Traditional | 11 a.m. | 08.23.2026

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

[music] [bell] [bell] [bell] >> Oh. Hey. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> Yes.

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

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

Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Heat. [music] All the All the brightes [music] [music] and and and all the all the all the [music] Brother, sister, Brother, sister, child, child, child, friends [music] of friends [music] of friends [music] of friends [singing] friends [singing] friends [singing] for all for all for all [music]

his [singing] son his [singing] son praise. praise. praise. >> [music] >> Oh my >> Oh my [music] Oh, [music] Oh, [music] Oh, and holy and holy and holy of of of all the blood [music] all the blood [music] all the blood [music] Every voice [music] of God voice [music] of God for You love [music] You love [music] so [music] [music] for all to [music] Please remain standing as you are able Please remain standing as you are able as we affirm our faith together through as we affirm our faith together through as we affirm our faith together through the Apostles's Creed. I believe in God the Apostles's Creed. I believe in God the Apostles's Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,

Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand into heaven and siteth at the right hand into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he of God the Father Almighty. From then he of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the quick and the shall come to judge the quick and the shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. everlasting. everlasting. Amen. to the Son and to the Holy [music] to the Son and to the Holy [music] Ghost. Ghost. Ghost. As it was in the beginning As it was in the beginning As it was in the beginning is [music] now without [music] end. Amen.

without [music] end. Amen. [music] Well, good morning to all of you. So Well, good morning to all of you. So glad you are worshiping with us. Those glad you are worshiping with us. Those glad you are worshiping with us. Those of you here in the sanctuary, those of of you here in the sanctuary, those of of you here in the sanctuary, those of you are on live stream as well. We're so you are on live stream as well. We're so you are on live stream as well. We're so glad you're worshiping with us today. Um glad you're worshiping with us today. Um glad you're worshiping with us today. Um we hope you've already experienced the we hope you've already experienced the we hope you've already experienced the presence of God as you've come into this presence of God as you've come into this presence of God as you've come into this place. If you are here in the sanctuary, place. If you are here in the sanctuary, place. If you are here in the sanctuary, I hope after the uh uh service, you'll I hope after the uh uh service, you'll I hope after the uh uh service, you'll come out to the gathering room just down come out to the gathering room just down come out to the gathering room just down this hallway and enjoy some fellowship this hallway and enjoy some fellowship this hallway and enjoy some fellowship and um there's some little cinnamon and um there's some little cinnamon and um there's some little cinnamon rolls and some uh coffee and just a good rolls and some uh coffee and just a good rolls and some uh coffee and just a good opportunity to visit. If if I haven't opportunity to visit. If if I haven't opportunity to visit. If if I haven't had the chance to meet you, I would love had the chance to meet you, I would love had the chance to meet you, I would love to meet you. Um maybe there's something to meet you. Um maybe there's something to meet you. Um maybe there's something I can be praying about in your life. I can be praying about in your life. I can be praying about in your life. Maybe I can answer a question about St. Maybe I can answer a question about St. Maybe I can answer a question about St. Luke's uh that you don't know and um Luke's uh that you don't know and um Luke's uh that you don't know and um would love to do that for you. I would would love to do that for you. I would would love to do that for you. I would appreciate it if you would register your appreciate it if you would register your appreciate it if you would register your attendance [snorts] and you can do that attendance [snorts] and you can do that attendance [snorts] and you can do that using St. Luke's app. You can do that if using St. Luke's app. You can do that if using St. Luke's app. You can do that if you're here in the sanctuary. There's a you're here in the sanctuary. There's a you're here in the sanctuary. There's a card in your pew pocket that says card in your pew pocket that says card in your pew pocket that says welcome and you can put your contact welcome and you can put your contact welcome and you can put your contact information on that and drop it in the information on that and drop it in the information on that and drop it in the offering plate um later in the service.

offering plate um later in the service. offering plate um later in the service. If you're on our church um uh website If you're on our church um uh website If you're on our church um uh website platform for uh live stream, there's a platform for uh live stream, there's a platform for uh live stream, there's a little tab that says uh welcome or check little tab that says uh welcome or check little tab that says uh welcome or check in rather and you can uh let us know in rather and you can uh let us know in rather and you can uh let us know that you're here that way. Um I have so that you're here that way. Um I have so that you're here that way. Um I have so many if in your bulletin there are so many if in your bulletin there are so many if in your bulletin there are so many announcements. I hope you really many announcements. I hope you really many announcements. I hope you really take look at all of them, but I take look at all of them, but I take look at all of them, but I especially want to uh just lift up a especially want to uh just lift up a especially want to uh just lift up a few. Um the the uh the first one that I few. Um the the uh the first one that I few. Um the the uh the first one that I want to mention is that so we had uh want to mention is that so we had uh want to mention is that so we had uh have passed out last week and you can have passed out last week and you can have passed out last week and you can pick them up this week if you didn't get pick them up this week if you didn't get pick them up this week if you didn't get one a little catalog called fall guide one a little catalog called fall guide one a little catalog called fall guide and it's full of opportunities of things and it's full of opportunities of things and it's full of opportunities of things that are coming up here at St. Luke's. that are coming up here at St. Luke's. that are coming up here at St. Luke's. But sometimes being here um at St. But sometimes being here um at St. But sometimes being here um at St. Luke's is a little bit like going to Luke's is a little bit like going to Luke's is a little bit like going to read the menu at um Cheesecake Factory. read the menu at um Cheesecake Factory. read the menu at um Cheesecake Factory. [laughter] there's just like page after [laughter] there's just like page after [laughter] there's just like page after page after page and you're like, I don't page after page and you're like, I don't page after page and you're like, I don't know, whatever. I've got no idea, just know, whatever. I've got no idea, just know, whatever. I've got no idea, just never mind. And that's what we don't never mind. And that's what we don't never mind. And that's what we don't want. So, we're [snorts] uh going to try want. So, we're [snorts] uh going to try want. So, we're [snorts] uh going to try something called um Fall Guide Live next something called um Fall Guide Live next something called um Fall Guide Live next Sunday after our 11:00 service at 12:15 Sunday after our 11:00 service at 12:15 Sunday after our 11:00 service at 12:15 or so uh in which um we have some people or so uh in which um we have some people or so uh in which um we have some people who will sort of talk you through some who will sort of talk you through some who will sort of talk you through some of these things so that you can really of these things so that you can really of these things so that you can really understand and maybe something will understand and maybe something will understand and maybe something will click in your mind about, oh yeah, I'd click in your mind about, oh yeah, I'd click in your mind about, oh yeah, I'd like to do that. We do ask, we challenge like to do that. We do ask, we challenge like to do that. We do ask, we challenge all of our members and um and all of our all of our members and um and all of our all of our members and um and all of our folks, we challenge all of you to have folks, we challenge all of you to have folks, we challenge all of you to have what we call a plus one. And when we say

what we call a plus one. And when we say what we call a plus one. And when we say plus one, we don't mean somebody come plus one, we don't mean somebody come plus one, we don't mean somebody come with you to worship, although that's with you to worship, although that's with you to worship, although that's awesome, too, if you want to bring awesome, too, if you want to bring awesome, too, if you want to bring someone to church, but we what we mean someone to church, but we what we mean someone to church, but we what we mean is an activity, a plus one activity is an activity, a plus one activity is an activity, a plus one activity other than worship. So, you come to other than worship. So, you come to other than worship. So, you come to worship, but we also ask that you you do worship, but we also ask that you you do worship, but we also ask that you you do one other thing. Be in a choir, be in a one other thing. Be in a choir, be in a one other thing. Be in a choir, be in a Sunday school class, be on a serving Sunday school class, be on a serving Sunday school class, be on a serving team. uh something where you can meet team. uh something where you can meet team. uh something where you can meet some people and and build some some people and and build some some people and and build some relationships. And so Fall Guide Live relationships. And so Fall Guide Live relationships. And so Fall Guide Live will give you an opportunity to figure will give you an opportunity to figure will give you an opportunity to figure out how to do that. Second thing I want out how to do that. Second thing I want out how to do that. Second thing I want to lift up is a a a program we're going to lift up is a a a program we're going to lift up is a a a program we're going to be doing this fall based on a book by to be doing this fall based on a book by to be doing this fall based on a book by Meredith Miller called Woven. And woven Meredith Miller called Woven. And woven Meredith Miller called Woven. And woven is about [clears throat] how we um is about [clears throat] how we um is about [clears throat] how we um help children develop their own faith. A help children develop their own faith. A help children develop their own faith. A faith that is um that that will last faith that is um that that will last faith that is um that that will last them a lifetime rather that that isn't them a lifetime rather that that isn't them a lifetime rather that that isn't like here's what you're supposed to like here's what you're supposed to like here's what you're supposed to believe and once I get out of the house believe and once I get out of the house believe and once I get out of the house I can I'm I'm going to ignore you which I can I'm I'm going to ignore you which I can I'm I'm going to ignore you which is often the case as people push back is often the case as people push back is often the case as people push back against a faith that's kind of crammed against a faith that's kind of crammed against a faith that's kind of crammed down their throat. This is an idea of down their throat. This is an idea of down their throat. This is an idea of how do you can can create an environment how do you can can create an environment how do you can can create an environment how you can weave together an how you can weave together an how you can weave together an environment around children so that they environment around children so that they environment around children so that they come to their own faith and um obviously come to their own faith and um obviously come to their own faith and um obviously as they're younger we help them know as they're younger we help them know as they're younger we help them know what we believe and encourage them to what we believe and encourage them to what we believe and encourage them to believe it but then as they get older believe it but then as they get older believe it but then as they get older they experience all sorts of different they experience all sorts of different they experience all sorts of different things and u this is a a really things and u this is a a really things and u this is a a really wonderful opportunity. We'll have groups wonderful opportunity. We'll have groups wonderful opportunity. We'll have groups for parents so many of our our classes for parents so many of our our classes for parents so many of our our classes and groups are already going to be doing and groups are already going to be doing and groups are already going to be doing the study. Um, we also have some groups

the study. Um, we also have some groups the study. Um, we also have some groups for parents that you can sign up for. for parents that you can sign up for. for parents that you can sign up for. I'm going to lead a group for I'm going to lead a group for I'm going to lead a group for grandparents because our role is a grandparents because our role is a grandparents because our role is a little bit different, [snorts] but um, I little bit different, [snorts] but um, I little bit different, [snorts] but um, I just, uh, think it's going to be a just, uh, think it's going to be a just, uh, think it's going to be a wonderful time. And Meredith Miller will wonderful time. And Meredith Miller will wonderful time. And Meredith Miller will be with us in October to, uh, speak be with us in October to, uh, speak be with us in October to, uh, speak about this. Let me also lift up about this. Let me also lift up about this. Let me also lift up Wednesday night fellowship. Um, this Wednesday night fellowship. Um, this Wednesday night fellowship. Um, this happens every Wednesday night at our happens every Wednesday night at our happens every Wednesday night at our Gethsemane campus. We feed uh, over a Gethsemane campus. We feed uh, over a Gethsemane campus. We feed uh, over a hundred people. Many of them are hundred people. Many of them are hundred people. Many of them are students from our um, the garden youth students from our um, the garden youth students from our um, the garden youth center. Uh but we look for people who center. Uh but we look for people who center. Uh but we look for people who will help set up from 5:00 to 6:00 and will help set up from 5:00 to 6:00 and will help set up from 5:00 to 6:00 and help serve from 6:00 to 7:00 or just help serve from 6:00 to 7:00 or just help serve from 6:00 to 7:00 or just show up to sit with people and visit. I show up to sit with people and visit. I show up to sit with people and visit. I will tell you if you haven't been for to will tell you if you haven't been for to will tell you if you haven't been for to our Gethsemane campus, Wednesday night our Gethsemane campus, Wednesday night our Gethsemane campus, Wednesday night fellowship is a wonderful time. You can fellowship is a wonderful time. You can fellowship is a wonderful time. You can bring the whole family with you and just bring the whole family with you and just bring the whole family with you and just be a part of what is really a marvelous be a part of what is really a marvelous be a part of what is really a marvelous um experience and just a glimpse of the um experience and just a glimpse of the um experience and just a glimpse of the kingdom of God when you're there uh to kingdom of God when you're there uh to kingdom of God when you're there uh to be a part of it. And then finally, our be a part of it. And then finally, our be a part of it. And then finally, our uh ministry spotlight table today is the uh ministry spotlight table today is the uh ministry spotlight table today is the uh focuses on our music and fine arts uh focuses on our music and fine arts uh focuses on our music and fine arts program. We have a what one of well, I program. We have a what one of well, I program. We have a what one of well, I would say the best in the city music and would say the best in the city music and would say the best in the city music and fine arts program here at St. Luke's.

fine arts program here at St. Luke's. fine arts program here at St. Luke's. And there's all sorts of ways you can be And there's all sorts of ways you can be And there's all sorts of ways you can be involved in that. You can sing in the involved in that. You can sing in the involved in that. You can sing in the choirs. Um but there's so many other choirs. Um but there's so many other choirs. Um but there's so many other things. So on the way out, uh stop at things. So on the way out, uh stop at things. So on the way out, uh stop at the ministry spotlight table and find the ministry spotlight table and find the ministry spotlight table and find out more about our our music and fine out more about our our music and fine out more about our our music and fine arts program. Okay, we are uh today is arts program. Okay, we are uh today is arts program. Okay, we are uh today is our second in a series of sermons on uh our second in a series of sermons on uh our second in a series of sermons on uh faith supplements. faith supplements. faith supplements. What are the things that when we look at What are the things that when we look at What are the things that when we look at our lives and say, "Wow, I I I'm kind of our lives and say, "Wow, I I I'm kind of our lives and say, "Wow, I I I'm kind of missing on that that we really need to missing on that that we really need to missing on that that we really need to supplement because these are things that supplement because these are things that supplement because these are things that are supposed to be growing out of our are supposed to be growing out of our are supposed to be growing out of our faith experience. And if they're not faith experience. And if they're not faith experience. And if they're not there, then we need to figure out why there, then we need to figure out why there, then we need to figure out why and how we can invest in those." And so and how we can invest in those." And so and how we can invest in those." And so last week we talked about just enjoying last week we talked about just enjoying last week we talked about just enjoying life about all of the experiences, the life about all of the experiences, the life about all of the experiences, the fun we can have. And today we want to fun we can have. And today we want to fun we can have. And today we want to talk about friendship. So uh we're going talk about friendship. So uh we're going talk about friendship. So uh we're going to hear a marvelous uh anthem deep river to hear a marvelous uh anthem deep river to hear a marvelous uh anthem deep river from our choir. And then listen as we from our choir. And then listen as we from our choir. And then listen as we hear our scripture read this morning.

My home is [singing] My home is [singing] over over over Jordan [music] River. River. [music] to roll [singing] to roll [singing] to the peace peace that [singing] is is [music] is [singing] is [singing] so first scripture reading uh comes out of

first scripture reading uh comes out of the book of 1st Samuel 18:es 1-3. the book of 1st Samuel 18:es 1-3. the book of 1st Samuel 18:es 1-3. When David had finished speaking to When David had finished speaking to When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David. And Jonathan loved the soul of David. And Jonathan loved the soul of David. And Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that him as his own soul. Saul took him that him as his own soul. Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his day and would not let him return to his day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a father's house. Then Jonathan made a father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him covenant with David because he loved him covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. as his own soul. as his own soul. Our second reading comes out of the Our second reading comes out of the Our second reading comes out of the Gospel of John 15:es 12-1 17. Gospel of John 15:es 12-1 17. Gospel of John 15:es 12-1 17. This is my commandment that you love one This is my commandment that you love one This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has another as I have loved you. No one has another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this to lay down one's greater love than this to lay down one's greater love than this to lay down one's life for one's friends. life for one's friends. life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I You are my friends if you do what I You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants command you. I do not call you servants command you. I do not call you servants any longer because the servant does not any longer because the servant does not any longer because the servant does not know what the master is doing. But I know what the master is doing. But I know what the master is doing. But I have called you friends because I have have called you friends because I have have called you friends because I have made known to you everything that I have made known to you everything that I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my father. You did not choose heard from my father. You did not choose heard from my father. You did not choose me, but I chose you and I appointed you me, but I chose you and I appointed you me, but I chose you and I appointed you to go and bear fruit. fruit that will to go and bear fruit. fruit that will to go and bear fruit. fruit that will last so that the father will give you last so that the father will give you last so that the father will give you whatever whatever whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you you ask him in my name. I am giving you you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one these commands so that you may love one these commands so that you may love one another. The word of God for the people

another. The word of God for the people another. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. A place where [singing] sin can A place where [singing] sin can [music] molest [music] molest [music] molest near [singing] to the heart of God. near [singing] to the heart of God. near [singing] to the heart of God. Oh Jesus, [singing] bless [music] from the [music and singing] heart of from the [music and singing] heart of God. God. God. Hold us Hold us Hold us wait. Please join me in prayer.

Please join me in prayer. Loving Jesus, Loving Jesus, Loving Jesus, you modeled throughout your life what it you modeled throughout your life what it you modeled throughout your life what it truly looked like to be a friend. You truly looked like to be a friend. You truly looked like to be a friend. You were kind, selfless, were kind, selfless, were kind, selfless, honest, and sacrificial. honest, and sacrificial. honest, and sacrificial. You forgave quickly and walked with You forgave quickly and walked with You forgave quickly and walked with others through their own brokenness. others through their own brokenness. others through their own brokenness. When you were rejected in your hometown, When you were rejected in your hometown, When you were rejected in your hometown, when the people around you doubted you, when the people around you doubted you, when the people around you doubted you, when your friends betrayed you, you when your friends betrayed you, you when your friends betrayed you, you remained their friend. remained their friend. remained their friend. Help us to be more like you, that we Help us to be more like you, that we Help us to be more like you, that we might be the friend that you call us to might be the friend that you call us to might be the friend that you call us to be rather than the friend that others be rather than the friend that others be rather than the friend that others deserve. deserve. deserve. And when it feels like things are not And when it feels like things are not And when it feels like things are not going our way, when we are struggling going our way, when we are struggling going our way, when we are struggling with loneliness, with loneliness, with loneliness, and when we doubt your friendship to us, and when we doubt your friendship to us, and when we doubt your friendship to us, help us to remember your steadfastness. help us to remember your steadfastness. help us to remember your steadfastness. You will never betray us nor desert us.

You will never betray us nor desert us. You will never betray us nor desert us. You give and give knowing that we can't You give and give knowing that we can't You give and give knowing that we can't reciprocate fully your kindness and reciprocate fully your kindness and reciprocate fully your kindness and generosity. generosity. generosity. We are simply thankful to be your We are simply thankful to be your We are simply thankful to be your friends. friends. friends. We offer this prayer now in your name. We offer this prayer now in your name. We offer this prayer now in your name. Praying the words that you taught your Praying the words that you taught your Praying the words that you taught your friends to pray. Our Father, who art in friends to pray. Our Father, who art in friends to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. >> Our hymn of preparation is what a friend >> Our hymn of preparation is what a friend >> Our hymn of preparation is what a friend we have in Jesus which is page 526 we have in Jesus which is page 526 we have in Jesus which is page 526 in your himnil. We're going to sing the in your himnil. We're going to sing the in your himnil. We're going to sing the first and last verse. But I have even first and last verse. But I have even first and last verse. But I have even better news. During the offeratory, better news. During the offeratory, better news. During the offeratory, we're going to be singing beautiful we're going to be singing beautiful we're going to be singing beautiful Savior, known to us as Fairest Lord Savior, known to us as Fairest Lord Savior, known to us as Fairest Lord Jesus. And on verse four, I'm going to Jesus. And on verse four, I'm going to Jesus. And on verse four, I'm going to invite you to sing as well as remind you invite you to sing as well as remind you invite you to sing as well as remind you that there's a QR code on the back of that there's a QR code on the back of that there's a QR code on the back of your himn on the back of your bulletin your himn on the back of your bulletin your himn on the back of your bulletin that will tell you more about the hymns that will tell you more about the hymns that will tell you more about the hymns today. So all this opportunity, I expect today. So all this opportunity, I expect today. So all this opportunity, I expect you to sing well. Would you stand please you to sing well. Would you stand please you to sing well. Would you stand please and sing with me?

and sing with me? and sing with me? [music] Lord Lord [music] What [music] a privilege to carry What [music] a privilege to carry [singing] because we do not care.

because we do not care. >> [music] >> everything >> everything to God in prayer. for for me. me. me. Take [music] Take [music] Take [music] it to the Lord in prayer. [music] His arms will [singing] take and [music] His arms will [singing] take and shield. I invite our ushers to come forward as I invite our ushers to come forward as we present to God our morning offering.

we present to God our morning offering. we present to God our morning offering. This is a way we support the ministries This is a way we support the ministries This is a way we support the ministries of St. Luke's financially, of course, of St. Luke's financially, of course, of St. Luke's financially, of course, but it is also a way that we just but it is also a way that we just but it is also a way that we just remember that worship is something we remember that worship is something we remember that worship is something we offer. That all week long we're really offer. That all week long we're really offer. That all week long we're really um worshiping when we offer ourselves to um worshiping when we offer ourselves to um worshiping when we offer ourselves to God. So, what is it you have to offer? God. So, what is it you have to offer? God. So, what is it you have to offer? What time, what talent, what uh what What time, what talent, what uh what What time, what talent, what uh what gifts do you have to offer God? So as uh gifts do you have to offer God? So as uh gifts do you have to offer God? So as uh our choir uh leads in beautiful Savior our choir uh leads in beautiful Savior our choir uh leads in beautiful Savior again on that fourth verse it's it's um again on that fourth verse it's it's um again on that fourth verse it's it's um hymn number 189 we call it fairest lord hymn number 189 we call it fairest lord hymn number 189 we call it fairest lord Jesus um but join in the uh the singing Jesus um but join in the uh the singing Jesus um but join in the uh the singing of that final fourth verse. Let's of that final fourth verse. Let's of that final fourth verse. Let's continue in worship. Oh savior,

Oh savior, [music] [music] [music] king king king of [singing] creation, son [singing and music] son [singing and music] of all of all of all and son and son and son of [music] of [music] of [music] man. Truly Truly [music and singing] I love thee. [music and singing] I love thee. [music and singing] I love thee. Truly Truly Truly [singing] I serve thee, [music] [singing] I serve thee, [music] [singing] I serve thee, [music] light [singing] light [singing] light [singing] of my soul, of my soul, of my soul, my [music] joy, [singing] my [music] joy, [singing] my [music] joy, [singing] my my my crown. [singing] [singing] Where [chanting] [chanting] are the [singing] [music] Jesus is?

[music] Jesus is? Jesus [singing] is pure [music] [music] spirit spirit spirit sing. He makes a [music] sorrow sing. He makes a [music] sorrow sing. He makes a [music] sorrow spirit brighter. brighter. sparkling sparkling sparkling [singing] [singing] [singing] stars stars stars on [music] Jesus Jesus shines brighter. Jesus Jesus shines pure than than all the [singing] angels all the [singing] angels all the [singing] angels in in in the [music] sky.

>> [bell] >> [bell] >> You take [music] theior Lord of the Rings, Lord of the Rings, son [music] son [music] son [music] of God, glory. [music] >> [singing] >> We alone >> Praise the Lord.

>> Praise the Lord. Blessings. [music] Well, that was really awesome. Well, that was really awesome. You guys should do it up here. Sit up You guys should do it up here. Sit up You guys should do it up here. Sit up here and then you get them right behind here and then you get them right behind here and then you get them right behind you. Oh, man. Thank you for that. Let's you. Oh, man. Thank you for that. Let's you. Oh, man. Thank you for that. Let's pray together. pray together. pray together. Oh God, open us up today. Open eyes that Oh God, open us up today. Open eyes that Oh God, open us up today. Open eyes that we might see and ears that we might hear we might see and ears that we might hear we might see and ears that we might hear your word in the midst of these words.

your word in the midst of these words. your word in the midst of these words. Open our hearts, God, that we might Open our hearts, God, that we might Open our hearts, God, that we might feel, that your word might fall in. And feel, that your word might fall in. And feel, that your word might fall in. And then, oh God, open our hands that we then, oh God, open our hands that we then, oh God, open our hands that we might give and serve and love. might give and serve and love. might give and serve and love. Amen. When I was in seminary, I had a good When I was in seminary, I had a good friend named Paul Led Better. Paul and friend named Paul Led Better. Paul and friend named Paul Led Better. Paul and Debbie were good friends with De and me. Debbie were good friends with De and me. Debbie were good friends with De and me. Um, and there was another couple with Um, and there was another couple with Um, and there was another couple with whom we were friends as well. Um, none whom we were friends as well. Um, none whom we were friends as well. Um, none of us had any children. We um, the the of us had any children. We um, the the of us had any children. We um, the the the students, Paul and I were in many the students, Paul and I were in many the students, Paul and I were in many classes together. We did study time classes together. We did study time classes together. We did study time together. We sat together and pondered together. We sat together and pondered together. We sat together and pondered the, you know, how many angels could fit the, you know, how many angels could fit the, you know, how many angels could fit on the head of a pin. We all of those on the head of a pin. We all of those on the head of a pin. We all of those sorts of things in seminary. We really sorts of things in seminary. We really sorts of things in seminary. We really we were really good friends. Well, when we were really good friends. Well, when we were really good friends. Well, when we reached the end of our fourth year of we reached the end of our fourth year of we reached the end of our fourth year of seminary, as we were coming to that seminary, as we were coming to that seminary, as we were coming to that time, a couple of things uh happened. time, a couple of things uh happened. time, a couple of things uh happened. One is we D and I began expecting our One is we D and I began expecting our One is we D and I began expecting our first child. And the other is that Paul first child. And the other is that Paul first child. And the other is that Paul decided that he didn't want to be in decided that he didn't want to be in decided that he didn't want to be in full-time ministry, but that he wanted full-time ministry, but that he wanted full-time ministry, but that he wanted to be an attorney and was going to go on to be an attorney and was going to go on to be an attorney and was going to go on to law school. [snorts] And so, um we to law school. [snorts] And so, um we to law school. [snorts] And so, um we because there was a a new child on the because there was a a new child on the because there was a a new child on the way, we decided we needed a will. And so way, we decided we needed a will. And so way, we decided we needed a will. And so we got an attorney to help us make a we got an attorney to help us make a we got an attorney to help us make a will. And uh we chose Paul Led Better to will. And uh we chose Paul Led Better to will. And uh we chose Paul Led Better to be the executive of our uh will. He was be the executive of our uh will. He was be the executive of our uh will. He was going to be an attorney. He was a good going to be an attorney. He was a good going to be an attorney. He was a good friend. We didn't really have siblings friend. We didn't really have siblings friend. We didn't really have siblings that we felt like we could go to. So we

that we felt like we could go to. So we that we felt like we could go to. So we said, "Let's let's have Paul do it." And said, "Let's let's have Paul do it." And said, "Let's let's have Paul do it." And um so we graduate from seminary. Uh I um so we graduate from seminary. Uh I um so we graduate from seminary. Uh I come to Houston. He goes to Austin to go come to Houston. He goes to Austin to go come to Houston. He goes to Austin to go to law school. And we haven't spoken to law school. And we haven't spoken to law school. And we haven't spoken since. since. since. I I uh I say we lost touch. I I uh I say we lost touch. I I uh I say we lost touch. The truth is that that implies that The truth is that that implies that The truth is that that implies that something sort of happened to us. It was something sort of happened to us. It was something sort of happened to us. It was sort of accidental. But the truth is was sort of accidental. But the truth is was sort of accidental. But the truth is was it was negligence, it was negligence, it was negligence, right? [snorts] We neither one of us right? [snorts] We neither one of us right? [snorts] We neither one of us made the effort to stay in touch, to made the effort to stay in touch, to made the effort to stay in touch, to stay connected, to invest in friendship. stay connected, to invest in friendship. stay connected, to invest in friendship. Here's the funny part. It wasn't until Here's the funny part. It wasn't until Here's the funny part. It wasn't until last year that we got a new will. last year that we got a new will. last year that we got a new will. So, should anything have happened, you So, should anything have happened, you So, should anything have happened, you know, 30 years later, Paul would have know, 30 years later, Paul would have know, 30 years later, Paul would have thought, "What? I am going to be the thought, "What? I am going to be the thought, "What? I am going to be the executive of I don't even know this guy executive of I don't even know this guy executive of I don't even know this guy anymore." Uh, I tell you, uh, here's anymore." Uh, I tell you, uh, here's anymore." Uh, I tell you, uh, here's here's what's even more fun. Um, I don't here's what's even more fun. Um, I don't here's what's even more fun. Um, I don't know, some of you know, uh, Hank and know, some of you know, uh, Hank and know, some of you know, uh, Hank and Katherine Coleman who are members here Katherine Coleman who are members here Katherine Coleman who are members here at St. Luke or were members here.

at St. Luke or were members here. at St. Luke or were members here. They've moved away and move they've now They've moved away and move they've now They've moved away and move they've now joined University United Methodist joined University United Methodist joined University United Methodist Church in in Austin and they joined a Church in in Austin and they joined a Church in in Austin and they joined a Sunday school class and who would be in Sunday school class and who would be in Sunday school class and who would be in that Sunday school class and become good that Sunday school class and become good that Sunday school class and become good friends with them but Paul and Debbie friends with them but Paul and Debbie friends with them but Paul and Debbie led better and uh they were they sent us led better and uh they were they sent us led better and uh they were they sent us a picture along with John and Sue Frell a picture along with John and Sue Frell a picture along with John and Sue Frell of them being together in Santa Fe and of them being together in Santa Fe and of them being together in Santa Fe and uh I was like so that's what he looks uh I was like so that's what he looks uh I was like so that's what he looks like now. I wonder it's an odd thing uh like now. I wonder it's an odd thing uh like now. I wonder it's an odd thing uh how that worked out. I I I think it's how that worked out. I I I think it's how that worked out. I I I think it's important for us to recognize and if you important for us to recognize and if you important for us to recognize and if you walk away with anything today, it's that walk away with anything today, it's that walk away with anything today, it's that friendships require work. They require friendships require work. They require friendships require work. They require investment. investment. investment. So, we are in America facing what is So, we are in America facing what is So, we are in America facing what is called a friendship recession. called a friendship recession. called a friendship recession. Let me give you some statistics. Uh the Let me give you some statistics. Uh the Let me give you some statistics. Uh the survey center on American life did an survey center on American life did an survey center on American life did an exhaustive survey in 2021 and here's the exhaustive survey in 2021 and here's the exhaustive survey in 2021 and here's the data on the change from 1990 to 2021 data on the change from 1990 to 2021 data on the change from 1990 to 2021 over those 30 years. In 1990 3% of over those 30 years. In 1990 3% of over those 30 years. In 1990 3% of Americans surveyed said they had no Americans surveyed said they had no Americans surveyed said they had no friends.

friends. friends. In 2021 that number was 12%. In 2021 that number was 12%. In 2021 that number was 12%. The survey center did a smaller followup The survey center did a smaller followup The survey center did a smaller followup in 2014 uh 2024 rather and that number in 2014 uh 2024 rather and that number in 2014 uh 2024 rather and that number had risen again to 17% of the people had risen again to 17% of the people had risen again to 17% of the people said they had no friends. Um the survey said they had no friends. Um the survey said they had no friends. Um the survey uh in 1990 uh 4% said they had only one uh in 1990 uh 4% said they had only one uh in 1990 uh 4% said they had only one friend. In 2021 that number had nearly friend. In 2021 that number had nearly friend. In 2021 that number had nearly doubled to 7%. In 1990 27% of people doubled to 7%. In 1990 27% of people doubled to 7%. In 1990 27% of people said they had three or fewer friends. By said they had three or fewer friends. By said they had three or fewer friends. By 2021, that number had risen to 49%. 2021, that number had risen to 49%. 2021, that number had risen to 49%. Even at the top end of the scale, in Even at the top end of the scale, in Even at the top end of the scale, in 1990, 33% of Americans said they had 10 1990, 33% of Americans said they had 10 1990, 33% of Americans said they had 10 or more good friends. In 2021, that or more good friends. In 2021, that or more good friends. In 2021, that number had fallen to only 13%. number had fallen to only 13%. number had fallen to only 13%. The number of of friends that we have is The number of of friends that we have is The number of of friends that we have is declining. declining. declining. I I you know when we have these memorial I I you know when we have these memorial I I you know when we have these memorial services where lots of church people services where lots of church people services where lots of church people come together it is this really come together it is this really come together it is this really ambivalent ambivalent feeling because on ambivalent ambivalent feeling because on ambivalent ambivalent feeling because on the one hand it's really joyous to see the one hand it's really joyous to see the one hand it's really joyous to see all these people who have gathered to all these people who have gathered to all these people who have gathered to express their love for someone who's express their love for someone who's express their love for someone who's passed away and on the other hand people passed away and on the other hand people passed away and on the other hand people will say to me will say to me will say to me all my friends are dying all my friends are dying all my friends are dying I don't have as many friends as I used I don't have as many friends as I used I don't have as many friends as I used to to to and we've got to stop meeting like this and we've got to stop meeting like this and we've got to stop meeting like this and that is the truth. We can feel and that is the truth. We can feel and that is the truth. We can feel incredibly lonely and feel like we don't

incredibly lonely and feel like we don't incredibly lonely and feel like we don't have friends. So, we can go through all have friends. So, we can go through all have friends. So, we can go through all of the social reasons, you know, the of the social reasons, you know, the of the social reasons, you know, the internet and social media and all this internet and social media and all this internet and social media and all this stuff to make us think why that's the stuff to make us think why that's the stuff to make us think why that's the case. But I think it's more important to case. But I think it's more important to case. But I think it's more important to think about how we can address the think about how we can address the think about how we can address the issue. And I thought we might look at issue. And I thought we might look at issue. And I thought we might look at this amazing, beautiful story of this amazing, beautiful story of this amazing, beautiful story of Jonathan and David in the Old Testament Jonathan and David in the Old Testament Jonathan and David in the Old Testament to maybe see what we can learn. Uh, it's to maybe see what we can learn. Uh, it's to maybe see what we can learn. Uh, it's a wonderful story that spans many, many a wonderful story that spans many, many a wonderful story that spans many, many chapters. And I wish I could just take chapters. And I wish I could just take chapters. And I wish I could just take you through in detail the whole thing, you through in detail the whole thing, you through in detail the whole thing, but let me give you a summary. [snorts] but let me give you a summary. [snorts] but let me give you a summary. [snorts] Jonathan is King Saul's son. Jonathan is King Saul's son. Jonathan is King Saul's son. David was King Saul's armorbearer. David was King Saul's armorbearer. David was King Saul's armorbearer. So they are contemporaries So they are contemporaries So they are contemporaries and they are both in the household of and they are both in the household of and they are both in the household of King Saul. King Saul. King Saul. Well, as you know the story um uh David Well, as you know the story um uh David Well, as you know the story um uh David slays the the giant Goliath, right? And slays the the giant Goliath, right? And slays the the giant Goliath, right? And and Jonathan sees that and he is so and Jonathan sees that and he is so and Jonathan sees that and he is so impressed, so touched, so amazed at at impressed, so touched, so amazed at at impressed, so touched, so amazed at at David that he decides he wants to be David that he decides he wants to be David that he decides he wants to be David's friend.

David's friend. David's friend. and he he goes to him and he says, "I I and he he goes to him and he says, "I I and he he goes to him and he says, "I I pledge my loyalty to you. I want to be pledge my loyalty to you. I want to be pledge my loyalty to you. I want to be your friend. I I make a covenant to you, your friend. I I make a covenant to you, your friend. I I make a covenant to you, a promise to you that I'll be there for a promise to you that I'll be there for a promise to you that I'll be there for you." And it's it's a a a beautiful you." And it's it's a a a beautiful you." And it's it's a a a beautiful picture. Well, over time, what happens picture. Well, over time, what happens picture. Well, over time, what happens is King uh David's star rises and the is King uh David's star rises and the is King uh David's star rises and the people begin to really follow him and people begin to really follow him and people begin to really follow him and and Saul's star begins to fall and Saul and Saul's star begins to fall and Saul and Saul's star begins to fall and Saul gets incredibly jealous and he decides gets incredibly jealous and he decides gets incredibly jealous and he decides he needs to kill David. And what he needs to kill David. And what he needs to kill David. And what happens? His son Jonathan intervenes for happens? His son Jonathan intervenes for happens? His son Jonathan intervenes for him. He steps in the way. One time Saul him. He steps in the way. One time Saul him. He steps in the way. One time Saul actually throws a spear at his own son actually throws a spear at his own son actually throws a spear at his own son because he's standing up for Jonathan. because he's standing up for Jonathan. because he's standing up for Jonathan. And then when it becomes clear that And then when it becomes clear that And then when it becomes clear that Jonathan is going to have to that David Jonathan is going to have to that David Jonathan is going to have to that David is going to have to leave the kingdom or is going to have to leave the kingdom or is going to have to leave the kingdom or he's going to be killed, uh uh um he's going to be killed, uh uh um he's going to be killed, uh uh um Jonathan participates in in creating Jonathan participates in in creating Jonathan participates in in creating this ruse where he can get away for this ruse where he can get away for this ruse where he can get away for without being caught. Uh later on um without being caught. Uh later on um without being caught. Uh later on um over and over he he steps in the way of over and over he he steps in the way of over and over he he steps in the way of of Saul to keep him from killing David.

of Saul to keep him from killing David. of Saul to keep him from killing David. Well, Well, Well, as we reach the end of 1 Samuel, um both as we reach the end of 1 Samuel, um both as we reach the end of 1 Samuel, um both Jonathan and Saul die in battle and Jonathan and Saul die in battle and Jonathan and Saul die in battle and there is this beautiful heartfelt song there is this beautiful heartfelt song there is this beautiful heartfelt song called the lament of the bow where David called the lament of the bow where David called the lament of the bow where David just expresses incredible heartbreak at just expresses incredible heartbreak at just expresses incredible heartbreak at the loss of Jonathan and in fact of Saul the loss of Jonathan and in fact of Saul the loss of Jonathan and in fact of Saul who was trying to kill him that his who was trying to kill him that his who was trying to kill him that his heart is just broken. heart is just broken. heart is just broken. And there's one beautiful little And there's one beautiful little And there's one beautiful little epilogue to the story and that is that epilogue to the story and that is that epilogue to the story and that is that Jonathan had a son named Mphibicheth. I Jonathan had a son named Mphibicheth. I Jonathan had a son named Mphibicheth. I don't know who chooses that name but you don't know who chooses that name but you don't know who chooses that name but you [clears throat] know honey you want. So [clears throat] know honey you want. So [clears throat] know honey you want. So how about Mphibicheth? how about Mphibicheth? how about Mphibicheth? Um so uh had a son named Mphibicheth and Um so uh had a son named Mphibicheth and Um so uh had a son named Mphibicheth and Mashib Mphibicheth when he was a child Mashib Mphibicheth when he was a child Mashib Mphibicheth when he was a child the his the nanny dropped him and his the his the nanny dropped him and his the his the nanny dropped him and his legs were broken and he was disabled and legs were broken and he was disabled and legs were broken and he was disabled and so after Jonathan dies so after Jonathan dies so after Jonathan dies uh King David says uh King David says uh King David says that you will always said on account of that you will always said on account of that you will always said on account of your father Jonathan you will always your father Jonathan you will always your father Jonathan you will always have a place at my table and I restore have a place at my table and I restore have a place at my table and I restore to you all of the land that was your to you all of the land that was your to you all of the land that was your father, your uh grandfather Saul's. It father, your uh grandfather Saul's. It father, your uh grandfather Saul's. It all belongs to you and you will always all belongs to you and you will always all belongs to you and you will always be a part of my household. It's just a be a part of my household. It's just a be a part of my household. It's just a beautiful story. So, what what can we beautiful story. So, what what can we beautiful story. So, what what can we learn from this about our own lives? And learn from this about our own lives? And learn from this about our own lives? And I really just want to lift up two I really just want to lift up two I really just want to lift up two things. And here's the first one. The

things. And here's the first one. The things. And here's the first one. The first one is is that um if you want to first one is is that um if you want to first one is is that um if you want to to have a friend, if you want to make a to have a friend, if you want to make a to have a friend, if you want to make a friend, you have to take the initiative. friend, you have to take the initiative. friend, you have to take the initiative. You have to to step out there to uh to You have to to step out there to uh to You have to to step out there to uh to make that friend. I I want you to see make that friend. I I want you to see make that friend. I I want you to see where this started. It wasn't that David where this started. It wasn't that David where this started. It wasn't that David decided he wanted to be friends with decided he wanted to be friends with decided he wanted to be friends with Jonathan. It's that Jonathan decided he Jonathan. It's that Jonathan decided he Jonathan. It's that Jonathan decided he wanted to be friends with David and he wanted to be friends with David and he wanted to be friends with David and he reached out. He he pursued him, right? reached out. He he pursued him, right? reached out. He he pursued him, right? It I want you to note who the actor who It I want you to note who the actor who It I want you to note who the actor who the the actor is in this in this the the actor is in this in this the the actor is in this in this scripture. Jonathan loved him as his own scripture. Jonathan loved him as his own scripture. Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Jonathan made a covenant with soul. Jonathan made a covenant with soul. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own David because he loved him as his own David because he loved him as his own soul. He was the one who who who reached soul. He was the one who who who reached soul. He was the one who who who reached out. Now, here's what happens. Sometimes out. Now, here's what happens. Sometimes out. Now, here's what happens. Sometimes we think to ourselves, we think to ourselves, we think to ourselves, [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] I don't know. I don't really need any I don't know. I don't really need any I don't know. I don't really need any new friends. I'm satisfied with my new friends. I'm satisfied with my new friends. I'm satisfied with my friendships. I've got good friends. I friendships. I've got good friends. I friendships. I've got good friends. I don't need anymore. don't need anymore. don't need anymore. The these are the ones I've got. Here's The these are the ones I've got. Here's The these are the ones I've got. Here's the problem with that. Um well for one the problem with that. Um well for one the problem with that. Um well for one there's be a point at which those there's be a point at which those there's be a point at which those friends may begin to die friends may begin to die friends may begin to die but more than that it's like your life but more than that it's like your life but more than that it's like your life can become this sort of stagnant pond can become this sort of stagnant pond can become this sort of stagnant pond that really there's no nothing new that really there's no nothing new that really there's no nothing new flowing into it. There's no new people flowing into it. There's no new people flowing into it. There's no new people that are going to be bringing life to that are going to be bringing life to that are going to be bringing life to it. Instead you've just got that same it. Instead you've just got that same it. Instead you've just got that same existing group of friends and and I'm existing group of friends and and I'm existing group of friends and and I'm satisfied with those. You think uh but satisfied with those. You think uh but satisfied with those. You think uh but that's not what God intends. If we're that's not what God intends. If we're that's not what God intends. If we're not growing, we're dying.

not growing, we're dying. not growing, we're dying. Right? So, or it may be that you're a Right? So, or it may be that you're a Right? So, or it may be that you're a person who really isn't satisfied with person who really isn't satisfied with person who really isn't satisfied with your friendships. your friendships. your friendships. And you think to yourself, God, I'm not And you think to yourself, God, I'm not And you think to yourself, God, I'm not satisfied with my friendships. But, you satisfied with my friendships. But, you satisfied with my friendships. But, you know, inertia just takes over and you know, inertia just takes over and you know, inertia just takes over and you just keep doing the same thing that just keep doing the same thing that just keep doing the same thing that you've always done. And you just keep, you've always done. And you just keep, you've always done. And you just keep, you know, you never make that decision you know, you never make that decision you know, you never make that decision to reach out to anybody new, to build to reach out to anybody new, to build to reach out to anybody new, to build that friendship, to invest in that, that friendship, to invest in that, that friendship, to invest in that, right? you never you you or it may be right? you never you you or it may be right? you never you you or it may be that you're a person who's just like I'm that you're a person who's just like I'm that you're a person who's just like I'm afraid to take the risk. I may be afraid to take the risk. I may be afraid to take the risk. I may be rejected. I don't want to reach out for rejected. I don't want to reach out for rejected. I don't want to reach out for a new friendship because, you know, they a new friendship because, you know, they a new friendship because, you know, they may turn away from me. may turn away from me. may turn away from me. Or or it may be that you're just one of Or or it may be that you're just one of Or or it may be that you're just one of those self-sufficient people who says, those self-sufficient people who says, those self-sufficient people who says, "I don't need any friends. I can do this "I don't need any friends. I can do this "I don't need any friends. I can do this all on my own." Sad for you. I hope not. all on my own." Sad for you. I hope not. all on my own." Sad for you. I hope not. Here's what uh uh I would en encourage Here's what uh uh I would en encourage Here's what uh uh I would en encourage you to think about. What can I do to you to think about. What can I do to you to think about. What can I do to reach out? Right? What can I do to uh uh reach out? Right? What can I do to uh uh reach out? Right? What can I do to uh uh to to build that relationship? How can I to to build that relationship? How can I to to build that relationship? How can I take a risk? Um a a woman named Anna take a risk? Um a a woman named Anna take a risk? Um a a woman named Anna Goldfar wrote a book called Modern Goldfar wrote a book called Modern Goldfar wrote a book called Modern Friendship, which is so interesting Friendship, which is so interesting Friendship, which is so interesting because it has all sorts of sort of uh because it has all sorts of sort of uh because it has all sorts of sort of uh neat little things that you wouldn't neat little things that you wouldn't neat little things that you wouldn't think about. They're not theoretical.

think about. They're not theoretical. think about. They're not theoretical. They're practical. Like um how do I They're practical. Like um how do I They're practical. Like um how do I return a text message or what happens if return a text message or what happens if return a text message or what happens if I don't want to return the text message? I don't want to return the text message? I don't want to return the text message? and how do I practice those kinds of and how do I practice those kinds of and how do I practice those kinds of things in modern friendship? But she has things in modern friendship? But she has things in modern friendship? But she has this one great uh uh chapter that she this one great uh uh chapter that she this one great uh uh chapter that she calls six hard truths about friendship. calls six hard truths about friendship. calls six hard truths about friendship. And I just want to share two of them. And I just want to share two of them. And I just want to share two of them. Truth one, friends will disappoint us. Truth one, friends will disappoint us. Truth one, friends will disappoint us. You got to take the risk. It is going to You got to take the risk. It is going to You got to take the risk. It is going to you you are going to have some pain. you you are going to have some pain. you you are going to have some pain. Here's truth four. You have to be okay Here's truth four. You have to be okay Here's truth four. You have to be okay with some occasional rejection. with some occasional rejection. with some occasional rejection. We have to be willing to offer some We have to be willing to offer some We have to be willing to offer some grace. grace. grace. We have to be willing to step out and We have to be willing to step out and We have to be willing to step out and put ourselves at risk to be to be able put ourselves at risk to be to be able put ourselves at risk to be to be able to to make those friends. John Gottman to to make those friends. John Gottman to to make those friends. John Gottman is perhaps the the foremost expert on is perhaps the the foremost expert on is perhaps the the foremost expert on marriage. So he's written 40 books about marriage. So he's written 40 books about marriage. So he's written 40 books about marriage. He's um uh you know just kind marriage. He's um uh you know just kind marriage. He's um uh you know just kind of the um the main one if you want to of the um the main one if you want to of the um the main one if you want to learn about marriage counseling and learn about marriage counseling and learn about marriage counseling and other things. Well, he also ventures in other things. Well, he also ventures in other things. Well, he also ventures in some of his books into friendship. And some of his books into friendship. And some of his books into friendship. And he has this wonderful concept that I he has this wonderful concept that I he has this wonderful concept that I think is really helpful called bids. He think is really helpful called bids. He think is really helpful called bids. He says, "Place a bid." And a bid or offer says, "Place a bid." And a bid or offer says, "Place a bid." And a bid or offer a bid. And a bid is anything you do that a bid. And a bid is anything you do that a bid. And a bid is anything you do that will invite someone to draw closer to will invite someone to draw closer to will invite someone to draw closer to you or that you're you're offering you or that you're you're offering you or that you're you're offering something. So, it can be something as something. So, it can be something as something. So, it can be something as small, for example, in marriage or a small, for example, in marriage or a small, for example, in marriage or a friendship of saying, "Um, can I get you

friendship of saying, "Um, can I get you friendship of saying, "Um, can I get you a glass of water? a glass of water? a glass of water? How simple is that? Can I take your How simple is that? Can I take your How simple is that? Can I take your plate for you? plate for you? plate for you? As a way of just saying, I'm offering, As a way of just saying, I'm offering, As a way of just saying, I'm offering, you know, to just this little you know, to just this little you know, to just this little uh this little invitation to let you uh this little invitation to let you uh this little invitation to let you know that I care about you and and want know that I care about you and and want know that I care about you and and want to be a bit closer. It I it can be um to be a bit closer. It I it can be um to be a bit closer. It I it can be um asking for someone's advice. What do you asking for someone's advice. What do you asking for someone's advice. What do you think of this wallpaper? think of this wallpaper? think of this wallpaper? Right? So, what you're doing is saying Right? So, what you're doing is saying Right? So, what you're doing is saying your opinion matters to me. Now, that's your opinion matters to me. Now, that's your opinion matters to me. Now, that's a bid. They may or may not accept it. a bid. They may or may not accept it. a bid. They may or may not accept it. And they may say, "I don't know. I don't And they may say, "I don't know. I don't And they may say, "I don't know. I don't really care about wallpaper." Well, really care about wallpaper." Well, really care about wallpaper." Well, okay. You You know, that was a bid that okay. You You know, that was a bid that okay. You You know, that was a bid that was not accepted. But you place the bid. was not accepted. But you place the bid. was not accepted. But you place the bid. And then as you get sort of what what he And then as you get sort of what what he And then as you get sort of what what he calls higher value bids are things like, calls higher value bids are things like, calls higher value bids are things like, "Can I talk to you about my marriage? "Can I talk to you about my marriage? "Can I talk to you about my marriage? I'm really struggling." I'm really struggling." I'm really struggling." After you've tried those lower bids, After you've tried those lower bids, After you've tried those lower bids, then you realize maybe it's okay for me then you realize maybe it's okay for me then you realize maybe it's okay for me to bid a little deeper. to bid a little deeper. to bid a little deeper. and start to build that.

and start to build that. and start to build that. But here's the truth. We have to take But here's the truth. We have to take But here's the truth. We have to take the initiative. We have to take the step the initiative. We have to take the step the initiative. We have to take the step and reach out because it's not going to and reach out because it's not going to and reach out because it's not going to come to us. It's not going to come to come to us. It's not going to come to come to us. It's not going to come to us. us. us. All right. Here's the second thing I All right. Here's the second thing I All right. Here's the second thing I hope we see. hope we see. hope we see. David or excuse me, Jonathan focuses on David or excuse me, Jonathan focuses on David or excuse me, Jonathan focuses on being a friend, not having a friend. being a friend, not having a friend. being a friend, not having a friend. He's interested in how he is acting as a He's interested in how he is acting as a He's interested in how he is acting as a friend. He's reaching out to them over friend. He's reaching out to them over friend. He's reaching out to them over and over again. and over again. and over again. Right in when uh David is trying to Right in when uh David is trying to Right in when uh David is trying to figure out how he's going to get away figure out how he's going to get away figure out how he's going to get away from King Saul when he is maybe going to from King Saul when he is maybe going to from King Saul when he is maybe going to kill him, Jonathan says to him this, he kill him, Jonathan says to him this, he kill him, Jonathan says to him this, he says, "What do you want me to do? says, "What do you want me to do? says, "What do you want me to do? Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it for you." as they're trying to figure for you." as they're trying to figure for you." as they're trying to figure out this ruse to get him away, he's out this ruse to get him away, he's out this ruse to get him away, he's saying, "I'm I'm in. I'm with you." And saying, "I'm I'm in. I'm with you." And saying, "I'm I'm in. I'm with you." And then they renew their covenant together. then they renew their covenant together. then they renew their covenant together. Uh later on, um uh David is being chased Uh later on, um uh David is being chased Uh later on, um uh David is being chased by Saul and and Saul is wanting to kill by Saul and and Saul is wanting to kill by Saul and and Saul is wanting to kill him and he's feeling like uh like maybe him and he's feeling like uh like maybe him and he's feeling like uh like maybe he's in trouble and he's out in the he's in trouble and he's out in the he's in trouble and he's out in the wilderness of Horesh. And uh we have wilderness of Horesh. And uh we have wilderness of Horesh. And uh we have this this scene in which he it says this this scene in which he it says this this scene in which he it says Saul's son Jonathan set out. Notice the Saul's son Jonathan set out. Notice the Saul's son Jonathan set out. Notice the initiative there. He set out and came to initiative there. He set out and came to initiative there. He set out and came to David at Hores and there he strengthened David at Hores and there he strengthened David at Hores and there he strengthened his hand through the Lord. I came just his hand through the Lord. I came just his hand through the Lord. I came just to encourage you, just to lift you up,

to encourage you, just to lift you up, to encourage you, just to lift you up, just to just to be your friend. I'm not just to just to be your friend. I'm not just to just to be your friend. I'm not asking for anything in response. I'm asking for anything in response. I'm asking for anything in response. I'm just wanting to be your friend. just wanting to be your friend. just wanting to be your friend. Ah, that's such a to put your own life Ah, that's such a to put your own life Ah, that's such a to put your own life at risk over and over. Here's one of the at risk over and over. Here's one of the at risk over and over. Here's one of the problems. problems. problems. When we really find ourselves beginning When we really find ourselves beginning When we really find ourselves beginning to feel lonely, to feel lonely, to feel lonely, we begin to be more self-involved, we begin to be more self-involved, we begin to be more self-involved, more sort of worried about ourselves more sort of worried about ourselves more sort of worried about ourselves and we we begin to sort of um close in and we we begin to sort of um close in and we we begin to sort of um close in in that way because the the pain is in that way because the the pain is in that way because the the pain is there. And um there's a uh a woman who there. And um there's a uh a woman who there. And um there's a uh a woman who wrote a book called the lonely city and wrote a book called the lonely city and wrote a book called the lonely city and she says this. She says loneliness is she says this. She says loneliness is she says this. She says loneliness is accretive. I think this is a powerful accretive. I think this is a powerful accretive. I think this is a powerful image. Loneliness is accretive. It's image. Loneliness is accretive. It's image. Loneliness is accretive. It's like a moss that grows on you and the like a moss that grows on you and the like a moss that grows on you and the more it grows the more isolated you more it grows the more isolated you more it grows the more isolated you become and more difficult it is to break become and more difficult it is to break become and more difficult it is to break through that loneliness.

through that loneliness. through that loneliness. So, I don't want you to hear that when So, I don't want you to hear that when So, I don't want you to hear that when we're struggling with loneliness, we we're struggling with loneliness, we we're struggling with loneliness, we shouldn't reach out and ask for help for shouldn't reach out and ask for help for shouldn't reach out and ask for help for ourselves. That we we shouldn't be ourselves. That we we shouldn't be ourselves. That we we shouldn't be willing to say, "Gosh, I'm lonely. I willing to say, "Gosh, I'm lonely. I willing to say, "Gosh, I'm lonely. I need some help. Please." But but part of need some help. Please." But but part of need some help. Please." But but part of the shift that we need to make is the the shift that we need to make is the the shift that we need to make is the shift from thinking, "How can I get a shift from thinking, "How can I get a shift from thinking, "How can I get a friend? How can I have a friend to how friend? How can I have a friend to how friend? How can I have a friend to how can I be a friend? How can I be a friend can I be a friend? How can I be a friend can I be a friend? How can I be a friend to you?" To to to be focused on others. to you?" To to to be focused on others. to you?" To to to be focused on others. I want you to to listen again to what I want you to to listen again to what I want you to to listen again to what what um John says in the Gospel of John what um John says in the Gospel of John what um John says in the Gospel of John u as he's on his way to the cross and he u as he's on his way to the cross and he u as he's on his way to the cross and he looks at his disciples looks at his disciples looks at his disciples [snorts] and and he says this. This is [snorts] and and he says this. This is [snorts] and and he says this. This is my commandment that you love one my commandment that you love one my commandment that you love one another. How are you supposed to love another. How are you supposed to love another. How are you supposed to love one another? As I have loved you. Okay. one another? As I have loved you. Okay. one another? As I have loved you. Okay. Well, how has Jesus loved us? Well, he Well, how has Jesus loved us? Well, he Well, how has Jesus loved us? Well, he says, "I have called you friends. I says, "I have called you friends. I says, "I have called you friends. I don't call you servants anymore. I have don't call you servants anymore. I have don't call you servants anymore. I have called you friends. called you friends. called you friends. This is my command. You are my friends This is my command. You are my friends This is my command. You are my friends if you do what I command you. What what if you do what I command you. What what if you do what I command you. What what did I just command you to do? That you did I just command you to do? That you did I just command you to do? That you love one another the same way I love love one another the same way I love love one another the same way I love you. And how do I do that? No greater you. And how do I do that? No greater you. And how do I do that? No greater love has has anyone except to lay down love has has anyone except to lay down love has has anyone except to lay down one's life for one's friends. To give one's life for one's friends. To give one's life for one's friends. To give ourselves away to to pour ourselves out ourselves away to to pour ourselves out ourselves away to to pour ourselves out into those friendships to be focused on into those friendships to be focused on into those friendships to be focused on giving a have on being a friend instead giving a have on being a friend instead giving a have on being a friend instead of having one.

of having one. of having one. In 2019, Suzanne Diggs White, a In 2019, Suzanne Diggs White, a In 2019, Suzanne Diggs White, a professor at Northern Illinois professor at Northern Illinois professor at Northern Illinois University, did a uh interviewed 422 University, did a uh interviewed 422 University, did a uh interviewed 422 women between the ages of 31 and 77 women between the ages of 31 and 77 women between the ages of 31 and 77 and examined how their friendships and examined how their friendships and examined how their friendships influenced life satisfaction. influenced life satisfaction. influenced life satisfaction. They found there were three main factors They found there were three main factors They found there were three main factors that were predictive of life that were predictive of life that were predictive of life satisfaction in midlife women. satisfaction in midlife women. satisfaction in midlife women. Um first of all I thought it was Um first of all I thought it was Um first of all I thought it was interesting that 77 was midlife women. interesting that 77 was midlife women. interesting that 77 was midlife women. So I uh it gives all of us nearing that So I uh it gives all of us nearing that So I uh it gives all of us nearing that age hope. Um 144 is exactly half of age hope. Um 144 is exactly half of age hope. Um 144 is exactly half of twice that. So um one here's here these twice that. So um one here's here these twice that. So um one here's here these are the factors that are predictive of are the factors that are predictive of are the factors that are predictive of life satisfaction. One feeling younger life satisfaction. One feeling younger life satisfaction. One feeling younger than your chronological age. than your chronological age. than your chronological age. two, enjoying a sense of belonging. two, enjoying a sense of belonging. two, enjoying a sense of belonging. And three, being someone's best friend.

And three, being someone's best friend. And three, being someone's best friend. Here's what she says. Having a best Here's what she says. Having a best Here's what she says. Having a best friend doesn't contribute to life friend doesn't contribute to life friend doesn't contribute to life satisfaction, but being someone's best satisfaction, but being someone's best satisfaction, but being someone's best friend does. friend does. friend does. Huh? Huh? Huh? Focus on being someone else's friend. So, um, sometimes I have this amazing So, um, sometimes I have this amazing sort of God thing that happens, a sort of God thing that happens, a sort of God thing that happens, a coincidence, God, a God wink, and it coincidence, God, a God wink, and it coincidence, God, a God wink, and it happened to me this week. So, I'm happened to me this week. So, I'm happened to me this week. So, I'm studying and trying to learn as much as studying and trying to learn as much as studying and trying to learn as much as I can remember the whole story of I can remember the whole story of I can remember the whole story of Jonathan and all of that. And I'm Jonathan and all of that. And I'm Jonathan and all of that. And I'm reading my Morning Wall Street Journal, reading my Morning Wall Street Journal, reading my Morning Wall Street Journal, and there's this article that's called and there's this article that's called and there's this article that's called The Life of Jonathan. I was like, "Okay, The Life of Jonathan. I was like, "Okay, The Life of Jonathan. I was like, "Okay, thank you, God, uh, for sending me an thank you, God, uh, for sending me an thank you, God, uh, for sending me an article." You know, we were always article." You know, we were always article." You know, we were always scrapping for something to add. and I scrapping for something to add. and I scrapping for something to add. and I begin to read it. It's not about the begin to read it. It's not about the begin to read it. It's not about the biblical Jonathan. It's about a man biblical Jonathan. It's about a man biblical Jonathan. It's about a man named Jonathan. It's written by his named Jonathan. It's written by his named Jonathan. It's written by his brother, a man named Jonathan who died brother, a man named Jonathan who died brother, a man named Jonathan who died at age 50. And how all of these people at age 50. And how all of these people at age 50. And how all of these people came to his memorial service and they came to his memorial service and they came to his memorial service and they were just filled up the place. And he's were just filled up the place. And he's were just filled up the place. And he's reflecting on on his brother's life and reflecting on on his brother's life and reflecting on on his brother's life and why so many people had come. And let me why so many people had come. And let me why so many people had come. And let me read to you because I was really read to you because I was really read to you because I was really touched.

touched. touched. People interrupted their lives. They People interrupted their lives. They People interrupted their lives. They canceled meetings. changed plans, drove canceled meetings. changed plans, drove canceled meetings. changed plans, drove hours for visits that lasted only hours for visits that lasted only hours for visits that lasted only minutes. Some boarded airplanes. One was minutes. Some boarded airplanes. One was minutes. Some boarded airplanes. One was a New York rabbi. When he learned that a New York rabbi. When he learned that a New York rabbi. When he learned that Jonathan had died, he dropped Jonathan had died, he dropped Jonathan had died, he dropped everything, flew to Israel, visited our everything, flew to Israel, visited our everything, flew to Israel, visited our family, and went straight home. A round family, and went straight home. A round family, and went straight home. A round trip across the Atlantic simply to be trip across the Atlantic simply to be trip across the Atlantic simply to be present. present. present. When I heard what he had done, I asked When I heard what he had done, I asked When I heard what he had done, I asked one of his colleagues, "Who would do one of his colleagues, "Who would do one of his colleagues, "Who would do such a thing?" He answered immediately, such a thing?" He answered immediately, such a thing?" He answered immediately, "Your brother would." "Your brother would." "Your brother would." Jonathan had spent his life doing that, Jonathan had spent his life doing that, Jonathan had spent his life doing that, interrupting his plans for other interrupting his plans for other interrupting his plans for other people's lives. He celebrated their people's lives. He celebrated their people's lives. He celebrated their occasions and appeared during their occasions and appeared during their occasions and appeared during their painful ones. He called to check in, painful ones. He called to check in, painful ones. He called to check in, remembered birthdays, made people feel remembered birthdays, made people feel remembered birthdays, made people feel like they mattered. like they mattered. like they mattered. The people filling the morning house The people filling the morning house The people filling the morning house weren't merely responding to Jonathan's weren't merely responding to Jonathan's weren't merely responding to Jonathan's death. They were responding to death. They were responding to death. They were responding to Jonathan's life.

Jonathan's life. Jonathan's life. A few weeks later, my wife put it A few weeks later, my wife put it A few weeks later, my wife put it succinctly. To have a village, you have succinctly. To have a village, you have succinctly. To have a village, you have to be a villager. to be a villager. to be a villager. You have to invest. You have to give You have to invest. You have to give You have to invest. You have to give yourself away. You have to interrupt yourself away. You have to interrupt yourself away. You have to interrupt your life. My sister uh my older sister passed away My sister uh my older sister passed away um many years ago. she did her um she um many years ago. she did her um she um many years ago. she did her um she was a expert in children's literature was a expert in children's literature was a expert in children's literature and when I spoke at her funeral um she and when I spoke at her funeral um she and when I spoke at her funeral um she had written in her doctoral dissertation had written in her doctoral dissertation had written in her doctoral dissertation about um Charlotte's Web the book about um Charlotte's Web the book about um Charlotte's Web the book Charlotte's Web. It's beautiful and I Charlotte's Web. It's beautiful and I Charlotte's Web. It's beautiful and I was so touched by one of the quotes from was so touched by one of the quotes from was so touched by one of the quotes from the book that she lifted up. If you the book that she lifted up. If you the book that she lifted up. If you remember the story, if uh Wilbur the pig remember the story, if uh Wilbur the pig remember the story, if uh Wilbur the pig is going to be uh perhaps going to be is going to be uh perhaps going to be is going to be uh perhaps going to be slaughtered and um Charlotte weaves a slaughtered and um Charlotte weaves a slaughtered and um Charlotte weaves a web putting words in the web about what web putting words in the web about what web putting words in the web about what a special guy, a special pig he is, that a special guy, a special pig he is, that a special guy, a special pig he is, that he's an extraordinary pig, not a regular he's an extraordinary pig, not a regular he's an extraordinary pig, not a regular pig, an extraordinary pig, and that he pig, an extraordinary pig, and that he pig, an extraordinary pig, and that he shouldn't ever be, you know, taken uh to shouldn't ever be, you know, taken uh to shouldn't ever be, you know, taken uh to the to the slaughterhouse. And um the to the slaughterhouse. And um the to the slaughterhouse. And um and she she uses the last ounce of her and she she uses the last ounce of her and she she uses the last ounce of her own life to weave that web.

own life to weave that web. own life to weave that web. Here's here's what it says in the book. Here's here's what it says in the book. Here's here's what it says in the book. Wilbur asks, "Why did you do all this Wilbur asks, "Why did you do all this Wilbur asks, "Why did you do all this for me? I don't deserve it. I've never for me? I don't deserve it. I've never for me? I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you." done anything for you." done anything for you." Charlotte replies, "You have been my Charlotte replies, "You have been my Charlotte replies, "You have been my friend." friend." friend." That in itself is a tremendous thing. I That in itself is a tremendous thing. I That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wo my webs for you because I liked you. wo my webs for you because I liked you. wo my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what's a life anyway? We're After all, what's a life anyway? We're After all, what's a life anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die. A born, we live a little while, we die. A born, we live a little while, we die. A spider's life can't help being something spider's life can't help being something spider's life can't help being something of a mess with all this trapping and of a mess with all this trapping and of a mess with all this trapping and eating flies. eating flies. eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to By helping you, perhaps I was trying to By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. lift up my life a trifle. lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand Heaven knows anyone's life can stand Heaven knows anyone's life can stand stand a little of that. stand a little of that. stand a little of that. Yes, heaven knows that for sure. Yes, heaven knows that for sure. Yes, heaven knows that for sure. We can choose to make friends and then We can choose to make friends and then We can choose to make friends and then to be a friend, to give ourselves away, to be a friend, to give ourselves away, to be a friend, to give ourselves away, interrupt our lives for others. interrupt our lives for others. interrupt our lives for others. That's what Jesus did for us.

Gracious and loving God. Gracious and loving God. I thank you for the people who have been I thank you for the people who have been I thank you for the people who have been friends to us, friends to us, friends to us, friends to me, who interrupted their friends to me, who interrupted their friends to me, who interrupted their life for me. life for me. life for me. God, speak into my heart. speak into God, speak into my heart. speak into God, speak into my heart. speak into each heart in this room that we might each heart in this room that we might each heart in this room that we might take the initiative to make new friends take the initiative to make new friends take the initiative to make new friends and to choose to be a friend to others. and to choose to be a friend to others. and to choose to be a friend to others. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. So, our closing hymn is number 557. So, our closing hymn is number 557. So, our closing hymn is number 557. Blessed be the tithe that binds. I Blessed be the tithe that binds. I Blessed be the tithe that binds. I invite you to stand as you're able as we invite you to stand as you're able as we invite you to stand as you're able as we sing together. joy.

joy. [singing] of of life is [singing] life is [singing] life is [singing] to to to [music] [music] [music] we hold our we hold our we hold our prayers prayers prayers that [music] that [music] that [music] our hopes our name we [music] share each other's we [music] share each other's [music] each other each other the Save the Save the Save [music] when we [singing] when we [singing] are are are [music] a sing a sing [music] [music] [music] but we shall still rejo. [singing] but we shall still rejo. [singing] but we shall still rejo. [singing] Jo [music] to me [music] to me again.

Next week we'll be talking about the um Next week we'll be talking about the um the supplement of service, servantthood, the supplement of service, servantthood, the supplement of service, servantthood, and making sure that is a key part of and making sure that is a key part of and making sure that is a key part of what your life is all about. Hear now what your life is all about. Hear now what your life is all about. Hear now this benediction and coral response. Go this benediction and coral response. Go this benediction and coral response. Go bear witness to the love of God in this bear witness to the love of God in this bear witness to the love of God in this world so that those to whom love is a world so that those to whom love is a world so that those to whom love is a stranger will find in you generous stranger will find in you generous stranger will find in you generous friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, communion of Christ, the love of God, communion of Christ, the love of God, communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen. forever. Amen. forever. Amen. >> Amen. >> Send me [singing] Jesus. >> Send me [singing] Jesus. Send me Send me Send me [music] Jesus. Jesus. Lead me [singing] Jesus. Lead me [singing] Jesus. Lead me [singing] Jesus. Lead me Jesus. Lead me Jesus. Lead me Jesus. Lead me. [singing] Fill me. Jesus.

Fill me. Jesus. Fill [singing] me. [music] Jesus. Fill [singing] me. [music] Jesus. Fill [singing] me. [music] Jesus. Fill me. Jesus. Fill me. Jesus. Fill me. Jesus. will be Lord. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat up here.

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