Traditional | 11 a.m. | 08.16.2026

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

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

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

everlasting. everlasting. Amen. Glory [music] Glory [music] to the Father to the Father to the Father and [music] to the Son and to the Holy and [music] to the Son and to the Holy and [music] to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. Ghost. Ghost. As it was in [music] the beginning, As it was in [music] the beginning, As it was in [music] the beginning, is ever [music] shall be is ever [music] shall be is ever [music] shall be world without end. world without end. world without end. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] Amen. Well, good morning and uh welcome to St. Well, good morning and uh welcome to St. Luke's. I'm so glad you're here and Luke's. I'm so glad you're here and Luke's. I'm so glad you're here and worshiping with us today. Um welcome to worshiping with us today. Um welcome to worshiping with us today. Um welcome to those of you who are worshiping with us those of you who are worshiping with us those of you who are worshiping with us on live stream as well. We're so glad on live stream as well. We're so glad on live stream as well. We're so glad you're a part of our service uh as well. you're a part of our service uh as well. you're a part of our service uh as well. And uh today is a special day. It's And uh today is a special day. It's And uh today is a special day. It's kickoff Sunday. This is uh one of my kickoff Sunday. This is uh one of my kickoff Sunday. This is uh one of my favorite Sundays of the year as we uh as favorite Sundays of the year as we uh as favorite Sundays of the year as we uh as as I think to myself, "Oh, they came as I think to myself, "Oh, they came as I think to myself, "Oh, they came back. Oh goodness." I always worry back. Oh goodness." I always worry back. Oh goodness." I always worry through the summer, are the people ever through the summer, are the people ever through the summer, are the people ever coming back? Those who've been gone. Uh coming back? Those who've been gone. Uh coming back? Those who've been gone. Uh but they do. They made it back. You but they do. They made it back. You but they do. They made it back. You have, and we're glad you're here. Um have, and we're glad you're here. Um have, and we're glad you're here. Um after the service, come out on on this after the service, come out on on this after the service, come out on on this day, come all the way out through the day, come all the way out through the day, come all the way out through the gathering room uh to um the south lawn gathering room uh to um the south lawn gathering room uh to um the south lawn there and have some Kona Ice. Um, I was there and have some Kona Ice. Um, I was there and have some Kona Ice. Um, I was first in line after 9:45 service. Got

first in line after 9:45 service. Got first in line after 9:45 service. Got the strawberry stuff. So, um, have some the strawberry stuff. So, um, have some the strawberry stuff. So, um, have some Kona ice and then donut holes and some Kona ice and then donut holes and some Kona ice and then donut holes and some other snacks and there's coffee on the other snacks and there's coffee on the other snacks and there's coffee on the lawn and there's games to play and lawn and there's games to play and lawn and there's games to play and there's music. I mean, you need to come there's music. I mean, you need to come there's music. I mean, you need to come and be a part of it. Um, as we kick off and be a part of it. Um, as we kick off and be a part of it. Um, as we kick off the fall season uh uh today, a couple of the fall season uh uh today, a couple of the fall season uh uh today, a couple of things that go with that. We're passing things that go with that. We're passing things that go with that. We're passing out our fall guide and uh you see right out our fall guide and uh you see right out our fall guide and uh you see right here um this opportunity to be a part of here um this opportunity to be a part of here um this opportunity to be a part of so many things happening and on your way so many things happening and on your way so many things happening and on your way out our ushers will hand you one of out our ushers will hand you one of out our ushers will hand you one of these or you can also pick it up. We these or you can also pick it up. We these or you can also pick it up. We don't give it to you before because don't give it to you before because don't give it to you before because you'll read through it during the you'll read through it during the you'll read through it during the service and not pay attention. So we service and not pay attention. So we service and not pay attention. So we give it to you afterwards but on the way give it to you afterwards but on the way give it to you afterwards but on the way out there's a table you can pick up if out there's a table you can pick up if out there's a table you can pick up if somehow uh the ushers miss you on your somehow uh the ushers miss you on your somehow uh the ushers miss you on your way out today. But it's full of so many way out today. But it's full of so many way out today. But it's full of so many neat things happening uh uh this fall. neat things happening uh uh this fall. neat things happening uh uh this fall. Um also uh you know we have so we have Um also uh you know we have so we have Um also uh you know we have so we have five inside out habits here at St. five inside out habits here at St. five inside out habits here at St. Luke's. I always want to remind you of Luke's. I always want to remind you of Luke's. I always want to remind you of that. Uh we pray and worship. Uh we that. Uh we pray and worship. Uh we that. Uh we pray and worship. Uh we study the Bible. Uh we make friends. We study the Bible. Uh we make friends. We study the Bible. Uh we make friends. We tell our stories. And we give ourselves tell our stories. And we give ourselves tell our stories. And we give ourselves away in generosity and service. And when away in generosity and service. And when away in generosity and service. And when we think about praying and worshiping, we think about praying and worshiping, we think about praying and worshiping, one of the things I want to uh invite one of the things I want to uh invite one of the things I want to uh invite you to do is to um if you have children you to do is to um if you have children you to do is to um if you have children or grandchildren that uh are in school or grandchildren that uh are in school or grandchildren that uh are in school at right by our prayer tree, there is a at right by our prayer tree, there is a at right by our prayer tree, there is a banner and you can put the name of your banner and you can put the name of your banner and you can put the name of your uh child or grandchild's school there uh child or grandchild's school there uh child or grandchild's school there because our prayer team and others, because our prayer team and others, because our prayer team and others, we're going to spend uh the during this we're going to spend uh the during this we're going to spend uh the during this week really be praying for the kids in

week really be praying for the kids in week really be praying for the kids in those schools and uh that as they are those schools and uh that as they are those schools and uh that as they are there and um you know in the first there and um you know in the first there and um you know in the first couple of weeks of school that they couple of weeks of school that they couple of weeks of school that they really are experiencing God's presence. really are experiencing God's presence. really are experiencing God's presence. Um we have a few of the little name tag Um we have a few of the little name tag Um we have a few of the little name tag uh little uh backpack tags that are uh uh little uh backpack tags that are uh uh little uh backpack tags that are uh left that um kids can put on their left that um kids can put on their left that um kids can put on their backpacks and uh just to remind them backpacks and uh just to remind them backpacks and uh just to remind them that there's people here at St. Luke's that there's people here at St. Luke's that there's people here at St. Luke's who are praying for them uh and remind who are praying for them uh and remind who are praying for them uh and remind them that they're grounded in this them that they're grounded in this them that they're grounded in this place. So, it's a great day to to kick place. So, it's a great day to to kick place. So, it's a great day to to kick off uh all the things that are off uh all the things that are off uh all the things that are happening. A number of other uh happening. A number of other uh happening. A number of other uh announcements that I do want to make. Um announcements that I do want to make. Um announcements that I do want to make. Um uh one of the things that we uh do is we uh one of the things that we uh do is we uh one of the things that we uh do is we study the Bible and we use other study the Bible and we use other study the Bible and we use other resources to help us understand what the resources to help us understand what the resources to help us understand what the scripture is teaching us. And this fall, scripture is teaching us. And this fall, scripture is teaching us. And this fall, we're going to be doing a study of a we're going to be doing a study of a we're going to be doing a study of a book by Meredith Miller called Woven book by Meredith Miller called Woven book by Meredith Miller called Woven about how a a community of faith um about how a a community of faith um about how a a community of faith um helps to help children form their own helps to help children form their own helps to help children form their own faith as they grow and um a faith that faith as they grow and um a faith that faith as they grow and um a faith that is resilient that will stick with them is resilient that will stick with them is resilient that will stick with them for a lifetime. And uh we're going to for a lifetime. And uh we're going to for a lifetime. And uh we're going to have some small groups who will be have some small groups who will be have some small groups who will be working on that uh together. We've working on that uh together. We've working on that uh together. We've developed kind of a curriculum around developed kind of a curriculum around developed kind of a curriculum around the book. Um, I'm going to lead a group the book. Um, I'm going to lead a group the book. Um, I'm going to lead a group for grandparents because as for grandparents because as for grandparents because as grandparents, we have a different role grandparents, we have a different role grandparents, we have a different role in helping our children grow in faith, in helping our children grow in faith, in helping our children grow in faith, helping grandchildren grow in faith. Um, helping grandchildren grow in faith. Um, helping grandchildren grow in faith. Um, and uh, and then on October 25th, and uh, and then on October 25th, and uh, and then on October 25th, Meredith Miller will be here with us and Meredith Miller will be here with us and Meredith Miller will be here with us and we'll be speaking. Um, and it's really

we'll be speaking. Um, and it's really we'll be speaking. Um, and it's really going to be a neat time. So maybe that going to be a neat time. So maybe that going to be a neat time. So maybe that speaks to you and you'd like to be a speaks to you and you'd like to be a speaks to you and you'd like to be a part of one of those um, those groups. U part of one of those um, those groups. U part of one of those um, those groups. U during our fifth inside out habit is we during our fifth inside out habit is we during our fifth inside out habit is we give ourselves away in generosity and give ourselves away in generosity and give ourselves away in generosity and service. And during um the month of uh service. And during um the month of uh service. And during um the month of uh August, we invite you to participate in August, we invite you to participate in August, we invite you to participate in Christian Community Service C Center's Christian Community Service C Center's Christian Community Service C Center's back to school drive as $75 will uh back to school drive as $75 will uh back to school drive as $75 will uh provide a backpack, school supplies, a provide a backpack, school supplies, a provide a backpack, school supplies, a gift card for uniforms and shoes uh for gift card for uniforms and shoes uh for gift card for uniforms and shoes uh for the kids. And um they're going to give the kids. And um they're going to give the kids. And um they're going to give away 4,000 backpacks uh this year. So uh away 4,000 backpacks uh this year. So uh away 4,000 backpacks uh this year. So uh $75 helps CCSC to accomplish that. And $75 helps CCSC to accomplish that. And $75 helps CCSC to accomplish that. And then finally, um, this coming weekend is then finally, um, this coming weekend is then finally, um, this coming weekend is Babes on Broadway, which is our our, um, Babes on Broadway, which is our our, um, Babes on Broadway, which is our our, um, Pure Sound Youth Choir. They do this end Pure Sound Youth Choir. They do this end Pure Sound Youth Choir. They do this end of summer event where they spend an of summer event where they spend an of summer event where they spend an entire week, uh, cramming into, uh, uh, entire week, uh, cramming into, uh, uh, entire week, uh, cramming into, uh, uh, creating a show together and putting it creating a show together and putting it creating a show together and putting it on and it's so much fun. So, come and on and it's so much fun. So, come and on and it's so much fun. So, come and and support our our uh, students and and support our our uh, students and and support our our uh, students and have a good time because it's always fun have a good time because it's always fun have a good time because it's always fun to watch Babes on Broadway. It's coming to watch Babes on Broadway. It's coming to watch Babes on Broadway. It's coming up this weekend and the information is up this weekend and the information is up this weekend and the information is there in your bulletin. All right. And there in your bulletin. All right. And there in your bulletin. All right. And here's our organ. There it is. Now you here's our organ. There it is. Now you here's our organ. There it is. Now you can see it up here in front of everybody can see it up here in front of everybody can see it up here in front of everybody and it's not working yet. Um but it and it's not working yet. Um but it and it's not working yet. Um but it really looks pretty. Don't you think? It really looks pretty. Don't you think? It really looks pretty. Don't you think? It looks really pretty. Uh so um we had to looks really pretty. Uh so um we had to looks really pretty. Uh so um we had to bring it up here because they've there's bring it up here because they've there's bring it up here because they've there's this cord that has to get connected and this cord that has to get connected and this cord that has to get connected and so when they're working on it during the so when they're working on it during the so when they're working on it during the week, they have to have that cord

week, they have to have that cord week, they have to have that cord connected. But hopefully in two weeks connected. But hopefully in two weeks connected. But hopefully in two weeks we'll be up and it'll be playing and we'll be up and it'll be playing and we'll be up and it'll be playing and we'll be ready. Right, Jim? That's all we'll be ready. Right, Jim? That's all we'll be ready. Right, Jim? That's all right. Fingers crossed. And uh so just right. Fingers crossed. And uh so just right. Fingers crossed. And uh so just keep praying for it. We're excited uh to keep praying for it. We're excited uh to keep praying for it. We're excited uh to to make progress on this. All right. We to make progress on this. All right. We to make progress on this. All right. We begin a new sermon series this week begin a new sermon series this week begin a new sermon series this week >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> uh called faith supplements. What are >> uh called faith supplements. What are >> uh called faith supplements. What are the So the scripture tells us that um we the So the scripture tells us that um we the So the scripture tells us that um we should focus on the kingdom of God. We should focus on the kingdom of God. We should focus on the kingdom of God. We should have faith. We should be faithful should have faith. We should be faithful should have faith. We should be faithful and live that faith. And all these and live that faith. And all these and live that faith. And all these things will be added to us. things will be added to us. things will be added to us. What are those things that need to be What are those things that need to be What are those things that need to be added? We're going to be talking about added? We're going to be talking about added? We're going to be talking about those and how we can can supplement those and how we can can supplement those and how we can can supplement those, how we can boost those up in our those, how we can boost those up in our those, how we can boost those up in our own lives that we might live fulfilling own lives that we might live fulfilling own lives that we might live fulfilling and fruitful and satisfying lives. And and fruitful and satisfying lives. And and fruitful and satisfying lives. And today we're going to be talking about today we're going to be talking about today we're going to be talking about fun. Have some fun. So listen now. We'll fun. Have some fun. So listen now. We'll fun. Have some fun. So listen now. We'll hear a wonderful anthem. come to the hear a wonderful anthem. come to the hear a wonderful anthem. come to the water and then open your heart and mind water and then open your heart and mind water and then open your heart and mind as you hear the scripture read this as you hear the scripture read this as you hear the scripture read this morning. Let's continue in worship.

Let them come Let them come to to to the Lord [music] and let all and let all [music] seek. Let them come. Let them come to the Let them come. Let them come to the water. let them come [music] let them come [music] to to to the Lord Why should [singing] Why should [singing] you spend you spend you spend [music] your life

[music] [music] them them them >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Let them come to the water Let them come Let them come to to to the Lord. without [singing] without [singing] rest. [music] How can your soul How can your soul find rest without

without [music] Be the Be the [singing] light. Come to the Lord. Come to the Lord. [music] scripture reading uh comes first out of scripture reading uh comes first out of the book of Genesis chapter 2:es 8 and 9 the book of Genesis chapter 2:es 8 and 9 the book of Genesis chapter 2:es 8 and 9 and 15-17. and 15-17. and 15-17. And the Lord planted a garden in Eden in And the Lord planted a garden in Eden in And the Lord planted a garden in Eden in the east. And there he put the man whom the east. And there he put the man whom the east. And there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the he had formed. Out of the ground the he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord made to grow every tree that is Lord made to grow every tree that is Lord made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.

pleasant to the sight and good for food. pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life also in the midst of The tree of life also in the midst of The tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of the knowledge the garden and the tree of the knowledge the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Lord took the man of good and evil. The Lord took the man of good and evil. The Lord took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to and put him in the garden of Eden to and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and to keep it. And the Lord God till it and to keep it. And the Lord God till it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, "You may freely eat commanded the man, "You may freely eat commanded the man, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the of every tree of the garden, but of the of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, tree of the knowledge of good and evil, tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat. For in the day that you shall not eat. For in the day that you shall not eat. For in the day that you eat of it, you shall die." you eat of it, you shall die." you eat of it, you shall die." Our second scripture reading comes out Our second scripture reading comes out Our second scripture reading comes out of the Gospel of Luke 12:es 27-32. Consider the liies, how they grow. They Consider the liies, how they grow. They neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not even Solomon in all his glory was not even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothed like one of these. But if God so clothed like one of these. But if God so clothe the grass of the field, which is clothe the grass of the field, which is clothe the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow, is thrown into alive today and tomorrow, is thrown into alive today and tomorrow, is thrown into the oven, the oven, the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you of how much more will he clothe you, you of how much more will he clothe you, you of little faith?

little faith? little faith? And do not keep seeking what you are to And do not keep seeking what you are to And do not keep seeking what you are to eat and what you are to drink. And do eat and what you are to drink. And do eat and what you are to drink. And do not keep worrying, for it is the nations not keep worrying, for it is the nations not keep worrying, for it is the nations of the world that all seek these things. of the world that all seek these things. of the world that all seek these things. and your father knows that you need and your father knows that you need and your father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as these things will be given to you as these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, well. Do not be afraid, little flock, well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to for it is your father's good pleasure to for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. This is the word give you the kingdom. This is the word give you the kingdom. This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be of God for the people of God. Thanks be of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. A place [singing] A place [singing] where sless [singing] to the heart of God.

[singing] to the heart of God. Oh Jesus [singing] bless [music] from the heart of God. from the heart of God. Oh Oh Oh wait before [music] wait before [music] wait before [music] thee thee thee to God of all wisdom, God of all wisdom, we thank you for who you are we thank you for who you are we thank you for who you are and for how you share your wisdom with and for how you share your wisdom with and for how you share your wisdom with us, us, us, using the minds you've given us to using the minds you've given us to using the minds you've given us to learn, to think well, to study deeply, learn, to think well, to study deeply, learn, to think well, to study deeply, to engage the world thoughtfully, to engage the world thoughtfully, to engage the world thoughtfully, using the hearts you've given us to see using the hearts you've given us to see using the hearts you've given us to see and respond to the needs around us with and respond to the needs around us with and respond to the needs around us with compassion. using the bodies you have given us to be using the bodies you have given us to be instruments of your peace, instruments of your peace, instruments of your peace, reminders of your presence, reminders of your presence, reminders of your presence, embodiment of your love.

embodiment of your love. embodiment of your love. Today we ask especially that you would Today we ask especially that you would Today we ask especially that you would pour out your wisdom on those starting a pour out your wisdom on those starting a pour out your wisdom on those starting a new school year. new school year. new school year. Students from daycare to doctoral Students from daycare to doctoral Students from daycare to doctoral programs, programs, programs, teachers in nurseries to universities, teachers in nurseries to universities, teachers in nurseries to universities, administrators, administrators, administrators, coaches, food service providers, school coaches, food service providers, school coaches, food service providers, school counselors and security officers, counselors and security officers, counselors and security officers, groundskeepers and custodians, groundskeepers and custodians, groundskeepers and custodians, classroom assistants and teaching classroom assistants and teaching classroom assistants and teaching assistants, assistants, assistants, Sunday school teachers, and all the Sunday school teachers, and all the Sunday school teachers, and all the parents, honorary aunts and uncles. parents, honorary aunts and uncles. parents, honorary aunts and uncles. friends, mentors, all who support those friends, mentors, all who support those friends, mentors, all who support those participating in school. participating in school. participating in school. God, may we as a church family do all we God, may we as a church family do all we God, may we as a church family do all we can to be a source of encouragement for can to be a source of encouragement for can to be a source of encouragement for the hard days of school, the hard days of school, the hard days of school, an anchor in essentials on the an anchor in essentials on the an anchor in essentials on the questioning days, questioning days, questioning days, a steady guide in the complex days, a steady guide in the complex days, a steady guide in the complex days, a present cheerleader in the performing a present cheerleader in the performing a present cheerleader in the performing days.

days. days. A safe space on the hurting days A safe space on the hurting days A safe space on the hurting days and a reminder every day of the value and a reminder every day of the value and a reminder every day of the value and worth every person has. Not in the and worth every person has. Not in the and worth every person has. Not in the grades or the team or the statistics, grades or the team or the statistics, grades or the team or the statistics, but in you. but in you. but in you. Our worth comes from being your beloved Our worth comes from being your beloved Our worth comes from being your beloved child. child. child. Keep reminding all of us, your children, Keep reminding all of us, your children, Keep reminding all of us, your children, of that truth. of that truth. of that truth. Etch it in our minds so that we never Etch it in our minds so that we never Etch it in our minds so that we never forget it. forget it. forget it. And help us to remind each other when we And help us to remind each other when we And help us to remind each other when we are prone to. are prone to. are prone to. And Lord, in your wisdom, And Lord, in your wisdom, And Lord, in your wisdom, teach us how to live out this prayer teach us how to live out this prayer teach us how to live out this prayer that you taught your disciples. Our that you taught your disciples. Our that you taught your disciples. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us this day our daily bread, and forgive us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, us our trespasses, us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against as we forgive those who trespass against as 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, the power, and the glory kingdom, the power, and the glory kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.

forever. forever. Amen. I want to invite you now to stand Amen. I want to invite you now to stand Amen. I want to invite you now to stand as you're able and join as together we as you're able and join as together we as you're able and join as together we sing our hymn of preparation number 405, sing our hymn of preparation number 405, sing our hymn of preparation number 405, seek ye first. Seek [music] first the kingom of God Seek [music] first the kingom of God and his rightousness [music] [singing] [singing] and all his [music] shall be added unto and all his [music] shall be added unto and all his [music] shall be added unto you. you. you. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu [music] unto you. [music] Seek and [singing] we unto you. [music] Seek and [singing] we shall shall be opened unto you.

shall be opened unto you. [music] Hallelu [music] Hallelu [music] Hallelu Hallelu. Please be seated. Please be seated. Our ushers are going to come forward now Our ushers are going to come forward now Our ushers are going to come forward now as we present to God our morning as we present to God our morning as we present to God our morning offering. This is a time that is offering. This is a time that is offering. This is a time that is certainly one of the ways you can certainly one of the ways you can certainly one of the ways you can support St. Luke's uh ministries support St. Luke's uh ministries support St. Luke's uh ministries financially, but more than that, it's a financially, but more than that, it's a financially, but more than that, it's a time for you to think about what do I time for you to think about what do I time for you to think about what do I have to offer God? What is it that I have to offer God? What is it that I have to offer God? What is it that I have to offer God in worship? What what have to offer God in worship? What what have to offer God in worship? What what is the time I can give? What is the is the time I can give? What is the is the time I can give? What is the energy I can give? Where where can I energy I can give? Where where can I energy I can give? Where where can I give a little bit more of my life to uh give a little bit more of my life to uh give a little bit more of my life to uh to supporting the advancement of God's to supporting the advancement of God's to supporting the advancement of God's kingdom? So, let's now continue in kingdom? So, let's now continue in kingdom? So, let's now continue in worship as our amazing chancel choir worship as our amazing chancel choir worship as our amazing chancel choir makes an offering on our behalf. of [music] fear and care.

of [music] fear and care. Speak to us [singing] the universe. Speak to us [singing] the universe. Speak to us [singing] the universe. [music] joy. joy. [music] [music] [music] Teach [singing] us how to bring the Teach [singing] us how to bring the Teach [singing] us how to bring the [music] thy [music] [music] son of God. So we return So we return [music] [music] [music] of of of >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> Inspire our hope

our [music and singing] our [music and singing] desire. We will recognize We will recognize [music and singing] the s [music and singing] the s [music and singing] the s ete. [music] [music] [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> might be >> might be >> might be God. [music] Oh [singing] sacred heart. Oh [singing] sacred heart. [music] [music] [music] Oh [singing] music Oh [singing] music Oh [singing] music [music] >> Praise. Praise the God of all blessings.

>> Praise. Praise the God of all blessings. [music] Praise him all. Praise him all. [music] Praise him. Praise him. [music] Praise God. Son, Praise God. Son, [music] Join with me in prayer. Join with me in prayer. Oh God, open us up today. Oh God, open us up today. Oh God, open us up today. Open our eyes that we might see. Our Open our eyes that we might see. Our Open our eyes that we might see. Our ears that we might hear. ears that we might hear. ears that we might hear. Open our hearts that we might feel. Open our hearts that we might feel. Open our hearts that we might feel. And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that we might give and serve and love.

we might give and serve and love. we might give and serve and love. Amen. So if you are a parent or have been a So if you are a parent or have been a parent uh I guess if you have been a parent uh I guess if you have been a parent uh I guess if you have been a parent you are a parent but um and had parent you are a parent but um and had parent you are a parent but um and had elementary age uh uh kids one this first elementary age uh uh kids one this first elementary age uh uh kids one this first time back to school there is there is time back to school there is there is time back to school there is there is both a you know uh a feeling of oh no both a you know uh a feeling of oh no both a you know uh a feeling of oh no it's going to get so hectic now and also it's going to get so hectic now and also it's going to get so hectic now and also this feeling of relief this feeling of relief this feeling of relief um that they you don't have the kids who um that they you don't have the kids who um that they you don't have the kids who are saying I am so bored. are saying I am so bored. are saying I am so bored. Oh my god, there is nothing to do. And Oh my god, there is nothing to do. And Oh my god, there is nothing to do. And you know, parents then say, well, you know, parents then say, well, you know, parents then say, well, there's something to do. Surely you can there's something to do. Surely you can there's something to do. Surely you can find go find something to do. You know, find go find something to do. You know, find go find something to do. You know, go play a game or something. Or then you go play a game or something. Or then you go play a game or something. Or then you maybe resort to, I'll give you something maybe resort to, I'll give you something maybe resort to, I'll give you something to do. Right? You you finally, but you to do. Right? You you finally, but you to do. Right? You you finally, but you and and then you have this horrible and and then you have this horrible and and then you have this horrible thing where the kids then say, [snorts] thing where the kids then say, [snorts] thing where the kids then say, [snorts] "Can I just have my iPad? Let me just "Can I just have my iPad? Let me just "Can I just have my iPad? Let me just let me just can I have it just for an let me just can I have it just for an let me just can I have it just for an hour? Can I just play on my iPad?" And hour? Can I just play on my iPad?" And hour? Can I just play on my iPad?" And you're like, "No, no, no screens. We we you're like, "No, no, no screens. We we you're like, "No, no, no screens. We we we just they're like, "I just want to be we just they're like, "I just want to be we just they're like, "I just want to be entertained. I just want to be entertained. I just want to be entertained. I just want to be entertained." And here's the funny entertained." And here's the funny entertained." And here's the funny thing.

thing. thing. Sometimes we never really grow out of Sometimes we never really grow out of Sometimes we never really grow out of that. that. that. We never really grow out of that and we We never really grow out of that and we We never really grow out of that and we find ourselves thinking, you know, we we find ourselves thinking, you know, we we find ourselves thinking, you know, we we go through our lives and and then we we go through our lives and and then we we go through our lives and and then we we realize that we're kind of bored realize that we're kind of bored realize that we're kind of bored and we anesthetize that boredom watching and we anesthetize that boredom watching and we anesthetize that boredom watching television, right? Or something that television, right? Or something that television, right? Or something that sort of takes us out of the world in sort of takes us out of the world in sort of takes us out of the world in some way. some way. some way. Because it's not that life is terrible. Because it's not that life is terrible. Because it's not that life is terrible. It's not that something horrible is It's not that something horrible is It's not that something horrible is happening. it's that we just are kind of happening. it's that we just are kind of happening. it's that we just are kind of bored. bored. bored. Or or maybe it it's a it's a step beyond Or or maybe it it's a it's a step beyond Or or maybe it it's a it's a step beyond that. that. that. There was a a a woman who in 1866, her There was a a a woman who in 1866, her There was a a a woman who in 1866, her name was Eliza Sprro Turner, and she name was Eliza Sprro Turner, and she name was Eliza Sprro Turner, and she wrote a a folk a song that became an wrote a a folk a song that became an wrote a a folk a song that became an American folk song. It wasn't famous at American folk song. It wasn't famous at American folk song. It wasn't famous at all until the 1960s when Patty Duke all until the 1960s when Patty Duke all until the 1960s when Patty Duke recorded it and it became a hit and it recorded it and it became a hit and it recorded it and it became a hit and it uh it's called Housewives Lament. Maybe uh it's called Housewives Lament. Maybe uh it's called Housewives Lament. Maybe you're familiar. Life is a toil and love you're familiar. Life is a toil and love you're familiar. Life is a toil and love is a trouble. Beauty will fade and is a trouble. Beauty will fade and is a trouble. Beauty will fade and riches will flee. Pleasures they dwindle riches will flee. Pleasures they dwindle riches will flee. Pleasures they dwindle and prices they double and nothing is as and prices they double and nothing is as and prices they double and nothing is as I would wish it to be. And each verse is I would wish it to be. And each verse is I would wish it to be. And each verse is a comment about the drudgery of life and a comment about the drudgery of life and a comment about the drudgery of life and over and over and over again. And you over and over and over again. And you over and over and over again. And you think, "Oh, come on now. That's a little think, "Oh, come on now. That's a little think, "Oh, come on now. That's a little strong when you think about it." And strong when you think about it." And strong when you think about it." And yet, yet, yet, is is there ever a moment in your life

is is there ever a moment in your life is is there ever a moment in your life when you think, "I'm kind of in a rut. when you think, "I'm kind of in a rut. when you think, "I'm kind of in a rut. I kind of do the same thing every day I kind of do the same thing every day I kind of do the same thing every day and I don't get a lot of pleasure from and I don't get a lot of pleasure from and I don't get a lot of pleasure from the things that I'm doing. I'm just the things that I'm doing. I'm just the things that I'm doing. I'm just doing them. I'm getting I'm answering my doing them. I'm getting I'm answering my doing them. I'm getting I'm answering my emails. I'm going through the list. I'm emails. I'm going through the list. I'm emails. I'm going through the list. I'm doing the things I need to do. I'm doing the things I need to do. I'm doing the things I need to do. I'm cleaning the house. I'm whatever it is cleaning the house. I'm whatever it is cleaning the house. I'm whatever it is that's part of your daily life that you that's part of your daily life that you that's part of your daily life that you find yourself doing every day, the same find yourself doing every day, the same find yourself doing every day, the same thing day after day after day after day. thing day after day after day after day. thing day after day after day after day. And you feel like, I'm [music] just not And you feel like, I'm [music] just not And you feel like, I'm [music] just not getting any joy from this. And it just getting any joy from this. And it just getting any joy from this. And it just feels like drudgery. feels like drudgery. feels like drudgery. So, here's what I want to tell you So, here's what I want to tell you So, here's what I want to tell you today. It's pretty simple. today. It's pretty simple. today. It's pretty simple. That's not the way God intended it to That's not the way God intended it to That's not the way God intended it to be. be. be. That's not the way God intended it to That's not the way God intended it to That's not the way God intended it to be. be. be. So, we're beginning a series um uh uh So, we're beginning a series um uh uh So, we're beginning a series um uh uh called faith supplements. And um called faith supplements. And um called faith supplements. And um let me give you the analogy. I go to the let me give you the analogy. I go to the let me give you the analogy. I go to the doctor every year. I'm one of those good doctor every year. I'm one of those good doctor every year. I'm one of those good patients who goes once a year for an patients who goes once a year for an patients who goes once a year for an exam. And every year the doctor tells me exam. And every year the doctor tells me exam. And every year the doctor tells me pretty much exactly the same thing. Um pretty much exactly the same thing. Um pretty much exactly the same thing. Um hey, uh I'm you're type two. I'm type hey, uh I'm you're type two. I'm type hey, uh I'm you're type two. I'm type two diabetic. And so he says, "You need two diabetic. And so he says, "You need two diabetic. And so he says, "You need to cut out of your diet all the pasta to cut out of your diet all the pasta to cut out of your diet all the pasta and all sugars and all your breads and and all sugars and all your breads and and all sugars and all your breads and all these no French fries, no potatoes."

all these no French fries, no potatoes." all these no French fries, no potatoes." I'm like, "Great. Thanks." And then he's I'm like, "Great. Thanks." And then he's I'm like, "Great. Thanks." And then he's like, "And also, you kind of have high like, "And also, you kind of have high like, "And also, you kind of have high cholesterol, so I'd really like for you cholesterol, so I'd really like for you cholesterol, so I'd really like for you to not eat any fats, any um really meats to not eat any fats, any um really meats to not eat any fats, any um really meats really. If you could stay with a really. If you could stay with a really. If you could stay with a Mediterranean diet, they always tell you Mediterranean diet, they always tell you Mediterranean diet, they always tell you Mediterranean diet like it's this Mediterranean diet like it's this Mediterranean diet like it's this wonderful thing, which is fruits and wonderful thing, which is fruits and wonderful thing, which is fruits and vegetables pretty much only, you know, vegetables pretty much only, you know, vegetables pretty much only, you know, with a little olive oil added in for with a little olive oil added in for with a little olive oil added in for fun. Uh, and you can have fish. Oh, yay. So, that's what he tells me every time, So, that's what he tells me every time, and I ignore him every time. Um, he also and I ignore him every time. Um, he also and I ignore him every time. Um, he also gives me this little there's this little gives me this little there's this little gives me this little there's this little brochure and in the brochure, here's brochure and in the brochure, here's brochure and in the brochure, here's what it it is about our deficiencies. what it it is about our deficiencies. what it it is about our deficiencies. So, those are all the things that I need So, those are all the things that I need So, those are all the things that I need to leave out of my diet, but here are to leave out of my diet, but here are to leave out of my diet, but here are the things that that his little brochure the things that that his little brochure the things that that his little brochure tells me. It says that 95% of Americans tells me. It says that 95% of Americans tells me. It says that 95% of Americans do not consume enough vitamin D in their do not consume enough vitamin D in their do not consume enough vitamin D in their diet. It's crucial for bone health and diet. It's crucial for bone health and diet. It's crucial for bone health and immune support. Uh, 84% do not consume immune support. Uh, 84% do not consume immune support. Uh, 84% do not consume enough vitamin E. Uh this is due to a a enough vitamin E. Uh this is due to a a enough vitamin E. Uh this is due to a a low consumption of nuts, seeds and green low consumption of nuts, seeds and green low consumption of nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. More than 50% of the leafy vegetables. More than 50% of the leafy vegetables. More than 50% of the population falls short on magnesium. No, population falls short on magnesium. No, population falls short on magnesium. No, magnesium. 40% of Americans miss the magnesium. 40% of Americans miss the magnesium. 40% of Americans miss the mark on calcium which is compromises mark on calcium which is compromises mark on calcium which is compromises bone density over time. And then he he bone density over time. And then he he bone density over time. And then he he points out especially for someone your points out especially for someone your points out especially for someone your age.

age. age. And then uh 97% of an Americans an And then uh 97% of an Americans an And then uh 97% of an Americans an astounding 97% of Americans um are short astounding 97% of Americans um are short astounding 97% of Americans um are short on potassium on potassium on potassium and 90% uh fall short on dietary fiber. and 90% uh fall short on dietary fiber. and 90% uh fall short on dietary fiber. It's I'm surprised we're alive. We could It's I'm surprised we're alive. We could It's I'm surprised we're alive. We could uh just be dead, you know. Um look uh just be dead, you know. Um look uh just be dead, you know. Um look here's the point. The point is we eat we here's the point. The point is we eat we here's the point. The point is we eat we we go through just our daily um diet, we go through just our daily um diet, we go through just our daily um diet, but there's things that are missing that but there's things that are missing that but there's things that are missing that you need to and and when you recognize you need to and and when you recognize you need to and and when you recognize that they're missing, you need to do that they're missing, you need to do that they're missing, you need to do something to add them in. And I think something to add them in. And I think something to add them in. And I think that's true in our spiritual lives as that's true in our spiritual lives as that's true in our spiritual lives as well. There's no question that the well. There's no question that the well. There's no question that the scripture tells us that the essence of scripture tells us that the essence of scripture tells us that the essence of life is pursuing the kingdom of God, life is pursuing the kingdom of God, life is pursuing the kingdom of God, seeking first the kingdom. faith and seeking first the kingdom. faith and seeking first the kingdom. faith and faithfulness to the kingdom is what faithfulness to the kingdom is what faithfulness to the kingdom is what makes life abundant. That's the peace. makes life abundant. That's the peace. makes life abundant. That's the peace. That's the core. And then as the the That's the core. And then as the the That's the core. And then as the the older translation of the passage that we older translation of the passage that we older translation of the passage that we read from uh from Luke uh says and from read from uh from Luke uh says and from read from uh from Luke uh says and from the the Matthew version of the sermon on the the Matthew version of the sermon on the the Matthew version of the sermon on the mount, seek first the kingdom of God the mount, seek first the kingdom of God the mount, seek first the kingdom of God and all these other things will be quote and all these other things will be quote and all these other things will be quote added unto you. They'll be supplements.

added unto you. They'll be supplements. added unto you. They'll be supplements. And so if you look and say to yourself, And so if you look and say to yourself, And so if you look and say to yourself, I don't have that. I'm missing that. I don't have that. I'm missing that. I don't have that. I'm missing that. Then maybe there's something you need to Then maybe there's something you need to Then maybe there's something you need to focus on in your faith life, in your focus on in your faith life, in your focus on in your faith life, in your life to to make sure that they're added life to to make sure that they're added life to to make sure that they're added in. in. in. And uh today we want to talk about And uh today we want to talk about And uh today we want to talk about adding in some fun, adding in some fun, adding in some fun, making sure that there's some some joy making sure that there's some some joy making sure that there's some some joy in your life. Now the scripture gives us in your life. Now the scripture gives us in your life. Now the scripture gives us sort of two uh two uh solutions to this sort of two uh two uh solutions to this sort of two uh two uh solutions to this sort of lack of joy. And one of them is sort of lack of joy. And one of them is sort of lack of joy. And one of them is the word rejoice. They say the word the word rejoice. They say the word the word rejoice. They say the word rejoice over and over. That that's far rejoice over and over. That that's far rejoice over and over. That that's far more important than what I'm going to more important than what I'm going to more important than what I'm going to preach about today. This eye of preach about today. This eye of preach about today. This eye of rejoicing. Rejoice in the Lord always. rejoicing. Rejoice in the Lord always. rejoicing. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice says say says uh St. Again I say rejoice says say says uh St. Again I say rejoice says say says uh St. Paul. Uh the the uh psalmist says this Paul. Uh the the uh psalmist says this Paul. Uh the the uh psalmist says this is the day the Lord has made. Let us is the day the Lord has made. Let us is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. But there's rejoice and be glad in it. But there's rejoice and be glad in it. But there's another word and that's the word I want another word and that's the word I want another word and that's the word I want to focus on today and that's the word to focus on today and that's the word to focus on today and that's the word enjoy. There's a difference. There's a enjoy. There's a difference. There's a enjoy. There's a difference. There's a distinction between rejoicing and distinction between rejoicing and distinction between rejoicing and enjoying. Rejoicing is something that is enjoying. Rejoicing is something that is enjoying. Rejoicing is something that is uh not connected to circumstance in any uh not connected to circumstance in any uh not connected to circumstance in any way. We rejoice in the Lord because the way. We rejoice in the Lord because the way. We rejoice in the Lord because the Lord is always there with us. And so Lord is always there with us. And so Lord is always there with us. And so even in bad times, in difficult [music] even in bad times, in difficult [music] even in bad times, in difficult [music] times, in good times, in mediocre times, times, in good times, in mediocre times, times, in good times, in mediocre times, we continue to rejoice. It becomes a we continue to rejoice. It becomes a we continue to rejoice. It becomes a habit, a lifestyle, a way of living in habit, a lifestyle, a way of living in habit, a lifestyle, a way of living in which we focus on the presence of God in which we focus on the presence of God in which we focus on the presence of God in our lives and the gift that is.

our lives and the gift that is. our lives and the gift that is. But the distinction is that that enjoy But the distinction is that that enjoy But the distinction is that that enjoy to enjoy something is definitely built to enjoy something is definitely built to enjoy something is definitely built on circumstance. on circumstance. on circumstance. It says, I'm going to I'm going to It says, I'm going to I'm going to It says, I'm going to I'm going to really focus on what I'm experiencing really focus on what I'm experiencing really focus on what I'm experiencing right now. I'm going to enjoy it. I'm right now. I'm going to enjoy it. I'm right now. I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to taste this meal rather than going to taste this meal rather than going to taste this meal rather than just force it down, which is what I just force it down, which is what I just force it down, which is what I unfortunately do too often. I'm going to unfortunately do too often. I'm going to unfortunately do too often. I'm going to I'm going to I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to I'm going to enjoy it. So, let's look at our scripture today So, let's look at our scripture today So, let's look at our scripture today from from uh Genesis because I think I from from uh Genesis because I think I from from uh Genesis because I think I think we really miss something in this think we really miss something in this think we really miss something in this scripture scripture scripture over the years as we've sort of over the years as we've sort of over the years as we've sort of interpreted it. So, remember that God interpreted it. So, remember that God interpreted it. So, remember that God creates this garden and he puts he puts creates this garden and he puts he puts creates this garden and he puts he puts the man and the woman in the garden for the man and the woman in the garden for the man and the woman in the garden for first the man and then creates a first the man and then creates a first the man and then creates a helpmate for him. this word partner and helpmate for him. this word partner and helpmate for him. this word partner and it's so they're working together and it's so they're working together and it's so they're working together and they're put there with a purpose. The they're put there with a purpose. The they're put there with a purpose. The purpose is to till it and to keep it. purpose is to till it and to keep it. purpose is to till it and to keep it. That is work. There's work to do. We That is work. There's work to do. We That is work. There's work to do. We expect you to do this work. We have we expect you to do this work. We have we expect you to do this work. We have we we put you here with purpose. There's we put you here with purpose. There's we put you here with purpose. There's reason for you being here. You need to reason for you being here. You need to reason for you being here. You need to to work to accomplish something. So that to work to accomplish something. So that to work to accomplish something. So that that matters, right? To till it to keep that matters, right? To till it to keep that matters, right? To till it to keep it. But I want you to see what else is it. But I want you to see what else is it. But I want you to see what else is in this same scripture. Here's here's in this same scripture. Here's here's in this same scripture. Here's here's what what uh we read a few minutes ago.

what what uh we read a few minutes ago. what what uh we read a few minutes ago. out of the ground the Lord God made to out of the ground the Lord God made to out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the grow every tree that is pleasant to the grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. sight and good for food. sight and good for food. And then he says to the to the man and And then he says to the to the man and And then he says to the to the man and the woman, "You may eat of any tree of the woman, "You may eat of any tree of the woman, "You may eat of any tree of the garden except for that one, but you the garden except for that one, but you the garden except for that one, but you can eat of you may freely eat." I mean, can eat of you may freely eat." I mean, can eat of you may freely eat." I mean, it's it's there's even the modifier that it's it's there's even the modifier that it's it's there's even the modifier that makes it sort of juices it up. You may makes it sort of juices it up. You may makes it sort of juices it up. You may freely eat of any tree of the garden. freely eat of any tree of the garden. freely eat of any tree of the garden. Isn't it interesting that in our Isn't it interesting that in our Isn't it interesting that in our theological reflections over the years, theological reflections over the years, theological reflections over the years, we have focused on that one tree. You're we have focused on that one tree. You're we have focused on that one tree. You're not supposed to eat that one tree. It's not supposed to eat that one tree. It's not supposed to eat that one tree. It's a big one. It's important. Sin can a big one. It's important. Sin can a big one. It's important. Sin can really mess up our lives. No question. really mess up our lives. No question. really mess up our lives. No question. And it's it's a core, you know, And it's it's a core, you know, And it's it's a core, you know, challenge that God is working with. challenge that God is working with. challenge that God is working with. But friends, he also says, "Look at But friends, he also says, "Look at But friends, he also says, "Look at this. Look at this garden. It's for you. this. Look at this garden. It's for you. this. Look at this garden. It's for you. It is pleasant. It is good. It is pleasant. It is good. It is pleasant. It is good. Enjoy it. Go eat the trees. Go eat the Enjoy it. Go eat the trees. Go eat the Enjoy it. Go eat the trees. Go eat the fruit of those trees.

fruit of those trees. fruit of those trees. I've given them for you. I've given them for you. I've given them for you. Oh, man. I uh if if we could just wake Oh, man. I uh if if we could just wake Oh, man. I uh if if we could just wake up, that's the point of this sermon is up, that's the point of this sermon is up, that's the point of this sermon is to get you to wake up and open your eyes to get you to wake up and open your eyes to get you to wake up and open your eyes and and say, "Man, look at the trees. and and say, "Man, look at the trees. and and say, "Man, look at the trees. Look at the fruit. Look what God's given Look at the fruit. Look what God's given Look at the fruit. Look what God's given me to experience. me to experience. me to experience. Look what God's given me to enjoy. Look what God's given me to enjoy. Look what God's given me to enjoy. So let's talk about tasting and tilling So let's talk about tasting and tilling So let's talk about tasting and tilling or tilling and tasting. So on the one or tilling and tasting. So on the one or tilling and tasting. So on the one hand, we're put in the garden to till it hand, we're put in the garden to till it hand, we're put in the garden to till it and to keep it. So one thing we can do and to keep it. So one thing we can do and to keep it. So one thing we can do is choose to enjoy our work. is choose to enjoy our work. is choose to enjoy our work. Now I I um Now I I um Now I I um Mark Twain is famous for supposedly Mark Twain is famous for supposedly Mark Twain is famous for supposedly having said um choose to do something having said um choose to do something having said um choose to do something you love doing and you will never work a you love doing and you will never work a you love doing and you will never work a day in your life. day in your life. day in your life. I don't know. Um, I really enjoy my I don't know. Um, I really enjoy my I don't know. Um, I really enjoy my work, but it's work, you know? I mean, work, but it's work, you know? I mean, work, but it's work, you know? I mean, it feels like work a lot of the time. I it feels like work a lot of the time. I it feels like work a lot of the time. I enjoy it. I love doing what I do. Here's enjoy it. I love doing what I do. Here's enjoy it. I love doing what I do. Here's what, by the way, Mark Twain never what, by the way, Mark Twain never what, by the way, Mark Twain never actually said that. Here's what he did actually said that. Here's what he did actually said that. Here's what he did say. No sir. He was asked, "What do you say. No sir. He was asked, "What do you say. No sir. He was asked, "What do you do for work?" And he says, "No, sir. Not do for work?" And he says, "No, sir. Not do for work?" And he says, "No, sir. Not a day's work in my in all my life. What a day's work in my in all my life. What a day's work in my in all my life. What I have done, I have done because it's I have done, I have done because it's I have done, I have done because it's been play."

been play." been play." similar thing. similar thing. similar thing. We can choose to enjoy our work. And I We can choose to enjoy our work. And I We can choose to enjoy our work. And I will tell you that's another sermon. will tell you that's another sermon. will tell you that's another sermon. That's not what I'm going to talk about That's not what I'm going to talk about That's not what I'm going to talk about today. What I do think what I want you today. What I do think what I want you today. What I do think what I want you to really see is that we can choose to to really see is that we can choose to to really see is that we can choose to taste and enjoy the fruit of our work, taste and enjoy the fruit of our work, taste and enjoy the fruit of our work, the fruit of our labor. the fruit of our labor. the fruit of our labor. Do you see this? just as it's just so Do you see this? just as it's just so Do you see this? just as it's just so important for us to catch this that what important for us to catch this that what important for us to catch this that what God has put here is this um um really God has put here is this um um really God has put here is this um um really neat cooperation. neat cooperation. neat cooperation. So God says, "I'm going to put all these So God says, "I'm going to put all these So God says, "I'm going to put all these trees here. They're great things. trees here. They're great things. trees here. They're great things. They're pleasant to the site. They're They're pleasant to the site. They're They're pleasant to the site. They're good for food. And you have a part to good for food. And you have a part to good for food. And you have a part to play. You've got to till it to keep it. play. You've got to till it to keep it. play. You've got to till it to keep it. You've got to keep it working. You've You've got to keep it working. You've You've got to keep it working. You've got to fertilize it and cultivate it and got to fertilize it and cultivate it and got to fertilize it and cultivate it and do all these things. You have work to do all these things. You have work to do all these things. You have work to do. And you get to enjoy the fruit of do. And you get to enjoy the fruit of do. And you get to enjoy the fruit of your labor. your labor. your labor. You get to taste and enjoy the fruit of You get to taste and enjoy the fruit of You get to taste and enjoy the fruit of your labor. You can enjoy the tilling, your labor. You can enjoy the tilling, your labor. You can enjoy the tilling, but boy, I hope you enjoy the tasting, but boy, I hope you enjoy the tasting, but boy, I hope you enjoy the tasting, too.

too. too. So, I thought today what I would do as So, I thought today what I would do as So, I thought today what I would do as the sort of center point of my sermon is the sort of center point of my sermon is the sort of center point of my sermon is to give you some ideas about how you to give you some ideas about how you to give you some ideas about how you might enjoy some of the trees around you might enjoy some of the trees around you might enjoy some of the trees around you because you might find yourself stuck in because you might find yourself stuck in because you might find yourself stuck in a rut. And I just want to challenge you a rut. And I just want to challenge you a rut. And I just want to challenge you with some thoughts, some ideas, sort of with some thoughts, some ideas, sort of with some thoughts, some ideas, sort of some categories. Here's [snorts] the some categories. Here's [snorts] the some categories. Here's [snorts] the first one. Play pickle ball. first one. Play pickle ball. first one. Play pickle ball. play pickle ball and your life will be play pickle ball and your life will be play pickle ball and your life will be full and complete. Um, not really, but u full and complete. Um, not really, but u full and complete. Um, not really, but u I would just say uh let me so it was I would just say uh let me so it was I would just say uh let me so it was about I don't know eight or nine years about I don't know eight or nine years about I don't know eight or nine years ago. I can't remember right but we were ago. I can't remember right but we were ago. I can't remember right but we were in I was in a meeting with my in I was in a meeting with my in I was in a meeting with my connectunities board. I was on the board connectunities board. I was on the board connectunities board. I was on the board there and we were working talking about there and we were working talking about there and we were working talking about this group of women at St. at our this group of women at St. at our this group of women at St. at our Gethsemane campus who were working in Gethsemane campus who were working in Gethsemane campus who were working in one of the rooms there um doing textile one of the rooms there um doing textile one of the rooms there um doing textile work and they were making things that work and they were making things that work and they were making things that they could sell to sort of create their they could sell to sort of create their they could sell to sort of create their own businesses and they were ultimately own businesses and they were ultimately own businesses and they were ultimately they made some masks for COVID and such they made some masks for COVID and such they made some masks for COVID and such and so Johnson said and member of our and so Johnson said and member of our and so Johnson said and member of our church she's on the board or was then church she's on the board or was then church she's on the board or was then and she said I think they should make and she said I think they should make and she said I think they should make pickle ball skirts and I said there is pickle ball skirts and I said there is pickle ball skirts and I said there is no such thing as pickle ball this was no such thing as pickle ball this was no such thing as pickle ball this was years ago before I was like that's the years ago before I was like that's the years ago before I was like that's the dumbest thing. Who would name something dumbest thing. Who would name something dumbest thing. Who would name something pickle ball? That is like what does that pickle ball? That is like what does that pickle ball? That is like what does that mean? You're hitting a pickle back and mean? You're hitting a pickle back and mean? You're hitting a pickle back and forth. What? I don't get it. She says, forth. What? I don't get it. She says, forth. What? I don't get it. She says, "No, it's a it's a growing thing." And "No, it's a it's a growing thing." And "No, it's a it's a growing thing." And I'm like, "Come on. You're making that I'm like, "Come on. You're making that I'm like, "Come on. You're making that up." And um sure enough, she was right.

up." And um sure enough, she was right. up." And um sure enough, she was right. Like it's taking over the world. And Like it's taking over the world. And Like it's taking over the world. And those of you who are tennis players, I those of you who are tennis players, I those of you who are tennis players, I know how resentful you are of the pickle know how resentful you are of the pickle know how resentful you are of the pickle ball tennis courts being turned into ball tennis courts being turned into ball tennis courts being turned into pickle ball courts and how difficult pickle ball courts and how difficult pickle ball courts and how difficult that is. But look, maybe it's not pickle that is. But look, maybe it's not pickle that is. But look, maybe it's not pickle ball. Maybe you you By the way, they ball. Maybe you you By the way, they ball. Maybe you you By the way, they play pickle ball here Saturday mornings play pickle ball here Saturday mornings play pickle ball here Saturday mornings in our gym and Sundays uh afternoons as in our gym and Sundays uh afternoons as in our gym and Sundays uh afternoons as well. And um we have some guys who meet well. And um we have some guys who meet well. And um we have some guys who meet to play uh basketball on Wednesday to play uh basketball on Wednesday to play uh basketball on Wednesday mornings. Um maybe play um uh cards, mornings. Um maybe play um uh cards, mornings. Um maybe play um uh cards, maybe learn to play hearts or or um or maybe learn to play hearts or or um or maybe learn to play hearts or or um or spades or bridge or um gin rummy or uno, spades or bridge or um gin rummy or uno, spades or bridge or um gin rummy or uno, I don't know. Just some game. Oh, oh, or I don't know. Just some game. Oh, oh, or I don't know. Just some game. Oh, oh, or ma jang. Got to learn ma jang. How could ma jang. Got to learn ma jang. How could ma jang. Got to learn ma jang. How could you survive without that? I don't never you survive without that? I don't never you survive without that? I don't never played it, but that's what I hear. And played it, but that's what I hear. And played it, but that's what I hear. And um anything but golf. That's all I would um anything but golf. That's all I would um anything but golf. That's all I would tell you. Anything but golf. But just tell you. Anything but golf. But just tell you. Anything but golf. But just there's there is a go play a game. there's there is a go play a game. there's there is a go play a game. Uh put yourself in. I remember one of my Uh put yourself in. I remember one of my Uh put yourself in. I remember one of my daughters in high school was trying to daughters in high school was trying to daughters in high school was trying to decide whether to try out for decide whether to try out for decide whether to try out for cheerleader or or volleyball, I think it cheerleader or or volleyball, I think it cheerleader or or volleyball, I think it was. and she decided to go for was. and she decided to go for was. and she decided to go for volleyball. She said, "I'd rather play a volleyball. She said, "I'd rather play a volleyball. She said, "I'd rather play a game than watch one." And I thought, I game than watch one." And I thought, I game than watch one." And I thought, I know cheerleading is a sport and all know cheerleading is a sport and all know cheerleading is a sport and all that, but she wanted to be in the mix.

that, but she wanted to be in the mix. that, but she wanted to be in the mix. And I I, you know, is there is there And I I, you know, is there is there And I I, you know, is there is there something you can step into to to enjoy something you can step into to to enjoy something you can step into to to enjoy doing? All right, here's the second doing? All right, here's the second doing? All right, here's the second thing. Build a sand castle. thing. Build a sand castle. thing. Build a sand castle. We were in um at the beach this summer We were in um at the beach this summer We were in um at the beach this summer and uh our grandkids were with us and and uh our grandkids were with us and and uh our grandkids were with us and they they and some of their parents were they they and some of their parents were they they and some of their parents were building sand castles and I was building sand castles and I was building sand castles and I was watching. I I didn't want to get all watching. I I didn't want to get all watching. I I didn't want to get all sandy. That's just sort of me. And um sandy. That's just sort of me. And um sandy. That's just sort of me. And um but they were enjoying that so much and but they were enjoying that so much and but they were enjoying that so much and they were their little mouths all, you they were their little mouths all, you they were their little mouths all, you know, working at it, digging as deep as know, working at it, digging as deep as know, working at it, digging as deep as they could and building it all around. they could and building it all around. they could and building it all around. And I thought to myself, they're working And I thought to myself, they're working And I thought to myself, they're working so hard hours they're working on this so hard hours they're working on this so hard hours they're working on this sand castle. And I thought, it's going sand castle. And I thought, it's going sand castle. And I thought, it's going to be gone tomorrow. the tide's going to to be gone tomorrow. the tide's going to to be gone tomorrow. the tide's going to come in. It's going to wash it away. come in. It's going to wash it away. come in. It's going to wash it away. That doesn't matter That doesn't matter That doesn't matter because it was the the act of creating because it was the the act of creating because it was the the act of creating something. something. something. Go create something. Something that'll Go create something. Something that'll Go create something. Something that'll be temporary be temporary be temporary or it it's not the finished product that or it it's not the finished product that or it it's not the finished product that matters. It's the doing of it. It's the matters. It's the doing of it. It's the matters. It's the doing of it. It's the action.

action. action. Right? Play a song. Um you know, uh Right? Play a song. Um you know, uh Right? Play a song. Um you know, uh paint something. paint something. paint something. We were in um at our place, our Blandon We were in um at our place, our Blandon We were in um at our place, our Blandon part in Hempstead yesterday and had part in Hempstead yesterday and had part in Hempstead yesterday and had invited the family for an end of summer invited the family for an end of summer invited the family for an end of summer party celebration at our place. And uh party celebration at our place. And uh party celebration at our place. And uh as you remember some of you that I we as you remember some of you that I we as you remember some of you that I we built a treehouse there some years ago, built a treehouse there some years ago, built a treehouse there some years ago, some summers ago. And um the kids went some summers ago. And um the kids went some summers ago. And um the kids went down, some of the boys went down and down, some of the boys went down and down, some of the boys went down and played in the treehouse for a little played in the treehouse for a little played in the treehouse for a little while. And some of you have asked me, do while. And some of you have asked me, do while. And some of you have asked me, do they enjoy playing in the treehouse? And they enjoy playing in the treehouse? And they enjoy playing in the treehouse? And I'm like, yeah, they kind of like the I'm like, yeah, they kind of like the I'm like, yeah, they kind of like the treehouse, but they they much more treehouse, but they they much more treehouse, but they they much more preferred building the treehouse than preferred building the treehouse than preferred building the treehouse than they did playing in the treehouse. they did playing in the treehouse. they did playing in the treehouse. And in fact, yesterday they came back And in fact, yesterday they came back And in fact, yesterday they came back and said, "We're ready to build the and said, "We're ready to build the and said, "We're ready to build the second floor now." second floor now." second floor now." And I was like, "All right, yay. Uh, And I was like, "All right, yay. Uh, And I was like, "All right, yay. Uh, we're going to build the second floor." we're going to build the second floor." we're going to build the second floor." And I gave them that standard answers. And I gave them that standard answers. And I gave them that standard answers. We'll see. Good, good, good, uh, answer.

We'll see. Good, good, good, uh, answer. We'll see. Good, good, good, uh, answer. We'll get to it. But here's the thing, We'll get to it. But here's the thing, We'll get to it. But here's the thing, right? It's it's create something, right? It's it's create something, right? It's it's create something, right? It isn't the finished product right? It isn't the finished product right? It isn't the finished product that matters. It's being in a creative that matters. It's being in a creative that matters. It's being in a creative enterprise. Go over to the wood shop and enterprise. Go over to the wood shop and enterprise. Go over to the wood shop and and be a part of what goes on there. All and be a part of what goes on there. All and be a part of what goes on there. All right. Here's the third um the third right. Here's the third um the third right. Here's the third um the third thing I want to challenge you to do. See thing I want to challenge you to do. See thing I want to challenge you to do. See a flower. a flower. a flower. Now, this one takes a little a little Now, this one takes a little a little Now, this one takes a little a little mindset change. I think the scripture mindset change. I think the scripture mindset change. I think the scripture says, "Consider the liies." says, "Consider the liies." says, "Consider the liies." That's the command. It's in the That's the command. It's in the That's the command. It's in the imperative. Consider the liies. Have you imperative. Consider the liies. Have you imperative. Consider the liies. Have you ever considered the flower? ever considered the flower? ever considered the flower? Just looked at the beauty of of God's Just looked at the beauty of of God's Just looked at the beauty of of God's creation that way. creation that way. creation that way. You know, you go out, it's blue bonnet You know, you go out, it's blue bonnet You know, you go out, it's blue bonnet season, and you head out to look at the season, and you head out to look at the season, and you head out to look at the blue bonnets, and if you have kids, you blue bonnets, and if you have kids, you blue bonnets, and if you have kids, you put them in the blue bonnets and take put them in the blue bonnets and take put them in the blue bonnets and take their picture, and it it becomes more a their picture, and it it becomes more a their picture, and it it becomes more a photo op than it does really just going, photo op than it does really just going, photo op than it does really just going, "Wow." There's a an old a word in the "Wow." There's a an old a word in the "Wow." There's a an old a word in the old translations of scripture, the King old translations of scripture, the King old translations of scripture, the King James version, James version, James version, that we don't use anymore, but we should that we don't use anymore, but we should that we don't use anymore, but we should probably, and the word is behold.

probably, and the word is behold. probably, and the word is behold. Now they just translate it see. Now they just translate it see. Now they just translate it see. That's kind of wimpy compared to behold. That's kind of wimpy compared to behold. That's kind of wimpy compared to behold. Behold is like look, would you look at Behold is like look, would you look at Behold is like look, would you look at it? Like really look at it. Is this not it? Like really look at it. Is this not it? Like really look at it. Is this not amazing? amazing? amazing? Just behold a flower. Behold anything in Just behold a flower. Behold anything in Just behold a flower. Behold anything in amazing nature. Uh Steve Carroll is I amazing nature. Uh Steve Carroll is I amazing nature. Uh Steve Carroll is I think behind me in the choir somewhere. think behind me in the choir somewhere. think behind me in the choir somewhere. Yes, he's there. Steve is a burger and Yes, he's there. Steve is a burger and Yes, he's there. Steve is a burger and he goes and looks for birds. uh and he's he goes and looks for birds. uh and he's he goes and looks for birds. uh and he's got like hundreds of birds he's seen and got like hundreds of birds he's seen and got like hundreds of birds he's seen and is wanting to get all of the ones he is wanting to get all of the ones he is wanting to get all of the ones he can. And so uh next weekend he's leaving can. And so uh next weekend he's leaving can. And so uh next weekend he's leaving to fly to Boston and he's getting on a a to fly to Boston and he's getting on a a to fly to Boston and he's getting on a a boat with 50 other people and going over boat with 50 other people and going over boat with 50 other people and going over a 100 miles offshore, sleeping on the a 100 miles offshore, sleeping on the a 100 miles offshore, sleeping on the deck on a uh sleeping bag, getting up in deck on a uh sleeping bag, getting up in deck on a uh sleeping bag, getting up in the morning. And this is all because uh the morning. And this is all because uh the morning. And this is all because uh he wants to find the mans sheer water. he wants to find the mans sheer water. he wants to find the mans sheer water. Did I do that right? All right. The Did I do that right? All right. The Did I do that right? All right. The man's sheer water.

man's sheer water. man's sheer water. This is an oceanic bird he's never seen. This is an oceanic bird he's never seen. This is an oceanic bird he's never seen. So I asked him, "Will you take a picture So I asked him, "Will you take a picture So I asked him, "Will you take a picture of it with a camera?" And he said, "No, of it with a camera?" And he said, "No, of it with a camera?" And he said, "No, I just see them." I just see them." I just see them." Oh, isn't that like I just see it? I Oh, isn't that like I just see it? I Oh, isn't that like I just see it? I just actually look and say, "There it just actually look and say, "There it just actually look and say, "There it is, is, is, man." All around us. Go to a museum. Go man." All around us. Go to a museum. Go man." All around us. Go to a museum. Go to a go to all around us in the park. Go to a go to all around us in the park. Go to a go to all around us in the park. Go to the someplace else, you know, this to the someplace else, you know, this to the someplace else, you know, this country we're in with all sorts of country we're in with all sorts of country we're in with all sorts of amazing things around us. Just go look amazing things around us. Just go look amazing things around us. Just go look at it. at it. at it. Just go look at it and uh be amazed at Just go look at it and uh be amazed at Just go look at it and uh be amazed at what God can do. Here's the fourth what God can do. Here's the fourth what God can do. Here's the fourth thing. Attend a show. Uh go to the thing. Attend a show. Uh go to the thing. Attend a show. Uh go to the Tapestry Players productions. Go see uh Tapestry Players productions. Go see uh Tapestry Players productions. Go see uh the Babes on Broadway American Pie this the Babes on Broadway American Pie this the Babes on Broadway American Pie this coming weekend. Um go to a high school coming weekend. Um go to a high school coming weekend. Um go to a high school basketball game. Go to your to a kids basketball game. Go to your to a kids basketball game. Go to your to a kids little league game. It's free and you little league game. It's free and you little league game. It's free and you don't have to pay anything to get in. Um don't have to pay anything to get in. Um don't have to pay anything to get in. Um so do you know what happened this so do you know what happened this so do you know what happened this summer? I think this is pretty amazing.

summer? I think this is pretty amazing. summer? I think this is pretty amazing. Uh movie theaters are back. Uh movie theaters are back. Uh movie theaters are back. because of the Odyssey, the movie The because of the Odyssey, the movie The because of the Odyssey, the movie The Odyssey, the movie uh this new Odyssey, the movie uh this new Odyssey, the movie uh this new Spider-Man movie and uh Toy Story 5. Um Spider-Man movie and uh Toy Story 5. Um Spider-Man movie and uh Toy Story 5. Um the theaters have had this incredible the theaters have had this incredible the theaters have had this incredible season season season and D and I watch good many movies and and D and I watch good many movies and and D and I watch good many movies and what we realize we do it at home and I'm what we realize we do it at home and I'm what we realize we do it at home and I'm going to tell you it's not the same going to tell you it's not the same going to tell you it's not the same thing. thing. thing. You really we're just sort of killing You really we're just sort of killing You really we're just sort of killing time watching a movie. You want to watch time watching a movie. You want to watch time watching a movie. You want to watch a movie? Okay, let's watch a movie. a movie? Okay, let's watch a movie. a movie? Okay, let's watch a movie. That's not the same thing as getting That's not the same thing as getting That's not the same thing as getting dressed up and not dressed up, but dressed up and not dressed up, but dressed up and not dressed up, but getting dressed like we have to get getting dressed like we have to get getting dressed like we have to get dressed. dressed. dressed. Actually, have to put clothes on other Actually, have to put clothes on other Actually, have to put clothes on other than pajamas and you have to go to the than pajamas and you have to go to the than pajamas and you have to go to the place and you get your popcorn and you place and you get your popcorn and you place and you get your popcorn and you and you sit there and you're with it and and you sit there and you're with it and and you sit there and you're with it and you're watching it. You're attending you're watching it. You're attending you're watching it. You're attending something. You're seeing something that something. You're seeing something that something. You're seeing something that someone's doing. Oh, man. It is. Just do someone's doing. Oh, man. It is. Just do someone's doing. Oh, man. It is. Just do that. It can bring you great joy. All that. It can bring you great joy. All that. It can bring you great joy. All right, here's the last one. Choose right, here's the last one. Choose right, here's the last one. Choose laughter.

laughter. laughter. Choose laughter. You know, here at St. Choose laughter. You know, here at St. Choose laughter. You know, here at St. Luke's, with our staff culture, our Luke's, with our staff culture, our Luke's, with our staff culture, our church leadership culture, really our church leadership culture, really our church leadership culture, really our whole church culture, we believe in whole church culture, we believe in whole church culture, we believe in laughter. The work we do is important. laughter. The work we do is important. laughter. The work we do is important. We're advancing the kingdom of God. Um We're advancing the kingdom of God. Um We're advancing the kingdom of God. Um but but in the midst of it, we believe but but in the midst of it, we believe but but in the midst of it, we believe that there is a joy for us to experience that there is a joy for us to experience that there is a joy for us to experience that we can enjoy one another. that we can enjoy one another. that we can enjoy one another. And And And uh some years ago, there was a woman on uh some years ago, there was a woman on uh some years ago, there was a woman on our staff named Leah White. She worked our staff named Leah White. She worked our staff named Leah White. She worked in our children's ministry, and she was in our children's ministry, and she was in our children's ministry, and she was nine months pregnant. I mean, she was nine months pregnant. I mean, she was nine months pregnant. I mean, she was going to pop. and she she stroed into my going to pop. and she she stroed into my going to pop. and she she stroed into my office one day and said, "I think I'm office one day and said, "I think I'm office one day and said, "I think I'm having the baby right now having the baby right now having the baby right now and she collapsed on my leather couch." and she collapsed on my leather couch." and she collapsed on my leather couch." And I I'm like, "What?" I said, "Well, And I I'm like, "What?" I said, "Well, And I I'm like, "What?" I said, "Well, call the do call the ambulance or go to call the do call the ambulance or go to call the do call the ambulance or go to the hospital. What are you?" No, there's the hospital. What are you?" No, there's the hospital. What are you?" No, there's not time. I'm going to have it here. I not time. I'm going to have it here. I not time. I'm going to have it here. I know I'm going to have it here. And the know I'm going to have it here. And the know I'm going to have it here. And the other administrative assistants came in other administrative assistants came in other administrative assistants came in and they're I I'm going to get paper and they're I I'm going to get paper and they're I I'm going to get paper towels to slide under her. you know, you towels to slide under her. you know, you towels to slide under her. you know, you know how many paper towels you'd have to know how many paper towels you'd have to know how many paper towels you'd have to have to hold up a woman having a baby.

have to hold up a woman having a baby. have to hold up a woman having a baby. So, uh anyway, but it's it is a nice So, uh anyway, but it's it is a nice So, uh anyway, but it's it is a nice leather couch after all. And so I I put leather couch after all. And so I I put leather couch after all. And so I I put them all in there and she's, you know, them all in there and she's, you know, them all in there and she's, you know, uh she's like, "Oh." And the other uh she's like, "Oh." And the other uh she's like, "Oh." And the other admins are like, "Well, we'll tell you admins are like, "Well, we'll tell you admins are like, "Well, we'll tell you how to push. Come on, get ready." And how to push. Come on, get ready." And how to push. Come on, get ready." And I'm like, "Are we really doing this? Is I'm like, "Are we really doing this? Is I'm like, "Are we really doing this? Is this really happening here?" And I'm this really happening here?" And I'm this really happening here?" And I'm running around like a like a fool. And running around like a like a fool. And running around like a like a fool. And pretty soon, one of the admins throws pretty soon, one of the admins throws pretty soon, one of the admins throws this baby doll in and it lands on top of this baby doll in and it lands on top of this baby doll in and it lands on top of her and goes, "The baby's here." And it her and goes, "The baby's here." And it her and goes, "The baby's here." And it was all a prank. And I I was so burned. was all a prank. And I I was so burned. was all a prank. And I I was so burned. I was so burned. They just enjoyed my I was so burned. They just enjoyed my I was so burned. They just enjoyed my misery for that uh I don't know, five misery for that uh I don't know, five misery for that uh I don't know, five minutes as they milked it. And we minutes as they milked it. And we minutes as they milked it. And we laughed and laughed and laughed. And I I laughed and laughed and laughed. And I I laughed and laughed and laughed. And I I just thought to myself, what a joy to be just thought to myself, what a joy to be just thought to myself, what a joy to be able to be with people and just enjoy able to be with people and just enjoy able to be with people and just enjoy the laughter. All right, here's a final the laughter. All right, here's a final the laughter. All right, here's a final thing. It's a word of caution before we thing. It's a word of caution before we thing. It's a word of caution before we quit. quit. quit. I want you to hear these words from I want you to hear these words from I want you to hear these words from Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes. The other half of the story, Solomon says, "So I became great and Solomon says, "So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in surpassed all who were before me in surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with me. Whatever my eyes desired, I did not me. Whatever my eyes desired, I did not me. Whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no keep from them. I kept my heart from no keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure pleasure, for my heart found pleasure pleasure, for my heart found pleasure from all my toil, and this was my reward from all my toil, and this was my reward from all my toil, and this was my reward from all my toil. My my tilling and my from all my toil. My my tilling and my from all my toil. My my tilling and my tasting. Then I considered all my hands tasting. Then I considered all my hands tasting. Then I considered all my hands had done and the toil I had spent in had done and the toil I had spent in had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again all was vanity and a doing it, and again all was vanity and a doing it, and again all was vanity and a chasing after the wind, and there was chasing after the wind, and there was chasing after the wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. These moments of enjoyment are not the These moments of enjoyment are not the endgame. endgame. endgame. They're not the point. They're not the point. They're not the point. They are an addition, a supplement. They are an addition, a supplement. They are an addition, a supplement. They're added in. They give life. They They're added in. They give life. They They're added in. They give life. They make they they're part of what makes make they they're part of what makes make they they're part of what makes life have joy. But they're not the life have joy. But they're not the life have joy. But they're not the point. And and they will not satisfy if point. And and they will not satisfy if point. And and they will not satisfy if that's all you're after.

that's all you're after. that's all you're after. No, they're an in addition. No, they're an in addition. No, they're an in addition. So seek first that kingdom, but make So seek first that kingdom, but make So seek first that kingdom, but make sure that that enjoyment is there. Let sure that that enjoyment is there. Let sure that that enjoyment is there. Let me close with my fav my favorite sermon me close with my fav my favorite sermon me close with my fav my favorite sermon illustration of all time. Two construction workers uh stop for Two construction workers uh stop for lunch and they open up they sit next to lunch and they open up they sit next to lunch and they open up they sit next to each other and they open up their lunch each other and they open up their lunch each other and they open up their lunch boxes together. And one guy looks in his boxes together. And one guy looks in his boxes together. And one guy looks in his lunch box and goes, "The lunch box and goes, "The lunch box and goes, "The [sighs and gasps] [sighs and gasps] [sighs and gasps] same thing every single day. I have the same thing every single day. I have the same thing every single day. I have the same thing every single day. I get a same thing every single day. I get a same thing every single day. I get a turkey sandwich with cheese, lettuce, turkey sandwich with cheese, lettuce, turkey sandwich with cheese, lettuce, tomato, tomato, tomato, um a a bag of chips, and an apple or an um a a bag of chips, and an apple or an um a a bag of chips, and an apple or an orange. That's all I get every day. I'm orange. That's all I get every day. I'm orange. That's all I get every day. I'm so tired of it. And and the other guy so tired of it. And and the other guy so tired of it. And and the other guy says, "Well, why don't you ask your wife says, "Well, why don't you ask your wife says, "Well, why don't you ask your wife to make you something different?" And he to make you something different?" And he to make you something different?" And he said, "Oh, I I make my own lunch.

friends, we make our own lives, friends, we make our own lives, right? We're not if if we're in a rut, right? We're not if if we're in a rut, right? We're not if if we're in a rut, we got we put ourselves there. we got we put ourselves there. we got we put ourselves there. We put ourselves in the rut and we have We put ourselves in the rut and we have We put ourselves in the rut and we have decisions we can make. And here's what decisions we can make. And here's what decisions we can make. And here's what it I I just want you to leave today it I I just want you to leave today it I I just want you to leave today looking around the world and seeing the looking around the world and seeing the looking around the world and seeing the Garden of Eden that God has put us in Garden of Eden that God has put us in Garden of Eden that God has put us in the midst of the midst of the midst of all of these wonderful trees that are all of these wonderful trees that are all of these wonderful trees that are pleasant to the sight and good for food. pleasant to the sight and good for food. pleasant to the sight and good for food. And you may freely eat of any of them. Gracious God, uh thank you for the Gracious God, uh thank you for the garden you've put us in. And we confess garden you've put us in. And we confess garden you've put us in. And we confess that too often our eyes are closed. that too often our eyes are closed. that too often our eyes are closed. we find all of these objections, these we find all of these objections, these we find all of these objections, these things that stand in the way of us things that stand in the way of us things that stand in the way of us taking hold of of the the beauty and the taking hold of of the the beauty and the taking hold of of the the beauty and the joy of of enjoying all that you've given joy of of enjoying all that you've given joy of of enjoying all that you've given us. So God, um just help us to see that us. So God, um just help us to see that us. So God, um just help us to see that garden garden garden and to choose to enjoy and to choose to enjoy and to choose to enjoy in the name of Christ. Amen. Our closing in the name of Christ. Amen. Our closing in the name of Christ. Amen. Our closing hymn is um sent forth by God's blessing.

hymn is um sent forth by God's blessing. hymn is um sent forth by God's blessing. It's number 664. Let's stand as we sing It's number 664. Let's stand as we sing It's number 664. Let's stand as we sing together. [music] [music] >> sent forthless >> sent forthless >> sent forthless [singing] blessing. [music] The people of God from blessing. [music] The people of God from his dwelling [singing] his dwelling [singing] his dwelling [singing] take me. The service is ended. Now take me. The service is ended. Now take me. The service is ended. Now [music] be extended. The fruits of our [music] be extended. The fruits of our [music] be extended. The fruits of our worship in all who believe. [music] worship in all who believe. [music] worship in all who believe. [music] The sing of the teaching graction The sing of the teaching graction The sing of the teaching graction [singing and music] for God and [music] for all. [singing] for God and [music] for all. [singing] God's grace God's grace God's grace and love shall us to work for God's and love shall us to work for God's and love shall us to work for God's kingom and answer [music] kingom and answer [music] kingom and answer [music] the call.

the call. the call. With praise and [music and singing] With praise and [music and singing] With praise and [music and singing] thanksgiving to God ever thanksgiving to God ever thanksgiving to God ever the task [music] of our everyday the task [music] of our everyday the task [music] of our everyday [singing] life we face our faith ever [singing] life we face our faith ever [singing] life we face our faith ever sharing in the caring [music] with your grace you [music and singing] with your grace you [music and singing] might lead might lead might lead to my body in this life that [music] we to my body in this life that [music] we to my body in this life that [music] we share. And may all the living with share. And may all the living with share. And may all the living with praise and [music] thank praise and [music] thank praise and [music] thank give honor to Christ. give honor to Christ. give honor to Christ. [music] So uh make sure on your way out to pick So uh make sure on your way out to pick up one of the uh fall guides and uh come up one of the uh fall guides and uh come up one of the uh fall guides and uh come join us out on the lawn for some uh Kona join us out on the lawn for some uh Kona join us out on the lawn for some uh Kona ice and just hang out together. Enjoy ice and just hang out together. Enjoy ice and just hang out together. Enjoy one another. hear this uh benediction one another. hear this uh benediction one another. hear this uh benediction and coral response. Go bear witness to and coral response. Go bear witness to and coral response. Go bear witness to the love of God in this world so that the love of God in this world so that the love of God in this world so that those to whom love is a stranger will those to whom love is a stranger will those to whom love is a stranger will find in you generous friends. The grace find in you generous friends. The grace find in you generous friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and communion of the Holy Spirit be God and communion of the Holy Spirit be God and communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen.

Send me Jesus. Send me Jesus. Send me [singing and music] Jesus. Jesus. Lead me Jesus. [singing] Lead me Jesus. [music] Lead me Jesus. [music] Le Jesus Jesus [singing] [singing] [singing] meus fill me Jesus fill me Jesus me. me. me. [music] up up [bell and music] [music] [music] here.

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