Traditional | 9:45 a.m. | 08.30.2026

and love and love redee. redee. redee. See the Lord See the Lord See the Lord is your heart in the day of wealth and in the day of wealth and we to to the word of Jesus. us working for for our days of and all his pleasing and all his pleasing still still still drawing drawing drawing near to all who serve him.

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

everlasting. everlasting. Amen. and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost Ghost Ghost as it was in glory as it was in glory as it was in glory is without without amen. amen. amen. Amen. Please be seated. Please be seated. Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through of salvation and given new birth through of salvation and given new birth through water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is God's gift offered to us without price.

God's gift offered to us without price. God's gift offered to us without price. We present today for holy baptism We present today for holy baptism We present today for holy baptism Benjamin Hanschild Bookout, son of James Benjamin Hanschild Bookout, son of James Benjamin Hanschild Bookout, son of James Hanschild Bookout and Ellen Duramos Hanschild Bookout and Ellen Duramos Hanschild Bookout and Ellen Duramos Bookout. Bookout. Bookout. Friends, Friends, Friends, in presenting this child for holy in presenting this child for holy in presenting this child for holy baptism, do you confess Jesus Christ as baptism, do you confess Jesus Christ as baptism, do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? put your whole trust in his your savior? put your whole trust in his your savior? put your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve him as your grace and promise to serve him as your grace and promise to serve him as your Lord in union with the church which Lord in union with the church which Lord in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, Christ has opened to people of all ages, Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races. If you do, say, "We nations, and races. If you do, say, "We nations, and races. If you do, say, "We do." do." do." >> Amen. Will you nurture him in Christ's >> Amen. Will you nurture him in Christ's >> Amen. Will you nurture him in Christ's holy church, that by your teaching and holy church, that by your teaching and holy church, that by your teaching and example, he may be guided to accept example, he may be guided to accept example, he may be guided to accept God's grace for himself, to profess his God's grace for himself, to profess his God's grace for himself, to profess his faith openly, and to lead a Christian faith openly, and to lead a Christian faith openly, and to lead a Christian life. If you will say, "We will." life. If you will say, "We will." life. If you will say, "We will." >> We will. >> We will. >> We will. >> Amen. Oh, all right, buddy. Come here. >> Amen. Oh, all right, buddy. Come here. >> Amen. Oh, all right, buddy. Come here. How are you? Thank you. Oh, you're so How are you? Thank you. Oh, you're so How are you? Thank you. Oh, you're so sweet. So sweet. Hi, buddy. A thank you. sweet. So sweet. Hi, buddy. A thank you. sweet. So sweet. Hi, buddy. A thank you. Me, too, buddy. Me, too. All right. What Me, too, buddy. Me, too. All right. What Me, too, buddy. Me, too. All right. What name is given to this child?

name is given to this child? name is given to this child? >> Benjamin Hot. >> Benjamin Hot. >> Benjamin Hot. >> All right, Benjamin. I baptize you in the name of the Father I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. May God pour out his richest blessings May God pour out his richest blessings May God pour out his richest blessings upon you. Amen. upon you. Amen. upon you. Amen. All right, buddy. This is your new All right, buddy. This is your new All right, buddy. This is your new church family. Say hello. Right. These church family. Say hello. Right. These church family. Say hello. Right. These are your mothers and sisters and are your mothers and sisters and are your mothers and sisters and brothers in the faith church. Welcome brothers in the faith church. Welcome brothers in the faith church. Welcome our newest son this morning. our newest son this morning. our newest son this morning. Hi, buddy. Hi, buddy. Hi, buddy. All right, let me back to you. All right, let me back to you. All right, let me back to you. Beloved of the household of faith, I Beloved of the household of faith, I Beloved of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care this child commend to your love and care this child commend to your love and care this child whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that he may grow in the so to live that he may grow in the so to live that he may grow in the knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father through our Savior Jesus Christ? With through our Savior Jesus Christ? With through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God's help, we will proclaim the good God's help, we will proclaim the good God's help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example news and live according to the example news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround this child of Christ. We will surround this child of Christ. We will surround this child with a community of love and forgiveness with a community of love and forgiveness with a community of love and forgiveness that he may grow in his service to that he may grow in his service to that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him that he may others. We will pray for him that he may others. We will pray for him that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way be a true disciple who walks in the way be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life eternal.

that leads to life eternal. that leads to life eternal. >> Amen. Amen. Thank you. Let's say a >> Amen. Amen. Thank you. Let's say a >> Amen. Amen. Thank you. Let's say a prayer. God, we give thanks for this prayer. God, we give thanks for this prayer. God, we give thanks for this gift of baptism that you have given us gift of baptism that you have given us gift of baptism that you have given us and and the joy of a family that is and and the joy of a family that is and and the joy of a family that is larger than our own that is connected by larger than our own that is connected by larger than our own that is connected by our body. We pray over him the richest our body. We pray over him the richest our body. We pray over him the richest blessings for all the interactions that blessings for all the interactions that blessings for all the interactions that he will have in this place uh that they he will have in this place uh that they he will have in this place uh that they may just nurture his calling to you in may just nurture his calling to you in may just nurture his calling to you in his life. We pray this in your son's his life. We pray this in your son's his life. We pray this in your son's holy name. Amen. Amen. All right. Thank holy name. Amen. Amen. All right. Thank holy name. Amen. Amen. All right. Thank you guys. as you can make your way uh you guys. as you can make your way uh you guys. as you can make your way uh back towards uh the door there. And what back towards uh the door there. And what back towards uh the door there. And what a gift uh that is. Uh I want to welcome a gift uh that is. Uh I want to welcome a gift uh that is. Uh I want to welcome you all. Um again, my name is Chris. I'm you all. Um again, my name is Chris. I'm you all. Um again, my name is Chris. I'm blessed to be one of the pastors uh here blessed to be one of the pastors uh here blessed to be one of the pastors uh here at the church. Um the newest pastor as at the church. Um the newest pastor as at the church. Um the newest pastor as I've made it two months so far and I've made it two months so far and I've made it two months so far and haven't gotten rid of me yet. All right. haven't gotten rid of me yet. All right. haven't gotten rid of me yet. All right. Um uh with that this morning, uh Dr. Um uh with that this morning, uh Dr. Um uh with that this morning, uh Dr. Pace, uh is out at the Gethsemane Pace, uh is out at the Gethsemane Pace, uh is out at the Gethsemane campus. they are celebrating their 70th campus. they are celebrating their 70th campus. they are celebrating their 70th anniversary uh this uh today and so anniversary uh this uh today and so anniversary uh this uh today and so they're going to have a wonderful they're going to have a wonderful they're going to have a wonderful celebration and he's going to go preach celebration and he's going to go preach celebration and he's going to go preach in person um over there and so uh I am in person um over there and so uh I am in person um over there and so uh I am honored uh to be here in this place. Uh honored uh to be here in this place. Uh honored uh to be here in this place. Uh I've got a number of notes of good news I've got a number of notes of good news I've got a number of notes of good news but one note of not so good news uh our but one note of not so good news uh our but one note of not so good news uh our beloved organ uh had a bit of an beloved organ uh had a bit of an beloved organ uh had a bit of an accident uh the other day. uh keep Jim accident uh the other day. uh keep Jim accident uh the other day. uh keep Jim in your prayers and maybe bring him some in your prayers and maybe bring him some in your prayers and maybe bring him some like cookies or something this week uh like cookies or something this week uh like cookies or something this week uh to help him along. But as uh the hope to help him along. But as uh the hope to help him along. But as uh the hope was doing the last bits of things that

was doing the last bits of things that was doing the last bits of things that would maybe get it ready for this would maybe get it ready for this would maybe get it ready for this Sunday, uh the big air blower, the lungs Sunday, uh the big air blower, the lungs Sunday, uh the big air blower, the lungs of the organ uh in there quite literally of the organ uh in there quite literally of the organ uh in there quite literally uh blew up a little bit. It made some uh blew up a little bit. It made some uh blew up a little bit. It made some noises you do not want to hear. Uh and noises you do not want to hear. Uh and noises you do not want to hear. Uh and so thankfully the folks who have been so thankfully the folks who have been so thankfully the folks who have been working on it uh happened to notice it working on it uh happened to notice it working on it uh happened to notice it so that it didn't happen in the middle so that it didn't happen in the middle so that it didn't happen in the middle of church today and they caught it uh of church today and they caught it uh of church today and they caught it uh earlier. And so that pushes back that earlier. And so that pushes back that earlier. And so that pushes back that timeline a bit. And uh if you've ever timeline a bit. And uh if you've ever timeline a bit. And uh if you've ever done home repair or things of the sort, done home repair or things of the sort, done home repair or things of the sort, you know that's just how it goes you know that's just how it goes you know that's just how it goes sometimes. And so uh that'll be a couple sometimes. And so uh that'll be a couple sometimes. And so uh that'll be a couple more weeks and just continue to keep more weeks and just continue to keep more weeks and just continue to keep that uh in prayer. But uh when it when that uh in prayer. But uh when it when that uh in prayer. But uh when it when it will get back right the anticipation it will get back right the anticipation it will get back right the anticipation for for when will build and build and it for for when will build and build and it for for when will build and build and it will be uh a glorious day. Uh with that will be uh a glorious day. Uh with that will be uh a glorious day. Uh with that you got a bulletin when you came in with you got a bulletin when you came in with you got a bulletin when you came in with a list of announcements of things a list of announcements of things a list of announcements of things happening in the life uh the life of the happening in the life uh the life of the happening in the life uh the life of the church and I just want to highlight uh a church and I just want to highlight uh a church and I just want to highlight uh a couple for you. One our August couple for you. One our August couple for you. One our August collection uh is towards CCSC to bring collection uh is towards CCSC to bring collection uh is towards CCSC to bring backpacks and other gifts to them uh to backpacks and other gifts to them uh to backpacks and other gifts to them uh to help start their school year strong.

help start their school year strong. help start their school year strong. Right. Um, this is a great gift that we Right. Um, this is a great gift that we Right. Um, this is a great gift that we can offer to them to be prepared to have can offer to them to be prepared to have can offer to them to be prepared to have a wonderful school year. We can all a wonderful school year. We can all a wonderful school year. We can all think of the times we went into class think of the times we went into class think of the times we went into class with our backpacks full of new crayons with our backpacks full of new crayons with our backpacks full of new crayons and markers and all kinds of wonderful and markers and all kinds of wonderful and markers and all kinds of wonderful things and what a gift we can offer to things and what a gift we can offer to things and what a gift we can offer to support those who may not have as much support those who may not have as much support those who may not have as much access to those kinds of things. So, uh, access to those kinds of things. So, uh, access to those kinds of things. So, uh, if you want to do that, today is that if you want to do that, today is that if you want to do that, today is that last day. Um, then there are a couple of last day. Um, then there are a couple of last day. Um, then there are a couple of things all connected to kind of things all connected to kind of things all connected to kind of community. Uh, I shared with the day community. Uh, I shared with the day community. Uh, I shared with the day school the other day a story that when I school the other day a story that when I school the other day a story that when I was in the HB parking lot a couple weeks was in the HB parking lot a couple weeks was in the HB parking lot a couple weeks ago. I was with my six-year-old daughter ago. I was with my six-year-old daughter ago. I was with my six-year-old daughter Eleanor. It's after work one day and I'm Eleanor. It's after work one day and I'm Eleanor. It's after work one day and I'm there on West Alabama and I'm trying to there on West Alabama and I'm trying to there on West Alabama and I'm trying to get out and a car's waiting to turn into get out and a car's waiting to turn into get out and a car's waiting to turn into my spot. Another car is honking at me. my spot. Another car is honking at me. my spot. Another car is honking at me. I'm tired. I want to go home. And I'm tired. I want to go home. And I'm tired. I want to go home. And Eleanor is peppering me with questions. Eleanor is peppering me with questions. Eleanor is peppering me with questions. Dad, why are we here? Dad, when are we Dad, why are we here? Dad, when are we Dad, why are we here? Dad, when are we going to go home? Dad, why couldn't you going to go home? Dad, why couldn't you going to go home? Dad, why couldn't you do this earlier? Dad, uh, where's mom? do this earlier? Dad, uh, where's mom? do this earlier? Dad, uh, where's mom? Dad, what happens to our bones when we Dad, what happens to our bones when we Dad, what happens to our bones when we die? die? die? And I being a pastor, having done a lot And I being a pastor, having done a lot And I being a pastor, having done a lot of theological education, had no clue of theological education, had no clue of theological education, had no clue how to answer her in that moment. Uh I how to answer her in that moment. Uh I how to answer her in that moment. Uh I was tired. I didn't want to say was tired. I didn't want to say was tired. I didn't want to say something that would mess that up. And something that would mess that up. And something that would mess that up. And uh if you are a parent or grandparent or uh if you are a parent or grandparent or uh if you are a parent or grandparent or connected to children and you have been connected to children and you have been connected to children and you have been in that place, I want to commend to you in that place, I want to commend to you in that place, I want to commend to you our woven study. Uh Meredith Miller is our woven study. Uh Meredith Miller is our woven study. Uh Meredith Miller is an author who wrote this book, Woven, an author who wrote this book, Woven, an author who wrote this book, Woven, how to nurture faith that your kids how to nurture faith that your kids how to nurture faith that your kids don't have to heal from. uh and it is a don't have to heal from. uh and it is a don't have to heal from. uh and it is a wonderful opportunity. She'll be our wonderful opportunity. She'll be our wonderful opportunity. She'll be our speaker in October and you can circle

speaker in October and you can circle speaker in October and you can circle that date there on your calendar. But that date there on your calendar. But that date there on your calendar. But leading up to it, a number of our Sunday leading up to it, a number of our Sunday leading up to it, a number of our Sunday school classes will be studying it, but school classes will be studying it, but school classes will be studying it, but also a number of small groups. I'm going also a number of small groups. I'm going also a number of small groups. I'm going to lead a parent study. Dr. Pace is to lead a parent study. Dr. Pace is to lead a parent study. Dr. Pace is going to lead a grandparent study. There going to lead a grandparent study. There going to lead a grandparent study. There are other studies for moms, for dads, are other studies for moms, for dads, are other studies for moms, for dads, for day school parents. So, whatever way for day school parents. So, whatever way for day school parents. So, whatever way that you can connect in community, um it that you can connect in community, um it that you can connect in community, um it is our core value that we do uh life is our core value that we do uh life is our core value that we do uh life together, right? that our life is is together, right? that our life is is together, right? that our life is is better uh uh together than it is apart. better uh uh together than it is apart. better uh uh together than it is apart. And so I commend that study to you. I And so I commend that study to you. I And so I commend that study to you. I commend to you our community night in commend to you our community night in commend to you our community night in Wednesday where we'll play bingo uh and Wednesday where we'll play bingo uh and Wednesday where we'll play bingo uh and we all get the chance to call bingo. we all get the chance to call bingo. we all get the chance to call bingo. It's a wonderful time. And so I It's a wonderful time. And so I It's a wonderful time. And so I encourage you to do that. And then encourage you to do that. And then encourage you to do that. And then lastly, um if you have ever said, "I had lastly, um if you have ever said, "I had lastly, um if you have ever said, "I had no idea that was happening in the no idea that was happening in the no idea that was happening in the church." If you have ever said those church." If you have ever said those church." If you have ever said those words, you ought to maybe join us for words, you ought to maybe join us for words, you ought to maybe join us for our fall guide live. This is kind of a our fall guide live. This is kind of a our fall guide live. This is kind of a living event where we can walk you living event where we can walk you living event where we can walk you through all the wonderful things that through all the wonderful things that through all the wonderful things that are taking place. So, I invite you into are taking place. So, I invite you into are taking place. So, I invite you into one of those. I'd love that chance to one of those. I'd love that chance to one of those. I'd love that chance to tell you more about it. Uh you can join tell you more about it. Uh you can join tell you more about it. Uh you can join us in the gathering room for us in the gathering room for us in the gathering room for refreshments to hear really all about refreshments to hear really all about refreshments to hear really all about what's going on in the life of the what's going on in the life of the what's going on in the life of the church. With that, we're continuing this church. With that, we're continuing this church. With that, we're continuing this morning in our series on faith morning in our series on faith morning in our series on faith supplements. And we're going to hear uh supplements. And we're going to hear uh supplements. And we're going to hear uh a wonderful scripture read about Jesus a wonderful scripture read about Jesus a wonderful scripture read about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples here.

washing the feet of his disciples here. washing the feet of his disciples here. Now the scripture Now the scripture Now the scripture >> from John chapter 13. >> from John chapter 13. >> from John chapter 13. Now before the festival of the Passover, Now before the festival of the Passover, Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to Jesus knew that his hour had come to Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the depart from this world and go to the depart from this world and go to the father. Having loved his own who were in father. Having loved his own who were in father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The the world, he loved them to the end. The the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already decided that Judas son devil had already decided that Judas son devil had already decided that Judas son of Simon Escariat would betray Jesus. of Simon Escariat would betray Jesus. of Simon Escariat would betray Jesus. And during supper, Jesus, knowing that And during supper, Jesus, knowing that And during supper, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his the Father had given all things into his the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and hands and that he had come from God and hands and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from supper, was going to God, got up from supper, was going to God, got up from supper, took off his outer robe and tied a towel took off his outer robe and tied a towel took off his outer robe and tied a towel around himself. around himself. around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and Then he poured water into a basin and Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and to began to wash the disciples feet and to began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with a towel that was tied wipe them with a towel that was tied wipe them with a towel that was tied around him. around him. around him. after he had washed their feet, had put after he had washed their feet, had put after he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had reclined again, he on his robe, and had reclined again, he on his robe, and had reclined again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have said to them, "Do you know what I have said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me teacher and done to you? You call me teacher and done to you? You call me teacher and lord, and you're right, for that is what lord, and you're right, for that is what lord, and you're right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to have washed your feet, you also ought to have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set wash one another's feet. For I have set wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example that you also should do you an example that you also should do you an example that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly I tell as I have done to you. Very truly I tell as I have done to you. Very truly I tell you, slaves are not greater than their you, slaves are not greater than their you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than

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

Let us pray. Gracious and merciful God, we thank you Gracious and merciful God, we thank you Gracious and merciful God, we thank you for Jesus Christ who showed us what love for Jesus Christ who showed us what love for Jesus Christ who showed us what love looks like and what love does. looks like and what love does. looks like and what love does. In Jesus, you knelt down, took the place In Jesus, you knelt down, took the place In Jesus, you knelt down, took the place of a sermon, and washed tired and dirty of a sermon, and washed tired and dirty of a sermon, and washed tired and dirty feet. feet. feet. You gave yourself freely, chose You gave yourself freely, chose You gave yourself freely, chose humility, love, and compassion humility, love, and compassion humility, love, and compassion rather than recognition. rather than recognition. rather than recognition. So Lord, continue to transform our minds So Lord, continue to transform our minds So Lord, continue to transform our minds and hearts to be more like Christ. and hearts to be more like Christ. and hearts to be more like Christ. Forgive us when we become so focused on Forgive us when we become so focused on Forgive us when we become so focused on ourselves, on our schedules, our ourselves, on our schedules, our ourselves, on our schedules, our calendars, calendars, calendars, our worries, our worries, our worries, and we end up neglecting those around and we end up neglecting those around and we end up neglecting those around us. us. us. Forgive us when we wait for someone else Forgive us when we wait for someone else Forgive us when we wait for someone else to help. to help. to help. when we believe the task is beneath us when we believe the task is beneath us when we believe the task is beneath us or when we only serve when it's or when we only serve when it's or when we only serve when it's convenient. convenient. convenient. God, continue to open our eyes to the God, continue to open our eyes to the God, continue to open our eyes to the needs of those around us, to those who needs of those around us, to those who needs of those around us, to those who are lonely, are lonely, are lonely, those overwhelmed, exhausted, grieving, those overwhelmed, exhausted, grieving, those overwhelmed, exhausted, grieving, afraid, and hungry.

afraid, and hungry. afraid, and hungry. God, show us the steps you would have us God, show us the steps you would have us God, show us the steps you would have us take to be a friend, to help carry a take to be a friend, to help carry a take to be a friend, to help carry a burden, to comfort those in need, or to burden, to comfort those in need, or to burden, to comfort those in need, or to simply be present, simply be present, simply be present, listening and responding with an listening and responding with an listening and responding with an encouraging word. Lord, remind us that in serving others, Lord, remind us that in serving others, we too are changed. we too are changed. we too are changed. When we give, we also receive and we When we give, we also receive and we When we give, we also receive and we offer ourselves in love. offer ourselves in love. offer ourselves in love. We also are reminded of the joy and We also are reminded of the joy and We also are reminded of the joy and freedom of following Jesus. So God, we also lift up today those So God, we also lift up today those suffering and trying to survive in Nepal suffering and trying to survive in Nepal suffering and trying to survive in Nepal and Tibet following the the floods. God and Tibet following the the floods. God and Tibet following the the floods. God be with them. be with them. be with them. Touch them with your peace, grace, and Touch them with your peace, grace, and Touch them with your peace, grace, and comfort comfort comfort and bring them the resources they need and bring them the resources they need and bring them the resources they need to to recover and thrive. to to recover and thrive. to to recover and thrive. So Lord, we pray for a servant's heart So Lord, we pray for a servant's heart So Lord, we pray for a servant's heart today. A heart that serves out of love today. A heart that serves out of love today. A heart that serves out of love and gratitude and not obligation or and gratitude and not obligation or and gratitude and not obligation or desire for praise.

desire for praise. desire for praise. So we thank you, we praise you, we trust So we thank you, we praise you, we trust So we thank you, we praise you, we trust you, and we lift all this up as we pray you, and we lift all this up as we pray you, and we lift all this up as we pray together with one voice saying,"Our together with one voice saying,"Our together with one voice saying,"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses us our trespasses us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, us. And lead us not into temptation, us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is but deliver us from evil. For thine is but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the glor and the glory the kingdom and the glor and the glory the kingdom and the glor and the glory forever. Amen. forever. Amen. forever. Amen. Um, I'd like to invite our ushers to Um, I'd like to invite our ushers to Um, I'd like to invite our ushers to come forward as we continue our worship come forward as we continue our worship come forward as we continue our worship with the giving of our tithes and with the giving of our tithes and with the giving of our tithes and offerings.

Amen. You may be seated. Join me in a Amen. You may be seated. Join me in a quick word of prayer this morning. quick word of prayer this morning. quick word of prayer this morning. Oh Lord, Oh Lord, Oh Lord, may the words of my mouth and the may the words of my mouth and the may the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be meditations of all our hearts be meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, our rock and acceptable in your sight, our rock and acceptable in your sight, our rock and our redeemer. Amen. So, I had the joyous our redeemer. Amen. So, I had the joyous our redeemer. Amen. So, I had the joyous experience yesterday uh of getting to experience yesterday uh of getting to experience yesterday uh of getting to hang out and spend some time uh with our hang out and spend some time uh with our hang out and spend some time uh with our student leadership academy students, our student leadership academy students, our student leadership academy students, our SLA students uh early in the morning SLA students uh early in the morning SLA students uh early in the morning yesterday. And it reminded me of an yesterday. And it reminded me of an yesterday. And it reminded me of an experience I had when I was in high experience I had when I was in high experience I had when I was in high school. We had a similar sort of student school. We had a similar sort of student school. We had a similar sort of student leadership program leadership program leadership program when I was a senior where you could help when I was a senior where you could help when I was a senior where you could help with our church's junior high ministry, with our church's junior high ministry, with our church's junior high ministry, seventh and eighth grade. And it was a seventh and eighth grade. And it was a seventh and eighth grade. And it was a wonderful experience. I got really in wonderful experience. I got really in wonderful experience. I got really in that my first experience and that my first experience and that my first experience and confirmation of that call to ministry. I confirmation of that call to ministry. I confirmation of that call to ministry. I got to help co-lead some Bible studies. got to help co-lead some Bible studies. got to help co-lead some Bible studies. me and some of my friends who were on me and some of my friends who were on me and some of my friends who were on it, we planned events together, games, it, we planned events together, games, it, we planned events together, games, all kinds of great things. And one of all kinds of great things. And one of all kinds of great things. And one of the experiences we had at the tail end the experiences we had at the tail end the experiences we had at the tail end of that was going to summer camp with of that was going to summer camp with of that was going to summer camp with the kids. I grew up in Arizona and so the kids. I grew up in Arizona and so the kids. I grew up in Arizona and so we'd go to camp in the northern part of we'd go to camp in the northern part of we'd go to camp in the northern part of Arizona up in the mountains, though it Arizona up in the mountains, though it Arizona up in the mountains, though it was still pretty hot in the summer. And was still pretty hot in the summer. And was still pretty hot in the summer. And it was a a wonderful experience. And I it was a a wonderful experience. And I it was a a wonderful experience. And I remember this year in particular, the remember this year in particular, the remember this year in particular, the theme of camp was called the Christian theme of camp was called the Christian theme of camp was called the Christian life. And they wanted simply for the life. And they wanted simply for the life. And they wanted simply for the students to really wrestle deeply with students to really wrestle deeply with students to really wrestle deeply with what does it mean to be a Christian?

what does it mean to be a Christian? what does it mean to be a Christian? What is disciplehip all about and how What is disciplehip all about and how What is disciplehip all about and how does that look? And it ended with on does that look? And it ended with on does that look? And it ended with on that last day a talk about service to that last day a talk about service to that last day a talk about service to say in light of all the things we've say in light of all the things we've say in light of all the things we've we've talked about this relationship we've talked about this relationship we've talked about this relationship with God and who Jesus is and the Holy with God and who Jesus is and the Holy with God and who Jesus is and the Holy Spirit, what does it mean to live this Spirit, what does it mean to live this Spirit, what does it mean to live this faith out in tangible ways? And the text faith out in tangible ways? And the text faith out in tangible ways? And the text they used was the same text that we they used was the same text that we they used was the same text that we heard John 13 where Jesus washes the heard John 13 where Jesus washes the heard John 13 where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. And they thought feet of his disciples. And they thought feet of his disciples. And they thought in this moment, what a great idea to in this moment, what a great idea to in this moment, what a great idea to subvert that natural dynamic between subvert that natural dynamic between subvert that natural dynamic between students and leaders. And we're going to students and leaders. And we're going to students and leaders. And we're going to have our leaders wash the feet of the have our leaders wash the feet of the have our leaders wash the feet of the kids at the very end of that. which is a kids at the very end of that. which is a kids at the very end of that. which is a great idea great idea great idea in theory in theory in theory because you know if you are at camp all because you know if you are at camp all because you know if you are at camp all week with junior highs and really to week with junior highs and really to week with junior highs and really to pick on junior high boys themselves as a pick on junior high boys themselves as a pick on junior high boys themselves as a former junior high boy there is some former junior high boy there is some former junior high boy there is some unspoken rule among them that you do not unspoken rule among them that you do not unspoken rule among them that you do not shower while you are at church camp shower while you are at church camp shower while you are at church camp and I don't know what it is and some of and I don't know what it is and some of and I don't know what it is and some of these kids only bring one pair of socks these kids only bring one pair of socks these kids only bring one pair of socks and so anyway the time comes And we come and so anyway the time comes And we come and so anyway the time comes And we come to the end of this week. We get to that to the end of this week. We get to that to the end of this week. We get to that final service. The pastor's up giving final service. The pastor's up giving final service. The pastor's up giving the sermon and he gets to the end of it the sermon and he gets to the end of it the sermon and he gets to the end of it and he explains just as Jesus did, we and he explains just as Jesus did, we and he explains just as Jesus did, we are going to model that to you students are going to model that to you students are going to model that to you students and we are going to wash your feet just and we are going to wash your feet just and we are going to wash your feet just as Christ showed us this example of as Christ showed us this example of as Christ showed us this example of service. And he called two of the women service. And he called two of the women service. And he called two of the women volunteers uh who were sitting up front volunteers uh who were sitting up front volunteers uh who were sitting up front to go to one side and all the girls. He

to go to one side and all the girls. He to go to one side and all the girls. He said, "Go line up on that side." And he said, "Go line up on that side." And he said, "Go line up on that side." And he said, "Chris and I," and by the way, said, "Chris and I," and by the way, said, "Chris and I," and by the way, this is the first time I'm hearing of this is the first time I'm hearing of this is the first time I'm hearing of this. says, "Chris and I are going to go this. says, "Chris and I are going to go this. says, "Chris and I are going to go over to this side here and we're going over to this side here and we're going over to this side here and we're going to wash all the feet of the boys." And to wash all the feet of the boys." And to wash all the feet of the boys." And he invited the boys to go line up. And he invited the boys to go line up. And he invited the boys to go line up. And he said, "All right, we'll begin he said, "All right, we'll begin he said, "All right, we'll begin washing." And he conveniently stayed on washing." And he conveniently stayed on washing." And he conveniently stayed on the chancel and kept praying. Not sure the chancel and kept praying. Not sure the chancel and kept praying. Not sure what that was about, but here comes this what that was about, but here comes this what that was about, but here comes this first boy. And he had worn sandals all first boy. And he had worn sandals all first boy. And he had worn sandals all week, so his feet were just caked in week, so his feet were just caked in week, so his feet were just caked in dirt, right? It was a sort of hard outer dirt, right? It was a sort of hard outer dirt, right? It was a sort of hard outer layer. And I grabbed the little rag that layer. And I grabbed the little rag that layer. And I grabbed the little rag that we had gotten. I dip it in the water and we had gotten. I dip it in the water and we had gotten. I dip it in the water and I squeeze it on his feet. And I kid you I squeeze it on his feet. And I kid you I squeeze it on his feet. And I kid you not, the water like beaded off of his not, the water like beaded off of his not, the water like beaded off of his feet as though they were waterresistant. feet as though they were waterresistant. feet as though they were waterresistant. And I did it again. Same thing. And so And I did it again. Same thing. And so And I did it again. Same thing. And so I'm, you know, putting my elbow and back I'm, you know, putting my elbow and back I'm, you know, putting my elbow and back into it. And I'm rubbing and this dirt into it. And I'm rubbing and this dirt into it. And I'm rubbing and this dirt will not come off. And I'm like, look will not come off. And I'm like, look will not come off. And I'm like, look over here. And this side has already over here. And this side has already over here. And this side has already made it through half of the girls. And made it through half of the girls. And made it through half of the girls. And I'm still on the first boy. And I'm just I'm still on the first boy. And I'm just I'm still on the first boy. And I'm just doing everything. Finally, the littlest doing everything. Finally, the littlest doing everything. Finally, the littlest chunk pops off. And I say, "Good enough. chunk pops off. And I say, "Good enough. chunk pops off. And I say, "Good enough. Go sit down." Next boy comes up. And of Go sit down." Next boy comes up. And of Go sit down." Next boy comes up. And of course, he'd only worn one pair of socks course, he'd only worn one pair of socks course, he'd only worn one pair of socks all week. So I take his shoes off and I all week. So I take his shoes off and I all week. So I take his shoes off and I pull the sock off. The sock was harder pull the sock off. The sock was harder pull the sock off. The sock was harder than the shoe somehow. I pull that off than the shoe somehow. I pull that off than the shoe somehow. I pull that off and it smelled just like a boy's locker and it smelled just like a boy's locker and it smelled just like a boy's locker room. And I mean my my shirt is over my room. And I mean my my shirt is over my room. And I mean my my shirt is over my nose as I'm washing this. And so um nose as I'm washing this. And so um nose as I'm washing this. And so um we're going to wash your feet. Pastor we're going to wash your feet. Pastor we're going to wash your feet. Pastor Ryan graciously agreed to do it all.

Ryan graciously agreed to do it all. Ryan graciously agreed to do it all. Thank you, Ryan. Uh no, I kid. Thank you, Ryan. Uh no, I kid. Thank you, Ryan. Uh no, I kid. Maybe you have at some point in your Maybe you have at some point in your Maybe you have at some point in your life gone to that Monday Thursday life gone to that Monday Thursday life gone to that Monday Thursday service or some service where uh you service or some service where uh you service or some service where uh you wash one another's feet. Hopefully their wash one another's feet. Hopefully their wash one another's feet. Hopefully their feet were cleaner than junior high boys. feet were cleaner than junior high boys. feet were cleaner than junior high boys. But if you've ever done it, you know But if you've ever done it, you know But if you've ever done it, you know that it is a little messy. It is that it is a little messy. It is that it is a little messy. It is vulnerable, vulnerable, vulnerable, but it's also beautiful. And I look back but it's also beautiful. And I look back but it's also beautiful. And I look back at that time in my life and yeah, as at that time in my life and yeah, as at that time in my life and yeah, as smelly as it was, I still loved the smelly as it was, I still loved the smelly as it was, I still loved the opportunity to do that to these kids who opportunity to do that to these kids who opportunity to do that to these kids who I had got to journey with all year, who I had got to journey with all year, who I had got to journey with all year, who I had really gotten to know and whom I I had really gotten to know and whom I I had really gotten to know and whom I deeply loved to get to serve them in deeply loved to get to serve them in deeply loved to get to serve them in that way. It's messy. It's vulnerable, that way. It's messy. It's vulnerable, that way. It's messy. It's vulnerable, but it's also beautiful. That's the but it's also beautiful. That's the but it's also beautiful. That's the picture of service that Jesus gives us. picture of service that Jesus gives us. picture of service that Jesus gives us. And Jesus in this moment of washing feet And Jesus in this moment of washing feet And Jesus in this moment of washing feet in John chapter 13 was not all unlike in John chapter 13 was not all unlike in John chapter 13 was not all unlike junior high boys at that time with no junior high boys at that time with no junior high boys at that time with no sort of driving folks walking everywhere sort of driving folks walking everywhere sort of driving folks walking everywhere and no paved roads. They traveled some and no paved roads. They traveled some and no paved roads. They traveled some very dirty terrain and feet was very dirty terrain and feet was very dirty terrain and feet was generally considered to be the messiest generally considered to be the messiest generally considered to be the messiest part of the body. It's like how we wash part of the body. It's like how we wash part of the body. It's like how we wash our hands. So, it was customary for our hands. So, it was customary for our hands. So, it was customary for folks to have maybe a servant um or folks to have maybe a servant um or folks to have maybe a servant um or someone who's kind of the lowest rung of someone who's kind of the lowest rung of someone who's kind of the lowest rung of the totem pole to wash the feet of the totem pole to wash the feet of the totem pole to wash the feet of guests who would come to the house. And guests who would come to the house. And guests who would come to the house. And so, it's easy to miss then kind of how

so, it's easy to miss then kind of how so, it's easy to miss then kind of how radical what it is that Jesus is doing radical what it is that Jesus is doing radical what it is that Jesus is doing in this moment when he washes the feet in this moment when he washes the feet in this moment when he washes the feet of his disciples. If you have your Bible of his disciples. If you have your Bible of his disciples. If you have your Bible still open or if you want to pull out still open or if you want to pull out still open or if you want to pull out your bulletin there, I I want to show your bulletin there, I I want to show your bulletin there, I I want to show you um just kind of how radical this is. you um just kind of how radical this is. you um just kind of how radical this is. Jesus in verse three of chapter 13, Jesus in verse three of chapter 13, Jesus in verse three of chapter 13, we're told this that Jesus knowing the we're told this that Jesus knowing the we're told this that Jesus knowing the father had given all things into his father had given all things into his father had given all things into his hands that he had come from God and was hands that he had come from God and was hands that he had come from God and was going to God. I'll pause there real going to God. I'll pause there real going to God. I'll pause there real quick because John, it's important for quick because John, it's important for quick because John, it's important for John to tell us who Jesus is, right? John to tell us who Jesus is, right? John to tell us who Jesus is, right? that he in this moment is fully divine. that he in this moment is fully divine. that he in this moment is fully divine. He's a part of this very fabric of He's a part of this very fabric of He's a part of this very fabric of creation. I mean, notice again that creation. I mean, notice again that creation. I mean, notice again that language that all things were in his language that all things were in his language that all things were in his hands, that he had come from God and he hands, that he had come from God and he hands, that he had come from God and he was going to God, right? John wants us was going to God, right? John wants us was going to God, right? John wants us to know that he is sort of the very to know that he is sort of the very to know that he is sort of the very image of the invisible God, right? That image of the invisible God, right? That image of the invisible God, right? That this is one and the same. And now all this is one and the same. And now all this is one and the same. And now all things are in his hands. But notice what things are in his hands. But notice what things are in his hands. But notice what is it he does.

is it he does. is it he does. He gets up from the table, takes off his He gets up from the table, takes off his He gets up from the table, takes off his outer robe, ties a towel around himself. outer robe, ties a towel around himself. outer robe, ties a towel around himself. Then verse 5, he poured water into a Then verse 5, he poured water into a Then verse 5, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples basin and began to wash the disciples basin and began to wash the disciples feet to wipe them with the towel that feet to wipe them with the towel that feet to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. If you missed this, was tied around him. If you missed this, was tied around him. If you missed this, I think you missed the whole sermon. I think you missed the whole sermon. I think you missed the whole sermon. It'll be on the test. It'll be on the test. It'll be on the test. that that Jesus who is the very sort of that that Jesus who is the very sort of that that Jesus who is the very sort of divine he and the father kind of one in divine he and the father kind of one in divine he and the father kind of one in the same in this Jesus that image of the the same in this Jesus that image of the the same in this Jesus that image of the invisible God invisible God invisible God serves his disciples lowering himself serves his disciples lowering himself serves his disciples lowering himself sometimes I think it's it's easy for us sometimes I think it's it's easy for us sometimes I think it's it's easy for us to think of Jesus as just kind of a a to think of Jesus as just kind of a a to think of Jesus as just kind of a a nice guy right and we think you know nice guy right and we think you know nice guy right and we think you know maybe Jesus did this because he read maybe Jesus did this because he read maybe Jesus did this because he read that latest Simon Synynic leadership that latest Simon Synynic leadership that latest Simon Synynic leadership book leaders wash feet and and thought book leaders wash feet and and thought book leaders wash feet and and thought oh I should do this to be a good leader oh I should do this to be a good leader oh I should do this to be a good leader Uh maybe we think, you know, Jesus was a Uh maybe we think, you know, Jesus was a Uh maybe we think, you know, Jesus was a nice guy and he thinks it's disciple nice guy and he thinks it's disciple nice guy and he thinks it's disciple appreciation Sunday. I I forgot to go to appreciation Sunday. I I forgot to go to appreciation Sunday. I I forgot to go to bearings and I didn't give him I didn't bearings and I didn't give him I didn't bearings and I didn't give him I didn't get him any gifts. You know, maybe get him any gifts. You know, maybe get him any gifts. You know, maybe Peter's been with us this whole time. He Peter's been with us this whole time. He Peter's been with us this whole time. He does all the cooking. These guys are does all the cooking. These guys are does all the cooking. These guys are they've just had a rough go at it. You they've just had a rough go at it. You they've just had a rough go at it. You know, let me wash their feet to do know, let me wash their feet to do know, let me wash their feet to do something nice for him. Right? It's easy something nice for him. Right? It's easy something nice for him. Right? It's easy for us to think that Jesus was just a for us to think that Jesus was just a for us to think that Jesus was just a nice guy doing something.

nice guy doing something. nice guy doing something. But John wants us to see that all things But John wants us to see that all things But John wants us to see that all things are in Jesus's hands. The fullness of are in Jesus's hands. The fullness of are in Jesus's hands. The fullness of his divinity. What does he do? He gives his divinity. What does he do? He gives his divinity. What does he do? He gives himself away. He lowers himself to the himself away. He lowers himself to the himself away. He lowers himself to the form of a servant. Paul picks on up on form of a servant. Paul picks on up on form of a servant. Paul picks on up on this in Philippians chapter 2. That this in Philippians chapter 2. That this in Philippians chapter 2. That second text we read. Let me read it for second text we read. Let me read it for second text we read. Let me read it for you one more time. you one more time. you one more time. He said, "Let the same mind be in you He said, "Let the same mind be in you He said, "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who though he that was in Christ Jesus, who though he that was in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not regard was in the form of God, did not regard was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be equality with God as something to be equality with God as something to be exploited, emptied himself, taking the exploited, emptied himself, taking the exploited, emptied himself, taking the form of a servant and being born in form of a servant and being born in form of a servant and being born in human likeness and being found in human human likeness and being found in human human likeness and being found in human form. He humbled himself, became form. He humbled himself, became form. He humbled himself, became obedient to the point of death, even obedient to the point of death, even obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." death on a cross." death on a cross." Right? that word uh for sort of emptying Right? that word uh for sort of emptying Right? that word uh for sort of emptying that Paul uses there in Greek, it's the that Paul uses there in Greek, it's the that Paul uses there in Greek, it's the word kinosis. word kinosis. word kinosis. And it doesn't mean humility, And it doesn't mean humility, And it doesn't mean humility, you know, it doesn't mean uh being the you know, it doesn't mean uh being the you know, it doesn't mean uh being the lowest rung on the totem pole. It is a lowest rung on the totem pole. It is a lowest rung on the totem pole. It is a full and complete selfmping.

full and complete selfmping. full and complete selfmping. If Paul had had our inside out habit If Paul had had our inside out habit If Paul had had our inside out habit language, right, he'd have written it language, right, he'd have written it language, right, he'd have written it that Jesus gave himself away in that Jesus gave himself away in that Jesus gave himself away in generosity and service. Paul didn't have generosity and service. Paul didn't have generosity and service. Paul didn't have that. So he wrote the next best thing. that. So he wrote the next best thing. that. So he wrote the next best thing. Um but again that is this picture right Um but again that is this picture right Um but again that is this picture right that Jesus in the fullness of this that Jesus in the fullness of this that Jesus in the fullness of this divinity. He doesn't teach theology divinity. He doesn't teach theology divinity. He doesn't teach theology about that divinity. He doesn't then about that divinity. He doesn't then about that divinity. He doesn't then follow that up with a miracle that sort follow that up with a miracle that sort follow that up with a miracle that sort of proves that divinity. of proves that divinity. of proves that divinity. All things are in his hands. All things are in his hands. All things are in his hands. He humbles himself. He humbles himself. He humbles himself. He puts on the towel. He puts on the towel. He puts on the towel. He kneels at the feet of his disciples. He kneels at the feet of his disciples. He kneels at the feet of his disciples. and he begins to wash their feet. It's and he begins to wash their feet. It's and he begins to wash their feet. It's messy. It's vulnerable. And it's a messy. It's vulnerable. And it's a messy. It's vulnerable. And it's a beautiful picture of who Jesus and who beautiful picture of who Jesus and who beautiful picture of who Jesus and who God is. And if we, his disciples, are to God is. And if we, his disciples, are to God is. And if we, his disciples, are to live and love like Jesus, live and love like Jesus, live and love like Jesus, then we ought to have some kind of then we ought to have some kind of then we ought to have some kind of service in our life. Opportunities where service in our life. Opportunities where service in our life. Opportunities where we can give ourself away. Uh if you've we can give ourself away. Uh if you've we can give ourself away. Uh if you've been with us over the last couple weeks, been with us over the last couple weeks, been with us over the last couple weeks, we've been in this uh series called we've been in this uh series called we've been in this uh series called faith supplements where we've been faith supplements where we've been faith supplements where we've been thinking about if the core of our faith, thinking about if the core of our faith, thinking about if the core of our faith, the central part of our faith is is in the central part of our faith is is in the central part of our faith is is in God and who Jesus is, what are these God and who Jesus is, what are these God and who Jesus is, what are these things on the outskirts that are uh things on the outskirts that are uh things on the outskirts that are uh essential to that, but kind of essential to that, but kind of essential to that, but kind of supplement that core idea. A couple supplement that core idea. A couple supplement that core idea. A couple weeks ago when we kicked it off, Dr.

weeks ago when we kicked it off, Dr. weeks ago when we kicked it off, Dr. Pace talked about this kind of analogy Pace talked about this kind of analogy Pace talked about this kind of analogy of the supplements that we take in our of the supplements that we take in our of the supplements that we take in our life and the effect they have on us. And life and the effect they have on us. And life and the effect they have on us. And I've been thinking, okay, well, what's I've been thinking, okay, well, what's I've been thinking, okay, well, what's that supplement that when we take it, that supplement that when we take it, that supplement that when we take it, everything is changed, right? In a everything is changed, right? In a everything is changed, right? In a couple days, we feel the effect of it. couple days, we feel the effect of it. couple days, we feel the effect of it. Like, I've taken vitamin D for years. I Like, I've taken vitamin D for years. I Like, I've taken vitamin D for years. I don't know if it makes any difference in don't know if it makes any difference in don't know if it makes any difference in my life. Maybe it does, but there are my life. Maybe it does, but there are my life. Maybe it does, but there are those things that when we take them, we those things that when we take them, we those things that when we take them, we feel them immediately. Every woman I feel them immediately. Every woman I feel them immediately. Every woman I talked to about this said it's iron. talked to about this said it's iron. talked to about this said it's iron. that iron is that supplement that when that iron is that supplement that when that iron is that supplement that when you start to take it after a couple days you start to take it after a couple days you start to take it after a couple days you immediately feel all kinds of you immediately feel all kinds of you immediately feel all kinds of differences. And so I want to say that I differences. And so I want to say that I differences. And so I want to say that I think service is like iron for our faith think service is like iron for our faith think service is like iron for our faith that when we take it immediately we feel that when we take it immediately we feel that when we take it immediately we feel its effect in our life. Uh when I served its effect in our life. Uh when I served its effect in our life. Uh when I served at Moody down in Galveston, I had a at Moody down in Galveston, I had a at Moody down in Galveston, I had a conversation with someone who came into conversation with someone who came into conversation with someone who came into my office and we were visiting and he my office and we were visiting and he my office and we were visiting and he shared that he was just kind of felt shared that he was just kind of felt shared that he was just kind of felt like he was in a valley in his faith like he was in a valley in his faith like he was in a valley in his faith that that it was sort of sputtering out.

that that it was sort of sputtering out. that that it was sort of sputtering out. And he was the kind of person who grew And he was the kind of person who grew And he was the kind of person who grew up in church, who faithfully attended up in church, who faithfully attended up in church, who faithfully attended every week, was in a Bible study, would every week, was in a Bible study, would every week, was in a Bible study, would read the upper room every week. But he read the upper room every week. But he read the upper room every week. But he said he just had trouble feeling ignited said he just had trouble feeling ignited said he just had trouble feeling ignited in that part of his faith. And so we in that part of his faith. And so we in that part of his faith. And so we talked for a bit through some things talked for a bit through some things talked for a bit through some things through that conversation kind of landed through that conversation kind of landed through that conversation kind of landed on him trying to come to one of our on him trying to come to one of our on him trying to come to one of our service events where we had with the service events where we had with the service events where we had with the food bank we'd be out in the parking lot food bank we'd be out in the parking lot food bank we'd be out in the parking lot and we'd um help 300 or so families a and we'd um help 300 or so families a and we'd um help 300 or so families a month um get food that they needed load month um get food that they needed load month um get food that they needed load it right up into their cars. We had it right up into their cars. We had it right up into their cars. We had started it during COVID and um came to started it during COVID and um came to started it during COVID and um came to that that Monday and and served and it that that Monday and and served and it that that Monday and and served and it was a great time. and we talked a little was a great time. and we talked a little was a great time. and we talked a little bit, but it was later in the week. I was bit, but it was later in the week. I was bit, but it was later in the week. I was walking down the hallway and we were walking down the hallway and we were walking down the hallway and we were kind of coming at opposite corners and kind of coming at opposite corners and kind of coming at opposite corners and he's like, "Oh, Chris, when is that next he's like, "Oh, Chris, when is that next he's like, "Oh, Chris, when is that next food distribution?" He asked me. He's food distribution?" He asked me. He's food distribution?" He asked me. He's like, "Is it next Monday? Could it be like, "Is it next Monday? Could it be like, "Is it next Monday? Could it be tomorrow? I'm ready to go." And he said tomorrow? I'm ready to go." And he said tomorrow? I'm ready to go." And he said that sort of spirit within him which that sort of spirit within him which that sort of spirit within him which felt dormant was kind of catalyzed, felt dormant was kind of catalyzed, felt dormant was kind of catalyzed, right? That flame had been fanned in new right? That flame had been fanned in new right? That flame had been fanned in new ways. I think that is the place of ways. I think that is the place of ways. I think that is the place of service in our life. It can be that service in our life. It can be that service in our life. It can be that thing which makes an immediate thing which makes an immediate thing which makes an immediate difference. And so let me out of that difference. And so let me out of that difference. And so let me out of that give you two practices and a promise give you two practices and a promise give you two practices and a promise around service. Two practices are this around service. Two practices are this around service. Two practices are this one. To serve as a family to serve as a one. To serve as a family to serve as a one. To serve as a family to serve as a family that whatever that looks like for family that whatever that looks like for family that whatever that looks like for you could be your spouse and your kids.

you could be your spouse and your kids. you could be your spouse and your kids. It could be you and your grandkids. It It could be you and your grandkids. It It could be you and your grandkids. It could be your Sunday school class. It could be your Sunday school class. It could be your Sunday school class. It could be your neighbors. but serve in could be your neighbors. but serve in could be your neighbors. but serve in community together with people. I think community together with people. I think community together with people. I think of just a couple weeks ago, I took my of just a couple weeks ago, I took my of just a couple weeks ago, I took my daughter Eleanor, she's six years old, daughter Eleanor, she's six years old, daughter Eleanor, she's six years old, to Sandwich Orama. Um I hope a number of to Sandwich Orama. Um I hope a number of to Sandwich Orama. Um I hope a number of you I know joined with us in that where you I know joined with us in that where you I know joined with us in that where we made 8,000 sandwiches for uh Kids we made 8,000 sandwiches for uh Kids we made 8,000 sandwiches for uh Kids Hope Meal uh for Kids Hope Meals. And Hope Meal uh for Kids Hope Meals. And Hope Meal uh for Kids Hope Meals. And what a wonderful time it was. Uh, I what a wonderful time it was. Uh, I what a wonderful time it was. Uh, I think Eleanor and I made eight of those think Eleanor and I made eight of those think Eleanor and I made eight of those 8,000 sandwiches, but it was still great 8,000 sandwiches, but it was still great 8,000 sandwiches, but it was still great to be a part of that. And for the rest to be a part of that. And for the rest to be a part of that. And for the rest of the week, she was just buzzing about of the week, she was just buzzing about of the week, she was just buzzing about what we did, right? We'd call Nana and what we did, right? We'd call Nana and what we did, right? We'd call Nana and Papa. Nana Papa, guess what we did? We Papa. Nana Papa, guess what we did? We Papa. Nana Papa, guess what we did? We made 8,000 sandwiches, right? Went to made 8,000 sandwiches, right? Went to made 8,000 sandwiches, right? Went to meet the teacher. Guess what we did? We meet the teacher. Guess what we did? We meet the teacher. Guess what we did? We made 8,000 sandwiches. We're in the made 8,000 sandwiches. We're in the made 8,000 sandwiches. We're in the bread aisle at HB. Hey, you. Guess what bread aisle at HB. Hey, you. Guess what bread aisle at HB. Hey, you. Guess what we did with bread this week? We made we did with bread this week? We made we did with bread this week? We made 8,000 sandwiches. is and they're like, 8,000 sandwiches. is and they're like, 8,000 sandwiches. is and they're like, "Who are you?" Again, "Who are you?" Again, "Who are you?" Again, just electric energy from her. And what just electric energy from her. And what just electric energy from her. And what a better way. I can think of no better a better way. I can think of no better a better way. I can think of no better way to teach her the importance of way to teach her the importance of way to teach her the importance of living out that faith than by doing it living out that faith than by doing it living out that faith than by doing it with her, by serving with her. I I with her, by serving with her. I I with her, by serving with her. I I remember fondly chances I had to serve remember fondly chances I had to serve remember fondly chances I had to serve with my parents growing up. My dad and I with my parents growing up. My dad and I with my parents growing up. My dad and I would come to the church and we'd would come to the church and we'd would come to the church and we'd replace all 300 air filters together.

replace all 300 air filters together. replace all 300 air filters together. And now my dad probably could have done And now my dad probably could have done And now my dad probably could have done it faster by himself than he could with it faster by himself than he could with it faster by himself than he could with me. But it was important for him to me. But it was important for him to me. But it was important for him to teach me both how to change an air teach me both how to change an air teach me both how to change an air filter and how to serve filter and how to serve filter and how to serve in community. So that's one way you can in community. So that's one way you can in community. So that's one way you can do it to serve together with your family do it to serve together with your family do it to serve together with your family in whatever iteration that looks like. in whatever iteration that looks like. in whatever iteration that looks like. The second thing that you can do is to The second thing that you can do is to The second thing that you can do is to serve at our Gethsemane campus. Uh again serve at our Gethsemane campus. Uh again serve at our Gethsemane campus. Uh again we celebrate today the 70th anniversary we celebrate today the 70th anniversary we celebrate today the 70th anniversary of that Gethsemane campus and what a of that Gethsemane campus and what a of that Gethsemane campus and what a gift uh that God has given us and called gift uh that God has given us and called gift uh that God has given us and called us to that particular uh area and us to that particular uh area and us to that particular uh area and there's so much great work that you can there's so much great work that you can there's so much great work that you can do there especially to commend to you do there especially to commend to you do there especially to commend to you our mercy closet that takes place or our mercy closet that takes place or our mercy closet that takes place or their Wednesday night fellowship. I know their Wednesday night fellowship. I know their Wednesday night fellowship. I know those are the two biggest needs um that those are the two biggest needs um that those are the two biggest needs um that we have. If you were to ask me how could we have. If you were to ask me how could we have. If you were to ask me how could I serve today in response to this? Sign I serve today in response to this? Sign I serve today in response to this? Sign up for those. You can make me the up for those. You can make me the up for those. You can make me the greatest new pastor ever by filling out greatest new pastor ever by filling out greatest new pastor ever by filling out those signups. Um, uh, it'd be great. those signups. Um, uh, it'd be great. those signups. Um, uh, it'd be great. But what a gift. And really the best But what a gift. And really the best But what a gift. And really the best thing that I think that Gethsemane thing that I think that Gethsemane thing that I think that Gethsemane campus can do is it allows us to serve campus can do is it allows us to serve campus can do is it allows us to serve alongside alongside alongside people, alongside fellow congregants, people, alongside fellow congregants, people, alongside fellow congregants, and and alongside people who have needs, and and alongside people who have needs, and and alongside people who have needs, not to serve for them, but to serve with not to serve for them, but to serve with not to serve for them, but to serve with them. I think of this picture we get in them. I think of this picture we get in them. I think of this picture we get in Jesus. Jesus served a lot of people.

Jesus. Jesus served a lot of people. Jesus. Jesus served a lot of people. Folks came to him in need of healing. Folks came to him in need of healing. Folks came to him in need of healing. Folks in the crowds followed him. But it Folks in the crowds followed him. But it Folks in the crowds followed him. But it was his disciples who he journeyied with was his disciples who he journeyied with was his disciples who he journeyied with week in and week out who he had this week in and week out who he had this week in and week out who he had this opportunity to serve and to love and to opportunity to serve and to love and to opportunity to serve and to love and to care for. And when we serve at the care for. And when we serve at the care for. And when we serve at the Gethsemane campus, whether it's through Gethsemane campus, whether it's through Gethsemane campus, whether it's through um uh stuff that takes place at the um uh stuff that takes place at the um uh stuff that takes place at the garden, getting to mentor youth, or garden, getting to mentor youth, or garden, getting to mentor youth, or whether it's through the homework help whether it's through the homework help whether it's through the homework help with kids, or Wednesday night with kids, or Wednesday night with kids, or Wednesday night fellowship, the mercy closet, we get fellowship, the mercy closet, we get fellowship, the mercy closet, we get that opportunity to serve like Jesus that opportunity to serve like Jesus that opportunity to serve like Jesus alongside people to grow in these alongside people to grow in these alongside people to grow in these relationships and these connections. So relationships and these connections. So relationships and these connections. So that's the second way you can do that. that's the second way you can do that. that's the second way you can do that. But let me give you a promise that Jesus But let me give you a promise that Jesus But let me give you a promise that Jesus gives about service. gives about service. gives about service. back in the scripture there in John in back in the scripture there in John in back in the scripture there in John in that last chapter uh in that last part that last chapter uh in that last part that last chapter uh in that last part of the chapter verse 17 um if you've got of the chapter verse 17 um if you've got of the chapter verse 17 um if you've got your uh scripture still in front of you your uh scripture still in front of you your uh scripture still in front of you Jesus says this that if you know these Jesus says this that if you know these Jesus says this that if you know these things you are blessed if you do them.

things you are blessed if you do them. things you are blessed if you do them. If you know these things you're blessed If you know these things you're blessed If you know these things you're blessed if you do them. Now, this isn't a if you do them. Now, this isn't a if you do them. Now, this isn't a prosperity gospel kind of thing that prosperity gospel kind of thing that prosperity gospel kind of thing that says, "Look, if you serve, you're going says, "Look, if you serve, you're going says, "Look, if you serve, you're going to have a great ROI uh on your to have a great ROI uh on your to have a great ROI uh on your investments this year or all these investments this year or all these investments this year or all these things will come to you more." Right? things will come to you more." Right? things will come to you more." Right? That kind of misses the picture of it. That kind of misses the picture of it. That kind of misses the picture of it. Instead, what he's trying to say is that Instead, what he's trying to say is that Instead, what he's trying to say is that when we serve, when we make this a part when we serve, when we make this a part when we serve, when we make this a part of our life, we will know blessing, but of our life, we will know blessing, but of our life, we will know blessing, but it will be different than the blessing it will be different than the blessing it will be different than the blessing the world knows. the world knows. the world knows. But we through this will find a peace But we through this will find a peace But we through this will find a peace that is more lasting than anything else that is more lasting than anything else that is more lasting than anything else we know. We'll find joy that is we know. We'll find joy that is we know. We'll find joy that is sustaining. We'll find community that is sustaining. We'll find community that is sustaining. We'll find community that is deep and abiding. And we in that deep and abiding. And we in that deep and abiding. And we in that might find our calling. might find our calling. might find our calling. The great uh pastor and writer Frederick The great uh pastor and writer Frederick The great uh pastor and writer Frederick Bener has this great quote uh about Bener has this great quote uh about Bener has this great quote uh about calling where he says our calling, the calling where he says our calling, the calling where he says our calling, the place God calls us to is the place where place God calls us to is the place where place God calls us to is the place where our deep gladness our deep gladness our deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet and and the world's deep hunger meet and and the world's deep hunger meet and intersect.

intersect. intersect. And when we find that calling, And when we find that calling, And when we find that calling, we will know that blessing Jesus says. we will know that blessing Jesus says. we will know that blessing Jesus says. So let me end with this story. Um when I So let me end with this story. Um when I So let me end with this story. Um when I was down in Moody, uh a wonderful was down in Moody, uh a wonderful was down in Moody, uh a wonderful congregation to serve down in congregation to serve down in congregation to serve down in Galveastston and we much like here had Galveastston and we much like here had Galveastston and we much like here had folks who would come in who had needs um folks who would come in who had needs um folks who would come in who had needs um often financial needs. I need help you often financial needs. I need help you often financial needs. I need help you know paying a bill this week. I need know paying a bill this week. I need know paying a bill this week. I need help um uh you know with something, a help um uh you know with something, a help um uh you know with something, a medical bill, something that had medical bill, something that had medical bill, something that had happened. And we kind of like how we happened. And we kind of like how we happened. And we kind of like how we have CCSC here. We had a similar thing have CCSC here. We had a similar thing have CCSC here. We had a similar thing called Society of St. Stevens. One of called Society of St. Stevens. One of called Society of St. Stevens. One of our pastors, Lance, was over that. He our pastors, Lance, was over that. He our pastors, Lance, was over that. He was so gifted in that kind of work and was so gifted in that kind of work and was so gifted in that kind of work and helping discern and walk alongside helping discern and walk alongside helping discern and walk alongside people in these needs and had some lay people in these needs and had some lay people in these needs and had some lay people who would help. But every now and people who would help. But every now and people who would help. But every now and then, the thing we would have to watch then, the thing we would have to watch then, the thing we would have to watch for as pastors is there was there would for as pastors is there was there would for as pastors is there was there would be folks who would come in and they be folks who would come in and they be folks who would come in and they would say, "Oh, I just need someone to would say, "Oh, I just need someone to would say, "Oh, I just need someone to pray." And we say, "Okay, you need pray." And we say, "Okay, you need pray." And we say, "Okay, you need financial assistance because if so, you financial assistance because if so, you financial assistance because if so, you need to get an appointment here.

need to get an appointment here. need to get an appointment here. Otherwise, our clergy are always happy Otherwise, our clergy are always happy Otherwise, our clergy are always happy to pray with you." They say, "Yeah, to pray with you." They say, "Yeah, to pray with you." They say, "Yeah, yeah, I just need prayer." And so we'd yeah, I just need prayer." And so we'd yeah, I just need prayer." And so we'd take time and we'd sit with them and take time and we'd sit with them and take time and we'd sit with them and we'd visit an hour, hour and a half and we'd visit an hour, hour and a half and we'd visit an hour, hour and a half and and we'd get to the very end and ask, and we'd get to the very end and ask, and we'd get to the very end and ask, "Oh, you know, so what do you need from "Oh, you know, so what do you need from "Oh, you know, so what do you need from this?" "Oh, I just need someone to pay this?" "Oh, I just need someone to pay this?" "Oh, I just need someone to pay my rent bill." And we'd say, "If you had my rent bill." And we'd say, "If you had my rent bill." And we'd say, "If you had told me an hour and a half ago, I could told me an hour and a half ago, I could told me an hour and a half ago, I could have gotten you an appointment and sent have gotten you an appointment and sent have gotten you an appointment and sent you on your way, but I can't do anything you on your way, but I can't do anything you on your way, but I can't do anything for you, right? Some folks kind of for you, right? Some folks kind of for you, right? Some folks kind of trying to skirt that system." trying to skirt that system." trying to skirt that system." Um, so every now and then, we had to Um, so every now and then, we had to Um, so every now and then, we had to kind of keep that in our mind. And so kind of keep that in our mind. And so kind of keep that in our mind. And so one day a guy named Bobby came in, sat one day a guy named Bobby came in, sat one day a guy named Bobby came in, sat down, and and he said, "I need to talk down, and and he said, "I need to talk down, and and he said, "I need to talk to a pastor." And I again made sure, to a pastor." And I again made sure, to a pastor." And I again made sure, okay, you don't need assistance, do you? okay, you don't need assistance, do you? okay, you don't need assistance, do you? He said, no, no, no, no. I need I need He said, no, no, no, no. I need I need He said, no, no, no, no. I need I need assistance from God, right? I need assistance from God, right? I need assistance from God, right? I need prayer. Okay, absolutely. What's going prayer. Okay, absolutely. What's going prayer. Okay, absolutely. What's going on? And I kid you not, uh, Bobby's life on? And I kid you not, uh, Bobby's life on? And I kid you not, uh, Bobby's life could be a country western story. He could be a country western story. He could be a country western story. He said up about a week ago, his wife up said up about a week ago, his wife up said up about a week ago, his wife up and left him and his son had just had it and left him and his son had just had it and left him and his son had just had it and she was gone. Couldn't be heard of. and she was gone. Couldn't be heard of. and she was gone. Couldn't be heard of. And after that, uh, he had lost his job. And after that, uh, he had lost his job. And after that, uh, he had lost his job. About a week later, his truck broke About a week later, his truck broke About a week later, his truck broke down. And a week after that, his dog down. And a week after that, his dog down. And a week after that, his dog died. Uh, and tomorrow was his son's died. Uh, and tomorrow was his son's died. Uh, and tomorrow was his son's birthday and he had spent his last bit birthday and he had spent his last bit birthday and he had spent his last bit of money buying him a couple of birthday of money buying him a couple of birthday of money buying him a couple of birthday gifts. And immediately my kind of red gifts. And immediately my kind of red gifts. And immediately my kind of red flag turned on to say, "I don't know flag turned on to say, "I don't know flag turned on to say, "I don't know about that. Not sure where this is about that. Not sure where this is about that. Not sure where this is going. This feels like it's going to be going. This feels like it's going to be going. This feels like it's going to be an ask for money at the end of that."

an ask for money at the end of that." an ask for money at the end of that." And so he kept going. And in that And so he kept going. And in that And so he kept going. And in that moment, I felt a little more frustrated, moment, I felt a little more frustrated, moment, I felt a little more frustrated, right? I had a sermon to write. I had a right? I had a sermon to write. I had a right? I had a sermon to write. I had a Bible study to prepare. I'm so behind on Bible study to prepare. I'm so behind on Bible study to prepare. I'm so behind on emails. I need to prepare for this me. emails. I need to prepare for this me. emails. I need to prepare for this me. I've just got all this stuff to do and I've just got all this stuff to do and I've just got all this stuff to do and here's this guy kind of wasting my time. here's this guy kind of wasting my time. here's this guy kind of wasting my time. But, you know, I keep that back here and But, you know, I keep that back here and But, you know, I keep that back here and I put on my good pastor face and we get I put on my good pastor face and we get I put on my good pastor face and we get to the end and I say, "Well, Bobby, what to the end and I say, "Well, Bobby, what to the end and I say, "Well, Bobby, what do you need from this today? What do you do you need from this today? What do you do you need from this today? What do you need?" And he looks at me, tears welling need?" And he looks at me, tears welling need?" And he looks at me, tears welling in his eyes. I'll never forget. He looks in his eyes. I'll never forget. He looks in his eyes. I'll never forget. He looks at me and says, "Man, Chris, at me and says, "Man, Chris, at me and says, "Man, Chris, I just need a birthday cake for my son." I just need a birthday cake for my son." I just need a birthday cake for my son." And the conviction in that moment I felt And the conviction in that moment I felt And the conviction in that moment I felt felt like a ton of bricks. And I said, felt like a ton of bricks. And I said, felt like a ton of bricks. And I said, "You know what? This is probably against "You know what? This is probably against "You know what? This is probably against our rules, but hop in the car. Let's go our rules, but hop in the car. Let's go our rules, but hop in the car. Let's go to Walmart." Right? And we drove over to to Walmart." Right? And we drove over to to Walmart." Right? And we drove over to Walmart and I called someone at the Walmart and I called someone at the Walmart and I called someone at the church who was crafty and said, "Hey, church who was crafty and said, "Hey, church who was crafty and said, "Hey, he's got some things here. Could you he's got some things here. Could you he's got some things here. Could you wrap them in gift wrap for him? I'll wrap them in gift wrap for him? I'll wrap them in gift wrap for him? I'll explain later. Just wrap them up to look explain later. Just wrap them up to look explain later. Just wrap them up to look nice." And we went and we got a cake and nice." And we went and we got a cake and nice." And we went and we got a cake and we inscribed it to his son and we bought we inscribed it to his son and we bought we inscribed it to his son and we bought some candles and we went back to the some candles and we went back to the some candles and we went back to the church and I said, "You know what?

church and I said, "You know what? church and I said, "You know what? Someone brought in some shoes the other Someone brought in some shoes the other Someone brought in some shoes the other day that are dress shoes. Let's find day that are dress shoes. Let's find day that are dress shoes. Let's find them. You said you got a job interview. them. You said you got a job interview. them. You said you got a job interview. Okay, let's find some shoes and we got Okay, let's find some shoes and we got Okay, let's find some shoes and we got all this stuff together for him and I all this stuff together for him and I all this stuff together for him and I took it back to his apartment and uh took it back to his apartment and uh took it back to his apartment and uh helped him bring it up and he walked me helped him bring it up and he walked me helped him bring it up and he walked me back out to the car and we were talking back out to the car and we were talking back out to the car and we were talking there and he said, "Man, it felt like a there and he said, "Man, it felt like a there and he said, "Man, it felt like a great weight has been lifted off my great weight has been lifted off my great weight has been lifted off my shoulders." Right? and we hugged each shoulders." Right? and we hugged each shoulders." Right? and we hugged each other and tears were in both of our eyes other and tears were in both of our eyes other and tears were in both of our eyes and I just prayed for him and and and and I just prayed for him and and and and I just prayed for him and and and now I can look back at that and man I now I can look back at that and man I now I can look back at that and man I cannot tell you what the sermon I had to cannot tell you what the sermon I had to cannot tell you what the sermon I had to write was about. Uh I couldn't tell you write was about. Uh I couldn't tell you write was about. Uh I couldn't tell you what Bible study I was doing. Couldn't what Bible study I was doing. Couldn't what Bible study I was doing. Couldn't tell you what those meetings were about. tell you what those meetings were about. tell you what those meetings were about. Couldn't tell you any of those emails. Couldn't tell you any of those emails. Couldn't tell you any of those emails. But I can tell you that experience with But I can tell you that experience with But I can tell you that experience with Bobby will sit with me for the rest of Bobby will sit with me for the rest of Bobby will sit with me for the rest of my life. my life. my life. That is what happens when we serve. We That is what happens when we serve. We That is what happens when we serve. We can know a blessing can know a blessing can know a blessing that is more powerful that is more powerful that is more powerful that is richer that is richer that is richer than anything else we can imagine.

than anything else we can imagine. than anything else we can imagine. Let us like our savior Let us like our savior Let us like our savior live out our faith in a way that gives live out our faith in a way that gives live out our faith in a way that gives ourself away in that kind of service. ourself away in that kind of service. ourself away in that kind of service. Let me pray. Let me pray. Let me pray. God, we give thanks for all the great God, we give thanks for all the great God, we give thanks for all the great gifts that you have given to us. gifts that you have given to us. gifts that you have given to us. What a joy it is to gather together as What a joy it is to gather together as What a joy it is to gather together as your body. And what a gift that it is. You are a And what a gift that it is. You are a God who has not invited us to serve you. God who has not invited us to serve you. God who has not invited us to serve you. That you are not a God who came to be That you are not a God who came to be That you are not a God who came to be served but to serve. and that you showed served but to serve. and that you showed served but to serve. and that you showed us the way. us the way. us the way. And as we go from this place this And as we go from this place this And as we go from this place this morning, help us go to love and serve morning, help us go to love and serve morning, help us go to love and serve the Lord the Lord the Lord through loving and serving one another. through loving and serving one another. through loving and serving one another. Help us give ourselves away in that kind Help us give ourselves away in that kind Help us give ourselves away in that kind of generosity and service. We pray this of generosity and service. We pray this of generosity and service. We pray this in your son's holy and precious name.

in your son's holy and precious name. in your son's holy and precious name. Amen. Uh as we uh continue in our Amen. Uh as we uh continue in our Amen. Uh as we uh continue in our service of worship this morning, uh I service of worship this morning, uh I service of worship this morning, uh I want to invite you to stand as you are want to invite you to stand as you are want to invite you to stand as you are able as we sing our next hymn. Uh it's able as we sing our next hymn. Uh it's able as we sing our next hymn. Uh it's not in the himnil. It's in that smaller not in the himnil. It's in that smaller not in the himnil. It's in that smaller red book called the faith we sing. Um red book called the faith we sing. Um red book called the faith we sing. Um and the number is very easy. 22222. Uh as we sing that's the servant song. I Uh as we sing that's the servant song. I want to invite you to stand as you're want to invite you to stand as you're want to invite you to stand as you're able as we sing to God this morning. you you as Christ to you. as Christ to you. as Christ to you. Pray that I may have the grace to let Pray that I may have the grace to let Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my I will be where you are

I will be where you are when you have my love with you. when you have my love with you. when you have my love with you. I will share your joy and sorrow till we I will share your joy and sorrow till we I will share your joy and sorrow till we see you. all all together together together from Christ as Christ to you. as Christ to you. I give the praise to God to be my next week uh we'll continue uh in this next week uh we'll continue uh in this series and think uh about worship and series and think uh about worship and series and think uh about worship and how worship supplements our life and so how worship supplements our life and so how worship supplements our life and so I hope you'll join us uh as we continue I hope you'll join us uh as we continue I hope you'll join us uh as we continue in that conversation. But friends, hear in that conversation. But friends, hear in that conversation. But friends, hear this benediction. As we go from this this benediction. As we go from this this benediction. As we go from this place in the spirit and love of our place in the spirit and love of our place in the spirit and love of our Lord, let us go remembering that Christ Lord, let us go remembering that Christ Lord, let us go remembering that Christ has modeled what it means for us to give has modeled what it means for us to give has modeled what it means for us to give ourself away in service.

ourself away in service. ourself away in service. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship, his the love of God, and the fellowship, his the love of God, and the fellowship, his holy spirit abide and be with you all holy spirit abide and be with you all holy spirit abide and be with you all now and forever. Amen. Heat. Heat.