Traditional | 9:45 a.m. | 08.16.2026

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

[music] >> Heat. >> up >> up here. here. here. [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[music] [music] We are We are We are glorious. glorious. glorious. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Joy.

Please remain standing as you are able Please remain standing as you are able as we affirm our faith together through as we affirm our faith together through as we affirm our faith together through the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and Father Almighty, maker of heaven and Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious 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. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Please be seated. >> Please be seated. Well, good morning. I'm so glad you're Well, good morning. I'm so glad you're Well, good morning. I'm so glad you're worshiping with us today and you're um a worshiping with us today and you're um a worshiping with us today and you're um a part of our service. Um welcome to those part of our service. Um welcome to those part of our service. Um welcome to those of you who are worshiping with us on of you who are worshiping with us on of you who are worshiping with us on live stream as well. We're so glad live stream as well. We're so glad live stream as well. We're so glad you're a part of our service. Today is you're a part of our service. Today is you're a part of our service. Today is kickoff Sunday. It's a great day. our uh kickoff Sunday. It's a great day. our uh kickoff Sunday. It's a great day. our uh our children and students move to their our children and students move to their our children and students move to their um their new classes and our uh meet um their new classes and our uh meet um their new classes and our uh meet their new friends and their new teachers their new friends and their new teachers their new friends and their new teachers and um we have all sorts of wonderful and um we have all sorts of wonderful and um we have all sorts of wonderful things out on the lawn after the things out on the lawn after the things out on the lawn after the service. I hope you'll come out there service. I hope you'll come out there service. I hope you'll come out there and uh we have Kona Ice and some music and uh we have Kona Ice and some music and uh we have Kona Ice and some music and there's coffee on the branches lawn and there's coffee on the branches lawn and there's coffee on the branches lawn and just uh um some snacks that you will and just uh um some snacks that you will and just uh um some snacks that you will enjoy. I just hope you'll come and uh enjoy. I just hope you'll come and uh enjoy. I just hope you'll come and uh really uh celebrate the party. Uh after really uh celebrate the party. Uh after really uh celebrate the party. Uh after the service, um we're going to be the service, um we're going to be the service, um we're going to be passing out our fall guide, which has passing out our fall guide, which has passing out our fall guide, which has all sorts of wonderful um opportunities all sorts of wonderful um opportunities all sorts of wonderful um opportunities that are here at St. Luke's. Our ushers that are here at St. Luke's. Our ushers that are here at St. Luke's. Our ushers will give you those and there's also will give you those and there's also will give you those and there's also some here on the table up here in the some here on the table up here in the some here on the table up here in the front if you'd like them. Um but it's front if you'd like them. Um but it's front if you'd like them. Um but it's going to be a wonderful day and we're going to be a wonderful day and we're going to be a wonderful day and we're just glad you're a part of it. I do hope just glad you're a part of it. I do hope just glad you're a part of it. I do hope you will let us know that you're here, you will let us know that you're here, you will let us know that you're here, that you will register your attendance.

that you will register your attendance. that you will register your attendance. You can do that using St. Luke's app. If You can do that using St. Luke's app. If You can do that using St. Luke's app. If you haven't downloaded it, I really do you haven't downloaded it, I really do you haven't downloaded it, I really do encourage that because it has all sorts encourage that because it has all sorts encourage that because it has all sorts of really great resources on it. Um uh of really great resources on it. Um uh of really great resources on it. Um uh if if you are here in the uh sanctuary, if if you are here in the uh sanctuary, if if you are here in the uh sanctuary, there's a card in your pew pocket that there's a card in your pew pocket that there's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome and you can put some your says welcome and you can put some your says welcome and you can put some your contact information on that and then um contact information on that and then um contact information on that and then um drop it in the offering plate later in drop it in the offering plate later in drop it in the offering plate later in the service. And if you're on our um um the service. And if you're on our um um the service. And if you're on our um um website online platform, there's a website online platform, there's a website online platform, there's a little tab that says check in and you little tab that says check in and you little tab that says check in and you can uh let us know that you're can uh let us know that you're can uh let us know that you're worshiping with us that way. I do have a worshiping with us that way. I do have a worshiping with us that way. I do have a number of things I'd love to tell you number of things I'd love to tell you number of things I'd love to tell you about. We have five inside out habits about. We have five inside out habits about. We have five inside out habits here at St. Luke's. Let me remind you of here at St. Luke's. Let me remind you of here at St. Luke's. Let me remind you of that. We pray and worship. We study the that. We pray and worship. We study the that. We pray and worship. We study the Bible. Uh we make friends. We tell our Bible. Uh we make friends. We tell our Bible. Uh we make friends. We tell our stories. And we give ourselves away in stories. And we give ourselves away in stories. And we give ourselves away in generosity and service. Let me start generosity and service. Let me start generosity and service. Let me start with just talking about how we pray. And with just talking about how we pray. And with just talking about how we pray. And one of the folks we want to be praying one of the folks we want to be praying one of the folks we want to be praying for are our our children and students as for are our our children and students as for are our our children and students as they are in their schools as they start they are in their schools as they start they are in their schools as they start the school year. So out by the prayer the school year. So out by the prayer the school year. So out by the prayer tree, if you've uh ever heading down tree, if you've uh ever heading down tree, if you've uh ever heading down this main corridor here, there is a a a this main corridor here, there is a a a this main corridor here, there is a a a prayer tree there and just beside it is prayer tree there and just beside it is prayer tree there and just beside it is a a banner. And we would love for you to a a banner. And we would love for you to a a banner. And we would love for you to stop and put the name of your uh child stop and put the name of your uh child stop and put the name of your uh child or grandchild's school on that banner or grandchild's school on that banner or grandchild's school on that banner because we're going to be praying, our because we're going to be praying, our because we're going to be praying, our prayer teams and others, you're welcome prayer teams and others, you're welcome prayer teams and others, you're welcome to join us, are going to be praying for to join us, are going to be praying for to join us, are going to be praying for all of the the children who are in those all of the the children who are in those all of the the children who are in those schools uh during the week ahead. So, schools uh during the week ahead. So, schools uh during the week ahead. So, please uh put uh stop and and put your

please uh put uh stop and and put your please uh put uh stop and and put your um uh the school that is significant in um uh the school that is significant in um uh the school that is significant in your life uh on on that list. Um, your life uh on on that list. Um, your life uh on on that list. Um, also if uh our our children, we have also if uh our our children, we have also if uh our our children, we have some little backpack tags that they can some little backpack tags that they can some little backpack tags that they can put on their backpacks and you can pick put on their backpacks and you can pick put on their backpacks and you can pick one of those up if for your child or one of those up if for your child or one of those up if for your child or your grandchild out on the uh at the your grandchild out on the uh at the your grandchild out on the uh at the connection desk and they'll give you one connection desk and they'll give you one connection desk and they'll give you one and and it's just a way of helping your and and it's just a way of helping your and and it's just a way of helping your child know that they're being prayed child know that they're being prayed child know that they're being prayed for, that the people of St. Luke's love for, that the people of St. Luke's love for, that the people of St. Luke's love them and are with them and they're them and are with them and they're them and are with them and they're connected here. they're rooted here and connected here. they're rooted here and connected here. they're rooted here and that um that we'll be uh praying for that um that we'll be uh praying for that um that we'll be uh praying for them. Um I I do want to say a word about them. Um I I do want to say a word about them. Um I I do want to say a word about we study the Bible and we use different we study the Bible and we use different we study the Bible and we use different resources to to explore what the Bible resources to to explore what the Bible resources to to explore what the Bible teaches. And this fall we're doing teaches. And this fall we're doing teaches. And this fall we're doing something uh I think is really neat for something uh I think is really neat for something uh I think is really neat for um for families. And that is we're going um for families. And that is we're going um for families. And that is we're going to be looking at the book uh called to be looking at the book uh called to be looking at the book uh called Woven by Meredith Miller. Uh Meredith Woven by Meredith Miller. Uh Meredith Woven by Meredith Miller. Uh Meredith Miller is uh what her focus has always Miller is uh what her focus has always Miller is uh what her focus has always been on helping children develop a been on helping children develop a been on helping children develop a resilient faith that is their own that resilient faith that is their own that resilient faith that is their own that will carry them through into adulthood will carry them through into adulthood will carry them through into adulthood and not one that says okay here's what and not one that says okay here's what and not one that says okay here's what my parents believe so by golly you my parents believe so by golly you my parents believe so by golly you better believe it too and then later better believe it too and then later better believe it too and then later they go I don't know that I really they go I don't know that I really they go I don't know that I really believe that. Uh so what we want to do believe that. Uh so what we want to do believe that. Uh so what we want to do is help them discover that. And the book is help them discover that. And the book is help them discover that. And the book woven has to do with all of the woven has to do with all of the woven has to do with all of the different ways that different people and different ways that different people and different ways that different people and different experiences sort of day by day different experiences sort of day by day different experiences sort of day by day by day can really make an impact on by day can really make an impact on by day can really make an impact on those kids' lives. Meredith Miller will those kids' lives. Meredith Miller will those kids' lives. Meredith Miller will be with us on October 25th. But until

be with us on October 25th. But until be with us on October 25th. But until that time, we have a number of groups that time, we have a number of groups that time, we have a number of groups that will be um uh working through this that will be um uh working through this that will be um uh working through this book. I'm going to lead a group for book. I'm going to lead a group for book. I'm going to lead a group for grandparents on which what is your role grandparents on which what is your role grandparents on which what is your role as a grandparent and helping a a as a grandparent and helping a a as a grandparent and helping a a grandchild develop their faith? Um it's grandchild develop their faith? Um it's grandchild develop their faith? Um it's really going to be a neat uh time. So, I really going to be a neat uh time. So, I really going to be a neat uh time. So, I hope you'll see if there's a way that hope you'll see if there's a way that hope you'll see if there's a way that you can plug into that. Uh, we do give you can plug into that. Uh, we do give you can plug into that. Uh, we do give ourselves away in generosity and ourselves away in generosity and ourselves away in generosity and service. I want to encourage you to service. I want to encourage you to service. I want to encourage you to support the Christian Community Service support the Christian Community Service support the Christian Community Service Center backpack drive. Um, $75 provides Center backpack drive. Um, $75 provides Center backpack drive. Um, $75 provides a backpack for a student who's beginning a backpack for a student who's beginning a backpack for a student who's beginning um, uh, a school year and they have all um, uh, a school year and they have all um, uh, a school year and they have all the school supplies in it that they the school supplies in it that they the school supplies in it that they need, a new backpack, uh, a gift card need, a new backpack, uh, a gift card need, a new backpack, uh, a gift card for uniforms and shoes so that they for uniforms and shoes so that they for uniforms and shoes so that they start the school right. And uh CCSC is start the school right. And uh CCSC is start the school right. And uh CCSC is providing 4,000 of those backpacks this providing 4,000 of those backpacks this providing 4,000 of those backpacks this year and we'd love to help with that. year and we'd love to help with that. year and we'd love to help with that. And so if you if you feel called to do And so if you if you feel called to do And so if you if you feel called to do that, I uh I really want to encourage that, I uh I really want to encourage that, I uh I really want to encourage it. And uh then finally um this weekend it. And uh then finally um this weekend it. And uh then finally um this weekend our our student uh youth choir, our uh our our student uh youth choir, our uh our our student uh youth choir, our uh youth choir will be presenting Babes on youth choir will be presenting Babes on youth choir will be presenting Babes on Broadway. They do this every fall. They Broadway. They do this every fall. They Broadway. They do this every fall. They they in one week they create a a a show they in one week they create a a a show they in one week they create a a a show and uh it's always fun. It's a great way and uh it's always fun. It's a great way and uh it's always fun. It's a great way to support them and you just see how to support them and you just see how to support them and you just see how much fun they're having and it's just a much fun they're having and it's just a much fun they're having and it's just a wonderful time. I want to encourage you wonderful time. I want to encourage you wonderful time. I want to encourage you to to perhaps uh be a part of one of to to perhaps uh be a part of one of to to perhaps uh be a part of one of those. So, you see our organ uh here. Um those. So, you see our organ uh here. Um those. So, you see our organ uh here. Um but it doesn't work yet. Uh but it's but it doesn't work yet. Uh but it's but it doesn't work yet. Uh but it's it's almost there. It's just almost it's almost there. It's just almost it's almost there. It's just almost there. But it's really beautiful, don't there. But it's really beautiful, don't there. But it's really beautiful, don't you think? And uh it it had to come up

you think? And uh it it had to come up you think? And uh it it had to come up here because it had to get connected here because it had to get connected here because it had to get connected while they worked on it. And uh but it's while they worked on it. And uh but it's while they worked on it. And uh but it's going to be back maybe not this week, going to be back maybe not this week, going to be back maybe not this week, but probably the next one. not not next but probably the next one. not not next but probably the next one. not not next week, but the one after that. But, uh, week, but the one after that. But, uh, week, but the one after that. But, uh, that's why it's here. Just wanted to let that's why it's here. Just wanted to let that's why it's here. Just wanted to let you know that. All right. So much going you know that. All right. So much going you know that. All right. So much going on. Um, we're starting a new sermon on. Um, we're starting a new sermon on. Um, we're starting a new sermon series today, uh, called Faith series today, uh, called Faith series today, uh, called Faith Supplements. What are the things that Supplements. What are the things that Supplements. What are the things that you need to make sure are added into you need to make sure are added into you need to make sure are added into your life? The scripture says, "Seek your life? The scripture says, "Seek your life? The scripture says, "Seek first the kingdom, and these things get first the kingdom, and these things get first the kingdom, and these things get added unto you." That's the NIV added unto you." That's the NIV added unto you." That's the NIV translation. I want to just encourage translation. I want to just encourage translation. I want to just encourage you to um to think about uh what needs you to um to think about uh what needs you to um to think about uh what needs to be added into your life this during to be added into your life this during to be added into your life this during these next four weeks. And listen now as these next four weeks. And listen now as these next four weeks. And listen now as we hear our scripture read uh this we hear our scripture read uh this we hear our scripture read uh this morning. morning. morning. Our first scripture reading uh comes out Our first scripture reading uh comes out Our first scripture reading uh comes out of the book of Genesis chapter 2. of the book of Genesis chapter 2. of the book of Genesis chapter 2. And the Lord planted a garden in Eden in And the Lord planted a garden in Eden in And the Lord planted a garden in Eden in the east and there he put the man whom the east and there he put the man whom the east and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the he had formed. Out of the ground the he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is Lord God made to grow every tree that is Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.

pleasant to the sight and good for food. pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life also in the midst of The tree of life also in the midst of The tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the the garden, and the tree of the the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Lord God knowledge of good and evil. The Lord God knowledge of good and evil. The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden took the man and put him in the garden took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the of Eden to till it and keep it. And the of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, "You may Lord God commanded the man, "You may Lord God commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden, freely eat of every tree of the garden, freely eat of every tree of the garden, but the tree of the knowledge of good but the tree of the knowledge of good but the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat. For in the and evil, you shall not eat. For in the and evil, you shall not eat. For in the day that you eat of it, you shall die." day that you eat of it, you shall die." day that you eat of it, you shall die." Our second scripture reading comes out Our second scripture reading comes out Our second scripture reading comes out of the Gospel of Luke, 12. of the Gospel of Luke, 12. of the Gospel of Luke, 12. Consider the liies, how they grow. They Consider the liies, how they grow. They Consider the liies, how they grow. They neither toiled nor spin. Yet I tell you, neither toiled nor spin. Yet I tell you, neither toiled nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not even Solomon in all his glory was not even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothed like one of these. But if God so clothed like one of these. But if God so clothe the grass of the field, which is clothe the grass of the field, which is clothe the grass of the field, which is alive today and is tomorrow thrown into alive today and is tomorrow thrown into alive today and is tomorrow thrown into the oven, the oven, the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you of how much more will he clothe you, you of how much more will he clothe you, you of little faith?

little faith? little faith? And do not keep seeking what you are to And do not keep seeking what you are to And do not keep seeking what you are to eat and what you are to drink. And do eat and what you are to drink. And do eat and what you are to drink. And do not keep worrying, for it is the nations not keep worrying, for it is the nations not keep worrying, for it is the nations of the world that seek all these things, of the world that seek all these things, of the world that seek all these things, and your Father knows that you need and your Father knows that you need and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as these things will be given to you as these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, well. Do not be afraid, little flock, well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to for it is your father's good pleasure to for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. The word of God give you the kingdom. The word of God give you the kingdom. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. [singing] [singing] [music] >> Rest [music] near [singing] to the heart >> Rest [music] near [singing] to the heart of God. of God. of God. A place [singing] A place [singing] A place [singing] where [music] sin can not [music] near [singing] to the heart of [music] near [singing] to the heart of God.

God. God. Oh [singing] Jesus, [music] Oh [singing] Jesus, [music] Oh [singing] Jesus, [music] bless [music and singing] from the heart of [music and singing] from the heart of God. God. God. [singing] Thee Thee [music and singing] to the heart of God of all wisdom, God of all wisdom, we thank you for who you are we thank you for who you are we thank you for who you are and how you share your wisdom with us, and how you share your wisdom with us, and how you share your wisdom with us, using the minds you've given us to using the minds you've given us to using the minds you've given us to learn, to think well, learn, to think well, learn, to think well, to study deeply, to study deeply, to study deeply, to engage the world thoughtfully, to engage the world thoughtfully, to engage the world thoughtfully, using the hearts you've given us to see using the hearts you've given us to see using the hearts you've given us to see and respond to the needs around us with and respond to the needs around us with and respond to the needs around us with compassion. using the bodies you have given us to be using the bodies you have given us to be instruments of your peace, instruments of your peace, instruments of your peace, reminders of your presence, reminders of your presence, reminders of your presence, embodiment of your love.

embodiment of your love. embodiment of your love. Today we ask that you would pour out Today we ask that you would pour out Today we ask that you would pour out your wisdom on those starting a new your wisdom on those starting a new your wisdom on those starting a new school year. school year. school year. Students from daycare to doctoral Students from daycare to doctoral Students from daycare to doctoral programs, programs, programs, teachers in nurseries to universities, teachers in nurseries to universities, teachers in nurseries to universities, administrators, administrators, administrators, coaches, food service providers, school coaches, food service providers, school coaches, food service providers, school counselors and security officers, counselors and security officers, counselors and security officers, groundskeepers and custodians, groundskeepers and custodians, groundskeepers and custodians, classroom assistants and teaching classroom assistants and teaching classroom assistants and teaching assistants, assistants, assistants, Sunday school teachers, and all the Sunday school teachers, and all the Sunday school teachers, and all the parents honorary very aunts and uncles, parents honorary very aunts and uncles, parents honorary very aunts and uncles, grandparents, friends and mentors who grandparents, friends and mentors who grandparents, friends and mentors who support those participating in school. support those participating in school. support those participating in school. God, may we as a church family do all we God, may we as a church family do all we God, may we as a church family do all we can to be a source of encouragement for can to be a source of encouragement for can to be a source of encouragement for the hard days of school, the hard days of school, the hard days of school, an anchor in essentials on the an anchor in essentials on the an anchor in essentials on the questioning days, questioning days, questioning days, a steady guide in the complex days, a steady guide in the complex days, a steady guide in the complex days, a present cheerleader in the performing a present cheerleader in the performing a present cheerleader in the performing days, days, days, a safe space on the hurting days, a safe space on the hurting days, a safe space on the hurting days, and a reminder every day of the value and a reminder every day of the value and a reminder every day of the value each of us have. Not in the grades or each of us have. Not in the grades or each of us have. Not in the grades or the team or the statistics, the team or the statistics, the team or the statistics, but in you but in you but in you as your beloved children, regardless of

as your beloved children, regardless of as your beloved children, regardless of what we do or what we produce, God, thank you for that reminder today. God, thank you for that reminder today. Keep etching it in our brains. Keep etching it in our brains. Keep etching it in our brains. Keep reminding us when we forget. Keep reminding us when we forget. Keep reminding us when we forget. And God, in your wisdom, And God, in your wisdom, And God, in your wisdom, show us how to live this prayer that you show us how to live this prayer that you show us how to live this prayer that you taught your disciples. taught your disciples. taught your disciples. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed Our 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. be done on earth as it is in heaven. be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And Give us this day our daily bread. And Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses forgive us our trespasses forgive 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, but us. And lead us not into temptation, but us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

forever. forever. Amen. Amen. Amen. As we continue in our worship now, I As we continue in our worship now, I As we continue in our worship now, I want to invite our ushers to come want to invite our ushers to come want to invite our ushers to come forward as we receive our offering. And forward as we receive our offering. And forward as we receive our offering. And this is an opportunity for us to this is an opportunity for us to this is an opportunity for us to practice how we worship. And all of this practice how we worship. And all of this practice how we worship. And all of this worship, including our offering, is worship, including our offering, is worship, including our offering, is response to what God is doing in our response to what God is doing in our response to what God is doing in our lives. So in gratitude, let's give as lives. So in gratitude, let's give as lives. So in gratitude, let's give as God leads us today. Oh music Oh music [singing and music] with the song with the song is the darking [music] clouds Speak to us thy univer Speak to us thy univer [music and singing] Join [music and singing] angry hands.

Join [music and singing] angry hands. Reach our soul [music] Reach our soul [music] Reach our soul [music] to king [singing] to king [singing] to king [singing] from from from our [music] wild. wild. [singing] [singing] [singing] and learn [music] and learn [music] and learn [music] peace peace peace beside beside beside [music] [music] [music] [singing] Inspire our Inspire our [singing] illuminate [singing] illuminate [singing] illuminate [music] our desire. Restore [music and singing] Restore [music and singing] our faith.

our faith. our faith. We [music and singing] We [music and singing] We [music and singing] recognizing recognizing recognizing the most [music] the most [music] the most [music] of of of our our our [music] [music and singing] Must we sing [music and singing] Must we sing ever ever ever [singing] [singing] [singing] thor [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music]

[music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Gracious God, open us up today. Open our Gracious God, open us up today. Open our eyes that we might see and our ears that eyes that we might see and our ears that eyes that we might see and our ears that we might hear your word in the midst of we might hear your word in the midst of we might hear your word in the midst of these words. Open our hearts, God, that these words. Open our hearts, God, that these words. Open our hearts, God, that your word might fall in.

your word might fall in. your word might fall in. And then, oh God, open our hands that we And then, oh God, open our hands that we And then, oh God, open our hands that we might give and serve and love. might give and serve and love. might give and serve and love. Amen. So, it's that season where uh parents So, it's that season where uh parents with schoolage children um feel amazing with schoolage children um feel amazing with schoolage children um feel amazing relief because the children are back to relief because the children are back to relief because the children are back to school and they're like, "Oh, on the one school and they're like, "Oh, on the one school and they're like, "Oh, on the one hand, it gets wild now and it's even hand, it gets wild now and it's even hand, it gets wild now and it's even crazier and getting you've got to get crazier and getting you've got to get crazier and getting you've got to get them where they got to go." But what you them where they got to go." But what you them where they got to go." But what you what you now don't have to hear is maybe what you now don't have to hear is maybe what you now don't have to hear is maybe what you heard for the last, you know, what you heard for the last, you know, what you heard for the last, you know, eight weeks of the summer. I am so eight weeks of the summer. I am so eight weeks of the summer. I am so bored. bored. bored. I There's nothing to do. That's always I There's nothing to do. That's always I There's nothing to do. That's always been my favorite line. There's nothing been my favorite line. There's nothing been my favorite line. There's nothing to do. There's clearly something to do. to do. There's clearly something to do. to do. There's clearly something to do. You know, maybe mom would say, um, well, You know, maybe mom would say, um, well, You know, maybe mom would say, um, well, go play a game or go find something to go play a game or go find something to go play a game or go find something to do. Or or maybe dad would say, I'll give do. Or or maybe dad would say, I'll give do. Or or maybe dad would say, I'll give you something to do. Um, right? I'll you something to do. Um, right? I'll you something to do. Um, right? I'll you'll find something to do. And and you'll find something to do. And and you'll find something to do. And and here's what's the most annoying thing is here's what's the most annoying thing is here's what's the most annoying thing is that the child says, "Can I just play that the child says, "Can I just play that the child says, "Can I just play with my iPad? Can you just give me my my with my iPad? Can you just give me my my with my iPad? Can you just give me my my screen? Let me just play with my iPad. I screen? Let me just play with my iPad. I screen? Let me just play with my iPad. I want to be entertained. I want I I I want to be entertained. I want I I I want to be entertained. I want I I I need to have that. I got to get my fix need to have that. I got to get my fix need to have that. I got to get my fix and then I'll be happy and then I'll and then I'll be happy and then I'll and then I'll be happy and then I'll I'll just be quiet. Just put me in front I'll just be quiet. Just put me in front I'll just be quiet. Just put me in front of a TV. Can I just watch TV? Right. I I of a TV. Can I just watch TV? Right. I I of a TV. Can I just watch TV? Right. I I I want to be entertained.

You know, the the other piece of it is You know, the the other piece of it is that I think sometimes we as adults that I think sometimes we as adults that I think sometimes we as adults don't really grow out of that. don't really grow out of that. don't really grow out of that. We get to ourselves where we find We get to ourselves where we find We get to ourselves where we find ourselves sort of bored with life. ourselves sort of bored with life. ourselves sort of bored with life. And what we do is instead of really go And what we do is instead of really go And what we do is instead of really go finding something we enjoy doing, what finding something we enjoy doing, what finding something we enjoy doing, what we do is we anesthetize ourselves with we do is we anesthetize ourselves with we do is we anesthetize ourselves with television or something that just sort television or something that just sort television or something that just sort of takes our mind off of it. Is a sort of takes our mind off of it. Is a sort of takes our mind off of it. Is a sort of a um a relief perhaps, but isn't a of a um a relief perhaps, but isn't a of a um a relief perhaps, but isn't a real joy. real joy. real joy. Here here's another possibility for you. Here here's another possibility for you. Here here's another possibility for you. In [snorts] uh 1867 In [snorts] uh 1867 In [snorts] uh 1867 uh or 1866 rather a a woman named Eliza uh or 1866 rather a a woman named Eliza uh or 1866 rather a a woman named Eliza Sprro Turner wrote a song that became a Sprro Turner wrote a song that became a Sprro Turner wrote a song that became a American folk song and it really only American folk song and it really only American folk song and it really only became famous in the in 1960s when Patty became famous in the in 1960s when Patty became famous in the in 1960s when Patty Duke recorded it and um it it the chorus Duke recorded it and um it it the chorus Duke recorded it and um it it the chorus of it goes this way. Life is a toil and of it goes this way. Life is a toil and of it goes this way. Life is a toil and love is a trouble. Beauty will fade and love is a trouble. Beauty will fade and love is a trouble. Beauty will fade and riches will flee. Pleasures they dwindle riches will flee. Pleasures they dwindle riches will flee. Pleasures they dwindle and prices they double and nothing is as and prices they double and nothing is as and prices they double and nothing is as I would wish it to be. It's called the I would wish it to be. It's called the I would wish it to be. It's called the housewives lament. And all of the verses housewives lament. And all of the verses housewives lament. And all of the verses are this sort of sad drudgery of life of are this sort of sad drudgery of life of are this sort of sad drudgery of life of all the things you have to do and it all the things you have to do and it all the things you have to do and it just doesn't ever seem to get any just doesn't ever seem to get any just doesn't ever seem to get any better. Now, maybe that's overselling better. Now, maybe that's overselling better. Now, maybe that's overselling you our spirit sometimes, but don't you our spirit sometimes, but don't you our spirit sometimes, but don't sometimes we think, gosh, I'm in a rut.

sometimes we think, gosh, I'm in a rut. sometimes we think, gosh, I'm in a rut. I do the same thing every day, and it's I do the same thing every day, and it's I do the same thing every day, and it's just keeps the same thing over and over just keeps the same thing over and over just keeps the same thing over and over and over and over again. And um I'm just and over and over again. And um I'm just and over and over again. And um I'm just trying to sort of get by, get through trying to sort of get by, get through trying to sort of get by, get through the day, do the things that are on my the day, do the things that are on my the day, do the things that are on my list, do the things I have to do, do the list, do the things I have to do, do the list, do the things I have to do, do the things to survive. and I I I just am not things to survive. and I I I just am not things to survive. and I I I just am not finding any joy. finding any joy. finding any joy. Here's what I want to tell you today. Here's what I want to tell you today. Here's what I want to tell you today. That's not the way life is intended to That's not the way life is intended to That's not the way life is intended to be by God. That's not the the way God be by God. That's not the the way God be by God. That's not the the way God intended our lives to be. intended our lives to be. intended our lives to be. So, we begin a new series uh this week So, we begin a new series uh this week So, we begin a new series uh this week on uh what what are the supplements? on uh what what are the supplements? on uh what what are the supplements? What are the things that that with faith What are the things that that with faith What are the things that that with faith as the center of our life that should be as the center of our life that should be as the center of our life that should be added in by by our decision to pursue added in by by our decision to pursue added in by by our decision to pursue the kingdom of God? But sometimes when the kingdom of God? But sometimes when the kingdom of God? But sometimes when we look at our lives, they're not there. we look at our lives, they're not there. we look at our lives, they're not there. And we need to say, what is it that I And we need to say, what is it that I And we need to say, what is it that I need to make sure gets added in? What is need to make sure gets added in? What is need to make sure gets added in? What is this that needs to be a supplement? I I this that needs to be a supplement? I I this that needs to be a supplement? I I go to the doctor every year. I'm one of go to the doctor every year. I'm one of go to the doctor every year. I'm one of those uh good uh good guys who goes to those uh good uh good guys who goes to those uh good uh good guys who goes to the for an annual physical, and my the for an annual physical, and my the for an annual physical, and my doctor says the same thing to me every doctor says the same thing to me every doctor says the same thing to me every year. Um, you got to quit eating all of year. Um, you got to quit eating all of year. Um, you got to quit eating all of this stuff. Uh, I'm type 2 diabetic, so this stuff. Uh, I'm type 2 diabetic, so this stuff. Uh, I'm type 2 diabetic, so don't eat any pasta. Don't eat any don't eat any pasta. Don't eat any don't eat any pasta. Don't eat any bread. Don't eat any sugar.

bread. Don't eat any sugar. bread. Don't eat any sugar. Like, okay. And he said, "And also, you Like, okay. And he said, "And also, you Like, okay. And he said, "And also, you have a lot of high cholesterol, so don't have a lot of high cholesterol, so don't have a lot of high cholesterol, so don't eat any fat. And don't don't eat any red eat any fat. And don't don't eat any red eat any fat. And don't don't eat any red meat." And um I'm like, "So, like, why meat." And um I'm like, "So, like, why meat." And um I'm like, "So, like, why bother to eat it all?" Uh, it feels kind bother to eat it all?" Uh, it feels kind bother to eat it all?" Uh, it feels kind of like that, right? Um, but on top of of like that, right? Um, but on top of of like that, right? Um, but on top of that, so not only do they say here are that, so not only do they say here are that, so not only do they say here are the things you got to quit doing, but the things you got to quit doing, but the things you got to quit doing, but then he gives me this little brochure of then he gives me this little brochure of then he gives me this little brochure of what I need to make sure is in my diet. what I need to make sure is in my diet. what I need to make sure is in my diet. And he says that the brochure says 95% And he says that the brochure says 95% And he says that the brochure says 95% of American adults do not consume enough of American adults do not consume enough of American adults do not consume enough vitamin D. 84% of Americans do not vitamin D. 84% of Americans do not vitamin D. 84% of Americans do not consume enough vitamin E. Uh, 50% of the consume enough vitamin E. Uh, 50% of the consume enough vitamin E. Uh, 50% of the population falls short on magnesium. population falls short on magnesium. population falls short on magnesium. 40% of Americans miss the mark on 40% of Americans miss the mark on 40% of Americans miss the mark on calcium which is really important for calcium which is really important for calcium which is really important for someone your age. He says a and then he someone your age. He says a and then he someone your age. He says a and then he says uh 90 an astounding 97% this is the says uh 90 an astounding 97% this is the says uh 90 an astounding 97% this is the brochure 97% of Americans fall short on brochure 97% of Americans fall short on brochure 97% of Americans fall short on potassium potassium potassium and this is heavily linked to a lack of and this is heavily linked to a lack of and this is heavily linked to a lack of fruits and vegetables of course and 90% fruits and vegetables of course and 90% fruits and vegetables of course and 90% of Americans fail to meet daily fiber of Americans fail to meet daily fiber of Americans fail to meet daily fiber requirements. So requirements. So requirements. So what we need to do is supplement our what we need to do is supplement our what we need to do is supplement our diet with those things. We need to add diet with those things. We need to add diet with those things. We need to add those things into our lives so that we those things into our lives so that we those things into our lives so that we live a healthy life. Well, I would say live a healthy life. Well, I would say live a healthy life. Well, I would say to you that there are things we need to to you that there are things we need to to you that there are things we need to supplement that we need to make sure are supplement that we need to make sure are supplement that we need to make sure are added into our lives so that we live an

added into our lives so that we live an added into our lives so that we live an an abundant life that we live a a life an abundant life that we live a a life an abundant life that we live a a life that is um uh fulfilling and fruitful. that is um uh fulfilling and fruitful. that is um uh fulfilling and fruitful. uh that we thrive uh that we thrive uh that we thrive and our emotional life, our relational and our emotional life, our relational and our emotional life, our relational life, all of those components, we need life, all of those components, we need life, all of those components, we need to make sure they're there. And yes, to make sure they're there. And yes, to make sure they're there. And yes, they're to flow out of our our faith in they're to flow out of our our faith in they're to flow out of our our faith in Christ. Christ. Christ. But when we're missing them, then we But when we're missing them, then we But when we're missing them, then we have to ask ourselves, what can we do to have to ask ourselves, what can we do to have to ask ourselves, what can we do to make sure they're there? So today I want make sure they're there? So today I want make sure they're there? So today I want to talk about making sure you have some to talk about making sure you have some to talk about making sure you have some fun fun fun that uh that there's some things you can that uh that there's some things you can that uh that there's some things you can really enjoy. really enjoy. really enjoy. So let's talk about our scripture today. So let's talk about our scripture today. So let's talk about our scripture today. Um here here's the story of creation. Uh Um here here's the story of creation. Uh Um here here's the story of creation. Uh there's two stories of creation. There's there's two stories of creation. There's there's two stories of creation. There's one in Genesis 1, one in Genesis 2. The one in Genesis 1, one in Genesis 2. The one in Genesis 1, one in Genesis 2. The Genesis 2 story talks about the man put Genesis 2 story talks about the man put Genesis 2 story talks about the man put being put in the garden. A woman is put being put in the garden. A woman is put being put in the garden. A woman is put there with him. The word uh is that's in there with him. The word uh is that's in there with him. The word uh is that's in scripture is partner or helpmate. So scripture is partner or helpmate. So scripture is partner or helpmate. So she's doing to do the same thing that she's doing to do the same thing that she's doing to do the same thing that he's doing. And he is put in the garden he's doing. And he is put in the garden he's doing. And he is put in the garden for a purpose. That purpose is to till for a purpose. That purpose is to till for a purpose. That purpose is to till it and to keep it. To till it and to it and to keep it. To till it and to it and to keep it. To till it and to keep it. That's work.

keep it. That's work. keep it. That's work. Um the work that God calls us to do. Um the work that God calls us to do. Um the work that God calls us to do. We're put here with purpose. We're put We're put here with purpose. We're put We're put here with purpose. We're put here to accomplish things. Uh God has here to accomplish things. Uh God has here to accomplish things. Uh God has put us in this place to take care of the put us in this place to take care of the put us in this place to take care of the the uh of his creation. We there is the uh of his creation. We there is the uh of his creation. We there is purpose in our life to till it and to purpose in our life to till it and to purpose in our life to till it and to keep it. But in addition to that, I want keep it. But in addition to that, I want keep it. But in addition to that, I want you to hear the the the rest of the you to hear the the the rest of the you to hear the the the rest of the scripture. He says scripture. He says scripture. He says actually um before that he says out of actually um before that he says out of actually um before that he says out of the ground the Lord God made to grow the ground the Lord God made to grow the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight every tree that is pleasant to the sight every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. Every tree that is and good for food. Every tree that is and good for food. Every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. pleasant to the sight and good for food. pleasant to the sight and good for food. Later he says, "And the Lord God Later he says, "And the Lord God Later he says, "And the Lord God commanded the man, you may freely eat of commanded the man, you may freely eat of commanded the man, you may freely eat of every tree of the garden. every tree of the garden. every tree of the garden. Don't eat of that tree over there, that Don't eat of that tree over there, that Don't eat of that tree over there, that one, but you may freely eat of every one, but you may freely eat of every one, but you may freely eat of every tree." Isn't it interesting that in our tree." Isn't it interesting that in our tree." Isn't it interesting that in our theological conversations, our focus is theological conversations, our focus is theological conversations, our focus is always on that one tree. always on that one tree. always on that one tree. Don't you be careful of that tree.

Don't you be careful of that tree. Don't you be careful of that tree. It's important. That's sin. That tree is It's important. That's sin. That tree is It's important. That's sin. That tree is sin. And that can really mess up our sin. And that can really mess up our sin. And that can really mess up our life. So yes, got to avoid that tree. life. So yes, got to avoid that tree. life. So yes, got to avoid that tree. But do not miss the fact that God said, But do not miss the fact that God said, But do not miss the fact that God said, "Look at what I've given you. Look at "Look at what I've given you. Look at "Look at what I've given you. Look at this garden." Do you not see all of this garden." Do you not see all of this garden." Do you not see all of these trees, all of these things that these trees, all of these things that these trees, all of these things that are there for you to experience, to are there for you to experience, to are there for you to experience, to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy, that are that are pleasant to the sight that are that are pleasant to the sight that are that are pleasant to the sight and good for food? Do you not see this and good for food? Do you not see this and good for food? Do you not see this garden? garden? garden? Boy, that's so important. Boy, that's so important. Boy, that's so important. Let's talk for just a minute about Let's talk for just a minute about Let's talk for just a minute about tilling and tasting. tilling and tasting. tilling and tasting. So on the one hand, we are to till the So on the one hand, we are to till the So on the one hand, we are to till the garden. And we can choose, here's what I garden. And we can choose, here's what I garden. And we can choose, here's what I would tell you. That's work. But we can would tell you. That's work. But we can would tell you. That's work. But we can choose to enjoy the tilling, choose to enjoy the tilling, choose to enjoy the tilling, right? We can choose to enjoy the the right? We can choose to enjoy the the right? We can choose to enjoy the the tilling. Mark Twain um is uh uh um tilling. Mark Twain um is uh uh um tilling. Mark Twain um is uh uh um famous for having said, "Choose to do famous for having said, "Choose to do famous for having said, "Choose to do something you love doing and you will something you love doing and you will something you love doing and you will never work a day in your life." Well, never work a day in your life." Well, never work a day in your life." Well, I'm not sure. I I I will say that I love I'm not sure. I I I will say that I love I'm not sure. I I I will say that I love what I do, but yeah, I work. Um, what I do, but yeah, I work. Um, what I do, but yeah, I work. Um, actually, he never really said that.

actually, he never really said that. actually, he never really said that. Here's what he actually said. He was Here's what he actually said. He was Here's what he actually said. He was asked what he did for work, and he said, asked what he did for work, and he said, asked what he did for work, and he said, "No, sir, not a day's work all my life. "No, sir, not a day's work all my life. "No, sir, not a day's work all my life. What I have done, I have done because it What I have done, I have done because it What I have done, I have done because it has been play." In other words, all of has been play." In other words, all of has been play." In other words, all of he he just enjoyed his work. So is the he he just enjoyed his work. So is the he he just enjoyed his work. So is the similar concept. And I think we can similar concept. And I think we can similar concept. And I think we can enjoy our work. That's a different enjoy our work. That's a different enjoy our work. That's a different sermon. But the sermon I want to talk sermon. But the sermon I want to talk sermon. But the sermon I want to talk about today is can we choose to enjoy about today is can we choose to enjoy about today is can we choose to enjoy the fruit of our labor? Because I want the fruit of our labor? Because I want the fruit of our labor? Because I want you to really catch the picture here. On you to really catch the picture here. On you to really catch the picture here. On the one hand, God has given us this this the one hand, God has given us this this the one hand, God has given us this this all of these trees. God planted them. all of these trees. God planted them. all of these trees. God planted them. But we are also doing our part to till But we are also doing our part to till But we are also doing our part to till them and to keep them to to um uh to to them and to keep them to to um uh to to them and to keep them to to um uh to to bring about in them fruit that's bring about in them fruit that's bring about in them fruit that's pleasing. So we do this together. It's a pleasing. So we do this together. It's a pleasing. So we do this together. It's a cooperation. cooperation. cooperation. And what that says is we are allowed to And what that says is we are allowed to And what that says is we are allowed to enjoy the fruit of our labor.

enjoy the fruit of our labor. enjoy the fruit of our labor. We are in enjoy. We are allowed to say We are in enjoy. We are allowed to say We are in enjoy. We are allowed to say look at all of this that I have helped look at all of this that I have helped look at all of this that I have helped to produce and that God has has made to produce and that God has has made to produce and that God has has made available to me for me to enjoy. We can available to me for me to enjoy. We can available to me for me to enjoy. We can enjoy the tasting. enjoy the tasting. enjoy the tasting. So, what I wanted to do really the the So, what I wanted to do really the the So, what I wanted to do really the the gist of my sermon today is just to open gist of my sermon today is just to open gist of my sermon today is just to open you up to begin to think about, you you up to begin to think about, you you up to begin to think about, you know, if you find that you may be in a know, if you find that you may be in a know, if you find that you may be in a rut or you may find that you are um kind rut or you may find that you are um kind rut or you may find that you are um kind of bored with some of life that maybe of bored with some of life that maybe of bored with some of life that maybe you ought to look around at some of the you ought to look around at some of the you ought to look around at some of the trees. And I want to share with you just trees. And I want to share with you just trees. And I want to share with you just some ideas of what some of those trees some ideas of what some of those trees some ideas of what some of those trees might be out there. Some ideas for you might be out there. Some ideas for you might be out there. Some ideas for you to pursue. Here's the first one. Play to pursue. Here's the first one. Play to pursue. Here's the first one. Play pickle ball. [snorts] Play pickle ball. pickle ball. [snorts] Play pickle ball. pickle ball. [snorts] Play pickle ball. Now, um, some some years ago, I was in a Now, um, some some years ago, I was in a Now, um, some some years ago, I was in a a meeting of the connect community, my a meeting of the connect community, my a meeting of the connect community, my connect community, and we were talking connect community, and we were talking connect community, and we were talking about these refugees that are were about these refugees that are were about these refugees that are were working in a room of our our Gethsemane working in a room of our our Gethsemane working in a room of our our Gethsemane campus, and they were text they were campus, and they were text they were campus, and they were text they were using creating their own businesses um, using creating their own businesses um, using creating their own businesses um, sewing together textiles for things. And sewing together textiles for things. And sewing together textiles for things. And um Anne Johnson, a member of our church, um Anne Johnson, a member of our church, um Anne Johnson, a member of our church, is on the board and she said um I think is on the board and she said um I think is on the board and she said um I think they should make pickle ball skirts. And they should make pickle ball skirts. And they should make pickle ball skirts. And I said, "There's no such thing as pickle I said, "There's no such thing as pickle I said, "There's no such thing as pickle ball. Where have you heard?" This is ball. Where have you heard?" This is ball. Where have you heard?" This is years ago now. I said, "There's no such years ago now. I said, "There's no such years ago now. I said, "There's no such thing as pickle ball. Who would name a thing as pickle ball. Who would name a thing as pickle ball. Who would name a sport pickle ball, first of all, and sport pickle ball, first of all, and sport pickle ball, first of all, and what is a pickle ball that you were?" I what is a pickle ball that you were?" I what is a pickle ball that you were?" I said, "Annne, you are making that up."

said, "Annne, you are making that up." said, "Annne, you are making that up." And she said, "No, it's kind of a it's a And she said, "No, it's kind of a it's a And she said, "No, it's kind of a it's a growing deal." Well, now it's a big growing deal." Well, now it's a big growing deal." Well, now it's a big deal. And those of you who are tennis deal. And those of you who are tennis deal. And those of you who are tennis players, I know how resentful you are players, I know how resentful you are players, I know how resentful you are that the the pickle ball courts are that the the pickle ball courts are that the the pickle ball courts are taking over all of your tennis courts. U taking over all of your tennis courts. U taking over all of your tennis courts. U it doesn't have to be pickle ball. We it doesn't have to be pickle ball. We it doesn't have to be pickle ball. We play pickle ball here, by the way, on play pickle ball here, by the way, on play pickle ball here, by the way, on Saturday mornings and on Sundays in our Saturday mornings and on Sundays in our Saturday mornings and on Sundays in our gym if you want to come enjoy some gym if you want to come enjoy some gym if you want to come enjoy some pickle ball. But um we have some guys pickle ball. But um we have some guys pickle ball. But um we have some guys who play basketball on Wednesday who play basketball on Wednesday who play basketball on Wednesday mornings. Or maybe you want to learn to mornings. Or maybe you want to learn to mornings. Or maybe you want to learn to play bridge. Or you play hearts or play bridge. Or you play hearts or play bridge. Or you play hearts or spades or jin rummy or uno or spades or jin rummy or uno or spades or jin rummy or uno or I don't know, god forbid, Texas holdem. I don't know, god forbid, Texas holdem. I don't know, god forbid, Texas holdem. [laughter] Uh you know, play uh play a [laughter] Uh you know, play uh play a [laughter] Uh you know, play uh play a game. There's much to do. And when I uh game. There's much to do. And when I uh game. There's much to do. And when I uh with our family, we play a game called with our family, we play a game called with our family, we play a game called fishbowl or a game called family. We fishbowl or a game called family. We fishbowl or a game called family. We switch back and forth with all of them. switch back and forth with all of them. switch back and forth with all of them. and they're just dumb games, but we and they're just dumb games, but we and they're just dumb games, but we really enjoy them. Or Ma Jang. Oh my really enjoy them. Or Ma Jang. Oh my really enjoy them. Or Ma Jang. Oh my gosh, you have to. I've never played Ma gosh, you have to. I've never played Ma gosh, you have to. I've never played Ma Jang, but it is apparently it's it's, Jang, but it is apparently it's it's, Jang, but it is apparently it's it's, you know, a god-given uh thing that is you know, a god-given uh thing that is you know, a god-given uh thing that is so wonderful. Just play a game. One of so wonderful. Just play a game. One of so wonderful. Just play a game. One of my daughters was trying to decide my daughters was trying to decide my daughters was trying to decide whether to play volleyball or be a whether to play volleyball or be a whether to play volleyball or be a cheerleader when she was in high school.

cheerleader when she was in high school. cheerleader when she was in high school. And she decided she wanted to play And she decided she wanted to play And she decided she wanted to play volleyball because she wanted to play a volleyball because she wanted to play a volleyball because she wanted to play a game, not watch a game. And I thought game, not watch a game. And I thought game, not watch a game. And I thought that was interesting. Now I will tell that was interesting. Now I will tell that was interesting. Now I will tell you that cheerleading is a sport and all you that cheerleading is a sport and all you that cheerleading is a sport and all of that stuff too. But uh that was her of that stuff too. But uh that was her of that stuff too. But uh that was her that was her sort of conversation when that was her sort of conversation when that was her sort of conversation when she was thinking about it. Play a game. she was thinking about it. Play a game. she was thinking about it. Play a game. Here's the second thing uh that I I Here's the second thing uh that I I Here's the second thing uh that I I would in encourage you to do. Build a would in encourage you to do. Build a would in encourage you to do. Build a sand castle. sand castle. sand castle. So we were at the beach uh earlier this So we were at the beach uh earlier this So we were at the beach uh earlier this summer and [snorts] summer and [snorts] summer and [snorts] with my grandchildren and I watched them with my grandchildren and I watched them with my grandchildren and I watched them build a sand castle. And I will tell you build a sand castle. And I will tell you build a sand castle. And I will tell you that I didn't participate because you that I didn't participate because you that I didn't participate because you get sand all over you when you do that. get sand all over you when you do that. get sand all over you when you do that. Um, but I didn't participate, but there Um, but I didn't participate, but there Um, but I didn't participate, but there some of the parents were helping and I some of the parents were helping and I some of the parents were helping and I was watching these kids and their little was watching these kids and their little was watching these kids and their little mouths were just, you know, so firm and mouths were just, you know, so firm and mouths were just, you know, so firm and they're digging. They're going to get to they're digging. They're going to get to they're digging. They're going to get to China and uh it was going to be such a China and uh it was going to be such a China and uh it was going to be such a great sand castle. And I thought, you great sand castle. And I thought, you great sand castle. And I thought, you know, it's going to go away. They're know, it's going to go away. They're know, it's going to go away. They're going to come back tomorrow to the beach going to come back tomorrow to the beach going to come back tomorrow to the beach and it's going to be gone and they're and it's going to be gone and they're and it's going to be gone and they're going to be upset. And uh and but here's going to be upset. And uh and but here's going to be upset. And uh and but here's the thing. They did. They weren't the thing. They did. They weren't the thing. They did. They weren't worried about the finished product. They worried about the finished product. They worried about the finished product. They were they were just enjoying the were they were just enjoying the were they were just enjoying the process, process, process, right? They were just enjoying the right? They were just enjoying the right? They were just enjoying the process of of creating something.

process of of creating something. process of of creating something. Make something. Make something. Make something. Go to the wood shop and make make toys Go to the wood shop and make make toys Go to the wood shop and make make toys for children, but you're what you're for children, but you're what you're for children, but you're what you're really doing is enjoying the the really doing is enjoying the the really doing is enjoying the the process. We had our grandchildren at the process. We had our grandchildren at the process. We had our grandchildren at the um at our place in Hempstead um um at our place in Hempstead um um at our place in Hempstead um yesterday for a sort of end of summer uh yesterday for a sort of end of summer uh yesterday for a sort of end of summer uh celebration and um they went down to celebration and um they went down to celebration and um they went down to play in the treehouse. And some of you play in the treehouse. And some of you play in the treehouse. And some of you remember a few summers ago we built a remember a few summers ago we built a remember a few summers ago we built a treehouse together and um they came back treehouse together and um they came back treehouse together and um they came back and uh they the truth is they enjoy and uh they the truth is they enjoy and uh they the truth is they enjoy playing in the treehouse kind of but playing in the treehouse kind of but playing in the treehouse kind of but they what they really enjoyed was making they what they really enjoyed was making they what they really enjoyed was making it was building it and so they came back it was building it and so they came back it was building it and so they came back and said we're ready to build a second and said we're ready to build a second and said we're ready to build a second story. story. story. I said oh great that's what I want to do I said oh great that's what I want to do I said oh great that's what I want to do but it it you know it's fun. Uh play a but it it you know it's fun. Uh play a but it it you know it's fun. Uh play a song. It's going to be gone when you're song. It's going to be gone when you're song. It's going to be gone when you're done. when you're done playing it. If done. when you're done playing it. If done. when you're done playing it. If you play an instrument of any sort, play you play an instrument of any sort, play you play an instrument of any sort, play an instrument, play the song. It's going an instrument, play the song. It's going an instrument, play the song. It's going to be done when you're gone, when it's to be done when you're gone, when it's to be done when you're gone, when it's over, over, over, like a sand castle, but enjoy it. All like a sand castle, but enjoy it. All like a sand castle, but enjoy it. All right. Here's the third thing I would right. Here's the third thing I would right. Here's the third thing I would tell you. See a flower.

tell you. See a flower. tell you. See a flower. Our New Testament scripture said it. Our New Testament scripture said it. Our New Testament scripture said it. Consider the liies. Consider the liies. Consider the liies. Consider the liies. Consider the liies. Consider the liies. Have you Have you considered the liies? Have you Have you considered the liies? Have you Have you considered the liies? Do you ever So, there's a there's a word Do you ever So, there's a there's a word Do you ever So, there's a there's a word in um the King James version of [snorts] in um the King James version of [snorts] in um the King James version of [snorts] scripture that we've now taken out scripture that we've now taken out scripture that we've now taken out because it's not used anymore, because it's not used anymore, because it's not used anymore, but it was a better word. And the word but it was a better word. And the word but it was a better word. And the word was behold. They would always say was behold. They would always say was behold. They would always say behold. Now, it just says see. It's not behold. Now, it just says see. It's not behold. Now, it just says see. It's not as good. Behold is like to really behold as good. Behold is like to really behold as good. Behold is like to really behold something. Notice it, see it, experience something. Notice it, see it, experience something. Notice it, see it, experience it. it. it. There are so many temporary things or There are so many temporary things or There are so many temporary things or things that have gone on, but there's things that have gone on, but there's things that have gone on, but there's just things around us that we can see just things around us that we can see just things around us that we can see and experience. and experience. and experience. Go to the museums, Go to the museums, Go to the museums, go to the go for a walk in the park and go to the go for a walk in the park and go to the go for a walk in the park and look around you. look around you. look around you. Steve Carroll is a member of our Steve Carroll is a member of our Steve Carroll is a member of our congregation and uh Steve is a burer.

congregation and uh Steve is a burer. congregation and uh Steve is a burer. And so what he does is he goes around And so what he does is he goes around And so what he does is he goes around with his binoculars and he looks at with his binoculars and he looks at with his binoculars and he looks at birds and he has a list of all the birds birds and he has a list of all the birds birds and he has a list of all the birds he's trying to see and checks them off he's trying to see and checks them off he's trying to see and checks them off and he's got I don't know hundreds and and he's got I don't know hundreds and and he's got I don't know hundreds and hundreds of birds he's seen and he on hundreds of birds he's seen and he on hundreds of birds he's seen and he on next Saturday morning he's leaving for next Saturday morning he's leaving for next Saturday morning he's leaving for Boston and he's going to fly to Boston Boston and he's going to fly to Boston Boston and he's going to fly to Boston and he's going to get on a boat in and he's going to get on a boat in and he's going to get on a boat in Boston and he's going to go more than a Boston and he's going to go more than a Boston and he's going to go more than a hundred miles offshore out past the hundred miles offshore out past the hundred miles offshore out past the continental shelf. He's gonna sleep in a continental shelf. He's gonna sleep in a continental shelf. He's gonna sleep in a sleeping bag on the deck of this old sleeping bag on the deck of this old sleeping bag on the deck of this old boat. And um along with 50 other people. boat. And um along with 50 other people. boat. And um along with 50 other people. Ah, and um speaking of enjoying Ah, and um speaking of enjoying Ah, and um speaking of enjoying um but but here's the thing. He is um but but here's the thing. He is um but but here's the thing. He is looking for the man's sheer water. The looking for the man's sheer water. The looking for the man's sheer water. The man's sheer water is a ocean bird that man's sheer water is a ocean bird that man's sheer water is a ocean bird that he's never seen and he wants to see it. he's never seen and he wants to see it. he's never seen and he wants to see it. And so I said, "Are you going to take a And so I said, "Are you going to take a And so I said, "Are you going to take a picture of it and bring it back?" He picture of it and bring it back?" He picture of it and bring it back?" He says, "No, I don't take pictures. I just says, "No, I don't take pictures. I just says, "No, I don't take pictures. I just see them." see them." see them." How interesting.

How interesting. How interesting. I just see them. I just see them. I just see them. We have been given a world We have been given a world We have been given a world to I mean travel our c the country we to I mean travel our c the country we to I mean travel our c the country we live in the the uh city with memorial live in the the uh city with memorial live in the the uh city with memorial park and uh beautiful buildings and to park and uh beautiful buildings and to park and uh beautiful buildings and to just see them to enjoy driving in to the just see them to enjoy driving in to the just see them to enjoy driving in to the to the city at night and seeing the to the city at night and seeing the to the city at night and seeing the skyline and thinking I live there. skyline and thinking I live there. skyline and thinking I live there. Ah Ah Ah here's the fourth thing. attend a show. here's the fourth thing. attend a show. here's the fourth thing. attend a show. Go to see a tapestry players Go to see a tapestry players Go to see a tapestry players performance. Go to see the Babes on performance. Go to see the Babes on performance. Go to see the Babes on Broadway this weekend. Go to a high Broadway this weekend. Go to a high Broadway this weekend. Go to a high school football game, school football game, school football game, right? Go attend something. You know, right? Go attend something. You know, right? Go attend something. You know, here's what's something really here's what's something really here's what's something really interesting um that has happened this interesting um that has happened this interesting um that has happened this summer. Um movie theaters are back. summer. Um movie theaters are back. summer. Um movie theaters are back. It's been an amazing summer for for It's been an amazing summer for for It's been an amazing summer for for movies in the theater because of the movies in the theater because of the movies in the theater because of the Odyssey. um the new Spider-Man movie and Odyssey. um the new Spider-Man movie and Odyssey. um the new Spider-Man movie and Toy Story 5 and people have gone back to Toy Story 5 and people have gone back to Toy Story 5 and people have gone back to the theater. Now D and I watch lots of the theater. Now D and I watch lots of the theater. Now D and I watch lots of movies, but we watch them at home and movies, but we watch them at home and movies, but we watch them at home and I'm going to confess it's not even close I'm going to confess it's not even close I'm going to confess it's not even close to the same thing.

to the same thing. to the same thing. When we watch them at home, we're just When we watch them at home, we're just When we watch them at home, we're just sort of killing time. Here's a movie. sort of killing time. Here's a movie. sort of killing time. Here's a movie. What do you want to do tonight? Oh, no, What do you want to do tonight? Oh, no, What do you want to do tonight? Oh, no, no, no. Let's watch a movie. So, we no, no. Let's watch a movie. So, we no, no. Let's watch a movie. So, we watch a movie. watch a movie. watch a movie. But to get dressed and go to the movie But to get dressed and go to the movie But to get dressed and go to the movie theater and get your popcorn and sit theater and get your popcorn and sit theater and get your popcorn and sit there and be there and really enjoy the there and be there and really enjoy the there and be there and really enjoy the show, show, show, man, that's that's we we have all sorts man, that's that's we we have all sorts man, that's that's we we have all sorts of opportunities for us. Go to a a a of opportunities for us. Go to a a a of opportunities for us. Go to a a a kids little league game. Just just go to kids little league game. Just just go to kids little league game. Just just go to experience what's around us. Here's the experience what's around us. Here's the experience what's around us. Here's the last one. Choose laughter. last one. Choose laughter. last one. Choose laughter. We here at St. Luke's in our in our We here at St. Luke's in our in our We here at St. Luke's in our in our staff culture and in our church culture, staff culture and in our church culture, staff culture and in our church culture, in our leadership culture, our staff are in our leadership culture, our staff are in our leadership culture, our staff are really the whole church culture, we we really the whole church culture, we we really the whole church culture, we we like to laugh. Laughter is a good thing, like to laugh. Laughter is a good thing, like to laugh. Laughter is a good thing, right? The work we do, we take very right? The work we do, we take very right? The work we do, we take very seriously, but laughter is is an seriously, but laughter is is an seriously, but laughter is is an important part of just what it's like to important part of just what it's like to important part of just what it's like to be together. Some some years ago, a be together. Some some years ago, a be together. Some some years ago, a woman named Leah White was on our staff woman named Leah White was on our staff woman named Leah White was on our staff and uh Leah was nine months pregnant at and uh Leah was nine months pregnant at and uh Leah was nine months pregnant at a at a particular time and she staggered a at a particular time and she staggered a at a particular time and she staggered into my office and she said, "I think into my office and she said, "I think into my office and she said, "I think I'm having the baby right now I'm having the baby right now I'm having the baby right now and she laid down on my leather couch and I I said, "Right now? Should we call and I I said, "Right now? Should we call 911?" She said, "There's not time.

911?" She said, "There's not time. 911?" She said, "There's not time. There's not time." And I uh so I run to There's not time." And I uh so I run to There's not time." And I uh so I run to get some towels, you know, like and I get some towels, you know, like and I get some towels, you know, like and I hate to go, um, can you get up a minute? hate to go, um, can you get up a minute? hate to go, um, can you get up a minute? Let me slide these under underneath you Let me slide these under underneath you Let me slide these under underneath you on my leather couch. And um and so the on my leather couch. And um and so the on my leather couch. And um and so the some of the other administrative some of the other administrative some of the other administrative assistants come in and they said, "We assistants come in and they said, "We assistants come in and they said, "We can tell you when to push." And I'm can tell you when to push." And I'm can tell you when to push." And I'm like, "Really? Are we going to do this like, "Really? Are we going to do this like, "Really? Are we going to do this right here in this moment?" And then right here in this moment?" And then right here in this moment?" And then finally one of the one of the admins finally one of the one of the admins finally one of the one of the admins threw this baby doll in into it says, threw this baby doll in into it says, threw this baby doll in into it says, "Oh, the baby's born." And it was all a "Oh, the baby's born." And it was all a "Oh, the baby's born." And it was all a prank. And I was I was so burned. I was prank. And I was I was so burned. I was prank. And I was I was so burned. I was so burned. And I mean, we laughed and so burned. And I mean, we laughed and so burned. And I mean, we laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed. And I laughed and laughed and laughed. And I laughed and laughed and laughed. And I just thought, "What a great ability to just thought, "What a great ability to just thought, "What a great ability to be with people and just enjoy laughing be with people and just enjoy laughing be with people and just enjoy laughing together." together." together." I hope you'll laugh I hope you'll laugh I hope you'll laugh that when you look around the world and that when you look around the world and that when you look around the world and see the ironies that are there, see the ironies that are there, see the ironies that are there, allow that laughter to come up.

allow that laughter to come up. allow that laughter to come up. All right, one one one more important All right, one one one more important All right, one one one more important thing before we quit thing before we quit thing before we quit and it's a cautionary tale. and it's a cautionary tale. and it's a cautionary tale. Consider the liies how they grow. Oh, Consider the liies how they grow. Oh, Consider the liies how they grow. Oh, no, wrong scripture. Sorry. This is from no, wrong scripture. Sorry. This is from no, wrong scripture. Sorry. This is from Ecclesiastes. So, I became great. This is Solomon So, I became great. This is Solomon speaking. So I became great and speaking. So I became great and speaking. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in surpassed all who were before me in surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem and also my wisdom remained Jerusalem and also my wisdom remained Jerusalem and also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired, I with me. And whatever my eyes desired, I with me. And whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep from them. did not keep from them. did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure. My I kept my heart from no pleasure. My I kept my heart from no pleasure. My heart found pleasure from all my toil, heart found pleasure from all my toil, heart found pleasure from all my toil, and this was my reward from all my toil. and this was my reward from all my toil. and this was my reward from all my toil. I I enjoyed my work, and I enjoyed I I I enjoyed my work, and I enjoyed I I I enjoyed my work, and I enjoyed I enjoyed the fruit of my labor. In other enjoyed the fruit of my labor. In other enjoyed the fruit of my labor. In other words, then I considered all my hands words, then I considered all my hands words, then I considered all my hands had done and the toil I had spent in had done and the toil I had spent in had done and the toil I had spent in doing it and again all was vanity and a doing it and again all was vanity and a doing it and again all was vanity and a chasing after the wind and nothing was chasing after the wind and nothing was chasing after the wind and nothing was to be gained under the sun. to be gained under the sun. to be gained under the sun. In other words, it's not the enjoyment In other words, it's not the enjoyment In other words, it's not the enjoyment that will that will that will satisfy you.

satisfy you. satisfy you. It's an addin. It's an extra. It's a It's an addin. It's an extra. It's a It's an addin. It's an extra. It's a supplement. supplement. supplement. It's not the purpose of life. It's not the purpose of life. It's not the purpose of life. No, we've been put here with with No, we've been put here with with No, we've been put here with with purpose to advance the kingdom of God, purpose to advance the kingdom of God, purpose to advance the kingdom of God, to lean in, to make a difference in the to lean in, to make a difference in the to lean in, to make a difference in the world around us. Absolutely. world around us. Absolutely. world around us. Absolutely. But along the way, there's got to be But along the way, there's got to be But along the way, there's got to be some enjoyment. some enjoyment. some enjoyment. We got to have some fun. We got to have some fun. We got to have some fun. Life is God did not intend life to be a Life is God did not intend life to be a Life is God did not intend life to be a drudgery or boredom. drudgery or boredom. drudgery or boredom. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Let me close with what is really my >> Let me close with what is really my >> Let me close with what is really my favorite illustration of all time. I favorite illustration of all time. I favorite illustration of all time. I know I've shared it before, but it it's know I've shared it before, but it it's know I've shared it before, but it it's one I tell myself regularly. one I tell myself regularly. one I tell myself regularly. Two construction workers sit down and Two construction workers sit down and Two construction workers sit down and are having lunch. They've paused their are having lunch. They've paused their are having lunch. They've paused their work. They're sit down to have lunch work. They're sit down to have lunch work. They're sit down to have lunch together. They open their lunch boxes. together. They open their lunch boxes. together. They open their lunch boxes. One of them says, [sighs and gasps] One of them says, [sighs and gasps] One of them says, [sighs and gasps] "Same thing every day. "Same thing every day. "Same thing every day. Every day the same thing. I have a Every day the same thing. I have a Every day the same thing. I have a turkey sandwich with cheese, lettuce, turkey sandwich with cheese, lettuce, turkey sandwich with cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard.

tomato, mayonnaise, mustard. tomato, mayonnaise, mustard. Same thing. A bag of chips, an apple, or Same thing. A bag of chips, an apple, or Same thing. A bag of chips, an apple, or an orange. Same thing every day. The an orange. Same thing every day. The an orange. Same thing every day. The other construction worker says, "Well, other construction worker says, "Well, other construction worker says, "Well, why don't why don't you ask your wife to why don't why don't you ask your wife to why don't why don't you ask your wife to make you something different for lunch?" make you something different for lunch?" make you something different for lunch?" And he says, "Oh, I make my own lunch. I make my own lunch. We make our own I make my own lunch. We make our own lunches. We make our own life. lunches. We make our own life. lunches. We make our own life. We make our own choices. We make our own choices. We make our own choices. And we we in fact choose a rut And we we in fact choose a rut And we we in fact choose a rut sometimes, don't we? sometimes, don't we? sometimes, don't we? I hope you will open your eyes and look I hope you will open your eyes and look I hope you will open your eyes and look around you at the Garden of Eden that around you at the Garden of Eden that around you at the Garden of Eden that God has planted around you. All of the God has planted around you. All of the God has planted around you. All of the trees that are good for food and trees that are good for food and trees that are good for food and pleasant in your sight for you to enjoy pleasant in your sight for you to enjoy pleasant in your sight for you to enjoy and choose to do so. and choose to do so. and choose to do so. God of love, thank you so much for the God of love, thank you so much for the God of love, thank you so much for the Garden of Eden, Garden of Eden, Garden of Eden, the garden that you planted all around the garden that you planted all around the garden that you planted all around us. Yes, there are difficulties in life.

us. Yes, there are difficulties in life. us. Yes, there are difficulties in life. Yes, sometimes it's hard. Yes, sometimes it's hard. Yes, sometimes it's hard. Yes, we we have difficult times and Yes, we we have difficult times and Yes, we we have difficult times and broken hearts and sometimes it's hard to broken hearts and sometimes it's hard to broken hearts and sometimes it's hard to find enjoyment. find enjoyment. find enjoyment. But open our eyes that we might see what But open our eyes that we might see what But open our eyes that we might see what you have made possible for us. that we you have made possible for us. that we you have made possible for us. that we might enjoy the fruits of our labor. might enjoy the fruits of our labor. might enjoy the fruits of our labor. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. Our closing hymn is 664, Sent forth by Our closing hymn is 664, Sent forth by Our closing hymn is 664, Sent forth by God's blessing. Let's stand as we sing God's blessing. Let's stand as we sing God's blessing. Let's stand as we sing it together as you are able. [music] [music] >> to bring >> to bring >> to bring the people the people the people on this holy [music] day.

is is all [music] we Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> So come join in for some Kona Ice. Don't >> So come join in for some Kona Ice. Don't forget to pick up your fall guide on the forget to pick up your fall guide on the forget to pick up your fall guide on the way out. Hear this benediction. Go bear way out. Hear this benediction. Go bear way out. Hear this benediction. Go bear witness to the love of God in this witness to the love of God in this witness to the love of God in this world. So that those to whom love is a world. So that those to whom love is a world. So that those to whom love is a stranger will find in you generous stranger will find in you generous stranger will find in you generous friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and communion Christ, the love of God, and communion Christ, the love of God, and communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and of the Holy Spirit be with you now and of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [bell] Heat.

Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat >> up >> up here. [music]