Traditional | 8:30 a.m. | 08.09.2026

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

>> Heat. [music] Heat. >> It's very happy.

>> It's very happy. [music] [music] Heat.

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

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

>> Heat. [music] Heat. >> Please remain standing while we affirm >> Please remain standing while we affirm our faith together through the Apostles our faith together through the Apostles our faith together through the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Creed. I believe in God the Father Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from and buried. The third day he rose from and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and the dead. He ascended into heaven and the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the siteth at the right hand of God the siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come Father Almighty. From then he shall come Father Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I to judge the quick and the dead. I to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Catholic Church, the communion of 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. Amen. Amen. [music] [music] [music] Heat. >> morning. I um am so glad that you are >> morning. I um am so glad that you are all here. Uh I hope that you will sign all here. Uh I hope that you will sign all here. Uh I hope that you will sign in and let us know that you are here. If in and let us know that you are here. If in and let us know that you are here. If you are not, uh, if you've not done that you are not, uh, if you've not done that you are not, uh, if you've not done that already, you can grab one of the cards already, you can grab one of the cards already, you can grab one of the cards from the pew back in front of you or you from the pew back in front of you or you from the pew back in front of you or you can sign in on the app and let us know can sign in on the app and let us know can sign in on the app and let us know that you're here. Um, I hope that you that you're here. Um, I hope that you that you're here. Um, I hope that you also took a moment this morning to come also took a moment this morning to come also took a moment this morning to come and to see the organ console that is and to see the organ console that is and to see the organ console that is down here. This is a this week only down here. This is a this week only down here. This is a this week only special. So, after traveling to Plano special. So, after traveling to Plano special. So, after traveling to Plano and to Michigan, our Oregon console is and to Michigan, our Oregon console is and to Michigan, our Oregon console is back with us, which I know pleases Jim back with us, which I know pleases Jim back with us, which I know pleases Jim greatly uh to see it in one piece here.

greatly uh to see it in one piece here. greatly uh to see it in one piece here. And so next week it'll be up on the And so next week it'll be up on the And so next week it'll be up on the chancel and um in working order, mostly chancel and um in working order, mostly chancel and um in working order, mostly working order, but today's a fun day to working order, but today's a fun day to working order, but today's a fun day to just come down and take a look at it and just come down and take a look at it and just come down and take a look at it and see all of what has gone into it. And see all of what has gone into it. And see all of what has gone into it. And you still have an opportunity to become you still have an opportunity to become you still have an opportunity to become an organ donor if you have not already an organ donor if you have not already an organ donor if you have not already done that and support the work that we done that and support the work that we done that and support the work that we have done to bring this instrument, this have done to bring this instrument, this have done to bring this instrument, this wonderful instrument um back to life wonderful instrument um back to life wonderful instrument um back to life fully. So I want to just give you a fully. So I want to just give you a fully. So I want to just give you a quick report about yesterday. We had quick report about yesterday. We had quick report about yesterday. We had sandwich Oramama as a part of our second sandwich Oramama as a part of our second sandwich Oramama as a part of our second Saturday serve and we had 160 volunteers Saturday serve and we had 160 volunteers Saturday serve and we had 160 volunteers that came together to make 8,000 that came together to make 8,000 that came together to make 8,000 sandwiches. So, you might remember for sandwiches. So, you might remember for sandwiches. So, you might remember for our Easter offering, we collected funds our Easter offering, we collected funds our Easter offering, we collected funds for feeding ministry and this was a big for feeding ministry and this was a big for feeding ministry and this was a big component of what we are going to do. component of what we are going to do. component of what we are going to do. And so, we're so excited that we were And so, we're so excited that we were And so, we're so excited that we were able to make that happen yesterday. As able to make that happen yesterday. As able to make that happen yesterday. As you know, HISD begins tomorrow. And so, you know, HISD begins tomorrow. And so, you know, HISD begins tomorrow. And so, um, this will help us continue to serve um, this will help us continue to serve um, this will help us continue to serve all of those families and supplement all of those families and supplement all of those families and supplement them. Uh CCSC's back to school them. Uh CCSC's back to school them. Uh CCSC's back to school collection is live right now and you can collection is live right now and you can collection is live right now and you can find more information in your bulletin find more information in your bulletin find more information in your bulletin or at the connection desk, but our goal or at the connection desk, but our goal or at the connection desk, but our goal is to send every student into school is to send every student into school is to send every student into school this year uh with everything that we this year uh with everything that we this year uh with everything that we might have given our own children or might have given our own children or might have given our own children or grandchildren with a backpack full of grandchildren with a backpack full of grandchildren with a backpack full of supplies with clothes that fit things supplies with clothes that fit things supplies with clothes that fit things that would make them confident. And so that would make them confident. And so that would make them confident. And so you can do that with a donation of $75.

you can do that with a donation of $75. you can do that with a donation of $75. And so I hope that you will be thinking And so I hope that you will be thinking And so I hope that you will be thinking about what it is that um that God is about what it is that um that God is about what it is that um that God is tugging on your heart whether it's to tugging on your heart whether it's to tugging on your heart whether it's to give uh one backpack or even more than give uh one backpack or even more than give uh one backpack or even more than that. But you can find that information that. But you can find that information that. But you can find that information as I mentioned in your bulletin. I want as I mentioned in your bulletin. I want as I mentioned in your bulletin. I want to just share uh one other save the day. to just share uh one other save the day. to just share uh one other save the day. Next week is our kickoff Sunday. And so Next week is our kickoff Sunday. And so Next week is our kickoff Sunday. And so we are going to have Kona Ice outside we are going to have Kona Ice outside we are going to have Kona Ice outside for all of the kids. Branches will have for all of the kids. Branches will have for all of the kids. Branches will have a coffee bar outside as well. and it'll a coffee bar outside as well. and it'll a coffee bar outside as well. and it'll be a fun day of everybody kind of coming be a fun day of everybody kind of coming be a fun day of everybody kind of coming back together and getting ready for the back together and getting ready for the back together and getting ready for the fall. We'll do a blessing of the fall. We'll do a blessing of the fall. We'll do a blessing of the backpacks in contemporary worship and in backpacks in contemporary worship and in backpacks in contemporary worship and in branches. So, if you have kids or branches. So, if you have kids or branches. So, if you have kids or grandkids who want to bring their grandkids who want to bring their grandkids who want to bring their backpacks to get blessed and get a backpacks to get blessed and get a backpacks to get blessed and get a backpack tag, I hope that you will join backpack tag, I hope that you will join backpack tag, I hope that you will join one of those services next week. But one of those services next week. But one of those services next week. But we're just looking forward to having we're just looking forward to having we're just looking forward to having everybody back after um all of the everybody back after um all of the everybody back after um all of the movement of the summer. And so, please movement of the summer. And so, please movement of the summer. And so, please save the date and join us for that as save the date and join us for that as save the date and join us for that as well. Uh, and then the last thing I want well. Uh, and then the last thing I want well. Uh, and then the last thing I want to share is that our children's to share is that our children's to share is that our children's ministries team will be at our spotlight ministries team will be at our spotlight ministries team will be at our spotlight table today. And this is that time of table today. And this is that time of table today. And this is that time of year where Children's Ministries is year where Children's Ministries is year where Children's Ministries is recruiting volunteers to help teach recruiting volunteers to help teach recruiting volunteers to help teach Sunday school and lead children's Sunday school and lead children's Sunday school and lead children's church. And um, I will tell you a few church. And um, I will tell you a few church. And um, I will tell you a few years ago, I asked Whitney if he was years ago, I asked Whitney if he was years ago, I asked Whitney if he was interested in teaching Mary Holland's interested in teaching Mary Holland's interested in teaching Mary Holland's class. I'm obviously tied up on Sunday class. I'm obviously tied up on Sunday class. I'm obviously tied up on Sunday mornings. And so I thought it would be, mornings. And so I thought it would be, mornings. And so I thought it would be, you know, on behalf of the Mir's family you know, on behalf of the Mir's family you know, on behalf of the Mir's family that he would do that. And he declined that he would do that. And he declined that he would do that. And he declined to do it. And he seemed kind of nervous to do it. And he seemed kind of nervous to do it. And he seemed kind of nervous about it. And I kind of kept saying, about it. And I kind of kept saying, about it. And I kind of kept saying, "Are you sure? Wouldn't it be great?"

"Are you sure? Wouldn't it be great?" "Are you sure? Wouldn't it be great?" And meanwhile, I'm thinking, "We really And meanwhile, I'm thinking, "We really And meanwhile, I'm thinking, "We really needed four-year-old teachers." So, I needed four-year-old teachers." So, I needed four-year-old teachers." So, I was kind of like, "Come on." Finally, he was kind of like, "Come on." Finally, he was kind of like, "Come on." Finally, he said, "Okay, I will, but if you'll write said, "Okay, I will, but if you'll write said, "Okay, I will, but if you'll write the lessons for me." I said, "There has the lessons for me." I said, "There has the lessons for me." I said, "There has been a major miscommunication here. The been a major miscommunication here. The been a major miscommunication here. The children's ministries team gives you a children's ministries team gives you a children's ministries team gives you a backpack full of lessons, full of backpack full of lessons, full of backpack full of lessons, full of supplies, full of snacks. You don't have supplies, full of snacks. You don't have supplies, full of snacks. You don't have to do anything but love those kids." And to do anything but love those kids." And to do anything but love those kids." And so, I will clear it up for everybody so, I will clear it up for everybody so, I will clear it up for everybody else as well. If you have an inkling to else as well. If you have an inkling to else as well. If you have an inkling to serve and to love the kids and serve and to love the kids and serve and to love the kids and children's ministries, you will be well children's ministries, you will be well children's ministries, you will be well equipped to do that. um your only job is equipped to do that. um your only job is equipped to do that. um your only job is to love those kids well. And so I hope to love those kids well. And so I hope to love those kids well. And so I hope you'll be thinking about that and ways you'll be thinking about that and ways you'll be thinking about that and ways to serve. Uh look, my last thing I want to serve. Uh look, my last thing I want to serve. Uh look, my last thing I want to say is a moment of personal to say is a moment of personal to say is a moment of personal privilege. Rachel Fischer Duncan has privilege. Rachel Fischer Duncan has privilege. Rachel Fischer Duncan has been with us as our pastoral intern uh been with us as our pastoral intern uh been with us as our pastoral intern uh for this past year as she has completed for this past year as she has completed for this past year as she has completed Perkins School of Theology and gotten Perkins School of Theology and gotten Perkins School of Theology and gotten her masters of divinity and she is her masters of divinity and she is her masters of divinity and she is starting a CPE that's clinical pastoral starting a CPE that's clinical pastoral starting a CPE that's clinical pastoral education. She is pursuing chapency. So education. She is pursuing chapency. So education. She is pursuing chapency. So starting next week, two weeks from now, starting next week, two weeks from now, starting next week, two weeks from now, Rachel will be at Methodist Hospital Rachel will be at Methodist Hospital Rachel will be at Methodist Hospital pursuing chapency. And I just we are so pursuing chapency. And I just we are so pursuing chapency. And I just we are so proud of her and want to send her off proud of her and want to send her off proud of her and want to send her off with prayers. And so [applause] for a lot of years, Rachel has been an for a lot of years, Rachel has been an important and integral part of important and integral part of important and integral part of children's ministries. And then this children's ministries. And then this children's ministries. And then this past year, she stepped into so many past year, she stepped into so many past year, she stepped into so many other ways of serving as she has other ways of serving as she has other ways of serving as she has expanded in her ministry. And we're expanded in her ministry. And we're expanded in her ministry. And we're going to be praying for you. and Rachel going to be praying for you. and Rachel going to be praying for you. and Rachel has promised us we'll still see her on has promised us we'll still see her on has promised us we'll still see her on Sunday morning. So, um so look forward Sunday morning. So, um so look forward Sunday morning. So, um so look forward to that. All right, I would like to um to that. All right, I would like to um to that. All right, I would like to um invite Rachel to read our scripture now

invite Rachel to read our scripture now invite Rachel to read our scripture now as we hear two stories from the Gospel as we hear two stories from the Gospel as we hear two stories from the Gospel of Luke. Our scripture this morning comes from Our scripture this morning comes from the Gospel of Luke. Two separate the Gospel of Luke. Two separate the Gospel of Luke. Two separate passages. The first one, passages. The first one, passages. The first one, sell your possessions and give alms. sell your possessions and give alms. sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not Make purses for yourselves that do not Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in wear out, an unfailing treasure in wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no heaven, where no thief comes near and no heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure moth destroys. For where your treasure moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." is, there your heart will be also." is, there your heart will be also." And then now as they went on their way, And then now as they went on their way, And then now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a he entered a certain village where a he entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him. She had woman named Martha welcomed him. She had woman named Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat at Jesus's a sister named Mary who sat at Jesus's a sister named Mary who sat at Jesus's feet and listened to what he was saying. feet and listened to what he was saying. feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many But Martha was distracted by her many But Martha was distracted by her many tasks. So she came to him and asked, tasks. So she came to him and asked, tasks. So she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister "Lord, do you not care that my sister "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by has left me to do all the work by has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But myself? Tell her then to help me." But myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many you are worried and distracted by many you are worried and distracted by many things, but few things are needed.

things, but few things are needed. things, but few things are needed. Indeed, only one. Mary has chosen the Indeed, only one. Mary has chosen the Indeed, only one. Mary has chosen the better part which will not be taken away better part which will not be taken away better part which will not be taken away from her. This is the word of God for us from her. This is the word of God for us from her. This is the word of God for us the people of God. Thanks be to God. There is [singing] There is [singing] a place [music] of [music] [music] and [music] [music] to the [singing] heart of God. to the [singing] heart of God. to the [singing] heart of God. Oh [singing] Jesus Oh [singing] Jesus Oh [singing] Jesus [music] Christ from the [singing] heart of [music] God from the [singing] heart of [music] God [singing] [singing] [singing] who wait who wait who wait [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] to the heart [music] to the heart [music] to the heart [music] of God of love and peace and calm, God of love and peace and calm, we come to you in praise and we come to you in praise and we come to you in praise and thanksgiving, longing to grow closer to thanksgiving, longing to grow closer to thanksgiving, longing to grow closer to you.

you. you. As new seasons are on the horizon, As new seasons are on the horizon, As new seasons are on the horizon, kids prepare to return to school, some kids prepare to return to school, some kids prepare to return to school, some moving off to college, moving off to college, moving off to college, new rhythms and patterns enter our new rhythms and patterns enter our new rhythms and patterns enter our schedule. schedule. schedule. Lord, we just ask for your guidance. Lord, we just ask for your guidance. Lord, we just ask for your guidance. Help us to take time away from our Help us to take time away from our Help us to take time away from our to-dos, to-dos, to-dos, our checklists, our checklists, our checklists, and help us to receive the gift of your and help us to receive the gift of your and help us to receive the gift of your presence and grace. presence and grace. presence and grace. Continue making us new, refreshing us, Continue making us new, refreshing us, Continue making us new, refreshing us, and helping us to remember what is most and helping us to remember what is most and helping us to remember what is most important in our lives and why we do the important in our lives and why we do the important in our lives and why we do the things we do. things we do. things we do. God, thank you for those exciting things God, thank you for those exciting things God, thank you for those exciting things that are ahead of us. New relationships, that are ahead of us. New relationships, that are ahead of us. New relationships, new experiences, new jobs, new studies, new experiences, new jobs, new studies, new experiences, new jobs, new studies, new ways to serve. new ways to serve. new ways to serve. Remind us to push pause and to be Remind us to push pause and to be Remind us to push pause and to be grateful. grateful. grateful. And Lord, for the difficult and And Lord, for the difficult and And Lord, for the difficult and upsetting things in our lives, upsetting things in our lives, upsetting things in our lives, a friend, a loved one that is suddenly a friend, a loved one that is suddenly a friend, a loved one that is suddenly gone, gone, gone, those fears of uncertainty of what may those fears of uncertainty of what may those fears of uncertainty of what may lie ahead.

lie ahead. lie ahead. Lord, remind us to push pause, to Lord, remind us to push pause, to Lord, remind us to push pause, to breathe deeply, breathe deeply, breathe deeply, and to invite your presence and to invite your presence and to invite your presence so that we may be comforted and know so that we may be comforted and know so that we may be comforted and know that we are loved, that you are always that we are loved, that you are always that we are loved, that you are always for us and beside us. And God, we've heard it said how And God, we've heard it said how difficult it can be to be a Mary in a difficult it can be to be a Mary in a difficult it can be to be a Mary in a Martha world. Martha world. Martha world. It can seem so unjust when others are It can seem so unjust when others are It can seem so unjust when others are not doing what we think they need to be not doing what we think they need to be not doing what we think they need to be doing. doing. doing. God, remind us to push pause for it is God, remind us to push pause for it is God, remind us to push pause for it is always good to sit at your feet and always good to sit at your feet and always good to sit at your feet and listen. listen. listen. Lord, we thank you. We praise you. We Lord, we thank you. We praise you. We Lord, we thank you. We praise you. We trust you. And we lift all this up in trust you. And we lift all this up in trust you. And we lift all this up in Christ's holy name. Amen. If your house was on fire, what would If your house was on fire, what would you grab on your way out? you grab on your way out? you grab on your way out? Asking that question is kind of one of Asking that question is kind of one of Asking that question is kind of one of these quick ways to gauge what it is these quick ways to gauge what it is these quick ways to gauge what it is that we value, what it is that is that we value, what it is that is that we value, what it is that is important to us. So, um, I bet you would important to us. So, um, I bet you would important to us. So, um, I bet you would not say your closet full of clothes. I not say your closet full of clothes. I not say your closet full of clothes. I bet you would not say the fancy kitchen bet you would not say the fancy kitchen bet you would not say the fancy kitchen appliance that you kind of hemmed and appliance that you kind of hemmed and appliance that you kind of hemmed and hawed about getting. I bet you probably hawed about getting. I bet you probably hawed about getting. I bet you probably wouldn't even say the art on the walls.

wouldn't even say the art on the walls. wouldn't even say the art on the walls. Most people certainly would say their Most people certainly would say their Most people certainly would say their kids or their pets if they weren't out kids or their pets if they weren't out kids or their pets if they weren't out already. The photo albums, already. The photo albums, already. The photo albums, the things that are irreplaceable. the things that are irreplaceable. the things that are irreplaceable. Under pressure, we don't even need time Under pressure, we don't even need time Under pressure, we don't even need time to think because we really do know what to think because we really do know what to think because we really do know what is most important. We really do know is most important. We really do know is most important. We really do know what matters. Fortunately for us, we what matters. Fortunately for us, we what matters. Fortunately for us, we don't live most of our lives under that don't live most of our lives under that don't live most of our lives under that kind of pressure. We're not having to kind of pressure. We're not having to kind of pressure. We're not having to make snap decisions like that. But we make snap decisions like that. But we make snap decisions like that. But we hand over our lives, just our ordinary hand over our lives, just our ordinary hand over our lives, just our ordinary Tuesdays, Tuesdays, Tuesdays, to things that we wouldn't save on the to things that we wouldn't save on the to things that we wouldn't save on the way out of a burning house. We spend our way out of a burning house. We spend our way out of a burning house. We spend our hours doing things that upon reflection, hours doing things that upon reflection, hours doing things that upon reflection, we wouldn't actually want to be doing. we wouldn't actually want to be doing. we wouldn't actually want to be doing. If you ask me what it is I treasure, you If you ask me what it is I treasure, you If you ask me what it is I treasure, you don't have to look at what I would take don't have to look at what I would take don't have to look at what I would take out of a burning house. You should look out of a burning house. You should look out of a burning house. You should look at what I do on an ordinary Tuesday, at what I do on an ordinary Tuesday, at what I do on an ordinary Tuesday, for that is what I treasure.

for that is what I treasure. for that is what I treasure. Last week, Tom talked about pushing Last week, Tom talked about pushing Last week, Tom talked about pushing pause, taking Sabbath, uh demonstrating pause, taking Sabbath, uh demonstrating pause, taking Sabbath, uh demonstrating that we have freedom, freedom to stop that we have freedom, freedom to stop that we have freedom, freedom to stop and freedom to choose. And so this week and freedom to choose. And so this week and freedom to choose. And so this week I really want us to talk about how we I really want us to talk about how we I really want us to talk about how we push pause and really think about what push pause and really think about what push pause and really think about what it is that we are using that freedom it is that we are using that freedom it is that we are using that freedom for. What it is that we are choosing to for. What it is that we are choosing to for. What it is that we are choosing to be at the center of our life. What be at the center of our life. What be at the center of our life. What priority or priorities we might be priority or priorities we might be priority or priorities we might be setting and then living our lives on setting and then living our lives on setting and then living our lives on ordinary Tuesdays according to those ordinary Tuesdays according to those ordinary Tuesdays according to those things. things. things. So the word priority is actually really So the word priority is actually really So the word priority is actually really interesting there. It came into use in interesting there. It came into use in interesting there. It came into use in the English language about 500 years the English language about 500 years the English language about 500 years ago. It's from the Latin prioritis and ago. It's from the Latin prioritis and ago. It's from the Latin prioritis and it means first in rank or first in it means first in rank or first in it means first in rank or first in order. So most important or soonest order. So most important or soonest order. So most important or soonest first. Um [sighs and gasps] the word first. Um [sighs and gasps] the word first. Um [sighs and gasps] the word priorities priorities priorities did not come into use until the 1940s. did not come into use until the 1940s. did not come into use until the 1940s. That's because it's really um a That's because it's really um a That's because it's really um a butchering of the word priority. To have butchering of the word priority. To have butchering of the word priority. To have a priority means that you have one thing a priority means that you have one thing a priority means that you have one thing that is first in rank, one thing that is that is first in rank, one thing that is that is first in rank, one thing that is first in order. It's not actually first in order. It's not actually first in order. It's not actually possible to have priorities because then possible to have priorities because then possible to have priorities because then you're saying that everything is first you're saying that everything is first you're saying that everything is first that you want to do all of the things at that you want to do all of the things at that you want to do all of the things at the same time because they are equally the same time because they are equally the same time because they are equally important in rank, equally important in important in rank, equally important in important in rank, equally important in order.

order. order. And so that's it is no wonder that we And so that's it is no wonder that we And so that's it is no wonder that we all feel stretched thin because we are all feel stretched thin because we are all feel stretched thin because we are being pulled in so many different being pulled in so many different being pulled in so many different directions by things that we have named directions by things that we have named directions by things that we have named are all priorities. But we can't really are all priorities. But we can't really are all priorities. But we can't really live in a way where everything has equal live in a way where everything has equal live in a way where everything has equal importance in our lives. And so when we importance in our lives. And so when we importance in our lives. And so when we are talking about priorities, what we're are talking about priorities, what we're are talking about priorities, what we're really asking here when we say what is really asking here when we say what is really asking here when we say what is what are the priorities in your life is what are the priorities in your life is what are the priorities in your life is what is the priority? What is the main what is the priority? What is the main what is the priority? What is the main thing? What should you value above all thing? What should you value above all thing? What should you value above all else? What when two good things conflict else? What when two good things conflict else? What when two good things conflict with one another? Which one takes with one another? Which one takes with one another? Which one takes precedence? precedence? precedence? What is truly at the center of your What is truly at the center of your What is truly at the center of your life? What is your true priority from life? What is your true priority from life? What is your true priority from which everything else gets its proper which everything else gets its proper which everything else gets its proper place that knows its order because you place that knows its order because you place that knows its order because you have picked one thing to be your first have picked one thing to be your first have picked one thing to be your first thing. thing. thing. Jesus gives us a way of testing Jesus gives us a way of testing Jesus gives us a way of testing ourselves, of figuring that out. In the ourselves, of figuring that out. In the ourselves, of figuring that out. In the scripture that you just heard read, he scripture that you just heard read, he scripture that you just heard read, he says um this, "Sell your possessions and says um this, "Sell your possessions and says um this, "Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves give alms. Make purses for yourselves give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out. For where your that do not wear out. For where your that do not wear out. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be treasure is, there your heart will be treasure is, there your heart will be also." Our treasures are not just also." Our treasures are not just also." Our treasures are not just financial. Our treasures are our time financial. Our treasures are our time financial. Our treasures are our time and our attention and our resources.

and our attention and our resources. and our attention and our resources. currencies that we spend all day long currencies that we spend all day long currencies that we spend all day long without giving it a second thought. So without giving it a second thought. So without giving it a second thought. So you don't actually have to guess what you don't actually have to guess what you don't actually have to guess what your treasure is. You just have to look your treasure is. You just have to look your treasure is. You just have to look at where your time and your money go and at where your time and your money go and at where your time and your money go and then you will see where your heart is. then you will see where your heart is. then you will see where your heart is. You know that old adage about um if you You know that old adage about um if you You know that old adage about um if you want to know what someone values, you want to know what someone values, you want to know what someone values, you take a look at their calendar. I don't take a look at their calendar. I don't take a look at their calendar. I don't really think that holds for us as well really think that holds for us as well really think that holds for us as well anymore because so much of the way that anymore because so much of the way that anymore because so much of the way that we spend our time is not calendared. So we spend our time is not calendared. So we spend our time is not calendared. So much of the way that we spend our time much of the way that we spend our time much of the way that we spend our time is unscheduled because it happens here, is unscheduled because it happens here, is unscheduled because it happens here, right? you pull your phone out just just right? you pull your phone out just just right? you pull your phone out just just to check like catch up on social media to check like catch up on social media to check like catch up on social media or you just want to watch one replay of or you just want to watch one replay of or you just want to watch one replay of a game on the ESPN app and then all of a a game on the ESPN app and then all of a a game on the ESPN app and then all of a sudden you're watching more and more or sudden you're watching more and more or sudden you're watching more and more or you just are going to return a few you just are going to return a few you just are going to return a few emails while dinner is being cooked. emails while dinner is being cooked. emails while dinner is being cooked. I wonder what you would find if you I wonder what you would find if you I wonder what you would find if you pulled your phone out and you looked at pulled your phone out and you looked at pulled your phone out and you looked at the screen time report from last week.

So much of our lives is spent um doing So much of our lives is spent um doing things that we don't mean to do or that things that we don't mean to do or that things that we don't mean to do or that we think are just little and they're not we think are just little and they're not we think are just little and they're not going to add up and then we find that going to add up and then we find that going to add up and then we find that they actually do. When Jesus went to they actually do. When Jesus went to they actually do. When Jesus went to Mary and Martha's house, um he was Mary and Martha's house, um he was Mary and Martha's house, um he was invited there by both of them and Mary invited there by both of them and Mary invited there by both of them and Mary sat at his feet and Martha was busy sat at his feet and Martha was busy sat at his feet and Martha was busy running around preparing and hosting and running around preparing and hosting and running around preparing and hosting and doing all of the things that she thought doing all of the things that she thought doing all of the things that she thought that she needed to do. Now look, the the that she needed to do. Now look, the the that she needed to do. Now look, the the text doesn't say that Martha was text doesn't say that Martha was text doesn't say that Martha was committing sin. That being a good host committing sin. That being a good host committing sin. That being a good host is not a sin. Serving is not a sin. But is not a sin. Serving is not a sin. But is not a sin. Serving is not a sin. But what happened is that Martha just let what happened is that Martha just let what happened is that Martha just let one task and then another and then one task and then another and then one task and then another and then another pull her further and further another pull her further and further another pull her further and further away from what she was intending to do. away from what she was intending to do. away from what she was intending to do. She had invited Jesus to her house and She had invited Jesus to her house and She had invited Jesus to her house and she totally missed him. In Proverbs 14 she totally missed him. In Proverbs 14 she totally missed him. In Proverbs 14 it says, "There is a path before each it says, "There is a path before each it says, "There is a path before each person that seems right but it ends in person that seems right but it ends in person that seems right but it ends in death." death." death." The path seems right. There is a path The path seems right. There is a path The path seems right. There is a path before each of us that seems like it before each of us that seems like it before each of us that seems like it might be the right path but it ends in might be the right path but it ends in might be the right path but it ends in death because it is not the path focused death because it is not the path focused death because it is not the path focused on the thing. Jesus says to u Martha on the thing. Jesus says to u Martha on the thing. Jesus says to u Martha Mary has chosen the better part. Not Mary has chosen the better part. Not Mary has chosen the better part. Not Mary has chosen the only part um but Mary has chosen the only part um but Mary has chosen the only part um but Mary has chosen the better part because Mary has chosen the better part because Mary has chosen the better part because she put Jesus first.

she put Jesus first. she put Jesus first. Jesus isn't just another thing that we Jesus isn't just another thing that we Jesus isn't just another thing that we put on our list. just a our list of put on our list. just a our list of put on our list. just a our list of priorities and we stick Jesus on there. priorities and we stick Jesus on there. priorities and we stick Jesus on there. No, Jesus is the part that we choose and No, Jesus is the part that we choose and No, Jesus is the part that we choose and then everything else flows from our then everything else flows from our then everything else flows from our relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all of these things righteousness and all of these things righteousness and all of these things will be added to you. Seek God first and will be added to you. Seek God first and will be added to you. Seek God first and everything else will flow from it. We everything else will flow from it. We everything else will flow from it. We get a sense when we do that of how get a sense when we do that of how get a sense when we do that of how everything is supposed to flow, of the everything is supposed to flow, of the everything is supposed to flow, of the order that it's supposed to be in, of order that it's supposed to be in, of order that it's supposed to be in, of the size in our life that it's supposed the size in our life that it's supposed the size in our life that it's supposed to take up. So our family and our to take up. So our family and our to take up. So our family and our possessions and our vocation and all of possessions and our vocation and all of possessions and our vocation and all of those things come into order when we are those things come into order when we are those things come into order when we are seeking God first. seeking God first. seeking God first. In the parable of the great banquet, In the parable of the great banquet, In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus uh tells a story of a man who Jesus uh tells a story of a man who Jesus uh tells a story of a man who invites a bunch of people to dinner and invites a bunch of people to dinner and invites a bunch of people to dinner and they accept the invitation, but one by they accept the invitation, but one by they accept the invitation, but one by one they begin to beg off. And one of one they begin to beg off. And one of one they begin to beg off. And one of them says, "Oh, I've just bought a new them says, "Oh, I've just bought a new them says, "Oh, I've just bought a new field and I have to go check on it." And field and I have to go check on it." And field and I have to go check on it." And one of them says, "I've bought a bunch one of them says, "I've bought a bunch one of them says, "I've bought a bunch of oxen and I have to go test them out."

of oxen and I have to go test them out." of oxen and I have to go test them out." And one says, "I've just gotten married And one says, "I've just gotten married And one says, "I've just gotten married and so I can't come to dinner." And if and so I can't come to dinner." And if and so I can't come to dinner." And if you look at those things individually, you look at those things individually, you look at those things individually, they are pieces of what we would they are pieces of what we would they are pieces of what we would probably name as a well-ordered, probably name as a well-ordered, probably name as a well-ordered, responsible life. It's uh the field that responsible life. It's uh the field that responsible life. It's uh the field that this man bought is his possession. These this man bought is his possession. These this man bought is his possession. These are the things that he owns and he's are the things that he owns and he's are the things that he owns and he's tending to it. or the person that has tending to it. or the person that has tending to it. or the person that has the oxen, that's his vocation. That's the oxen, that's his vocation. That's the oxen, that's his vocation. That's what he does for a living. And so he's what he does for a living. And so he's what he does for a living. And so he's making sure that it's in order. Um or making sure that it's in order. Um or making sure that it's in order. Um or the person that just got married is the person that just got married is the person that just got married is prioritizing a relationship. But this prioritizing a relationship. But this prioritizing a relationship. But this parable is about what has become parable is about what has become parable is about what has become ultimate in our lives. What do we say is ultimate in our lives. What do we say is ultimate in our lives. What do we say is the most important thing? the most important thing? the most important thing? It's not it's not about time management It's not it's not about time management It's not it's not about time management and fitting all of it in. This is and fitting all of it in. This is and fitting all of it in. This is actually a question of disciplehip for actually a question of disciplehip for actually a question of disciplehip for us. What have we let drive us and become us. What have we let drive us and become us. What have we let drive us and become the most important thing? the most important thing? the most important thing? I think vocation or work is one of the I think vocation or work is one of the I think vocation or work is one of the things that often grabs us easiest. I things that often grabs us easiest. I things that often grabs us easiest. I mean, for me, I know that I am mean, for me, I know that I am mean, for me, I know that I am especially guilty of this, of especially guilty of this, of especially guilty of this, of prioritizing my work and and letting it prioritizing my work and and letting it prioritizing my work and and letting it come in front of other things that I come in front of other things that I come in front of other things that I want to be more important to me. If you want to be more important to me. If you want to be more important to me. If you have if you have this problem, if you have if you have this problem, if you have if you have this problem, if you struggle with work claiming an struggle with work claiming an struggle with work claiming an inordinate amount of space in your life, inordinate amount of space in your life, inordinate amount of space in your life, the wise thing is that you have got to the wise thing is that you have got to the wise thing is that you have got to know when to stop. In Proverbs 23, it uh know when to stop. In Proverbs 23, it uh know when to stop. In Proverbs 23, it uh this is the CEB version, but it says um this is the CEB version, but it says um this is the CEB version, but it says um don't wear yourself out trying to get don't wear yourself out trying to get don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be smart enough to stop.

rich. Be smart enough to stop. rich. Be smart enough to stop. Now, look, working hard is not wrong. Now, look, working hard is not wrong. Now, look, working hard is not wrong. Work should be something that is on our Work should be something that is on our Work should be something that is on our list, that we value, and that is list, that we value, and that is list, that we value, and that is important to us. But Colossians 3 important to us. But Colossians 3 important to us. But Colossians 3 actually says um work mightily uh but it actually says um work mightily uh but it actually says um work mightily uh but it also says as if for the Lord not for also says as if for the Lord not for also says as if for the Lord not for human masters. So work with all your human masters. So work with all your human masters. So work with all your heart for the Lord not human masters. heart for the Lord not human masters. heart for the Lord not human masters. What we find so often when work kind of What we find so often when work kind of What we find so often when work kind of gets out of order in our lives is that gets out of order in our lives is that gets out of order in our lives is that we're doing it for the wrong reasons as we're doing it for the wrong reasons as we're doing it for the wrong reasons as the um the wise person who wrote the um the wise person who wrote the um the wise person who wrote Proverbs said is it's often to get rich. Proverbs said is it's often to get rich. Proverbs said is it's often to get rich. It's for money or it's for a flashy It's for money or it's for a flashy It's for money or it's for a flashy title. And then when we're working for title. And then when we're working for title. And then when we're working for those reasons, we lose sight of what those reasons, we lose sight of what those reasons, we lose sight of what we're doing. And it does make it really we're doing. And it does make it really we're doing. And it does make it really hard for us to stop. And so the wisdom hard for us to stop. And so the wisdom hard for us to stop. And so the wisdom comes when we put Jesus in the center of comes when we put Jesus in the center of comes when we put Jesus in the center of our lives and let our work flow from our lives and let our work flow from our lives and let our work flow from that. It is easier for us to figure out that. It is easier for us to figure out that. It is easier for us to figure out where the pause button needs to be, where the pause button needs to be, where the pause button needs to be, where the stop button needs to be in where the stop button needs to be in where the stop button needs to be in that. when we neglect to nourish our souls.

when we neglect to nourish our souls. Um, all of the ways we nourish our souls Um, all of the ways we nourish our souls Um, all of the ways we nourish our souls through prayer, even if it just comes in through prayer, even if it just comes in through prayer, even if it just comes in brief spurts, through spending time with brief spurts, through spending time with brief spurts, through spending time with other Christians, through reading other Christians, through reading other Christians, through reading scripture, through serving other people. scripture, through serving other people. scripture, through serving other people. When we neglect to do that, it is no When we neglect to do that, it is no When we neglect to do that, it is no wonder that we are feeling this churned wonder that we are feeling this churned wonder that we are feeling this churned up, burned out sense of being that so up, burned out sense of being that so up, burned out sense of being that so many of us experience regularly. We take many of us experience regularly. We take many of us experience regularly. We take seriously our physical health. You know, seriously our physical health. You know, seriously our physical health. You know, we try to exercise and eat right. We we try to exercise and eat right. We we try to exercise and eat right. We take seriously our mental health. We try take seriously our mental health. We try take seriously our mental health. We try to talk to people when stuff is going to talk to people when stuff is going to talk to people when stuff is going wrong. We take seriously our career wrong. We take seriously our career wrong. We take seriously our career health and our relational health. And we health and our relational health. And we health and our relational health. And we don't always take as seriously our don't always take as seriously our don't always take as seriously our spiritual health and the nourishment spiritual health and the nourishment spiritual health and the nourishment that that needs. Look, would you would that that needs. Look, would you would that that needs. Look, would you would you stop sleeping for an indeterminate you stop sleeping for an indeterminate you stop sleeping for an indeterminate amount of time and then assume that your amount of time and then assume that your amount of time and then assume that your body was going to work? Of course you body was going to work? Of course you body was going to work? Of course you wouldn't. But I think many of us think, wouldn't. But I think many of us think, wouldn't. But I think many of us think, "Oh, I can just put Jesus, like I said "Oh, I can just put Jesus, like I said "Oh, I can just put Jesus, like I said earlier, on the list somewhere. Doesn't earlier, on the list somewhere. Doesn't earlier, on the list somewhere. Doesn't have to be in the center. Doesn't have have to be in the center. Doesn't have have to be in the center. Doesn't have to be the first thing." But if he's on to be the first thing." But if he's on to be the first thing." But if he's on the list, then probably everything will the list, then probably everything will the list, then probably everything will work out. And it is a lot for our work out. And it is a lot for our work out. And it is a lot for our spiritual health like us not sleeping at spiritual health like us not sleeping at spiritual health like us not sleeping at all. It will end up destroying us.

all. It will end up destroying us. all. It will end up destroying us. And so I wonder as you are sitting here And so I wonder as you are sitting here And so I wonder as you are sitting here this morning if you took a moment to this morning if you took a moment to this morning if you took a moment to really think like am I putting the right really think like am I putting the right really think like am I putting the right am I putting the thing that I say that I am I putting the thing that I say that I am I putting the thing that I say that I want to put in the center of my life or want to put in the center of my life or want to put in the center of my life or does it seem like maybe some other does it seem like maybe some other does it seem like maybe some other things have crept in? Does it seem like things have crept in? Does it seem like things have crept in? Does it seem like there might be more that is trying to there might be more that is trying to there might be more that is trying to hold the center than the one thing that hold the center than the one thing that hold the center than the one thing that I want it to be? I want it to be? I want it to be? The first step here comes from us The first step here comes from us The first step here comes from us knowing from us really assessing our knowing from us really assessing our knowing from us really assessing our lives and knowing what is at the center. lives and knowing what is at the center. lives and knowing what is at the center. So you remember the story of the rich So you remember the story of the rich So you remember the story of the rich young ruler that goes to Jesus and says, young ruler that goes to Jesus and says, young ruler that goes to Jesus and says, "How do I inherit eternal life?" If you "How do I inherit eternal life?" If you "How do I inherit eternal life?" If you stop that guy before he got to Jesus and stop that guy before he got to Jesus and stop that guy before he got to Jesus and and got to know him a little bit, he and got to know him a little bit, he and got to know him a little bit, he would tell you that the things of God would tell you that the things of God would tell you that the things of God were important to him. In fact, the were important to him. In fact, the were important to him. In fact, the first thing he tells Jesus is, "I have first thing he tells Jesus is, "I have first thing he tells Jesus is, "I have kept all of the laws and all of the kept all of the laws and all of the kept all of the laws and all of the commandments. Now, how do I inherit commandments. Now, how do I inherit commandments. Now, how do I inherit eternal life? So this is a person who eternal life? So this is a person who eternal life? So this is a person who believes that his center is the things believes that his center is the things believes that his center is the things of God. But then Jesus says to him, of God. But then Jesus says to him, of God. But then Jesus says to him, "Sell your possessions, give them to the "Sell your possessions, give them to the "Sell your possessions, give them to the poor, and come and follow me." And you poor, and come and follow me." And you poor, and come and follow me." And you remember the man went away sad, for he remember the man went away sad, for he remember the man went away sad, for he had many possessions, and he could not had many possessions, and he could not had many possessions, and he could not sell them. What he thought was what he sell them. What he thought was what he sell them. What he thought was what he valued is not actually what he valued valued is not actually what he valued valued is not actually what he valued when push came to shove.

when push came to shove. when push came to shove. And so I wonder when we And so I wonder when we And so I wonder when we recognize that in ourselves, if you are recognize that in ourselves, if you are recognize that in ourselves, if you are experiencing this, if you're sitting experiencing this, if you're sitting experiencing this, if you're sitting here thinking, I want to say, look, I'm here thinking, I want to say, look, I'm here thinking, I want to say, look, I'm here on a Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. I here on a Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. I here on a Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. I want to say that what I value is putting want to say that what I value is putting want to say that what I value is putting God at the center of my life and letting God at the center of my life and letting God at the center of my life and letting everything flow from that, letting everything flow from that, letting everything flow from that, letting everything take its proper position. But everything take its proper position. But everything take its proper position. But as you start to think about it, you as you start to think about it, you as you start to think about it, you realize that it might actually be hard realize that it might actually be hard realize that it might actually be hard to defend that claim because of other to defend that claim because of other to defend that claim because of other things in your life, because of the things in your life, because of the things in your life, because of the things that you have prioritized or um things that you have prioritized or um things that you have prioritized or um been driven by. How do you change that? been driven by. How do you change that? been driven by. How do you change that? What does that look like? We know it's What does that look like? We know it's What does that look like? We know it's not good intentions. Let me say that. We not good intentions. Let me say that. We not good intentions. Let me say that. We know that if we could change things by know that if we could change things by know that if we could change things by good intentions that we wouldn't be good intentions that we wouldn't be good intentions that we wouldn't be having this conversation this morning. having this conversation this morning. having this conversation this morning. That we've got to actually do something That we've got to actually do something That we've got to actually do something actionable to help us follow through. actionable to help us follow through. actionable to help us follow through. And so here's what I'd like to offer to And so here's what I'd like to offer to And so here's what I'd like to offer to you. Peter Ducker, you know, the great you. Peter Ducker, you know, the great you. Peter Ducker, you know, the great management consultant of the 20th management consultant of the 20th management consultant of the 20th century, uh, wrote about priorities and century, uh, wrote about priorities and century, uh, wrote about priorities and posteriorities.

posteriorities. posteriorities. So priorities are the things that you So priorities are the things that you So priorities are the things that you determine that you want to do. The thing determine that you want to do. The thing determine that you want to do. The thing you want to do first, your priority is you want to do first, your priority is you want to do first, your priority is the thing you want to do first. the thing you want to do first. the thing you want to do first. Posteriorities are the things that you Posteriorities are the things that you Posteriorities are the things that you determine you are going to put at the determine you are going to put at the determine you are going to put at the bottom of your list or even say these bottom of your list or even say these bottom of your list or even say these cannot be on my list so that I can do my cannot be on my list so that I can do my cannot be on my list so that I can do my priority. And he says it's as important priority. And he says it's as important priority. And he says it's as important for us to name our posteriorities as it for us to name our posteriorities as it for us to name our posteriorities as it is for us to name a priority in our is for us to name a priority in our is for us to name a priority in our lives. Because the only way for us to do lives. Because the only way for us to do lives. Because the only way for us to do the things that matter the most to us is the things that matter the most to us is the things that matter the most to us is to give up other things, even good to give up other things, even good to give up other things, even good things, so that we have the space and things, so that we have the space and things, so that we have the space and the time to do the thing that matters the time to do the thing that matters the time to do the thing that matters the most. the most. the most. That's really hard for us to give up That's really hard for us to give up That's really hard for us to give up other things, even good things. other things, even good things. other things, even good things. And so a posteriorities in our lives And so a posteriorities in our lives And so a posteriorities in our lives might look like this. It might look like might look like this. It might look like might look like this. It might look like us saying, um, I'm not going to try to us saying, um, I'm not going to try to us saying, um, I'm not going to try to keep my house perfectly clean. Because keep my house perfectly clean. Because keep my house perfectly clean. Because as important as an orderly house is, the as important as an orderly house is, the as important as an orderly house is, the thing that I want to prioritize is a thing that I want to prioritize is a thing that I want to prioritize is a walk with my husband or wife after walk with my husband or wife after walk with my husband or wife after dinner is time with my kids is um time dinner is time with my kids is um time dinner is time with my kids is um time spent in a Bible study group in my spent in a Bible study group in my spent in a Bible study group in my neighborhood or a posteriority might be neighborhood or a posteriority might be neighborhood or a posteriority might be I'm not going to watch that next show I'm not going to watch that next show I'm not going to watch that next show that the one that automatically starts that the one that automatically starts that the one that automatically starts on next Netflix without me doing on next Netflix without me doing on next Netflix without me doing anything. Right? Because it's not that anything. Right? Because it's not that anything. Right? Because it's not that entertainment is bad. It's that when we entertainment is bad. It's that when we entertainment is bad. It's that when we spend two or three hours doing it every spend two or three hours doing it every spend two or three hours doing it every night, it gets in the way of some of the night, it gets in the way of some of the night, it gets in the way of some of the time that we could be spending on prayer

time that we could be spending on prayer time that we could be spending on prayer or reading a devotional book or catching or reading a devotional book or catching or reading a devotional book or catching up with a friend who might need us. A up with a friend who might need us. A up with a friend who might need us. A posteriority might be I am not going to posteriority might be I am not going to posteriority might be I am not going to spend all of my time trying to keep up spend all of my time trying to keep up spend all of my time trying to keep up with other people because the Joneses, with other people because the Joneses, with other people because the Joneses, social media, kids activities that seem social media, kids activities that seem social media, kids activities that seem to pile up because everyone's doing to pile up because everyone's doing to pile up because everyone's doing them. We find ourselves living a life them. We find ourselves living a life them. We find ourselves living a life that we didn't actually intentionally that we didn't actually intentionally that we didn't actually intentionally choose and that we wouldn't choose and that we wouldn't choose and that we wouldn't intentionally choose if we could start intentionally choose if we could start intentionally choose if we could start all over again, but we never knew where all over again, but we never knew where all over again, but we never knew where to cut it off and say I'm not going to to cut it off and say I'm not going to to cut it off and say I'm not going to try to keep up. A posteriority might be try to keep up. A posteriority might be try to keep up. A posteriority might be I'm not going to look at my phone before I'm not going to look at my phone before I'm not going to look at my phone before a certain time in the morning or after a a certain time in the morning or after a a certain time in the morning or after a certain time in the evening and then I certain time in the evening and then I certain time in the evening and then I might be more present to the people might be more present to the people might be more present to the people around me or I might be more present to around me or I might be more present to around me or I might be more present to God or even to myself. God or even to myself. God or even to myself. These priority this postteriorities These priority this postteriorities These priority this postteriorities are things that we actually have to name are things that we actually have to name are things that we actually have to name because it's not enough for us to just because it's not enough for us to just because it's not enough for us to just say I think I want to be better at that. say I think I want to be better at that. say I think I want to be better at that. I think I want to spend more time with I think I want to spend more time with I think I want to spend more time with my family or prioritize joining that my family or prioritize joining that my family or prioritize joining that Bible study if we don't say what it is Bible study if we don't say what it is Bible study if we don't say what it is that we're going to cut out of our lives that we're going to cut out of our lives that we're going to cut out of our lives so that we actually have time to do the so that we actually have time to do the so that we actually have time to do the thing that we really want to do. And so thing that we really want to do. And so thing that we really want to do. And so some questions that you might ask some questions that you might ask some questions that you might ask yourself as you're thinking about this yourself as you're thinking about this yourself as you're thinking about this would be this. What am I doing simply would be this. What am I doing simply would be this. What am I doing simply because everyone around me is doing it?

because everyone around me is doing it? because everyone around me is doing it? Or if I really believed that my family Or if I really believed that my family Or if I really believed that my family was as important as I claimed they are, was as important as I claimed they are, was as important as I claimed they are, what is something I would stop doing? what is something I would stop doing? what is something I would stop doing? Or what would look different in my life Or what would look different in my life Or what would look different in my life if I deeply believed that God had given if I deeply believed that God had given if I deeply believed that God had given me the time to do everything to which me the time to do everything to which me the time to do everything to which God had called me to do. God had called me to do. God had called me to do. if what was on my plate was really only if what was on my plate was really only if what was on my plate was really only what God called me to put there, not all what God called me to put there, not all what God called me to put there, not all of the things that I had added because of the things that I had added because of the things that I had added because they became accumulating priorities in they became accumulating priorities in they became accumulating priorities in my life. my life. my life. One of the privileges of our jobs um is One of the privileges of our jobs um is One of the privileges of our jobs um is that we get to sit with people at or that we get to sit with people at or that we get to sit with people at or near the end of their lives and we get near the end of their lives and we get near the end of their lives and we get to talk to them about to talk to them about to talk to them about their regrets. They often want to talk their regrets. They often want to talk their regrets. They often want to talk about regrets or things that they wish about regrets or things that they wish about regrets or things that they wish that they had done different, things that they had done different, things that they had done different, things they're proud of their lives. I will they're proud of their lives. I will they're proud of their lives. I will tell you that the common theme running tell you that the common theme running tell you that the common theme running through all of this is that they wish through all of this is that they wish through all of this is that they wish that they had not spent as much time on that they had not spent as much time on that they had not spent as much time on certain things and more time on other certain things and more time on other certain things and more time on other things, right? Not as much time at work, things, right? Not as much time at work, things, right? Not as much time at work, more time with family, more time in more time with family, more time in more time with family, more time in prayer, less time worrying about the prayer, less time worrying about the prayer, less time worrying about the things that never came to pass.

things that never came to pass. things that never came to pass. I wonder for all of us who are not I wonder for all of us who are not I wonder for all of us who are not sitting in a hospital room right now, sitting in a hospital room right now, sitting in a hospital room right now, who have the privilege of more ordinary who have the privilege of more ordinary who have the privilege of more ordinary Tuesdays in front of us, more time just Tuesdays in front of us, more time just Tuesdays in front of us, more time just to live with the best hours of our lives to live with the best hours of our lives to live with the best hours of our lives in front of us. How will we how will we in front of us. How will we how will we in front of us. How will we how will we spend our time? What will we choose? spend our time? What will we choose? spend our time? What will we choose? What will we name as important to us? What will we name as important to us? What will we name as important to us? We don't have to decide that as we're We don't have to decide that as we're We don't have to decide that as we're running out of a burning house. We get running out of a burning house. We get running out of a burning house. We get to decide that right now. And so I to decide that right now. And so I to decide that right now. And so I wonder what it is for each of you. wonder what it is for each of you. wonder what it is for each of you. God, I pray that you would grant us God, I pray that you would grant us God, I pray that you would grant us perspective. That as we think about perspective. That as we think about perspective. That as we think about this, we would be mindful that putting this, we would be mindful that putting this, we would be mindful that putting you and your kingdom at the center of you and your kingdom at the center of you and your kingdom at the center of our lives would help us to order our lives would help us to order our lives would help us to order everything else. And so I pray that you everything else. And so I pray that you everything else. And so I pray that you would clear a path for us to pursue you would clear a path for us to pursue you would clear a path for us to pursue you relentlessly. relentlessly. relentlessly. that we would not let all of these other that we would not let all of these other that we would not let all of these other priorities, these other things that we priorities, these other things that we priorities, these other things that we say are first in our lives with our say are first in our lives with our say are first in our lives with our actions get in the way, but that you actions get in the way, but that you actions get in the way, but that you might help us draw us near to you so might help us draw us near to you so might help us draw us near to you so that you would be our center. We love that you would be our center. We love that you would be our center. We love you and we pray this in your name. Amen.

you and we pray this in your name. Amen. you and we pray this in your name. Amen. I'd like to invite our ushers to come I'd like to invite our ushers to come I'd like to invite our ushers to come forward to receive our gifts, our forward to receive our gifts, our forward to receive our gifts, our tithes, and our offerings as we offer tithes, and our offerings as we offer tithes, and our offerings as we offer ourselves to the kingdom. [music] [music] for my brise brise [music] of my soul,

of my soul, eternal to the [music] your ris. your ris. >> [music] >> You are [music] >> You are [music] [singing] [music] [music] You are we are [music] we are [music] your children. [singing] [singing] God. Praise God from [music] whom all Praise God from [music] whom all blesses.

blesses. blesses. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, [music] praise the hallelujah. Oh [music] praise the hallelujah. Oh great, praise [music] praise [music] God. God. God. [singing] Praise God.

Praise God. [music] [music] [music] [singing] in the praise [music] in the praise [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] and holy and holy and holy ghostle. your children. your children. [music] [music] [music] Holy one. Holy one. [music] Holy one. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Holy one. [music] [music] You are the Lord.

You are the Lord. You are the Lord. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] >> Friends, as we come together at Christ's

>> Friends, as we come together at Christ's table, I want to remind you that we table, I want to remind you that we table, I want to remind you that we practice here in the United Methodist practice here in the United Methodist practice here in the United Methodist Church, an open table. All are welcome Church, an open table. All are welcome Church, an open table. All are welcome at this table who seek to live um or at this table who seek to live um or at this table who seek to live um or seek to have a deeper relationship with seek to have a deeper relationship with seek to have a deeper relationship with Christ, whether you're United Methodist Christ, whether you're United Methodist Christ, whether you're United Methodist or not. or not. or not. If this is your first time at St. If this is your first time at St. If this is your first time at St. Luke's, um we practice Luke's, um we practice Luke's, um we practice communion by intention. So you will be communion by intention. So you will be communion by intention. So you will be invited uh forward by one of our ushers invited uh forward by one of our ushers invited uh forward by one of our ushers and uh if you hold out your hand we will and uh if you hold out your hand we will and uh if you hold out your hand we will place a wafer in your hand and then you place a wafer in your hand and then you place a wafer in your hand and then you take that wafer dip it into the cup and take that wafer dip it into the cup and take that wafer dip it into the cup and take it into your body and then you are take it into your body and then you are take it into your body and then you are free to uh pray at the kneelers uh or free to uh pray at the kneelers uh or free to uh pray at the kneelers uh or return to your your seat afterwards. If return to your your seat afterwards. If return to your your seat afterwards. If you need gluten-free elements, we have you need gluten-free elements, we have you need gluten-free elements, we have those available. Uh just ask your server those available. Uh just ask your server those available. Uh just ask your server and we will provide those for you. And and we will provide those for you. And and we will provide those for you. And if you would like to be served where you if you would like to be served where you if you would like to be served where you are seated, just let an usher know and are seated, just let an usher know and are seated, just let an usher know and we will come meet you where you are we will come meet you where you are we will come meet you where you are seated. And for those of you joining us seated. And for those of you joining us seated. And for those of you joining us online, please take this time to gather online, please take this time to gather online, please take this time to gather some elements, some crackers, some some elements, some crackers, some some elements, some crackers, some bread, and some some juice and join us bread, and some some juice and join us bread, and some some juice and join us here at this table.

here at this table. here at this table. Christ our Lord, invites to his table Christ our Lord, invites to his table Christ our Lord, invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent all who love him, who earnestly repent all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace of their sin and seek to live in peace of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. with one another. with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before Therefore, let us confess our sin before Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another. God and one another. God and one another. Gracious God, your scriptures tell us Gracious God, your scriptures tell us Gracious God, your scriptures tell us that you have swallowed up death in that you have swallowed up death in that you have swallowed up death in victory. This glorious truth we begin to victory. This glorious truth we begin to victory. This glorious truth we begin to understand with our minds. But when push understand with our minds. But when push understand with our minds. But when push comes to shove, we are still driven by comes to shove, we are still driven by comes to shove, we are still driven by fear. Even though death has lost its fear. Even though death has lost its fear. Even though death has lost its sting, we often live as though sin still sting, we often live as though sin still sting, we often live as though sin still has sway over us. Lord, we confess that has sway over us. Lord, we confess that has sway over us. Lord, we confess that we trust our own strength and our own we trust our own strength and our own we trust our own strength and our own paths instead of your resurrection paths instead of your resurrection paths instead of your resurrection power. Change our hearts, O Lord. power. Change our hearts, O Lord. power. Change our hearts, O Lord. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness Cleanse us from all unrighteousness Cleanse us from all unrighteousness and restore us to a complete and and restore us to a complete and and restore us to a complete and steadfast trust in Jesus. We pray this steadfast trust in Jesus. We pray this steadfast trust in Jesus. We pray this humbly in Christ's name. Amen. Hear the humbly in Christ's name. Amen. Hear the humbly in Christ's name. Amen. Hear the good news. Christ died while we were yet good news. Christ died while we were yet good news. Christ died while we were yet sinners. That proves God's love toward sinners. That proves God's love toward sinners. That proves God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen.

you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen. you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen. The Lord be with you. The Lord be with you. The Lord be with you. >> And also with you. >> And also with you. >> And also with you. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift them up to the Lord. >> Lift them up to the Lord. >> Lift them up to the Lord. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and It is right to give our thanks and It is right to give our thanks and praise. praise. praise. >> It is right and a good and joyful thing >> It is right and a good and joyful thing >> It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to always and everywhere to give thanks to always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. You formed us in your image and earth. You formed us in your image and earth. You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life. and breathed into us the breath of life. and breathed into us the breath of life. When we turned away and our love failed, When we turned away and our love failed, When we turned away and our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You your love remained steadfast. You your love remained steadfast. You delivered us from captivity, made delivered us from captivity, made delivered us from captivity, made covenant to be our sovereign God, and covenant to be our sovereign God, and covenant to be our sovereign God, and spoke to us through your prophets, who spoke to us through your prophets, who spoke to us through your prophets, who looked for that day when justice shall looked for that day when justice shall looked for that day when justice shall roll down like waters, and righteousness roll down like waters, and righteousness roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream. When nation like an everflowing stream. When nation like an everflowing stream. When nation shall not lift up sword against nation, shall not lift up sword against nation, shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. neither shall they learn war anymore. neither shall they learn war anymore. And so with your people on earth and all And so with your people on earth and all And so with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your the company of heaven, we praise your the company of heaven, we praise your name and join in their unending hymn.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Holy, holy, holy Lord God >> Holy, holy, holy Lord God >> Holy, holy, holy Lord God and [music] heaven and earth are full of glory heaven and earth are full of glory [music] in the highest. in the highest. Christ Christ Christ to [music] the name of the Lord. >> Holy are you and blessed is your son >> Holy are you and blessed is your son Jesus Christ. Your spirit anointed him Jesus Christ. Your spirit anointed him Jesus Christ. Your spirit anointed him to preach good news to the poor, to to preach good news to the poor, to to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and proclaim release to the captives and proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set recovery of sight to the blind, to set recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed and at liberty those who are oppressed and at liberty those who are oppressed and to announce that the time had come when to announce that the time had come when to announce that the time had come when you would save your people. And on the you would save your people. And on the you would save your people. And on the night in which he gave himself up for night in which he gave himself up for night in which he gave himself up for us, Jesus took the bread, he gave thanks us, Jesus took the bread, he gave thanks us, Jesus took the bread, he gave thanks to you, and he broke the bread, giving to you, and he broke the bread, giving to you, and he broke the bread, giving it to his disciples, saying, "This is my it to his disciples, saying, "This is my it to his disciples, saying, "This is my body given for you. Do this in body given for you. Do this in body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

remembrance of me. remembrance of me. And when the meal was over, Jesus took And when the meal was over, Jesus took And when the meal was over, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks to God. And he the cup. He gave thanks to God. And he the cup. He gave thanks to God. And he said to his disciples, "Take and drink said to his disciples, "Take and drink said to his disciples, "Take and drink from this all of you. This is my blood from this all of you. This is my blood from this all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant poured out for you of the new covenant poured out for you of the new covenant poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of and for many for the forgiveness of and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it sins. Do this as often as you drink it sins. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me." in remembrance of me." in remembrance of me." And so in remembrance of these your And so in remembrance of these your And so in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice in union a holy and living sacrifice in union a holy and living sacrifice in union with Christ's offering for us as we with Christ's offering for us as we with Christ's offering for us as we proclaim the mystery of faith. proclaim the mystery of faith. proclaim the mystery of faith. [music] >> Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit >> Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered in this moment and on on us gathered in this moment and on on us gathered in this moment and on these gifts of bread and cup. Make them these gifts of bread and cup. Make them these gifts of bread and cup. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ be for us the body and blood of Christ be for us the body and blood of Christ that we may be for the world the body of that we may be for the world the body of that we may be for the world the body of Christ redeemed by his blood. By your Christ redeemed by his blood. By your Christ redeemed by his blood. By your spirit, make us one with Christ, one spirit, make us one with Christ, one spirit, make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to with each other, and one in ministry to with each other, and one in ministry to all the world until Christ comes in all the world until Christ comes in all the world until Christ comes in final victory. And we feast at his final victory. And we feast at his final victory. And we feast at his heavenly banquet. Through your son, heavenly banquet. Through your son, heavenly banquet. Through your son, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, all Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, all Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, almighty honor and glory is yours, almighty honor and glory is yours, almighty father, now and forever.

>> And friends, with the confidence of >> And friends, with the confidence of children of God, let us pray together as children of God, let us pray together as children of God, let us pray together as Jesus taught us to pray, saying, "Our Jesus taught us to pray, saying, "Our Jesus taught us to pray, saying, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the p kingdom and the evil. For thine is the p kingdom and the evil. For thine is the p kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. Friends, our hymn of preparation is I Friends, our hymn of preparation is I Friends, our hymn of preparation is I surrender all. It's number 354 in your surrender all. It's number 354 in your surrender all. It's number 354 in your himnil. Would you please uh join uh himnil. Would you please uh join uh himnil. Would you please uh join uh stand as you're able and join in singing Jesus Jesus I I I [music] to [music] to [music] to my [music] [music] love and trusting in his presence love and trusting in his presence love and trusting in his presence [music] Christ.

Christ. [music] [music] Christend. [music] Christend. and and and we at [music] his feet [music] [music] Christ surrender all Christ surrender all Christ surrender all Christend Christend Christend [music] Savior Savior [music] spirit spirit holy holy holy [music] Christend

Christend [music] [music] [music] to you. [music] Jesus [music] Jesus Christ forever of [music] of [music] salary.

[music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. [music] [music] >> God of the world >> God of the world >> God of the world [music] [music] [music] mercy mercy mercy shall.

shall. shall. [music] resol. resol. [music] Oh Oh my [music] my [music] my [music] god. [music] [music] God by thy grace. >> Please join me in our prayer after >> Please join me in our prayer after communion begins like this. Gracious communion begins like this. Gracious communion begins like this. Gracious God, we thank you that in this sacrament God, we thank you that in this sacrament God, we thank you that in this sacrament you assure us of your goodness and love.

you assure us of your goodness and love. you assure us of your goodness and love. accept our sacrifice of praise and accept our sacrifice of praise and accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and help us grow in love thanksgiving and help us grow in love thanksgiving and help us grow in love and obedience that we may serve you in and obedience that we may serve you in and obedience that we may serve you in the world and finally be brought to that the world and finally be brought to that the world and finally be brought to that table where all your saints feast with table where all your saints feast with table where all your saints feast with you forever. you forever. you forever. Father, we offer ourselves to you as a Father, we offer ourselves to you as a Father, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice through Jesus Christ living sacrifice through Jesus Christ living sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Lord. send us out in the power of our Lord. send us out in the power of our Lord. send us out in the power of your spirit to live and work for your your spirit to live and work for your your spirit to live and work for your praise and glory. Amen. With that, I praise and glory. Amen. With that, I praise and glory. Amen. With that, I want to invite you to stand as you're want to invite you to stand as you're want to invite you to stand as you're able uh as we sing together our hymn of able uh as we sing together our hymn of able uh as we sing together our hymn of commitment. That's number 451 in our commitment. That's number 451 in our commitment. That's number 451 in our himynel, Be Thou My Vision.

We are [music] We are [music] vision vision vision of my heart. are are [music] [music] [music] all all all blessed our blessed our blessed our Bring Bring Bring [music] [music] [music] my treasure might [music] might [music] be be be single.

single. single. [music] Friends, today is a day to live and love Friends, today is a day to live and love like Jesus and to push pause so that we like Jesus and to push pause so that we like Jesus and to push pause so that we may take time to reorder and uh keep the may take time to reorder and uh keep the may take time to reorder and uh keep the main thing the main thing. So go in main thing the main thing. So go in main thing the main thing. So go in peace and may the God of hope fill you peace and may the God of hope fill you peace and may the God of hope fill you with all the peace and joy in believing with all the peace and joy in believing with all the peace and joy in believing so that you may abound in hope by the so that you may abound in hope by the so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the name of power of the Holy Spirit. In the name of power of the Holy Spirit. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy the Father and the Son and the Holy the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Spirit. Amen. Spirit. Amen. Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

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