Contemporary | 11:15 a.m. | 08.23.2026

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

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

>> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. >> Heat.

>> Heat. >> [music] >> Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you >> Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you please [music] stand and worship with please [music] stand and worship with please [music] stand and worship with us? One with the Father. One with the Father. One with our spirit. One with the son of One with our spirit. One with the son of One with our spirit. One with the son of God. One with our sister. One with our One with our sister. One with our brother. One family by the blood. Oh, brother. One family by the blood. Oh, brother. One family by the blood. Oh, make us one. One heart with heaven, one mind One heart with heaven, one mind connected, connected, connected, one body unified.

Bind us together Bind us together now and forever. now and forever. now and forever. Jesus be glorify Jesus be glorify Jesus be glorify and make us one. We confess all [music] our offenses. We We confess all [music] our offenses. We confess we've been afraid. We repent of confess we've been afraid. We repent of confess we've been afraid. We repent of [music] all the pride. Let all the hurt [music] all the pride. Let all the hurt [music] all the pride. Let all the hurt be washed away. for all the wars and be washed away. for all the wars and be washed away. for all the wars and violence [music] against our enemy. Come violence [music] against our enemy. Come violence [music] against our enemy. Come heal our land with your great river.

heal our land with your great river. heal our land with your great river. Restore the family and make us one. Make us one. [music] Make us one. [music] And let your kingom come. Make [music] Make [music] us one. Good morning, [music] St. Luke's. Good morning, [music] St. Luke's. Good morning and welcome to those who Good morning and welcome to those who Good morning and welcome to those who are worshiping with us online as well. are worshiping with us online as well. are worshiping with us online as well. Continuing in this series, faith Continuing in this series, faith Continuing in this series, faith supplements, we are talking about the supplements, we are talking about the supplements, we are talking about the supplement [music] that sustains us of supplement [music] that sustains us of supplement [music] that sustains us of friendship and what it means to be a friendship and what it means to be a friendship and what it means to be a friend and not only befriended, friend and not only befriended, friend and not only befriended, not only let things fall apart, but to not only let things fall apart, but to not only let things fall apart, but to actively [music] take part in being a actively [music] take part in being a actively [music] take part in being a friend to those around us. I'd also like friend to those around us. I'd also like friend to those around us. I'd also like to welcome Anastasia [music] Shreddy to to welcome Anastasia [music] Shreddy to to welcome Anastasia [music] Shreddy to our stage again this morning. Speaking our stage again this morning. Speaking our stage again this morning. Speaking of friends, it's been such an a of friends, it's been such an a of friends, it's been such an a wonderful um [music] opportunity to wonderful um [music] opportunity to wonderful um [music] opportunity to become friends with you over these past become friends with you over these past become friends with you over these past few months. So, thank you. Let's few months. So, thank you. Let's few months. So, thank you. Let's continue our worship.

if you don't know sin [music] if you don't know sin [music] and [singing] and [singing] and [singing] shame. You don't need forgiveness when you've never walked when you've never walked away. But this is my [music and singing] away. But this is my [music and singing] away. But this is my [music and singing] story. story. story. I'm a life made new. I'm the one who's I'm a life made new. I'm the one who's I'm a life made new. I'm the one who's been set free. [music] been set free. [music] been set free. [music] I have found a friend in I have found a friend in I have found a friend in [singing and music] Jesus. He is [singing and music] Jesus. He is [singing and music] Jesus. He is everything to me. I have found a friend everything to me. I have found a friend everything to me. I have found a friend in [music] Jesus. [singing] Yes, he is in [music] Jesus. [singing] Yes, he is in [music] Jesus. [singing] Yes, he is my everything. who always keeps me [music] who always keeps me [music] safe. And I found a healer. Who knows my every [music] Who knows my every [music] pain. But this is my story pain. But this is my story pain. But this is my story of redeeming love. I have come to know of redeeming love. I have come to know of redeeming love. I have come to know him [music] well.

him [music] well. him [music] well. I have [singing] found a friend in I have [singing] found a friend in I have [singing] found a friend in Jesus. He [music] Jesus. He [music] Jesus. He [music] everything to me. I [music and singing] everything to me. I [music and singing] everything to me. I [music and singing] have found a friend in Jesus. Yes, he is have found a friend in Jesus. Yes, he is have found a friend in Jesus. Yes, he is my everything. my everything. my everything. Oh, I have [music] found a friend in Oh, I have [music] found a friend in Oh, I have [music] found a friend in Jesus. He everything to me. Jesus. He everything to me. Jesus. He everything to me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I [singing] have found a friend in >> I [singing] have found a friend in >> I [singing] have found a friend in Jesus. Yes, he is my [music] everything. He walks with me. He walks with me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He talks with me and he tells me I am >> He talks with me and he tells me I am >> He talks with me and he tells me I am his own.

his own. his own. And the [music and singing] joy we And the [music and singing] joy we And the [music and singing] joy we share. What else compares? It's like share. What else compares? It's like share. What else compares? It's like nothing I've ever known. nothing I've ever known. nothing I've ever known. He walks with me. He talks with me. And He walks with me. He talks with me. And He walks with me. He talks with me. And he tells me [singing] I am his own. he tells me [singing] I am his own. he tells me [singing] I am his own. And the joy we share. What else [music] And the joy we share. What else [music] And the joy we share. What else [music] compares? It's like nothing [singing] compares? It's like nothing [singing] compares? It's like nothing [singing] I've ever known. And I can't believe it. I can't believe it. No. I can't believe it. No. Oh, I have [music] found a friend in Oh, I have [music] found a friend in Oh, I have [music] found a friend in Jesus. He is everything to me. Jesus. He is everything to me. Jesus. He is everything to me. I have [music] found a friend in Jesus. I have [music] found a friend in Jesus. I have [music] found a friend in Jesus. Yes, he is my everything. Yes, he is my everything. Yes, he is my everything. Oh, I have [music] found a friend in Oh, I have [music] found a friend in Oh, I have [music] found a friend in Jesus. He everything to me. [music] Jesus. He everything to me. [music] Jesus. He everything to me. [music] I have found a friend in Jesus.

I have found a friend in Jesus. I have found a friend in Jesus. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Yes, he is my everything. >> Come all you we come all you thirsty. >> Come all you we come all you thirsty. Come to the world that never runs dry. Come to the world that never runs dry. Come to the world that never runs dry. Drink of the water. Hung and thirst no Drink of the water. Hung and thirst no Drink of the water. Hung and thirst no more. Oh, come all [music and singing] you Oh, come all [music and singing] you sinners. Come find his mercy. Come sinners. Come find his mercy. Come sinners. Come find his mercy. Come [music] to the tail. He [singing] will [music] to the tail. He [singing] will [music] to the tail. He [singing] will satisfy. satisfy. satisfy. Taste of his goodness and find what Taste of his goodness and find what Taste of his goodness and find what you're looking for. [music] For God so loved the world that he gave For God so loved the world that he gave us, his one and only son to save us.

us, his one and only son to save us. us, his one and only son to save us. Whoever [music] he leaves in Whoever [music] he leaves in Whoever [music] he leaves in will live forever. will live forever. will live forever. Echo after me here on these O. Echo after me here on these O. Echo after me here on these O. Oh. Bring all your [music] fears. Bring your Bring all your [music] fears. Bring your addictions. Come lay them down addictions. Come lay them down addictions. Come lay them down [singing and music] at the foot of the [singing and music] at the foot of the [singing and music] at the foot of the cross. Jesus is [music] waiting for you. cross. Jesus is [music] waiting for you. cross. Jesus is [music] waiting for you. Reloading us. For God [music] so loved the world that For God [music] so loved the world that he gave us his [music] one and [singing] he gave us his [music] one and [singing] he gave us his [music] one and [singing] only son to save us. Whoever believes only son to save us. Whoever believes only son to save us. Whoever believes [music] in him will live forever. Oh the power of hell forever defeated Oh the power of hell forever defeated [music] now it is well. I'm walking in [music] now it is well. I'm walking in [music] now it is well. I'm walking in freedom for God so [music] loved God so freedom for God so [music] loved God so freedom for God so [music] loved God so loved the world.

Praise God. [music] Praise God. [music] Praise God Praise God Praise God from whom all [singing and music] from whom all [singing and music] from whom all [singing and music] blessings flow. blessings flow. blessings flow. Praise him. Praise him. Praise him. Praise [music] him Praise [music] him Praise [music] him for the [singing] wonders of his love. for the [singing] wonders of his love. for the [singing] wonders of his love. Let's praise God this morning. Praise Let's praise God this morning. Praise Let's praise God this morning. Praise God. [music] God. [music] God. [music] Praise [singing] God Praise [singing] God Praise [singing] God for whom all [music] blessings flow. for whom all [music] blessings flow. for whom all [music] blessings flow. Praise him. Praise him. Praise him. Praise him Praise him Praise him for the wonders of his love. for the wonders of his love. for the wonders of his love. His amazing love. His amazing love. His amazing love. For God so loved the world that he gave For God so loved the world that he gave For God so loved the world that he gave us. His one and only son to save. us. His one and only son to save. us. His one and only son to save. [music] For God so loved the world that [music] For God so loved the world that [music] For God so loved the world that [singing] he gave us. His one [music] [singing] he gave us. His one [music] [singing] he gave us. His one [music] and only son to save us. Whoever and only son to save us. Whoever and only son to save us. Whoever believes in him will live forever.

Oh the power of hell forever defeated. Oh the power of hell forever defeated. Now [music] it is well. I'm walking in Now [music] it is well. I'm walking in Now [music] it is well. I'm walking in freedom for God so loved. God so love freedom for God so loved. God so love freedom for God so loved. God so love the world. Amen. Amen. Thank you Ashley for opening us that Thank you Ashley for opening us that Thank you Ashley for opening us that way. way. way. I was once again gas lit by the middle I was once again gas lit by the middle I was once again gas lit by the middle song. My favorite. We are going to close song. My favorite. We are going to close song. My favorite. We are going to close today with What a Friend We Have in today with What a Friend We Have in today with What a Friend We Have in Jesus, which is what I always think is Jesus, which is what I always think is Jesus, which is what I always think is about to happen when I see Friend in about to happen when I see Friend in about to happen when I see Friend in Jesus up there. And Ashley knows that I Jesus up there. And Ashley knows that I Jesus up there. And Ashley knows that I get really excited. So, I'm glad we get get really excited. So, I'm glad we get get really excited. So, I'm glad we get to sing both of those today. I'd like to sing both of those today. I'd like to sing both of those today. I'd like this morning for us to um just center this morning for us to um just center this morning for us to um just center ourselves as I share a prayer from Kate ourselves as I share a prayer from Kate ourselves as I share a prayer from Kate Bowler uh that she has offered as um a Bowler uh that she has offered as um a Bowler uh that she has offered as um a prayer of gratitude for friends who hold prayer of gratitude for friends who hold prayer of gratitude for friends who hold us up. Let us go to the Lord in prayer. God, you called me to love, but people God, you called me to love, but people are inherently risky.

are inherently risky. are inherently risky. Telling my story, being known, Telling my story, being known, Telling my story, being known, asking for help. asking for help. asking for help. But something is happening when I am But something is happening when I am But something is happening when I am known. known. known. I am becoming stronger somehow. I am becoming stronger somehow. I am becoming stronger somehow. I am reminded of the pillars that I've I am reminded of the pillars that I've I am reminded of the pillars that I've seen holding up cathedrals, seen holding up cathedrals, seen holding up cathedrals, flying buttresses engineered to provide flying buttresses engineered to provide flying buttresses engineered to provide support for a fragile wall, support for a fragile wall, support for a fragile wall, allowing them to be built taller, more allowing them to be built taller, more allowing them to be built taller, more stunning, more covered with ornaments. stunning, more covered with ornaments. stunning, more covered with ornaments. The walls would collapse without them The walls would collapse without them The walls would collapse without them there. But strengthened, they create there. But strengthened, they create there. But strengthened, they create something beautiful. something beautiful. something beautiful. God, when I am no longer quite so tall God, when I am no longer quite so tall God, when I am no longer quite so tall and strong, and strong, and strong, give me those friends who will hold me give me those friends who will hold me give me those friends who will hold me up and remind me of who I am and that I up and remind me of who I am and that I up and remind me of who I am and that I am loved. am loved. am loved. I will try again. I know I will because I will try again. I know I will because I will try again. I know I will because someone else's faith in me is someone else's faith in me is someone else's faith in me is fortifying.

fortifying. fortifying. So blessed are our flying buttresses, So blessed are our flying buttresses, So blessed are our flying buttresses, for they hold us up when everything for they hold us up when everything for they hold us up when everything seems ready to come apart. seems ready to come apart. seems ready to come apart. allowing us to face today, allowing us to face today, allowing us to face today, not because we're doing it alone, not because we're doing it alone, not because we're doing it alone, but precisely because we aren't. I'd like to invite you to come up and I'd like to invite you to come up and light a candle. Um, pray here at the light a candle. Um, pray here at the light a candle. Um, pray here at the kneelers or stay seated, whatever feels kneelers or stay seated, whatever feels kneelers or stay seated, whatever feels most comfortable for you. Maybe today most comfortable for you. Maybe today most comfortable for you. Maybe today pray with gratitude for a friendship pray with gratitude for a friendship pray with gratitude for a friendship that God has given you. [snorts] Or that God has given you. [snorts] Or that God has given you. [snorts] Or maybe pray and ask God how you can be maybe pray and ask God how you can be maybe pray and ask God how you can be the friend that somebody else needs. [music]

[music] >> We offer all of these prayers in the >> We offer all of these prayers in the >> We offer all of these prayers in the name of Jesus who is a friend to [music] name of Jesus who is a friend to [music] name of Jesus who is a friend to [music] us and who holds us up. And he taught us and who holds us up. And he taught us and who holds us up. And he taught his disciples to pray. [music] Our his disciples to pray. [music] Our his disciples to pray. [music] Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom [music] come, thy thy name. Thy kingdom [music] come, thy thy name. Thy kingdom [music] come, thy will be done on earth as it is in will be done on earth as it is in will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily heaven. Give us this day our daily heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as bread. And forgive us our trespasses as bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against we forgive those who trespass against we forgive those who trespass against us. [music] us. [music] us. [music] And lead us not into temptation, but And lead us not into temptation, but And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. I'd like to invite Miss forever. Amen. I'd like to invite Miss forever. Amen. I'd like to invite Miss Lori and all of the kiddos that are here Lori and all of the kiddos that are here Lori and all of the kiddos that are here up to the steps for a special message. Right here.

Right here. >> Oh, perfect. There we go. Everybody got >> Oh, perfect. There we go. Everybody got >> Oh, perfect. There we go. Everybody got a good spot? Hi, Anna. a good spot? Hi, Anna. a good spot? Hi, Anna. Hello, Poppy. How are you? Hello, Poppy. How are you? Hello, Poppy. How are you? >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Okay. Does everybody have a good spot? >> Okay. Does everybody have a good spot? >> Okay. Does everybody have a good spot? Oh, let's get this friend. Are you good? Oh, let's get this friend. Are you good? Oh, let's get this friend. Are you good? Awesome. All right. What's the question? Awesome. All right. What's the question? Awesome. All right. What's the question? >> What's in the bag? >> What's in the bag? >> What's in the bag? >> Okay, what I have today is really tiny. >> Okay, what I have today is really tiny. >> Okay, what I have today is really tiny. So, can everybody look close? I have I'm So, can everybody look close? I have I'm So, can everybody look close? I have I'm going to be able to fit it all in my going to be able to fit it all in my going to be able to fit it all in my hands. This is what's so cool. I do have hands. This is what's so cool. I do have hands. This is what's so cool. I do have to find it. The things are always at the to find it. The things are always at the to find it. The things are always at the bottom, aren't they? bottom, aren't they? bottom, aren't they? >> Okay. Are we ready to look? >> Okay. Are we ready to look? >> Okay. Are we ready to look? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. What's this? >> Oh, good. Um, somebody recognized it. >> Oh, good. Um, somebody recognized it. So, this is a game piece and it comes So, this is a game piece and it comes So, this is a game piece and it comes from Connect Four. That's right. Okay. from Connect Four. That's right. Okay. from Connect Four. That's right. Okay. All right. What about this one? H All right. What about this one? H All right. What about this one? H >> check. >> check. >> check. >> Chess piece. >> Chess piece. >> Chess piece. >> It kind of looks like that. You must >> It kind of looks like that. You must >> It kind of looks like that. You must play a lot of games at your house. He's play a lot of games at your house. He's play a lot of games at your house. He's nailing it. This is another game piece nailing it. This is another game piece nailing it. This is another game piece and it comes from the game Sorry. Has and it comes from the game Sorry. Has and it comes from the game Sorry. Has anybody ever played that one?

anybody ever played that one? anybody ever played that one? >> You did good. Good. Okay. All right. The >> You did good. Good. Okay. All right. The >> You did good. Good. Okay. All right. The last one. Here we go. last one. Here we go. last one. Here we go. >> Die. >> Die. >> Die. >> It's a dye. That's right. And this came >> It's a dye. That's right. And this came >> It's a dye. That's right. And this came from just a random board game. Lots of from just a random board game. Lots of from just a random board game. Lots of them have it. Okay. So my question for them have it. Okay. So my question for them have it. Okay. So my question for you, can I go play the games with these you, can I go play the games with these you, can I go play the games with these pieces? pieces? pieces? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> With these three pieces? >> With these three pieces? >> With these three pieces? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No, I can't. Right. I need all the >> No, I can't. Right. I need all the >> No, I can't. Right. I need all the pieces from the games. And then more pieces from the games. And then more pieces from the games. And then more importantly, I need people to play the importantly, I need people to play the importantly, I need people to play the game with me. Right. game with me. Right. game with me. Right. >> So board games always remind me of this >> So board games always remind me of this >> So board games always remind me of this really important concept that we are not really important concept that we are not really important concept that we are not supposed to do life alone. We are supposed to do life alone. We are supposed to do life alone. We are supposed to do it with other people. We supposed to do it with other people. We supposed to do it with other people. We need people to play with, to laugh with, need people to play with, to laugh with, need people to play with, to laugh with, and enjoy life with. Right? So, right and enjoy life with. Right? So, right and enjoy life with. Right? So, right now, that is exactly what we're learning now, that is exactly what we're learning now, that is exactly what we're learning about is how can we live full and about is how can we live full and about is how can we live full and abundant lives the way that God wants us abundant lives the way that God wants us abundant lives the way that God wants us to? And we're going to talk about to? And we're going to talk about to? And we're going to talk about different components, excuse me, different components, excuse me, different components, excuse me, [clears throat] that help us to do that. [clears throat] that help us to do that. [clears throat] that help us to do that. And the one we're going to talk about And the one we're going to talk about And the one we're going to talk about today is friendship. Have you ever heard today is friendship. Have you ever heard today is friendship. Have you ever heard about friendship before?

about friendship before? about friendship before? >> Of course. Right. >> Of course. Right. >> Of course. Right. >> Friendship bracelet. >> Friendship bracelet. >> Friendship bracelet. >> Yes. Friendship bracelets. All those >> Yes. Friendship bracelets. All those >> Yes. Friendship bracelets. All those kinds of things. That's right. That's kinds of things. That's right. That's kinds of things. That's right. That's right. A BFF. Everybody needs one of right. A BFF. Everybody needs one of right. A BFF. Everybody needs one of those. And you know what? God wants us those. And you know what? God wants us those. And you know what? God wants us to have friends. So, in our Bible story to have friends. So, in our Bible story to have friends. So, in our Bible story today, it is about two friends. And the today, it is about two friends. And the today, it is about two friends. And the first friend, I think you might know first friend, I think you might know first friend, I think you might know something about his name is David. Has something about his name is David. Has something about his name is David. Has anyone ever heard anything cool about anyone ever heard anything cool about anyone ever heard anything cool about David? Yeah. What do you think? David? Yeah. What do you think? David? Yeah. What do you think? >> My cousin is David. >> My cousin is David. >> My cousin is David. >> Great name. >> Great name. >> Great name. >> And David from the Bible, which is >> And David from the Bible, which is >> And David from the Bible, which is Mary's Mary's husband. So, this is David Mary's Mary's husband. So, this is David Mary's Mary's husband. So, this is David from the Bible. There are other Davids. from the Bible. There are other Davids. from the Bible. There are other Davids. Very good. Anna, do you know anything Very good. Anna, do you know anything Very good. Anna, do you know anything cool about David? cool about David? cool about David? >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, he became king. he became king. he became king. >> He did become king. That's right. Okay. >> He did become king. That's right. Okay. >> He did become king. That's right. Okay. So, David was a shepherd. David liked to So, David was a shepherd. David liked to So, David was a shepherd. David liked to play. They call it a liar, which is like play. They call it a liar, which is like play. They call it a liar, which is like a harp. And it's the David from David a harp. And it's the David from David a harp. And it's the David from David and Goliath. And he did become king. and Goliath. And he did become king. and Goliath. And he did become king. Okay. So, we know those things. Those Okay. So, we know those things. Those Okay. So, we know those things. Those are kind of common things that we learn are kind of common things that we learn are kind of common things that we learn in the Bible. But did you know that in the Bible. But did you know that in the Bible. But did you know that David had a best friend? Yes, David had a best friend? Yes, David had a best friend? Yes, >> you did. Does anybody know his name?

>> you did. Does anybody know his name? >> you did. Does anybody know his name? >> He Noah gets an A. >> He Noah gets an A. >> He Noah gets an A. >> These are all such good guesses. Okay, >> These are all such good guesses. Okay, >> These are all such good guesses. Okay, are you ready? are you ready? are you ready? >> His name was Jonathan. So, David and >> His name was Jonathan. So, David and >> His name was Jonathan. So, David and Jonathan were best friends. And what we Jonathan were best friends. And what we Jonathan were best friends. And what we learn from the Bible is that Jonathan learn from the Bible is that Jonathan learn from the Bible is that Jonathan was such a good friend to David. When was such a good friend to David. When was such a good friend to David. When David needed protection, Jonathan was David needed protection, Jonathan was David needed protection, Jonathan was right there to help and keep him safe. right there to help and keep him safe. right there to help and keep him safe. When David was having a really hard When David was having a really hard When David was having a really hard time, guess who was there? Jonathan to time, guess who was there? Jonathan to time, guess who was there? Jonathan to encourage him and help him to remember encourage him and help him to remember encourage him and help him to remember that he had so much strength in God. And that he had so much strength in God. And that he had so much strength in God. And Jonathan was a good friend to David even Jonathan was a good friend to David even Jonathan was a good friend to David even when it was really, really, really hard when it was really, really, really hard when it was really, really, really hard to do so. So, I love this story because to do so. So, I love this story because to do so. So, I love this story because it reminds me of something. Friendship it reminds me of something. Friendship it reminds me of something. Friendship isn't just about having friends. What isn't just about having friends. What isn't just about having friends. What friendship is really about is learning friendship is really about is learning friendship is really about is learning how to be a good friend to someone else how to be a good friend to someone else how to be a good friend to someone else >> and be kind. >> and be kind. >> and be kind. >> And be kind. That's right. So then that >> And be kind. That's right. So then that >> And be kind. That's right. So then that asked then I asked the question, well asked then I asked the question, well asked then I asked the question, well how can I be a good friend? So based on how can I be a good friend? So based on how can I be a good friend? So based on this story and some other things I want this story and some other things I want this story and some other things I want to share three ways that you can go and to share three ways that you can go and to share three ways that you can go and be a good friend. Are you ready to learn be a good friend. Are you ready to learn be a good friend. Are you ready to learn them? I'm sure some of you already do them? I'm sure some of you already do them? I'm sure some of you already do them all the time. Okay. So number one, them all the time. Okay. So number one, them all the time. Okay. So number one, do you want to find a seat?

do you want to find a seat? do you want to find a seat? >> Helping is a good way to be a good >> Helping is a good way to be a good >> Helping is a good way to be a good friend, right? friend, right? friend, right? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Okay. So the first one, spend time with >> Okay. So the first one, spend time with >> Okay. So the first one, spend time with somebody. That is how we become good somebody. That is how we become good somebody. That is how we become good friends. We play with them. We laugh friends. We play with them. We laugh friends. We play with them. We laugh with them. We experience life. So you with them. We experience life. So you with them. We experience life. So you have to spend time. That's super have to spend time. That's super have to spend time. That's super important. Okay. Number two, we have to important. Okay. Number two, we have to important. Okay. Number two, we have to listen to be a good friend. So we might listen to be a good friend. So we might listen to be a good friend. So we might think that we're listening, but what think that we're listening, but what think that we're listening, but what does listening really require? Anybody does listening really require? Anybody does listening really require? Anybody know? know? know? We have to stop. Just what you did We have to stop. Just what you did We have to stop. Just what you did there. We have to stop and really look there. We have to stop and really look there. We have to stop and really look and pay attention to what our friend is and pay attention to what our friend is and pay attention to what our friend is saying and what they need. Right? And saying and what they need. Right? And saying and what they need. Right? And then the last one, we talked about it in then the last one, we talked about it in then the last one, we talked about it in our Bible story, is good friends our Bible story, is good friends our Bible story, is good friends encourage one another. We all have hard encourage one another. We all have hard encourage one another. We all have hard times. We have to be there to cheer our times. We have to be there to cheer our times. We have to be there to cheer our friend on. We have to tell them that we friend on. We have to tell them that we friend on. We have to tell them that we believe in them and to not give up, believe in them and to not give up, believe in them and to not give up, right? Okay. So, this week, I want you right? Okay. So, this week, I want you right? Okay. So, this week, I want you to not wait for somebody to be a good to not wait for somebody to be a good to not wait for somebody to be a good friend to you. Instead, I want you to go friend to you. Instead, I want you to go friend to you. Instead, I want you to go first. I want you to notice somebody first. I want you to notice somebody first. I want you to notice somebody that needs a good friend and then you go that needs a good friend and then you go that needs a good friend and then you go and be the good friend. Okay? Can you and be the good friend. Okay? Can you and be the good friend. Okay? Can you all try that this week? Don't wait. You all try that this week? Don't wait. You all try that this week? Don't wait. You go first. Okay. Friendship is so go first. Okay. Friendship is so go first. Okay. Friendship is so important. Um God wants us to be good important. Um God wants us to be good important. Um God wants us to be good friends and it helps our lives to be friends and it helps our lives to be friends and it helps our lives to be full and abundant. It is such a gift full and abundant. It is such a gift full and abundant. It is such a gift from God. And we've talked about this a from God. And we've talked about this a from God. And we've talked about this a lot already in worship. But do you know lot already in worship. But do you know lot already in worship. But do you know why we can do this? We can do this

why we can do this? We can do this why we can do this? We can do this because we all have a good friend, because we all have a good friend, because we all have a good friend, Jesus, that loves us and is with us Jesus, that loves us and is with us Jesus, that loves us and is with us always. Okay. All right. Let's go ahead always. Okay. All right. Let's go ahead always. Okay. All right. Let's go ahead and put our praying hands together and and put our praying hands together and and put our praying hands together and you'll repeat after me. Dear God, you'll repeat after me. Dear God, you'll repeat after me. Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> thank you for loving us. >> thank you for loving us. >> thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Help us. >> Help us. >> Help us. >> Help us >> Help us >> Help us >> notice someone. >> notice someone. >> notice someone. >> Notice someone. and be a good friend. >> Notice someone. and be a good friend. >> Notice someone. and be a good friend. >> and be a good friend. >> and be a good friend. >> and be a good friend. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> All right, I'll see you friends next >> All right, I'll see you friends next >> All right, I'll see you friends next time. time. time. >> High five. >> High five. >> High five. >> Thank you, kids and Miss Lori. We're so >> Thank you, kids and Miss Lori. We're so >> Thank you, kids and Miss Lori. We're so glad to have you back this week. glad to have you back this week. glad to have you back this week. If you have not yet checked in to let us If you have not yet checked in to let us If you have not yet checked in to let us know that you are here for worship, know that you are here for worship, know that you are here for worship, please do that now. You can do so by please do that now. You can do so by please do that now. You can do so by scanning the QR code, checking out the scanning the QR code, checking out the scanning the QR code, checking out the little card that's in the seat in front little card that's in the seat in front little card that's in the seat in front of you, or on our St. Luke's app. This of you, or on our St. Luke's app. This of you, or on our St. Luke's app. This helps us serve you better and make sure helps us serve you better and make sure helps us serve you better and make sure that your experience here at St. Luke's that your experience here at St. Luke's that your experience here at St. Luke's feels even more personalized and feels even more personalized and feels even more personalized and tailoriz tailored um for what you are tailoriz tailored um for what you are tailoriz tailored um for what you are most interested in in being a part of most interested in in being a part of most interested in in being a part of our community here. At this time, I'd our community here. At this time, I'd our community here. At this time, I'd like to invite our ushers to come like to invite our ushers to come like to invite our ushers to come forward as we receive our gifts and forward as we receive our gifts and forward as we receive our gifts and offerings. This is an opportunity for us offerings. This is an opportunity for us offerings. This is an opportunity for us to express our thanks, our praise, our to express our thanks, our praise, our to express our thanks, our praise, our gratitude to God for everything God is gratitude to God for everything God is gratitude to God for everything God is doing in our lives. That worship isn't doing in our lives. That worship isn't doing in our lives. That worship isn't just something that we take in. It's just something that we take in. It's just something that we take in. It's something that we give to God. And so something that we give to God. And so something that we give to God. And so offering gives us a great opportunity to offering gives us a great opportunity to offering gives us a great opportunity to practice that. So let's give now as God practice that. So let's give now as God practice that. So let's give now as God invites us.

As the basket passes you, I encourage As the basket passes you, I encourage you to stand and [music] worship with you to stand and [music] worship with you to stand and [music] worship with us. us. us. We are one [music] in the spirit. We are We are one [music] in the spirit. We are We are one [music] in the spirit. We are one [singing] in the Lord. We are one in one [singing] in the Lord. We are one in one [singing] in the Lord. We are one in the spirit. We [music] are one in the the spirit. We [music] are one in the the spirit. We [music] are one in the Lord. And we pray that our [singing] Lord. And we pray that our [singing] Lord. And we pray that our [singing] unity will [music] unity will [music] unity will [music] one day be restored. one day be restored. one day be restored. And they'll know we [music and singing] And they'll know we [music and singing] And they'll know we [music and singing] are Christians by our love. By our love. are Christians by our love. By our love. are Christians by our love. By our love. Yes, they'll know we [music] are Yes, they'll know we [music] are Yes, they'll know we [music] are Christians by our love. We will walk [singing] with each [music] We will walk [singing] with each [music] other. We will walk hand in hand. We other. We will walk hand in hand. We other. We will walk hand in hand. We will walk with each other. will walk with each other. will walk with each other. [singing and music] We will walk hand in [singing and music] We will walk hand in [singing and music] We will walk hand in hand. And together we'll spread the news hand. And together we'll spread the news hand. And together we'll spread the news that God [singing] is in our land. that God [singing] is in our land. that God [singing] is in our land. And they'll know [music] we are And they'll know [music] we are And they'll know [music] we are Christians by our love. [singing] By our Christians by our love. [singing] By our Christians by our love. [singing] By our love. Yes, they'll know we [music] are love. Yes, they'll know we [music] are love. Yes, they'll know we [music] are Christians by our love.

>> [music] >> [music] >> They'll know us by our love. >> They'll know us by our love. >> They'll know us by our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. [music] [music] [music] Our love. They'll know us by our love. Our love. They'll know us by our love. Our love. They'll know us by our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our [singing] love. Our [singing] love. Our [singing] love. We will [music] work with each other. We We will [music] work with each other. We We will [music] work with each other. We will work side by side. We will work will work side by side. We will work will work side by side. We will work with [music] each other. [singing] We with [music] each other. [singing] We with [music] each other. [singing] We will work side by side. And we'll guard will work side by side. And we'll guard will work side by side. And we'll guard each other's [music] dignity and save each other's [music] dignity and save each other's [music] dignity and save each other's pride. each other's pride. each other's pride. And they'll [singing and music] know we And they'll [singing and music] know we And they'll [singing and music] know we are Christians by our love. By our love. are Christians by our love. By our love. are Christians by our love. By our love. Yes, [music] they'll know [singing] we Yes, [music] they'll know [singing] we Yes, [music] they'll know [singing] we are Christians by our love. By our love. are Christians by our love. By our love. are Christians by our love. By our love. Yes, they'll know we are Christians by Yes, they'll know we are Christians by Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our [singing] love. By our love. Yes, our [singing] love. By our love. Yes, our [singing] love. By our love. Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our they'll know we are Christians by our they'll know we are Christians by our [music] love.

They'll know us by our love. They'll know us by our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. [music] Our love. [music] Our love. [music] Our love. They'll know us by our Our love. They'll know us by our Our love. They'll know us by our [singing] love. [singing] love. [singing] love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Our love. Oh. And they'll know we are Christians by And they'll know we are Christians by [music] our love. By our love. Yes. [music] our love. By our love. Yes. [music] our love. By our love. Yes. They'll know we are Christians [music] They'll know we are Christians [music] They'll know we are Christians [music] by our >> Amen. You may take your seats. >> Amen. You may take your seats. >> Amen.

So here our uh scripture today we have So here our uh scripture today we have two uh one from the old testament and two uh one from the old testament and two uh one from the old testament and one from the new. one from the new. one from the new. First passage is from 1st Samuel 18:es First passage is from 1st Samuel 18:es First passage is from 1st Samuel 18:es 1-3. When David had finished speaking to Saul When David had finished speaking to Saul the soul of Jonathan was bound to the the soul of Jonathan was bound to the the soul of Jonathan was bound to the Saul to the soul of David and Jonathan Saul to the soul of David and Jonathan Saul to the soul of David and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. loved him as his own soul. loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day and would not let Saul took him that day and would not let Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then him return to his father's house. Then him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David Jonathan made a covenant with David Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. because he loved him as his own soul. because he loved him as his own soul. And then these words from John 15. And then these words from John 15. And then these words from John 15. 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. You are my life for one's friends. You are my life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I friends if you do what I command you. I friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer do not call you servants any longer do not call you servants any longer because the servant does not know what because the servant does not know what because the servant does not know what the master is doing. But I have called the master is doing. But I have called the master is doing. But I have called you friends because I have made known to you friends because I have made known to you friends because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my you everything that I have heard from my you everything that I have heard from my father. You did not choose me but I father. You did not choose me but I father. You did not choose me but I chose you and I appointed you to go and chose you and I appointed you to go and chose you and I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last so that bear fruit, fruit that will last so that bear fruit, fruit that will last so that the father will give you whatever you the father will give you whatever you the father will give you whatever you ask in my name. I am giving you these ask in my name. I am giving you these ask in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one commands so that you may love one commands so that you may love one another.

another. another. the word of God for us, the people of the word of God for us, the people of the word of God for us, the people of God. Thanks be to God. Join with me in God. Thanks be to God. Join with me in God. Thanks be to God. Join with me in prayer. God, open us up today. prayer. God, open us up today. prayer. God, open us up today. Open our eyes that we might see and open Open our eyes that we might see and open Open our eyes that we might see and open our ears that we might hear your word our ears that we might hear your word our ears that we might hear your word somewhere in these words. somewhere in these words. somewhere in these words. Open our hearts, God, that we might Open our hearts, God, that we might Open our hearts, God, that we might feel. feel. feel. And then, oh Lord, in response, open our And then, oh Lord, in response, open our And then, oh Lord, in response, open our hands that we might give and serve and hands that we might give and serve and hands that we might give and serve and love. love. love. Amen. Amen. Amen. When I was in seminary, um I had a good When I was in seminary, um I had a good When I was in seminary, um I had a good friend named Paul Ledb better. Paul was friend named Paul Ledb better. Paul was friend named Paul Ledb better. Paul was uh Paul and his wife Debbie were friends uh Paul and his wife Debbie were friends uh Paul and his wife Debbie were friends with D and me and uh none of us had any with D and me and uh none of us had any with D and me and uh none of us had any children at that time. Um children at that time. Um children at that time. Um uh there was another couple that was uh there was another couple that was uh there was another couple that was close to us and the three families did close to us and the three families did close to us and the three families did all sorts of things together. We were in all sorts of things together. We were in all sorts of things together. We were in the same classes so we were in study the same classes so we were in study the same classes so we were in study group together. We went out together. We group together. We went out together. We group together. We went out together. We we did all sorts of things. We were we did all sorts of things. We were we did all sorts of things. We were really we were really what I would really we were really what I would really we were really what I would consider good friends. Um when we consider good friends. Um when we consider good friends. Um when we reached the end of seminary, a couple of reached the end of seminary, a couple of reached the end of seminary, a couple of things had happened. One is that D and I things had happened. One is that D and I things had happened. One is that D and I were expecting our first child by that were expecting our first child by that were expecting our first child by that time. And uh Paul had decided he didn't time. And uh Paul had decided he didn't time. And uh Paul had decided he didn't want to go on into ministry. He wanted want to go on into ministry. He wanted want to go on into ministry. He wanted to be an attorney. And so um we figured to be an attorney. And so um we figured to be an attorney. And so um we figured we needed to get a will done. So, we we needed to get a will done. So, we we needed to get a will done. So, we hired somebody to get a will done and we hired somebody to get a will done and we hired somebody to get a will done and we chose Paul to be the executive of our

chose Paul to be the executive of our chose Paul to be the executive of our will, executive our of our estate. And will, executive our of our estate. And will, executive our of our estate. And um I mean, he was going to be a lawyer. um I mean, he was going to be a lawyer. um I mean, he was going to be a lawyer. Seemed like a logical thing to me. Um Seemed like a logical thing to me. Um Seemed like a logical thing to me. Um none of our siblings were good choices none of our siblings were good choices none of our siblings were good choices for this. So, we figured that would he for this. So, we figured that would he for this. So, we figured that would he would be the right one. So, uh here's would be the right one. So, uh here's would be the right one. So, uh here's what happened. We got out of seminary. what happened. We got out of seminary. what happened. We got out of seminary. Paul went on to law school. Um, I came Paul went on to law school. Um, I came Paul went on to law school. Um, I came to Houston to be a minister and we never to Houston to be a minister and we never to Houston to be a minister and we never talked again. talked again. talked again. Uh, we quote lost touch as if it Uh, we quote lost touch as if it Uh, we quote lost touch as if it happened to us. Like something happened happened to us. Like something happened happened to us. Like something happened to us rather than us choosing to pursue to us rather than us choosing to pursue to us rather than us choosing to pursue that. that. that. Here's what's even funnier. We didn't Here's what's even funnier. We didn't Here's what's even funnier. We didn't redo our will until last year. redo our will until last year. redo our will until last year. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And so should something have happened to >> And so should something have happened to >> And so should something have happened to us 25 years later, he would have go, us 25 years later, he would have go, us 25 years later, he would have go, "What? Are you kidding? I'm the "What? Are you kidding? I'm the "What? Are you kidding? I'm the executive. I don't even know this guy." executive. I don't even know this guy." executive. I don't even know this guy." Uh, and here's what's even funnier. So Uh, and here's what's even funnier. So Uh, and here's what's even funnier. So um I don't know how many of you um um I don't know how many of you um um I don't know how many of you um remember or know uh uh Katherine and remember or know uh uh Katherine and remember or know uh uh Katherine and Hank Coleman. They were active here at Hank Coleman. They were active here at Hank Coleman. They were active here at St. Luke's and they moved away, ended up St. Luke's and they moved away, ended up St. Luke's and they moved away, ended up in Austin, joined University United in Austin, joined University United in Austin, joined University United Methodist Church there and ended up in a Methodist Church there and ended up in a Methodist Church there and ended up in a Sunday school class and are now good Sunday school class and are now good Sunday school class and are now good friends with Paul and Debbie Led Better friends with Paul and Debbie Led Better friends with Paul and Debbie Led Better who are uh who are there and I they sent who are uh who are there and I they sent who are uh who are there and I they sent me a picture of them together in in me a picture of them together in in me a picture of them together in in Santa Fe uh along with the ferals. Uh I Santa Fe uh along with the ferals. Uh I Santa Fe uh along with the ferals. Uh I was like, "How crazy is that?" So that's was like, "How crazy is that?" So that's was like, "How crazy is that?" So that's what you look like now. Now I see you what you look like now. Now I see you what you look like now. Now I see you know it's just crazy. Here's what I want know it's just crazy. Here's what I want know it's just crazy. Here's what I want you to hear from that is that um there

you to hear from that is that um there you to hear from that is that um there there there there being friends being friends being friends takes some work takes some work takes some work and I I I want us to think about it. and I I I want us to think about it. and I I I want us to think about it. Here's the truth. We are in a friendship Here's the truth. We are in a friendship Here's the truth. We are in a friendship recession in the United States. Um it is recession in the United States. Um it is recession in the United States. Um it is a a challenging thing. There is a um the a a challenging thing. There is a um the a a challenging thing. There is a um 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 of change from 1990. In 1990, 3% of data of change from 1990. In 1990, 3% of data of change from 1990. In 1990, 3% of Americans surveyed said they had no Americans surveyed said they had no Americans surveyed said they had no friends. By 2021, that number was up to friends. By 2021, that number was up to friends. By 2021, that number was up to 12%. They did a smaller follow-up survey 12%. They did a smaller follow-up survey 12%. They did a smaller follow-up survey in 2024, and the number was up to 17% of in 2024, and the number was up to 17% of in 2024, and the number was up to 17% of people who said they had had no friends. people who said they had had no friends. people who said they had had no friends. Um, in 1990, uh, 4% they said they only Um, in 1990, uh, 4% they said they only Um, in 1990, uh, 4% they said they only had one friend. By 9, uh, in, um, 2021, had one friend. By 9, uh, in, um, 2021, had one friend. By 9, uh, in, um, 2021, that number had doubled to 7%. In 1990, that number had doubled to 7%. In 1990, that number had doubled to 7%. In 1990, 27% said they had three or few were 27% said they had three or few were 27% said they had three or few were close friends. By 21, that number had close friends. By 21, that number had close friends. By 21, that number had risen to 49%.

risen to 49%. risen to 49%. Even at the top end of the scale, if you Even at the top end of the scale, if you Even at the top end of the scale, if you look at the picture, um in 1990, 33% of look at the picture, um in 1990, 33% of look at the picture, um in 1990, 33% of Americans said they had 10 or more, but Americans said they had 10 or more, but Americans said they had 10 or more, but by 2021, that number had fallen to only by 2021, that number had fallen to only by 2021, that number had fallen to only 13%. 13%. 13%. Uh I'm not sure why this is. We can go Uh I'm not sure why this is. We can go Uh I'm not sure why this is. We can go into all of the reasons that we are into all of the reasons that we are into all of the reasons that we are struggling, you know, all the social struggling, you know, all the social struggling, you know, all the social media and pandemic and I mean all of media and pandemic and I mean all of media and pandemic and I mean all of those things that go into it. But I'd those things that go into it. But I'd those things that go into it. But I'd rather us think about what we can do rather us think about what we can do rather us think about what we can do about it and how we can respond. And I'd about it and how we can respond. And I'd about it and how we can respond. And I'd like to for us to think about this story like to for us to think about this story like to for us to think about this story of Jonathan and David as as a model for of Jonathan and David as as a model for of Jonathan and David as as a model for us at least partly. I wish I could do us at least partly. I wish I could do us at least partly. I wish I could do the whole thing. the the story of the whole thing. the the story of the whole thing. the the story of Jonathan David goes over many chapters Jonathan David goes over many chapters Jonathan David goes over many chapters and is a really nuanced and beautiful and is a really nuanced and beautiful and is a really nuanced and beautiful story. Um, but here here it is. Uh, let story. Um, but here here it is. Uh, let story. Um, but here here it is. Uh, let me do the quickest summary I can. Uh, me do the quickest summary I can. Uh, me do the quickest summary I can. Uh, Jonathan is King Saul's son Jonathan is King Saul's son Jonathan is King Saul's son and David was King Saul's armorbearer and David was King Saul's armorbearer and David was King Saul's armorbearer and so they became come to know each and so they became come to know each and so they became come to know each other in in King Saul's house as part of other in in King Saul's house as part of other in in King Saul's house as part of his his house family. And at at some his his house family. And at at some his his house family. And at at some point he watches David as David goes to point he watches David as David goes to point he watches David as David goes to slay Goliath. And he Jonathan is uh slay Goliath. And he Jonathan is uh slay Goliath. And he Jonathan is uh impressed and enamored with King David.

impressed and enamored with King David. impressed and enamored with King David. And he says, "I want to be his friend." And he says, "I want to be his friend." And he says, "I want to be his friend." And so he reaches out to him and and uh And so he reaches out to him and and uh And so he reaches out to him and and uh makes this covenant with him and says, makes this covenant with him and says, makes this covenant with him and says, "I'm going to be your friend. I will be "I'm going to be your friend. I will be "I'm going to be your friend. I will be there for you. I will not give up on there for you. I will not give up on there for you. I will not give up on you. I will always be there. Uh I'm I'm you. I will always be there. Uh I'm I'm you. I will always be there. Uh I'm I'm making that promise to you. making that promise to you. making that promise to you. Well, as time goes on, uh Dave, uh uh Well, as time goes on, uh Dave, uh uh Well, as time goes on, uh Dave, uh uh King Saul, King David or David rather, King Saul, King David or David rather, King Saul, King David or David rather, his his star is rising and Saul's star his his star is rising and Saul's star his his star is rising and Saul's star is sinking and Saul becomes incredibly is sinking and Saul becomes incredibly is sinking and Saul becomes incredibly jealous and he decides he wants to kill jealous and he decides he wants to kill jealous and he decides he wants to kill King David or David. Uh at that time, King David or David. Uh at that time, King David or David. Uh at that time, King Saul wants to kill David and King Saul wants to kill David and King Saul wants to kill David and Jonathan intercedes for him. In fact, Jonathan intercedes for him. In fact, Jonathan intercedes for him. In fact, David uh Saul throws a spear at his own David uh Saul throws a spear at his own David uh Saul throws a spear at his own son because he has spoken in favor of son because he has spoken in favor of son because he has spoken in favor of David. Uh then when when David decides David. Uh then when when David decides David. Uh then when when David decides he has to escape from the house of Saul, he has to escape from the house of Saul, he has to escape from the house of Saul, um uh Jonathan um participates in this um uh Jonathan um participates in this um uh Jonathan um participates in this ruse to get him out of there and puts ruse to get him out of there and puts ruse to get him out of there and puts his own life at risk in order to do so.

his own life at risk in order to do so. his own life at risk in order to do so. Um uh later on over and over again, you Um uh later on over and over again, you Um uh later on over and over again, you see David uh Jonathan interceding for see David uh Jonathan interceding for see David uh Jonathan interceding for David in in in whatever way he can to David in in in whatever way he can to David in in in whatever way he can to help him. Ultimately, what happens is help him. Ultimately, what happens is help him. Ultimately, what happens is that both Jonathan and King Saul are that both Jonathan and King Saul are that both Jonathan and King Saul are killed in battle. killed in battle. killed in battle. And there's this beautiful lament in And there's this beautiful lament in And there's this beautiful lament in scripture called the lament of the bow scripture called the lament of the bow scripture called the lament of the bow in which David talks about his in which David talks about his in which David talks about his heartbreak. How he's so heartbroken at heartbreak. How he's so heartbroken at heartbreak. How he's so heartbroken at the death of Jonathan. And um and then the death of Jonathan. And um and then the death of Jonathan. And um and then he says, "I'll make a promise." the the he says, "I'll make a promise." the the he says, "I'll make a promise." the the the final beautiful chapter is this that the final beautiful chapter is this that the final beautiful chapter is this that Jonathan had a son named Mphibicheth Jonathan had a son named Mphibicheth Jonathan had a son named Mphibicheth and that uh when he was a baby he'd been and that uh when he was a baby he'd been and that uh when he was a baby he'd been dropped and so he he was disabled and dropped and so he he was disabled and dropped and so he he was disabled and wasn't able to walk and David uh King wasn't able to walk and David uh King wasn't able to walk and David uh King David now king at that time said that he David now king at that time said that he David now king at that time said that he would always have let Mphibicheth eat at would always have let Mphibicheth eat at would always have let Mphibicheth eat at his table and be a part of his family his table and be a part of his family his table and be a part of his family and he said on account of Jonathan I and he said on account of Jonathan I and he said on account of Jonathan I returned to you all of the land that was returned to you all of the land that was returned to you all of the land that was your father Saul's and you will always your father Saul's and you will always your father Saul's and you will always have a place here at my table. It's just have a place here at my table. It's just have a place here at my table. It's just this beautiful story of of the this this beautiful story of of the this this beautiful story of of the this commitment of friendship.

commitment of friendship. commitment of friendship. So what can we learn from it? I want to So what can we learn from it? I want to So what can we learn from it? I want to just lift up two things for you today. just lift up two things for you today. just lift up two things for you today. The first one is this. In order to um in The first one is this. In order to um in The first one is this. In order to um in order to to experience friendship in order to to experience friendship in order to to experience friendship in this kind of way, we have to take the this kind of way, we have to take the this kind of way, we have to take the initiative. We have to decide that we're initiative. We have to decide that we're initiative. We have to decide that we're going to make friends. We have to be the going to make friends. We have to be the going to make friends. We have to be the ones to step out and say, "I'm gonna ones to step out and say, "I'm gonna ones to step out and say, "I'm gonna make a friend. I'm gonna I'm gonna take make a friend. I'm gonna I'm gonna take make a friend. I'm gonna I'm gonna take the initiative." I want you to just the initiative." I want you to just the initiative." I want you to just notice really a really simple thing in a notice really a really simple thing in a notice really a really simple thing in a story that is primarily about King story that is primarily about King story that is primarily about King David, who is the actor in this passage. David, who is the actor in this passage. David, who is the actor in this passage. Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Jonathan made a covenant with David Jonathan made a covenant with David Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. because he loved him as his own soul. because he loved him as his own soul. You notice that it's Jonathan taking the You notice that it's Jonathan taking the You notice that it's Jonathan taking the initiative over and over. It's not David initiative over and over. It's not David initiative over and over. It's not David reaching out to Jonathan. It's Jonathan reaching out to Jonathan. It's Jonathan reaching out to Jonathan. It's Jonathan reaching out to David, saying,"I going reaching out to David, saying,"I going reaching out to David, saying,"I going to be I I'm going to be your friend." to be I I'm going to be your friend." to be I I'm going to be your friend." Look, it it may be that you're a person Look, it it may be that you're a person Look, it it may be that you're a person who thinks, you know, I'm satisfied with who thinks, you know, I'm satisfied with who thinks, you know, I'm satisfied with my friendships. I have lots of great my friendships. I have lots of great my friendships. I have lots of great friendships. I don't need any more friendships. I don't need any more friendships. I don't need any more friendships. Uh do you know, if you're friendships. Uh do you know, if you're friendships. Uh do you know, if you're not growing, you're dying, right? If not growing, you're dying, right? If not growing, you're dying, right? If you're not making new friends, if you're you're not making new friends, if you're you're not making new friends, if you're not reaching out and and creating those not reaching out and and creating those not reaching out and and creating those new friendships, then you you're like a new friendships, then you you're like a new friendships, then you you're like a stagnant pool, you know, that's just um stagnant pool, you know, that's just um stagnant pool, you know, that's just um just not moving. And that that focus of just not moving. And that that focus of just not moving. And that that focus of of think, you know, I I just I don't of think, you know, I I just I don't of think, you know, I I just I don't need any new friends.

need any new friends. need any new friends. Sometimes it's because we're just so Sometimes it's because we're just so Sometimes it's because we're just so busy with our family or other or work or busy with our family or other or work or busy with our family or other or work or other things that we think, oh, I don't other things that we think, oh, I don't other things that we think, oh, I don't need any new friends. Or it may be that need any new friends. Or it may be that need any new friends. Or it may be that you really are dissatisfied with your you really are dissatisfied with your you really are dissatisfied with your friendships and what keeps you from friendships and what keeps you from friendships and what keeps you from doing it is just inertia. doing it is just inertia. doing it is just inertia. I this is what I always done. I'm in a I this is what I always done. I'm in a I this is what I always done. I'm in a rut and I I you know I'm not going to rut and I I you know I'm not going to rut and I I you know I'm not going to step out and do it. It may be that step out and do it. It may be that step out and do it. It may be that there's this fear of rejection, fear of there's this fear of rejection, fear of there's this fear of rejection, fear of being turned away. being turned away. being turned away. It may be that you just have this sense It may be that you just have this sense It may be that you just have this sense of of of I I I'm self-sufficient. I don't need I I I'm self-sufficient. I don't need I I I'm self-sufficient. I don't need any friends. I can do it on my own. any friends. I can do it on my own. any friends. I can do it on my own. And as a result, we find ourselves And as a result, we find ourselves And as a result, we find ourselves without those friendships. without those friendships. without those friendships. So what can we do? How do we how do we So what can we do? How do we how do we So what can we do? How do we how do we decide to reach out and do that? Um it decide to reach out and do that? Um it decide to reach out and do that? Um it it is all about taking the risk. It's it is all about taking the risk. It's it is all about taking the risk. It's all about taking the risk. all about taking the risk. all about taking the risk. Anna Goldfarb wrote a book called Modern Anna Goldfarb wrote a book called Modern Anna Goldfarb wrote a book called Modern Friendship, which is so interesting Friendship, which is so interesting Friendship, which is so interesting because it talks about all sorts of very because it talks about all sorts of very because it talks about all sorts of very specific things like how how long should specific things like how how long should specific things like how how long should you wait before you return a text you wait before you return a text you wait before you return a text message or things like that that I would message or things like that that I would message or things like that that I would never, you know, kind of think about.

never, you know, kind of think about. never, you know, kind of think about. But one of the things she one of her But one of the things she one of her But one of the things she one of her chapters is six hard truths about chapters is six hard truths about chapters is six hard truths about friendship. And I'm just going to share friendship. And I'm just going to share friendship. And I'm just going to share two of them. Um uh here here's one. She two of them. Um uh here here's one. She two of them. Um uh here here's one. She says friends will truth one, friends says friends will truth one, friends says friends will truth one, friends will disappoint us. will disappoint us. will disappoint us. It's going to happen. It's going to It's going to happen. It's going to It's going to happen. It's going to happen. So when you when you take that happen. So when you when you take that happen. So when you when you take that risk, you've got to be willing to risk, you've got to be willing to risk, you've got to be willing to recognize that that probably is going to recognize that that probably is going to recognize that that probably is going to happen at some point. Here's truth. happen at some point. Here's truth. happen at some point. Here's truth. Four, you have to be okay with some Four, you have to be okay with some Four, you have to be okay with some occasional rejection. occasional rejection. 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. You have to turn off that grace. You have to turn off that grace. You have to turn off that judgmental spirit and turn on the judgmental spirit and turn on the judgmental spirit and turn on the gracious one and continue to choose to gracious one and continue to choose to gracious one and continue to choose to take the risk. Uh uh John Gottman um is take the risk. Uh uh John Gottman um is take the risk. Uh uh John Gottman um is probably the most famous um expert I probably the most famous um expert I probably the most famous um expert I guess is the way you would say it on guess is the way you would say it on guess is the way you would say it on marriage counseling and he's written marriage counseling and he's written marriage counseling and he's written like over 40 books about it but a number like over 40 books about it but a number like over 40 books about it but a number of them venture not just into marriage of them venture not just into marriage of them venture not just into marriage but into friendship as well. And he has but into friendship as well. And he has but into friendship as well. And he has this marvelous this marvelous this marvelous uh concept that I just think is uh concept that I just think is uh concept that I just think is wonderful called bids. How do you make a wonderful called bids. How do you make a wonderful called bids. How do you make a bid? And a bid is anything you do to um bid? And a bid is anything you do to um bid? And a bid is anything you do to um uh to to draw you closer to someone uh to to draw you closer to someone uh to to draw you closer to someone else. So it might be um if you're with else. So it might be um if you're with else. So it might be um if you're with with someone and you say, "Can I get you with someone and you say, "Can I get you with someone and you say, "Can I get you a glass of water?" I mean, it's just can a glass of water?" I mean, it's just can a glass of water?" I mean, it's just can be just this little small thing. It it be just this little small thing. It it be just this little small thing. It it might be um oh, can I take your plate?

might be um oh, can I take your plate? might be um oh, can I take your plate? It might be to solicit someone's advice It might be to solicit someone's advice It might be to solicit someone's advice uh to say, "Hey, what do you think of uh to say, "Hey, what do you think of uh to say, "Hey, what do you think of this wallpaper?" this wallpaper?" this wallpaper?" So, you send you send someone a that So, you send you send someone a that So, you send you send someone a that you'd like to be friends with a a um a you'd like to be friends with a a um a you'd like to be friends with a a um a text that says, "What do you think of text that says, "What do you think of text that says, "What do you think of this wallpaper?" That's a bid. That's a this wallpaper?" That's a bid. That's a this wallpaper?" That's a bid. That's a that's a reach out to say, "Hey, I want that's a reach out to say, "Hey, I want that's a reach out to say, "Hey, I want to I want to be a little closer to you." to I want to be a little closer to you." to I want to be a little closer to you." And as he as you get deeper into it, And as he as you get deeper into it, And as he as you get deeper into it, then you can make some really high value then you can make some really high value then you can make some really high value bids like, "Uh, can I tell you how much bids like, "Uh, can I tell you how much bids like, "Uh, can I tell you how much I'm struggling in my marriage right now? I'm struggling in my marriage right now? I'm struggling in my marriage right now? Or can I can I can can we talk about Or can I can I can can we talk about Or can I can I can can we talk about my faith? I'm I'm struggling in that and my faith? I'm I'm struggling in that and my faith? I'm I'm struggling in that and I don't I don't really understand some I don't I don't really understand some I don't I don't really understand some things things things that as we choose to reach out with sort that as we choose to reach out with sort that as we choose to reach out with sort of increasing levels of intimacy. What of increasing levels of intimacy. What of increasing levels of intimacy. What we're doing is making these bids to get we're doing is making these bids to get we're doing is making these bids to get closer and closer and closer and try and closer and closer and closer and try and closer and closer and closer and try and build a friendship. It isn't quite as build a friendship. It isn't quite as build a friendship. It isn't quite as easy as it is here with Jonathan where easy as it is here with Jonathan where easy as it is here with Jonathan where he just decides, okay, and it happens.

he just decides, okay, and it happens. he just decides, okay, and it happens. No, it takes that process of of of No, it takes that process of of of No, it takes that process of of of taking the initiative, being willing to taking the initiative, being willing to taking the initiative, being willing to take the risk and make the bid to see take the risk and make the bid to see take the risk and make the bid to see what might happen. All right, that's the what might happen. All right, that's the what might happen. All right, that's the first thing I hope you hear today. We first thing I hope you hear today. We first thing I hope you hear today. We have to make a friend. have to make a friend. have to make a friend. Take the initiative. Here's the second Take the initiative. Here's the second Take the initiative. Here's the second one. Think about being a friend rather one. Think about being a friend rather one. Think about being a friend rather than having a friend. than having a friend. than having a friend. How do you be a friend to someone rather How do you be a friend to someone rather How do you be a friend to someone rather than have a friend? than have a friend? than have a friend? What I think is so amazing about this What I think is so amazing about this What I think is so amazing about this story is how, you know, he says, it says story is how, you know, he says, it says story is how, you know, he says, it says here that Jonathan made a covenant with here that Jonathan made a covenant with here that Jonathan made a covenant with David. Twice more he makes a covenant David. Twice more he makes a covenant David. Twice more he makes a covenant with David. He renews that covenant, but with David. He renews that covenant, but with David. He renews that covenant, but each time it's after he's done something each time it's after he's done something each time it's after he's done something to put himself out there and really do to put himself out there and really do to put himself out there and really do something that risks his own well-being something that risks his own well-being something that risks his own well-being just to help out David. one is a a time just to help out David. one is a a time just to help out David. one is a a time when David is trying to escape from the when David is trying to escape from the when David is trying to escape from the house of Saul and Jonathan um goes and house of Saul and Jonathan um goes and house of Saul and Jonathan um goes and participates in this ruse to get him out participates in this ruse to get him out participates in this ruse to get him out of there without him being caught. And of there without him being caught. And of there without him being caught. And as they end, they renew that covenant.

as they end, they renew that covenant. as they end, they renew that covenant. They said, "I'm going to Jonathan says, They said, "I'm going to Jonathan says, They said, "I'm going to Jonathan says, I'm going to be there." Covenant just I'm going to be there." Covenant just I'm going to be there." Covenant just means promise. He says, "I'm going to be means promise. He says, "I'm going to be means promise. He says, "I'm going to be there for you no matter what." The the there for you no matter what." The the there for you no matter what." The the the next one um is is later on when he the next one um is is later on when he the next one um is is later on when he is um is um is um d uh David is out in the wilderness and d uh David is out in the wilderness and d uh David is out in the wilderness and and Saul is chasing him and wants to and Saul is chasing him and wants to and Saul is chasing him and wants to kill him and he is discouraged and the kill him and he is discouraged and the kill him and he is discouraged and the scripture says Saul's son Jonathan set scripture says Saul's son Jonathan set scripture says Saul's son Jonathan set out and came to David at Horesh and out and came to David at Horesh and out and came to David at Horesh and there he strengthened his hand through there he strengthened his hand through there he strengthened his hand through the Lord. In other words, he just came the Lord. In other words, he just came the Lord. In other words, he just came to encourage him. He just came to build to encourage him. He just came to build to encourage him. He just came to build him up. you can do this. But he goes out him up. you can do this. But he goes out him up. you can do this. But he goes out into the wilderness. He goes out of his into the wilderness. He goes out of his into the wilderness. He goes out of his way into the wilderness to make this way into the wilderness to make this way into the wilderness to make this kind of difference in this person's kind of difference in this person's kind of difference in this person's life. That's such a powerful picture of life. That's such a powerful picture of life. That's such a powerful picture of of being willing to think about not am I of being willing to think about not am I of being willing to think about not am I having a friend? What am I going to get having a friend? What am I going to get having a friend? What am I going to get out of this? Here's the problem. What out of this? Here's the problem. What out of this? Here's the problem. What happens is when we get lonely, happens is when we get lonely, happens is when we get lonely, we begin to become more self-absorbed.

we begin to become more self-absorbed. we begin to become more self-absorbed. And so, it kind of works against us. we And so, it kind of works against us. we And so, it kind of works against us. we become more self-absorbed like oh I'm become more self-absorbed like oh I'm become more self-absorbed like oh I'm unhappy I'm sad I'm lonely and and we unhappy I'm sad I'm lonely and and we unhappy I'm sad I'm lonely and and we begin thinking about ourselves so much begin thinking about ourselves so much begin thinking about ourselves so much of the time and it it gets it's hard of the time and it it gets it's hard of the time and it it gets it's hard Olivia Lang wrote a book called the Olivia Lang wrote a book called the Olivia Lang wrote a book called the lonely city and in it she talks about lonely city and in it she talks about lonely city and in it she talks about loneliness as being accretive that it's loneliness as being accretive that it's loneliness as being accretive that it's like a moss that grows and the more it like a moss that grows and the more it like a moss that grows and the more it grows the more you shield yourself from grows the more you shield yourself from grows the more you shield yourself from others and the more the more lonely you others and the more the more lonely you others and the more the more lonely you get and it just continues to grow and get and it just continues to grow and get and it just continues to grow and how hard it is to decide I'm going to how hard it is to decide I'm going to how hard it is to decide I'm going to turn away from worrying about myself to turn away from worrying about myself to turn away from worrying about myself to worrying about others and being focused worrying about others and being focused worrying about others and being focused uh focused on them. There's this um uh focused on them. There's this um uh focused on them. There's this um Suzanne Diggs White is a professor at Suzanne Diggs White is a professor at Suzanne Diggs White is a professor at Northern Illinois University and she did Northern Illinois University and she did Northern Illinois University and she did a survey. I thought this was funny just a survey. I thought this was funny just a survey. I thought this was funny just how they defined it of 40 422 women how they defined it of 40 422 women how they defined it of 40 422 women between the ages of 31 and 77 and between the ages of 31 and 77 and between the ages of 31 and 77 and examined how their friendships examined how their friendships examined how their friendships influenced life satisfaction. They found influenced life satisfaction. They found influenced life satisfaction. They found that there were three main factors that that there were three main factors that that there were three main factors that were predictive of life satisfaction in were predictive of life satisfaction in were predictive of life satisfaction in midlife women. I thought it was funny midlife women. I thought it was funny midlife women. I thought it was funny that 77 still was [music] midlife, but that 77 still was [music] midlife, but that 77 still was [music] midlife, but you know, um anyway, here are the three.

you know, um anyway, here are the three. you know, um anyway, here are the three. Here are the three. One, feeling younger Here are the three. One, feeling younger Here are the three. One, feeling younger than your chronological age. than your chronological age. than your chronological age. Second, enjoying a sense of belonging. Second, enjoying a sense of belonging. Second, enjoying a sense of belonging. And third, being someone's best friend. And third, being someone's best friend. And third, 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. Choosing to put yourself out there and Choosing to put yourself out there and Choosing to put yourself out there and and continue to give of yourself, to and continue to give of yourself, to and continue to give of yourself, to give yourself away in friendship. give yourself away in friendship. give yourself away in friendship. Jesus is really clear in his command, Jesus is really clear in his command, Jesus is really clear in his command, isn't he? isn't he? isn't he? He says, "Love one another as I have He says, "Love one another as I have He says, "Love one another as I have loved you." loved you." loved you." Right? Greater love has no one than to Right? Greater love has no one than to Right? Greater love has no one than to lay down his life. Right? So give lay down his life. Right? So give lay down his life. Right? So give yourself away. That's how I've loved yourself away. That's how I've loved yourself away. That's how I've loved you. Now you love in that way. Then he you. Now you love in that way. Then he you. Now you love in that way. Then he says, "You're my friends if you do what says, "You're my friends if you do what says, "You're my friends if you do what I command you." What has he commanded I command you." What has he commanded I command you." What has he commanded us? Love one another. Then he says, "I I us? Love one another. Then he says, "I I us? Love one another. Then he says, "I I have called you friends." have called you friends." have called you friends." Don't you see that? He's saying, I the Don't you see that? He's saying, I the Don't you see that? He's saying, I the the essence, the command of the the essence, the command of the the essence, the command of the Christian life is to make friends and Christian life is to make friends and Christian life is to make friends and love people as friends. That's how the love people as friends. That's how the love people as friends. That's how the gospel's passed. That's how the the the gospel's passed. That's how the the the gospel's passed. That's how the the the faith grows. We are to love faith grows. We are to love faith grows. We are to love others as friends.

Sometimes like a a God thing happens and Sometimes like a a God thing happens and I want to share one with you today. So, I want to share one with you today. So, I want to share one with you today. So, I've been I'm working really hard this I've been I'm working really hard this I've been I'm working really hard this week studying about Jonathan, trying to week studying about Jonathan, trying to week studying about Jonathan, trying to make this sermon, and I'm reading my make this sermon, and I'm reading my make this sermon, and I'm reading my usual morning Wall Street Journal, and I usual morning Wall Street Journal, and I usual morning Wall Street Journal, and I come across this uh article called The come across this uh article called The come across this uh article called The Life of Jonathan. Life of Jonathan. Life of Jonathan. And I'm like, well, I've got to read And I'm like, well, I've got to read And I'm like, well, I've got to read this uh clearly. And uh here it is. It's this uh clearly. And uh here it is. It's this uh clearly. And uh here it is. It's not about this Jonathan. It's not about not about this Jonathan. It's not about not about this Jonathan. It's not about our Jonathan. It's about a man named our Jonathan. It's about a man named our Jonathan. It's about a man named Jonathan who died at age 50. and his Jonathan who died at age 50. and his Jonathan who died at age 50. and his brother is reflecting on on his his brother is reflecting on on his his brother is reflecting on on his his brother's life and he talks about how brother's life and he talks about how brother's life and he talks about how many people came to the memorial many people came to the memorial many people came to the memorial service. I want to read to you because service. I want to read to you because service. I want to read to you because it really touched me. it really touched me. it really touched me. 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, went and then went straight family, went and then went straight family, went and then went straight home. A round trip across the Atlantic home. A round trip across the Atlantic home. A round trip across the Atlantic simply to be present.

simply to be present. simply to be 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. The people filling like they mattered. The people filling like they mattered. The people filling the morning house weren't merely the morning house weren't merely the morning house weren't merely responding to Jonathan's death. They responding to Jonathan's death. They responding to Jonathan's death. They were responding to Jonathan's life. were responding to Jonathan's life. were responding to 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. I think that's the essence of this I think that's the essence of this I think that's the essence of this that that we can put ourselves out there that that we can put ourselves out there that that we can put ourselves out there and choose to to be a friend to take the and choose to to be a friend to take the and choose to to be a friend to take the risk to interrupt our lives for other risk to interrupt our lives for other risk to interrupt our lives for other people people people to be willing to make a friend to be willing to make a friend to be willing to make a friend and then be one.

and then be one. and then be one. Let's pray together. Let's pray together. Let's pray together. Oh, gracious and loving God, um we thank Oh, gracious and loving God, um we thank Oh, gracious and loving God, um we thank you for the [music] friends that have you for the [music] friends that have you for the [music] friends that have given themselves to us given themselves to us given themselves to us and we pray God that we would break out and we pray God that we would break out and we pray God that we would break out of of our own inertia and be willing to of of our own inertia and be willing to of of our own inertia and be willing to reach out to make new friends. reach out to make new friends. reach out to make new friends. And then God, remind us that And then God, remind us that And then God, remind us that that what you call us to do is not have that what you call us to do is not have that what you call us to do is not have friends like we own them, like friends like we own them, like friends like we own them, like possessions, [music] possessions, [music] possessions, [music] but rather that we make friends, that we but rather that we make friends, that we but rather that we make friends, that we be friends to others so that we can love be friends to others so that we can love be friends to others so that we can love them the way you loved us. them the way you loved us. them the way you loved us. We pray in the name of Christ our Lord We pray in the name of Christ our Lord We pray in the name of Christ our Lord and Savior. [music] Amen. Will you stand and [clears throat] Will you stand and [clears throat] worship with us? Katie's favorite song.

Everybody [music] has [singing] trials Everybody [music] has [singing] trials and temptation. Everybody knows [music] heartbre Everybody knows [music] heartbre isolation. But we can lay our [singing] bens down. But we can lay our [singing] bens down. Lay [music] our [singing] bens down. Lay [music] our [singing] bens down. Lay [music] our [singing] bens down. What a friend we had in Jesus. East to What a friend we had in Jesus. East to What a friend we had in Jesus. East to west my sins are gone. west my sins are gone. west my sins are gone. I see grace on [music] I see grace on [music] I see grace on [music] every horizon. every horizon. every horizon. and forever and ever. [music] His heart and forever and ever. [music] His heart and forever and ever. [music] His heart is my home. is my home. is my home. Oh, everybody has [music] fears. Everybody everybody has [music] fears. Everybody got woroo. but we can lay [music and singing] our but we can lay [music and singing] our burdens down.

burdens down. burdens down. Lay our [singing and music] burdens Lay our [singing and music] burdens Lay our [singing and music] burdens down. down. down. What a friend we have in Jesus. East to What a friend we have in Jesus. East to What a friend we have in Jesus. East to west, my sins are gone. west, my sins are gone. west, my sins are gone. I see grace [music] I see grace [music] I see grace [music] on every [singing] horizon. on every [singing] horizon. on every [singing] horizon. and forever and [music] ever. His heart and forever and [music] ever. His heart and forever and [music] ever. His heart is my home. is my home. is my home. No more [music] betrayal for he is No more [music] betrayal for he is No more [music] betrayal for he is faithful. He fills me up and I can run faithful. He fills me up and I can run faithful. He fills me up and I can run [music] it over. No more betrayal for [music] it over. No more betrayal for [music] it over. No more betrayal for [singing] he is faithful. How he has [singing] he is faithful. How he has [singing] he is faithful. How he has proven [music] it over and over. No more proven [music] it over and over. No more proven [music] it over and over. No more betrayal [singing] betrayal [singing] betrayal [singing] for he [music] is faithful. He fills me for he [music] is faithful. He fills me for he [music] is faithful. He fills me up and my cup runth over. No more up and my cup runth over. No more up and my cup runth over. No more betrayal for he is faithful. [music] How betrayal for he is faithful. [music] How betrayal for he is faithful. [music] How he has proven it over and over, over and he has proven it over and over, over and he has proven it over and over, over and over. What a friend we have in Jesus.

over. What a friend we have in Jesus. over. What a friend we have in Jesus. These two [music] my sins are gone. These two [music] my sins are gone. These two [music] my sins are gone. I see grace on every horizon [music] I see grace on every horizon [music] I see grace on every horizon [music] and forever and ever his heart is my and forever and ever his heart is my and forever and ever his heart is my home. What a friend we have in Jesus. home. What a friend we have in Jesus. home. What a friend we have in Jesus. [music] [music] [music] East to west my sins are gone. East to west my sins are gone. East to west my sins are gone. I see grace [music] on every horizon. I see grace [music] on every horizon. I see grace [music] on every horizon. And forever and ever [music] his heart And forever and ever [music] his heart And forever and ever [music] his heart [singing] is my home. Forever and ever. [singing] is my home. Forever and ever. [singing] is my home. Forever and ever. His [music] heart is my home. >> Amen. >> Amen. And those syncopated claps will get you And those syncopated claps will get you And those syncopated claps will get you every time. [laughter] every time. [laughter] every time. [laughter] [gasps] [gasps] [gasps] Well, as we think about how to be a Well, as we think about how to be a Well, as we think about how to be a friend this week, we have several great friend this week, we have several great friend this week, we have several great opportunities for you to connect and try opportunities for you to connect and try opportunities for you to connect and try to do just that. Um, first of all, our to do just that. Um, first of all, our to do just that. Um, first of all, our fall guide live is a brand new class fall guide live is a brand new class fall guide live is a brand new class that we are going to be offering next that we are going to be offering next that we are going to be offering next Sunday right after our last worship Sunday right after our last worship Sunday right after our last worship service of the day. So, around 12:15 or service of the day. So, around 12:15 or service of the day. So, around 12:15 or so. And this is an opportunity if you've so. And this is an opportunity if you've so. And this is an opportunity if you've been coming to St. Luke's for one week been coming to St. Luke's for one week been coming to St. Luke's for one week or 10 years or somewhere in between and or 10 years or somewhere in between and or 10 years or somewhere in between and you've never really found your place, you've never really found your place, you've never really found your place, found your people, found your niche in found your people, found your niche in found your people, found your niche in addition to worship. um would love for addition to worship. um would love for addition to worship. um would love for you to come out and hear more about all you to come out and hear more about all you to come out and hear more about all the opportunities that St. Luke's has to the opportunities that St. Luke's has to the opportunities that St. Luke's has to offer so that you can find your next offer so that you can find your next offer so that you can find your next best step. So come out and join us for best step. So come out and join us for best step. So come out and join us for Fall Guide Live if you like. Second, we

Fall Guide Live if you like. Second, we Fall Guide Live if you like. Second, we are so excited to have a brand new study are so excited to have a brand new study are so excited to have a brand new study coming out this fall. It's called Woven coming out this fall. It's called Woven coming out this fall. It's called Woven and it's all about how we support and and it's all about how we support and and it's all about how we support and nurture our kids to really own their nurture our kids to really own their nurture our kids to really own their faith in a way that's not just like faith in a way that's not just like faith in a way that's not just like something that we say, "Hey, you should something that we say, "Hey, you should something that we say, "Hey, you should believe this." but because they truly believe this." but because they truly believe this." but because they truly believe it, too. And it's a resilient believe it, too. And it's a resilient believe it, too. And it's a resilient kind of faith that will grow with them kind of faith that will grow with them kind of faith that will grow with them as they grow. So, if that sounds like as they grow. So, if that sounds like as they grow. So, if that sounds like something that would be interesting for something that would be interesting for something that would be interesting for you, we have a bunch of different you, we have a bunch of different you, we have a bunch of different options for you to get involved. You can options for you to get involved. You can options for you to get involved. You can go to our website/woven go to our website/woven go to our website/woven and find a group that works for you from and find a group that works for you from and find a group that works for you from parents to grandparents. Everybody in parents to grandparents. Everybody in parents to grandparents. Everybody in between would love for you to be a part between would love for you to be a part between would love for you to be a part of this study as we figure this out of this study as we figure this out of this study as we figure this out together. together. together. Finally, Wednesday night fellowship. Finally, Wednesday night fellowship. Finally, Wednesday night fellowship. What a great opportunity to make a What a great opportunity to make a What a great opportunity to make a friend, make a friend from a different friend, make a friend from a different friend, make a friend from a different culture, make a friend from a different culture, make a friend from a different culture, make a friend from a different generation, come out and serve alongside generation, come out and serve alongside generation, come out and serve alongside of us, and just come and sit and of us, and just come and sit and of us, and just come and sit and fellowship if you'd rather. I know fellowship if you'd rather. I know fellowship if you'd rather. I know Wednesday nights are really hard to find Wednesday nights are really hard to find Wednesday nights are really hard to find and make time in the midst of a busy and make time in the midst of a busy and make time in the midst of a busy week. But I promise you will not be week. But I promise you will not be week. But I promise you will not be disappointed. You will leave full with disappointed. You will leave full with disappointed. You will leave full with great dinner and great fellowship and great dinner and great fellowship and great dinner and great fellowship and great friends. So please make an effort great friends. So please make an effort great friends. So please make an effort to try out serving on a Wednesday night to try out serving on a Wednesday night to try out serving on a Wednesday night with us at our Gethsemane campus. Now with us at our Gethsemane campus. Now with us at our Gethsemane campus. Now receive this benediction. May the Lord receive this benediction. May the Lord receive this benediction. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be make his face to shine upon you and be make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you his countenance upon you and give you his countenance upon you and give you peace as you take the initiative and be peace as you take the initiative and be peace as you take the initiative and be a friend. Amen.

We will worship the Lamb of glory. We will worship the Lamb of glory. [music] [music] [music] We will worship the King of Kings. We will worship the King of Kings. We will worship the King of Kings. We will worship the Lamb of Glory. We will worship the Lamb of Glory. We will worship the Lamb of Glory. We will worship the King. And with our We will worship the King. And with our We will worship the King. And with our hands lifted high, we will worship and hands lifted high, we will worship and hands lifted high, we will worship and sing. And with our [singing] hands sing. And with our [singing] hands sing. And with our [singing] hands lifted high, [music] we come before you lifted high, [music] we come before you lifted high, [music] we come before you rejoicing. With our [singing] hands rejoicing. With our [singing] hands rejoicing. With our [singing] hands lifted high to the sky, when the world lifted high to the sky, when the world lifted high to the sky, when the world wonders why, we'll just tell [music] wonders why, we'll just tell [music] wonders why, we'll just tell [music] them we're loving our King. We'll just them we're loving our King. We'll just them we're loving our King. We'll just tell them we're loving tell them we're loving tell them we're loving [singing and music] our King. [singing and music] our King. [singing and music] our King. Amen. Everyone, have such an amazing Amen. Everyone, have such an amazing Amen. Everyone, have such an amazing week. See you [music] next Sunday.