Contemporary | 11:15 a.m. | 08.16.2026

[music] [music] Heat. Heat. >> Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you >> Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you please stand and worship with us?

I was buried in I was buried in my shame. was breathing but not was breathing but not alive. All [music] my fear I tried All [music] my fear I tried to hide. till I met you. till I met you. You called my [music] name You called my [music] name You called my [music] name and I ran out of that grave, out of the darkness out of the darkness into your [music] glorious day.

You called my name You called my name and I ran out of that grave, out of the darkness [music] out of the darkness [music] into your glorious day. Your mercy has saved Your mercy has saved my soul. Now your freedom is [music] all Now your freedom is [music] all that I know. Jesus, when I met you, Jesus, when I met you, you called my name you called my name you called my name and I [music and singing] ran out of and I [music and singing] ran out of and I [music and singing] ran out of that grave. Out of the darkness Out of the darkness into your glorious day.

You called my name [music] You called my name [music] and I ran out of that grave. [music] Out of the darkness [music] Out of the darkness into your glorious day. Amen. Amen. Amen. Welcome St. [music] Luke's. Amen. Welcome St. [music] Luke's. Amen. Welcome St. [music] Luke's. Welcome and good morning. And good Welcome and good morning. And good Welcome and good morning. And good morning to those who are worshiping morning to those who are worshiping morning to those who are worshiping online with us. It [music] is a pleasure online with us. It [music] is a pleasure online with us. It [music] is a pleasure to worship with you here and beyond to worship with you here and beyond to worship with you here and beyond these walls. This morning we're starting these walls. This morning we're starting these walls. This morning we're starting a new sermon [music] series, Faith a new sermon [music] series, Faith a new sermon [music] series, Faith Supplements. And I do religiously take Supplements. And I do religiously take Supplements. And I do religiously take my supplements at home. And the way I my supplements at home. And the way I my supplements at home. And the way I see them are, it's not antibiotics. I see them are, it's not antibiotics. I see them are, it's not antibiotics. I don't have a dire need and a sickness don't have a dire need and a sickness don't have a dire need and a sickness that the supplements are healing, that the supplements are healing, that the supplements are healing, [music] [music] [music] but they are helping me to function my but they are helping me to function my but they are helping me to function my best. They are helping [music] my body best. They are helping [music] my body best. They are helping [music] my body to do everything it was designed to do.

to do everything it was designed to do. to do everything it was designed to do. And I hope that as we go through the And I hope that as we go through the And I hope that as we go through the next four sermons, um, you will hear next four sermons, um, you will hear next four sermons, um, you will hear these supplements as [music] things that these supplements as [music] things that these supplements as [music] things that are meant to help you live your best are meant to help you live your best are meant to help you live your best life. And I love that we are starting life. And I love that we are starting life. And I love that we are starting with [music] fun. By the way, the first with [music] fun. By the way, the first with [music] fun. By the way, the first supplement is fun. So, can I ask you all supplement is fun. So, can I ask you all supplement is fun. So, can I ask you all a [music] favor this morning during this a [music] favor this morning during this a [music] favor this morning during this next song and during our worship today? next song and during our worship today? next song and during our worship today? Are you guys open to having fun with me? Are you guys open to having fun with me? Are you guys open to having fun with me? I think it's going to be a blast. Yes. I think it's going to be a blast. Yes. I think it's going to be a blast. Yes. Okay, [laughter] Okay, [laughter] Okay, [laughter] let's worship. Though tears [music] might fall Though tears [music] might fall to you. Though my heart [music] may to you. Though my heart [music] may to you. Though my heart [music] may fail, my song will rise. My song will fail, my song will rise. My song will fail, my song will rise. My song will rise to you. While there's breath in my rise to you. While there's breath in my rise to you. While there's breath in my lungs, [music] lungs, [music] lungs, [music] I will praise you, Lord. [singing] In the dead of night, I'll lift my eyes. In the dead of night, I'll lift my eyes. I'll lift my eyes [music] to you when I'll lift my eyes [music] to you when I'll lift my eyes [music] to you when the waters rise. I'll lift my eyes. I'll the waters rise. I'll lift my eyes. I'll the waters rise. I'll lift my eyes. I'll lift my [music and singing] eyes to you.

lift my [music and singing] eyes to you. lift my [music and singing] eyes to you. While there's hope in this heart, I will While there's hope in this heart, I will While there's hope in this heart, I will praise you, Lord. praise you, Lord. praise you, Lord. The joy of the Lord, St. Luke's, the joy The joy of the Lord, St. Luke's, the joy The joy of the Lord, St. Luke's, the joy of the Lord is my strength. of the Lord is my strength. of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. In [music] the darkness, I'll dance. In In [music] the darkness, I'll dance. In In [music] the darkness, I'll dance. In the shadows I'll sing. The joy of the the shadows I'll sing. The joy of the the shadows I'll sing. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Lord is my strength. Lord is my strength. When I cannot see with my eyes, let When I cannot see with my eyes, let When I cannot see with my eyes, let faith arise to you. When I cannot feel faith arise to you. When I cannot feel faith arise to you. When I cannot feel your hand in mind, let faith arise to your hand in mind, let faith arise to your hand in mind, let faith arise to you. God of mercy and love. I will you. God of mercy and love. I will you. God of mercy and love. I will [music] praise you, Lord. Oh, you shine with glory, Lord [music] Oh, you shine with glory, Lord [music] of light. I feel alive with you. In your of light. I feel alive with you. In your of light. I feel alive with you. In your presence now I come alive. I am alive presence now I come alive. I am alive presence now I come alive. I am alive with you. I feel strength when I say I with you. I feel strength when I say I with you. I feel strength when I say I will praise you Lord.

will praise you Lord. will praise you Lord. Let's worship [music] this morning St. Let's worship [music] this morning St. Let's worship [music] this morning St. Luke's. The joy of the Lord is my Luke's. The joy of the Lord is my Luke's. The joy of the Lord is my strength. strength. strength. The joy of [music] the Lord is my The joy of [music] the Lord is my The joy of [music] the Lord is my strength. strength. strength. In the darkness [music] In the darkness [music] In the darkness [music] I'll dance. In the shadows I sing, the I'll dance. In the shadows I sing, the I'll dance. In the shadows I sing, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Let's joy of the Lord is my strength. Let's joy of the Lord is my strength. Let's repeat those words. The [music] joy of repeat those words. The [music] joy of repeat those words. The [music] joy of the Lord is my strength. the Lord is my strength. the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. In the darkness, I'll dance. In the In the darkness, I'll dance. In the In the darkness, I'll dance. In the shadows, I'll sing. The [music] joy of shadows, I'll sing. The [music] joy of shadows, I'll sing. The [music] joy of the Lord is my strength. When sorrows come my way, [music] When sorrows come my way, [music] you are the shield around me. Always you you are the shield around me. Always you you are the shield around me. Always you remain [singing and music] like courage remain [singing and music] like courage remain [singing and music] like courage in the fight. I hear you call my name.

in the fight. I hear you call my name. in the fight. I hear you call my name. Jesus, [music] I am coming. Walking on Jesus, [music] I am coming. Walking on Jesus, [music] I am coming. Walking on the waves, reaching for your love. The joy of the Lord is [music] my The joy of the Lord is [music] my strength. strength. strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The darkness I'll dance in the shadows The darkness I'll dance in the shadows The darkness I'll dance in the shadows I'll sing. The joy of the Lord is my I'll sing. The joy of the Lord is my I'll sing. The joy of the Lord is my strength. strength. strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. In [music] the darkness, I'll dance. In In [music] the darkness, I'll dance. In In [music] the darkness, I'll dance. In the shadows, I'll sing. The joy [music] the shadows, I'll sing. The joy [music] the shadows, I'll sing. The joy [music] of the Lord is my strength. Amen. And amen. Amen. And amen. You may take your seats.

So glad you're with us today on this So glad you're with us today on this kickoff Sunday. Let's pray. kickoff Sunday. Let's pray. kickoff Sunday. Let's pray. Good morning, God. Thank you so much for Good morning, God. Thank you so much for Good morning, God. Thank you so much for the gift of this beautiful day. Thank the gift of this beautiful day. Thank the gift of this beautiful day. Thank you for the gift of this church family you for the gift of this church family you for the gift of this church family that we get to share life with. Thank that we get to share life with. Thank that we get to share life with. Thank you for all of our new visitors and you for all of our new visitors and you for all of our new visitors and especially all of our kids who are here especially all of our kids who are here especially all of our kids who are here today. We love them so much and we're so today. We love them so much and we're so today. We love them so much and we're so glad that they are here to hear more glad that they are here to hear more glad that they are here to hear more about you and how much you love them. about you and how much you love them. about you and how much you love them. And today, God, we especially want to And today, God, we especially want to And today, God, we especially want to pray for them. We are so excited to pray for them. We are so excited to pray for them. We are so excited to bless their backpacks here in a little bless their backpacks here in a little bless their backpacks here in a little while. But most of all, for them to know while. But most of all, for them to know while. But most of all, for them to know that we are with them, that you are with that we are with them, that you are with that we are with them, that you are with them [music] as they start this new them [music] as they start this new them [music] as they start this new school year. school year. school year. And God, not just for all these kids, And God, not just for all these kids, And God, not just for all these kids, but also for the grown-ups who support but also for the grown-ups who support but also for the grown-ups who support them, for all the teachers and them, for all the teachers and them, for all the teachers and administrators, administrators, administrators, the food service providers, the the food service providers, the the food service providers, the custodians, custodians, custodians, everyone who's a part of making the everyone who's a part of making the everyone who's a part of making the school year happen. God, we pray that school year happen. God, we pray that school year happen. God, we pray that today you would be with them, that you today you would be with them, that you today you would be with them, that you would fill them with your joy, with your would fill them with your joy, with your would fill them with your joy, with your strength, with the knowledge that you strength, with the knowledge that you strength, with the knowledge that you are with them every single day of this are with them every single day of this are with them every single day of this school year.

school year. school year. And that God, you are the source of all And that God, you are the source of all And that God, you are the source of all wisdom. wisdom. wisdom. You are the bringer of peace beyond You are the bringer of peace beyond You are the bringer of peace beyond anything this world can imagine. anything this world can imagine. anything this world can imagine. So calm every fear, calm every anxiety, So calm every fear, calm every anxiety, So calm every fear, calm every anxiety, every worry, every stress every worry, every stress every worry, every stress with a deep knowledge that you love us. with a deep knowledge that you love us. with a deep knowledge that you love us. Not because of the grades we make or the Not because of the grades we make or the Not because of the grades we make or the statistics we rack up or the accolades statistics we rack up or the accolades statistics we rack up or the accolades we get [music] or the teams we make, we get [music] or the teams we make, we get [music] or the teams we make, but because of who we are in you. but because of who we are in you. but because of who we are in you. God, remind each of us today God, remind each of us today God, remind each of us today that we are the kids you love, that we are the kids you love, that we are the kids you love, that we are yours. And God, we know that because we [music] And God, we know that because we [music] are yours and you love us, you hear are yours and you love us, you hear are yours and you love us, you hear every single prayer that we bring to every single prayer that we bring to every single prayer that we bring to you. No matter how big or how small, you you. No matter how big or how small, you you. No matter how big or how small, you are here for [music] it and you hear us are here for [music] it and you hear us are here for [music] it and you hear us when we talk with you.

when we talk with you. when we talk with you. So God, we give you this time [music] So God, we give you this time [music] So God, we give you this time [music] now. We come as we are to kneel at the now. We come as we are to kneel at the now. We come as we are to kneel at the [music] altar and lift our prayers that [music] altar and lift our prayers that [music] altar and lift our prayers that way or to light a candle symbolizing a way or to light a candle symbolizing a way or to light a candle symbolizing a prayer that [music] we're carrying to prayer that [music] we're carrying to prayer that [music] we're carrying to you today or we stay right in our seats you today or we stay right in our seats you today or we stay right in our seats knowing that wherever we are you are knowing that wherever we are you are knowing that wherever we are you are listening. listening. listening. So here we are to talk with you. >> Beautiful.

>> Beautiful. [music] >> As a church [music] family, let's pray >> As a church [music] family, let's pray together as Jesus taught us. Our Father, together as Jesus taught us. Our Father, together as Jesus taught us. Our Father, who art in heaven, [music]

who art in heaven, [music] who art in heaven, [music] hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, [music] [music] [music] thy will be done, on earth as it is in thy will be done, on earth as it is in thy 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 [music] bread. And forgive us our [music] bread. And forgive us our [music] bread. And forgive us our trespasses trespasses trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against as 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. forever. forever. Amen. Amen. Amen. Okay. I'd like to invite up Miss Lori Okay. I'd like to invite up Miss Lori Okay. I'd like to invite up Miss Lori and all of our kids, teachers, anybody and all of our kids, teachers, anybody and all of our kids, teachers, anybody who brought a backpack today. Come on who brought a backpack today. Come on who brought a backpack today. Come on up.

>> You already got one. >> You already got one. There you go. There you go. There you go. >> Hi y'all. And just find a seat, >> Hi y'all. And just find a seat, >> Hi y'all. And just find a seat, everybody. There you go. There's your everybody. There you go. There's your everybody. There you go. There's your You already got it. There you go. You already got it. There you go. You already got it. There you go. >> All right, everybody. Grab a tag. >> All right, everybody. Grab a tag. >> All right, everybody. Grab a tag. >> Did you all get a tag yet? Anybody? >> Did you all get a tag yet? Anybody? >> Did you all get a tag yet? Anybody? Anybody else? Anybody else? Anybody else? >> This is for you. >> This is for you. >> This is for you. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> There we go. >> There we go. >> There we go. >> Amazing. You all can just take a seat. >> Amazing. You all can just take a seat. >> Amazing. You all can just take a seat. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> Here you go, sweetheart. >> Here you go, sweetheart. >> Here you go, sweetheart. >> Do you guys You already have your cats. >> Do you guys You already have your cats. >> Do you guys You already have your cats. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> All right. Everybody find a seat. >> All right. Everybody find a seat. >> All right. Everybody find a seat. >> Okay. Does everybody have a tag? Do you >> Okay. Does everybody have a tag? Do you >> Okay. Does everybody have a tag? Do you want to come sit over here? want to come sit over here? want to come sit over here? >> Raise your hand if you don't. >> Raise your hand if you don't. >> Raise your hand if you don't. >> Anybody need one? >> Anybody need one? >> Anybody need one? >> Good. >> Good. >> Good. >> You didn't bring a backpack. You can >> You didn't bring a backpack. You can >> You didn't bring a backpack. You can have a tag anyway. Would you like one? have a tag anyway. Would you like one? have a tag anyway. Would you like one? >> You already got one. Okay. Sit right >> You already got one. Okay. Sit right >> You already got one. Okay. Sit right here. here. here. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And we've got extras, too. >> And we've got extras, too. >> And we've got extras, too. >> Sit right there. >> Sit right there. >> Sit right there. >> Okay. So, if you want one, anybody else >> Okay. So, if you want one, anybody else >> Okay. So, if you want one, anybody else who takes a work bag and you want to be who takes a work bag and you want to be who takes a work bag and you want to be able to have a backpack tied, we have able to have a backpack tied, we have able to have a backpack tied, we have extras to be able to give you as well. extras to be able to give you as well. extras to be able to give you as well. Just come find us after the service. Just come find us after the service. Just come find us after the service. >> All right. Well, this morning we are so >> All right. Well, this morning we are so >> All right. Well, this morning we are so excited to have the opportunity to pray excited to have the opportunity to pray excited to have the opportunity to pray for you guys as you get ready to start for you guys as you get ready to start for you guys as you get ready to start your new school year. So, Miss Lori is your new school year. So, Miss Lori is your new school year. So, Miss Lori is going to lead us and congregation, we going to lead us and congregation, we going to lead us and congregation, we would invite you to respond as well. Let would invite you to respond as well. Let would invite you to respond as well. Let us pray.

God of all knowledge and wisdom, bless God of all knowledge and wisdom, bless all the students that take part of our all the students that take part of our all the students that take part of our community that they don't just carry stuff with that they don't just carry stuff with them, but they also carry your love and them, but they also carry your love and them, but they also carry your love and care into the world. care into the world. care into the world. >> Remind them also that they are carrying >> Remind them also that they are carrying >> Remind them also that they are carrying with them the prayers of this community with them the prayers of this community with them the prayers of this community of faith. Help them to do their best. of faith. Help them to do their best. of faith. Help them to do their best. Guide them to make right choices and Guide them to make right choices and Guide them to make right choices and remind them that you are always with remind them that you are always with remind them that you are always with them. them. them. We know that you love them even more We know that you love them even more We know that you love them even more than we do. Protect them and reassure than we do. Protect them and reassure than we do. Protect them and reassure them each day. them each day. them each day. We ask your blessings on the teachers, We ask your blessings on the teachers, We ask your blessings on the teachers, administrators, custodians, and coaches. administrators, custodians, and coaches. administrators, custodians, and coaches. We offer this prayer in the name of We offer this prayer in the name of We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. Jesus. Amen. Jesus. Amen. Okay. Who is excited about school? Okay. Who is excited about school? Okay. Who is excited about school? >> Me. >> Me. >> Me. >> Who is nervous about school?

>> Who is nervous about school? >> Who is nervous about school? You can raise your hand more than one You can raise your hand more than one You can raise your hand more than one time if you want to. It's okay. Who is time if you want to. It's okay. Who is time if you want to. It's okay. Who is kind of like me about school? Who is like, "No, no, no. I want more Who is like, "No, no, no. I want more silver. silver. silver. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Well, we want you to know that we are Well, we want you to know that we are Well, we want you to know that we are here for you. We love you so much. And here for you. We love you so much. And here for you. We love you so much. And anytime you need reminding, we want to anytime you need reminding, we want to anytime you need reminding, we want to be here for you to let you know that God be here for you to let you know that God be here for you to let you know that God loves you. So, congregation, on the loves you. So, congregation, on the loves you. So, congregation, on the count of three, as loud as you can, I count of three, as loud as you can, I count of three, as loud as you can, I want you to give a huge shout. God loves want you to give a huge shout. God loves want you to give a huge shout. God loves you. One, two, three. you. One, two, three. you. One, two, three. >> God loves you. >> God loves you. >> God loves you. And we're going to keep reminding each And we're going to keep reminding each And we're going to keep reminding each other of that all the time. Okay. All other of that all the time. Okay. All other of that all the time. Okay. All right, Miss Glory, over to you. right, Miss Glory, over to you. right, Miss Glory, over to you. >> Hi, friends. All right, I'm going to >> Hi, friends. All right, I'm going to >> Hi, friends. All right, I'm going to make a little space for myself and then make a little space for myself and then make a little space for myself and then can everyone turn around because I have can everyone turn around because I have can everyone turn around because I have some things to show you. And [snorts] we some things to show you. And [snorts] we some things to show you. And [snorts] we are going to start with what's the are going to start with what's the are going to start with what's the question? question? question? >> Awesome job. Okay, >> a shoe. What could we use this shoe for?

>> a shoe. What could we use this shoe for? >> Oh, good. We could run. >> Oh, good. We could run. >> Oh, good. We could run. >> Yeah. On a foot, of course. Yes. To >> Yeah. On a foot, of course. Yes. To >> Yeah. On a foot, of course. Yes. To walk, to play. So, this shoe reminds me walk, to play. So, this shoe reminds me walk, to play. So, this shoe reminds me how important it is to move our bodies how important it is to move our bodies how important it is to move our bodies in order to keep our bodies healthy, in order to keep our bodies healthy, in order to keep our bodies healthy, right? What else? What are some other right? What else? What are some other right? What else? What are some other things we do to help keep our bodies things we do to help keep our bodies things we do to help keep our bodies healthy? Can anybody think of anything? healthy? Can anybody think of anything? healthy? Can anybody think of anything? >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, >> there we go. Yes, we >> there we go. Yes, we >> there we go. Yes, we >> do. Sleep. >> do. Sleep. >> do. Sleep. >> So many great ideas. So, let me recap >> So many great ideas. So, let me recap >> So many great ideas. So, let me recap them for everybody out there, right? I them for everybody out there, right? I them for everybody out there, right? I heard we have to wear clothes. That's heard we have to wear clothes. That's heard we have to wear clothes. That's super important. Um, we also have to eat super important. Um, we also have to eat super important. Um, we also have to eat and drink and rest and all of those and drink and rest and all of those and drink and rest and all of those things keep our bodies I'm sure you all things keep our bodies I'm sure you all things keep our bodies I'm sure you all have other great ideas. Can you tell me have other great ideas. Can you tell me have other great ideas. Can you tell me at the very end? at the very end? at the very end? >> And eat healthy food. Of course, a wide >> And eat healthy food. Of course, a wide >> And eat healthy food. Of course, a wide variety variety variety >> for the season like >> for the season like >> for the season like >> You guys got it. Okay. I love this. >> You guys got it. Okay. I love this. >> You guys got it. Okay. I love this. >> Our bodies. >> Our bodies. >> Our bodies. >> Okay, our bodies. Check. But I think >> Okay, our bodies. Check. But I think >> Okay, our bodies. Check. But I think we're more than just our bodies, right? we're more than just our bodies, right? we're more than just our bodies, right? I brought something in the bag. Let's I brought something in the bag. Let's I brought something in the bag. Let's see what you think about this. What is see what you think about this. What is see what you think about this. What is this?

this? this? >> A heart. >> A heart. >> A heart. >> It's a wooden heart. >> It's a wooden heart. >> It's a wooden heart. >> It's a heart. And the heart reminds me >> It's a heart. And the heart reminds me >> It's a heart. And the heart reminds me that on the inside of my body, I have that on the inside of my body, I have that on the inside of my body, I have all sorts of emotions. I'm happy. I'm all sorts of emotions. I'm happy. I'm all sorts of emotions. I'm happy. I'm sad. I'm worried. All sorts of things, sad. I'm worried. All sorts of things, sad. I'm worried. All sorts of things, right? Do you feel those two? Yeah, of right? Do you feel those two? Yeah, of right? Do you feel those two? Yeah, of course. Okay, so are we just our bodies course. Okay, so are we just our bodies course. Okay, so are we just our bodies and just our emotions? Is that it? and just our emotions? Is that it? and just our emotions? Is that it? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> I think we're more complicated than >> I think we're more complicated than >> I think we're more complicated than that. Huh. Let's see what else I have in that. Huh. Let's see what else I have in that. Huh. Let's see what else I have in here. What's this? here. What's this? here. What's this? >> A mirror. >> A mirror. >> A mirror. >> A mirror. If I look in it. Oh, >> A mirror. If I look in it. Oh, >> A mirror. If I look in it. Oh, >> who is in there? >> who is in there? >> who is in there? >> You. >> You. >> You. >> It's me. I see myself. I see somebody >> It's me. I see myself. I see somebody >> It's me. I see myself. I see somebody that is not like anybody else. It's Miss that is not like anybody else. It's Miss that is not like anybody else. It's Miss Lori and God made me special. And if I Lori and God made me special. And if I Lori and God made me special. And if I turn the mirror around, what else? What turn the mirror around, what else? What turn the mirror around, what else? What do you see? do you see? do you see? >> Us. >> Us. >> Us. >> You see yourself. >> You see yourself. >> You see yourself. >> That's right. I see each and every one >> That's right. I see each and every one >> That's right. I see each and every one of you here is also special and of you here is also special and of you here is also special and wonderfully made. That's so cool. I also wonderfully made. That's so cool. I also wonderfully made. That's so cool. I also enjoy candy, too. Okay. So, wow. People enjoy candy, too. Okay. So, wow. People enjoy candy, too. Okay. So, wow. People are complicated, right? And so what are complicated, right? And so what are complicated, right? And so what we're going to talk about for the next we're going to talk about for the next we're going to talk about for the next several weeks in here is what are the several weeks in here is what are the several weeks in here is what are the things that we need in our lives to live things that we need in our lives to live things that we need in our lives to live full abundant lives the way that God full abundant lives the way that God full abundant lives the way that God wants us to.

wants us to. wants us to. >> So I want to talk about water is so >> So I want to talk about water is so >> So I want to talk about water is so important. I love that you all know important. I love that you all know important. I love that you all know that. It is just so important. Okay. I that. It is just so important. Okay. I that. It is just so important. Okay. I want you to focus on this word abundant want you to focus on this word abundant want you to focus on this word abundant for me. Raise your hand if you've heard for me. Raise your hand if you've heard for me. Raise your hand if you've heard that word before. Anybody? that word before. Anybody? that word before. Anybody? >> Wow. Okay. Now you've heard it. Does >> Wow. Okay. Now you've heard it. Does >> Wow. Okay. Now you've heard it. Does anybody know what it means? anybody know what it means? anybody know what it means? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Yeah. Um, lots of things. >> Yeah. Um, lots of things. >> Yeah. Um, lots of things. >> It can mean lots of things. That's a >> It can mean lots of things. That's a >> It can mean lots of things. That's a great answer. Anybody else? great answer. Anybody else? great answer. Anybody else? >> Okay. So, this is what I like to think >> Okay. So, this is what I like to think >> Okay. So, this is what I like to think about abundant. So, what it's not about abundant. So, what it's not about abundant. So, what it's not meaning that we get everything we want meaning that we get everything we want meaning that we get everything we want all the time, anytime we want it, right? all the time, anytime we want it, right? all the time, anytime we want it, right? That's not what it means. So, I like to That's not what it means. So, I like to That's not what it means. So, I like to think about abundance of it being like a think about abundance of it being like a think about abundance of it being like a full life full of God's love, full of full life full of God's love, full of full life full of God's love, full of joy, full of friendship, full full of joy, full of friendship, full full of joy, full of friendship, full full of opportunities that help us grow in opportunities that help us grow in opportunities that help us grow in change and a life full of getting to change and a life full of getting to change and a life full of getting to know God better. So, I want to talk know God better. So, I want to talk know God better. So, I want to talk about something that is so important to about something that is so important to about something that is so important to living a full abundant life. And I think living a full abundant life. And I think living a full abundant life. And I think you are going to like this word. Are you you are going to like this word. Are you you are going to like this word. Are you all ready? What we're going to talk all ready? What we're going to talk all ready? What we're going to talk about today is about today is about today is fun. Does anybody like to have fun here?

fun. Does anybody like to have fun here? fun. Does anybody like to have fun here? >> Yeah, me too. Who doesn't right now? >> Yeah, me too. Who doesn't right now? >> Yeah, me too. Who doesn't right now? Listen, this may this may be news to Listen, this may this may be news to Listen, this may this may be news to you, maybe not. God wants you to enjoy you, maybe not. God wants you to enjoy you, maybe not. God wants you to enjoy your life and have fun. Did you know your life and have fun. Did you know your life and have fun. Did you know that? Okay, so right now in our heads, I that? Okay, so right now in our heads, I that? Okay, so right now in our heads, I bet a lot of us can picture some really bet a lot of us can picture some really bet a lot of us can picture some really big fun moments that we've had. We're big fun moments that we've had. We're big fun moments that we've had. We're just going to think about them in our just going to think about them in our just going to think about them in our head, which I know is tough. But what I head, which I know is tough. But what I head, which I know is tough. But what I want us to think about right now are I want us to think about right now are I want us to think about right now are I actually think that life is more full of actually think that life is more full of actually think that life is more full of these really [snorts] fun simple moments these really [snorts] fun simple moments these really [snorts] fun simple moments like playing outside like playing outside like playing outside or laughing with your family or having a or laughing with your family or having a or laughing with your family or having a friend over for a playd date or simply friend over for a playd date or simply friend over for a playd date or simply maybe blowing bubbles or something like maybe blowing bubbles or something like maybe blowing bubbles or something like that. I think those things are so fun. that. I think those things are so fun. that. I think those things are so fun. So, the message today that I want you to So, the message today that I want you to So, the message today that I want you to hear is that God wants us to enjoy our hear is that God wants us to enjoy our hear is that God wants us to enjoy our lives. And so, I have one more thing in lives. And so, I have one more thing in lives. And so, I have one more thing in our bag, and it's going to be a little our bag, and it's going to be a little our bag, and it's going to be a little challenge that I want you to take home challenge that I want you to take home challenge that I want you to take home and do this with your family. Is and do this with your family. Is and do this with your family. Is everybody ready to listen to it? everybody ready to listen to it? everybody ready to listen to it? >> Awesome. Okay. What is this?

>> Awesome. Okay. What is this? >> Awesome. Okay. What is this? >> A bubble stick. [laughter] >> A bubble stick. [laughter] >> A bubble stick. [laughter] >> They are bubbles. I am going to send you >> They are bubbles. I am going to send you >> They are bubbles. I am going to send you home with your own bubbles. Now, here is home with your own bubbles. Now, here is home with your own bubbles. Now, here is the challenge. Well, first of all, the challenge. Well, first of all, the challenge. Well, first of all, bubbles are best enjoyed where? bubbles are best enjoyed where? bubbles are best enjoyed where? >> They're going >> They're going >> They're going >> outside. So, you might want to give it >> outside. So, you might want to give it >> outside. So, you might want to give it to your parents to hang on to you for to your parents to hang on to you for to your parents to hang on to you for just a little bit. Okay. So, each of you just a little bit. Okay. So, each of you just a little bit. Okay. So, each of you are going to get a thing of bubbles. And are going to get a thing of bubbles. And are going to get a thing of bubbles. And I want you this week, your family, to I want you this week, your family, to I want you this week, your family, to find a time either today or later this find a time either today or later this find a time either today or later this week to go outside with only one week to go outside with only one week to go outside with only one purpose. What will that purpose be? purpose. What will that purpose be? purpose. What will that purpose be? >> Blowing blood. >> Blowing blood. >> Blowing blood. >> To blow bubbles. That's it. That's the >> To blow bubbles. That's it. That's the >> To blow bubbles. That's it. That's the only reason you're going out. As you sit only reason you're going out. As you sit only reason you're going out. As you sit there and you watch the bubbles, you there and you watch the bubbles, you there and you watch the bubbles, you mentioned that they float in the sky and mentioned that they float in the sky and mentioned that they float in the sky and they kind of look shiny. Have you ever they kind of look shiny. Have you ever they kind of look shiny. Have you ever noticed that before? And then Yeah, noticed that before? And then Yeah, noticed that before? And then Yeah, because of the sun. And then our family, because of the sun. And then our family, because of the sun. And then our family, we really like to go and try to pop we really like to go and try to pop we really like to go and try to pop every single one. Have you all ever done every single one. Have you all ever done every single one. Have you all ever done this? Okay. Well, you're going to again. this? Okay. Well, you're going to again. this? Okay. Well, you're going to again. It's going to be awesome. I want you to It's going to be awesome. I want you to It's going to be awesome. I want you to look around. This is the most important look around. This is the most important look around. This is the most important part. I think if you look around on the part. I think if you look around on the part. I think if you look around on the faces of your family, you're going to faces of your family, you're going to faces of your family, you're going to notice something. I think you might see notice something. I think you might see notice something. I think you might see a smile. And I think you might hear some a smile. And I think you might hear some a smile. And I think you might hear some laughter. Okay. So, take these bubbles, laughter. Okay. So, take these bubbles, laughter. Okay. So, take these bubbles, go and have some fun, and enjoy the go and have some fun, and enjoy the go and have some fun, and enjoy the amazing life that God wants us all to amazing life that God wants us all to amazing life that God wants us all to have. Can you all do that for me?

have. Can you all do that for me? have. Can you all do that for me? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. We're going to put our praying >> Okay. We're going to put our praying >> Okay. We're going to put our praying hands together, and you're going to hands together, and you're going to hands together, and you're going to repeat after me, and we're going to say repeat after me, and we're going to say repeat after me, and we're going to say a prayer. a prayer. a prayer. >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> 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. Help us notice the >> Thank you for Jesus. Help us notice the >> Thank you for Jesus. Help us notice the good things. good things. good things. >> Help us notice the good things. >> Help us notice the good things. >> Help us notice the good things. >> And enjoy them. >> And enjoy them. >> And enjoy them. >> And enjoy them. >> And enjoy them. >> And enjoy them. >> 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, friends. I'm Have your >> All right, friends. I'm Have your >> All right, friends. I'm Have your bubbles. Go have some fun. bubbles. Go have some fun. bubbles. Go have some fun. >> Amen. Thank you so much, Miss Lori, and >> Amen. Thank you so much, Miss Lori, and >> Amen. Thank you so much, Miss Lori, and all the kiddos. I'm so excited that all the kiddos. I'm so excited that all the kiddos. I'm so excited that y'all are all starting this new school y'all are all starting this new school y'all are all starting this new school year. Um, and that we get to celebrate year. Um, and that we get to celebrate year. Um, and that we get to celebrate this new beginning together. So, another this new beginning together. So, another this new beginning together. So, another new beginning that we get to celebrate new beginning that we get to celebrate new beginning that we get to celebrate is the incorporation of a precious is the incorporation of a precious is the incorporation of a precious little boy into our church family today little boy into our church family today little boy into our church family today with a baptism. And so, Cammy and with a baptism. And so, Cammy and with a baptism. And so, Cammy and Jeremiah, I'd like to invite y'all up Jeremiah, I'd like to invite y'all up Jeremiah, I'd like to invite y'all up here. And I'd like to invite your family here. And I'd like to invite your family here. And I'd like to invite your family to stand where you are. And um and to stand where you are. And um and to stand where you are. And um and Becket, I know. Do you want to go stand Becket, I know. Do you want to go stand Becket, I know. Do you want to go stand on the very front row so you get a good on the very front row so you get a good on the very front row so you get a good view? Mhm. Yep.

view? Mhm. Yep. view? Mhm. Yep. >> Perfect. >> Perfect. >> Perfect. >> I know. like that. like that. >> So, one of the greatest joys that we >> So, one of the greatest joys that we >> So, one of the greatest joys that we have as a church family is when we get have as a church family is when we get have as a church family is when we get to initiate a child or an adult into the to initiate a child or an adult into the to initiate a child or an adult into the family of God through the sacrament of family of God through the sacrament of family of God through the sacrament of baptism. [music] Baptism is offered to baptism. [music] Baptism is offered to baptism. [music] Baptism is offered to us by God through God's grace without us by God through God's grace without us by God through God's grace without price. And so, through water and the price. And so, through water and the price. And so, through water and the spirit, [music] spirit, [music] spirit, [music] we are initiated into God's family we are initiated into God's family we are initiated into God's family through this sacrament. [music] through this sacrament. [music] through this sacrament. [music] And so, Cammy and Jeremiah, I'm going to And so, Cammy and Jeremiah, I'm going to And so, Cammy and Jeremiah, I'm going to ask you some questions today. ask you some questions today. ask you some questions today. Beloved, in presenting Jude for [music] Beloved, in presenting Jude for [music] Beloved, in presenting Jude for [music] holy baptism, do you confess Jesus holy baptism, do you confess Jesus holy baptism, do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put your whole Christ as your savior? Put your whole Christ as your savior? Put your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve trust in his grace and promise to serve trust in his grace and promise to serve him as your Lord in union with the him as your Lord in union with the him as your Lord in union with the church which Christ [music] has open to church which Christ [music] has open to church which Christ [music] has open to people of all ages, nations, and races. people of all ages, nations, and races. people of all ages, nations, and races. If you do, say, "We [music] do." If you do, say, "We [music] do." If you do, say, "We [music] do." >> We do. And will you nurture Jude in >> We do. And will you nurture Jude in >> We do. And will you nurture Jude in Christ's holy church that by your Christ's holy church that by your Christ's holy church that by your teaching and example he may be guided to teaching and example he may be guided to teaching and example he may be guided to accept [music] God's grace for himself, accept [music] God's grace for himself, accept [music] God's grace for himself, profess his faith openly and lead a profess his faith openly and lead a profess his faith openly and lead a Christian [music] life. If you will say Christian [music] life. If you will say Christian [music] life. If you will say we will.

we will. we will. >> We will. >> We will. >> We will. Okay. You come see. Look at you're so Okay. You come see. Look at you're so Okay. You come see. Look at you're so handsome with your bow tie. handsome with your bow tie. handsome with your bow tie. What name is given this child? What name is given this child? What name is given this child? >> Jude. Jude Otto, I baptize [music] you in the Jude Otto, I baptize [music] you in the name of the Father and the Son and the name of the Father and the Son and the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. You are marked and sealed Holy Spirit. You are marked and sealed Holy Spirit. You are marked and sealed [music] by love forever. Amen. [music] by love forever. Amen. [music] by love forever. Amen. Church, this is our new son, Jude Otto. Church, this is our new son, Jude Otto. Church, this is our new son, Jude Otto. Would you welcome him? [applause] [applause] And because the sacrament of baptism is And because the sacrament of baptism is And because the sacrament of baptism is about what God does for us and then we about what God does for us and then we about what God does for us and then we join in on that sacrament on God's grace join in on that sacrament on God's grace join in on that sacrament on God's grace by saying that we will be a part of a by saying that we will be a part of a by saying that we will be a part of a covenant community that will help covenant community that will help covenant community that will help fulfill what Jude needs as he grows up. fulfill what Jude needs as he grows up. fulfill what Jude needs as he grows up. A community of love and forgiveness. I A community of love and forgiveness. I A community of love and forgiveness. I invite you to join with me together in invite you to join with me together in invite you to join with me together in this vow. Beloved of the household of this vow. Beloved of the household of this vow. Beloved of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care faith, I commend to your love and care faith, I commend to your love and care this day, Jude Otto, whom we recognize this day, Jude Otto, whom we recognize this day, Jude Otto, whom we recognize as a member of the family of God. Will as a member of the family of God. Will as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that he may grow you endeavor so to live that he may grow you endeavor so to live that he may grow in the knowledge and love of God the in the knowledge and love of God the in the knowledge and love of God the Father through our Savior Jesus Christ?

Father through our Savior Jesus Christ? Father through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God's help, we will proclaim the With God's help, we will proclaim the With God's help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the good news and live according to the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround this example of Christ. We will surround this example of Christ. We will surround this child with a community of love and child with a community of love and child with a community of love and forgiveness that he may grow in his forgiveness that he may grow in his forgiveness that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him service to others. We will pray for him service to others. We will pray for him that he may be a true disciple that that he may be a true disciple that that he may be a true disciple that walks in the way that leads to life walks in the way that leads to life walks in the way that leads to life eternal. Jude, look at all these lights eternal. Jude, look at all these lights eternal. Jude, look at all these lights above you. Okay, I'm going to hand you above you. Okay, I'm going to hand you above you. Okay, I'm going to hand you back to your parents and then pray for back to your parents and then pray for back to your parents and then pray for you real quick, buddy. Join me in you real quick, buddy. Join me in you real quick, buddy. Join me in prayer. God, I give you thanks for the prayer. God, I give you thanks for the prayer. God, I give you thanks for the life of Jude Otto and for the blessing life of Jude Otto and for the blessing life of Jude Otto and for the blessing that he has been already to his family that he has been already to his family that he has been already to his family and that he will be to our church and that he will be to our church and that he will be to our church family. I pray that you would work in family. I pray that you would work in family. I pray that you would work in each of us so that as he grows up here each of us so that as he grows up here each of us so that as he grows up here as a part of this St. Luke's church as a part of this St. Luke's church as a part of this St. Luke's church family, he can see your love played out family, he can see your love played out family, he can see your love played out through every single one of us through through every single one of us through through every single one of us through the grace that we offer, the forgiveness the grace that we offer, the forgiveness the grace that we offer, the forgiveness that we offer, the generosity that we that we offer, the generosity that we that we offer, the generosity that we offer, and most of all through our love.

offer, and most of all through our love. offer, and most of all through our love. I pray your blessing on Cammy and I pray your blessing on Cammy and I pray your blessing on Cammy and Jeremiah and their extended family and I Jeremiah and their extended family and I Jeremiah and their extended family and I pray that uh they would continue to pray that uh they would continue to pray that uh they would continue to enjoy your grace here in this community. enjoy your grace here in this community. enjoy your grace here in this community. It's in your name we pray. Amen. It's in your name we pray. Amen. It's in your name we pray. Amen. >> All right. Thank you guys. It's so fun >> All right. Thank you guys. It's so fun >> All right. Thank you guys. It's so fun to celebrate that together and to have to celebrate that together and to have to celebrate that together and to have all of y'all here. And I just want to all of y'all here. And I just want to all of y'all here. And I just want to extend a welcome to those of you that extend a welcome to those of you that extend a welcome to those of you that are joining us today maybe for the first are joining us today maybe for the first are joining us today maybe for the first time. We're on live stream and I'm so time. We're on live stream and I'm so time. We're on live stream and I'm so glad to see all of these familiar faces glad to see all of these familiar faces glad to see all of these familiar faces as we gather for kickoff. So, I hope as we gather for kickoff. So, I hope as we gather for kickoff. So, I hope that you will sign in and let us know that you will sign in and let us know that you will sign in and let us know that you are here. You can do that by that you are here. You can do that by that you are here. You can do that by taking a picture of the QR code behind taking a picture of the QR code behind taking a picture of the QR code behind me or use your St. Luke's app. That's me or use your St. Luke's app. That's me or use your St. Luke's app. That's the best way to do it. Or grab one of the best way to do it. Or grab one of the best way to do it. Or grab one of the cards that is in the seat back in the cards that is in the seat back in the cards that is in the seat back in front of you. You can put that in the front of you. You can put that in the front of you. You can put that in the offering plate when it goes by along offering plate when it goes by along offering plate when it goes by along with a prayer request on there if you with a prayer request on there if you with a prayer request on there if you would like to do that as well. I'd like would like to do that as well. I'd like would like to do that as well. I'd like to invite our ushers to come forward now to invite our ushers to come forward now to invite our ushers to come forward now to receive our gifts and our offering. to receive our gifts and our offering. to receive our gifts and our offering. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The spirit's not worried about tomorrow >> The spirit's not worried about tomorrow >> The spirit's not worried about tomorrow or the trles [music] to come.

or the trles [music] to come. or the trles [music] to come. The liy's not thinking about the The liy's not thinking about the The liy's not thinking about the seasons, the drought or the [music] seasons, the drought or the [music] seasons, the drought or the [music] flood. flood. flood. A tree that's planted by the water isn't A tree that's planted by the water isn't A tree that's planted by the water isn't faced [music] by the fire. faced [music] by the fire. faced [music] by the fire. So why should I be? [music] So why should I be? [music] So why should I be? [music] You take good care of me. You take good care of me. You take good care of me. You take good care of me. You take good care of me. You take good care of me. You know what I need before I even ask a You know what I need before I even ask a You know what I need before I even ask a thing. thing. thing. And you hold me in your hands with the And you hold me in your hands with the And you hold me in your hands with the kindness that never ends. kindness that never ends. kindness that never ends. I'm carried in your [music] love. No I'm carried in your [music] love. No I'm carried in your [music] love. No matter what the future brings, matter what the future brings, matter what the future brings, you take good care of me. The sun's not wor [music] The sun's not wor [music] cuz soon it will pass. cuz soon it will pass. cuz soon it will pass. The light's not thinking about [music] The light's not thinking about [music] The light's not thinking about [music] the darkness or the shadow [singing] the darkness or the shadow [singing] the darkness or the shadow [singing] it cast.

it cast. it cast. A heart that's plain and forgiven A heart that's plain and forgiven A heart that's plain and forgiven [music] [music] [music] doesn't dwell [singing] in the past. doesn't dwell [singing] in the past. doesn't dwell [singing] in the past. So [music] why should [singing] I be? So [music] why should [singing] I be? So [music] why should [singing] I be? You take [music] good care of me. You take [music] good care of me. You take [music] good care of me. You take good care of me. You take good care of me. You take good care of me. You know [music] what I need before You know [music] what I need before You know [music] what I need before [singing] I even ask a thing. [singing] I even ask a thing. [singing] I even ask a thing. And you hold me in your hands with a And you hold me in your hands with a And you hold me in your hands with a kindness that never ends. kindness that never ends. kindness that never ends. I'm carried in [music] your love. No I'm carried in [music] your love. No I'm carried in [music] your love. No matter what the future brings, matter what the future brings, matter what the future brings, you take good care of me. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Thank you so much. Well, you know how you have a day, you Well, you know how you have a day, you start and you put your pen in your start and you put your pen in your start and you put your pen in your pocket and then you get a little, oh pocket and then you get a little, oh pocket and then you get a little, oh man. Oh well. Here our scripture today.

man. Oh well. Here our scripture today. man. Oh well. Here our scripture today. Um, two passages, one from Genesis and Um, two passages, one from Genesis and Um, two passages, one from Genesis and one from Luke. No, one from Luke. No, one from Luke. No, >> and the Lord God planted a garden in >> and the Lord God planted a garden in >> and the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east. And there he put the Eden in the east. And there he put the Eden in the east. And there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the man whom he had formed. Out of the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every ground the Lord God made to grow every ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant for sight and good tree that is pleasant for sight and good tree that is pleasant for sight and good for food. The tree of life also in the for food. The tree of life also in the for food. The tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the midst of the garden, and the tree of the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Lord God knowledge of good and evil. The Lord God knowledge of good and evil. The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden took the man and put him in the garden took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and to keep it. And of Eden to till it and to keep it. And of Eden to till it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, "You may the Lord God commanded the man, "You may the Lord God commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden, freely eat of every tree of the garden, freely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge and but of the tree of the knowledge and but of the tree of the knowledge and good and evil you shall not eat. For in good and evil you shall not eat. For in good and evil you shall not eat. For in the day that you eat of it, you shall the day that you eat of it, you shall the day that you eat of it, you shall die." die." die." And then from Luke, "Consider the liies, And then from Luke, "Consider the liies, And then from Luke, "Consider the liies, how they grow. They neither toil nor how they grow. They neither toil nor how they grow. They neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one all his glory was not clothed like one all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothe the grass of these. But if God so clothe the grass of these. But if God so clothe the grass of the field, which is alive today and of the field, which is alive today and of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown in the oven, how much tomorrow is thrown in the oven, how much tomorrow is thrown in the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you of little more will he clothe you, you of little more will he clothe you, you of little faith? And do not keep seeking what faith? And do not keep seeking what faith? And do not keep seeking what you're to eat and what you're to drink, you're to eat and what you're to drink, you're to eat and what you're to drink, and do not keep worrying, for it is the and do not keep worrying, for it is the and do not keep worrying, for it is the nations of the world that seek all these nations of the world that seek all these nations of the world that seek all these things, and your father knows you need things, and your father knows you need things, and your father knows you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as these things will be given to you as these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, well. Do not be afraid, little flock, well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to for it is your father's good pleasure to for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. The word of God give you the kingdom. The word of God give you the kingdom. The word of God for us, the people of God. Thanks be to for us, the people of God. Thanks be to for us, the people of God. Thanks be to God. Gracious and loving God, um, open

God. Gracious and loving God, um, open God. Gracious and loving God, um, open us up today. Open eyes that we might us up today. Open eyes that we might us up today. Open eyes that we might see, ears that we might hear your word see, ears that we might hear your word see, ears that we might hear your word in the midst of these words. in the midst of these words. in the midst of these words. Open our hearts that we might feel and Open our hearts that we might feel and Open our hearts that we might feel and then oh Lord open our hands then oh Lord open our hands then oh Lord open our hands >> that we might give and serve and love. >> that we might give and serve and love. >> that we might give and serve and love. Amen. Amen. Amen. So if you are a parent of uh schoolaged So if you are a parent of uh schoolaged So if you are a parent of uh schoolaged children, this is the season in which children, this is the season in which children, this is the season in which they go back to school and you find they go back to school and you find they go back to school and you find incredible relief. Um uh I mean on the incredible relief. Um uh I mean on the incredible relief. Um uh I mean on the one hand it gets just crazier but on the one hand it gets just crazier but on the one hand it gets just crazier but on the other hand you no longer hear other hand you no longer hear other hand you no longer hear I am so bored. I am so bored. I am so bored. There is nothing to do. Why? There's There is nothing to do. Why? There's There is nothing to do. Why? There's nothing to do. Well dad says well I'll nothing to do. Well dad says well I'll nothing to do. Well dad says well I'll give you something to do. Or mom says give you something to do. Or mom says give you something to do. Or mom says well go play a game. And there's all well go play a game. And there's all well go play a game. And there's all sorts of excuses and they can't I just sorts of excuses and they can't I just sorts of excuses and they can't I just have my iPad. Just give me Can't I just have my iPad. Just give me Can't I just have my iPad. Just give me Can't I just have my iPad? Please just entertain me. have my iPad? Please just entertain me. have my iPad? Please just entertain me. I really don't want to.

I really don't want to. I really don't want to. Boredom. Boredom. Boredom. And you know, here's the truth. I've And you know, here's the truth. I've And you know, here's the truth. I've I've come to realize that a lot of I've come to realize that a lot of I've come to realize that a lot of grown-ups are pretty bored, too. grown-ups are pretty bored, too. grown-ups are pretty bored, too. We watch television to sort of numb We watch television to sort of numb We watch television to sort of numb ourselves from the boredom. Well, ourselves from the boredom. Well, ourselves from the boredom. Well, entertain me because I I don't really entertain me because I I don't really entertain me because I I don't really know what I ought to do right now. I'm know what I ought to do right now. I'm know what I ought to do right now. I'm kind of lazy. I don't want to I just I kind of lazy. I don't want to I just I kind of lazy. I don't want to I just I just want to sit here and and be bored. just want to sit here and and be bored. just want to sit here and and be bored. So maybe it's boredom. So maybe it's boredom. So maybe it's boredom. Another uh um struggle that some of us Another uh um struggle that some of us Another uh um struggle that some of us have have have there was a woman in 1866 wrote a a there was a woman in 1866 wrote a a there was a woman in 1866 wrote a a song. Her name was Eli Elijah Eliza song. Her name was Eli Elijah Eliza song. Her name was Eli Elijah Eliza Sprro. And uh it became a a folk song Sprro. And uh it became a a folk song Sprro. And uh it became a a folk song and then it it became famous when Patty and then it it became famous when Patty and then it it became famous when Patty Duke recorded it in the 1960s. It goes Duke recorded it in the 1960s. It goes Duke recorded it in the 1960s. It goes this way. Life is a toil and love is a this way. Life is a toil and love is a this way. Life is a toil and love is a trouble. Beauty will fade and riches trouble. Beauty will fade and riches trouble. Beauty will fade and riches will flee. Pleasures they dwindle and will flee. Pleasures they dwindle and will flee. Pleasures they dwindle and prices they double and nothing is as I prices they double and nothing is as I prices they double and nothing is as I would wish it to be. That's the chorus.

would wish it to be. That's the chorus. would wish it to be. That's the chorus. And and then they go through all of the And and then they go through all of the And and then they go through all of the terrible things this house it's called terrible things this house it's called terrible things this house it's called the housewives lament. all the terrible the housewives lament. all the terrible the housewives lament. all the terrible things she has to do and how much life things she has to do and how much life things she has to do and how much life is drudgery. And I'm not sure any of us is drudgery. And I'm not sure any of us is drudgery. And I'm not sure any of us have quite that negative a perspective, have quite that negative a perspective, have quite that negative a perspective, but often what we think to ourselves is, but often what we think to ourselves is, but often what we think to ourselves is, man, I do the same thing every day. I man, I do the same thing every day. I man, I do the same thing every day. I get up, I go to work, I do this, I do get up, I go to work, I do this, I do get up, I go to work, I do this, I do that. It's the same routine every single that. It's the same routine every single that. It's the same routine every single day, and it it's it's it's it never gets day, and it it's it's it's it never gets day, and it it's it's it's it never gets better. And it's always this way. And better. And it's always this way. And better. And it's always this way. And I'm in a rut. I'm in a rut. I know I I'm in a rut. I'm in a rut. I know I I'm in a rut. I'm in a rut. I know I shouldn't be in a rut, but I'm in a rut. shouldn't be in a rut, but I'm in a rut. shouldn't be in a rut, but I'm in a rut. What do we do about this? Because I'm What do we do about this? Because I'm What do we do about this? Because I'm convinced this is not how God intends convinced this is not how God intends convinced this is not how God intends our life to be. our life to be. our life to be. We are uh uh beginning a series uh We are uh uh beginning a series uh We are uh uh beginning a series uh called uh faith supplements that talk called uh faith supplements that talk called uh faith supplements that talk about the things we can add in to our about the things we can add in to our about the things we can add in to our life. And here's what I want you to to life. And here's what I want you to to life. And here's what I want you to to hear, right? So, um, so like I go I go hear, right? So, um, so like I go I go hear, right? So, um, so like I go I go to the doctor, um, you know, I'm one of to the doctor, um, you know, I'm one of to the doctor, um, you know, I'm one of those people who gets my annual physical those people who gets my annual physical those people who gets my annual physical once a year and every year he tells me once a year and every year he tells me once a year and every year he tells me the same thing. Here are the things you the same thing. Here are the things you the same thing. Here are the things you got to quit eating. You got to quit got to quit eating. You got to quit got to quit eating. You got to quit eating carbs, no pasta, uh, no I'm type eating carbs, no pasta, uh, no I'm type eating carbs, no pasta, uh, no I'm type two diabetic. No pasta, no uh uh, you two diabetic. No pasta, no uh uh, you two diabetic. No pasta, no uh uh, you know, chips, no breads, no nothing that know, chips, no breads, no nothing that know, chips, no breads, no nothing that tastes good. Please eat nothing that tastes good. Please eat nothing that tastes good. Please eat nothing that tastes good. Uh, and also you have kind tastes good. Uh, and also you have kind tastes good. Uh, and also you have kind of high cholesterol, so no fats. Um, of high cholesterol, so no fats. Um, of high cholesterol, so no fats. Um, stay away from from any non-lean meat.

stay away from from any non-lean meat. stay away from from any non-lean meat. And really, it's better if you only eat And really, it's better if you only eat And really, it's better if you only eat fish and only eat it once a week. And fish and only eat it once a week. And fish and only eat it once a week. And I'm like, okay, how fun is life going to I'm like, okay, how fun is life going to I'm like, okay, how fun is life going to be with this? And and on the other hand, be with this? And and on the other hand, be with this? And and on the other hand, he has a little brochure that tells you he has a little brochure that tells you he has a little brochure that tells you here here are the things you're missing. here here are the things you're missing. here here are the things you're missing. So that's what you've got that you need So that's what you've got that you need So that's what you've got that you need to get rid of. But he says 95% of to get rid of. But he says 95% of to get rid of. But he says 95% of American adults do not consume enough American adults do not consume enough American adults do not consume enough vitamin D and it's in crucial for health vitamin D and it's in crucial for health vitamin D and it's in crucial for health and uh immune support. 84% of Americans and uh immune support. 84% of Americans and uh immune support. 84% of Americans do not have enough vitamin E. Um this is do not have enough vitamin E. Um this is do not have enough vitamin E. Um this is primarily due to the con low consumption primarily due to the con low consumption primarily due to the con low consumption of nuts, seeds, and green leafy of nuts, seeds, and green leafy of nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. That's me. Uh magnesium. vegetables. That's me. Uh magnesium. vegetables. That's me. Uh magnesium. More than 50% of the population falls More than 50% of the population falls More than 50% of the population falls short. 40% of Americans miss the mark on short. 40% of Americans miss the mark on short. 40% of Americans miss the mark on calcium. Potassium, an astounding 97% of calcium. Potassium, an astounding 97% of calcium. Potassium, an astounding 97% of adults do not get enough potassium. Uh adults do not get enough potassium. Uh adults do not get enough potassium. Uh dietary fiber, 90% of Americans fail to dietary fiber, 90% of Americans fail to dietary fiber, 90% of Americans fail to meet daily fiber recommendations. meet daily fiber recommendations. meet daily fiber recommendations. I'm surprised we're still alive. I mean, I'm surprised we're still alive. I mean, I'm surprised we're still alive. I mean, we're we have all these terrible things we're we have all these terrible things we're we have all these terrible things and all of these things we're missing.

and all of these things we're missing. and all of these things we're missing. What I want you to think about is when What I want you to think about is when What I want you to think about is when you think about our spiritual lives, you think about our spiritual lives, you think about our spiritual lives, there are things that we need to quit there are things that we need to quit there are things that we need to quit doing without question. doing without question. doing without question. But what the scripture tells us is that But what the scripture tells us is that But what the scripture tells us is that faith is the center of it. That that's faith is the center of it. That that's faith is the center of it. That that's the core and and that faith should the core and and that faith should the core and and that faith should produce some things in our lives, but produce some things in our lives, but produce some things in our lives, but sometimes those things are missing. sometimes those things are missing. sometimes those things are missing. In other words, the scripture says, In other words, the scripture says, In other words, the scripture says, "Seek first the kingdom and all these "Seek first the kingdom and all these "Seek first the kingdom and all these things will be added unto you." Now, I things will be added unto you." Now, I things will be added unto you." Now, I know that he's talking specifically in know that he's talking specifically in know that he's talking specifically in this case about what about having enough this case about what about having enough this case about what about having enough food and enough to eat and drink, but I food and enough to eat and drink, but I food and enough to eat and drink, but I think it's more than that. That if you think it's more than that. That if you think it's more than that. That if you put your faith at the core of your life, put your faith at the core of your life, put your faith at the core of your life, it should produce within you certain it should produce within you certain it should produce within you certain things that are important. things that are important. things that are important. And if you're missing those, then And if you're missing those, then And if you're missing those, then something is ary and you need to work to something is ary and you need to work to something is ary and you need to work to make sure to supplement to add that make sure to supplement to add that make sure to supplement to add that those things will be added unto you. And those things will be added unto you. And those things will be added unto you. And the one I want to talk about today is the one I want to talk about today is the one I want to talk about today is fun.

fun. fun. Fun. So think about our Genesis Fun. So think about our Genesis Fun. So think about our Genesis scripture for today. He takes the man scripture for today. He takes the man scripture for today. He takes the man and the woman. He put them in the and the woman. He put them in the and the woman. He put them in the garden. And here's the reason. There's a garden. And here's the reason. There's a garden. And here's the reason. There's a purpose for them being in the garden. purpose for them being in the garden. purpose for them being in the garden. What is it? To till it and to keep it. What is it? To till it and to keep it. What is it? To till it and to keep it. They're to till the garden and to keep They're to till the garden and to keep They're to till the garden and to keep it. They're to take care of it. They are it. They're to take care of it. They are it. They're to take care of it. They are that's by the way that's work, right? We that's by the way that's work, right? We that's by the way that's work, right? We we're there there's a purpose to life we're there there's a purpose to life we're there there's a purpose to life and that purpose is this work that's to and that purpose is this work that's to and that purpose is this work that's to be done. This thing that is to be be done. This thing that is to be be done. This thing that is to be accomplished. But that's not all that's there But that's not all that's there because he precedes this with with this. because he precedes this with with this. because he precedes this with with this. The scripture says he creates God The scripture says he creates God The scripture says he creates God creates this garden and he puts in it it creates this garden and he puts in it it creates this garden and he puts in it it is made to grow every tree that is is made to grow every tree that is is made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. pleasant to the sight and good for food. pleasant to the sight and good for food. And then he says, "You may freely eat of And then he says, "You may freely eat of And then he says, "You may freely eat of any tree of the garden." Oh, not that any tree of the garden." Oh, not that any tree of the garden." Oh, not that one. Stay away from that one. But you one. Stay away from that one. But you one. Stay away from that one. But you may freely eat of any of the other may freely eat of any of the other may freely eat of any of the other trees.

trees. trees. Isn't it funny that in our theological Isn't it funny that in our theological Isn't it funny that in our theological explanations, explanations, explanations, we focus on that one tree? We're always we focus on that one tree? We're always we focus on that one tree? We're always worried about that one tree. And that's worried about that one tree. And that's worried about that one tree. And that's appropriate, by the way. That tree can appropriate, by the way. That tree can appropriate, by the way. That tree can really mess up our life. That's called really mess up our life. That's called really mess up our life. That's called sin. sin. sin. But there are all these other trees that But there are all these other trees that But there are all these other trees that God has said you may freely eat of any God has said you may freely eat of any God has said you may freely eat of any of those trees. of those trees. of those trees. So, two things I want to to say to you So, two things I want to to say to you So, two things I want to to say to you today. The first is that today. The first is that today. The first is that You can choose to enjoy the tilling. You You can choose to enjoy the tilling. You You can choose to enjoy the tilling. You can choose to enjoy the work. But can choose to enjoy the work. But can choose to enjoy the work. But frankly, that's another sermon, right? frankly, that's another sermon, right? frankly, that's another sermon, right? How we enjoy our work is is one piece of How we enjoy our work is is one piece of How we enjoy our work is is one piece of it. But but there's another piece. I I it. But but there's another piece. I I it. But but there's another piece. I I want you to see this incredible um want you to see this incredible um want you to see this incredible um cooperation, cooperation, cooperation, this co-working between the between God this co-working between the between God this co-working between the between God and the man and woman in the garden, and the man and woman in the garden, and the man and woman in the garden, right? the the woman is put there to be right? the the woman is put there to be right? the the woman is put there to be his his helpmate, his partner. She's his his helpmate, his partner. She's his his helpmate, his partner. She's tilling and keeping too. And and he's so tilling and keeping too. And and he's so tilling and keeping too. And and he's so on the one hand, these are he he has on the one hand, these are he he has on the one hand, these are he he has planted all these trees. He's put them planted all these trees. He's put them planted all these trees. He's put them in the garden and they're going to in the garden and they're going to in the garden and they're going to produce fruit. So, it's it's something produce fruit. So, it's it's something produce fruit. So, it's it's something God has done. But on the other hand, the God has done. But on the other hand, the God has done. But on the other hand, the the the man and woman have have been the the man and woman have have been the the man and woman have have been doing the work, making it happen. And um doing the work, making it happen. And um doing the work, making it happen. And um we can enjoy the tilling, but even more we can enjoy the tilling, but even more we can enjoy the tilling, but even more importantly, we can enjoy the fruit of importantly, we can enjoy the fruit of importantly, we can enjoy the fruit of our labor,

our labor, our labor, right? The fruit of our labor. We can right? The fruit of our labor. We can right? The fruit of our labor. We can enjoy both the tilling and the tasting enjoy both the tilling and the tasting enjoy both the tilling and the tasting of that fruit. of that fruit. of that fruit. I'm just going to spend the sermon today I'm just going to spend the sermon today I'm just going to spend the sermon today giving you some ideas. If you feel like giving you some ideas. If you feel like giving you some ideas. If you feel like your life is drudgery, if you somehow your life is drudgery, if you somehow your life is drudgery, if you somehow struggle with boredom, here are some struggle with boredom, here are some struggle with boredom, here are some ideas. Here's the first one. play pickle ideas. Here's the first one. play pickle ideas. Here's the first one. play pickle ball. Play pickle ball. Now about seven ball. Play pickle ball. Now about seven ball. Play pickle ball. Now about seven or eight years ago, I was in a board or eight years ago, I was in a board or eight years ago, I was in a board meeting for Connect Community and we meeting for Connect Community and we meeting for Connect Community and we were talking about how the um this were talking about how the um this were talking about how the um this refugee group that was working at our refugee group that was working at our refugee group that was working at our church. They they were um they had were church. They they were um they had were church. They they were um they had were making things uh sewing things to be making things uh sewing things to be making things uh sewing things to be sold uh you know like um masks for COVID sold uh you know like um masks for COVID sold uh you know like um masks for COVID was one of the things and Anne Johnson, was one of the things and Anne Johnson, was one of the things and Anne Johnson, a member of our church is on the board a member of our church is on the board a member of our church is on the board at that time and she said, "I think they at that time and she said, "I think they at that time and she said, "I think they should make pickle ball skirts." And I should make pickle ball skirts." And I should make pickle ball skirts." And I said, "There's no such thing as pickle said, "There's no such thing as pickle said, "There's no such thing as pickle ball. That is the dumbest thing I have ball. That is the dumbest thing I have ball. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Who would name a sport ever heard. Who would name a sport ever heard. Who would name a sport pickle ball? And she said, "No, it's a pickle ball? And she said, "No, it's a pickle ball? And she said, "No, it's a big deal. Pickle ball is a big deal." big deal. Pickle ball is a big deal." big deal. Pickle ball is a big deal." And I said, "You are making that up, Ann And I said, "You are making that up, Ann And I said, "You are making that up, Ann Johnson." And she said, "No." And she Johnson." And she said, "No." And she Johnson." And she said, "No." And she she obviously was was right. Now, those she obviously was was right. Now, those she obviously was was right. Now, those of you who are tennis players, I know of you who are tennis players, I know of you who are tennis players, I know how resentful you are about pickle ball how resentful you are about pickle ball how resentful you are about pickle ball taking over all your tennis courts as taking over all your tennis courts as taking over all your tennis courts as they're getting changed from one to the they're getting changed from one to the they're getting changed from one to the other. But pickle ball's a wonderful other. But pickle ball's a wonderful other. But pickle ball's a wonderful game. Maybe go play pickle ball. We have game. Maybe go play pickle ball. We have game. Maybe go play pickle ball. We have a bunch of people play it here on a bunch of people play it here on a bunch of people play it here on Saturday morning. It's not, maybe it's Saturday morning. It's not, maybe it's Saturday morning. It's not, maybe it's not pickle ball. We have guys who meet not pickle ball. We have guys who meet not pickle ball. We have guys who meet here at 6:30 on uh Wednesday mornings to here at 6:30 on uh Wednesday mornings to here at 6:30 on uh Wednesday mornings to play um basketball. Um play a card game,

play um basketball. Um play a card game, play um basketball. Um play a card game, become a bridge player, become a hearts become a bridge player, become a hearts become a bridge player, become a hearts player, become a a spades player, play player, become a a spades player, play player, become a a spades player, play Jin Remy, play um Uno, I don't care. Uh Jin Remy, play um Uno, I don't care. Uh Jin Remy, play um Uno, I don't care. Uh play ba jang. Oh my gosh. There you go. play ba jang. Oh my gosh. There you go. play ba jang. Oh my gosh. There you go. Everybody has to play majang, right? uh Everybody has to play majang, right? uh Everybody has to play majang, right? uh you um play uh when when our family gets you um play uh when when our family gets you um play uh when when our family gets together, we play a game called family together, we play a game called family together, we play a game called family and another one called fishbowl, which and another one called fishbowl, which and another one called fishbowl, which is just a stupid silly game of trying to is just a stupid silly game of trying to is just a stupid silly game of trying to memor remember things, but we laugh and memor remember things, but we laugh and memor remember things, but we laugh and laugh and laugh. Um go play a game, laugh and laugh. Um go play a game, laugh and laugh. Um go play a game, right? That's what that's what if you right? That's what that's what if you right? That's what that's what if you were a child, isn't that what your were a child, isn't that what your were a child, isn't that what your parent would tell you? Go play a game. parent would tell you? Go play a game. parent would tell you? Go play a game. All right, that's the first thing. All right, that's the first thing. All right, that's the first thing. Second thing is make sand castle. Create Second thing is make sand castle. Create Second thing is make sand castle. Create a sand castle. We were on the the beach a sand castle. We were on the the beach a sand castle. We were on the the beach um earlier this summer and I watched my um earlier this summer and I watched my um earlier this summer and I watched my grandchildren and some of their parents grandchildren and some of their parents grandchildren and some of their parents helping them build the sand castle and helping them build the sand castle and helping them build the sand castle and man, they're working. They're digging. man, they're working. They're digging. man, they're working. They're digging. One thinks he's going to get to China as One thinks he's going to get to China as One thinks he's going to get to China as he digs. Uh and they they are just so he digs. Uh and they they are just so he digs. Uh and they they are just so into it. Their little mouths, into it. Their little mouths, into it. Their little mouths, you know, um and I I'm watching and I'm you know, um and I I'm watching and I'm you know, um and I I'm watching and I'm thinking, you know, tomorrow that sand thinking, you know, tomorrow that sand thinking, you know, tomorrow that sand castle is going to be gone.

castle is going to be gone. castle is going to be gone. It's not the product at the end that It's not the product at the end that It's not the product at the end that matters. matters. matters. Right. It's the process Right. It's the process Right. It's the process of of creating something, of of creating something, of of creating something, right? We had our our grandchildren uh right? We had our our grandchildren uh right? We had our our grandchildren uh at our place in Hempstead um yesterday at our place in Hempstead um yesterday at our place in Hempstead um yesterday for an end of summer celebration. And uh for an end of summer celebration. And uh for an end of summer celebration. And uh some of you know that um a few summers some of you know that um a few summers some of you know that um a few summers ago, we built a treehouse and grandkids ago, we built a treehouse and grandkids ago, we built a treehouse and grandkids helped and all of that. And somewhat helped and all of that. And somewhat helped and all of that. And somewhat some of you have asked me, do the some of you have asked me, do the some of you have asked me, do the grandkids play in the treehouse? and grandkids play in the treehouse? and grandkids play in the treehouse? and they do play in the treehouse, they do play in the treehouse, they do play in the treehouse, but they don't enjoy playing in the but they don't enjoy playing in the but they don't enjoy playing in the treehouse as much as they did building treehouse as much as they did building treehouse as much as they did building the treehouse. And yesterday, in fact, the treehouse. And yesterday, in fact, the treehouse. And yesterday, in fact, they're like, "We'd like to add a second they're like, "We'd like to add a second they're like, "We'd like to add a second level to the treehouse." And so, they level to the treehouse." And so, they level to the treehouse." And so, they came to me like, "Can we do that?" And came to me like, "Can we do that?" And came to me like, "Can we do that?" And I, you know, I hedged the bets. We'll I, you know, I hedged the bets. We'll I, you know, I hedged the bets. We'll see. The great answer, "We'll see." Uh, see. The great answer, "We'll see." Uh, see. The great answer, "We'll see." Uh, right. But I don't know what it might be right. But I don't know what it might be right. But I don't know what it might be for you. Uh, play a song, right? Learn for you. Uh, play a song, right? Learn for you. Uh, play a song, right? Learn if if you play an instrument, play a if if you play an instrument, play a if if you play an instrument, play a song. And what happens is it's going to song. And what happens is it's going to song. And what happens is it's going to be gone when it's done. But it is that be gone when it's done. But it is that be gone when it's done. But it is that process of creating that is so powerful.

process of creating that is so powerful. process of creating that is so powerful. All right, here's the third thing. All right, here's the third thing. All right, here's the third thing. See a flower. See a flower. See a flower. The scripture says, "Consider the liies The scripture says, "Consider the liies The scripture says, "Consider the liies of the field." of the field." of the field." I want you to I I know this isn't I want you to I I know this isn't I want you to I I know this isn't exactly where where Jesus is going with exactly where where Jesus is going with exactly where where Jesus is going with the context, but I want you just to hear the context, but I want you just to hear the context, but I want you just to hear that simple phrase. Consider the liies. that simple phrase. Consider the liies. that simple phrase. Consider the liies. Do you consider the flowers? Do you ever Do you consider the flowers? Do you ever Do you consider the flowers? Do you ever see a flower? see a flower? see a flower? There's this wonderful word in the old There's this wonderful word in the old There's this wonderful word in the old King James version of scripture that um King James version of scripture that um King James version of scripture that um we we don't use anymore. So, they've we we don't use anymore. So, they've we we don't use anymore. So, they've re-ransated it and the word is behold, re-ransated it and the word is behold, re-ransated it and the word is behold, right? And we don't now it just says right? And we don't now it just says right? And we don't now it just says see. see. see. That's not as good. Behold is to is to That's not as good. Behold is to is to That's not as good. Behold is to is to see something and to go, "Wow, look at see something and to go, "Wow, look at see something and to go, "Wow, look at the flowers. the flowers. the flowers. Just just look at that and experience Just just look at that and experience Just just look at that and experience it." And maybe it's not flowers. Go to a it." And maybe it's not flowers. Go to a it." And maybe it's not flowers. Go to a museum and see what's there, museum and see what's there, museum and see what's there, right? Uh Steve Carroll is a member of right? Uh Steve Carroll is a member of right? Uh Steve Carroll is a member of our church. I don't know how many of you our church. I don't know how many of you our church. I don't know how many of you know Steve. Um, [snorts] but he is a know Steve. Um, [snorts] but he is a know Steve. Um, [snorts] but he is a birder and uh he goes around the birder and uh he goes around the birder and uh he goes around the country, around the world sometimes country, around the world sometimes country, around the world sometimes looking at birds and he's, you know, looking at birds and he's, you know, looking at birds and he's, you know, he's he's got like all the birds he's he's he's got like all the birds he's he's he's got like all the birds he's ever uh seen. And so he's leaving next ever uh seen. And so he's leaving next ever uh seen. And so he's leaving next Saturday to fly to Boston to get on a Saturday to fly to Boston to get on a Saturday to fly to Boston to get on a boat to go a 100 miles offshore beyond boat to go a 100 miles offshore beyond boat to go a 100 miles offshore beyond the continental shelf. And he's going to the continental shelf. And he's going to the continental shelf. And he's going to sleep on the deck of this old crummy sleep on the deck of this old crummy sleep on the deck of this old crummy boat. and he is going to get up in the

boat. and he is going to get up in the boat. and he is going to get up in the morning and his goal is to find the morning and his goal is to find the morning and his goal is to find the man's sheer water. This is a important man's sheer water. This is a important man's sheer water. This is a important bird uh that he's never seen. And I bird uh that he's never seen. And I bird uh that he's never seen. And I said, "So, do you take a camera and take said, "So, do you take a camera and take said, "So, do you take a camera and take a picture?" He said, "Nope, I just see a picture?" He said, "Nope, I just see a picture?" He said, "Nope, I just see it." it." it." How interesting is that? How interesting is that? How interesting is that? I just behold it. I just behold it. I just behold it. Do you realize what kind of city we live Do you realize what kind of city we live Do you realize what kind of city we live in and what's around us with the in and what's around us with the in and what's around us with the memorial park? All the places we can go, memorial park? All the places we can go, memorial park? All the places we can go, this country we live in where you can go this country we live in where you can go this country we live in where you can go and experience and just see and experience and just see and experience and just see ah see a flower. Here's the next one. ah see a flower. Here's the next one. ah see a flower. Here's the next one. Attend a show. Go to a tapestry players Attend a show. Go to a tapestry players Attend a show. Go to a tapestry players production. Go this weekend to Babes on production. Go this weekend to Babes on production. Go this weekend to Babes on Broadway and see our youth do that. Go Broadway and see our youth do that. Go Broadway and see our youth do that. Go to a football game. go to a uh high to a football game. go to a uh high to a football game. go to a uh high school baseball game. school baseball game. school baseball game. Um go experience all of the Um go experience all of the Um go experience all of the possibilities. Here's what's happened possibilities. Here's what's happened possibilities. Here's what's happened this summer, which I think is really this summer, which I think is really this summer, which I think is really awesome.

Movie theaters are back. Movie theaters are back. uh because of the Odyssey, uh because of the Odyssey, uh because of the Odyssey, uh Toy Story 5, and the new Spider-Man uh Toy Story 5, and the new Spider-Man uh Toy Story 5, and the new Spider-Man movie. This has been a banner year for movie. This has been a banner year for movie. This has been a banner year for people actually going to the theater and people actually going to the theater and people actually going to the theater and watching the movie. Now, I'm going to watching the movie. Now, I'm going to watching the movie. Now, I'm going to tell you, we watch a lot of movies at tell you, we watch a lot of movies at tell you, we watch a lot of movies at our house, but we don't go to the our house, but we don't go to the our house, but we don't go to the theater. And it isn't the same thing. theater. And it isn't the same thing. theater. And it isn't the same thing. No, when we watch a movie, it's often No, when we watch a movie, it's often No, when we watch a movie, it's often just to kill some time when we really just to kill some time when we really just to kill some time when we really don't want to work that hard and paid don't want to work that hard and paid don't want to work that hard and paid that much attention to something or to that much attention to something or to that much attention to something or to just distract ourselves. just distract ourselves. just distract ourselves. But it's a whole different thing when But it's a whole different thing when But it's a whole different thing when you get your popcorn and your coke and you get your popcorn and your coke and you get your popcorn and your coke and you settle in and you're surrounded and you settle in and you're surrounded and you settle in and you're surrounded and you've gone to the movies. you've gone to the movies. you've gone to the movies. Go decide to experience something fully. Go decide to experience something fully. Go decide to experience something fully. Attend a show. Here's the last one. Attend a show. Here's the last one. Attend a show. Here's the last one. Choose laughter. Here at St. Luke's in our staff culture Here at St. Luke's in our staff culture and really in all of our leadership and really in all of our leadership and really in all of our leadership culture that's here, I would say in as culture that's here, I would say in as culture that's here, I would say in as part of our whole church culture, we part of our whole church culture, we part of our whole church culture, we believe a lot in laughter. We like to believe a lot in laughter. We like to believe a lot in laughter. We like to laugh a lot. Um, laugh a lot. Um, laugh a lot. Um, some years ago, uh, I was sitting in my some years ago, uh, I was sitting in my some years ago, uh, I was sitting in my office. Leah White was on our staff at office. Leah White was on our staff at office. Leah White was on our staff at that time and she was nine months that time and she was nine months that time and she was nine months pregnant. I mean, just, uh, oh, wait, I pregnant. I mean, just, uh, oh, wait, I pregnant. I mean, just, uh, oh, wait, I got to say it right. She was expecting got to say it right. She was expecting got to say it right. She was expecting and um, nine months. And she staggered and um, nine months. And she staggered and um, nine months. And she staggered into my office and she says, "I think into my office and she says, "I think into my office and she says, "I think I'm having the baby right now." and she I'm having the baby right now." and she I'm having the baby right now." and she laid down on my leather couch laid down on my leather couch laid down on my leather couch and I thought to myself, "What? What?"

and I thought to myself, "What? What?" and I thought to myself, "What? What?" And and she says, "I I don't know if my And and she says, "I I don't know if my And and she says, "I I don't know if my water's going to break or what." And I'm water's going to break or what." And I'm water's going to break or what." And I'm looking at my leather couch and I'm looking at my leather couch and I'm looking at my leather couch and I'm [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] and I'm I run around. I get some towels and I'm I run around. I get some towels and I'm I run around. I get some towels out of the bathroom and I'm doing and out of the bathroom and I'm doing and out of the bathroom and I'm doing and the other administrative assistants all the other administrative assistants all the other administrative assistants all gather around and they're going, "You gather around and they're going, "You gather around and they're going, "You can do it, Leah. You can do it. We'll can do it, Leah. You can do it. We'll can do it, Leah. You can do it. We'll tell you when to push." And I'm I'm tell you when to push." And I'm I'm tell you when to push." And I'm I'm like, "No. Shouldn't we call the doctor like, "No. Shouldn't we call the doctor like, "No. Shouldn't we call the doctor or something? Shouldn't we do something? or something? Shouldn't we do something? or something? Shouldn't we do something? [laughter] And pretty soon, one of them [laughter] And pretty soon, one of them [laughter] And pretty soon, one of them threw a little baby doll in and go, "Oh, threw a little baby doll in and go, "Oh, threw a little baby doll in and go, "Oh, she's had the baby." And it was all a she's had the baby." And it was all a she's had the baby." And it was all a prank. And I was so mad. And it was so prank. And I was so mad. And it was so prank. And I was so mad. And it was so fun. And we laughed so hard. And um fun. And we laughed so hard. And um fun. And we laughed so hard. And um laughter, laughter, laughter, laughter is a decision to enjoy the laughter is a decision to enjoy the laughter is a decision to enjoy the world, world, world, even some of the difficult things. Those even some of the difficult things. Those even some of the difficult things. Those are all important. Now, I want to I want are all important. Now, I want to I want are all important. Now, I want to I want to uh um end with with a a cautionary to uh um end with with a a cautionary to uh um end with with a a cautionary tale. Listen to these words from tale. Listen to these words from tale. Listen to these words from Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. So, I became great and surpassed all who So, I became great and surpassed all who So, I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep from them. eyes desired, I did not keep from them. eyes desired, I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure. From I kept my heart from no pleasure. From I kept my heart from no pleasure. From my heart found pleasure with all my my heart found pleasure with all my my heart found pleasure with all my toil. And this was my reward from all my toil. And this was my reward from all my toil. And this was my reward from all my toil. And I considered all that my hands toil. And I considered all that my hands toil. And I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent doing had done and the toil I had spent doing had done and the toil I had spent doing it. And again, all was vanity and a it. And again, all was vanity and a it. And again, all was vanity and a chasing after the wind. And there was chasing after the wind. And there was chasing after the wind. And there was nothing to be gained under the sun. nothing to be gained under the sun. nothing to be gained under the sun. Solomon has tried all the pleasure in Solomon has tried all the pleasure in Solomon has tried all the pleasure in the world and he's still not satisfied. the world and he's still not satisfied. the world and he's still not satisfied. Look, enjoying life is not the end of Look, enjoying life is not the end of Look, enjoying life is not the end of life. It is not the purpose. It is not life. It is not the purpose. It is not life. It is not the purpose. It is not the goal. the goal. the goal. It is one of those added ends. It is one of those added ends. It is one of those added ends. And the abundant life comes from making And the abundant life comes from making And the abundant life comes from making your faith Christ center of your life. your faith Christ center of your life. your faith Christ center of your life. And these things then become added. And these things then become added. And these things then become added. [crying] So be careful.

So be careful. Do not pursue pleasure, Do not pursue pleasure, Do not pursue pleasure, but instead make sure you are adding but instead make sure you are adding but instead make sure you are adding enough in to that that core faith. enough in to that that core faith. enough in to that that core faith. I'm going to close with my favorite I'm going to close with my favorite I'm going to close with my favorite illustration of all time. I've shared illustration of all time. I've shared illustration of all time. I've shared it, I know, at least once. Two it, I know, at least once. Two it, I know, at least once. Two construction workers are sitting down construction workers are sitting down construction workers are sitting down having lunch. They paused at lunch and having lunch. They paused at lunch and having lunch. They paused at lunch and one opens his lunch box and he says the one opens his lunch box and he says the one opens his lunch box and he says the same thing every single day. I have a same thing every single day. I have a same thing every single day. I have a turkey sandwich, cheese, little piece of turkey sandwich, cheese, little piece of turkey sandwich, cheese, little piece of lettuce, and a tomato, lettuce, and a tomato, lettuce, and a tomato, [crying] [crying] [crying] a a bag of chips, an apple or an orange, a a bag of chips, an apple or an orange, a a bag of chips, an apple or an orange, the same thing. and his construction the same thing. and his construction the same thing. and his construction worker next to him that says, "Well, why worker next to him that says, "Well, why worker next to him that says, "Well, why don't you tell your wife to make you a don't you tell your wife to make you a don't you tell your wife to make you a different lunch?" And he says, "Oh, I I different lunch?" And he says, "Oh, I I different lunch?" And he says, "Oh, I I make my own lunch." And I think that's our life. We make our And I think that's our life. We make our own life. We make our own decision. We own life. We make our own decision. We own life. We make our own decision. We have agency. have agency. have agency. And I want you to open your eyes and And I want you to open your eyes and And I want you to open your eyes and look around and see the Garden of Eden look around and see the Garden of Eden look around and see the Garden of Eden that God has put in front of you.

that God has put in front of you. that God has put in front of you. Doesn't mean all of life is easy. Not at Doesn't mean all of life is easy. Not at Doesn't mean all of life is easy. Not at all. But there is a garden in front of all. But there is a garden in front of all. But there is a garden in front of you. thank you for the garden. thank you for the garden. Give us the wisdom to [music] enjoy it. Give us the wisdom to [music] enjoy it. Give us the wisdom to [music] enjoy it. Amen. So, on your way out today, I hope that So, on your way out today, I hope that you all will grab one of these. These you all will grab one of these. These you all will grab one of these. These are our fall guides and we will have are our fall guides and we will have are our fall guides and we will have them at the exits and they're also going them at the exits and they're also going them at the exits and they're also going to be in the commons and in the to be in the commons and in the to be in the commons and in the gathering room as well, but it has lots gathering room as well, but it has lots gathering room as well, but it has lots of information about everything that is of information about everything that is of information about everything that is going on at the church uh starting in going on at the church uh starting in going on at the church uh starting in the next couple of weeks all the way the next couple of weeks all the way the next couple of weeks all the way through Thanksgiving time. And I really through Thanksgiving time. And I really through Thanksgiving time. And I really hope you'll look through it and see if hope you'll look through it and see if hope you'll look through it and see if there might be some fun in here that you there might be some fun in here that you there might be some fun in here that you will plug into uh some new things, new will plug into uh some new things, new will plug into uh some new things, new opportunities. There's Bible studies opportunities. There's Bible studies opportunities. There's Bible studies that are starting, there's things for that are starting, there's things for that are starting, there's things for families, all kinds of great stuff. And families, all kinds of great stuff. And families, all kinds of great stuff. And so, please be sure to pick one of these so, please be sure to pick one of these so, please be sure to pick one of these up. Couple of other things I wanted to up. Couple of other things I wanted to up. Couple of other things I wanted to lift up on the back of the bulletin.

lift up on the back of the bulletin. lift up on the back of the bulletin. There are some awesome and exciting There are some awesome and exciting There are some awesome and exciting things happening. Uh, one of the ones things happening. Uh, one of the ones things happening. Uh, one of the ones that I'm really, really thrilled about that I'm really, really thrilled about that I'm really, really thrilled about is that we are starting a bunch of new is that we are starting a bunch of new is that we are starting a bunch of new Bible studies on a book called Woven. Bible studies on a book called Woven. Bible studies on a book called Woven. So, this was written by Meredith Miller, So, this was written by Meredith Miller, So, this was written by Meredith Miller, who is an expert, has worked with the who is an expert, has worked with the who is an expert, has worked with the Fuller Youth Center, has done a lot of Fuller Youth Center, has done a lot of Fuller Youth Center, has done a lot of research on raising kids with a faith research on raising kids with a faith research on raising kids with a faith that sticks, a faith that lasts. Many of that sticks, a faith that lasts. Many of that sticks, a faith that lasts. Many of you might remember about 10 years ago we you might remember about 10 years ago we you might remember about 10 years ago we studied sticky faith here and the idea studied sticky faith here and the idea studied sticky faith here and the idea was how do we build faith in the next was how do we build faith in the next was how do we build faith in the next generation that sticks their entire generation that sticks their entire generation that sticks their entire life. Well, Meredith Miller was involved life. Well, Meredith Miller was involved life. Well, Meredith Miller was involved in that research and has kind of come in that research and has kind of come in that research and has kind of come out with this book and um this approach out with this book and um this approach out with this book and um this approach to thinking about how our kids and our to thinking about how our kids and our to thinking about how our kids and our grandkids have a faith that is their grandkids have a faith that is their grandkids have a faith that is their own, that is true, that sticks with own, that is true, that sticks with own, that is true, that sticks with them, that does not break. And so we them, that does not break. And so we them, that does not break. And so we have a lot of uh groups that are already have a lot of uh groups that are already have a lot of uh groups that are already committed to studying this book and we committed to studying this book and we committed to studying this book and we are starting many new groups. And so you are starting many new groups. And so you are starting many new groups. And so you can stop by the ministry spotlight table can stop by the ministry spotlight table can stop by the ministry spotlight table to find a group. There'll be one to find a group. There'll be one to find a group. There'll be one specifically for parents and one specifically for parents and one specifically for parents and one specifically for grandparents. And then specifically for grandparents. And then specifically for grandparents. And then we're going to cap it off by having we're going to cap it off by having we're going to cap it off by having Meredith Miller actually come on October Meredith Miller actually come on October Meredith Miller actually come on October 25th and she is going to speak here as a 25th and she is going to speak here as a 25th and she is going to speak here as a part of our parenting center. Um and part of our parenting center. Um and part of our parenting center. Um and we're so excited to hear from her. So I we're so excited to hear from her. So I we're so excited to hear from her. So I hope you will save that date. We'll be hope you will save that date. We'll be hope you will save that date. We'll be sharing that with you more and more, but sharing that with you more and more, but sharing that with you more and more, but it is going to be something you're it is going to be something you're it is going to be something you're definitely going to want to attend and definitely going to want to attend and definitely going to want to attend and invite other people to if you have kids invite other people to if you have kids invite other people to if you have kids or grandkids in your life that uh you or grandkids in your life that uh you or grandkids in your life that uh you want to think about their faith. Couple want to think about their faith. Couple want to think about their faith. Couple of other things today because it's of other things today because it's of other things today because it's kickoff Sunday, we are having Kona Ice kickoff Sunday, we are having Kona Ice kickoff Sunday, we are having Kona Ice out on the Ellipse and so I hope you out on the Ellipse and so I hope you out on the Ellipse and so I hope you will stop by there and we are going to

will stop by there and we are going to will stop by there and we are going to have um there's coffee out in front of have um there's coffee out in front of have um there's coffee out in front of the branches building and so all kinds the branches building and so all kinds the branches building and so all kinds of fun. So be sure to join us for that of fun. So be sure to join us for that of fun. So be sure to join us for that uh before or after Sunday school. is in uh before or after Sunday school. is in uh before or after Sunday school. is in our hallway across from the prayer tree. our hallway across from the prayer tree. our hallway across from the prayer tree. We have a sign where you can write down We have a sign where you can write down We have a sign where you can write down the names of the schools either your the names of the schools either your the names of the schools either your kids or grandkids go to or in your kids or grandkids go to or in your kids or grandkids go to or in your neighborhood and we're going to pray neighborhood and we're going to pray neighborhood and we're going to pray over those schools all year long. So I over those schools all year long. So I over those schools all year long. So I hope you will stop by and write down hope you will stop by and write down hope you will stop by and write down those school names as well. It's August those school names as well. It's August those school names as well. It's August so we give ourselves away in generosity so we give ourselves away in generosity so we give ourselves away in generosity and service to CCSC's back to school and service to CCSC's back to school and service to CCSC's back to school drive. And so for $75, you can help CCSC drive. And so for $75, you can help CCSC drive. And so for $75, you can help CCSC provide a backpack that is full of provide a backpack that is full of provide a backpack that is full of school supplies and clothes that fit and school supplies and clothes that fit and school supplies and clothes that fit and shoes and everything that a kid would shoes and everything that a kid would shoes and everything that a kid would need to start school with all of the need to start school with all of the need to start school with all of the confidence and joy that a lot of our own confidence and joy that a lot of our own confidence and joy that a lot of our own kids have because we are able to provide kids have because we are able to provide kids have because we are able to provide those things. And so I hope that you those things. And so I hope that you those things. And so I hope that you will look in your bulletin or look at will look in your bulletin or look at will look in your bulletin or look at this website that's listed behind me for this website that's listed behind me for this website that's listed behind me for ways that you can support the back to ways that you can support the back to ways that you can support the back to school drive. Um, and like I said, lots school drive. Um, and like I said, lots school drive. Um, and like I said, lots more. So, please take a look at more. So, please take a look at more. So, please take a look at everything in your bulletin. Would you everything in your bulletin. Would you everything in your bulletin. Would you stand as we close with a benediction and stand as we close with a benediction and stand as we close with a benediction and we will worship.

we will worship. we will worship. Go knowing that God goes before you Go knowing that God goes before you Go knowing that God goes before you every step of the way. So, go with great every step of the way. So, go with great every step of the way. So, go with great peace. May the grace of the Lord Jesus peace. May the grace of the Lord Jesus peace. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Christ, the love of God, and the Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen. Let's close you now and forever. Amen. Let's close you now and forever. Amen. Let's close with we will worship. [music] We will worship [music] the Lamb of We will worship [music] the Lamb of glory. glory. glory. 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 [singing] of We will worship the Lamb [singing] of We will worship the Lamb [singing] of Glory. Glory. 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 [music] high, we will hands lifted [music] high, we will hands lifted [music] high, we will worship and sing. And with our hands worship and sing. And with our hands worship and sing. And with our hands lifted [singing] high, we come before lifted [singing] high, we come before lifted [singing] high, we come before you rejoicing. With our hands lifted you rejoicing. With our hands lifted you rejoicing. With our hands lifted high to the sky, when the world [music] high to the sky, when the world [music] high to the sky, when the world [music] wonders why, we'll just tell them we're wonders why, we'll just tell them we're wonders why, we'll just tell them we're loving our King. We'll [music] just tell loving our King. We'll [music] just tell loving our King. We'll [music] just tell them we're loving our King.

them we're loving our King. them we're loving our King. Amen. Everyone, have such an amazing Amen. Everyone, have such an amazing Amen. Everyone, have such an amazing week and we will see you back here next week and we will see you back here next week and we will see you back here next [music] Sunday.