Traditional | 8:30 a.m. | 08.23.2026

[music] [music] [bell] [music]

[music] Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> fresh. [music] [music] Thank you. [music]

[music] Heat. Glory Glory [music] [music] [music] of God.

[music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. mighty heart mighty heart [music] Glory.

Glory. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. >> Please remain standing as you are able >> Please remain standing as you are able as we affirm our faith together. I as we affirm our faith together. I as we affirm our faith together. I believe in God the Father Almighty, believe in God the Father Almighty, believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.

Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He The third day he rose from the dead. He The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and siteth at the ascended into heaven and siteth at the ascended into heaven and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the From then he shall come to judge the From then he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. and the life everlasting. and the life everlasting. Amen. be be [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Please be seated.

>> Please be seated. >> Please be seated. Well, good morning. I'm glad you're here Well, good morning. I'm glad you're here Well, good morning. I'm glad you're here and worshiping with us today. Welcome to and worshiping with us today. Welcome to and worshiping with us today. Welcome to those of you worshiping with us on live those of you worshiping with us on live those of you worshiping with us on live stream as well. We're glad you're a part stream as well. We're glad you're a part stream as well. We're glad you're a part of our service. Um, if you are here in of our service. Um, if you are here in of our service. Um, if you are here in the sanctuary, I hope after the service the sanctuary, I hope after the service the sanctuary, I hope after the service you'll come out to the gathering room you'll come out to the gathering room you'll come out to the gathering room and enjoy some time of fellowship. and enjoy some time of fellowship. and enjoy some time of fellowship. There's little cinnamon rolls today. One There's little cinnamon rolls today. One There's little cinnamon rolls today. One of my faves and um a wonderful of my faves and um a wonderful of my faves and um a wonderful opportunity just to connect with others opportunity just to connect with others opportunity just to connect with others and and remember that we're not this and and remember that we're not this and and remember that we're not this isn't a u purely vertical relationship. isn't a u purely vertical relationship. isn't a u purely vertical relationship. This is an there's a horizontal This is an there's a horizontal This is an there's a horizontal relationship. There's a us that connects relationship. There's a us that connects relationship. There's a us that connects with the God above. So, u I hope hope with the God above. So, u I hope hope with the God above. So, u I hope hope you will uh avail yourself of that you will uh avail yourself of that you will uh avail yourself of that opportunity. Um I would invite you to to opportunity. Um I would invite you to to opportunity. Um I would invite you to to let us know you're here to check in. You let us know you're here to check in. You let us know you're here to check in. You can use St. Luke's app to do that. You can use St. Luke's app to do that. You can use St. Luke's app to do that. You can uh if you're here in the sanctuary, can uh if you're here in the sanctuary, can uh if you're here in the sanctuary, [clears throat] there's a card in your [clears throat] there's a card in your [clears throat] there's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome and later pew pocket that says welcome and later pew pocket that says welcome and later in the you can put your contact in the you can put your contact in the you can put your contact information on that and drop it in the information on that and drop it in the information on that and drop it in the offering plate later in the service. Or offering plate later in the service. Or offering plate later in the service. Or if you are online on our website if you are online on our website if you are online on our website platform, there's a little tab that says platform, there's a little tab that says platform, there's a little tab that says check in. And um I hope you'll uh hope check in. And um I hope you'll uh hope check in. And um I hope you'll uh hope you'll do that. Um your bulletin is full you'll do that. Um your bulletin is full you'll do that. Um your bulletin is full of really important announcements and I of really important announcements and I of really important announcements and I just want to lift up a few of them. Um just want to lift up a few of them. Um just want to lift up a few of them. Um next week we have something right after next week we have something right after next week we have something right after our 11:00 service called Fall Guide our 11:00 service called Fall Guide our 11:00 service called Fall Guide Live. Now you've got a fall guide. If Live. Now you've got a fall guide. If Live. Now you've got a fall guide. If you were here last week, you picked it you were here last week, you picked it you were here last week, you picked it up. There's still some laying around the up. There's still some laying around the up. There's still some laying around the church in various places if you'd like church in various places if you'd like church in various places if you'd like one. But one of the challenges we have one. But one of the challenges we have one. But one of the challenges we have here at St. Luke's is that there's so here at St. Luke's is that there's so here at St. Luke's is that there's so much to avail yourself of. Sometimes it

much to avail yourself of. Sometimes it much to avail yourself of. Sometimes it can really be overwhelming and uh it's a can really be overwhelming and uh it's a can really be overwhelming and uh it's a little like going to uh TGI Fridays and little like going to uh TGI Fridays and little like going to uh TGI Fridays and trying to read the menu and there's so trying to read the menu and there's so trying to read the menu and there's so many things and you're just like, I many things and you're just like, I many things and you're just like, I don't know, just pick something for me. don't know, just pick something for me. don't know, just pick something for me. Uh this is an opportunity to actually uh Uh this is an opportunity to actually uh Uh this is an opportunity to actually uh look and talk to people about what might look and talk to people about what might look and talk to people about what might be the right thing for you. Um, we talk be the right thing for you. Um, we talk be the right thing for you. Um, we talk about wanting every one of our church about wanting every one of our church about wanting every one of our church um, folks, whether they're members or um, folks, whether they're members or um, folks, whether they're members or regular visitors, to have a plus one. regular visitors, to have a plus one. regular visitors, to have a plus one. And that doesn't mean someone that you And that doesn't mean someone that you And that doesn't mean someone that you bring with you. That means that you're bring with you. That means that you're bring with you. That means that you're in worship plus something else. So, in worship plus something else. So, in worship plus something else. So, where you can build some relationships where you can build some relationships where you can build some relationships and really be involved in ministry. So, and really be involved in ministry. So, and really be involved in ministry. So, Fall Guide Live is a way to sort of work Fall Guide Live is a way to sort of work Fall Guide Live is a way to sort of work your way through, find out about it. It your way through, find out about it. It your way through, find out about it. It can be for new members or for folks who can be for new members or for folks who can be for new members or for folks who have been here a while. So uh check that have been here a while. So uh check that have been here a while. So uh check that out um after uh for our um uh that you out um after uh for our um uh that you out um after uh for our um uh that you really really might u speak to you. I really really might u speak to you. I really really might u speak to you. I want to say a word about uh something want to say a word about uh something want to say a word about uh something coming up called Woven. Woven is a book coming up called Woven. Woven is a book coming up called Woven. Woven is a book by Meredith Miller about how we can um by Meredith Miller about how we can um by Meredith Miller about how we can um uh shape our children or provide a uh shape our children or provide a uh shape our children or provide a environment for them where they can environment for them where they can environment for them where they can really grow their own faith that's really grow their own faith that's really grow their own faith that's resilient that isn't like okay once I'm resilient that isn't like okay once I'm resilient that isn't like okay once I'm free of my parents I can do what I want free of my parents I can do what I want free of my parents I can do what I want that really they build their own faith that really they build their own faith that really they build their own faith as they move forward and um it's really as they move forward and um it's really as they move forward and um it's really a wonderful book. Meredith Miller will a wonderful book. Meredith Miller will a wonderful book. Meredith Miller will be here to speak to the church in be here to speak to the church in be here to speak to the church in October. But what we'd like to do is is October. But what we'd like to do is is October. But what we'd like to do is is um study that book so that that we can um study that book so that that we can um study that book so that that we can really get the most out of her being

really get the most out of her being really get the most out of her being with us. Uh there's a number of groups, with us. Uh there's a number of groups, with us. Uh there's a number of groups, some some of our existing groups are some some of our existing groups are some some of our existing groups are going to study the book. But if you'd going to study the book. But if you'd going to study the book. But if you'd like to be in a group, uh there there's like to be in a group, uh there there's like to be in a group, uh there there's a group for parents that um you can sign a group for parents that um you can sign a group for parents that um you can sign up for online. Uh I'm going to lead a up for online. Uh I'm going to lead a up for online. Uh I'm going to lead a group for grandparents and um I think group for grandparents and um I think group for grandparents and um I think that will because there our role is a that will because there our role is a that will because there our role is a little bit different as we work with uh little bit different as we work with uh little bit different as we work with uh our grandchildren and I just uh want to our grandchildren and I just uh want to our grandchildren and I just uh want to encourage you to consider being a part encourage you to consider being a part encourage you to consider being a part of that. Um please note that we have of that. Um please note that we have of that. Um please note that we have Wednesday night fellowship at our Wednesday night fellowship at our Wednesday night fellowship at our Gethsemane campus uh every Wednesday Gethsemane campus uh every Wednesday Gethsemane campus uh every Wednesday night and we would love to have you be a night and we would love to have you be a night and we would love to have you be a part of that by helping out. You can part of that by helping out. You can part of that by helping out. You can help by setting up. You can help by help by setting up. You can help by help by setting up. You can help by helping to serve the meal. You can help helping to serve the meal. You can help helping to serve the meal. You can help by just walking around and talking to by just walking around and talking to by just walking around and talking to people and welcoming them. Uh it's a people and welcoming them. Uh it's a people and welcoming them. Uh it's a really neat opportunity. If you haven't really neat opportunity. If you haven't really neat opportunity. If you haven't been there for one of those, you ought been there for one of those, you ought been there for one of those, you ought to go. Lots of young people, lots of our to go. Lots of young people, lots of our to go. Lots of young people, lots of our our students from the from the garden, our students from the from the garden, our students from the from the garden, but it's a wonderful uh chance uh to to but it's a wonderful uh chance uh to to but it's a wonderful uh chance uh to to um experience to both be involved in um experience to both be involved in um experience to both be involved in service, but also to experience just the service, but also to experience just the service, but also to experience just the amazing things that are happening on our amazing things that are happening on our amazing things that are happening on our Gethsemane campus. And then finally, I Gethsemane campus. And then finally, I Gethsemane campus. And then finally, I just want to lift up that our ministry just want to lift up that our ministry just want to lift up that our ministry spotlight table uh focuses on our music spotlight table uh focuses on our music spotlight table uh focuses on our music and fine arts program. There are so many and fine arts program. There are so many and fine arts program. There are so many opportunities for you to be involved in opportunities for you to be involved in opportunities for you to be involved in that work. Uh maybe you want to sing in that work. Uh maybe you want to sing in that work. Uh maybe you want to sing in a choir. Uh maybe you want to just be a a choir. Uh maybe you want to just be a a choir. Uh maybe you want to just be a supporter of of our music program. But supporter of of our music program. But supporter of of our music program. But step stop by the the spot ministry step stop by the the spot ministry step stop by the the spot ministry spotlight table after the service and I spotlight table after the service and I spotlight table after the service and I know that you will um uh find out more know that you will um uh find out more know that you will um uh find out more about how you can be involved in our our about how you can be involved in our our about how you can be involved in our our music and fine arts program. We are in

music and fine arts program. We are in music and fine arts program. We are in the second today will be the second in a the second today will be the second in a the second today will be the second in a series of sermons on faith supplements. series of sermons on faith supplements. series of sermons on faith supplements. And what are the the the we know that And what are the the the we know that And what are the the the we know that faith is to be the center of our lives faith is to be the center of our lives faith is to be the center of our lives and all things flow from that. Other and all things flow from that. Other and all things flow from that. Other things are quote in the in the words of things are quote in the in the words of things are quote in the in the words of scripture added unto us. But sometimes scripture added unto us. But sometimes scripture added unto us. But sometimes we look at our lives and say wow I how we look at our lives and say wow I how we look at our lives and say wow I how can I boost this area? And uh so today, can I boost this area? And uh so today, can I boost this area? And uh so today, last week we we uh uh uh talked about last week we we uh uh uh talked about last week we we uh uh uh talked about just enjoying life. And this week we're just enjoying life. And this week we're just enjoying life. And this week we're going to talk about friendship. So I going to talk about friendship. So I going to talk about friendship. So I want you to listen now to an old and a want you to listen now to an old and a want you to listen now to an old and a New Testament scripture that speak to New Testament scripture that speak to New Testament scripture that speak to this issue. Our first scripture reading is from 1st Our first scripture reading is from 1st Samuel chapter 18. Samuel chapter 18. Samuel chapter 18. When David had finished speaking to When David had finished speaking to When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved the soul of David, and Jonathan loved the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. him as his own soul. him as his own soul. Saul took him that day and would not let Saul took him that day and would not let Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house.

him return to his father's house. him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David And Jonathan made a covenant with David And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. because he loved him as his own soul. because he loved him as his own soul. And these are the words of Jesus from And these are the words of Jesus from And these are the words of Jesus from John's gospel chapter 15. John's gospel chapter 15. John's gospel chapter 15. This is my commandment that you love one This is my commandment that you love one This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has another as I have loved you. No one has another as I have loved you. No one has greater to love than this, to lay down greater to love than this, to lay down greater to love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. one's life for one's friends. one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I You are my friends if you do what I You are my friends if you do what I command you. command you. command you. I do not call you servants any longer I do not call you servants any longer I do not call you servants any longer because the servant does not know what because the servant does not know what because the servant does not know what the master is doing. But I have called the master is doing. But I have called the master is doing. But I have called you friends because I have made known to you friends because I have made known to you friends because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my you everything that I have heard from my you everything that I have heard from my father. father. father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. You did not choose me, but I chose you. You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear And I appointed you to go and bear And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the fruit, fruit that will last, so that the fruit, fruit that will last, so that the father will give you whatever you ask father will give you whatever you ask father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. him in my name. him in my name. And giving you these commands that you And giving you these commands that you And giving you these commands that you may love one another. The word of God may love one another. The word of God may love one another. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

[singing and music] [singing and music] Place of quiet Place of quiet Place of quiet rest rest rest near to the [singing and music] heart of near to the [singing and music] heart of near to the [singing and music] heart of God. God. God. A [music and singing] place where A [music and singing] place where A [music and singing] place where singless to [singing] the [music] heart of God. to [singing] the [music] heart of God. Oh [singing] Jesus Oh [singing] Jesus Oh [singing] Jesus blessed [music] blessed [music] blessed [music] redeemer redeemer redeemer [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] from the heart of God. [music] from the heart of God. [music] from the heart of God. Oh [singing and music] Oh [singing and music] Oh [singing and music] wait [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] to the heart of God. Will you pray with me? Will you pray with me? God whom we can call friend. God whom we can call friend. God whom we can call friend. We give thanks We give thanks We give thanks for all the great gifts that you have for all the great gifts that you have for all the great gifts that you have given to us.

given to us. given to us. The gift of breath The gift of breath The gift of breath in our lungs. in our lungs. in our lungs. The gift of worship which we participate The gift of worship which we participate The gift of worship which we participate in this morning in this morning in this morning and the gift of one another who we know and the gift of one another who we know and the gift of one another who we know as brothers and sisters in Christ. as brothers and sisters in Christ. as brothers and sisters in Christ. But we also give thanks for the other But we also give thanks for the other But we also give thanks for the other ways that we know one another as ways that we know one another as ways that we know one another as friends. friends. friends. That you have given us a treasure uh That you have given us a treasure uh That you have given us a treasure uh above all that is knowing one another. above all that is knowing one another. above all that is knowing one another. And we are so blessed that we don't have And we are so blessed that we don't have And we are so blessed that we don't have to do life alone this morning. to do life alone this morning. to do life alone this morning. We recognize that we can't do life We recognize that we can't do life We recognize that we can't do life alone. alone. alone. And so we pray that your grace might And so we pray that your grace might And so we pray that your grace might help us not believe that lie that sneaks help us not believe that lie that sneaks help us not believe that lie that sneaks into our hearts. We give thanks for the friends who bring We give thanks for the friends who bring us joy, who bring us support, us joy, who bring us support, us joy, who bring us support, who bring companionship into our lives.

who bring companionship into our lives. who bring companionship into our lives. And we pray that you can help us be good And we pray that you can help us be good And we pray that you can help us be good friends as well. Help us be able to friends as well. Help us be able to friends as well. Help us be able to express to them the difference that they express to them the difference that they express to them the difference that they have made in our life. And we also pray for the friendships And we also pray for the friendships that are broken, that are broken, that are broken, places where your grace and and where places where your grace and and where places where your grace and and where forgiveness needs to prevail. We pray forgiveness needs to prevail. We pray forgiveness needs to prevail. We pray healing over those relationships. pray that we can cherish the connections pray that we can cherish the connections that we have. that we have. that we have. We pray for the friends who are far away We pray for the friends who are far away We pray for the friends who are far away from us in different states and from us in different states and from us in different states and different time zones in different different time zones in different different time zones in different countries countries countries or friends who are nearby but are or friends who are nearby but are or friends who are nearby but are homebound, homebound, homebound, friends who are in the hospital. friends who are in the hospital. friends who are in the hospital. Pray that amidst those challenges, our Pray that amidst those challenges, our Pray that amidst those challenges, our connection to them can remain strong, connection to them can remain strong, connection to them can remain strong, that our bond can endure despite the that our bond can endure despite the that our bond can endure despite the distance.

distance. distance. And ultimately, we pray that our And ultimately, we pray that our And ultimately, we pray that our friendships are reflections of your love friendships are reflections of your love friendships are reflections of your love and care for us. and care for us. and care for us. Allow our earthly friendships, our Allow our earthly friendships, our Allow our earthly friendships, our earthly relationships to look like our earthly relationships to look like our earthly relationships to look like our friendships with Jesus, our savior. friendships with Jesus, our savior. friendships with Jesus, our savior. May they enrich our lives and help us May they enrich our lives and help us May they enrich our lives and help us grow into people who can look and love grow into people who can look and love grow into people who can look and love like Jesus. We pray this in your son's like Jesus. We pray this in your son's like Jesus. We pray this in your son's holy name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Amen. Thank you. So, uh when I was in seminary, I had a So, uh when I was in seminary, I had a So, uh when I was in seminary, I had a good friend named Paul Led Better. Uh good friend named Paul Led Better. Uh good friend named Paul Led Better. Uh Paul and his wife Debbie were friends Paul and his wife Debbie were friends Paul and his wife Debbie were friends with D and me and there was actually with D and me and there was actually with D and me and there was actually another couple that we were all close another couple that we were all close another couple that we were all close to. We were in the same classes to. We were in the same classes to. We were in the same classes together. We did study group together. together. We did study group together. together. We did study group together. We went out together. We didn't have any We went out together. We didn't have any We went out together. We didn't have any children at that time and we just really children at that time and we just really children at that time and we just really enjoyed one another a great deal and I enjoyed one another a great deal and I enjoyed one another a great deal and I felt like we had really built a very felt like we had really built a very felt like we had really built a very close friendship. When we uh neared the close friendship. When we uh neared the close friendship. When we uh neared the end of my time in seminary, our time in end of my time in seminary, our time in end of my time in seminary, our time in seminary, a couple of things happened.

seminary, a couple of things happened. seminary, a couple of things happened. one D and I uh were expecting our first one D and I uh were expecting our first one D and I uh were expecting our first child and uh my friend Paul as he child and uh my friend Paul as he child and uh my friend Paul as he finished his seminary decided he really finished his seminary decided he really finished his seminary decided he really wanted to be an attorney and so he wanted to be an attorney and so he wanted to be an attorney and so he wasn't going to go on into ministry he wasn't going to go on into ministry he wasn't going to go on into ministry he was going to go on to law school and so was going to go on to law school and so was going to go on to law school and so we figured we needed a will and so we we figured we needed a will and so we we figured we needed a will and so we got someone to write us a will and we got someone to write us a will and we got someone to write us a will and we chose Paul being that he was an attorney chose Paul being that he was an attorney chose Paul being that he was an attorney that he would be uh the executive of our that he would be uh the executive of our that he would be uh the executive of our uh of our estate of our will and so um uh of our estate of our will and so um uh of our estate of our will and so um seminary ends seminary ends seminary ends and Paul goes on to law school and we and Paul goes on to law school and we and Paul goes on to law school and we come to Houston to be in ministry and come to Houston to be in ministry and come to Houston to be in ministry and we never talked again. we never talked again. we never talked again. We really just lost touch. Isn't that a We really just lost touch. Isn't that a We really just lost touch. Isn't that a funny word? We lost touch like it funny word? We lost touch like it funny word? We lost touch like it somehow happened to us rather than we somehow happened to us rather than we somehow happened to us rather than we decided or we neglected or something. We decided or we neglected or something. We decided or we neglected or something. We just lost touch. just lost touch. just lost touch. Here here's the funny thing about it Here here's the funny thing about it Here here's the funny thing about it really. We didn't redo our will until really. We didn't redo our will until really. We didn't redo our will until last year.

last year. last year. So Paul, should something have happened So Paul, should something have happened So Paul, should something have happened to us, I'm sure uh 30 years in, he would to us, I'm sure uh 30 years in, he would to us, I'm sure uh 30 years in, he would have said, "What uh am I I don't even have said, "What uh am I I don't even have said, "What uh am I I don't even know you. Why am I stuck with this?" Uh know you. Why am I stuck with this?" Uh know you. Why am I stuck with this?" Uh it was really kind of funny. And then it was really kind of funny. And then it was really kind of funny. And then here's another wonderful uh twist to all here's another wonderful uh twist to all here's another wonderful uh twist to all of it. Um I don't know how many of you of it. Um I don't know how many of you of it. Um I don't know how many of you know Hank and Katherine Coleman. Uh Hank know Hank and Katherine Coleman. Uh Hank know Hank and Katherine Coleman. Uh Hank and Katherine moved to Austin and from and Katherine moved to Austin and from and Katherine moved to Austin and from here they've been very active here and here they've been very active here and here they've been very active here and moved to Austin and joined University moved to Austin and joined University moved to Austin and joined University United Methodist Church and joined a United Methodist Church and joined a United Methodist Church and joined a Sunday school class and found themselves Sunday school class and found themselves Sunday school class and found themselves as best friends with Paul and Debbie Led as best friends with Paul and Debbie Led as best friends with Paul and Debbie Led Better. Uh the same thing. They sent us Better. Uh the same thing. They sent us Better. Uh the same thing. They sent us a picture of themselves together. And I a picture of themselves together. And I a picture of themselves together. And I was like, "Oh, that's I'll remember was like, "Oh, that's I'll remember was like, "Oh, that's I'll remember you." Uh and I'm sure he was glad he no you." Uh and I'm sure he was glad he no you." Uh and I'm sure he was glad he no longer had to be the executive of our of longer had to be the executive of our of longer had to be the executive of our of our will. um uh should something have our will. um uh should something have our will. um uh should something have happened. Not that it ever will, of happened. Not that it ever will, of happened. Not that it ever will, of course, but [snorts] so uh here's the course, but [snorts] so uh here's the course, but [snorts] so uh here's the truth. We are in a friendship recession truth. We are in a friendship recession truth. We are in a friendship recession in our country. The number of friends in our country. The number of friends in our country. The number of friends that we have, let me share with you some that we have, let me share with you some that we have, let me share with you some uh some statistics. This uh this comes uh some statistics. This uh this comes uh some statistics. This uh this comes from the um the survey center on from the um the survey center on from the um the survey center on American life. They did this survey in American life. They did this survey in American life. They did this survey in 2021. And here's the data on the change 2021. And here's the data on the change 2021. And here's the data on the change from 1990 to 2021.

from 1990 to 2021. from 1990 to 2021. In 1990, 3% of Americans said they had In 1990, 3% of Americans said they had In 1990, 3% of Americans said they had no friends. In 2021, that number was no friends. In 2021, that number was no friends. In 2021, that number was 12%. 12%. 12%. They did a a follow-up survey in 2024, They did a a follow-up survey in 2024, They did a a follow-up survey in 2024, and the number of Americans who said and the number of Americans who said and the number of Americans who said they had no friends had risen to 17%. they had no friends had risen to 17%. they had no friends had risen to 17%. In 1990, 4% said they had only one In 1990, 4% said they had only one In 1990, 4% said they had only one friend. In 1991, that number had nearly friend. In 1991, that number had nearly friend. In 1991, that number had nearly doubled to 7%. In 1990, 27% doubled to 7%. In 1990, 27% doubled to 7%. In 1990, 27% of people said they had three or fewer of people said they had three or fewer of people said they had three or fewer close friends. By 2021, that number had close friends. By 2021, that number had close friends. By 2021, that number had risen to 49%. risen to 49%. risen to 49%. Even at the top end of the scale, uh, in Even at the top end of the scale, uh, in Even at the top end of the scale, uh, in 1990, 33% of Americans said they had 10 1990, 33% of Americans said they had 10 1990, 33% of Americans said they had 10 or more good friends. or more good friends. or more good friends. In 2021, that number had fallen to only In 2021, that number had fallen to only In 2021, that number had fallen to only 13%. 13%. 13%. then the the we can go into all of the then the the we can go into all of the then the the we can go into all of the social reasons for all of these things social reasons for all of these things social reasons for all of these things and and I certainly won't go into all of and and I certainly won't go into all of and and I certainly won't go into all of the statistics on loneliness around us the statistics on loneliness around us the statistics on loneliness around us but it is clear that we have somehow but it is clear that we have somehow but it is clear that we have somehow lost the skill or are losing it or it's lost the skill or are losing it or it's lost the skill or are losing it or it's fading away of being friends of how to fading away of being friends of how to fading away of being friends of how to do friendship do friendship do friendship I I I will tell you even anecdotally Um I I I will tell you even anecdotally Um I I I will tell you even anecdotally Um it is an interesting thing I as we have it is an interesting thing I as we have it is an interesting thing I as we have these memorial services and we come these memorial services and we come these memorial services and we come together and there's this really um just together and there's this really um just together and there's this really um just this ambivalent feeling I have because

this ambivalent feeling I have because this ambivalent feeling I have because on the one hand I see all of these on the one hand I see all of these on the one hand I see all of these people who come together to to remember people who come together to to remember people who come together to to remember someone and to celebrate their life. And someone and to celebrate their life. And someone and to celebrate their life. And on the other hand I I run into people on the other hand I I run into people on the other hand I I run into people who say things like we've got to stop who say things like we've got to stop who say things like we've got to stop meeting like this. meeting like this. meeting like this. Um all of my friends are dying. I feel Um all of my friends are dying. I feel Um all of my friends are dying. I feel more alone than I ever did before. more alone than I ever did before. more alone than I ever did before. As we struggle with how to maintain and As we struggle with how to maintain and As we struggle with how to maintain and build friendships. build friendships. build friendships. So again, we can go into all of the So again, we can go into all of the So again, we can go into all of the social reasons why this might be social reasons why this might be social reasons why this might be happening. Uh but I think it's more happening. Uh but I think it's more happening. Uh but I think it's more important to think about what we might important to think about what we might important to think about what we might do in response. And I thought we might do in response. And I thought we might do in response. And I thought we might look at this uh marvelous friendship in look at this uh marvelous friendship in look at this uh marvelous friendship in scripture between Jonathan and David. scripture between Jonathan and David. scripture between Jonathan and David. And I I wish I could go through the And I I wish I could go through the And I I wish I could go through the entire story. It's a wonderful long entire story. It's a wonderful long entire story. It's a wonderful long story covering many many chapters. But story covering many many chapters. But story covering many many chapters. But here, let me do the summary as best that here, let me do the summary as best that here, let me do the summary as best that I can. Um, uh, Jonathan is King Saul's I can. Um, uh, Jonathan is King Saul's I can. Um, uh, Jonathan is King Saul's son and David was King Saul's armor son and David was King Saul's armor son and David was King Saul's armor bearer. And so they came to know each bearer. And so they came to know each bearer. And so they came to know each other. Um, but at one point along the other. Um, but at one point along the other. Um, but at one point along the way, uh, Jonathan realized that he way, uh, Jonathan realized that he way, uh, Jonathan realized that he wanted to be friends with David.

wanted to be friends with David. wanted to be friends with David. And so he makes an overture to him. The And so he makes an overture to him. The And so he makes an overture to him. The scripture you saw this morning was right scripture you saw this morning was right scripture you saw this morning was right there. He he heard there. He he heard there. He he heard uh Jonathan, he heard David speaking and uh Jonathan, he heard David speaking and uh Jonathan, he heard David speaking and he was uh enamored and he said, "I just he was uh enamored and he said, "I just he was uh enamored and he said, "I just want to be his friend." And so he want to be his friend." And so he want to be his friend." And so he reaches out. He reaches out to David and reaches out. He reaches out to David and reaches out. He reaches out to David and says, "I I want to be your friend." The says, "I I want to be your friend." The says, "I I want to be your friend." The scripture today uses the term says, "I scripture today uses the term says, "I scripture today uses the term says, "I made he made a covenant." And uh and made he made a covenant." And uh and made he made a covenant." And uh and from that point on, Jonathan is this um from that point on, Jonathan is this um from that point on, Jonathan is this um incredible friend to David. And the incredible friend to David. And the incredible friend to David. And the truth is that uh as as David's name truth is that uh as as David's name truth is that uh as as David's name continues to grow, King Saul becomes continues to grow, King Saul becomes continues to grow, King Saul becomes more and more jealous and more and more more and more jealous and more and more more and more jealous and more and more angry. And he decides he was going to angry. And he decides he was going to angry. And he decides he was going to have David killed. And it is um it is have David killed. And it is um it is have David killed. And it is um it is Jonathan who intercedes on behalf of of Jonathan who intercedes on behalf of of Jonathan who intercedes on behalf of of David to uh uh to say to him, you don't David to uh uh to say to him, you don't David to uh uh to say to him, you don't need to kill him. Please don't kill him. need to kill him. Please don't kill him. need to kill him. Please don't kill him. And in fact later then he risks his life And in fact later then he risks his life And in fact later then he risks his life to so that David can escape um the uh uh to so that David can escape um the uh uh to so that David can escape um the uh uh Saul trying to kill him. As time goes on Saul trying to kill him. As time goes on Saul trying to kill him. As time goes on over and over again, David um uh over and over again, David um uh over and over again, David um uh Jonathan intercedes and put his own life Jonathan intercedes and put his own life Jonathan intercedes and put his own life at risk to try and protect his friend at risk to try and protect his friend at risk to try and protect his friend David.

David. David. Interestingly, when later Jonathan and Interestingly, when later Jonathan and Interestingly, when later Jonathan and Saul are both killed in battle Saul are both killed in battle Saul are both killed in battle and there is a this this beautiful um and there is a this this beautiful um and there is a this this beautiful um song uh called the lament of the bow song uh called the lament of the bow song uh called the lament of the bow where where David just expresses his where where David just expresses his where where David just expresses his heartbreak at losing both his initial heartbreak at losing both his initial heartbreak at losing both his initial mentor Saul but also his good friend mentor Saul but also his good friend mentor Saul but also his good friend Jonathan. And then there's one other Jonathan. And then there's one other Jonathan. And then there's one other just beautiful twist to it. Jonathan had just beautiful twist to it. Jonathan had just beautiful twist to it. Jonathan had a son named Mphibicheth who had been a son named Mphibicheth who had been a son named Mphibicheth who had been dropped as a child, as an infant, and dropped as a child, as an infant, and dropped as a child, as an infant, and therefore was disabled and unable to therefore was disabled and unable to therefore was disabled and unable to walk and take care of himself. And so walk and take care of himself. And so walk and take care of himself. And so David, as he now is the king, says that David, as he now is the king, says that David, as he now is the king, says that Mphibichef will always have a place at Mphibichef will always have a place at Mphibichef will always have a place at King David's table. And he returns to King David's table. And he returns to King David's table. And he returns to Mphibicheth all of the land that had Mphibicheth all of the land that had Mphibicheth all of the land that had belonged to uh King Saul. and said, you belonged to uh King Saul. and said, you belonged to uh King Saul. and said, you know, because and he said, this is the know, because and he said, this is the know, because and he said, this is the word he says, on account of Jonathan, word he says, on account of Jonathan, word he says, on account of Jonathan, you will always have a place at my you will always have a place at my you will always have a place at my table. So, it's just this beautiful kind table. So, it's just this beautiful kind table. So, it's just this beautiful kind of friendship that when we look at, we of friendship that when we look at, we of friendship that when we look at, we say, "Oh my goodness, what what a what a say, "Oh my goodness, what what a what a say, "Oh my goodness, what what a what a picture of what friendship could be picture of what friendship could be picture of what friendship could be like." So, I just want to lift up two like." So, I just want to lift up two like." So, I just want to lift up two lessons I think that we can learn from lessons I think that we can learn from lessons I think that we can learn from this um as we as we go. And here's the this um as we as we go. And here's the this um as we as we go. And here's the first one is [clears throat] first one is [clears throat] first one is [clears throat] um if you want to be friends, you need um if you want to be friends, you need um if you want to be friends, you need to take the initiative, to take the initiative, to take the initiative, right? You need to take the initiative.

right? You need to take the initiative. right? You need to take the initiative. You need to be the one to reach out. You You need to be the one to reach out. You You need to be the one to reach out. You need to decide that you that you want to need to decide that you that you want to need to decide that you that you want to be friends. I want you to look at the at be friends. I want you to look at the at be friends. I want you to look at the at the um who is the actor who is the the um who is the actor who is the the um who is the actor who is the protagonist in this whole thing. It's protagonist in this whole thing. It's protagonist in this whole thing. It's Jonathan. Jonathan is the one who sees Jonathan. Jonathan is the one who sees Jonathan. Jonathan is the one who sees David and says, "I want to be his David and says, "I want to be his David and says, "I want to be his friend." So he says, "Jonathan loved him friend." So he says, "Jonathan loved him friend." So he says, "Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Jonathan made a as his own soul. Jonathan made a as his own soul. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him covenant with David because he loved him covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. This is the picture of as his own soul. This is the picture of as his own soul. This is the picture of us uh of of being the one to take the us uh of of being the one to take the us uh of of being the one to take the initiative and to reach out and to make initiative and to reach out and to make initiative and to reach out and to make a friend to decide you're going to make a friend to decide you're going to make a friend to decide you're going to make a friend. Now, here's the thing. We may a friend. Now, here's the thing. We may a friend. Now, here's the thing. We may be satisfied with all of our be satisfied with all of our be satisfied with all of our friendships. Oh, I have plenty of friendships. Oh, I have plenty of friendships. Oh, I have plenty of friendships. I don't need to make any friendships. I don't need to make any friendships. I don't need to make any other friendships. other friendships. other friendships. That's fine. But there there begins to That's fine. But there there begins to That's fine. But there there begins to be this sort of stagnation in life that be this sort of stagnation in life that be this sort of stagnation in life that that if you know if we're not growing, that if you know if we're not growing, that if you know if we're not growing, we're not we're we're dying. That's kind we're not we're we're dying. That's kind we're not we're we're dying. That's kind of the rule. You're either growing or of the rule. You're either growing or of the rule. You're either growing or you're dying. And so the the decision to you're dying. And so the the decision to you're dying. And so the the decision to say, "Man, I really want to have some say, "Man, I really want to have some say, "Man, I really want to have some some some new friends. I want to make some some new friends. I want to make some some new friends. I want to make friends. I want to engage in new friends. I want to engage in new friends. I want to engage in new relationships." So, it may be that relationships." So, it may be that relationships." So, it may be that you're just satisfied with your you're just satisfied with your you're just satisfied with your friendships and you're like or or or friendships and you're like or or or friendships and you're like or or or you're so busy with your own family and you're so busy with your own family and you're so busy with your own family and your own your own life that you're like, your own your own life that you're like, your own your own life that you're like, I just don't have time for any more I just don't have time for any more I just don't have time for any more friends.

friends. friends. Oh, wow. What what a loss as we choose Oh, wow. What what a loss as we choose Oh, wow. What what a loss as we choose not to build up those new friendships. not to build up those new friendships. not to build up those new friendships. But it may be that you're not satisfied But it may be that you're not satisfied But it may be that you're not satisfied with your friendships with your friendships with your friendships and that you think to yourself there's and that you think to yourself there's and that you think to yourself there's there's all sorts of reasons we it may there's all sorts of reasons we it may there's all sorts of reasons we it may just be inertia that you don't you know just be inertia that you don't you know just be inertia that you don't you know you're just you're in that rut and and you're just you're in that rut and and you're just you're in that rut and and it takes this intentional decision to do it takes this intentional decision to do it takes this intentional decision to do something else to break out of that something else to break out of that something else to break out of that place of of not having not being place of of not having not being place of of not having not being satisfied with your friendships. It it satisfied with your friendships. It it satisfied with your friendships. It it may be that um you're a afraid to take may be that um you're a afraid to take may be that um you're a afraid to take the risk that you really are afraid of the risk that you really are afraid of the risk that you really are afraid of rejection. And so if you feel like if rejection. And so if you feel like if rejection. And so if you feel like if you reach out to someone to become their you reach out to someone to become their you reach out to someone to become their friend that you all of us or for them to friend that you all of us or for them to friend that you all of us or for them to become yours that you uh you're you're become yours that you uh you're you're become yours that you uh you're you're going to be rejected going to be rejected going to be rejected or it's possible that you may think be or it's possible that you may think be or it's possible that you may think be one of those people who thinks to one of those people who thinks to one of those people who thinks to yourself sort of in your mind I don't yourself sort of in your mind I don't yourself sort of in your mind I don't need friends. I am self-sufficient.

need friends. I am self-sufficient. need friends. I am self-sufficient. I'm a person who can stand on my own. I'm a person who can stand on my own. I'm a person who can stand on my own. Right? I I I Right? I I I Right? I I I you know I don't really need anybody. you know I don't really need anybody. you know I don't really need anybody. Oh my friends, we do need friends. And Oh my friends, we do need friends. And Oh my friends, we do need friends. And we have to make that decision that we we have to make that decision that we we have to make that decision that we want to be the one to initiate that want to be the one to initiate that want to be the one to initiate that friendship. It's interesting. It takes friendship. It's interesting. It takes friendship. It's interesting. It takes some risk. You're going to have to get some risk. You're going to have to get some risk. You're going to have to get out there over your skis and try some out there over your skis and try some out there over your skis and try some things. Anna Goldfarb wrote a a things. Anna Goldfarb wrote a a things. Anna Goldfarb wrote a a wonderful book called Modern Friendship wonderful book called Modern Friendship wonderful book called Modern Friendship that I've been reading as part of the that I've been reading as part of the that I've been reading as part of the research for this. And uh she talks at research for this. And uh she talks at research for this. And uh she talks at one in one of her chapters she says one in one of her chapters she says one in one of her chapters she says there are six hard truths about there are six hard truths about there are six hard truths about friendship. And I thought this was friendship. And I thought this was friendship. And I thought this was really uh um really uh um really uh um uh really interesting. She said this uh really interesting. She said this uh really interesting. She said this first truth. She had six. I'm just going first truth. She had six. I'm just going first truth. She had six. I'm just going to do two two of them. Truth one, to do two two of them. Truth one, to do two two of them. Truth one, friends will disappoint us. friends will disappoint us. friends will disappoint us. That's probably true, right? But at some That's probably true, right? But at some That's probably true, right? But at some point you're going to have to take a point you're going to have to take a point you're going to have to take a risk that maybe that could happen. risk that maybe that could happen. risk that maybe that could happen. Here's here's truth number four. You Here's here's truth number four. You Here's here's truth number four. You have to be okay with some occasional have to be okay with some occasional have to be okay with some occasional rejection.

rejection. rejection. We have to be willing to offer some We have to be willing to offer some We have to be willing to offer some grace. We have to turn off our grace. We have to turn off our grace. We have to turn off our judgmental spirit and choose to take the judgmental spirit and choose to take the judgmental spirit and choose to take the risk and offer that grace. Uh John risk and offer that grace. Uh John risk and offer that grace. Uh John Gottman is probably the foremost u Gottman is probably the foremost u Gottman is probably the foremost u expert I guess is the way you would say expert I guess is the way you would say expert I guess is the way you would say it on marriage and marriage counseling. it on marriage and marriage counseling. it on marriage and marriage counseling. Uh he's written more than 40 books on Uh he's written more than 40 books on Uh he's written more than 40 books on it. Um but in his books in some of them it. Um but in his books in some of them it. Um but in his books in some of them he sort of ventures into friendship and he sort of ventures into friendship and he sort of ventures into friendship and how friendship works too and he has this how friendship works too and he has this how friendship works too and he has this wonderful concept called bids. And wonderful concept called bids. And wonderful concept called bids. And here's how bids work. A bid is anything here's how bids work. A bid is anything here's how bids work. A bid is anything that is an offer to become closer. So it that is an offer to become closer. So it that is an offer to become closer. So it can be a very small thing in a marriage can be a very small thing in a marriage can be a very small thing in a marriage or in a friendship. It can be a very or in a friendship. It can be a very or in a friendship. It can be a very small thing like [clears throat] like small thing like [clears throat] like small thing like [clears throat] like [groaning] [groaning] [groaning] excuse me like would you like a glass of excuse me like would you like a glass of excuse me like would you like a glass of water water water or um uh can I take your dish for you?

or um uh can I take your dish for you? or um uh can I take your dish for you? It's just these very small things and It's just these very small things and It's just these very small things and then as you go uh go each one of those then as you go uh go each one of those then as you go uh go each one of those things is a is an attempt to offer things is a is an attempt to offer things is a is an attempt to offer someone the opportunity to move a a someone the opportunity to move a a someone the opportunity to move a a little closer. And they might be a little closer. And they might be a little closer. And they might be a little higher value bids like to say little higher value bids like to say little higher value bids like to say what do you think of this wallpaper what do you think of this wallpaper what do you think of this wallpaper like I'm I'm trying to I I'm interested like I'm I'm trying to I I'm interested like I'm I'm trying to I I'm interested in your opinion in your opinion in your opinion and then there might be some really and then there might be some really and then there might be some really riskier bids in which you say um can I riskier bids in which you say um can I riskier bids in which you say um can I tell you the struggles I'm having in my tell you the struggles I'm having in my tell you the struggles I'm having in my marriage marriage marriage as you begin to talk to a friend as you begin to talk to a friend as you begin to talk to a friend right as you begin to reveal yourself to right as you begin to reveal yourself to right as you begin to reveal yourself to become vulnerable within Each of these become vulnerable within Each of these become vulnerable within Each of these is a bid to to that takes a risk but is is a bid to to that takes a risk but is is a bid to to that takes a risk but is an offer to draw closer. an offer to draw closer. an offer to draw closer. And the more bids we make, the closer And the more bids we make, the closer And the more bids we make, the closer we're going to find with ourselves with we're going to find with ourselves with we're going to find with ourselves with other people, to take the risk and reach other people, to take the risk and reach other people, to take the risk and reach out and take the initiative and say, out and take the initiative and say, out and take the initiative and say, "Hey, let's be friends."

"Hey, let's be friends." "Hey, let's be friends." All right. So, that's the first thing I All right. So, that's the first thing I All right. So, that's the first thing I hope that that uh you'll ask yourself. hope that that uh you'll ask yourself. hope that that uh you'll ask yourself. Am I taking the initiative to build Am I taking the initiative to build Am I taking the initiative to build these these new friendships? Here's the these these new friendships? Here's the these these new friendships? Here's the second thing I hope you'll see. second thing I hope you'll see. second thing I hope you'll see. And that is that um And that is that um And that is that um that Jonathan is more interested in that Jonathan is more interested in that Jonathan is more interested in being a friend than having a friend. In being a friend than having a friend. In being a friend than having a friend. In other words, his focus is not on what he other words, his focus is not on what he other words, his focus is not on what he gets out of the deal. His focus is on gets out of the deal. His focus is on gets out of the deal. His focus is on what he can give to the deal. what he can give to the deal. what he can give to the deal. So, um, this passage ends, the passage So, um, this passage ends, the passage So, um, this passage ends, the passage we read today ends with this idea that we read today ends with this idea that we read today ends with this idea that he made a covenant. But here's the he made a covenant. But here's the he made a covenant. But here's the interesting thing. Twice more in the interesting thing. Twice more in the interesting thing. Twice more in the story, he quote renews the covenant. The story, he quote renews the covenant. The story, he quote renews the covenant. The word covenant is a word that means word covenant is a word that means word covenant is a word that means basically promise. And he makes this basically promise. And he makes this basically promise. And he makes this promise. But each time he makes this promise. But each time he makes this promise. But each time he makes this promise, this this covenant with David, promise, this this covenant with David, promise, this this covenant with David, he has done so after he has done he has done so after he has done he has done so after he has done something to put himself at risk to help something to put himself at risk to help something to put himself at risk to help David. Every time he reaches out, so David. Every time he reaches out, so David. Every time he reaches out, so when David, let me give you some of the when David, let me give you some of the when David, let me give you some of the um some of the specifics. In 1st Samuel um some of the specifics. In 1st Samuel um some of the specifics. In 1st Samuel 20, David is trying to escape from 20, David is trying to escape from 20, David is trying to escape from Saul's house. And and Jonathan says to Saul's house. And and Jonathan says to Saul's house. And and Jonathan says to him, "Whatever you want me to do, I will him, "Whatever you want me to do, I will him, "Whatever you want me to do, I will do." In other words, I I'm I'm willing do." In other words, I I'm I'm willing do." In other words, I I'm I'm willing to help you get out of here and and not to help you get out of here and and not to help you get out of here and and not get killed by my father Saul. You tell get killed by my father Saul. You tell get killed by my father Saul. You tell me what I need to do and I'll do it for me what I need to do and I'll do it for me what I need to do and I'll do it for you. And then they renew the covenant you. And then they renew the covenant you. And then they renew the covenant and say, "I'm going to promise to be

and say, "I'm going to promise to be and say, "I'm going to promise to be there for you." there for you." there for you." 1st Samuel 23. Uh David has uh escaped 1st Samuel 23. Uh David has uh escaped 1st Samuel 23. Uh David has uh escaped from Saul, but he has he is being from Saul, but he has he is being from Saul, but he has he is being pursued by Saul and he thinks Saul is pursued by Saul and he thinks Saul is pursued by Saul and he thinks Saul is about to kill him. And here's what about to kill him. And here's what about to kill him. And here's what here's what the scripture says. Saul's here's what the scripture says. Saul's here's what the scripture says. Saul's son Jonathan set out and came to David son Jonathan set out and came to David son Jonathan set out and came to David at Horesh. And there he strengthened his at Horesh. And there he strengthened his at Horesh. And there he strengthened his hand through the Lord. In other words, hand through the Lord. In other words, hand through the Lord. In other words, I'm coming just to encourage you. I'm I'm coming just to encourage you. I'm I'm coming just to encourage you. I'm coming. I'm I'm going to go I'm going to coming. I'm I'm going to go I'm going to coming. I'm I'm going to go I'm going to make a trip out into Horeb, out into the make a trip out into Horeb, out into the make a trip out into Horeb, out into the wilderness so that I can just encourage wilderness so that I can just encourage wilderness so that I can just encourage you. you. you. Over and over, he is not thinking about Over and over, he is not thinking about Over and over, he is not thinking about what what am I getting out of this what what am I getting out of this what what am I getting out of this friendship? Uh uh do I have friends? friendship? Uh uh do I have friends? friendship? Uh uh do I have friends? He's thinking how can I be a friend? How He's thinking how can I be a friend? How He's thinking how can I be a friend? How can I act as a friend? can I act as a friend? can I act as a friend? Right? It's such a a powerful Now, Right? It's such a a powerful Now, Right? It's such a a powerful Now, here's the problem that when we find here's the problem that when we find here's the problem that when we find ourselves getting lonely, ourselves getting lonely, ourselves getting lonely, we become more um self-absorbed.

we become more um self-absorbed. we become more um self-absorbed. We become more worried about me. Oh, I We become more worried about me. Oh, I We become more worried about me. Oh, I wish I had a friend. Oh, I feel like I'm wish I had a friend. Oh, I feel like I'm wish I had a friend. Oh, I feel like I'm uh I'm I'm lonely. I'm I'm struggling. uh I'm I'm lonely. I'm I'm struggling. uh I'm I'm lonely. I'm I'm struggling. Um Olivia Lang wrote a book called The Um Olivia Lang wrote a book called The Um Olivia Lang wrote a book called The Lonely City, and she makes this Lonely City, and she makes this Lonely City, and she makes this wonderful statement that she says, wonderful statement that she says, wonderful statement that she says, "Loneliness is accretive. it adds onto "Loneliness is accretive. it adds onto "Loneliness is accretive. it adds onto itself. It's like, she uses the image, itself. It's like, she uses the image, itself. It's like, she uses the image, it's like moss that grows. And the more it's like moss that grows. And the more it's like moss that grows. And the more it grows around us, the more it shields it grows around us, the more it shields it grows around us, the more it shields us from others. And we become so us from others. And we become so us from others. And we become so self-absorbed. And it takes such an self-absorbed. And it takes such an self-absorbed. And it takes such an effort to say, "No, I don't want to be effort to say, "No, I don't want to be effort to say, "No, I don't want to be self-absorbed. I'm going to focus on self-absorbed. I'm going to focus on self-absorbed. I'm going to focus on being a friend, on reaching out to being a friend, on reaching out to being a friend, on reaching out to someone else and being their friend someone else and being their friend someone else and being their friend rather than hopefully they'll be mine." rather than hopefully they'll be mine." rather than hopefully they'll be mine." It's it's this it's this powerful It's it's this it's this powerful It's it's this it's this powerful decision to say, "Well, decision to say, "Well, decision to say, "Well, here's what here's what Jesus teaches. here's what here's what Jesus teaches. here's what here's what Jesus teaches. He says these words. We've heard them He says these words. We've heard them He says these words. We've heard them before. This is my commandment that you before. This is my commandment that you before. This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you."

love one another as I have loved you." love one another as I have loved you." No one has greater love than this, to No one has greater love than this, to No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. lay down one's life for one's friends. lay down one's life for one's friends. to risk to make that decision to reach to risk to make that decision to reach to risk to make that decision to reach out that you are my friends if you do out that you are my friends if you do out that you are my friends if you do what I command you. What does that mean? what I command you. What does that mean? what I command you. What does that mean? Well, he's just told us what he Well, he's just told us what he Well, he's just told us what he commanded us. Love one another. And then commanded us. Love one another. And then commanded us. Love one another. And then he says, I do not call you servants any he says, I do not call you servants any he says, I do not call you servants any longer because the servant does not know longer because the servant does not know longer because the servant does not know what the master is doing. I have called what the master is doing. I have called what the master is doing. I have called you friends. you friends. you friends. We are to love one another We are to love one another We are to love one another like Jesus loves, which is as a friend. like Jesus loves, which is as a friend. like Jesus loves, which is as a friend. We are to be willing to lay down our We are to be willing to lay down our We are to be willing to lay down our lives for our friends, to be in the lives for our friends, to be in the lives for our friends, to be in the business of offering ourselves to business of offering ourselves to business of offering ourselves to others, of giving ourselves away, of others, of giving ourselves away, of others, of giving ourselves away, of laying down our lives one day at a time. laying down our lives one day at a time. laying down our lives one day at a time. That's that's the power of what it means That's that's the power of what it means That's that's the power of what it means to be a friend rather than have a to be a friend rather than have a to be a friend rather than have a friend. friend. friend. Um, a woman named Suzanne Diggs White, a Um, a woman named Suzanne Diggs White, a Um, a woman named Suzanne Diggs White, a professor at Northern Illinois professor at Northern Illinois professor at Northern Illinois University, interviewed 422 University, interviewed 422 University, interviewed 422 women between the ages of 31 and 77 and women between the ages of 31 and 77 and women between the ages of 31 and 77 and examined how their friendships examined how their friendships examined how their friendships influenced life satisfaction.

influenced life satisfaction. influenced life satisfaction. They found that there were three main They found that there were three main They found that there were three main factors that were predictive of life factors that were predictive of life factors that were predictive of life satisfaction in midlife women, which I satisfaction in midlife women, which I satisfaction in midlife women, which I think it's nice to say 31 to 77 is think it's nice to say 31 to 77 is think it's nice to say 31 to 77 is midlife. That's pretty good. Anyway, midlife. That's pretty good. Anyway, midlife. That's pretty good. Anyway, here are the three. One, feeling younger here are the three. One, feeling younger here are the three. One, feeling younger than your chronological age. Yeah, I than your chronological age. Yeah, I than your chronological age. Yeah, I think that's true for men, too. Second, think that's true for men, too. Second, think that's true for men, too. Second, enjoying a sense of belonging. enjoying a sense of belonging. enjoying a sense of belonging. And third, being someone's best friend. And third, being someone's best friend. And third, being someone's best friend. Now, listen. Here's here here's what she Now, listen. Here's here here's what she Now, listen. Here's here here's what she says. Having a best friend doesn't says. Having a best friend doesn't says. Having a best friend doesn't contribute to life satisfaction, but contribute to life satisfaction, but contribute to life satisfaction, but being someone's best friend does. being someone's best friend does. being someone's best friend does. Do you see that? Do you understand that? Do you see that? Do you understand that? Do you see that? Do you understand that? It's all about being that friend. It's all about being that friend. It's all about being that friend. So, um, So, um, So, um, you know, you sometimes you have these you know, you sometimes you have these you know, you sometimes you have these God moments. is sort of weird crazy con God moments. is sort of weird crazy con God moments. is sort of weird crazy con uh um coincidences or or God winks. And uh um coincidences or or God winks. And uh um coincidences or or God winks. And this week it really happened to me. So this week it really happened to me. So this week it really happened to me. So I'm studying about Jonathan learning and I'm studying about Jonathan learning and I'm studying about Jonathan learning and trying to remember and I'm reading the trying to remember and I'm reading the trying to remember and I'm reading the Wall Street Journal as I always do and Wall Street Journal as I always do and Wall Street Journal as I always do and there's this article in there called the there's this article in there called the there's this article in there called the life of Jonathan.

life of Jonathan. life of Jonathan. And I'm thinking, woo, okay, I got to And I'm thinking, woo, okay, I got to And I'm thinking, woo, okay, I got to look at this. And here it is. It's about look at this. And here it is. It's about look at this. And here it is. It's about a man named Jonathan. a man named Jonathan. a man named Jonathan. It's not about this our biblical It's not about this our biblical It's not about this our biblical Jonathan. It's about a man. He's Jonathan. It's about a man. He's Jonathan. It's about a man. He's reflecting on the death of his brother reflecting on the death of his brother reflecting on the death of his brother who was named Jonathan at age 50. who was named Jonathan at age 50. who was named Jonathan at age 50. And um this man spoke at the memorial And um this man spoke at the memorial And um this man spoke at the memorial service. But he's talking about all of service. But he's talking about all of service. But he's talking about all of the people who showed up at his the people who showed up at his the people who showed up at his brother's memorial service. And here's brother's memorial service. And here's brother's memorial service. And here's what he writes. what he writes. what he writes. People interrupted their lives. They People interrupted their lives. They People interrupted their lives. They canceled meetings, changed plans, and canceled meetings, changed plans, and canceled meetings, changed plans, and drove hours for visits that lasted only drove hours for visits that lasted only drove hours for visits that lasted only minutes. Some boarded airplanes. One was minutes. Some boarded airplanes. One was minutes. Some boarded airplanes. One was a New York rabbi. When he learned that a New York rabbi. When he learned that a New York rabbi. When he learned that Jonathan had died, he dropped Jonathan had died, he dropped Jonathan had died, he dropped everything, flew to Israel, visited our everything, flew to Israel, visited our everything, flew to Israel, visited our family, went straight and then went family, went straight and then went family, went straight and then went straight home. A round trip across the straight home. A round trip across the straight home. A round trip across the Atlantic simply to be present. When I Atlantic simply to be present. When I Atlantic simply to be present. When I heard what he had done, I asked one of heard what he had done, I asked one of heard what he had done, I asked one of his colleagues, "Who would do such a his colleagues, "Who would do such a his colleagues, "Who would do such a thing?" He answered immediately, "Your thing?" He answered immediately, "Your thing?" He answered immediately, "Your brother would."

brother would." brother would." Jonathan had spent his life doing that, Jonathan had spent his life doing that, Jonathan had spent his life doing that, interrupting his plans for other interrupting his plans for other interrupting his plans for other people's lives. He celebrated their people's lives. He celebrated their people's lives. He celebrated their occasions, and appeared during their occasions, and appeared during their occasions, and appeared during their painful ones. He called to check in, painful ones. He called to check in, painful ones. He called to check in, remembered birthdays, and made people remembered birthdays, and made people remembered birthdays, and made people feel like they mattered. The people feel like they mattered. The people feel like they mattered. The people filling the morning house weren't merely filling the morning house weren't merely filling the morning house weren't merely responding to Jonathan's death. They responding to Jonathan's death. They responding to Jonathan's death. They were responding to Jonathan's life. were responding to Jonathan's life. were responding to Jonathan's life. A few weeks later, my wife put it A few weeks later, my wife put it A few weeks later, my wife put it succinctly. To have a village, you have succinctly. To have a village, you have succinctly. To have a village, you have to be a villager. to be a villager. to be a villager. I just love that picture. I just love that picture. I just love that picture. Friends, I want to encourage you to Friends, I want to encourage you to Friends, I want to encourage you to interrupt your life. Take the initiative interrupt your life. Take the initiative interrupt your life. Take the initiative to make a friend. to make a friend. to make a friend. Be willing to interrupt your life so Be willing to interrupt your life so Be willing to interrupt your life so that you might actually be a friend to that you might actually be a friend to that you might actually be a friend to someone else. someone else. someone else. And what you'll find is that it is an And what you'll find is that it is an And what you'll find is that it is an amazing, wonderful experience amazing, wonderful experience amazing, wonderful experience to be a friend to someone to be a friend to someone to be a friend to someone and to know what it is to love as Jesus and to know what it is to love as Jesus and to know what it is to love as Jesus loved.

loved. loved. Gracious and loving God, um Gracious and loving God, um Gracious and loving God, um we do thank you for those who have been we do thank you for those who have been we do thank you for those who have been friends to us friends to us friends to us and we we ask you to give us the and we we ask you to give us the and we we ask you to give us the courage, the initiative courage, the initiative courage, the initiative to reach out to others and make new to reach out to others and make new to reach out to others and make new friends friends friends and then God to be willing to be a and then God to be willing to be a and then God to be willing to be a friend to them friend to them friend to them as Jesus was a friend to us. as Jesus was a friend to us. as Jesus was a friend to us. In the name of Christ we pray. In the name of Christ we pray. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. I invite our ushers to come forward now I invite our ushers to come forward now I invite our ushers to come forward now as uh we uh present to God our morning as uh we uh present to God our morning as uh we uh present to God our morning offering. And um this is a way we offering. And um this is a way we offering. And um this is a way we support the ministries of St. Luke's, support the ministries of St. Luke's, support the ministries of St. Luke's, but it's also a way that we think every but it's also a way that we think every but it's also a way that we think every Sunday about what we have to offer to Sunday about what we have to offer to Sunday about what we have to offer to God. Let's continue in worship. [music]

[music] Beautiful, [music] [music] king [singing] king [singing] king [singing] of creation. Son [singing] Son [singing] of [music] of [music] of [music] God God God and Son and Son and Son of God. Truly [singing] Truly [singing] [music] I love thee. [music] I love thee. [music] I love thee. Truly [music] Truly [music] Truly [music] [singing] I serve thee. [singing] I serve thee. [singing] I serve thee. Light of [music] my soul, Light of [music] my soul, Light of [music] my soul, my joy, my joy, my joy, my my my Oh [music] Jesus is Jesus is Jesus is [music] pure Jesus is [music] pure Jesus is [music] pure [singing] [singing] [singing] sorrow.

sorrow. sorrow. and spit sing. and spit sing. and spit sing. He makes your [music] song There [music and singing] is the There [music and singing] is the sunshine. There [singing] is a [music] There [singing] is a [music] moonlight night moonlight night moonlight night bright [singing] bright [singing] bright [singing] [music] star star on on on [music] [music] Jesus [singing] Jesus [singing] shines brighter. shines brighter. shines brighter. Jesus [music and singing] Jesus [music and singing] Jesus [music and singing] shines pure than [music] all the [singing] angels than [music] all the [singing] angels in the [music] in the [music] in the [music] sky. [singing] Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. heat, heat, heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] >> Please be seated. >> Please be seated. Friends, my favorite time of the service Friends, my favorite time of the service Friends, my favorite time of the service is coming here and telling you that this is coming here and telling you that this is coming here and telling you that this table is open to everyone. Whether table is open to everyone. Whether table is open to everyone. Whether you're feeling far from Christ right you're feeling far from Christ right you're feeling far from Christ right now, far from God, or up close to him, now, far from God, or up close to him, now, far from God, or up close to him, or whether you feel worthy or not, you or whether you feel worthy or not, you or whether you feel worthy or not, you are welcome at Christ's table. [snorts] are welcome at Christ's table. [snorts] are welcome at Christ's table. [snorts] We take um uh if this is your first time We take um uh if this is your first time We take um uh if this is your first time here, we take communion by intinction, here, we take communion by intinction, here, we take communion by intinction, which means you will you will uh have an which means you will you will uh have an which means you will you will uh have an opportunity to come forward when usher opportunity to come forward when usher opportunity to come forward when usher lets you know and you just come forward lets you know and you just come forward lets you know and you just come forward with your hands open and we will place a with your hands open and we will place a with your hands open and we will place a wafer in your hand and then you take wafer in your hand and then you take wafer in your hand and then you take that wafer out of your hand, dip it in that wafer out of your hand, dip it in that wafer out of your hand, dip it in the cup and take it into your body. You

the cup and take it into your body. You the cup and take it into your body. You can pray at the uh kneelers afterwards can pray at the uh kneelers afterwards can pray at the uh kneelers afterwards or return to your seat and pray there. or return to your seat and pray there. or return to your seat and pray there. We have gluten-free elements available We have gluten-free elements available We have gluten-free elements available for you. If they you like those, just for you. If they you like those, just for you. If they you like those, just let your server know. And if you would let your server know. And if you would let your server know. And if you would like to be served where you are, uh just like to be served where you are, uh just like to be served where you are, uh just let an usher know and we will come and let an usher know and we will come and let an usher know and we will come and meet you where you are. And if you're meet you where you are. And if you're meet you where you are. And if you're joining us online, we'd love for you to joining us online, we'd love for you to joining us online, we'd love for you to join in this as well and grab some some join in this as well and grab some some join in this as well and grab some some juice and some bread or crackers. juice and some bread or crackers. juice and some bread or crackers. So friends, Christ our Lord invites to So friends, Christ our Lord invites to So friends, Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who his table all who love him, who his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek earnestly repent of their sin and seek earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. to live in peace with one another. to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before Therefore, let us confess our sin before Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another. God and one another. God and one another. Almighty and merciful God, we know that Almighty and merciful God, we know that Almighty and merciful God, we know that when we offend another, we offend you. when we offend another, we offend you. when we offend another, we offend you. We are aware that we have often allowed We are aware that we have often allowed We are aware that we have often allowed the shadow of hate to cloud our souls, the shadow of hate to cloud our souls, the shadow of hate to cloud our souls, hiding the light from our unseeeking hiding the light from our unseeeking hiding the light from our unseeeking eyes. We have said unpleasant and eyes. We have said unpleasant and eyes. We have said unpleasant and hurtful things to our brothers and hurtful things to our brothers and hurtful things to our brothers and sisters when they have failed to live up sisters when they have failed to live up sisters when they have failed to live up to our expectations.

to our expectations. to our expectations. Grant that we might find that spark of Grant that we might find that spark of Grant that we might find that spark of love that ever burns within us. The love love that ever burns within us. The love love that ever burns within us. The love that you have shown to us even when we that you have shown to us even when we that you have shown to us even when we failed you. Fan the embers of that love failed you. Fan the embers of that love failed you. Fan the embers of that love until it roars again in flames of love, until it roars again in flames of love, until it roars again in flames of love, peace, and reconciliation. peace, and reconciliation. peace, and reconciliation. Forgive us our sin and help us to Forgive us our sin and help us to Forgive us our sin and help us to forgive those who have sinned against forgive those who have sinned against forgive those who have sinned against us. lead us into the new life through us. lead us into the new life through us. lead us into the new life through your son Jesus Christ who died for the your son Jesus Christ who died for the your son Jesus Christ who died for the sins of all. Amen. sins of all. Amen. sins of all. Amen. Hear the good news. Christ died while we Hear the good news. Christ died while we Hear the good news. Christ died while we were yet sinners. That proves God's love were yet sinners. That proves God's love were yet sinners. That proves God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. In the name of Jesus you are forgiven. In the name of Jesus you are forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Glory to God. Christ, you are forgiven. Glory to God. Christ, you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen. The Lord be with you. Amen. The Lord be with you. Amen. The Lord be with you. >> And also with you. Lift up your hearts. >> And also with you. Lift up your hearts. >> And also with you. Lift up your hearts. >> Lift them up to the Lord. >> Lift them up to the Lord. >> Lift them up to the Lord. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

>> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> It is right. >> It is right. >> It is right. >> It is right and a good and joyful thing >> It is right and a good and joyful thing >> It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to always and everywhere to give thanks to always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And so with your people on and earth. And so with your people on and earth. And so with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we earth and all the company of heaven, we earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending praise your name and join their unending praise your name and join their unending hymn. Holy, [music] holy, holy Lord God of Holy, [music] holy, holy Lord God of power and might [music] [music] are full of glory. are full of glory. are full of glory. Hosana Hosana Hosana in the highest. in the highest. in the highest. Blessed is he who [music] comes in the Blessed is he who [music] comes in the Blessed is he who [music] comes in the name of the Lord. name of the Lord. name of the Lord. [music] On the night in which Jesus gave himself On the night in which Jesus gave himself up for us, he was having dinner with his up for us, he was having dinner with his up for us, he was having dinner with his disciples disciples disciples and he took the bread. He gave thanks to and he took the bread. He gave thanks to and he took the bread. He gave thanks to God. He broke the bread, giving it to God. He broke the bread, giving it to God. He broke the bread, giving it to his disciples and saying, "This is my his disciples and saying, "This is my his disciples and saying, "This is my body given for you. Do this in body given for you. Do this in body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And when the meal remembrance of me." And when the meal remembrance of me." And when the meal was over, Jesus took the cup. He gave was over, Jesus took the cup. He gave was over, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks to God. And he said to his thanks to God. And he said to his thanks to God. And he said to his disciples, "Take and drink from this, disciples, "Take and drink from this, disciples, "Take and drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the new

all of you. This is my blood of the new all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant poured out for you and for many covenant poured out for you and for many covenant poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of often as you drink it in remembrance of often as you drink it in remembrance of me. me. me. And so in remembrance of these your And so in remembrance of these your And so in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice in union a holy and living sacrifice in union a holy and living sacrifice in union with Christ's offering for us as we with Christ's offering for us as we with Christ's offering for us as we proclaim the mystery of faith. Christ [music] has Christ [music] has Christ. Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here and on these gifts on us gathered here and on these gifts on us gathered here and on these gifts of bread and cup. Make them be for us of bread and cup. Make them be for us of bread and cup. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ that we may the body and blood of Christ that we may the body and blood of Christ that we may be for the world the body of Christ be for the world the body of Christ be for the world the body of Christ redeemed by his blood. by your spirit redeemed by his blood. by your spirit redeemed by his blood. by your spirit make us one with Christ, one with each make us one with Christ, one with each make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the other, and one in ministry to all the other, and one in ministry to all the world until Christ comes in final world until Christ comes in final world until Christ comes in final victory. And we feast at his heavenly victory. And we feast at his heavenly victory. And we feast at his heavenly banquet through your son Jesus Christ banquet through your son Jesus Christ banquet through your son Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit in your holy with the Holy Spirit in your holy with the Holy Spirit in your holy church. All honor and glory is yours church. All honor and glory is yours church. All honor and glory is yours almighty father now and forever.

>> And now with the confidence of children >> And now with the confidence of children of God, let us say together the prayer of God, let us say together the prayer of God, let us say together the prayer you taught your disciples to pray, you taught your disciples to pray, you taught your disciples to pray, saying, "Our Father, who art in heaven, saying, "Our Father, who art in heaven, saying, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in thy will be done on earth as it is in thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily heaven. Give us this day our daily heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as bread. And forgive us our trespasses as bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against we forgive those who trespass against we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but us. And lead us not into temptation, but us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. forever. Amen. forever. Amen. Friends, our uh hymn of preparation is Friends, our uh hymn of preparation is Friends, our uh hymn of preparation is number 526 in your himnil. It's what a number 526 in your himnil. It's what a number 526 in your himnil. It's what a friend we have in Jesus. Would you friend we have in Jesus. Would you friend we have in Jesus. Would you please stand as you're able and join as please stand as you're able and join as please stand as you're able and join as we sing?

in in >> [music] [music] [music] to [music] join. [music] join. ations [music] [music] anywhere. take [music] take [music] it to the Lord in prayer. Jesus [music and singing] Jesus [music and singing] every [music]

[music] for for for me. me. me. Take [music] it to the Lord in praying >> Come [music] us to the >> Come [music] us to the priest.

Holy Jesus [music] Holy Jesus [music] Christ. Not Not to [music] to [music] to [music] suffice [music] [music] and take Jesus and take Jesus and take Jesus from me. [music] Come and partake in the cross [music] Come and partake in the cross [music] for peace. for peace. for peace. We sing and sing [music] We sing and sing [music] We sing and sing [music] Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. is the goodness is the goodness is the goodness of our [music] Lord.

of our [music] Lord. of our [music] Lord. I need it I need it I need it and bring [music] it down. >> [music] >> [music] >> Set >> Set >> Set before your eyes and praise and praise every [music] Come to the [music] east Come to the [music] east and sing. and sing. and sing. Lord Jesus [music] >> Let's pray the prayer after communion.

>> Let's pray the prayer after communion. found in your bulletin. found in your bulletin. found in your bulletin. Gracious God, we thank you that in this Gracious God, we thank you that in this Gracious God, we thank you that in this sacrament you assure us of your goodness sacrament you assure us of your goodness sacrament you assure us of your goodness and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and love. Accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and help us to grow in and thanksgiving and help us to grow in and thanksgiving and help us to grow in love and obedience that we may serve you love and obedience that we may serve you love and obedience that we may serve you in the world and finally be brought to in the world and finally be brought to in the world and finally be brought to that table where all your saints feast that table where all your saints feast that table where all your saints feast with you forever. with you forever. with you forever. Father, we offer ourselves to you as a Father, we offer ourselves to you as a Father, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice through Jesus Christ living sacrifice through Jesus Christ living sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Lord. Send us out in the power of our Lord. Send us out in the power of our Lord. Send us out in the power of your spirit to live and work for your your spirit to live and work for your your spirit to live and work for your praise and glory. Amen. praise and glory. Amen. praise and glory. Amen. Our hymn of commitment is number 557. Our hymn of commitment is number 557. Our hymn of commitment is number 557. Blessed be the tide that binds. Let's Blessed be the tide that binds. Let's Blessed be the tide that binds. Let's stand as we sing. are are in prison, in prison, in prison, Oh [music] Oh [music] Oh [music] sh [music] our

[music] our prayers prayers prayers our fears [music] are our fears [music] are our fears [music] are our names The Lord [singing] our God our names The Lord [singing] our God our names The Lord [singing] our God and [music] and [music] and [music] our singing. singing. [music] [music] [music] my friends. If if you're on social media at friends. If if you're on social media at all, if you have Instagram or Facebook all, if you have Instagram or Facebook all, if you have Instagram or Facebook or Tik Tok, there's these little videos or Tik Tok, there's these little videos or Tik Tok, there's these little videos uh you can watch. Some of them are uh you can watch. Some of them are uh you can watch. Some of them are terrible, some are funny, some are terrible, some are funny, some are terrible, some are funny, some are incredibly inspiring. And I Tom Surman incredibly inspiring. And I Tom Surman incredibly inspiring. And I Tom Surman brought to mind this one of a little brought to mind this one of a little brought to mind this one of a little girl about four or five. She's sitting girl about four or five. She's sitting girl about four or five. She's sitting at the end of her driveway and another at the end of her driveway and another at the end of her driveway and another little girl on her bicycle with training little girl on her bicycle with training little girl on her bicycle with training wheels is is riding by and she's just

wheels is is riding by and she's just wheels is is riding by and she's just anticip you anticipating her coming and anticip you anticipating her coming and anticip you anticipating her coming and she says as the girl's riding by will she says as the girl's riding by will she says as the girl's riding by will you be my friend and she the the other you be my friend and she the the other you be my friend and she the the other girl goes she didn't slow down or girl goes she didn't slow down or girl goes she didn't slow down or anything she just kept going and then anything she just kept going and then anything she just kept going and then the little girl turns around waves to the little girl turns around waves to the little girl turns around waves to her mother and says bye and then takes her mother and says bye and then takes her mother and says bye and then takes off running. So hear this. Today is a off running. So hear this. Today is a off running. So hear this. Today is a day to live and love like Jesus and with day to live and love like Jesus and with day to live and love like Jesus and with the confidence of children. Seek a the confidence of children. Seek a the confidence of children. Seek a friend, be a friend. friend, be a friend. friend, be a friend. So may the God of hope fill you with all So may the God of hope fill you with all So may the God of hope fill you with all the peace and joy and believing so that the peace and joy and believing so that the peace and joy and believing so that you may abound in hope by the power of you may abound in hope by the power of you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the name of the the Holy Spirit. In the name of the the Holy Spirit. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Go. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. >> Heat.

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

Heat. [music]