateful for our um I'm just so uh grateful for our um hospitality team and children's ministry hospitality team and children's ministry hospitality team and children's ministry and adult ministry teams who have worked and adult ministry teams who have worked and adult ministry teams who have worked so hard uh for this to be a really so hard uh for this to be a really so hard uh for this to be a really special day. Let me just lift up a few special day. Let me just lift up a few special day. Let me just lift up a few things. First of all, after the service, things. First of all, after the service, things. First of all, after the service, we'll be giving out this fall guide. I we'll be giving out this fall guide. I we'll be giving out this fall guide. I hope you'll pick one up. The ushers will hope you'll pick one up. The ushers will hope you'll pick one up. The ushers will be handing it to you. And if if you miss be handing it to you. And if if you miss be handing it to you. And if if you miss one, they're also on a table out here. I one, they're also on a table out here. I one, they're also on a table out here. I hope you'll pick one up uh because it's hope you'll pick one up uh because it's hope you'll pick one up uh because it's full of all sorts of wonderful things full of all sorts of wonderful things full of all sorts of wonderful things that we'll be um we'll be doing this that we'll be um we'll be doing this that we'll be um we'll be doing this fall. Here's uh another thing, one of fall. Here's uh another thing, one of fall. Here's uh another thing, one of our we have five inside out habits here our we have five inside out habits here our we have five inside out habits here at St. Luke's. Let me remind you. Uh we at St. Luke's. Let me remind you. Uh we at St. Luke's. Let me remind you. Uh we pray and worship. We study the Bible. We pray and worship. We study the Bible. We pray and worship. We study the Bible. We make friends. We tell our stories. And make friends. We tell our stories. And make friends. We tell our stories. And we give ourselves away in generosity and we give ourselves away in generosity and we give ourselves away in generosity and service. And uh so one of the ways we service. And uh so one of the ways we service. And uh so one of the ways we pray is we pray for one another and we pray is we pray for one another and we pray is we pray for one another and we pray for our children. And so as our pray for our children. And so as our pray for our children. And so as our students begin their new uh school year, students begin their new uh school year, students begin their new uh school year, we invite you, we have a banner out here we invite you, we have a banner out here we invite you, we have a banner out here um in the gathering room that gives you um in the gathering room that gives you um in the gathering room that gives you the opport the opport the opport gives you an opportunity to put your put gives you an opportunity to put your put gives you an opportunity to put your put children or grandchildren's school name children or grandchildren's school name children or grandchildren's school name on that um banner because we really want on that um banner because we really want on that um banner because we really want to be praying for all of this this as to be praying for all of this this as to be praying for all of this this as the school year gets going to be praying the school year gets going to be praying the school year gets going to be praying for all of our students as they um uh

for all of our students as they um uh for all of our students as they um uh you know, it's a big part of their life, you know, it's a big part of their life, you know, it's a big part of their life, their school uh experience, and it their school uh experience, and it their school uh experience, and it really matters to know that they are really matters to know that they are really matters to know that they are supported and prayed for. And so, you supported and prayed for. And so, you supported and prayed for. And so, you can also uh pick up a little um backpack can also uh pick up a little um backpack can also uh pick up a little um backpack tag at the connection desk that uh just tag at the connection desk that uh just tag at the connection desk that uh just reminds these children that they're reminds these children that they're reminds these children that they're connected, that they're connected here, connected, that they're connected here, connected, that they're connected here, that they're loved, and you can uh pick that they're loved, and you can uh pick that they're loved, and you can uh pick one up for your children or your one up for your children or your one up for your children or your grandchildren and and uh share it with grandchildren and and uh share it with grandchildren and and uh share it with them. I uh I also want to tell you about them. I uh I also want to tell you about them. I uh I also want to tell you about something really neat that's happening something really neat that's happening something really neat that's happening this fall. And um we're going to be uh this fall. And um we're going to be uh this fall. And um we're going to be uh studying a book called Woven by Meredith studying a book called Woven by Meredith studying a book called Woven by Meredith Miller. Woven. Uh she wrote this book to Miller. Woven. Uh she wrote this book to Miller. Woven. Uh she wrote this book to talk about how we form children in faith talk about how we form children in faith talk about how we form children in faith and that it's not this sort of linear and that it's not this sort of linear and that it's not this sort of linear thing that parents say here's what we thing that parents say here's what we thing that parents say here's what we believe and then kids go okay I'm going believe and then kids go okay I'm going believe and then kids go okay I'm going to believe that. but rather in fact to believe that. but rather in fact to believe that. but rather in fact there's this whole um all of these there's this whole um all of these there's this whole um all of these different uh people who who make an different uh people who who make an different uh people who who make an impact on children and weave together impact on children and weave together impact on children and weave together this possibility for children to come up this possibility for children to come up this possibility for children to come up with with uh as they get older and older with with uh as they get older and older with with uh as they get older and older their own faith so that it's not just their own faith so that it's not just their own faith so that it's not just their parents' faith it's their own their parents' faith it's their own their parents' faith it's their own faith and so we have some groups that faith and so we have some groups that faith and so we have some groups that will be for parents and I'm going to will be for parents and I'm going to will be for parents and I'm going to lead a group for grandparents um to talk lead a group for grandparents um to talk lead a group for grandparents um to talk about how we can build that experience about how we can build that experience about how we can build that experience into others to these children's lives.

into others to these children's lives. into others to these children's lives. And then on October 25th, Meredith And then on October 25th, Meredith And then on October 25th, Meredith Miller will be here speaking um and Miller will be here speaking um and Miller will be here speaking um and we'll be excited to to listen to her. we'll be excited to to listen to her. we'll be excited to to listen to her. This is really a wonderful I've been so This is really a wonderful I've been so This is really a wonderful I've been so um impressed by what she's expressing um impressed by what she's expressing um impressed by what she's expressing because it really speaks to what it because it really speaks to what it because it really speaks to what it means to be a part of a church and how means to be a part of a church and how means to be a part of a church and how we experience uh how we share faith with we experience uh how we share faith with we experience uh how we share faith with our children sort of um on a on everyday our children sort of um on a on everyday our children sort of um on a on everyday regular basis. And I hope you will um uh regular basis. And I hope you will um uh regular basis. And I hope you will um uh be a part of that. Um finally, we give be a part of that. Um finally, we give be a part of that. Um finally, we give ourselves away in generosity and ourselves away in generosity and ourselves away in generosity and service. Um and so I I want to encourage service. Um and so I I want to encourage service. Um and so I I want to encourage you to support the Christian Community you to support the Christian Community you to support the Christian Community Service C Center's um backpack drive. Um Service C Center's um backpack drive. Um Service C Center's um backpack drive. Um they are giving away 4,000 backpacks they are giving away 4,000 backpacks they are giving away 4,000 backpacks this year to students uh full of school this year to students uh full of school this year to students uh full of school supplies, gift cards for them to get supplies, gift cards for them to get supplies, gift cards for them to get their uniforms, and um $75 makes that their uniforms, and um $75 makes that their uniforms, and um $75 makes that happen. And we've been doing this for happen. And we've been doing this for happen. And we've been doing this for many many years and it really does make many many years and it really does make many many years and it really does make a difference in those children's lives. a difference in those children's lives. a difference in those children's lives. So I I want to encourage you if you feel So I I want to encourage you if you feel So I I want to encourage you if you feel called uh to support that. This coming called uh to support that. This coming called uh to support that. This coming weekend is our Pure Sound Youth Choirs weekend is our Pure Sound Youth Choirs weekend is our Pure Sound Youth Choirs Babes on Broadway. Uh we do this every Babes on Broadway. Uh we do this every Babes on Broadway. Uh we do this every year with just um some some of the kids year with just um some some of the kids year with just um some some of the kids from Pure Sound who are able to spend a from Pure Sound who are able to spend a from Pure Sound who are able to spend a hard week uh uh learning uh a show and I hard week uh uh learning uh a show and I hard week uh uh learning uh a show and I know you'll you'll want to support them know you'll you'll want to support them know you'll you'll want to support them u as well. Hey uh here's the organ. Um, u as well. Hey uh here's the organ. Um, u as well. Hey uh here's the organ. Um, but let me just tell you, it isn't but let me just tell you, it isn't but let me just tell you, it isn't hooked up. Uh, well, no, it's not hooked hooked up. Uh, well, no, it's not hooked hooked up. Uh, well, no, it's not hooked up. They had to move it up here so they

up. They had to move it up here so they up. They had to move it up here so they could work on it, but it's still not could work on it, but it's still not could work on it, but it's still not going to be it's not quite ready yet. going to be it's not quite ready yet. going to be it's not quite ready yet. So, um, we're just enjoying looking at So, um, we're just enjoying looking at So, um, we're just enjoying looking at it because it's, uh, really a beautiful it because it's, uh, really a beautiful it because it's, uh, really a beautiful instrument. So, uh, that's what that's instrument. So, uh, that's what that's instrument. So, uh, that's what that's there for. Please register your there for. Please register your there for. Please register your attendance if you haven't done that. I, attendance if you haven't done that. I, attendance if you haven't done that. I, uh, hope that you will and, um, let us uh, hope that you will and, um, let us uh, hope that you will and, um, let us know that you're here. Use St. Luke's know that you're here. Use St. Luke's know that you're here. Use St. Luke's app. There's a card in your pew pocket app. There's a card in your pew pocket app. There's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome. you can drop that in that says welcome. you can drop that in that says welcome. you can drop that in the offering plate later in the service. the offering plate later in the service. the offering plate later in the service. Uh and welcome to those of you Uh and welcome to those of you Uh and welcome to those of you worshiping with us online as well. We're worshiping with us online as well. We're worshiping with us online as well. We're so glad you're with us. And if you will so glad you're with us. And if you will so glad you're with us. And if you will uh register your attendance, if you're uh register your attendance, if you're uh register your attendance, if you're on the church um uh website platform, uh on the church um uh website platform, uh on the church um uh website platform, uh there's a little tab that says check in there's a little tab that says check in there's a little tab that says check in and that really helps us to know that and that really helps us to know that and that really helps us to know that you're with us. All right, we're you're with us. All right, we're you're with us. All right, we're starting a new sermon series today uh starting a new sermon series today uh starting a new sermon series today uh called faith supplements. What are the called faith supplements. What are the called faith supplements. What are the things? So faith is to be the center of things? So faith is to be the center of things? So faith is to be the center of your life, but what are some of the your life, but what are some of the your life, but what are some of the things that need to therefore be quote things that need to therefore be quote things that need to therefore be quote added unto you? What are the supplements added unto you? What are the supplements added unto you? What are the supplements that need to be added? And uh listen now that need to be added? And uh listen now that need to be added? And uh listen now as we hear our scripture read this as we hear our scripture read this as we hear our scripture read this morning.

morning. morning. Our first scripture reading uh comes out Our first scripture reading uh comes out Our first scripture reading uh comes out of the book of Genesis 2:es 8 and 9 and of the book of Genesis 2:es 8 and 9 and of the book of Genesis 2:es 8 and 9 and 15-17. 15-17. 15-17. And the Lord planted a garden in Eden in And the Lord planted a garden in Eden in And the Lord planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he put the man whom the east, and there he put the man whom the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the he had formed. Out of the ground the he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is Lord God made to grow every tree that is Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, pleasant to the sight and good for food, pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the tree of life also in the midst of the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the the garden, and the tree of the the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. knowledge of good and evil. knowledge of good and evil. The Lord God took the man and put him in The Lord God took the man and put him in The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep the garden of Eden to till it and keep the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord commanded the man, "You it. And the Lord commanded the man, "You it. And the Lord commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the may freely eat of every tree of the may freely eat of every tree of the garden, garden, garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good but of the tree of the knowledge of good but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat. For in the and evil, you shall not eat. For in the and evil, you shall not eat. For in the day that you eat of it, you shall die."

day that you eat of it, you shall die." day that you eat of it, you shall die." Our second scripture reading comes out Our second scripture reading comes out Our second scripture reading comes out of the Gospel of Luke 12. of the Gospel of Luke 12. of the Gospel of Luke 12. Consider the liies and how they grow. Consider the liies and how they grow. Consider the liies and how they grow. They neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell They neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell They neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was you, even Solomon in all his glory was you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. not clothed like one of these. not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the But if God so clothes the grass of the But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and field, which is alive today and field, which is alive today and tomorrow, and is thrown into the oven, tomorrow, and is thrown into the oven, tomorrow, and is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you of how much more will he clothe you, you of how much more will he clothe you, you of little faith? little faith? little faith? And do not keep seeking what you are to And do not keep seeking what you are to And do not keep seeking what you are to eat and what you are to drink. And and eat and what you are to drink. And and eat and what you are to drink. And and do not keep worrying, [music] do not keep worrying, [music] do not keep worrying, [music] for it is the nations of this world that for it is the nations of this world that for it is the nations of this world that seek all these things. and your father seek all these things. and your father seek all these things. and your father knows that you need them. knows that you need them. knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom and these Instead, seek his kingdom and these Instead, seek his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well. Do things will be given to you as well. Do things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is not be afraid, little flock, for it is not be afraid, little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you your father's good pleasure to give you your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. The word of God for the the kingdom. The word of God for the the kingdom. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

[singing] [singing] is a [music] place of quiet is a [music] place of quiet is a [music] place of quiet rest rest rest near to [music] the heart [singing] near to [music] the heart [singing] near to [music] the heart [singing] of God. of God. of God. A place [music] A place [music] A place [music] where sin can not [singing] where sin can not [singing] where sin can not [singing] [music] near to the heart of God. [music] near to the heart of God. [music] near to the heart of God. Oh Jesus Oh Jesus Oh Jesus [music and singing] bless redeemer sent from [music and singing] the heart sent from [music and singing] the heart of God. of God. of God. Hold us wait [music] Hold us wait [music] Hold us wait [music] before before before thee thee thee near to the heart [singing and music] of near to the heart [singing and music] of near to the heart [singing and music] of God. Good morning, Lord. Good morning, Lord. What a day it is indeed.

What a day it is indeed. What a day it is indeed. A day of hope, of beginnings, A day of hope, of beginnings, A day of hope, of beginnings, of possibilities. of possibilities. of possibilities. Did you wake up some days feeling full Did you wake up some days feeling full Did you wake up some days feeling full of excitement and wonder for what was to of excitement and wonder for what was to of excitement and wonder for what was to happen? happen? happen? We thank you for those joyful baselines We thank you for those joyful baselines We thank you for those joyful baselines from which we may leap with confidence from which we may leap with confidence from which we may leap with confidence and clarity. and clarity. and clarity. What glory to behold on the mountaintop. What glory to behold on the mountaintop. What glory to behold on the mountaintop. And then Jesus, And then Jesus, And then Jesus, there are feelings of anxiety. there are feelings of anxiety. there are feelings of anxiety. Did you lie in bed worrying too? Did you lie in bed worrying too? Did you lie in bed worrying too? You came to us fully human, fully God. You came to us fully human, fully God. You came to us fully human, fully God. So we know you have compassion when we So we know you have compassion when we So we know you have compassion when we say we're scared. say we're scared. say we're scared. Newness, the unknown. So much can Newness, the unknown. So much can Newness, the unknown. So much can happen. happen. happen. Whatever we encounter, Whatever we encounter, Whatever we encounter, a different school or job, a different school or job, a different school or job, mourning a loved one, financial mourning a loved one, financial mourning a loved one, financial troubles, mental health struggles, troubles, mental health struggles, troubles, mental health struggles, loneliness, tensions in relationships.

loneliness, tensions in relationships. loneliness, tensions in relationships. Be with us, oh God. Please fill us with Be with us, oh God. Please fill us with Be with us, oh God. Please fill us with your grace, we plead as we wait within your grace, we plead as we wait within your grace, we plead as we wait within our own garden of Gethsemane. our own garden of Gethsemane. our own garden of Gethsemane. [clears throat] What a morning, Lord. [clears throat] What a morning, Lord. [clears throat] What a morning, Lord. Today and tomorrow and yesterday and 70 Today and tomorrow and yesterday and 70 Today and tomorrow and yesterday and 70 times, seven mornings after that, you times, seven mornings after that, you times, seven mornings after that, you are here. are here. are here. You are in the morning and the rising You are in the morning and the rising You are in the morning and the rising sun and thoughts within our brains and sun and thoughts within our brains and sun and thoughts within our brains and the emotions within our hearts. the emotions within our hearts. the emotions within our hearts. You are our joy, Jesus Christ. You are our joy, Jesus Christ. You are our joy, Jesus Christ. You love us so much that you invite us You love us so much that you invite us You love us so much that you invite us into your kingdom and sit with us in our into your kingdom and sit with us in our into your kingdom and sit with us in our sorrow. sorrow. sorrow. Our king, our savior, our friend. Our king, our savior, our friend. Our king, our savior, our friend. May we never lose sight of your May we never lose sight of your May we never lose sight of your steadfast presence from the moment we steadfast presence from the moment we steadfast presence from the moment we wake until our dying breath. wake until our dying breath. wake until our dying breath. You, oh Lord, are our everything.

You, oh Lord, are our everything. You, oh Lord, are our everything. Fill us with the light of day. Amen. Fill us with the light of day. Amen. Fill us with the light of day. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you, Rachel. Rachel is um been our >> Thank you, Rachel. Rachel is um been our >> Thank you, Rachel. Rachel is um been our intern for the last year and was on our intern for the last year and was on our intern for the last year and was on our children's ministry staff for eight children's ministry staff for eight children's ministry staff for eight years before that and she is uh headed years before that and she is uh headed years before that and she is uh headed into the ministry and it will be into the ministry and it will be into the ministry and it will be spending the next year in um a training spending the next year in um a training spending the next year in um a training program at Houston Methodist Hospital program at Houston Methodist Hospital program at Houston Methodist Hospital for the chapency uh a residency there for the chapency uh a residency there for the chapency uh a residency there for a year and we will be praying for for a year and we will be praying for for a year and we will be praying for you and we're grateful for your work you and we're grateful for your work you and we're grateful for your work here at St. Luke's. Would you help me here at St. Luke's. Would you help me here at St. Luke's. Would you help me thank her for uh those uh [applause] thank her for uh those uh [applause] thank her for uh those uh [applause] great she also grew up here from she also grew up here from time she was little. time she was little. time she was little. So if you have ever been a parent then So if you have ever been a parent then So if you have ever been a parent then you know that by now as school begins you know that by now as school begins you know that by now as school begins there is this great relief that comes to there is this great relief that comes to there is this great relief that comes to you as the children go back to school. I you as the children go back to school. I you as the children go back to school. I mean, it's you're you're dealing with mean, it's you're you're dealing with mean, it's you're you're dealing with the Oh gosh, now it's going to get the Oh gosh, now it's going to get the Oh gosh, now it's going to get crazy. But here's one of the things that crazy. But here's one of the things that crazy. But here's one of the things that you will now be missing. You you will no you will now be missing. You you will no you will now be missing. You you will no longer hear, "I am so bored.

longer hear, "I am so bored. longer hear, "I am so bored. There is nothing to do. I have I don't There is nothing to do. I have I don't There is nothing to do. I have I don't know what I'm supposed to do. What am I know what I'm supposed to do. What am I know what I'm supposed to do. What am I supposed to do?" And a mom may say supposed to do?" And a mom may say supposed to do?" And a mom may say something like, "Well, um uh go find something like, "Well, um uh go find something like, "Well, um uh go find something to do. Why don't you play a something to do. Why don't you play a something to do. Why don't you play a game?" And I don't know any games. I game?" And I don't know any games. I game?" And I don't know any games. I don't like it. I don't play any games don't like it. I don't play any games don't like it. I don't play any games and and and and dad would say, "I'm and and and and dad would say, "I'm and and and and dad would say, "I'm going to give you something to do. If going to give you something to do. If going to give you something to do. If you want to do something, I'm going to you want to do something, I'm going to you want to do something, I'm going to give you something to do." And uh you go give you something to do." And uh you go give you something to do." And uh you go through all of that, you know, and there through all of that, you know, and there through all of that, you know, and there is just this this boredom. And and then is just this this boredom. And and then is just this this boredom. And and then and now what the young people will say and now what the young people will say and now what the young people will say is, "Can I just have my iPad? Just give is, "Can I just have my iPad? Just give is, "Can I just have my iPad? Just give me my iPad. Let me play on my screen and me my iPad. Let me play on my screen and me my iPad. Let me play on my screen and I'll be entertain me. If I can just be I'll be entertain me. If I can just be I'll be entertain me. If I can just be entertained in that way, I won't be so entertained in that way, I won't be so entertained in that way, I won't be so bored. bored. bored. I hate to say it, but sometimes we as I hate to say it, but sometimes we as I hate to say it, but sometimes we as adults find ourselves in the same place. adults find ourselves in the same place. adults find ourselves in the same place. We watch TV. We anesthetize ourselves, We watch TV. We anesthetize ourselves, We watch TV. We anesthetize ourselves, but at the core of what we're struggling but at the core of what we're struggling but at the core of what we're struggling with, it's not horror about the world.

with, it's not horror about the world. with, it's not horror about the world. It's not um you know, it's just boredom. It's not um you know, it's just boredom. It's not um you know, it's just boredom. We just sometimes feel like there's We just sometimes feel like there's We just sometimes feel like there's something there's just not any real good something there's just not any real good something there's just not any real good anything that that makes our hearts beat anything that that makes our hearts beat anything that that makes our hearts beat faster. faster. faster. In 1866, a woman named Eliza Sprro wrote In 1866, a woman named Eliza Sprro wrote In 1866, a woman named Eliza Sprro wrote a song um that became kind of an a song um that became kind of an a song um that became kind of an American folk song. Not many people knew American folk song. Not many people knew American folk song. Not many people knew it until 1960s [music] it until 1960s [music] it until 1960s [music] when Patty Duke recorded it. And it goes when Patty Duke recorded it. And it goes when Patty Duke recorded it. And it goes this way. You may may remember it. Some this way. You may may remember it. Some this way. You may may remember it. Some of you other boomers. Life is a toil and of you other boomers. Life is a toil and of you other boomers. Life is a toil and love is a trouble. Beauty will fade and love is a trouble. Beauty will fade and love is a trouble. Beauty will fade and riches will flee. Pleasures they riches will flee. Pleasures they riches will flee. Pleasures they dwindle, prices they double, and nothing dwindle, prices they double, and nothing dwindle, prices they double, and nothing is as I would wish it to be. It's called is as I would wish it to be. It's called is as I would wish it to be. It's called the housewives's lament. Um, it's this the housewives's lament. Um, it's this the housewives's lament. Um, it's this sense of life is drudgery. So you you on sense of life is drudgery. So you you on sense of life is drudgery. So you you on the one hand, you may be feeling some the one hand, you may be feeling some the one hand, you may be feeling some sense of boredom, like I I don't really sense of boredom, like I I don't really sense of boredom, like I I don't really have anything I really like to do. On have anything I really like to do. On have anything I really like to do. On the other hand, it it may be that all the other hand, it it may be that all the other hand, it it may be that all the things that I'm compelled to do, all the things that I'm compelled to do, all the things that I'm compelled to do, all the things that the world tells me I the things that the world tells me I the things that the world tells me I have to do are are those things that have to do are are those things that have to do are are those things that just um just feel like drudgery. I just just um just feel like drudgery. I just just um just feel like drudgery. I just get up and I do the same thing. I'm in a get up and I do the same thing. I'm in a get up and I do the same thing. I'm in a rut. I do the same thing day after day rut. I do the same thing day after day rut. I do the same thing day after day after day after day and it just feels after day after day and it just feels after day after day and it just feels like everything is is work. Everything like everything is is work. Everything like everything is is work. Everything is so hard for me sometimes. You might is so hard for me sometimes. You might is so hard for me sometimes. You might feel that way.

feel that way. feel that way. Well, um, one, we're going to, um, begin Well, um, one, we're going to, um, begin Well, um, one, we're going to, um, begin a series. I I I went to I went to my a series. I I I went to I went to my a series. I I I went to I went to my doctor a few months ago, and my doctor doctor a few months ago, and my doctor doctor a few months ago, and my doctor told me pretty much the same thing my told me pretty much the same thing my told me pretty much the same thing my doctor tells me every time I go. There doctor tells me every time I go. There doctor tells me every time I go. There wasn't really anything new. Um, this wasn't really anything new. Um, this wasn't really anything new. Um, this time he tells me all of the things I time he tells me all of the things I time he tells me all of the things I need to quit eating. Um, which of need to quit eating. Um, which of need to quit eating. Um, which of course, right, I not to eat any pasta or course, right, I not to eat any pasta or course, right, I not to eat any pasta or bread or any carbohydrates if if at all bread or any carbohydrates if if at all bread or any carbohydrates if if at all possible. I'm I'm not to eat any fats. possible. I'm I'm not to eat any fats. possible. I'm I'm not to eat any fats. Um, right. And I'm kind of wondering, so Um, right. And I'm kind of wondering, so Um, right. And I'm kind of wondering, so it's just leafy green vegetables is all it's just leafy green vegetables is all it's just leafy green vegetables is all I'm to eat. Is that is that the I'm to eat. Is that is that the I'm to eat. Is that is that the situation? Right. So, on the one hand, situation? Right. So, on the one hand, situation? Right. So, on the one hand, he's telling me all the things I need to he's telling me all the things I need to he's telling me all the things I need to to leave out, but there's also this to leave out, but there's also this to leave out, but there's also this little brochure there that uh is about little brochure there that uh is about little brochure there that uh is about nutrition and and and he passes it out nutrition and and and he passes it out nutrition and and and he passes it out to everyone. And here here's what it to everyone. And here here's what it to everyone. And here here's what it tells us. It tells us that 95% of tells us. It tells us that 95% of tells us. It tells us that 95% of American adults do not consume enough American adults do not consume enough American adults do not consume enough vitamin D. that uh roughly 84% of vitamin D. that uh roughly 84% of vitamin D. that uh roughly 84% of Americans lack sufficient intake of Americans lack sufficient intake of Americans lack sufficient intake of vitamin E which is primarily due to low vitamin E which is primarily due to low vitamin E which is primarily due to low consumption of nuts, seeds, and leafy consumption of nuts, seeds, and leafy consumption of nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. Um more than 50% of green vegetables. Um more than 50% of green vegetables. Um more than 50% of our population uh falls short on our population uh falls short on our population uh falls short on magnesium. 40% of our Americans miss the magnesium. 40% of our Americans miss the magnesium. 40% of our Americans miss the mark on calcium, which compromises bone mark on calcium, which compromises bone mark on calcium, which compromises bone density. Um, and he said, "Especially density. Um, and he said, "Especially density. Um, and he said, "Especially for someone your age."

for someone your age." for someone your age." How nice. An astounding 97% of adults do How nice. An astounding 97% of adults do How nice. An astounding 97% of adults do not get enough potassium. And 90% of not get enough potassium. And 90% of not get enough potassium. And 90% of Americans fail to meet daily fiber Americans fail to meet daily fiber Americans fail to meet daily fiber recommendations. I'm surprised we're recommendations. I'm surprised we're recommendations. I'm surprised we're still alive, right? Uh, going on. And still alive, right? Uh, going on. And still alive, right? Uh, going on. And and what he's saying is, look, there are and what he's saying is, look, there are and what he's saying is, look, there are some things you need to supplement in some things you need to supplement in some things you need to supplement in your diet, some things you need to add your diet, some things you need to add your diet, some things you need to add in. I want us to think about that in in. I want us to think about that in in. I want us to think about that in terms of our faith life as well. What terms of our faith life as well. What terms of our faith life as well. What the scripture tells us is that at the the scripture tells us is that at the the scripture tells us is that at the very center of our life, the thing that very center of our life, the thing that very center of our life, the thing that gives us meaning and purpose, the thing gives us meaning and purpose, the thing gives us meaning and purpose, the thing that matters of most is our faith in that matters of most is our faith in that matters of most is our faith in Christ. That we are uh to build the Christ. That we are uh to build the Christ. That we are uh to build the kingdom of God. We are to be seeking the kingdom of God. We are to be seeking the kingdom of God. We are to be seeking the kingdom and and his righteousness. And kingdom and and his righteousness. And kingdom and and his righteousness. And that's the driving force of our lives. that's the driving force of our lives. that's the driving force of our lives. But then he says, "And all these other But then he says, "And all these other But then he says, "And all these other things will be added to you as well." things will be added to you as well." things will be added to you as well." Um, it it's talking, I mean, the context Um, it it's talking, I mean, the context Um, it it's talking, I mean, the context seems to tell us it's about having seems to tell us it's about having seems to tell us it's about having enough to eat and enough to drink and enough to eat and enough to drink and enough to eat and enough to drink and all of those sorts of things, but I all of those sorts of things, but I all of those sorts of things, but I would I would say I think it's more than would I would say I think it's more than would I would say I think it's more than that. I think it's also saying that that. I think it's also saying that that. I think it's also saying that there's that that there's so much else there's that that there's so much else there's that that there's so much else in life that matters that it that will in life that matters that it that will in life that matters that it that will grow out of that faith. But you got to grow out of that faith. But you got to grow out of that faith. But you got to be careful and see are those really be careful and see are those really be careful and see are those really there? Am I experiencing those things?

there? Am I experiencing those things? there? Am I experiencing those things? And today I want us to think about are And today I want us to think about are And today I want us to think about are you having any fun? you having any fun? you having any fun? Is is life only drudgery? Or is there Is is life only drudgery? Or is there Is is life only drudgery? Or is there any sense in which you think, "Oh man, I any sense in which you think, "Oh man, I any sense in which you think, "Oh man, I really like to do this. I really want to really like to do this. I really want to really like to do this. I really want to do this. I really want to have some fun. do this. I really want to have some fun. do this. I really want to have some fun. I want to make sure that that's being I want to make sure that that's being I want to make sure that that's being added in to my life. added in to my life. added in to my life. I want to enjoy." I want to enjoy." I want to enjoy." Now, let me make a a really important Now, let me make a a really important Now, let me make a a really important distinction. distinction. distinction. One of the ways we experience this One of the ways we experience this One of the ways we experience this lifegiving lifegiving lifegiving uh sense of of joy is to practice uh sense of of joy is to practice uh sense of of joy is to practice rejoicing, rejoicing, rejoicing, right? Rejoicing is I mean the most right? Rejoicing is I mean the most right? Rejoicing is I mean the most important part about joy throughout important part about joy throughout important part about joy throughout scripture is telling us to rejoice. Paul scripture is telling us to rejoice. Paul scripture is telling us to rejoice. Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice." Um the the Again, I say rejoice." Um the the Again, I say rejoice." Um the the psalmist says, "This is the day that the psalmist says, "This is the day that the psalmist says, "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be glad and Lord has made. Let us be glad and Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it. And I want to draw a rejoice in it. And I want to draw a rejoice in it. And I want to draw a distinction for you between rejoicing distinction for you between rejoicing distinction for you between rejoicing and enjoying.

and enjoying. and enjoying. Rejoicing is something we do regardless Rejoicing is something we do regardless Rejoicing is something we do regardless of circumstance. Rejoicing in the Lord. of circumstance. Rejoicing in the Lord. of circumstance. Rejoicing in the Lord. We we our joy comes not from what's We we our joy comes not from what's We we our joy comes not from what's going on, not from the activities we're going on, not from the activities we're going on, not from the activities we're performing or anything we're doing. Real performing or anything we're doing. Real performing or anything we're doing. Real joy comes w from this sense of being joy comes w from this sense of being joy comes w from this sense of being connected and and recognizing the connected and and recognizing the connected and and recognizing the presence of God in our lives. That God presence of God in our lives. That God presence of God in our lives. That God is with us and that no matter what is with us and that no matter what is with us and that no matter what happens, good or bad or or boring or happens, good or bad or or boring or happens, good or bad or or boring or interesting, that God is with us and we interesting, that God is with us and we interesting, that God is with us and we can choose to rejoice in that truth. can choose to rejoice in that truth. can choose to rejoice in that truth. Enjoying on the other hand to choose to Enjoying on the other hand to choose to Enjoying on the other hand to choose to enjoy is definitely built on enjoy is definitely built on enjoy is definitely built on circumstance. It's definitely built on circumstance. It's definitely built on circumstance. It's definitely built on the experience. It's a decision to lean the experience. It's a decision to lean the experience. It's a decision to lean into that moment, that thing that's into that moment, that thing that's into that moment, that thing that's happening, and to to choose enjoyment. happening, and to to choose enjoyment. happening, and to to choose enjoyment. So, I'd like for us to look at our So, I'd like for us to look at our So, I'd like for us to look at our scripture today, particularly the one scripture today, particularly the one scripture today, particularly the one from Genesis as we begin. And and here's from Genesis as we begin. And and here's from Genesis as we begin. And and here's how it goes. You probably remember it.

how it goes. You probably remember it. how it goes. You probably remember it. God creates a garden and uh and he puts God creates a garden and uh and he puts God creates a garden and uh and he puts the the man and the woman in the in the the the man and the woman in the in the the the man and the woman in the in the garden to till it and to keep it. That's garden to till it and to keep it. That's garden to till it and to keep it. That's work. That's the work that we're called work. That's the work that we're called work. That's the work that we're called on to do. We are called I don't want on to do. We are called I don't want on to do. We are called I don't want anyone to hear that work doesn't matter anyone to hear that work doesn't matter anyone to hear that work doesn't matter today. Right? That's that is the the the today. Right? That's that is the the the today. Right? That's that is the the the person the man and ultimately he creates person the man and ultimately he creates person the man and ultimately he creates a helpmate a partner for him. the woman a helpmate a partner for him. the woman a helpmate a partner for him. the woman are put in the garden to till it and to are put in the garden to till it and to are put in the garden to till it and to keep it. Right? keep it. Right? keep it. Right? But then he but then sort of actually But then he but then sort of actually But then he but then sort of actually before that you you don't miss this God before that you you don't miss this God before that you you don't miss this God creates the garden creates the garden creates the garden and and he plants in it and and he plants in it and and he plants in it every he made to grow every tree that is every he made to grow every tree that is every he made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. pleasant to the sight and good for food. pleasant to the sight and good for food. and and the Lord God and he said to the and and the Lord God and he said to the and and the Lord God and he said to the man, "You may freely eat of every tree man, "You may freely eat of every tree man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden. Every tree." Now, there's of the garden. Every tree." Now, there's of the garden. Every tree." Now, there's that one tree over there. Don't eat of that one tree over there. Don't eat of that one tree over there. Don't eat of that one. But you may eat of all of that one. But you may eat of all of that one. But you may eat of all of these trees.

these trees. these trees. Isn't it funny that all of the theology Isn't it funny that all of the theology Isn't it funny that all of the theology we talk about focuses on that one tree? we talk about focuses on that one tree? we talk about focuses on that one tree? Well, what about that one tree? And that Well, what about that one tree? And that Well, what about that one tree? And that one tree is really important. It can one tree is really important. It can one tree is really important. It can really mess things up for us, and it really mess things up for us, and it really mess things up for us, and it does. But there are all of these other does. But there are all of these other does. But there are all of these other trees that are in God has said you enjoy trees that are in God has said you enjoy trees that are in God has said you enjoy those. Those are good. They taste good. those. Those are good. They taste good. those. Those are good. They taste good. They're good for food. They're pleasant. They're good for food. They're pleasant. They're good for food. They're pleasant. They're they are to be enjoyed. They're they are to be enjoyed. They're they are to be enjoyed. Ah, that's what this is about. If you I Ah, that's what this is about. If you I Ah, that's what this is about. If you I I I if if you want to understand what I I if if you want to understand what I I if if you want to understand what the basics of today's message is, it is the basics of today's message is, it is the basics of today's message is, it is take a look around you. take a look around you. take a look around you. that God has put this enormous that God has put this enormous that God has put this enormous smorgesboard of possibility for you to smorgesboard of possibility for you to smorgesboard of possibility for you to enjoy. enjoy. enjoy. All of those things are there for you All of those things are there for you All of those things are there for you and you may freely eat of them. You may and you may freely eat of them. You may and you may freely eat of them. You may enjoy all of them. Well, not this one, enjoy all of them. Well, not this one, enjoy all of them. Well, not this one, but all the others.

but all the others. but all the others. And so much of the time we just miss And so much of the time we just miss And so much of the time we just miss that. So, let's talk about this tilling that. So, let's talk about this tilling that. So, let's talk about this tilling and tasting for a minute, right? The and tasting for a minute, right? The and tasting for a minute, right? The first thing I would say to you is the first thing I would say to you is the first thing I would say to you is the person is put in the man and the woman person is put in the man and the woman person is put in the man and the woman are put in the garden to till it. Right? are put in the garden to till it. Right? are put in the garden to till it. Right? So part of the thing you can choose to So part of the thing you can choose to So part of the thing you can choose to do is to enjoy the tilling, right? To do is to enjoy the tilling, right? To do is to enjoy the tilling, right? To enjoy the work. Now some of you say, enjoy the work. Now some of you say, enjoy the work. Now some of you say, "Well, you don't do what I do for a "Well, you don't do what I do for a "Well, you don't do what I do for a living then, so you can't enjoy the living then, so you can't enjoy the living then, so you can't enjoy the work." Well, you know, um we can make a work." Well, you know, um we can make a work." Well, you know, um we can make a choice to enjoy the work. Mark Twain is choice to enjoy the work. Mark Twain is choice to enjoy the work. Mark Twain is um is famous for saying, "Choose to do um is famous for saying, "Choose to do um is famous for saying, "Choose to do something you love doing and you will something you love doing and you will something you love doing and you will never work a day in your life." He never work a day in your life." He never work a day in your life." He actually didn't say that. That's what I actually didn't say that. That's what I actually didn't say that. That's what I learned. Uh but what he did say is this, learned. Uh but what he did say is this, learned. Uh but what he did say is this, which is I think actually a little a which is I think actually a little a which is I think actually a little a little more eloquent. He he was asked little more eloquent. He he was asked little more eloquent. He he was asked about what he what he did for work and about what he what he did for work and about what he what he did for work and he said, "No sir, not a day's work in he said, "No sir, not a day's work in he said, "No sir, not a day's work in all my life. What I what I have done I all my life. What I what I have done I all my life. What I what I have done I have done because it has been play." have done because it has been play." have done because it has been play." [snorts] In other words, I love what I [snorts] In other words, I love what I [snorts] In other words, I love what I do. It is playing. I'm I'm enjoying do. It is playing. I'm I'm enjoying do. It is playing. I'm I'm enjoying this. This is a this is play for me. We this. This is a this is play for me. We this. This is a this is play for me. We can make a decision to enjoy the work we can make a decision to enjoy the work we can make a decision to enjoy the work we do.

do. do. Uh that's a matter of attitude. That's a Uh that's a matter of attitude. That's a Uh that's a matter of attitude. That's a matter of identifying the things. Maybe matter of identifying the things. Maybe matter of identifying the things. Maybe a matter of changing the job we have. a matter of changing the job we have. a matter of changing the job we have. But we can enjoy the tilling. Frankly, But we can enjoy the tilling. Frankly, But we can enjoy the tilling. Frankly, that's another sermon. We're not going that's another sermon. We're not going that's another sermon. We're not going to spend much time on that. But the to spend much time on that. But the to spend much time on that. But the other piece of it is we can enjoy the other piece of it is we can enjoy the other piece of it is we can enjoy the fruit of our labor. So, isn't it it's a fruit of our labor. So, isn't it it's a fruit of our labor. So, isn't it it's a wonderful picture that we're given in wonderful picture that we're given in wonderful picture that we're given in Genesis of this co- this this Genesis of this co- this this Genesis of this co- this this relationship between God and the human relationship between God and the human relationship between God and the human beings in that God put the trees there. beings in that God put the trees there. beings in that God put the trees there. God planted the trees. Uh God God made God planted the trees. Uh God God made God planted the trees. Uh God God made them gifts but also the human being has them gifts but also the human being has them gifts but also the human being has to till them and to keep them. Right? So to till them and to keep them. Right? So to till them and to keep them. Right? So there's this there's this uh cooperation there's this there's this uh cooperation there's this there's this uh cooperation that goes on there in that it's both that goes on there in that it's both that goes on there in that it's both God's gift and also the fruit of our God's gift and also the fruit of our God's gift and also the fruit of our labor that we get to enjoy. And so at labor that we get to enjoy. And so at labor that we get to enjoy. And so at some point we look at our lives and all some point we look at our lives and all some point we look at our lives and all the work that we've done, all that we've the work that we've done, all that we've the work that we've done, all that we've put in, and we say, "I can enjoy some of put in, and we say, "I can enjoy some of put in, and we say, "I can enjoy some of the fruit of that. I can enjoy some of the fruit of that. I can enjoy some of the fruit of that. I can enjoy some of of of what's on these all of these other of of what's on these all of these other of of what's on these all of these other trees. I can taste and and and taste the trees. I can taste and and and taste the trees. I can taste and and and taste the incredible things that God has made incredible things that God has made incredible things that God has made possible for us.

possible for us. possible for us. So, let me give you some examples. And So, let me give you some examples. And So, let me give you some examples. And that's really the heart of our sermon that's really the heart of our sermon that's really the heart of our sermon today, some of examples. I'm going to today, some of examples. I'm going to today, some of examples. I'm going to give you five kind of categories that give you five kind of categories that give you five kind of categories that you might think of. And there's probably you might think of. And there's probably you might think of. And there's probably 10 others or 15 others that would be 10 others or 15 others that would be 10 others or 15 others that would be just as good. Here's the first one. Play just as good. Here's the first one. Play just as good. Here's the first one. Play pickle ball. Play pickle ball. Now, I pickle ball. Play pickle ball. Now, I pickle ball. Play pickle ball. Now, I don't know, it was about 10 years ago, don't know, it was about 10 years ago, don't know, it was about 10 years ago, nine years ago, something like that. I nine years ago, something like that. I nine years ago, something like that. I was in a a board meeting of of Connect was in a a board meeting of of Connect was in a a board meeting of of Connect Community Community Community and we were talking about the the and we were talking about the the and we were talking about the the refugee com uh um ladies that were refugee com uh um ladies that were refugee com uh um ladies that were meeting in one of the rooms of of our meeting in one of the rooms of of our meeting in one of the rooms of of our Gethsemane campus and they were sewing Gethsemane campus and they were sewing Gethsemane campus and they were sewing things to sell. Um you know they had things to sell. Um you know they had things to sell. Um you know they had they got fired up first u by you know they got fired up first u by you know they got fired up first u by you know trying to learn this. Ultimately they trying to learn this. Ultimately they trying to learn this. Ultimately they ended up making masks for uh during ended up making masks for uh during ended up making masks for uh during COVID. [snorts] But um Anne Johnson, one COVID. [snorts] But um Anne Johnson, one COVID. [snorts] But um Anne Johnson, one of our members, was on the board with me of our members, was on the board with me of our members, was on the board with me and she said, "I think they should make and she said, "I think they should make and she said, "I think they should make pickle ball skirts." And I said, pickle ball skirts." And I said, pickle ball skirts." And I said, "There's no such thing as pickle ball. "There's no such thing as pickle ball. "There's no such thing as pickle ball. You are making that up. Where did you You are making that up. Where did you You are making that up. Where did you hear there's no such thing as pickle hear there's no such thing as pickle hear there's no such thing as pickle ball? That's the silliest thing I have ball? That's the silliest thing I have ball? That's the silliest thing I have ever Who would name something pickle ever Who would name something pickle ever Who would name something pickle ball?" And she says, "There really is.

ball?" And she says, "There really is. ball?" And she says, "There really is. It's a big deal." And I said, "There's It's a big deal." And I said, "There's It's a big deal." And I said, "There's no Anyway, it turns out it's a big no Anyway, it turns out it's a big no Anyway, it turns out it's a big deal." And those of you who are tennis deal." And those of you who are tennis deal." And those of you who are tennis players, I know how annoyed and players, I know how annoyed and players, I know how annoyed and resentful you are that all of your resentful you are that all of your resentful you are that all of your tennis courts are being turned into tennis courts are being turned into tennis courts are being turned into pickle ball courts. And it's harder for pickle ball courts. And it's harder for pickle ball courts. And it's harder for you to get reservations on your tennis you to get reservations on your tennis you to get reservations on your tennis courts now. But pickle ball is an courts now. But pickle ball is an courts now. But pickle ball is an amazing thing. Now, it it may not be amazing thing. Now, it it may not be amazing thing. Now, it it may not be pickle ball for you. Maybe there's pickle ball for you. Maybe there's pickle ball for you. Maybe there's something else. We have some guys who something else. We have some guys who something else. We have some guys who meet on Wednesday mornings and play meet on Wednesday mornings and play meet on Wednesday mornings and play basketball in the gym early on Wednesday basketball in the gym early on Wednesday basketball in the gym early on Wednesday mornings. Maybe uh you prefer to play um mornings. Maybe uh you prefer to play um mornings. Maybe uh you prefer to play um uh bridge or hearts or spades or jin uh bridge or hearts or spades or jin uh bridge or hearts or spades or jin remy or go fish or uno or ma jang or remy or go fish or uno or ma jang or remy or go fish or uno or ma jang or something else. But there's something something else. But there's something something else. But there's something maybe maybe Texas Holde, god forbid, maybe maybe Texas Holde, god forbid, maybe maybe Texas Holde, god forbid, maybe that's what you enjoy playing. But maybe that's what you enjoy playing. But maybe that's what you enjoy playing. But there there is something there's some uh there there is something there's some uh there there is something there's some uh choice to en engage in in the world choice to en engage in in the world choice to en engage in in the world around you. I remember when one of my around you. I remember when one of my around you. I remember when one of my daughters was trying to decide whether daughters was trying to decide whether daughters was trying to decide whether she wanted to play volleyball in high she wanted to play volleyball in high she wanted to play volleyball in high school or be a cheerleader, and she school or be a cheerleader, and she school or be a cheerleader, and she finally decided, I would rather play the finally decided, I would rather play the finally decided, I would rather play the game than watch it, which I thought was game than watch it, which I thought was game than watch it, which I thought was a great uh uh picture of of this a great uh uh picture of of this a great uh uh picture of of this decision to say, I I'm going to I'm decision to say, I I'm going to I'm decision to say, I I'm going to I'm going to lean in and do something um going to lean in and do something um going to lean in and do something um that I can engage the world with. So, go that I can engage the world with. So, go that I can engage the world with. So, go play a game.

play a game. play a game. There's there's all sorts of them out There's there's all sorts of them out There's there's all sorts of them out there and you may think I don't know. I there and you may think I don't know. I there and you may think I don't know. I just No. Go enjoy playing a game. Make just No. Go enjoy playing a game. Make just No. Go enjoy playing a game. Make that decision. All right. Um here's that decision. All right. Um here's that decision. All right. Um here's here's the second category. Build a sand here's the second category. Build a sand here's the second category. Build a sand castle. castle. castle. We were at the beach um earlier this We were at the beach um earlier this We were at the beach um earlier this summer and with all of our grandkids and summer and with all of our grandkids and summer and with all of our grandkids and I was watching them uh build sand castle I was watching them uh build sand castle I was watching them uh build sand castle and man they were intense. They were and man they were intense. They were and man they were intense. They were digging and their little mouths, you digging and their little mouths, you digging and their little mouths, you know, like this. And uh some of the know, like this. And uh some of the know, like this. And uh some of the parents were helping them with that. And parents were helping them with that. And parents were helping them with that. And um and uh I thought to myself, that's um and uh I thought to myself, that's um and uh I thought to myself, that's going to be gone tomorrow. It's just going to be gone tomorrow. It's just going to be gone tomorrow. It's just going to be gone. They're going to it's going to be gone. They're going to it's going to be gone. They're going to it's going to wash up there and then it's going to wash up there and then it's going to wash up there and then it's going to be gone. going to be gone. going to be gone. And what you realize is it's not the And what you realize is it's not the And what you realize is it's not the finished product that matters. It's the finished product that matters. It's the finished product that matters. It's the process of creating. process of creating. process of creating. We're made to be creators, co-creators We're made to be creators, co-creators We're made to be creators, co-creators with God. And so creating something, with God. And so creating something, with God. And so creating something, makes something. My father-in-law makes makes something. My father-in-law makes makes something. My father-in-law makes little um carves little uh wooden birds little um carves little uh wooden birds little um carves little uh wooden birds that he gives to, he lives in a that he gives to, he lives in a that he gives to, he lives in a retirement community, and he gives to retirement community, and he gives to retirement community, and he gives to them to people who have lost a spouse or them to people who have lost a spouse or them to people who have lost a spouse or someone they love. And it's sort of like someone they love. And it's sort of like someone they love. And it's sort of like a cardinal. I don't know. Cardinals are a cardinal. I don't know. Cardinals are a cardinal. I don't know. Cardinals are supposed to represent the person who supposed to represent the person who supposed to represent the person who you've lost still being in your life.

you've lost still being in your life. you've lost still being in your life. And so he makes these little birds and And so he makes these little birds and And so he makes these little birds and he gives them to them and they're not he gives them to them and they're not he gives them to them and they're not really, you know, they're they're um really, you know, they're they're um really, you know, they're they're um he makes a lot of them and they're he makes a lot of them and they're he makes a lot of them and they're rough, but it it is the process of the rough, but it it is the process of the rough, but it it is the process of the making that that um makes them so uh making that that um makes them so uh making that that um makes them so uh powerful. I always thought it was so powerful. I always thought it was so powerful. I always thought it was so interesting that um George W. Bush took interesting that um George W. Bush took interesting that um George W. Bush took up painting after he retired for, you up painting after he retired for, you up painting after he retired for, you know, got off of the presidency because know, got off of the presidency because know, got off of the presidency because he wanted to do something and his he wanted to do something and his he wanted to do something and his paintings are, you know, I mean, I'm not paintings are, you know, I mean, I'm not paintings are, you know, I mean, I'm not I might buy it because it'll be worth I might buy it because it'll be worth I might buy it because it'll be worth something because he did it, but they're something because he did it, but they're something because he did it, but they're not great. Um, but there are but he it's not great. Um, but there are but he it's not great. Um, but there are but he it's the process. We had our grandkids with the process. We had our grandkids with the process. We had our grandkids with us in Hempstead yesterday and they were us in Hempstead yesterday and they were us in Hempstead yesterday and they were playing in our treehouse and um they playing in our treehouse and um they playing in our treehouse and um they some people sometimes you all ask me, some people sometimes you all ask me, some people sometimes you all ask me, "Do do your grandkids play in the "Do do your grandkids play in the "Do do your grandkids play in the treehouse a lot?" And I said, "Well, treehouse a lot?" And I said, "Well, treehouse a lot?" And I said, "Well, yeah, they play in the treehouse, but yeah, they play in the treehouse, but yeah, they play in the treehouse, but they had way more fun making the they had way more fun making the they had way more fun making the treehouse than they did than they do treehouse than they did than they do treehouse than they did than they do playing in it." And in fact, yesterday playing in it." And in fact, yesterday playing in it." And in fact, yesterday they said, "Can you come out? We want to they said, "Can you come out? We want to they said, "Can you come out? We want to build a second level on the treehouse."

build a second level on the treehouse." build a second level on the treehouse." And so I went down, we measured so we And so I went down, we measured so we And so I went down, we measured so we could put a loft in the treehouse. So, I could put a loft in the treehouse. So, I could put a loft in the treehouse. So, I don't know, it could be something else. don't know, it could be something else. don't know, it could be something else. Make a play a song. Learn to play the Make a play a song. Learn to play the Make a play a song. Learn to play the piano. Practice your piano and and and piano. Practice your piano and and and piano. Practice your piano and and and play a song. Do something that creates. play a song. Do something that creates. play a song. Do something that creates. Here's the third thing. See a flower. Here's the third thing. See a flower. Here's the third thing. See a flower. The scripture says, "Consider the liies The scripture says, "Consider the liies The scripture says, "Consider the liies of the field." of the field." of the field." Consider them. Consider them. Consider them. Just look at them. You know, there's Just look at them. You know, there's Just look at them. You know, there's this great word in scripture that we this great word in scripture that we this great word in scripture that we don't use anymore. don't use anymore. don't use anymore. It it it was in the old translations and It it it was in the old translations and It it it was in the old translations and it would say behold, it would say behold, it would say behold, you know, behold. And I always and now you know, behold. And I always and now you know, behold. And I always and now it translated see which just didn't have it translated see which just didn't have it translated see which just didn't have it. You know, it's not quite the same. it. You know, it's not quite the same. it. You know, it's not quite the same. But to see it, consider the liies of the But to see it, consider the liies of the But to see it, consider the liies of the field. Do you see how beautiful they field. Do you see how beautiful they field. Do you see how beautiful they are? Do you see how amazing? Now what we are? Do you see how amazing? Now what we are? Do you see how amazing? Now what we do is we take our kid, you go out in the do is we take our kid, you go out in the do is we take our kid, you go out in the blue bonnet season and people take their blue bonnet season and people take their blue bonnet season and people take their kids out there and rather than enjoy the kids out there and rather than enjoy the kids out there and rather than enjoy the blue bonnets, they take their pictures blue bonnets, they take their pictures blue bonnets, they take their pictures all the time. It's becomes a photo shoot all the time. It's becomes a photo shoot all the time. It's becomes a photo shoot and but you can do that, but first just and but you can do that, but first just and but you can do that, but first just make sure you enjoy make sure you enjoy make sure you enjoy enjoy the flower. There's a lot of other enjoy the flower. There's a lot of other enjoy the flower. There's a lot of other things you can enjoy. go to a museum, things you can enjoy. go to a museum, things you can enjoy. go to a museum, right? See the things that are there.

right? See the things that are there. right? See the things that are there. I don't know how many of you know Steve I don't know how many of you know Steve I don't know how many of you know Steve Carroll. Steve Carroll is a member of Carroll. Steve Carroll is a member of Carroll. Steve Carroll is a member of our church and he is a burgerer and he our church and he is a burgerer and he our church and he is a burgerer and he travels around looking at birds and uh travels around looking at birds and uh travels around looking at birds and uh he's leaving uh next Saturday to fly to he's leaving uh next Saturday to fly to he's leaving uh next Saturday to fly to Boston to get on a boat that goes a 100 Boston to get on a boat that goes a 100 Boston to get on a boat that goes a 100 miles offshore miles offshore miles offshore and he's going to sleep on the deck in a and he's going to sleep on the deck in a and he's going to sleep on the deck in a sleeping bag and get up in the morning sleeping bag and get up in the morning sleeping bag and get up in the morning and his hope is to find the mans and his hope is to find the mans and his hope is to find the mans sheerwater sheerwater sheerwater a rare ocean bird that he's ever seen. a rare ocean bird that he's ever seen. a rare ocean bird that he's ever seen. And I say, "So, do you take a picture of And I say, "So, do you take a picture of And I say, "So, do you take a picture of it?" He said, "Nope, I just see it." it?" He said, "Nope, I just see it." it?" He said, "Nope, I just see it." Isn't that crazy? I just see it. Isn't that crazy? I just see it. Isn't that crazy? I just see it. I thought, "That is just such an I thought, "That is just such an I thought, "That is just such an interesting picture." Do you realize all interesting picture." Do you realize all interesting picture." Do you realize all that's around us in Houston, the parks, that's around us in Houston, the parks, that's around us in Houston, the parks, the museums, the art, all of that is the museums, the art, all of that is the museums, the art, all of that is there for us to just go see and enjoy. there for us to just go see and enjoy. there for us to just go see and enjoy. And what do we do?

And what do we do? And what do we do? We miss it. All right. Attend a show. We miss it. All right. Attend a show. We miss it. All right. Attend a show. Tapestry players, babes on Broadway. Uh, Tapestry players, babes on Broadway. Uh, Tapestry players, babes on Broadway. Uh, so here's what's I think very cool. This so here's what's I think very cool. This so here's what's I think very cool. This summer, um, going to the movies is back. summer, um, going to the movies is back. summer, um, going to the movies is back. The the newspapers have all been saying The the newspapers have all been saying The the newspapers have all been saying it that between Odyssey SP the new it that between Odyssey SP the new it that between Odyssey SP the new Spider-Man movie and Toy Story 5, people Spider-Man movie and Toy Story 5, people Spider-Man movie and Toy Story 5, people are actually going to the theaters. And are actually going to the theaters. And are actually going to the theaters. And I'm going to tell you, we watch lots of I'm going to tell you, we watch lots of I'm going to tell you, we watch lots of movies. We don't ever go to the movies. movies. We don't ever go to the movies. movies. We don't ever go to the movies. We watch them all at home. It isn't the We watch them all at home. It isn't the We watch them all at home. It isn't the same thing. It isn't the same thing to same thing. It isn't the same thing to same thing. It isn't the same thing to get your popcorn and your uh deal and to get your popcorn and your uh deal and to get your popcorn and your uh deal and to sit in the movies with all these other sit in the movies with all these other sit in the movies with all these other people and enjoy a show. Go enjoy go to people and enjoy a show. Go enjoy go to people and enjoy a show. Go enjoy go to a baseball game. Go to a football game. a baseball game. Go to a football game. a baseball game. Go to a football game. Go to a high a kids high school football Go to a high a kids high school football Go to a high a kids high school football game. game. game. But go en enjoy But go en enjoy But go en enjoy uh a a show that's around us. Attend uh a a show that's around us. Attend uh a a show that's around us. Attend that. All right. Here's the last one. that. All right. Here's the last one. that. All right. Here's the last one. Choose laughter. Choose laughter. Choose laughter. You know, here at uh St. Luke's on our You know, here at uh St. Luke's on our You know, here at uh St. Luke's on our staff and really as part of our staff and really as part of our staff and really as part of our leadership culture, we like to laugh a leadership culture, we like to laugh a leadership culture, we like to laugh a lot. It's important for us to laugh. The lot. It's important for us to laugh. The lot. It's important for us to laugh. The business we do is serious, but there is business we do is serious, but there is business we do is serious, but there is great joy in the experience of being great joy in the experience of being great joy in the experience of being together and just learning to laugh.

together and just learning to laugh. together and just learning to laugh. Some years ago, um when Leah White was Some years ago, um when Leah White was Some years ago, um when Leah White was with us, she was nine months pregnant with us, she was nine months pregnant with us, she was nine months pregnant and they um she came into my office and and they um she came into my office and and they um she came into my office and said, "I think I'm having the baby right said, "I think I'm having the baby right said, "I think I'm having the baby right now." and she laid down on my couch and now." and she laid down on my couch and now." and she laid down on my couch and I was like, "What?" And uh the other uh I was like, "What?" And uh the other uh I was like, "What?" And uh the other uh administrative assistants came in and administrative assistants came in and administrative assistants came in and they were like, "We're getting we're they were like, "We're getting we're they were like, "We're getting we're getting some towels. We're going to getting some towels. We're going to getting some towels. We're going to help." And everything and and pretty help." And everything and and pretty help." And everything and and pretty soon one of them threw a little baby soon one of them threw a little baby soon one of them threw a little baby doll in and then said, "Oh, there it doll in and then said, "Oh, there it doll in and then said, "Oh, there it is." It was all a prank uh for them to is." It was all a prank uh for them to is." It was all a prank uh for them to pretend that her water was going to pretend that her water was going to pretend that her water was going to break on my leather couch. And uh but it break on my leather couch. And uh but it break on my leather couch. And uh but it was so fun. Oh friends, just go have was so fun. Oh friends, just go have was so fun. Oh friends, just go have some fun. Now, I have one more thing to some fun. Now, I have one more thing to some fun. Now, I have one more thing to say before we quit, and I'm out of time. say before we quit, and I'm out of time. say before we quit, and I'm out of time. Listen to these words from Ecclesiastes. Listen to these words from Ecclesiastes. Listen to these words from Ecclesiastes. It's a cautionary tale. So I became great and surpassed all who So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with me. Whatever my wisdom remained with me. Whatever my wisdom remained with me. Whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep from them.

eyes desired, I did not keep from them. eyes desired, I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure. My I kept my heart from no pleasure. My I kept my heart from no pleasure. My heart found pleasure in from all my toil heart found pleasure in from all my toil heart found pleasure in from all my toil and this was re my reward from all my and this was re my reward from all my and this was re my reward from all my toil. Then I considered all my hands had toil. Then I considered all my hands had toil. Then I considered all my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing done and the toil I had spent in doing done and the toil I had spent in doing it and again all was vanity and chasing it and again all was vanity and chasing it and again all was vanity and chasing after the wind after the wind after the wind and there was nothing to be gained under and there was nothing to be gained under and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. the sun. the sun. Friends, this is a a a something to be Friends, this is a a a something to be Friends, this is a a a something to be added unto us. It's not the core of our added unto us. It's not the core of our added unto us. It's not the core of our lives. It will not satisfy us lives. It will not satisfy us lives. It will not satisfy us but it but it will be a part of enjoying but it but it will be a part of enjoying but it but it will be a part of enjoying the life that God has given us. the life that God has given us. the life that God has given us. Let me close with this my favorite Let me close with this my favorite Let me close with this my favorite illustration. Two construction workers illustration. Two construction workers illustration. Two construction workers sit down at lunch. sit down at lunch. sit down at lunch. One opens his lunch and he says uh the One opens his lunch and he says uh the One opens his lunch and he says uh the same thing every day. A turkey sandwich same thing every day. A turkey sandwich same thing every day. A turkey sandwich with cheese. with cheese. with cheese. a bag of chips, an apple or an orange, a bag of chips, an apple or an orange, a bag of chips, an apple or an orange, the same thing. And his partner says, the same thing. And his partner says, the same thing. And his partner says, "Why don't you tell your wife to make "Why don't you tell your wife to make "Why don't you tell your wife to make you something different?" And he says, you something different?" And he says, you something different?" And he says, "I make my own lunch."

"I make my own lunch." "I make my own lunch." I make my own lunch. I make my own lunch. I make my own lunch. We make our own lunches. We can decide We make our own lunches. We can decide We make our own lunches. We can decide whether we'll enjoy. whether we'll enjoy. whether we'll enjoy. Friends, I just invite you to look Friends, I just invite you to look Friends, I just invite you to look around and see the the Garden of Eden. around and see the the Garden of Eden. around and see the the Garden of Eden. all of the trees that God has made all of the trees that God has made all of the trees that God has made available to us available to us available to us and choose to enjoy them. God, and choose to enjoy them. God, and choose to enjoy them. God, thank you. Thank you for this garden thank you. Thank you for this garden thank you. Thank you for this garden that we may choose to enjoy. that we may choose to enjoy. that we may choose to enjoy. Show us how in the name of Christ. Amen. Show us how in the name of Christ. Amen. Show us how in the name of Christ. Amen. Invite our ushers to come forward as we Invite our ushers to come forward as we Invite our ushers to come forward as we present to God our morning offering. Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] music [singing] music [singing] music [singing] fell.

>> [music] >> [music] >> with rad [singing] [singing] darking clouds [music] of [singing] fear and care. of [singing] fear and care. Sing [music] to us I Sing [music] to us I Sing [music] to us I [singing] mer Bring out forgiveness [singing] Bring out forgiveness [singing] [music] [music] [music] from the stormy road. Join [music] angry hands. Join [music] angry hands. Teach [singing and music] us how to keep Teach [singing and music] us how to keep Teach [singing and music] us how to keep from the blessed from the blessed from the blessed thy [singing] [music] [music] peace. is my desire.

inspire [singing] inspire [singing] you in [music] in [music] our desire. [singing] Restore our [music and singing] faith. Restore our [music and singing] faith. We We We recogn poising [singing] recogn poising [singing] recogn poising [singing] your sin for [music] your sin for [music] your sin for [music] eternity of the mightest. [singing] of the mightest. [singing] [music] and answer [singing] and answer [singing] [music] [music] [music] the the the call. call. call. [singing] our [music and singing] thanks to thee.

our [music and singing] thanks to thee. [singing] Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Heat.

>> You may be seated. >> You may be seated. Uh as we come now uh in this opportunity Uh as we come now uh in this opportunity Uh as we come now uh in this opportunity in worship to come to the table this in worship to come to the table this in worship to come to the table this morning, I want to remind you first and morning, I want to remind you first and morning, I want to remind you first and foremost that this is an open table. foremost that this is an open table. foremost that this is an open table. that you don't have to be a member of that you don't have to be a member of that you don't have to be a member of this church or of any church to come and this church or of any church to come and this church or of any church to come and receive the gift of grace that God receive the gift of grace that God receive the gift of grace that God offers to each and every one of us offers to each and every one of us offers to each and every one of us through bread and cup this morning. Um, through bread and cup this morning. Um, through bread and cup this morning. Um, if you're uh joining us through online if you're uh joining us through online if you're uh joining us through online worship from wherever you are today too, worship from wherever you are today too, worship from wherever you are today too, it is so good to have you. Uh, you can it is so good to have you. Uh, you can it is so good to have you. Uh, you can take a moment to grab those elements as take a moment to grab those elements as take a moment to grab those elements as well and join us as we celebrate uh as well and join us as we celebrate uh as well and join us as we celebrate uh as one body around Christ's table this one body around Christ's table this one body around Christ's table this morning. We'll take communion by what's morning. We'll take communion by what's morning. We'll take communion by what's called intinction, meaning you'll be called intinction, meaning you'll be called intinction, meaning you'll be given a wafer and you'll dip it in the given a wafer and you'll dip it in the given a wafer and you'll dip it in the cup there. One of your servers will cup there. One of your servers will cup there. One of your servers will remind you that this is the body of remind you that this is the body of remind you that this is the body of Christ or this is the blood of Christ. Christ or this is the blood of Christ. Christ or this is the blood of Christ. And your invitation is to respond amen And your invitation is to respond amen And your invitation is to respond amen or thanks be to God. We have gluten-free or thanks be to God. We have gluten-free or thanks be to God. We have gluten-free wafers available as well if that is a wafers available as well if that is a wafers available as well if that is a need for you. And if you need to stay in need for you. And if you need to stay in need for you. And if you need to stay in your seat to receive communion, you can your seat to receive communion, you can your seat to receive communion, you can just let an usher know.

just let an usher know. just let an usher know. This morning, Christ our Lord invites to This morning, Christ our Lord invites to This morning, Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who his table all who love him, who his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek earnestly repent of their sin and seek earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. to live in peace with one another. to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before Therefore, let us confess our sin before Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and before one another. Join me. God and before one another. Join me. God and before one another. Join me. Almighty and merciful God, we know that Almighty and merciful God, we know that Almighty and merciful God, we know that when we offend another, we offend you. when we offend another, we offend you. when we offend another, we offend you. We are aware that we have often allowed We are aware that we have often allowed We are aware that we have often allowed the shadow of hate to cloud our souls, the shadow of hate to cloud our souls, the shadow of hate to cloud our souls, hiding the light from our unseeking hiding the light from our unseeking hiding the light from our unseeking eyes. We have said unpleasant and eyes. We have said unpleasant and eyes. We have said unpleasant and hurtful things to our brothers and hurtful things to our brothers and hurtful things to our brothers and sisters when they have failed to live up sisters when they have failed to live up sisters when they have failed to live up to our expectations. to our expectations. to our expectations. Grant that we might find some spark of Grant that we might find some spark of Grant that we might find some spark of love that ever burns within us. The love love that ever burns within us. The love love that ever burns within us. The love that you have shown to us even when we that you have shown to us even when we that you have shown to us even when we failed you. Fan the embers of that love failed you. Fan the embers of that love failed you. Fan the embers of that love until it roars again in flames of love, until it roars again in flames of love, until it roars again in flames of love, peace, and reconciliation.

peace, and reconciliation. peace, and reconciliation. Forgive us our sin and help us to Forgive us our sin and help us to Forgive us our sin and help us to forgive those who have sinned against forgive those who have sinned against forgive those who have sinned against us. lead us into new life through your us. lead us into new life through your us. lead us into new life through your son Jesus Christ who died for the sins son Jesus Christ who died for the sins son Jesus Christ who died for the sins of all. Amen. of all. Amen. of all. Amen. Hear the good news. Christ died for us Hear the good news. Christ died for us Hear the good news. Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. while we were yet sinners. while we were yet sinners. That proves God's love towards us. In That proves God's love towards us. In That proves God's love towards us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are the name of Jesus Christ, you are the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen. you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen. you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen. >> The Lord be with you. And >> The Lord be with you. And >> The Lord be with you. And >> also with you. >> also with you. >> also with you. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> It is right. >> It is right. >> It is right. >> It is right and a good and joyful thing >> It is right and a good and joyful thing >> It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to always and everywhere to give thanks to always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And so with your people on and earth. And so with your people on and earth. And so with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we earth and all the company of heaven, we earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending praise your name and join their unending praise your name and join their unending hymn.

[music] [music] Holy, holy, holy Lord God of host Holy, holy, holy Lord God of host Holy, holy, holy Lord God of host to [music] to [music] to [music] ever full of glory [music] [music] in the highest. in the highest. in the highest. Blessed is he who comes to the Lord. Blessed is he who comes to the Lord. Blessed is he who comes to the Lord. [music] On the night in which our Lord gave On the night in which our Lord gave himself up for us, he took the bread, himself up for us, he took the bread, himself up for us, he took the bread, gave thanks to you, and he broke it. He gave thanks to you, and he broke it. He gave thanks to you, and he broke it. He gave it to his disciples and said to gave it to his disciples and said to gave it to his disciples and said to them, "Take and eat. This is my body them, "Take and eat. This is my body them, "Take and eat. This is my body which is broken for you. And as you eat which is broken for you. And as you eat which is broken for you. And as you eat this, do so in remembrance of me." When this, do so in remembrance of me." When this, do so in remembrance of me." When the supper was over, he took the cup, the supper was over, he took the cup, the supper was over, he took the cup, gave it to his disciples, and said, gave it to his disciples, and said, gave it to his disciples, and said, "This is my blood of the new covenant, "This is my blood of the new covenant, "This is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the poured out for you and for many for the poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it and do so in remembrance of you drink it and do so in remembrance of you drink it and do so in remembrance of me. [snorts] And so in remembrance of me. [snorts] And so in remembrance of me. [snorts] And so in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and we offer ourselves in praise and we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living thanksgiving as a holy and living thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice in union with Christ's sacrifice in union with Christ's sacrifice in union with Christ's offering for us as we proclaim the

offering for us as we proclaim the offering for us as we proclaim the mystery of faith. >> to >> to [music] pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here and on these gifts of bread and here and on these gifts of bread and here and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them to be for us the body wine. Make them to be for us the body wine. Make them to be for us the body and blood of Christ that we may be for and blood of Christ that we may be for and blood of Christ that we may be for the world the body of Christ redeemed by the world the body of Christ redeemed by the world the body of Christ redeemed by his blood. by your spirit make us one his blood. by your spirit make us one his blood. by your spirit make us one with Christ, with Christ, with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry one with each other, and one in ministry one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world. Till Christ comes in to all the world. Till Christ comes in to all the world. Till Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his final victory and we feast at his final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet through your son Jesus heavenly banquet through your son Jesus heavenly banquet through your son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is holy church, all honor and glory is holy church, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. >> And now with the confidence of the >> And now with the confidence of the children of God, let us say together the children of God, let us say together the children of God, let us say together the prayer our Lord taught us. Our Father, prayer our Lord taught us. Our Father, prayer our Lord taught us. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this earth as it is in heaven. Give us this earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our day our daily bread. And forgive us our day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. Amen. I want to invite you to stand as you're I want to invite you to stand as you're I want to invite you to stand as you're able as we sing our hymn of preparation. able as we sing our hymn of preparation. able as we sing our hymn of preparation. It's number 405 in your himnels. Seek ye It's number 405 in your himnels. Seek ye It's number 405 in your himnels. Seek ye first. Seekers [music and singing] Seekers [music and singing] the kingom of God the kingom of God the kingom of God and his rightousness [music] and all his things [music and singing] and all his things [music and singing] shall be to you.

shall be to you. shall be to you. Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] It shall be unto you. It shall be unto you. Seek [music] Seek [music] Seek [music] and ye shall be [music] shall be open to you. be [music] shall be open to you. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Halleluah. Halleluah. Halleluah. Oh yeah. [music] [music] [music] Oh. [music]

[music] my soul beh [singing] beh [singing] [music] [music] [music] of sadness. [singing] of sadness. [singing] of sadness. [singing] Come into the [music] daylight Come into the [music] daylight Come into the [music] daylight surrender. surrender. surrender. There we [music] joy thy praises render There we [music] joy thy praises render There we [music] joy thy praises render all [music and singing] to Christ my life does brighten. [music] to my soul and [music] to my soul and joy joy joy that [music] all all [music] be [music] be [music] part our [music]

our [music] glory. [music] [music] Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let alert treasure [music] treasure [music] to to to get the dust in me get the dust in me get the dust in me as [music] thy as [music] thy as [music] thy >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I can still receive >> I can still receive >> I can still receive me.

>> Please join me in our prayer after >> Please join me in our prayer after communion. communion. communion. Gracious God, we thank you that in this Gracious God, we thank you that in this Gracious God, we thank you that in this sacrament you assure us of your goodness sacrament you assure us of your goodness sacrament you assure us of your goodness and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and help us to grow in and thanksgiving and help us to grow in and thanksgiving and help us to grow in love and obedience that we may serve you love and obedience that we may serve you love and obedience that we may serve you in the world and finally be brought to in the world and finally be brought to in the world and finally be brought to that table where all your saints feast that table where all your saints feast that table where all your saints feast with you forever. Father, we offer with you forever. Father, we offer with you forever. Father, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice ourselves to you as a living sacrifice ourselves to you as a living sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Lord. Send us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Send us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Send us out in the power of your spirit to live out in the power of your spirit to live out in the power of your spirit to live and work for your praise and glory. and work for your praise and glory. and work for your praise and glory. Amen. Our hymn of commitment is number Amen. Our hymn of commitment is number Amen. Our hymn of commitment is number 664. Sent forth by God's blessing. We 664. Sent forth by God's blessing. We 664. Sent forth by God's blessing. We will be singing the first verse. Please will be singing the first verse. Please will be singing the first verse. Please stand. >> Your mercy [music] >> Your mercy [music] truth truth truth mercy.

mercy. mercy. The people [music] of the homeless Amen. Friends, hear this benediction as Amen. 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's go heeding those love of our Lord. Let's go heeding those love of our Lord. Let's go heeding those words to enjoy, to take in life, and to words to enjoy, to take in life, and to words to enjoy, to take in life, and to have some fun. And may the grace of our have some fun. And may the grace of our have some fun. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and 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. Amen. Amen.

and be with you all. Amen. Amen. and be with you all. Amen. Amen. >> [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music]