Traditional | 8:30 a.m. | 07.05.2026

our mighty God. our mighty God. We are the Lord We are the Lord We are the Lord of God and guide and Thy Oh Thy Oh my god. please remain standing as we affirm

please remain standing as we affirm together our faith. faith in the triune together our faith. faith in the triune together our faith. faith in the triune God. I believe in God the Father God. I believe in God the Father God. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from and buried. The third day he rose from and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and the dead. He ascended into heaven and the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the siteth at the right hand of God the siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come Father Almighty. From then he shall come Father Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I to judge the quick and the dead. I to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Catholic Church, the communion of Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. everlasting. everlasting. Amen.

You may be seated. You may be seated. Well, good morning. I'm so glad you're Well, good morning. I'm so glad you're Well, good morning. I'm so glad you're here today and you're worshiping with here today and you're worshiping with here today and you're worshiping with us. Uh hope you had a wonderful us. Uh hope you had a wonderful us. Uh hope you had a wonderful Independence Day yesterday and um your Independence Day yesterday and um your Independence Day yesterday and um your your dogs weren't too scared with the your dogs weren't too scared with the your dogs weren't too scared with the fireworks going off and uh you you dealt fireworks going off and uh you you dealt fireworks going off and uh you you dealt with the heat and uh I hope your heart with the heat and uh I hope your heart with the heat and uh I hope your heart was touched. Uh welcome to those of you was touched. Uh welcome to those of you was touched. Uh welcome to those of you worshiping with us online as well. We're worshiping with us online as well. We're worshiping with us online as well. We're so glad you are a part of our service so glad you are a part of our service so glad you are a part of our service and um uh hope that you will really and um uh hope that you will really and um uh hope that you will really participate today. I know on this Sunday participate today. I know on this Sunday participate today. I know on this Sunday we have lots of people traveling and we have lots of people traveling and we have lots of people traveling and we're uh grateful that you have chosen we're uh grateful that you have chosen we're uh grateful that you have chosen to worship with us today. Um I do want to worship with us today. Um I do want to worship with us today. Um I do want to invite you if you would register your to invite you if you would register your to invite you if you would register your attendance, let us know that you're attendance, let us know that you're attendance, let us know that you're here. You can do that on St. Luke's app. here. You can do that on St. Luke's app. here. You can do that on St. Luke's app. If you're here in the sanctuary, you can If you're here in the sanctuary, you can If you're here in the sanctuary, you can there's a card in your pew pocket that there's a card in your pew pocket that there's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome and you can um put your says welcome and you can um put your says welcome and you can um put your contact information on that and drop it contact information on that and drop it contact information on that and drop it in the offering plate later in the in the offering plate later in the in the offering plate later in the service. And if you're online on our service. And if you're online on our service. And if you're online on our website platform, there is a little tab website platform, there is a little tab website platform, there is a little tab that says check in and you can check in that says check in and you can check in that says check in and you can check in that way. We we'd love to know that that way. We we'd love to know that that way. We we'd love to know that you're worshiping with us. Um after the you're worshiping with us. Um after the you're worshiping with us. Um after the service, come on out to the gathering service, come on out to the gathering service, come on out to the gathering room and enjoy some fellowship and some room and enjoy some fellowship and some room and enjoy some fellowship and some uh some snacks uh uh some refreshments.

uh some snacks uh uh some refreshments. uh some snacks uh uh some refreshments. It's always great to to connect with It's always great to to connect with It's always great to to connect with others. Uh I do just want to call others. Uh I do just want to call others. Uh I do just want to call attention to all these announcements on attention to all these announcements on attention to all these announcements on the back of your bulletin. There's lots the back of your bulletin. There's lots the back of your bulletin. There's lots of things coming up. Uh this coming uh of things coming up. Uh this coming uh of things coming up. Uh this coming uh sa Saturday is our second Saturday serve sa Saturday is our second Saturday serve sa Saturday is our second Saturday serve and would love for you to participate in and would love for you to participate in and would love for you to participate in that. Certainly be a part of our food that. Certainly be a part of our food that. Certainly be a part of our food drive which is actually going on all drive which is actually going on all drive which is actually going on all through the month of July. We're having through the month of July. We're having through the month of July. We're having Christmas in July um to help support Christmas in July um to help support Christmas in July um to help support Christian Community Service C Center's Christian Community Service C Center's Christian Community Service C Center's food pantry. Uh during the summer the food pantry. Uh during the summer the food pantry. Uh during the summer the donations drop and the needs go up and donations drop and the needs go up and donations drop and the needs go up and so we always like during the summer to so we always like during the summer to so we always like during the summer to really uh help support them. So just um really uh help support them. So just um really uh help support them. So just um when you go to the grocery store, get when you go to the grocery store, get when you go to the grocery store, get some extra stuff and and bring it up and some extra stuff and and bring it up and some extra stuff and and bring it up and leave it in the bin in the in the leave it in the bin in the in the leave it in the bin in the in the gathering room um for for CCSC. There's gathering room um for for CCSC. There's gathering room um for for CCSC. There's also some new studies coming up. Uh one also some new studies coming up. Uh one also some new studies coming up. Uh one for women on how to relax. There's a for women on how to relax. There's a for women on how to relax. There's a book study uh coming up uh that Ryan book study uh coming up uh that Ryan book study uh coming up uh that Ryan Tenski is going to lead on how to be Tenski is going to lead on how to be Tenski is going to lead on how to be yourself. Um it's just a lot of yourself. Um it's just a lot of yourself. Um it's just a lot of wonderful things. Please take note of wonderful things. Please take note of wonderful things. Please take note of all of those uh that are in the bulletin all of those uh that are in the bulletin all of those uh that are in the bulletin today. Uh we are in a series of sermons today. Uh we are in a series of sermons today. Uh we are in a series of sermons right now that is focused on uh Jesus right now that is focused on uh Jesus right now that is focused on uh Jesus geography, where he went in all sorts of geography, where he went in all sorts of geography, where he went in all sorts of different places. And today he's leaving different places. And today he's leaving different places. And today he's leaving Jewish territory heading into um Jewish territory heading into um Jewish territory heading into um non-Jewish territory. So listen now as non-Jewish territory. So listen now as non-Jewish territory. So listen now as we hear our scripture read this morning we hear our scripture read this morning we hear our scripture read this morning >> from Matthew 15. Jesus left that place >> from Matthew 15. Jesus left that place >> from Matthew 15. Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Ty and

and went away to the district of Ty and and went away to the district of Ty and Siden. Just then a Canaanite woman from Siden. Just then a Canaanite woman from Siden. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started that region came out and started that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, son shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, son shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, son of David. My daughter is tormented by a of David. My daughter is tormented by a of David. My daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at demon." But he did not answer her at demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged all. And his disciples came and urged all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she him, saying, "Send her away, for she him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, keeps shouting after us." He answered, keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of "I was sent only to the lost sheep of "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and the house of Israel." But she came and the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, Lord, help me. knelt before him, saying, Lord, help me. knelt before him, saying, Lord, help me. He answered, "It is not fair to take the He answered, "It is not fair to take the He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the children's food and throw it to the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord. Yet even dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord. Yet even dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Then Jesus their master's table." Then Jesus their master's table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your answered her, "Woman, great is your answered her, "Woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you faith. Let it be done for you as you faith. Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed from wish." And her daughter was healed from wish." And her daughter was healed from that moment. This is the word of God for that moment. This is the word of God for that moment. This is the word of God for us, the people of God. Thanks be to God. us, the people of God. Thanks be to God. us, the people of God. Thanks be to God. Glory.

>> Let us pray. >> Let us pray. God of the ages, God of the ages, God of the ages, you have guided generations past. you have guided generations past. you have guided generations past. You are hope in the present and you call You are hope in the present and you call You are hope in the present and you call us toward a future closer to you. us toward a future closer to you. us toward a future closer to you. Can we thank you for the freedoms we Can we thank you for the freedoms we Can we thank you for the freedoms we enjoy, for the beauty and abundance enjoy, for the beauty and abundance enjoy, for the beauty and abundance around us, and for those who have around us, and for those who have around us, and for those who have sacrificed and served to help our nation sacrificed and served to help our nation sacrificed and served to help our nation become more just and more free. We become more just and more free. We become more just and more free. We celebrate 250 years of independence with celebrate 250 years of independence with celebrate 250 years of independence with gratitude and humility. gratitude and humility. gratitude and humility. And God, we admit we have not always And God, we admit we have not always And God, we admit we have not always lived up to your will for us. lived up to your will for us. lived up to your will for us. We have not always loved our neighbors, We have not always loved our neighbors, We have not always loved our neighbors, welcome the stranger, welcome the stranger, welcome the stranger, or made room for others in our circle. or made room for others in our circle. or made room for others in our circle. Lord, forgive us when we fail to see the Lord, forgive us when we fail to see the Lord, forgive us when we fail to see the hurt around us and when fear, anger, and hurt around us and when fear, anger, and hurt around us and when fear, anger, and division keeps us from seeing one division keeps us from seeing one division keeps us from seeing one another as neighbors. God, this morning we remember the God, this morning we remember the devastation at Camp Mystic and in the devastation at Camp Mystic and in the devastation at Camp Mystic and in the Hill Country one year ago.

Hill Country one year ago. Hill Country one year ago. We remember the lives lost We remember the lives lost We remember the lives lost and the families whose lives were and the families whose lives were and the families whose lives were forever changed. forever changed. forever changed. Surround all who carry grief, trauma, Surround all who carry grief, trauma, Surround all who carry grief, trauma, and the absence of someone they love. and the absence of someone they love. and the absence of someone they love. Wrap them in your care and remind them Wrap them in your care and remind them Wrap them in your care and remind them that they are not forgotten and do not that they are not forgotten and do not that they are not forgotten and do not grieve alone. And Lord, continue to expand our circle And Lord, continue to expand our circle of compassion. of compassion. of compassion. Open our hearts. Teach us to listen Open our hearts. Teach us to listen Open our hearts. Teach us to listen before we judge, before we judge, before we judge, to let go of fear and suspicion, to let go of fear and suspicion, to let go of fear and suspicion, and to recognize your image in every and to recognize your image in every and to recognize your image in every person we meet. person we meet. person we meet. May our lives become part of your song May our lives become part of your song May our lives become part of your song of peace as you call us to serve, to of peace as you call us to serve, to of peace as you call us to serve, to welcome, and to love. welcome, and to love. welcome, and to love. We lift all this up in Christ's holy We lift all this up in Christ's holy We lift all this up in Christ's holy name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Thank you so much, Ryan.

Amen. Thank you so much, Ryan. Amen. Thank you so much, Ryan. We're so glad to have these incredible We're so glad to have these incredible We're so glad to have these incredible musicians here today. We're going to be musicians here today. We're going to be musicians here today. We're going to be really touched by some great music um in really touched by some great music um in really touched by some great music um in uh in the the service. So, uh I suspect uh in the the service. So, uh I suspect uh in the the service. So, uh I suspect that most of you never saw the movie that most of you never saw the movie that most of you never saw the movie Mean Girls. Um, I I just happened to Mean Girls. Um, I I just happened to Mean Girls. Um, I I just happened to have a tween in the early as. Uh, this have a tween in the early as. Uh, this have a tween in the early as. Uh, this was a a movie. It won some awards. It was a a movie. It won some awards. It was a a movie. It won some awards. It actually became a a Tony winning musical actually became a a Tony winning musical actually became a a Tony winning musical for a couple of years on Broadway before for a couple of years on Broadway before for a couple of years on Broadway before COVID closed it down. And, uh, it it COVID closed it down. And, uh, it it COVID closed it down. And, uh, it it it's a very interesting. So, you don't it's a very interesting. So, you don't it's a very interesting. So, you don't really have to to have seen the movie really have to to have seen the movie really have to to have seen the movie because if you went to high school, you because if you went to high school, you because if you went to high school, you lived it. Um, it is uh it's the story of lived it. Um, it is uh it's the story of lived it. Um, it is uh it's the story of of of these of a girl named Katie who of of these of a girl named Katie who of of these of a girl named Katie who came from overseas and moved into a new came from overseas and moved into a new came from overseas and moved into a new town and was looking for a group of town and was looking for a group of town and was looking for a group of friends. She was an attractive girl and friends. She was an attractive girl and friends. She was an attractive girl and uh she got sort of drawn into a group of uh she got sort of drawn into a group of uh she got sort of drawn into a group of the in crowd called the plastics. They the in crowd called the plastics. They the in crowd called the plastics. They were called the plastics. These were were called the plastics. These were were called the plastics. These were girls who understood themselves as girls who understood themselves as girls who understood themselves as especially blessed. They were especially especially blessed. They were especially especially blessed. They were especially blessed. Um and uh and they kind of blessed. Um and uh and they kind of blessed. Um and uh and they kind of lived that and looked down their noses lived that and looked down their noses lived that and looked down their noses at all the rest. And of course the rest at all the rest. And of course the rest at all the rest. And of course the rest of the the school had their groups too.

of the the school had their groups too. of the the school had their groups too. They had the jocks and the nerds and the They had the jocks and the nerds and the They had the jocks and the nerds and the the the uh freaks and you know people at the the uh freaks and you know people at the the uh freaks and you know people at each of the different there was a a each of the different there was a a each of the different there was a a cafeteria map where everyone was allowed cafeteria map where everyone was allowed cafeteria map where everyone was allowed to sit based on the group that they were to sit based on the group that they were to sit based on the group that they were in. And of course then you had those who in. And of course then you had those who in. And of course then you had those who had no group to be a part of those had no group to be a part of those had no group to be a part of those outcasts who were sitting alone. uh at outcasts who were sitting alone. uh at outcasts who were sitting alone. uh at at lunch. at lunch. at lunch. It it it really is something I think any It it it really is something I think any It it it really is something I think any of us who went to high school lived our of us who went to high school lived our of us who went to high school lived our way through at some point if you can way through at some point if you can way through at some point if you can remember. Well, I won't go through all remember. Well, I won't go through all remember. Well, I won't go through all the specifics of the story, but um uh the specifics of the story, but um uh the specifics of the story, but um uh this girl Katie um finds herself really this girl Katie um finds herself really this girl Katie um finds herself really drawn into this plastics group even drawn into this plastics group even drawn into this plastics group even though she recognizes its sort of though she recognizes its sort of though she recognizes its sort of exclusiveness. As time goes on, she I exclusiveness. As time goes on, she I exclusiveness. As time goes on, she I won't go through all of the specifics, won't go through all of the specifics, won't go through all of the specifics, but here's where it gets a little but here's where it gets a little but here's where it gets a little unrealistic. Um, she's elected uh uh to unrealistic. Um, she's elected uh uh to unrealistic. Um, she's elected uh uh to be queen of the spring fling. And when be queen of the spring fling. And when be queen of the spring fling. And when she's queen of the spring fling, she she she's queen of the spring fling, she she she's queen of the spring fling, she she takes her little tiara off and she says, takes her little tiara off and she says, takes her little tiara off and she says, "This is really worth nothing. All of "This is really worth nothing. All of "This is really worth nothing. All of you are special in your own way." and you are special in your own way." and you are special in your own way." and she breaks her little tiara into little she breaks her little tiara into little she breaks her little tiara into little pieces and gives them to each of her pieces and gives them to each of her pieces and gives them to each of her classmates as a way of saying you are classmates as a way of saying you are classmates as a way of saying you are part of of of the circle. You are part part of of of the circle. You are part part of of of the circle. You are part of the group. You you you belong. Uh um of the group. You you you belong. Uh um of the group. You you you belong. Uh um now I I know it's a little bit of a now I I know it's a little bit of a now I I know it's a little bit of a stretch, but I've got to tell you that I stretch, but I've got to tell you that I stretch, but I've got to tell you that I think the uh trajectory of scripture is

think the uh trajectory of scripture is think the uh trajectory of scripture is the trajectory of mean girls. the trajectory of mean girls. the trajectory of mean girls. Um if uh so I I want you to to do I want Um if uh so I I want you to to do I want Um if uh so I I want you to to do I want you to do just very quickly a little you to do just very quickly a little you to do just very quickly a little Bible study with me. And um here's Bible study with me. And um here's Bible study with me. And um here's here's the here's the picture. The the here's the here's the picture. The the here's the here's the picture. The the Bible begins with a with um well the the Bible begins with a with um well the the Bible begins with a with um well the the narrative of scripture is really let's narrative of scripture is really let's narrative of scripture is really let's start there. Um the Bible is not one start there. Um the Bible is not one start there. Um the Bible is not one book. It's a bunch of different books. book. It's a bunch of different books. book. It's a bunch of different books. And that bunch of different books have And that bunch of different books have And that bunch of different books have different perspectives and and even different perspectives and and even different perspectives and and even within them there are different views within them there are different views within them there are different views that are are competing all the way that are are competing all the way that are are competing all the way along. But but along the way um there along. But but along the way um there along. But but along the way um there there it moves. I I like to see it kind there it moves. I I like to see it kind there it moves. I I like to see it kind of like a a sailboat that tacks its way of like a a sailboat that tacks its way of like a a sailboat that tacks its way across you know back and forth and across you know back and forth and across you know back and forth and across a a a ocean or a lake rather but across a a a ocean or a lake rather but across a a a ocean or a lake rather but it's always going somewhere. there's a it's always going somewhere. there's a it's always going somewhere. there's a there's a place that it's headed and the there's a place that it's headed and the there's a place that it's headed and the trajectory of scripture is is towards trajectory of scripture is is towards trajectory of scripture is is towards inclusion. It's towards an expanded inclusion. It's towards an expanded inclusion. It's towards an expanded circle. So it it begins with Abraham, circle. So it it begins with Abraham, circle. So it it begins with Abraham, one family, one family that's blessed, one family, one family that's blessed, one family, one family that's blessed, but even in the beginning, there's this but even in the beginning, there's this but even in the beginning, there's this there's this realization that says there's this realization that says there's this realization that says you've been blessed, but you've been you've been blessed, but you've been you've been blessed, but you've been blessed for a purpose. That's right.

blessed for a purpose. That's right. blessed for a purpose. That's right. You've been blessed to be a blessing. by You've been blessed to be a blessing. by You've been blessed to be a blessing. by you the whole family of the earth will you the whole family of the earth will you the whole family of the earth will be blessed. So they start with that be blessed. So they start with that be blessed. So they start with that moment, but along the way you have they moment, but along the way you have they moment, but along the way you have they there there's this chosen family and there there's this chosen family and there there's this chosen family and then they're a chosen people and then then they're a chosen people and then then they're a chosen people and then they're a chosen nation and all the way they're a chosen nation and all the way they're a chosen nation and all the way along there's this battle between being along there's this battle between being along there's this battle between being pure and being uh uh not not intermaring pure and being uh uh not not intermaring pure and being uh uh not not intermaring with others and not giving in to any of with others and not giving in to any of with others and not giving in to any of the uh assimilate into any foreign the uh assimilate into any foreign the uh assimilate into any foreign cultures and to remain pure. But all the cultures and to remain pure. But all the cultures and to remain pure. But all the way along there are these little tidbits way along there are these little tidbits way along there are these little tidbits of of uh heroes who are not from Israel. of of uh heroes who are not from Israel. of of uh heroes who are not from Israel. Heroes that are a part of the whole Heroes that are a part of the whole Heroes that are a part of the whole experience and and just continuing to experience and and just continuing to experience and and just continuing to send this little signal. send this little signal. send this little signal. In fact, then you get to this point in In fact, then you get to this point in In fact, then you get to this point in in um the prophet on the prophet Isaiah in um the prophet on the prophet Isaiah in um the prophet on the prophet Isaiah where he says on that day Israel will be where he says on that day Israel will be where he says on that day Israel will be the third will be third with Egypt and the third will be third with Egypt and the third will be third with Egypt and Assyria. a blessing in the midst of the Assyria. a blessing in the midst of the Assyria. a blessing in the midst of the earth. Blessed be my be Egypt, my earth. Blessed be my be Egypt, my earth. Blessed be my be Egypt, my people, and Assyria, the work of my people, and Assyria, the work of my people, and Assyria, the work of my hands, and Israel, my heritage. In other hands, and Israel, my heritage. In other hands, and Israel, my heritage. In other words, all of these belong to me. All of words, all of these belong to me. All of words, all of these belong to me. All of these are my people. And then when we these are my people. And then when we these are my people. And then when we get to the New Testament, of course, get to the New Testament, of course, get to the New Testament, of course, there is this incredible um battle that there is this incredible um battle that there is this incredible um battle that goes on or this uh um uh controversy goes on or this uh um uh controversy goes on or this uh um uh controversy that goes on about whether non-Jews, that goes on about whether non-Jews, that goes on about whether non-Jews, Gentiles shall be a part of the Gentiles shall be a part of the Gentiles shall be a part of the Christian faith. And ultimately that

Christian faith. And ultimately that Christian faith. And ultimately that that expanded circle to include the that expanded circle to include the that expanded circle to include the Gentiles wins the battle. And and we see Gentiles wins the battle. And and we see Gentiles wins the battle. And and we see Paul standing on the Aropagus in Athens, Paul standing on the Aropagus in Athens, Paul standing on the Aropagus in Athens, this incredible diverse city in which he this incredible diverse city in which he this incredible diverse city in which he says, "We are all God's family. We are says, "We are all God's family. We are says, "We are all God's family. We are all part of of this family." all part of of this family." all part of of this family." That's that's this trajectory we have of That's that's this trajectory we have of That's that's this trajectory we have of scripture that is moving in that scripture that is moving in that scripture that is moving in that direction. direction. direction. Richard Hayes is a um the late Richard Richard Hayes is a um the late Richard Richard Hayes is a um the late Richard Hayes. He passed away a a year or two Hayes. He passed away a a year or two Hayes. He passed away a a year or two ago. Um is a renowned New Testament ago. Um is a renowned New Testament ago. Um is a renowned New Testament scholar. And uh he he writes he and his scholar. And uh he he writes he and his scholar. And uh he he writes he and his son wrote a book um and uh here's here's son wrote a book um and uh here's here's son wrote a book um and uh here's here's what he writes. what he writes. what he writes. On the basis of the apostles and On the basis of the apostles and On the basis of the apostles and prophets, we conclude that the story of prophets, we conclude that the story of prophets, we conclude that the story of God and humanity is meant to be one of God and humanity is meant to be one of God and humanity is meant to be one of ever expanding grace. God's mysterious ever expanding grace. God's mysterious ever expanding grace. God's mysterious plan in the fullness of time is to, and plan in the fullness of time is to, and plan in the fullness of time is to, and he quotes Ephesians, is to gather up all he quotes Ephesians, is to gather up all he quotes Ephesians, is to gather up all things in him. The Bible is the story of things in him. The Bible is the story of things in him. The Bible is the story of that grace, its expansion to the world that grace, its expansion to the world that grace, its expansion to the world as a whole, to men and women alike, to as a whole, to men and women alike, to as a whole, to men and women alike, to foreign nations, to those who were foreign nations, to those who were foreign nations, to those who were previously expressly banned from the previously expressly banned from the previously expressly banned from the community of worship.

community of worship. community of worship. This trajectory of the Bible is one of This trajectory of the Bible is one of This trajectory of the Bible is one of an everexpanding circle. an everexpanding circle. an everexpanding circle. You know, it's uh it's interesting. I You know, it's uh it's interesting. I You know, it's uh it's interesting. I was uh doing research for this sermon was uh doing research for this sermon was uh doing research for this sermon and you know I just type in the name of and you know I just type in the name of and you know I just type in the name of the sermon that I chosen an expanding the sermon that I chosen an expanding the sermon that I chosen an expanding circle and a book comes up with the same circle and a book comes up with the same circle and a book comes up with the same title by a man named Peter Singer. Peter title by a man named Peter Singer. Peter title by a man named Peter Singer. Peter Singer was a a philosopher and um he Singer was a a philosopher and um he Singer was a a philosopher and um he wrote in 1981 a book about and saying wrote in 1981 a book about and saying wrote in 1981 a book about and saying that there is this movement in um in that there is this movement in um in that there is this movement in um in creation that from the early days when creation that from the early days when creation that from the early days when uh of humanity uh of humanity uh of humanity Then their people were concerned Then their people were concerned Then their people were concerned primarily with their own family. And primarily with their own family. And primarily with their own family. And then as as their moral reasoning then as as their moral reasoning then as as their moral reasoning develops, they begin to expand and they develops, they begin to expand and they develops, they begin to expand and they become now more concerned with family become now more concerned with family become now more concerned with family and tribe. And then as we grow and learn and tribe. And then as we grow and learn and tribe. And then as we grow and learn more and more and our what he calls our more and more and our what he calls our more and more and our what he calls our our moral concern expands and now we our moral concern expands and now we our moral concern expands and now we become concerned not just with with our become concerned not just with with our become concerned not just with with our family and our tribe but our community family and our tribe but our community family and our tribe but our community and ultimately our family and our tribe and ultimately our family and our tribe and ultimately our family and our tribe and our community and our nation become and our community and our nation become and our community and our nation become what we're concerned about. And then what we're concerned about. And then what we're concerned about. And then finally as we continue to grow and finally as we continue to grow and finally as we continue to grow and develop and evolve we understand that develop and evolve we understand that develop and evolve we understand that our concern is for all of humanity. It's our concern is for all of humanity. It's our concern is for all of humanity. It's this movement of of history from a small this movement of of history from a small this movement of of history from a small narrow me mess us us us us us us us us narrow me mess us us us us us us us us narrow me mess us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us us to all to an expanding circle of

us to all to an expanding circle of us to all to an expanding circle of God's grace God's grace God's grace on this uh Independence Day weekend I on this uh Independence Day weekend I on this uh Independence Day weekend I can't help but think about what that can't help but think about what that can't help but think about what that means for uh who we are as a country and means for uh who we are as a country and means for uh who we are as a country and uh I was an article in the paper pointed uh I was an article in the paper pointed uh I was an article in the paper pointed me to a a speech in 1944 uh by justice me to a a speech in 1944 uh by justice me to a a speech in 1944 uh by justice learned earned hand. Um he uh he was a a learned earned hand. Um he uh he was a a learned earned hand. Um he uh he was a a justice associate justice of the second justice associate justice of the second justice associate justice of the second circuit court of appeals in 1944. He circuit court of appeals in 1944. He circuit court of appeals in 1944. He make made a speech on I am an American make made a speech on I am an American make made a speech on I am an American day. And remember this is when uh um day. And remember this is when uh um day. And remember this is when uh um soldiers are fighting and dying in soldiers are fighting and dying in soldiers are fighting and dying in Europe. And uh his his speech was only Europe. And uh his his speech was only Europe. And uh his his speech was only three and a half minutes long. So people three and a half minutes long. So people three and a half minutes long. So people like me ought to really take notice of like me ought to really take notice of like me ought to really take notice of that uh because it's still being that uh because it's still being that uh because it's still being remembered today at only three and a remembered today at only three and a remembered today at only three and a half minutes long. Here's a part of it. half minutes long. Here's a part of it. half minutes long. Here's a part of it. And and what is this liberty? It's And and what is this liberty? It's And and what is this liberty? It's called the spirit of liberty was the called the spirit of liberty was the called the spirit of liberty was the name of the speech. And what is this name of the speech. And what is this name of the speech. And what is this liberty which must lie at the hearts of liberty which must lie at the hearts of liberty which must lie at the hearts of men and women. It is not the ruthless, men and women. It is not the ruthless, men and women. It is not the ruthless, the unbridled will. It is not the the unbridled will. It is not the the unbridled will. It is not the freedom to do as one likes. I cannot freedom to do as one likes. I cannot freedom to do as one likes. I cannot define it. I can only tell you my own define it. I can only tell you my own define it. I can only tell you my own faith. The spirit of liberty is the faith. The spirit of liberty is the faith. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it is spirit which is not too sure that it is spirit which is not too sure that it is right. The spirit of liberty is the right. The spirit of liberty is the right. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which seeks to understand the spirit which seeks to understand the spirit which seeks to understand the mind of other men and women. The spirit mind of other men and women. The spirit mind of other men and women. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which weighs of liberty is the spirit which weighs of liberty is the spirit which weighs their interests alongside its own their interests alongside its own their interests alongside its own without bias. The spirit of liberty

without bias. The spirit of liberty without bias. The spirit of liberty remembers that not even a sparrow falls remembers that not even a sparrow falls remembers that not even a sparrow falls to earth unheeded. The spirit of liberty to earth unheeded. The spirit of liberty to earth unheeded. The spirit of liberty is the spirit of him who nearly 2,000 is the spirit of him who nearly 2,000 is the spirit of him who nearly 2,000 years ago taught mankind that lesson it years ago taught mankind that lesson it years ago taught mankind that lesson it has never learned but never quite has never learned but never quite has never learned but never quite forgotten. That there may be a kingdom forgotten. That there may be a kingdom forgotten. That there may be a kingdom where the least shall be heard and where the least shall be heard and where the least shall be heard and considered side by side with the considered side by side with the considered side by side with the greatest. greatest. greatest. I confess that I'm a person who believes I confess that I'm a person who believes I confess that I'm a person who believes in American exceptionalism. in American exceptionalism. in American exceptionalism. But what makes that exceptionalism But what makes that exceptionalism But what makes that exceptionalism powerful for me is this spirit of who we powerful for me is this spirit of who we powerful for me is this spirit of who we are is not just about me me, but this are is not just about me me, but this are is not just about me me, but this recognition that there are others that recognition that there are others that recognition that there are others that have rights and responsibilities too, have rights and responsibilities too, have rights and responsibilities too, right? This this sense of this is my right? This this sense of this is my right? This this sense of this is my this is this is who I am and what I this is this is who I am and what I this is this is who I am and what I believe, but I care about not just believe, but I care about not just believe, but I care about not just myself, but others as well. Okay, so myself, but others as well. Okay, so myself, but others as well. Okay, so that's the trajectory. So, what does that's the trajectory. So, what does that's the trajectory. So, what does that have to do with today's scripture that have to do with today's scripture that have to do with today's scripture passage? So, here's where we are. Um, passage? So, here's where we are. Um, passage? So, here's where we are. Um, take if you take a look at the map on take if you take a look at the map on take if you take a look at the map on your bulletin or uh on the screen if your bulletin or uh on the screen if your bulletin or uh on the screen if you're online. And what you'll see there you're online. And what you'll see there you're online. And what you'll see there is uh three circles. And those circles is uh three circles. And those circles is uh three circles. And those circles are Phoenicia, which is up in uh where are Phoenicia, which is up in uh where are Phoenicia, which is up in uh where our passage takes place today. Um that our passage takes place today. Um that our passage takes place today. Um that is a Canaanite. It's what is modern-day is a Canaanite. It's what is modern-day is a Canaanite. It's what is modern-day Lebanon. actually Sidon entire those the Lebanon. actually Sidon entire those the Lebanon. actually Sidon entire those the the places that the scripture tells us the places that the scripture tells us the places that the scripture tells us Jesus has gone are still cities today in Jesus has gone are still cities today in Jesus has gone are still cities today in Lebanon uh that are there and uh then on

Lebanon uh that are there and uh then on Lebanon uh that are there and uh then on your uh to to your right you see the your uh to to your right you see the your uh to to your right you see the decaps what the dicapus was was 10 um decaps what the dicapus was was 10 um decaps what the dicapus was was 10 um independent cities self-ruuled cities so independent cities self-ruuled cities so independent cities self-ruuled cities so these are Roman cities so think of these are Roman cities so think of these are Roman cities so think of Phoenicia as Canaanite right these were Phoenicia as Canaanite right these were Phoenicia as Canaanite right these were are um uh Canaanite people, Phoenicia, are um uh Canaanite people, Phoenicia, are um uh Canaanite people, Phoenicia, the uh the decapus. These are cities the uh the decapus. These are cities the uh the decapus. These are cities that are primarily all uh Roman and that are primarily all uh Roman and that are primarily all uh Roman and Greek cities. And then you'll see Greek cities. And then you'll see Greek cities. And then you'll see Samaria in the middle. Now, Samaria was Samaria in the middle. Now, Samaria was Samaria in the middle. Now, Samaria was a sect that broke off from Judaism, a sect that broke off from Judaism, a sect that broke off from Judaism, believing that the temple should be on believing that the temple should be on believing that the temple should be on Mount Garism rather than in Jerusalem. Mount Garism rather than in Jerusalem. Mount Garism rather than in Jerusalem. And they were considered heretics and And they were considered heretics and And they were considered heretics and were um anathema. Now, at various times, were um anathema. Now, at various times, were um anathema. Now, at various times, we've chosen this one from Ty and Siden, we've chosen this one from Ty and Siden, we've chosen this one from Ty and Siden, but at various times, Jesus goes through but at various times, Jesus goes through but at various times, Jesus goes through these other non-Jewish places. And uh in these other non-Jewish places. And uh in these other non-Jewish places. And uh in in Samaria, he's going on his way he's in Samaria, he's going on his way he's in Samaria, he's going on his way he's walking through Samaria on his way to um walking through Samaria on his way to um walking through Samaria on his way to um to Jerusalem for one of the festivals.

to Jerusalem for one of the festivals. to Jerusalem for one of the festivals. Um in in the decaps, he has it's Um in in the decaps, he has it's Um in in the decaps, he has it's immediately after this passage where he immediately after this passage where he immediately after this passage where he has been to Ty and Siden and he goes to has been to Ty and Siden and he goes to has been to Ty and Siden and he goes to the Dicapus and goes to those Roman the Dicapus and goes to those Roman the Dicapus and goes to those Roman cities. So, so why is he going to those cities. So, so why is he going to those cities. So, so why is he going to those Roman cities? Why is he going to Ty and Roman cities? Why is he going to Ty and Roman cities? Why is he going to Ty and Siden? Why is he going Well, Samaria is Siden? Why is he going Well, Samaria is Siden? Why is he going Well, Samaria is a different issue because he's on his a different issue because he's on his a different issue because he's on his way to Jerusalem. But he's not going way to Jerusalem. But he's not going way to Jerusalem. But he's not going because he wants to reach the people of because he wants to reach the people of because he wants to reach the people of that country. That's what I want you to that country. That's what I want you to that country. That's what I want you to hear at first. He's not trying to reach hear at first. He's not trying to reach hear at first. He's not trying to reach the Canaanites or the Romans in the the Canaanites or the Romans in the the Canaanites or the Romans in the decaps. He's going, as he says in the decaps. He's going, as he says in the decaps. He's going, as he says in the scripture, to reach, quote, the lost scripture, to reach, quote, the lost scripture, to reach, quote, the lost sheep of Israel. sheep of Israel. sheep of Israel. Now these would be people who had either Now these would be people who had either Now these would be people who had either turned away from the faith of Israel. turned away from the faith of Israel. turned away from the faith of Israel. They might be people who intermarried. They might be people who intermarried. They might be people who intermarried. They might be people who um were uh left They might be people who um were uh left They might be people who um were uh left Israel in part of a diaspora who who Israel in part of a diaspora who who Israel in part of a diaspora who who immigrated from Israel for whatever immigrated from Israel for whatever immigrated from Israel for whatever reason um were there. But he's thinking reason um were there. But he's thinking reason um were there. But he's thinking I want to get those people and bring I want to get those people and bring I want to get those people and bring them back. I want to draw them back in.

them back. I want to draw them back in. them back. I want to draw them back in. So, he's thinking of of Israel's circle So, he's thinking of of Israel's circle So, he's thinking of of Israel's circle and and it is a step out of the the um and and it is a step out of the the um and and it is a step out of the the um sort of narrow because most of them sort of narrow because most of them sort of narrow because most of them would have said, "Look, they've made would have said, "Look, they've made would have said, "Look, they've made their choice." But no, he's saying, "No, their choice." But no, he's saying, "No, their choice." But no, he's saying, "No, no, no. I'm going to leave the 99 and go no, no. I'm going to leave the 99 and go no, no. I'm going to leave the 99 and go get the one and bring them back in get the one and bring them back in get the one and bring them back in again. He's going to find the lost sheep again. He's going to find the lost sheep again. He's going to find the lost sheep of of Israel." And he and as he's doing of of Israel." And he and as he's doing of of Israel." And he and as he's doing it, this Canaanite woman comes and says it, this Canaanite woman comes and says it, this Canaanite woman comes and says to him, "My daughter has a demon, and I to him, "My daughter has a demon, and I to him, "My daughter has a demon, and I need you to cast cast this demon out." need you to cast cast this demon out." need you to cast cast this demon out." And um uh uh I don't know how you And um uh uh I don't know how you And um uh uh I don't know how you interpret scripture. It might be mental interpret scripture. It might be mental interpret scripture. It might be mental illness. You might really understand it illness. You might really understand it illness. You might really understand it as demon possession. But either way, he as demon possession. But either way, he as demon possession. But either way, he ignores her. ignores her. ignores her. He ignores her completely. He ignores her completely. He ignores her completely. And then the disciples come and shoe her And then the disciples come and shoe her And then the disciples come and shoe her away. And but she'll she has she has away. And but she'll she has she has away. And but she'll she has she has none of it. And and and uh she won't she none of it. And and and uh she won't she none of it. And and and uh she won't she won't take no for an answer. won't take no for an answer. won't take no for an answer. And he and he says to to uh uh to her, And he and he says to to uh uh to her, And he and he says to to uh uh to her, you know, why should I help you? How you know, why should I help you? How you know, why should I help you? How is it good for me to cast breads before is it good for me to cast breads before is it good for me to cast breads before dogs?

dogs? dogs? What? What? What? That's not the Jesus I think of. The That's not the Jesus I think of. The That's not the Jesus I think of. The Jesus I think of cares for everybody, Jesus I think of cares for everybody, Jesus I think of cares for everybody, right? Well, not in this moment. in this right? Well, not in this moment. in this right? Well, not in this moment. in this moment. I mean, there are some scholars moment. I mean, there are some scholars moment. I mean, there are some scholars who said he's being facitious or trying who said he's being facitious or trying who said he's being facitious or trying to make a point, but I I I seems to me to make a point, but I I I seems to me to make a point, but I I I seems to me that he he's ignored her at first and that he he's ignored her at first and that he he's ignored her at first and and now he she says he says that would and now he she says he says that would and now he she says he says that would be like casting bread before dogs be like casting bread before dogs be like casting bread before dogs and she says, "Well, even dogs get to and she says, "Well, even dogs get to and she says, "Well, even dogs get to eat the crumbs under the table." eat the crumbs under the table." eat the crumbs under the table." And he and and something inside him And he and and something inside him And he and and something inside him changes. changes. changes. something something clicks inside him. I something something clicks inside him. I something something clicks inside him. I often wonder if Jesus thought to often wonder if Jesus thought to often wonder if Jesus thought to himself, "Did I just say that? himself, "Did I just say that? himself, "Did I just say that? Did I just call this woman a dog?" Did I just call this woman a dog?" Did I just call this woman a dog?" I I call this Jesus um Grinch moment. If I I call this Jesus um Grinch moment. If I I call this Jesus um Grinch moment. If you ever saw the Grinch, the movie The you ever saw the Grinch, the movie The you ever saw the Grinch, the movie The Grinch, that was the day that his heart Grinch, that was the day that his heart Grinch, that was the day that his heart grew three sizes, you know, um that that grew three sizes, you know, um that that grew three sizes, you know, um that that something inside him made him realize, something inside him made him realize, something inside him made him realize, oh my goodness, this is a human being oh my goodness, this is a human being oh my goodness, this is a human being who has deep need who has deep need who has deep need and I I want I want to touch her.

and I I want I want to touch her. and I I want I want to touch her. And so he casts out that demon. And so he casts out that demon. And so he casts out that demon. Man, that's a powerful picture. It it Man, that's a powerful picture. It it Man, that's a powerful picture. It it I'll have to say as I have uh studied I'll have to say as I have uh studied I'll have to say as I have uh studied this, one of the things that just was this, one of the things that just was this, one of the things that just was like a for me was just the idea that like a for me was just the idea that like a for me was just the idea that that Jesus mission for himself unfolded. that Jesus mission for himself unfolded. that Jesus mission for himself unfolded. It's not like he knew from the beginning It's not like he knew from the beginning It's not like he knew from the beginning exactly what he was all about, right? exactly what he was all about, right? exactly what he was all about, right? But no, that that mission sort of But no, that that mission sort of But no, that that mission sort of unfolded for him until unfolded for him until unfolded for him until finally what do we see after the finally what do we see after the finally what do we see after the resurrection? resurrection? resurrection? Uh uh you know the you know the passage. Uh uh you know the you know the passage. Uh uh you know the you know the passage. Go therefore and make disciples of what? Go therefore and make disciples of what? Go therefore and make disciples of what? All nations, baptizing them in the name All nations, baptizing them in the name All nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the of the Father and the Son and of the of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I've commanded you and everything I've commanded you and everything I've commanded you and remember I am with you always even to remember I am with you always even to remember I am with you always even to the end of the age. the end of the age. the end of the age. This this even in Jesus own heart that This this even in Jesus own heart that This this even in Jesus own heart that it's like his his circle is expanding it's like his his circle is expanding it's like his his circle is expanding beyond what he thought was his mission beyond what he thought was his mission beyond what he thought was his mission was just to the children of Israel, the was just to the children of Israel, the was just to the children of Israel, the the the one who had left. And now he's the the one who had left. And now he's the the one who had left. And now he's he's like, "Wow, I I'm I this is a human he's like, "Wow, I I'm I this is a human he's like, "Wow, I I'm I this is a human being, too. This is one of God's being, too. This is one of God's being, too. This is one of God's children."

children." children." I don't know. Maybe maybe you can think I don't know. Maybe maybe you can think I don't know. Maybe maybe you can think about have there been is is there a way about have there been is is there a way about have there been is is there a way that that we can take a look at our own that that we can take a look at our own that that we can take a look at our own heart and our own biases heart and our own biases heart and our own biases and and see how our own circle of grace and and see how our own circle of grace and and see how our own circle of grace might expand. might expand. might expand. Right? We tend to put people in Right? We tend to put people in Right? We tend to put people in categories, do we not? We put them in categories, do we not? We put them in categories, do we not? We put them in categories based on their uh on their categories based on their uh on their categories based on their uh on their politics, based on their nationality, politics, based on their nationality, politics, based on their nationality, based on their skin color, based on uh based on their skin color, based on uh based on their skin color, based on uh how they dress, whether their their how they dress, whether their their how they dress, whether their their pants slouch down, uh right, and they're pants slouch down, uh right, and they're pants slouch down, uh right, and they're walking along and we look down our nose walking along and we look down our nose walking along and we look down our nose and think, h right, we make all these and think, h right, we make all these and think, h right, we make all these very these we put people in categories very these we put people in categories very these we put people in categories and and we don't see them as human and and we don't see them as human and and we don't see them as human beings anymore. know they just are beings anymore. know they just are beings anymore. know they just are people within that category. people within that category. people within that category. But what happens when we really begin to But what happens when we really begin to But what happens when we really begin to understand people as human beings? Let understand people as human beings? Let understand people as human beings? Let me give you some examples. I have a me give you some examples. I have a me give you some examples. I have a colleague who uh said that he just never colleague who uh said that he just never colleague who uh said that he just never really could understand alcoholism.

really could understand alcoholism. really could understand alcoholism. He said it it just it just seemed to me He said it it just it just seemed to me He said it it just it just seemed to me like he people just didn't have a strong like he people just didn't have a strong like he people just didn't have a strong enough will that you know you can quit enough will that you know you can quit enough will that you know you can quit drinking. Just quit. Just stop. just drinking. Just quit. Just stop. just drinking. Just quit. Just stop. just quit taking that drink. Quit picking it quit taking that drink. Quit picking it quit taking that drink. Quit picking it up and putting it in your mouth. And you up and putting it in your mouth. And you up and putting it in your mouth. And you can do that. You have you have agency. can do that. You have you have agency. can do that. You have you have agency. You have will until his daughter became You have will until his daughter became You have will until his daughter became an alcoholic. an alcoholic. an alcoholic. And he watched her struggle. And he sat And he watched her struggle. And he sat And he watched her struggle. And he sat with her and listened to her and talked with her and listened to her and talked with her and listened to her and talked to her and heard her heart. to her and heard her heart. to her and heard her heart. And all of a sudden, he no longer made And all of a sudden, he no longer made And all of a sudden, he no longer made those judgments about those who had a those judgments about those who had a those judgments about those who had a struggle with alcohol. struggle with alcohol. struggle with alcohol. It was like something inside him It was like something inside him It was like something inside him clicked and and he all of a sudden clicked and and he all of a sudden clicked and and he all of a sudden realized it. realized it. realized it. I don't know if you uh many of you may I don't know if you uh many of you may I don't know if you uh many of you may know Bob Miller. Bob's a member of our know Bob Miller. Bob's a member of our know Bob Miller. Bob's a member of our church and uh has been grew up in this church and uh has been grew up in this church and uh has been grew up in this church and he's a part of an church and he's a part of an church and he's a part of an organization called Jubilee Prison organization called Jubilee Prison organization called Jubilee Prison Ministry. We have a number of our uh um Ministry. We have a number of our uh um Ministry. We have a number of our uh um folks in at St. Lukes who participate in folks in at St. Lukes who participate in folks in at St. Lukes who participate in Jubilee and they go into prisons and Jubilee and they go into prisons and Jubilee and they go into prisons and build relationships with those who are build relationships with those who are build relationships with those who are incarcerated, share with them the incarcerated, share with them the incarcerated, share with them the gospel. It's really a a really beautiful gospel. It's really a a really beautiful gospel. It's really a a really beautiful um story. Well, um he went into joined um story. Well, um he went into joined um story. Well, um he went into joined uh Jubilee Prison Ministry and he was uh Jubilee Prison Ministry and he was uh Jubilee Prison Ministry and he was paired with a a young man uh named Jerry paired with a a young man uh named Jerry paired with a a young man uh named Jerry who was a convicted sex offender.

who was a convicted sex offender. who was a convicted sex offender. And he said, 'I know that I went in And he said, 'I know that I went in And he said, 'I know that I went in there with a category about who this there with a category about who this there with a category about who this person was and and their u my judgment person was and and their u my judgment person was and and their u my judgment about them. And as I got to know Jerry about them. And as I got to know Jerry about them. And as I got to know Jerry and as I got to know his story, and as I got to know his story, and as I got to know his story, I I still recognized his crime. I I still recognized his crime. I I still recognized his crime. But no longer did I view him in this But no longer did I view him in this But no longer did I view him in this category as a convicted sex offender, category as a convicted sex offender, category as a convicted sex offender, but as a human being who had a story, but as a human being who had a story, but as a human being who had a story, who had a a a a trajectory of his life, who had a a a a trajectory of his life, who had a a a a trajectory of his life, who who made decisions at certain points who who made decisions at certain points who who made decisions at certain points that led to other things. And he said, that led to other things. And he said, that led to other things. And he said, "It just changed my whole perspective. "It just changed my whole perspective. "It just changed my whole perspective. Now he's a human being Now he's a human being Now he's a human being and and my my whole my whole viewpoint and and my my whole my whole viewpoint and and my my whole my whole viewpoint and perspective of those who are and perspective of those who are and perspective of those who are incarcerated, he said, has changed incarcerated, he said, has changed incarcerated, he said, has changed because I saw them now as a human being. because I saw them now as a human being. because I saw them now as a human being. Or um I I uh have a friend named Judy Or um I I uh have a friend named Judy Or um I I uh have a friend named Judy Maron. Um many years ago, she worked Maron. Um many years ago, she worked Maron. Um many years ago, she worked with uh child advocates. And child with uh child advocates. And child with uh child advocates. And child advocates is a pro group that works with advocates is a pro group that works with advocates is a pro group that works with um uh uh the families of well works with um uh uh the families of well works with um uh uh the families of well works with children as an advocate for children who children as an advocate for children who children as an advocate for children who may have been removed from their homes may have been removed from their homes may have been removed from their homes for foster care and put into foster care for foster care and put into foster care for foster care and put into foster care and standing up for them. And she said, and standing up for them. And she said, and standing up for them. And she said, you know, I went in thinking, what kind you know, I went in thinking, what kind you know, I went in thinking, what kind of what kind of person would neglect of what kind of person would neglect of what kind of person would neglect children? what kind of person would

children? what kind of person would children? what kind of person would would be uh neglectful and and uh even would be uh neglectful and and uh even would be uh neglectful and and uh even abusive to children? I don't just don't abusive to children? I don't just don't abusive to children? I don't just don't understand that. And so she went in to understand that. And so she went in to understand that. And so she went in to advocate for those children. And what advocate for those children. And what advocate for those children. And what she realized as she got to know the she realized as she got to know the she realized as she got to know the families was that for at least many of families was that for at least many of families was that for at least many of them, they knew no better. them, they knew no better. them, they knew no better. that they were a part of a cycle that that they were a part of a cycle that that they were a part of a cycle that they really that between their ignorance they really that between their ignorance they really that between their ignorance and how they'd been brought up, they and how they'd been brought up, they and how they'd been brought up, they were in a place where it just they just were in a place where it just they just were in a place where it just they just didn't know any better. And that so much didn't know any better. And that so much didn't know any better. And that so much of it was that she had made these of it was that she had made these of it was that she had made these judgments about how could someone judgments about how could someone judgments about how could someone possibly do that. And I know I I myself possibly do that. And I know I I myself possibly do that. And I know I I myself rush to those kind of judgments when I rush to those kind of judgments when I rush to those kind of judgments when I hear these stories. And and yet she said hear these stories. And and yet she said hear these stories. And and yet she said when you sit down and visit with people, when you sit down and visit with people, when you sit down and visit with people, it becomes a whole different thing. And it becomes a whole different thing. And it becomes a whole different thing. And no, not that it makes it it right, but no, not that it makes it it right, but no, not that it makes it it right, but it you begin to understand and have a it you begin to understand and have a it you begin to understand and have a sense of compassion and and no longer do sense of compassion and and no longer do sense of compassion and and no longer do they fall into a category, but they are they fall into a category, but they are they fall into a category, but they are a person, a human being.

a person, a human being. a person, a human being. And when that happens inside us, all of And when that happens inside us, all of And when that happens inside us, all of a sudden, then we begin to realize that a sudden, then we begin to realize that a sudden, then we begin to realize that in fact, in fact, in fact, the circle of God's grace, our own grace the circle of God's grace, our own grace the circle of God's grace, our own grace can get wider and wider and wider. I don't know uh who the first person for I don't know uh who the first person for sure who told this story was. It's an sure who told this story was. It's an sure who told this story was. It's an old uh pastor's story. Uh the earliest old uh pastor's story. Uh the earliest old uh pastor's story. Uh the earliest I've been able to find is from William I've been able to find is from William I've been able to find is from William Barkley who was a a great Bible scholar. Barkley who was a a great Bible scholar. Barkley who was a a great Bible scholar. And it's it's the story of of these And it's it's the story of of these And it's it's the story of of these soldiers during World War II who had one soldiers during World War II who had one soldiers during World War II who had one of their um uh one of the members of of their um uh one of the members of of their um uh one of the members of their team was killed in action and they their team was killed in action and they their team was killed in action and they um they wanted to bury him and came um they wanted to bury him and came um they wanted to bury him and came across a small Catholic church and across a small Catholic church and across a small Catholic church and invite and and asked the priest if they invite and and asked the priest if they invite and and asked the priest if they could bury the their um their friend could bury the their um their friend could bury the their um their friend inside that Catholic cemetery. And they inside that Catholic cemetery. And they inside that Catholic cemetery. And they he asked, "Well, was your friend he asked, "Well, was your friend he asked, "Well, was your friend Catholic?" And he they said, "No, my Catholic?" And he they said, "No, my Catholic?" And he they said, "No, my friend wasn't Catholic." He said, "I'm friend wasn't Catholic." He said, "I'm friend wasn't Catholic." He said, "I'm sorry, you can't bury them in the inside sorry, you can't bury them in the inside sorry, you can't bury them in the inside the cemetery." So, they buried him just the cemetery." So, they buried him just the cemetery." So, they buried him just outside the cemetery, just outside the outside the cemetery, just outside the outside the cemetery, just outside the fence. And um the war ended, they went fence. And um the war ended, they went fence. And um the war ended, they went home. Um when they came back, they uh home. Um when they came back, they uh home. Um when they came back, they uh many years later, they came back to the many years later, they came back to the many years later, they came back to the same little church. The same priest was same little church. The same priest was same little church. The same priest was there. They uh asked if he could maybe there. They uh asked if he could maybe there. They uh asked if he could maybe uh show them the the grave of their uh show them the the grave of their uh show them the the grave of their friend. and he took them out into the friend. and he took them out into the friend. and he took them out into the cemetery and showed them the grave. And cemetery and showed them the grave. And cemetery and showed them the grave. And it was it was inside the Catholic

it was it was inside the Catholic it was it was inside the Catholic cemetery. cemetery. cemetery. And they said, "What? Why did you do And they said, "What? Why did you do And they said, "What? Why did you do that? Did you did you move the grave? that? Did you did you move the grave? that? Did you did you move the grave? Did you dig him up and bring him inside Did you dig him up and bring him inside Did you dig him up and bring him inside the cemetery?" And he said, "No, I just the cemetery?" And he said, "No, I just the cemetery?" And he said, "No, I just I just moved the fence. I just moved the fence. I just moved the fence. I moved the fence." That's always been a I moved the fence." That's always been a I moved the fence." That's always been a powerful picture for me. powerful picture for me. powerful picture for me. Part of our job is to begin to move the Part of our job is to begin to move the Part of our job is to begin to move the fence to realize God's ongoing expanding fence to realize God's ongoing expanding fence to realize God's ongoing expanding grace grace grace that's outside of the categories we hold that's outside of the categories we hold that's outside of the categories we hold so dear. One of my favorite poems is a little One of my favorite poems is a little poem by uh Edward Markham called poem by uh Edward Markham called poem by uh Edward Markham called Outwitted. It's only four lines long. Outwitted. It's only four lines long. Outwitted. It's only four lines long. He drew a circle that shut me out. He drew a circle that shut me out. He drew a circle that shut me out. Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout, but Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout, but Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout, but love and I had a wit to win. love and I had a wit to win. love and I had a wit to win. We drew a circle and shut him in. We drew a circle and shut him in. We drew a circle and shut him in. Let's pray together. Gracious and loving Let's pray together. Gracious and loving Let's pray together. Gracious and loving God, um we recognize that sometimes we God, um we recognize that sometimes we God, um we recognize that sometimes we draw a small circle, draw a small circle, draw a small circle, a small circle of of those who are a small circle of of those who are a small circle of of those who are accepted and those who aren't.

accepted and those who aren't. accepted and those who aren't. And God, when we when we watch your son And God, when we when we watch your son And God, when we when we watch your son as he opens his arms and reaches out to as he opens his arms and reaches out to as he opens his arms and reaches out to all, as he calls us to make disciples of all, as he calls us to make disciples of all, as he calls us to make disciples of all people, we pray that that our own all people, we pray that that our own all people, we pray that that our own hearts would be softened and that we hearts would be softened and that we hearts would be softened and that we would see every single person as a human would see every single person as a human would see every single person as a human being worthy of your love. being worthy of your love. being worthy of your love. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. We pray in Christ's name. Amen. I want to invite our ushers to come I want to invite our ushers to come I want to invite our ushers to come forward now as we present to God our forward now as we present to God our forward now as we present to God our morning offering as we hear this uh morning offering as we hear this uh morning offering as we hear this uh amazing music uh from our um staff amazing music uh from our um staff amazing music uh from our um staff singers and these great musicians a song of peace a song of peace for for for all and this is my home.

this is my home. A country where my heart is. A country where my heart is. A country where my heart is. Here are my hopes, Here are my hopes, Here are my hopes, my dreams, my my dreams, my my dreams, my child. hopes and dreams hopes and dreams as you and I as my country skies my country skies are blue and the ocean and on my knees and on my knees on cold earth on cold earth on cold earth and I and skies are and skies are everywhere as blue as mine.

So here my song, So here my song, oh God of all the nations, a song of peace a song of peace for their land and for my Praise the Lord. Heat.

Praise the Lord. Heat. Heat. Please be seated. Please be seated. Friends, as we come here together to Friends, as we come here together to Friends, as we come here together to Christ's table, I want to remind you Christ's table, I want to remind you Christ's table, I want to remind you that everyone is welcome at this table. that everyone is welcome at this table. that everyone is welcome at this table. everyone seeking a deeper relationship everyone seeking a deeper relationship everyone seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. If you are joining us with Christ. If you are joining us with Christ. If you are joining us online, I invite you to gather your online, I invite you to gather your online, I invite you to gather your elements, gather some juice and bread or elements, gather some juice and bread or elements, gather some juice and bread or crackers and join us at this table. If crackers and join us at this table. If crackers and join us at this table. If this is your first time with us at St.

this is your first time with us at St. this is your first time with us at St. Luke's, um a a few words of information. Luke's, um a a few words of information. Luke's, um a a few words of information. Um a an usher will let you know when Um a an usher will let you know when Um a an usher will let you know when it's time to come forward. And when you it's time to come forward. And when you it's time to come forward. And when you come forward, you just hold out your come forward, you just hold out your come forward, you just hold out your hand and we will uh place a wafer in hand and we will uh place a wafer in hand and we will uh place a wafer in your hand and say this is the u the body your hand and say this is the u the body your hand and say this is the u the body of Christ given for you. And then you of Christ given for you. And then you of Christ given for you. And then you take it and dip it in the cup and we say take it and dip it in the cup and we say take it and dip it in the cup and we say this is the blood of Christ given for this is the blood of Christ given for this is the blood of Christ given for you. Uh if you need gluten-free you. Uh if you need gluten-free you. Uh if you need gluten-free elements, uh we have those available. elements, uh we have those available. elements, uh we have those available. Just let your server know and we will uh Just let your server know and we will uh Just let your server know and we will uh serve you those. And if you would like serve you those. And if you would like serve you those. And if you would like to be served where you are seated, just to be served where you are seated, just to be served where you are seated, just let an usher know and we will come and let an usher know and we will come and let an usher know and we will come and serve you where you are. serve you where you are. serve you where you are. So hear these words. So hear these words. So hear these words. Christ our Lord invites to his table all Christ our Lord invites to his table all Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of who love him, who earnestly repent of who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with their sin and seek to live in peace with their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess one another. Therefore, let us confess one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another. our sin before God and one another. our sin before God and one another. Loving God, you give us freedom. In you Loving God, you give us freedom. In you Loving God, you give us freedom. In you we live in perfect freedom. Yet fear we live in perfect freedom. Yet fear we live in perfect freedom. Yet fear tries to bind us. Idolatry comes chasing tries to bind us. Idolatry comes chasing tries to bind us. Idolatry comes chasing after us. These are not the freedoms you after us. These are not the freedoms you after us. These are not the freedoms you have in mind for your children. Loving have in mind for your children. Loving have in mind for your children. Loving God, we confess we have submitted to God, we confess we have submitted to God, we confess we have submitted to them in the past, but no more. Inspire them in the past, but no more. Inspire them in the past, but no more. Inspire us to live in the freedom you have given us to live in the freedom you have given us to live in the freedom you have given us for love, joy, peace, patience,

us for love, joy, peace, patience, us for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. gentleness, and self-control. gentleness, and self-control. You set us free. Give us the courage to You set us free. Give us the courage to You set us free. Give us the courage to enjoy it. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. enjoy it. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. enjoy it. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Hear the good news. Christ died while we Hear the good news. Christ died while we Hear the good news. Christ died while we were yet sinners. that proves God's love were yet sinners. that proves God's love were yet sinners. that proves God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. you are forgiven. you are forgiven. >> In the name of Jesus Christ, you are. >> In the name of Jesus Christ, you are. >> In the name of Jesus Christ, you are. >> Glory to God. Amen. The Lord be with >> Glory to God. Amen. The Lord be with >> Glory to God. Amen. The Lord be with you. you. you. >> Also with you. >> Also with you. >> Also with you. >> Lift up your hearts. Lift them up to the >> Lift up your hearts. Lift them up to the >> Lift up your hearts. Lift them up to the Lord. Lord. Lord. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right. Awesome God, from emptiness you created Awesome God, from emptiness you created the stars and the moon. You whirled a the stars and the moon. You whirled a the stars and the moon. You whirled a planet into existence. planet into existence. planet into existence. You have loved us even when we fail to You have loved us even when we fail to You have loved us even when we fail to follow your covenants follow your covenants follow your covenants when we believe we are better than when we believe we are better than when we believe we are better than others. Forgive us when we put our ways others. Forgive us when we put our ways others. Forgive us when we put our ways on a pedestal to neglect on a pedestal to neglect on a pedestal to neglect others. Forgive us others. Forgive us others. Forgive us when we avert our gaze. So we won't have when we avert our gaze. So we won't have when we avert our gaze. So we won't have to look at another's condition. Forgive to look at another's condition. Forgive to look at another's condition. Forgive us us us when we feel no discomfort in judging when we feel no discomfort in judging when we feel no discomfort in judging others before we even know them. Forgive others before we even know them. Forgive others before we even know them. Forgive us for the ease with which we label us for the ease with which we label us for the ease with which we label people them or other. Forgive us.

people them or other. Forgive us. people them or other. Forgive us. And so with your people on earth and all And so with your people on earth and all And so with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your the company of heaven, we praise your the company of heaven, we praise your name and join in their unending hymn. Holy, holy, holy Lord God of power and Holy, holy, holy Lord God of power and might. might. might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosana Hosana Hosana in the highest. in the highest. in the highest. Blessed is he who comes to the name of Blessed is he who comes to the name of Blessed is he who comes to the name of the Lord. Holy and caring God, you sent us the Holy and caring God, you sent us the compassionate one. You gave us Jesus who compassionate one. You gave us Jesus who compassionate one. You gave us Jesus who dared to touch the outcast, heal the dared to touch the outcast, heal the dared to touch the outcast, heal the sick, and call the dead to life. He sick, and call the dead to life. He sick, and call the dead to life. He challenged the complacent, broke down challenged the complacent, broke down challenged the complacent, broke down the dividing walls and announced the new the dividing walls and announced the new the dividing walls and announced the new reign of love had begun. By his reign of love had begun. By his reign of love had begun. By his compassionate life, his willing compassionate life, his willing compassionate life, his willing suffering, his resurrection, you let it suffering, his resurrection, you let it suffering, his resurrection, you let it be known that love is stronger than be known that love is stronger than be known that love is stronger than death, that hope overcomes despair, and death, that hope overcomes despair, and death, that hope overcomes despair, and that joy follows grief.

that joy follows grief. that joy follows grief. And on the night in which he gave And on the night in which he gave And on the night in which he gave himself up for us, Jesus took the bread, himself up for us, Jesus took the bread, himself up for us, Jesus took the bread, he broke the bread and gave it to his he broke the bread and gave it to his he broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat this, disciples, saying, "Take and eat this, disciples, saying, "Take and eat this, all of you. This is my body given for all of you. This is my body given for all of you. This is my body given for you." you." you." And when the meal was over, Jesus took And when the meal was over, Jesus took And when the meal was over, Jesus took the cup, he gave thanks to God, and he the cup, he gave thanks to God, and he the cup, he gave thanks to God, and he said to his disciples, "Take and drink said to his disciples, "Take and drink said to his disciples, "Take and drink from this all of you. This is my blood from this all of you. This is my blood from this all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant poured out for you of the new covenant poured out for you of the new covenant poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of and for many, for the forgiveness of and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it sins. Do this as often as you drink it sins. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. And so in remembrance of your And so in remembrance of your compassionate acts in Jesus Christ, we compassionate acts in Jesus Christ, we compassionate acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and deed as we offer ourselves in praise and deed as we offer ourselves in praise and deed as we proclaim the mystery of faith. Let us pray. Compassionate God, pour out Let us pray. Compassionate God, pour out your Holy Spirit on us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit on us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit on us. Fill us with courage and hope to share your courage and hope to share your courage and hope to share your transforming love with all in need.

transforming love with all in need. transforming love with all in need. Bless this bread and cup that they may Bless this bread and cup that they may Bless this bread and cup that they may become our strength, the living presence become our strength, the living presence become our strength, the living presence of the reconciling Christ. By your of the reconciling Christ. By your of the reconciling Christ. By your spirit, make us one. Make us holy. Make spirit, make us one. Make us holy. Make spirit, make us one. Make us holy. Make us bold. Glory be yours, loving God, now us bold. Glory be yours, loving God, now us bold. Glory be yours, loving God, now and forever. Now with the confidence children of Now with the confidence children of children, let us pray together the children, let us pray together the children, let us pray together the prayer you taught your disciples, prayer you taught your disciples, prayer you taught your disciples, saying, "Our Father, who art in heaven, saying, "Our Father, who art in heaven, saying, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, 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 bread. And forgive us our trespasses as bread. And forgive us our trespasses as bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against we forgive those who trespass against we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but us. And lead us not into temptation, but us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

forever. Amen. forever. Amen. As I invite our uh servers to come As I invite our uh servers to come As I invite our uh servers to come forward, I invite you to stand and join forward, I invite you to stand and join forward, I invite you to stand and join in our hymn of preparation. It's uh in our hymn of preparation. It's uh in our hymn of preparation. It's uh America the Beautiful number 696 in your America the Beautiful number 696 in your America the Beautiful number 696 in your himynel. God God sh star

star who and everyone. and everyone. Oh, Let us break bread together

Let us break bread together on our knees. Let us take bread Let us take bread on our knees. When I fall on my knees, When I fall on my knees, with my face to the rising sun. with my face to the rising sun. with my face to the rising sun. Lord Lord Lord have mercy on me. Let us drink Let us drink together together together on our knees on our knees on our knees on our knees. on our knees. on our knees. Let us Let us Let us together when I fall on my knees.

when I fall on my knees. with thy face to the rising sun. with thy face to the rising sun. with thy face to the rising sun. Lord Lord Lord have mercy on me. When I fall, When I fall, my knees will rise. will rise. Oh, Friends, please uh join me in our prayer Friends, please uh join me in our prayer after communion is printed in your after communion is printed in your after communion is printed in your bulletin.

bulletin. bulletin. Oh God, our life, our strength, we give Oh God, our life, our strength, we give Oh God, our life, our strength, we give you thanks for sustaining us with the you thanks for sustaining us with the you thanks for sustaining us with the body and blood of your son. As we body and blood of your son. As we body and blood of your son. As we prepare to go out from the church to prepare to go out from the church to prepare to go out from the church to face the challenges of the world, we face the challenges of the world, we face the challenges of the world, we pray for God's blessing on us that we pray for God's blessing on us that we pray for God's blessing on us that we may have the strength to seek justice may have the strength to seek justice may have the strength to seek justice and give the love that raises us to new and give the love that raises us to new and give the love that raises us to new life. In the name of the Father, creator life. In the name of the Father, creator life. In the name of the Father, creator of the whole world, of Jesus Christ and of the whole world, of Jesus Christ and of the whole world, of Jesus Christ and our new covenant, and of the Holy our new covenant, and of the Holy our new covenant, and of the Holy Spirit, which opens our eyes and hearts Spirit, which opens our eyes and hearts Spirit, which opens our eyes and hearts to God. Amen. to God. Amen. to God. Amen. Friends, would you please stand and join Friends, would you please stand and join Friends, would you please stand and join in our hymn of commitment? It's the in our hymn of commitment? It's the in our hymn of commitment? It's the voice of God is calling number 436 in voice of God is calling number 436 in voice of God is calling number 436 in your himnil. And we are going to sing your himnil. And we are going to sing your himnil. And we are going to sing the first two verses.

God God is all Friends, today is a day to live and love Friends, today is a day to live and love like Jesus and to expand our circle, like Jesus and to expand our circle, like Jesus and to expand our circle, serving, loving, and welcoming all those serving, loving, and welcoming all those serving, loving, and welcoming all those around us. So go in peace and may the

around us. So go in peace and may the around us. So go in peace and may the God of hope fill you with all the joy God of hope fill you with all the joy God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace and believing that so that you and peace and believing that so that you and peace and believing that so that you may abound in hope by the power of the may abound in hope by the power of the may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the name of the father Holy Spirit. In the name of the father Holy Spirit. In the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit. Amen.