Traditional | 9:45 a.m. | 08.23.2026

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

[music] [music] >> You may be seated. >> You may be seated. >> You may be seated. Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated in God's mighty acts of are incorporated in God's mighty acts of are incorporated in God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through salvation and given new birth through salvation and given new birth through water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is God's gift offered to us without price. God's gift offered to us without price. God's gift offered to us without price. And we present this morning for holy And we present this morning for holy And we present this morning for holy baptism Thomas Michael Sharp, son of baptism Thomas Michael Sharp, son of baptism Thomas Michael Sharp, son of Michael Alexander Sharp and Caitlyn Michael Alexander Sharp and Caitlyn Michael Alexander Sharp and Caitlyn Elizabeth Sharp. Elizabeth Sharp. Elizabeth Sharp. Parents, in presenting for baptism, do Parents, in presenting for baptism, do Parents, in presenting for baptism, do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? you confess Jesus Christ as your savior? Put your whole trust in his grace and Put your whole trust in his grace and Put your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve him as your Lord in promise to serve him as your Lord in promise to serve him as your Lord in union with the church which Christ has union with the church which Christ has union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, opened to people of all ages, nations, opened to people of all ages, nations, and races. If so, say, "We do." and races. If so, say, "We do." and races. If so, say, "We do." >> We do. >> We do. >> We do. >> Wonderful. And will you nurture Thomas >> Wonderful. And will you nurture Thomas >> Wonderful. And will you nurture Thomas in Christ's holy church that by your in Christ's holy church that by your in Christ's holy church that by your teachings and example, he may be guided teachings and example, he may be guided teachings and example, he may be guided to accept God's grace for himself, to to accept God's grace for himself, to to accept God's grace for himself, to profess his faith openly, and to lead a profess his faith openly, and to lead a profess his faith openly, and to lead a Christian life? If you do say we will.

>> Wow. Look at that hair. It is beautiful. >> Wow. Look at that hair. It is beautiful. Wow. Wow. Wow. What name is given this child? What name is given this child? What name is given this child? >> Thomas Michael. Thomas Michael, I baptize you in the Thomas Michael, I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son name of the Father and the Son name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. and the Holy Spirit. and the Holy Spirit. Pray God's richest blessings on you all Pray God's richest blessings on you all Pray God's richest blessings on you all the days of your life. the days of your life. the days of your life. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. [laughter] >> Thomas Michael, this is your new >> Thomas Michael, this is your new Christian family. your mothers, fathers, Christian family. your mothers, fathers, Christian family. your mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers in the faith. This is sisters, brothers in the faith. This is sisters, brothers in the faith. This is our new son. Would you welcome him into our new son. Would you welcome him into our new son. Would you welcome him into our family? Y beloved of the household of faith, I beloved of the household of faith, I commend to your love and care Thomas, commend to your love and care Thomas, commend to your love and care Thomas, whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that he may grow in his so to live that he may grow in his so to live that he may grow in his knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father through our Savior Jesus Christ?

through our Savior Jesus Christ? through our Savior Jesus Christ? With God's help, we will proclaim the With God's help, we will proclaim the With God's help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the good news and live according to the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround this example of Christ. We will surround this example of Christ. We will surround this child with a community of love and child with a community of love and child with a community of love and forgiveness that he may grow in his forgiveness that he may grow in his forgiveness that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him service to others. We will pray for him service to others. We will pray for him that he may be a true disciple who walks that he may be a true disciple who walks that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life eternal. in the way that leads to life eternal. in the way that leads to life eternal. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. >> Gracious and loving God, um we know that >> Gracious and loving God, um we know that >> Gracious and loving God, um we know that your prevenient grace, that grace that your prevenient grace, that grace that your prevenient grace, that grace that precedes any human response has been precedes any human response has been precedes any human response has been poured into Thomas Michael's life since poured into Thomas Michael's life since poured into Thomas Michael's life since the moment you created him. Now that we the moment you created him. Now that we the moment you created him. Now that we have marked him as belonging to this have marked him as belonging to this have marked him as belonging to this community of faith and sealed him as community of faith and sealed him as community of faith and sealed him as belonging to you, we pray that you would belonging to you, we pray that you would belonging to you, we pray that you would continue to pour your grace into his continue to pour your grace into his continue to pour your grace into his life. God, draw him into a relationship life. God, draw him into a relationship life. God, draw him into a relationship of love with you. And when he turns of love with you. And when he turns of love with you. And when he turns away, as all of us are prone to do, we away, as all of us are prone to do, we away, as all of us are prone to do, we pray that you would pursue him and with pray that you would pursue him and with pray that you would pursue him and with that same love, draw him right back to that same love, draw him right back to that same love, draw him right back to you again. And when he turns back to you again. And when he turns back to you again. And when he turns back to you, we thank you that you will welcome you, we thank you that you will welcome you, we thank you that you will welcome him and all of us home with open and him and all of us home with open and him and all of us home with open and loving arms. God, be with these parents loving arms. God, be with these parents loving arms. God, be with these parents and this extended family, be with us as and this extended family, be with us as and this extended family, be with us as a church family that we might live out a church family that we might live out a church family that we might live out our faith in front of Thomas that as he our faith in front of Thomas that as he our faith in front of Thomas that as he is shaped and formed by this community.

is shaped and formed by this community. is shaped and formed by this community. He cannot help but see in the very way He cannot help but see in the very way He cannot help but see in the very way we live what kind of God you are. an we live what kind of God you are. an we live what kind of God you are. an amazing God and a forgiving God and a amazing God and a forgiving God and a amazing God and a forgiving God and a God who changes lives. In the name of God who changes lives. In the name of God who changes lives. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen. Christ, we pray. Amen. Christ, we pray. Amen. [clears throat] Very good. We'll see you [clears throat] Very good. We'll see you [clears throat] Very good. We'll see you later, Thomas. later, Thomas. later, Thomas. Take care. [clears throat] Take care. [clears throat] Take care. [clears throat] Well, while our uh baptism family Well, while our uh baptism family Well, while our uh baptism family returns to their seats, this is my returns to their seats, this is my returns to their seats, this is my opportunity to welcome you to St. opportunity to welcome you to St. opportunity to welcome you to St. Luke's. I'm so glad you're here and Luke's. I'm so glad you're here and Luke's. I'm so glad you're here and worshiping with us today. Welcome to worshiping with us today. Welcome to worshiping with us today. Welcome to those you of you who are worshiping with those you of you who are worshiping with those you of you who are worshiping with us on live stream as well. We're us on live stream as well. We're us on live stream as well. We're thrilled that you're here. [snorts] Um thrilled that you're here. [snorts] Um thrilled that you're here. [snorts] Um if you're here in the sanctuary after if you're here in the sanctuary after if you're here in the sanctuary after the service, come right out here to the the service, come right out here to the the service, come right out here to the gathering room. You go down this hallway gathering room. You go down this hallway gathering room. You go down this hallway right here and uh we have little right here and uh we have little right here and uh we have little cinnamon rolls today. Yum. And uh some cinnamon rolls today. Yum. And uh some cinnamon rolls today. Yum. And uh some coffee and lemonade and and um just coffee and lemonade and and um just coffee and lemonade and and um just [snorts] an opportunity to be in [snorts] an opportunity to be in [snorts] an opportunity to be in fellowship. Is there somebody maybe that fellowship. Is there somebody maybe that fellowship. Is there somebody maybe that you haven't talked to in a while? Maybe you haven't talked to in a while? Maybe you haven't talked to in a while? Maybe there's somebody you've always wondered there's somebody you've always wondered there's somebody you've always wondered who is that person. I want to meet them.

who is that person. I want to meet them. who is that person. I want to meet them. And I hope you'll take it make an effort And I hope you'll take it make an effort And I hope you'll take it make an effort to uh to come out and be a part of that. to uh to come out and be a part of that. to uh to come out and be a part of that. If I haven't had the chance to meet you, If I haven't had the chance to meet you, If I haven't had the chance to meet you, I would love to to do that and see if I would love to to do that and see if I would love to to do that and see if there's something I can be um praying there's something I can be um praying there's something I can be um praying about in your life or maybe answer a about in your life or maybe answer a about in your life or maybe answer a question that you have uh about St. question that you have uh about St. question that you have uh about St. Luke's. I do uh invite you to register Luke's. I do uh invite you to register Luke's. I do uh invite you to register your attendance. Let us know that you're your attendance. Let us know that you're your attendance. Let us know that you're here. You can use St. Luke's app to do here. You can use St. Luke's app to do here. You can use St. Luke's app to do that. You can um if you're in the that. You can um if you're in the that. You can um if you're in the sanctuary, there's a card in your pew sanctuary, there's a card in your pew sanctuary, there's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome. You can put pocket that says welcome. You can put pocket that says welcome. You can put your contact information on that and your contact information on that and your contact information on that and drop it in the offering plate later in drop it in the offering plate later in drop it in the offering plate later in the service. Or if you're on our uh the service. Or if you're on our uh the service. Or if you're on our uh website platform uh live stream, there's website platform uh live stream, there's website platform uh live stream, there's a little tab that says check in and uh a little tab that says check in and uh a little tab that says check in and uh you can do that that way. [snorts] Your you can do that that way. [snorts] Your you can do that that way. [snorts] Your bulletin is full of some wonderful bulletin is full of some wonderful bulletin is full of some wonderful announcements. I just want to lift up a announcements. I just want to lift up a announcements. I just want to lift up a few of them. Um [snorts] few of them. Um [snorts] few of them. Um [snorts] uh the uh first one that I uh want to uh the uh first one that I uh want to uh the uh first one that I uh want to mention is um we we distributed last mention is um we we distributed last mention is um we we distributed last week something called the fall guide and week something called the fall guide and week something called the fall guide and you can pick up those. It's a just a a you can pick up those. It's a just a a you can pick up those. It's a just a a little catalog of sorts of about some of little catalog of sorts of about some of little catalog of sorts of about some of the opportunities here at St. Luke's the opportunities here at St. Luke's the opportunities here at St. Luke's throughout the fall. But next Sunday throughout the fall. But next Sunday throughout the fall. But next Sunday after our 11:00 worship service at about after our 11:00 worship service at about after our 11:00 worship service at about 12:15, we're going to do something 12:15, we're going to do something 12:15, we're going to do something called Fall Guide Live. Here's one of called Fall Guide Live. Here's one of called Fall Guide Live. Here's one of the problems, the challenges we have the problems, the challenges we have the problems, the challenges we have here at St. Luke's. We have so many here at St. Luke's. We have so many here at St. Luke's. We have so many things that are going on and sometimes things that are going on and sometimes things that are going on and sometimes it feels like you're um reading the menu it feels like you're um reading the menu it feels like you're um reading the menu at um Cheesecake Factory and it's, you

at um Cheesecake Factory and it's, you at um Cheesecake Factory and it's, you know, 20 pages long and you're like, I I know, 20 pages long and you're like, I I know, 20 pages long and you're like, I I don't know. I just uh I don't know. Um, don't know. I just uh I don't know. Um, don't know. I just uh I don't know. Um, and so this is an opportunity for you to and so this is an opportunity for you to and so this is an opportunity for you to come and find out uh just what might be come and find out uh just what might be come and find out uh just what might be something that's really right for you. something that's really right for you. something that's really right for you. Uh, we we challenge all of us, everyone Uh, we we challenge all of us, everyone Uh, we we challenge all of us, everyone in the congregation to have a plus one. in the congregation to have a plus one. in the congregation to have a plus one. And what we mean by that is not another And what we mean by that is not another And what we mean by that is not another person next to us, but an activity, a person next to us, but an activity, a person next to us, but an activity, a ministry that beyond worship. So, I'm ministry that beyond worship. So, I'm ministry that beyond worship. So, I'm I'm I I'll be in worship, but I'd also I'm I I'll be in worship, but I'd also I'm I I'll be in worship, but I'd also want to challenge you to have a plus want to challenge you to have a plus want to challenge you to have a plus one, something else, someplace you can one, something else, someplace you can one, something else, someplace you can meet people, build relationships, be a meet people, build relationships, be a meet people, build relationships, be a part of the work that's going on. And part of the work that's going on. And part of the work that's going on. And and uh the the um fall guide live will and uh the the um fall guide live will and uh the the um fall guide live will be a way that you can do that. So, I be a way that you can do that. So, I be a way that you can do that. So, I want to encourage you to think about want to encourage you to think about want to encourage you to think about maybe that speaks to you whether you're maybe that speaks to you whether you're maybe that speaks to you whether you're new here or whether you've been here for new here or whether you've been here for new here or whether you've been here for 20 years. Um it might help. Uh second, I 20 years. Um it might help. Uh second, I 20 years. Um it might help. Uh second, I I I do want to uh lift up the the new uh I I do want to uh lift up the the new uh I I do want to uh lift up the the new uh class, a group study called Woven. Woven class, a group study called Woven. Woven class, a group study called Woven. Woven [clears throat] is a book by Meredith [clears throat] is a book by Meredith [clears throat] is a book by Meredith Miller that talks about how we can help Miller that talks about how we can help Miller that talks about how we can help children come up come to their own children come up come to their own children come up come to their own faith. So not not the kind of faith that faith. So not not the kind of faith that faith. So not not the kind of faith that says this is what you're supposed to says this is what you're supposed to says this is what you're supposed to believe. We're we're teaching you what believe. We're we're teaching you what believe. We're we're teaching you what to believe, but rather helping them to believe, but rather helping them to believe, but rather helping them discover what they believe themselves.

discover what they believe themselves. discover what they believe themselves. help helping them to come to know a God help helping them to come to know a God help helping them to come to know a God that that they can trust. And what we that that they can trust. And what we that that they can trust. And what we what all the research shows is that's what all the research shows is that's what all the research shows is that's what leads to a resilient faith. Um a what leads to a resilient faith. Um a what leads to a resilient faith. Um a faith that will last them a lifetime, faith that will last them a lifetime, faith that will last them a lifetime, which is our children's ministries's which is our children's ministries's which is our children's ministries's mission statement. [cough] mission statement. [cough] mission statement. [cough] [clears throat] So, um Meredith Miller [clears throat] So, um Meredith Miller [clears throat] So, um Meredith Miller will be with us in October to speak, but will be with us in October to speak, but will be with us in October to speak, but we'd love for you to help us study the we'd love for you to help us study the we'd love for you to help us study the book for to study the book with us. and book for to study the book with us. and book for to study the book with us. and some of our groups, our existing groups some of our groups, our existing groups some of our groups, our existing groups are doing it, but you can also sign up are doing it, but you can also sign up are doing it, but you can also sign up for a parent group online. I'm going to for a parent group online. I'm going to for a parent group online. I'm going to lead a grandparent group because our lead a grandparent group because our lead a grandparent group because our role is just a little different than it role is just a little different than it role is just a little different than it is if you are a parent. Um, but it's is if you are a parent. Um, but it's is if you are a parent. Um, but it's going to be a wonderful opportunity for going to be a wonderful opportunity for going to be a wonderful opportunity for us to do that to to study that together us to do that to to study that together us to do that to to study that together um this fall. I also want to lift up the um this fall. I also want to lift up the um this fall. I also want to lift up the um Wednesday night fellowship at our um Wednesday night fellowship at our um Wednesday night fellowship at our Gethsemane campus. Uh every Wednesday Gethsemane campus. Uh every Wednesday Gethsemane campus. Uh every Wednesday night we serve uh dinner to uh hundred night we serve uh dinner to uh hundred night we serve uh dinner to uh hundred folks plus. Uh many of them are students folks plus. Uh many of them are students folks plus. Uh many of them are students from our our um the garden youth center, from our our um the garden youth center, from our our um the garden youth center, but but they're also people from the but but they're also people from the but but they're also people from the neighborhood and the community and we'd neighborhood and the community and we'd neighborhood and the community and we'd love to have you come help set up from 5 love to have you come help set up from 5 love to have you come help set up from 5 to 6 or help serve from 6:00 to 7:00. Um to 6 or help serve from 6:00 to 7:00. Um to 6 or help serve from 6:00 to 7:00. Um I think I did that right. Yeah. And from I think I did that right. Yeah. And from I think I did that right. Yeah. And from 6:00 to 7:00. um or just to come and and 6:00 to 7:00. um or just to come and and 6:00 to 7:00. um or just to come and and sit around at the tables and visit with sit around at the tables and visit with sit around at the tables and visit with people because uh it really you'll people because uh it really you'll people because uh it really you'll experience the kingdom of God in a experience the kingdom of God in a experience the kingdom of God in a different way uh at Wednesday night different way uh at Wednesday night different way uh at Wednesday night fellowship. You'll just see uh some of fellowship. You'll just see uh some of fellowship. You'll just see uh some of the neat things that God's doing on our the neat things that God's doing on our the neat things that God's doing on our Gethsemane campus and just maybe meet

Gethsemane campus and just maybe meet Gethsemane campus and just maybe meet somebody that you wouldn't have met somebody that you wouldn't have met somebody that you wouldn't have met otherwise. Think about uh that as an otherwise. Think about uh that as an otherwise. Think about uh that as an opportunity. Finally, uh our ministry opportunity. Finally, uh our ministry opportunity. Finally, uh our ministry spotlight table today um lifts up the spotlight table today um lifts up the spotlight table today um lifts up the ministry, our uh music and fine arts ministry, our uh music and fine arts ministry, our uh music and fine arts ministry. Um there's opportunities for ministry. Um there's opportunities for ministry. Um there's opportunities for you to participate in that in in dozens you to participate in that in in dozens you to participate in that in in dozens of different ways, whether it's singing of different ways, whether it's singing of different ways, whether it's singing in a choir or supporting our ministries in a choir or supporting our ministries in a choir or supporting our ministries in other ways. Stop by the ministry in other ways. Stop by the ministry in other ways. Stop by the ministry spotlight table on your way out and find spotlight table on your way out and find spotlight table on your way out and find out more about what's going on with out more about what's going on with out more about what's going on with music and fine arts. Okay. Um we are uh music and fine arts. Okay. Um we are uh music and fine arts. Okay. Um we are uh continuing our our series on faith continuing our our series on faith continuing our our series on faith supplements and today we're going to be supplements and today we're going to be supplements and today we're going to be talking about the power of friendship talking about the power of friendship talking about the power of friendship and um what a difference that makes. and um what a difference that makes. and um what a difference that makes. Listen now as we hear our scripture read Listen now as we hear our scripture read Listen now as we hear our scripture read this morning. this morning. this morning. >> Our first scripture is from 1 Samuel. >> Our first scripture is from 1 Samuel. >> Our first scripture is from 1 Samuel. 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 David that day and would not Saul took David that day and would not Saul took David that day and would not let him return to his father's house.

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

There [music] is [singing] There [music] is [singing] a place of quiet to the heart of God. [singing and music] to the heart of God. [singing and music] A place near [music] to the heart of God. near [music] to the heart of God. [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh Jesus, [music] Oh Jesus, [music] Oh Jesus, [music] bless [singing] within bless [singing] within bless [singing] within us us us [music] from the heart of God. [music] from the heart of God. [music] from the heart of God. Oh [singing] God, [music] [singing] [singing] to the [music] heart of God. Let us pray. Let us pray. Loving Jesus, Loving Jesus, Loving Jesus, we were wired for community. You modeled we were wired for community. You modeled we were wired for community. You modeled throughout your life how to live in throughout your life how to live in throughout your life how to live in community, what it truly looked like to community, what it truly looked like to community, what it truly looked like to be a friend.

be a friend. be a friend. You were kind, selfless, honest, and You were kind, selfless, honest, and You were kind, selfless, honest, and sacrificial. sacrificial. sacrificial. You forgave quickly and walked with You forgave quickly and walked with You forgave quickly and walked with others through their own brokenness. others through their own brokenness. others through their own brokenness. When you were rejected in your hometown, When you were rejected in your hometown, When you were rejected in your hometown, when the people around you doubted you, when the people around you doubted you, when the people around you doubted you, when your friends betrayed you, you when your friends betrayed you, you when your friends betrayed you, you remained their friend. remained their friend. remained their friend. Help us to be more like you, that we Help us to be more like you, that we Help us to be more like you, that we might be the friend that you call us to might be the friend that you call us to might be the friend that you call us to be rather than the friend that others be rather than the friend that others be rather than the friend that others deserve. deserve. deserve. When we doubt your friendship with us, When we doubt your friendship with us, When we doubt your friendship with us, when it feels like things aren't going when it feels like things aren't going when it feels like things aren't going our way, when we are struggling and our way, when we are struggling and our way, when we are struggling and feeling lonely, feeling lonely, feeling lonely, help us to remember your steadfastness. help us to remember your steadfastness. help us to remember your steadfastness. You will never betray nor desert us. You will never betray nor desert us. You will never betray nor desert us. You give and give knowing that we can't You give and give knowing that we can't You give and give knowing that we can't reciprocate fully your kindness or reciprocate fully your kindness or reciprocate fully your kindness or generosity.

generosity. generosity. We are simply thankful for your We are simply thankful for your We are simply thankful for your friendship. friendship. friendship. We offer this prayer in your name. We offer this prayer in your name. We offer this prayer in your name. As you taught your friends to pray, so As you taught your friends to pray, so As you taught your friends to pray, so we pray together. Our Father, who art in we pray together. Our Father, who art in we pray together. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. power and the glory forever. Amen. I'd like to invite our ushers to come I'd like to invite our ushers to come I'd like to invite our ushers to come forward to receive our gifts and our forward to receive our gifts and our forward to receive our gifts and our tithes and our offering.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Savior. Savior, Savior. Savior, king [music] king [music] king [music] of creation, [singing] son [music] of God son [music] of God and son

and son and son of [music and singing] of [music and singing] of [music and singing] man. man. man. Truly [singing] Truly [singing] Truly [singing] I love thee. [music] Truly I love thee. [music] Truly I love thee. [music] Truly I serve thee. I serve thee. I serve thee. Light Light Light of [music] my soul, of [music] my soul, of [music] my soul, my joy, my God. my joy, my God. my joy, my God. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> pro. [singing] [music] [music] Jesus is fair. Jesus is fair. Jesus is fair. Jesus is pure. He makes our [music] Jesus is pure. He makes our [music] Jesus is pure. He makes our [music] sorrowing sorrowing sorrowing sing. [singing] sing. [singing] sing. [singing] He makes our [music] song.

There [singing] There [singing] is the [music] sunshine. is the [music] sunshine. is the [music] sunshine. There is the moonlight. [music] There is the moonlight. [music] There is the moonlight. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] star. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Jesus >> Jesus >> Jesus shines brighter. [music] shines brighter. [music] shines brighter. [music] Jesus [singing] Jesus [singing] Jesus [singing] shines pure shines pure shines pure [music] than [music] than [music] than all the [singing] angels all the [singing] angels all the [singing] angels [music] in the sky. [music] in the sky. [music] in the sky. [music] >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Oh God, open us up today. Open eyes that

Oh God, open us up today. Open eyes that we might see and ears that we might we might see and ears that we might we might see and ears that we might hear. hear. hear. Open hearts, God, that we might feel. Open hearts, God, that we might feel. Open hearts, God, that we might feel. And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that And then, oh Lord, open our hands that we might give and serve and love. we might give and serve and love. we might give and serve and love. Amen. [clears throat] Amen. [clears throat] Amen. [clears throat] Had a good friend in uh seminary. Uh his Had a good friend in uh seminary. Uh his Had a good friend in uh seminary. Uh his name is Paul Led Better. He uh Paul and name is Paul Led Better. He uh Paul and name is Paul Led Better. He uh Paul and his wife Debbie were good friends with D his wife Debbie were good friends with D his wife Debbie were good friends with D and my wife, my wife D and me. And there and my wife, my wife D and me. And there and my wife, my wife D and me. And there was another couple involved as this was another couple involved as this was another couple involved as this little three couples together. We we little three couples together. We we little three couples together. We we were all in the same seminary classes were all in the same seminary classes were all in the same seminary classes and we we were in study group together and we we were in study group together and we we were in study group together and we um we went out together and had and we um we went out together and had and we um we went out together and had had fun together. We were just none of had fun together. We were just none of had fun together. We were just none of us had kids yet. It was just this us had kids yet. It was just this us had kids yet. It was just this wonderful um group of friends that were wonderful um group of friends that were wonderful um group of friends that were there. So when we reached the uh end of there. So when we reached the uh end of there. So when we reached the uh end of the four years in seminary uh a couple the four years in seminary uh a couple the four years in seminary uh a couple of things happened. One is my wife and I of things happened. One is my wife and I of things happened. One is my wife and I were expecting our first child. And the were expecting our first child. And the were expecting our first child. And the second is that my friend Paul decided he second is that my friend Paul decided he second is that my friend Paul decided he didn't want to um pursue ministry. He didn't want to um pursue ministry. He didn't want to um pursue ministry. He would rather be an attorney. And so he would rather be an attorney. And so he would rather be an attorney. And so he was off to law school. [snorts] Well, was off to law school. [snorts] Well, was off to law school. [snorts] Well, when our first child was to be born, we when our first child was to be born, we when our first child was to be born, we decided we needed a will. And so, uh, we decided we needed a will. And so, uh, we decided we needed a will. And so, uh, we had a will made. And we figured the best had a will made. And we figured the best had a will made. And we figured the best person to be the executive of our, um, person to be the executive of our, um, person to be the executive of our, um, estate or our will was Paul Led Better.

estate or our will was Paul Led Better. estate or our will was Paul Led Better. he was going to be an attorney after he was going to be an attorney after he was going to be an attorney after all. And so we put him down and um all. And so we put him down and um all. And so we put him down and um graduated from seminary. Um we came to graduated from seminary. Um we came to graduated from seminary. Um we came to Houston and he went off to law school Houston and he went off to law school Houston and he went off to law school and we never talked again. and we never talked again. and we never talked again. We lost touch We lost touch We lost touch as if it happened to us rather than us as if it happened to us rather than us as if it happened to us rather than us neglecting the relationship. neglecting the relationship. neglecting the relationship. Here's what's really kind of funny about Here's what's really kind of funny about Here's what's really kind of funny about it is that um D and I never redid our it is that um D and I never redid our it is that um D and I never redid our will until last year. will until last year. will until last year. So, should anything have happened to us So, should anything have happened to us So, should anything have happened to us along the way uh 20 years after, he along the way uh 20 years after, he along the way uh 20 years after, he would have said, "What? I am the I don't would have said, "What? I am the I don't would have said, "What? I am the I don't even know this person." And here's even know this person." And here's even know this person." And here's what's even funnier. Some of you may what's even funnier. Some of you may what's even funnier. Some of you may know um Hank and Katherine Coleman who know um Hank and Katherine Coleman who know um Hank and Katherine Coleman who were members here for many, many, many were members here for many, many, many were members here for many, many, many years, very active here. moved away and years, very active here. moved away and years, very active here. moved away and ended up in Austin, went to University ended up in Austin, went to University ended up in Austin, went to University United Methodist Church where they met United Methodist Church where they met United Methodist Church where they met in a Sunday school class there. Paul and in a Sunday school class there. Paul and in a Sunday school class there. Paul and Debbie led better and became good Debbie led better and became good Debbie led better and became good friends. And so they sent us pictures of friends. And so they sent us pictures of friends. And so they sent us pictures of Paul and Debbie recently and I was like, Paul and Debbie recently and I was like, Paul and Debbie recently and I was like, "Oh, that's what he looks like." You "Oh, that's what he looks like." You "Oh, that's what he looks like." You know, I think to myself, isn't it know, I think to myself, isn't it know, I think to myself, isn't it interesting interesting interesting that friendship requires work? It that friendship requires work? It that friendship requires work? It requires investment. It doesn't just requires investment. It doesn't just requires investment. It doesn't just happen. And it's not just this uh you happen. And it's not just this uh you happen. And it's not just this uh you know we hear this oh it's like we had know we hear this oh it's like we had know we hear this oh it's like we had had never parted ah baloney.

had never parted ah baloney. had never parted ah baloney. It is the fact is you have to invest in It is the fact is you have to invest in It is the fact is you have to invest in these friendships. these friendships. these friendships. Here's the here's the situation in Here's the here's the situation in Here's the here's the situation in America right now. We are in what is America right now. We are in what is America right now. We are in what is called a friendship recession. called a friendship recession. called a friendship recession. Um, the Survey on American Life did an Um, the Survey on American Life did an Um, the Survey on American Life did an exhaustive survey in 2021. And here's exhaustive survey in 2021. And here's exhaustive survey in 2021. And here's here's the data on the change from 1990 here's the data on the change from 1990 here's the data on the change from 1990 to 2021. to 2021. to 2021. [snorts] In in [clears throat] 1990, 3% [snorts] In in [clears throat] 1990, 3% [snorts] In in [clears throat] 1990, 3% of Americans said they had no friends of Americans said they had no friends of Americans said they had no friends of those surveyed. In 2021, that number of those surveyed. In 2021, that number of those surveyed. In 2021, that number was up to 12%. The survey, by the way, was up to 12%. The survey, by the way, was up to 12%. The survey, by the way, did a a shorter follow-up survey in did a a shorter follow-up survey in did a a shorter follow-up survey in 2024, and it was up to 17% of people who 2024, and it was up to 17% of people who 2024, and it was up to 17% of people who said they had no friends. said they had no friends. said they had no friends. Um, in 1990, 4% said they had only one Um, in 1990, 4% said they had only one Um, in 1990, 4% said they had only one friend. In ' 91, that had doubled to friend. In ' 91, that had doubled to friend. In ' 91, that had doubled to seven. In 1990, 27% of people said they seven. In 1990, 27% of people said they seven. In 1990, 27% of people said they had three or fewer close friends. By had three or fewer close friends. By had three or fewer close friends. By 2021, that number had risen to 49%.

2021, that number had risen to 49%. 2021, that number had risen to 49%. it even at the top end of the scale in it even at the top end of the scale in it even at the top end of the scale in [snorts] 1990 33% of Americans said they [snorts] 1990 33% of Americans said they [snorts] 1990 33% of Americans said they had 10 or more friends and in 2021 that had 10 or more friends and in 2021 that had 10 or more friends and in 2021 that number had fallen to 13%. number had fallen to 13%. number had fallen to 13%. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> We uh are for whatever reason we are not >> We uh are for whatever reason we are not >> We uh are for whatever reason we are not investing in friendships investing in friendships investing in friendships the way we used to anecdotally too. It it is this sense of anecdotally too. It it is this sense of as we as we grow older, you know, when as we as we grow older, you know, when as we as we grow older, you know, when whenever we have these memorial whenever we have these memorial whenever we have these memorial services, there's this really um services, there's this really um services, there's this really um ambivalent experience I have because on ambivalent experience I have because on ambivalent experience I have because on the one hand, we see all these people the one hand, we see all these people the one hand, we see all these people who've gathered around to pay their who've gathered around to pay their who've gathered around to pay their respects, to express their love about respects, to express their love about respects, to express their love about the person who's passed away, and you the person who's passed away, and you the person who's passed away, and you can just see the impact that this person can just see the impact that this person can just see the impact that this person has made on people's lives. But on the has made on people's lives. But on the has made on people's lives. But on the other hand, people will come up to me at other hand, people will come up to me at other hand, people will come up to me at particularly at church funerals where particularly at church funerals where particularly at church funerals where there's lots of, you know, relationships there's lots of, you know, relationships there's lots of, you know, relationships that are inconnected and someone will that are inconnected and someone will that are inconnected and someone will say, you know, make a kind of a funny say, you know, make a kind of a funny say, you know, make a kind of a funny comment like, "Well, we've got to stop comment like, "Well, we've got to stop comment like, "Well, we've got to stop meeting like this, you know, at these meeting like this, you know, at these meeting like this, you know, at these funerals." And then we'll say something funerals." And then we'll say something funerals." And then we'll say something like, "All my friends are dying.

like, "All my friends are dying. like, "All my friends are dying. I feel like I'm more alone than ever." I feel like I'm more alone than ever." I feel like I'm more alone than ever." And I think that happens because we do And I think that happens because we do And I think that happens because we do lose our friendships. lose our friendships. lose our friendships. All right. So, we can go through all the All right. So, we can go through all the All right. So, we can go through all the social impact that made this happen and social impact that made this happen and social impact that made this happen and why it could have happened, but I would why it could have happened, but I would why it could have happened, but I would rather address what we can do about it. rather address what we can do about it. rather address what we can do about it. And I thought we might look at this And I thought we might look at this And I thought we might look at this amazing friendship between Jonathan and amazing friendship between Jonathan and amazing friendship between Jonathan and David and see what we might learn from David and see what we might learn from David and see what we might learn from their story. It is a beautiful story their story. It is a beautiful story their story. It is a beautiful story that goes over many, many chapters. So, that goes over many, many chapters. So, that goes over many, many chapters. So, I wish I could just put it in one little I wish I could just put it in one little I wish I could just put it in one little scripture, but but here's the story. scripture, but but here's the story. scripture, but but here's the story. King uh uh David was the the armorbearer King uh uh David was the the armorbearer King uh uh David was the the armorbearer in in King Saul's court. in in King Saul's court. in in King Saul's court. Jonathan was Saul's son. So, they would Jonathan was Saul's son. So, they would Jonathan was Saul's son. So, they would be contemporaries be contemporaries be contemporaries and they grew to know each other in the and they grew to know each other in the and they grew to know each other in the household of Saul. But there was a household of Saul. But there was a household of Saul. But there was a moment then when after David has uh moment then when after David has uh moment then when after David has uh slain Goliath, he uh uh Jonathan is so slain Goliath, he uh uh Jonathan is so slain Goliath, he uh uh Jonathan is so impressed with him, so enamored with him impressed with him, so enamored with him impressed with him, so enamored with him that he decides he wants to be David's that he decides he wants to be David's that he decides he wants to be David's friend.

friend. friend. And so he initiates that friendship. You And so he initiates that friendship. You And so he initiates that friendship. You heard it in the scripture uh uh today. heard it in the scripture uh uh today. heard it in the scripture uh uh today. And that friendship continues. He um And that friendship continues. He um And that friendship continues. He um puts himself at risk time and time again puts himself at risk time and time again puts himself at risk time and time again because as as uh King Saul as king as because as as uh King Saul as king as because as as uh King Saul as king as David's star begins to rise, King Saul's David's star begins to rise, King Saul's David's star begins to rise, King Saul's star begins to fall and and Saul becomes star begins to fall and and Saul becomes star begins to fall and and Saul becomes deeply jealous of David and in fact deeply jealous of David and in fact deeply jealous of David and in fact decides he's going to have him killed. decides he's going to have him killed. decides he's going to have him killed. And over and over again, Jonathan And over and over again, Jonathan And over and over again, Jonathan intervenes, intercedes for for David. He intervenes, intercedes for for David. He intervenes, intercedes for for David. He he will step in the way. he will he will step in the way. he will he will step in the way. he will participate in a ruse for him to to uh participate in a ruse for him to to uh participate in a ruse for him to to uh sneak away and escape from King Saul. sneak away and escape from King Saul. sneak away and escape from King Saul. And and over and over this this And and over and over this this And and over and over this this relationship is renewed. Um relationship is renewed. Um relationship is renewed. Um then there's a moment um near the end of then there's a moment um near the end of then there's a moment um near the end of 1 Samuel where um both Saul and Jonathan 1 Samuel where um both Saul and Jonathan 1 Samuel where um both Saul and Jonathan are killed in battle are killed in battle are killed in battle and David and David and David David sings this song called the the David sings this song called the the David sings this song called the the lament of the bow as he talks about how lament of the bow as he talks about how lament of the bow as he talks about how heartbroken he is to lose Jonathan.

heartbroken he is to lose Jonathan. heartbroken he is to lose Jonathan. The final twist and beauty of the story The final twist and beauty of the story The final twist and beauty of the story is that Jonathan had a had a son and is that Jonathan had a had a son and is that Jonathan had a had a son and that son's name was Mphibicheth that son's name was Mphibicheth that son's name was Mphibicheth and m uh he had been dropped as a baby and m uh he had been dropped as a baby and m uh he had been dropped as a baby and so he was um disabled and couldn't and so he was um disabled and couldn't and so he was um disabled and couldn't walk. walk. walk. But after Jonathan dies, But after Jonathan dies, But after Jonathan dies, David says to Mphibicheth, "I'm going to David says to Mphibicheth, "I'm going to David says to Mphibicheth, "I'm going to return to you all of the land." By this return to you all of the land." By this return to you all of the land." By this time, David is king. And um he says, time, David is king. And um he says, time, David is king. And um he says, "I'm going to return to you all the land "I'm going to return to you all the land "I'm going to return to you all the land that was your father uh was your that was your father uh was your that was your father uh was your grandfather Saul's, and you will always grandfather Saul's, and you will always grandfather Saul's, and you will always have a place at my table." And and I I have a place at my table." And and I I have a place at my table." And and I I love the way it says it in scripture. He love the way it says it in scripture. He love the way it says it in scripture. He says, "On account of Jonathan, you will says, "On account of Jonathan, you will says, "On account of Jonathan, you will always be a part of my household." It's always be a part of my household." It's always be a part of my household." It's like I I I was so loved by your by your like I I I was so loved by your by your like I I I was so loved by your by your father that you'll always have a place father that you'll always have a place father that you'll always have a place here. All right. So, what can we learn here. All right. So, what can we learn here. All right. So, what can we learn from this? I just want to lift up two from this? I just want to lift up two from this? I just want to lift up two things for us. [snorts] And here here's things for us. [snorts] And here here's things for us. [snorts] And here here's the first one. And that is that if if if the first one. And that is that if if if the first one. And that is that if if if you want to have friendships, you want to have friendships, you want to have friendships, you have to take the initiative.

you have to take the initiative. you have to take the initiative. What I want you to see is these two What I want you to see is these two What I want you to see is these two didn't just sort of fall for each other. didn't just sort of fall for each other. didn't just sort of fall for each other. The truth is Jonathan decided he wanted The truth is Jonathan decided he wanted The truth is Jonathan decided he wanted to be David's friend. And he he he was to be David's friend. And he he he was to be David's friend. And he he he was the initiator. You you see in the the initiator. You you see in the the initiator. You you see in the scripture he says Jonathan loved him as scripture he says Jonathan loved him as scripture he says Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Jonathan made a covenant his own soul. Jonathan made a covenant his own soul. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his with David because he loved him as his with David because he loved him as his own soul. He was the initiator. He was own soul. He was the initiator. He was own soul. He was the initiator. He was the one who stepped out. He was the one the one who stepped out. He was the one the one who stepped out. He was the one who reached out. Now, it's going to it's who reached out. Now, it's going to it's who reached out. Now, it's going to it's it's it's going to take a risk if we're it's it's going to take a risk if we're it's it's going to take a risk if we're going to reach out and and make a going to reach out and and make a going to reach out and and make a friend, friend, friend, right? You have you have to recognize right? You have you have to recognize right? You have you have to recognize that that it's risky. that that it's risky. that that it's risky. It may be that you are satisfied with It may be that you are satisfied with It may be that you are satisfied with your friendships. I have lots of great your friendships. I have lots of great your friendships. I have lots of great friends. Why do I need to worry about friends. Why do I need to worry about friends. Why do I need to worry about having more friends? Here's what I would having more friends? Here's what I would having more friends? Here's what I would tell you. That's like a stagnant pond. tell you. That's like a stagnant pond. tell you. That's like a stagnant pond. Right? That's just it just doesn't it Right? That's just it just doesn't it Right? That's just it just doesn't it doesn't move anywhere. Right? No, we're doesn't move anywhere. Right? No, we're doesn't move anywhere. Right? No, we're called to continue to make friends, to called to continue to make friends, to called to continue to make friends, to continue to grow in our friendships.

continue to grow in our friendships. continue to grow in our friendships. Or it may be that you are not satisfied Or it may be that you are not satisfied Or it may be that you are not satisfied with your friendships with your friendships with your friendships and you think to yourself, boy, I wish I and you think to yourself, boy, I wish I and you think to yourself, boy, I wish I had more friends. had more friends. had more friends. And there's something about inertia that And there's something about inertia that And there's something about inertia that just keeps us not doing anything about just keeps us not doing anything about just keeps us not doing anything about that. that. that. we just keep doing the same thing we've we just keep doing the same thing we've we just keep doing the same thing we've always done and we don't initiate and we always done and we don't initiate and we always done and we don't initiate and we don't create new friendships and we don't create new friendships and we don't create new friendships and we don't work at that don't work at that don't work at that or it may be that we're just afraid to or it may be that we're just afraid to or it may be that we're just afraid to take the risk. We're afraid that that take the risk. We're afraid that that take the risk. We're afraid that that you know what'll happen is we'll be you know what'll happen is we'll be you know what'll happen is we'll be rejected or we'll get into a friendship rejected or we'll get into a friendship rejected or we'll get into a friendship and the person's going to be weird or um and the person's going to be weird or um and the person's going to be weird or um there's all sorts of different there's all sorts of different there's all sorts of different situations where we think I'm afraid to situations where we think I'm afraid to situations where we think I'm afraid to do this. do this. do this. Or it may be that you just are one of Or it may be that you just are one of Or it may be that you just are one of those people who think I don't need those people who think I don't need those people who think I don't need anybody. I'm I'm self-sufficient. I'm on anybody. I'm I'm self-sufficient. I'm on anybody. I'm I'm self-sufficient. I'm on my own. It's me and God. If we got it we my own. It's me and God. If we got it we my own. It's me and God. If we got it we got it between the between us. We're in got it between the between us. We're in got it between the between us. We're in good shape. good shape. good shape. Now, Now, Now, what I would tell you is if if that's what I would tell you is if if that's what I would tell you is if if that's your place, you know, then you're you're your place, you know, then you're you're your place, you know, then you're you're going to stay stuck.

going to stay stuck. going to stay stuck. But we can decide to reach out and take But we can decide to reach out and take But we can decide to reach out and take the risk the risk the risk and and reach out to other people. You and and reach out to other people. You and and reach out to other people. You know, there's a woman named Anna Golarb know, there's a woman named Anna Golarb know, there's a woman named Anna Golarb who wrote a book called Modern who wrote a book called Modern who wrote a book called Modern Friendships. It's really an interesting Friendships. It's really an interesting Friendships. It's really an interesting little book because it talks about even little book because it talks about even little book because it talks about even little things like do I return this text little things like do I return this text little things like do I return this text or do I not return this text? I mean or do I not return this text? I mean or do I not return this text? I mean little things that we wouldn't never little things that we wouldn't never little things that we wouldn't never have have thought about. But in it she have have thought about. But in it she have have thought about. But in it she has this um this one section in which has this um this one section in which has this um this one section in which she says [clears throat] she says [clears throat] she says [clears throat] here are six hard truths about here are six hard truths about here are six hard truths about friendship. And let me just share with friendship. And let me just share with friendship. And let me just share with you two of them. Truth number one, you two of them. Truth number one, you two of them. Truth number one, friends will disappoint us. friends will disappoint us. friends will disappoint us. You will take a risk and there will be a You will take a risk and there will be a You will take a risk and there will be a point at which those friends disappoint point at which those friends disappoint point at which those friends disappoint you. That's just life. None of us are you. That's just life. None of us are you. That's just life. None of us are perfect. We all fall short. Here's the perfect. We all fall short. Here's the perfect. We all fall short. Here's the second truth. You have to be okay with second truth. You have to be okay with second truth. You have to be okay with some occasional rejection. some occasional rejection. some occasional rejection. We have to be willing to offer some We have to be willing to offer some We have to be willing to offer some grace. grace. grace. There is a man named John Gottman is There is a man named John Gottman is There is a man named John Gottman is probably the foremost expert on marriage probably the foremost expert on marriage probably the foremost expert on marriage counseling. He's written 40 books on uh counseling. He's written 40 books on uh counseling. He's written 40 books on uh marriage counseling, but he's ventured marriage counseling, but he's ventured marriage counseling, but he's ventured on marriage in general. And he's on marriage in general. And he's on marriage in general. And he's ventured though in some of them into ventured though in some of them into ventured though in some of them into friendship. And he has this wonderful friendship. And he has this wonderful friendship. And he has this wonderful concept that I think is so important for concept that I think is so important for concept that I think is so important for us to understand. It's called bids. And us to understand. It's called bids. And us to understand. It's called bids. And he said, "A bid is anything you do that he said, "A bid is anything you do that he said, "A bid is anything you do that um seeks to create a closer um seeks to create a closer um seeks to create a closer relationship." So it might be like in in relationship." So it might be like in in relationship." So it might be like in in a friendship, it might be something as a friendship, it might be something as a friendship, it might be something as simple simple as can I get you a glass

simple simple as can I get you a glass simple simple as can I get you a glass of water of water of water or can I take your plate? or can I take your plate? or can I take your plate? It's just this little tiny move that is It's just this little tiny move that is It's just this little tiny move that is an offering to try and draw closer. an offering to try and draw closer. an offering to try and draw closer. It might be soliciting someone's advice It might be soliciting someone's advice It might be soliciting someone's advice like, "What do you think of this like, "What do you think of this like, "What do you think of this wallpaper?" wallpaper?" wallpaper?" Right? That's that's saying, "I value Right? That's that's saying, "I value Right? That's that's saying, "I value your opinion. I'm interested in you. I'm your opinion. I'm interested in you. I'm your opinion. I'm interested in you. I'm interested in what you think." interested in what you think." interested in what you think." And as those bids get of what he calls And as those bids get of what he calls And as those bids get of what he calls higher value bids, they they are more um higher value bids, they they are more um higher value bids, they they are more um vulnerable and more intimate. They might vulnerable and more intimate. They might vulnerable and more intimate. They might be something like, "Can I talk to you be something like, "Can I talk to you be something like, "Can I talk to you about about about what I'm struggling with in my what I'm struggling with in my what I'm struggling with in my marriage?" marriage?" marriage?" Or, "Um, Or, "Um, Or, "Um, I'm I'm I'm I'm sort of really unhappy I'm I'm I'm I'm sort of really unhappy I'm I'm I'm I'm sort of really unhappy at work." at work." at work." that as we reach out to other people, as that as we reach out to other people, as that as we reach out to other people, as we make these bids that put ourselves at we make these bids that put ourselves at we make these bids that put ourselves at risk and and acknowledge others, they're risk and and acknowledge others, they're risk and and acknowledge others, they're a way of beckoning them, of reaching out a way of beckoning them, of reaching out a way of beckoning them, of reaching out to them, of initiating a friendship. If to them, of initiating a friendship. If to them, of initiating a friendship. If you want to have more friends, you have you want to have more friends, you have you want to have more friends, you have to decide to make a friend.

to decide to make a friend. to decide to make a friend. All right, here's the second thing. All right, here's the second thing. All right, here's the second thing. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] What we learn from Jonathan is he's more What we learn from Jonathan is he's more What we learn from Jonathan is he's more interested in being a friend than having interested in being a friend than having interested in being a friend than having a friend. Now, what I mean by that is a friend. Now, what I mean by that is a friend. Now, what I mean by that is he's not so interested in like having a he's not so interested in like having a he's not so interested in like having a friend like you own a friend, like, oh, friend like you own a friend, like, oh, friend like you own a friend, like, oh, I've got a friend, so this one's mine. I've got a friend, so this one's mine. I've got a friend, so this one's mine. No, he's more interested in offering No, he's more interested in offering No, he's more interested in offering himself to be a friend to others. himself to be a friend to others. himself to be a friend to others. It is it's such a a powerful picture, It is it's such a a powerful picture, It is it's such a a powerful picture, you know. So over and over throughout you know. So over and over throughout you know. So over and over throughout his life, what what uh Jonathan does is his life, what what uh Jonathan does is his life, what what uh Jonathan does is he puts himself at risk to help King he puts himself at risk to help King he puts himself at risk to help King David. Let me just share with you a David. Let me just share with you a David. Let me just share with you a couple of them. So there this idea of a couple of them. So there this idea of a couple of them. So there this idea of a covenant is a promise. And what he's covenant is a promise. And what he's covenant is a promise. And what he's doing is he's saying to David, I promise doing is he's saying to David, I promise doing is he's saying to David, I promise you that I will be with you. I'm not you that I will be with you. I'm not you that I will be with you. I'm not going to give up on you. I'm on I'm for going to give up on you. I'm on I'm for going to give up on you. I'm on I'm for you. I'm you can count on me. And so you. I'm you can count on me. And so you. I'm you can count on me. And so he's he each time three times he renews he's he each time three times he renews he's he each time three times he renews that covenant, but he does it after he's that covenant, but he does it after he's that covenant, but he does it after he's taken a risk. The first time is when taken a risk. The first time is when taken a risk. The first time is when David is trying to escape from uh Saul David is trying to escape from uh Saul David is trying to escape from uh Saul from Saul to get out of the out of his from Saul to get out of the out of his from Saul to get out of the out of his household before Saul kills him. And and household before Saul kills him. And and household before Saul kills him. And and Jonathan participates in this in this Jonathan participates in this in this Jonathan participates in this in this ruse so that David can escape. And and ruse so that David can escape. And and ruse so that David can escape. And and here's what here's what Jonathan says to here's what here's what Jonathan says to here's what here's what Jonathan says to David. Whatever you ask me to do, I will David. Whatever you ask me to do, I will David. Whatever you ask me to do, I will do.

do. do. I will do it. You You need to get out of I will do it. You You need to get out of I will do it. You You need to get out of here. You tell me what to do and I will here. You tell me what to do and I will here. You tell me what to do and I will do it. And then they renew their do it. And then they renew their do it. And then they renew their covenant. covenant. covenant. Much later in 1st Samuel 23, he is he Much later in 1st Samuel 23, he is he Much later in 1st Samuel 23, he is he has hidden out in the David has has run has hidden out in the David has has run has hidden out in the David has has run away from Saul. Saul is chasing him and away from Saul. Saul is chasing him and away from Saul. Saul is chasing him and he's gone to the wilderness of Horeb. he's gone to the wilderness of Horeb. he's gone to the wilderness of Horeb. And um uh here here's what he says And um uh here here's what he says And um uh here here's what he says there. there. there. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Saul's son Jonathan set out and came to Saul's son Jonathan set out and came to Saul's son Jonathan set out and came to David at Hores. And there he David at Hores. And there he David at Hores. And there he strengthened his hand through the Lord. strengthened his hand through the Lord. strengthened his hand through the Lord. He just went out into the middle of the He just went out into the middle of the He just went out into the middle of the wilderness just to encourage him. And wilderness just to encourage him. And wilderness just to encourage him. And they renewed the covenant. It's this they renewed the covenant. It's this they renewed the covenant. It's this picture of continuing to put yourself picture of continuing to put yourself picture of continuing to put yourself out there to give yourself away. out there to give yourself away. out there to give yourself away. There is a a a researcher at the um in There is a a a researcher at the um in There is a a a researcher at the um in Northern Illinois University named Northern Illinois University named Northern Illinois University named Suzanne Diggs White and she interviewed Suzanne Diggs White and she interviewed Suzanne Diggs White and she interviewed 422 422 422 women between the ages of 31 and 77 women between the ages of 31 and 77 women between the ages of 31 and 77 and examined how their friendships and examined how their friendships and examined how their friendships influenced their life satisfaction. They influenced their life satisfaction. They influenced their life satisfaction. They found there were three main factors that found there were three main factors that found there were three main factors that were predictive of life satisfaction in were predictive of life satisfaction in were predictive of life satisfaction in midlife women. I thought it was midlife women. I thought it was midlife women. I thought it was interesting that 77 counted as midlife.

interesting that 77 counted as midlife. interesting that 77 counted as midlife. So, you know, um here's one, feeling So, you know, um here's one, feeling So, you know, um here's one, feeling younger than your chronological age. younger than your chronological age. younger than your chronological age. Okay? Two, enjoying a sense of Okay? Two, enjoying a sense of Okay? Two, enjoying a sense of belonging. belonging. belonging. And three, being someone's best friend. And three, being someone's best friend. And three, being someone's best friend. Here's here's what uh Suzanne Diggs Here's here's what uh Suzanne Diggs Here's here's what uh Suzanne Diggs White says. Having a best friend doesn't White says. Having a best friend doesn't White 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. Isn't being someone's best friend does. Isn't being someone's best friend does. Isn't that interesting? that interesting? that interesting? Being someone, being ready to give Being someone, being ready to give Being someone, being ready to give yourself away for someone else. yourself away for someone else. yourself away for someone else. What did Jesus say? This is my What did Jesus say? This is my What did Jesus say? This is my commandment that you love one another. commandment that you love one another. commandment that you love one another. And then he goes on to say, And then he goes on to say, And then he goes on to say, greater love has no one than to lay down greater love has no one than to lay down greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends. his life for his friends. his life for his friends. And then he says, "You are my friends if And then he says, "You are my friends if And then he says, "You are my friends if you do what I command." What what did he you do what I command." What what did he you do what I command." What what did he just command? He just told us his just command? He just told us his just command? He just told us his commandment. Love one another. You're commandment. Love one another. You're commandment. Love one another. You're you're my friends if you love one you're my friends if you love one you're my friends if you love one another.

another. another. Right? I mean, and then he says, "I no Right? I mean, and then he says, "I no Right? I mean, and then he says, "I no longer call you servants. I call you longer call you servants. I call you longer call you servants. I call you friends." We are to love one another as friends." We are to love one another as friends." We are to love one another as friends. That's the way Jesus loves us. friends. That's the way Jesus loves us. friends. That's the way Jesus loves us. That's what we're to do for others, That's what we're to do for others, That's what we're to do for others, even to lay down our lives one day at a even to lay down our lives one day at a even to lay down our lives one day at a time for them. time for them. time for them. So, every once in a while there's sort So, every once in a while there's sort So, every once in a while there's sort of this uh a God coincidence. You've of this uh a God coincidence. You've of this uh a God coincidence. You've probably seen one, had one. This probably seen one, had one. This probably seen one, had one. This happened to me this week. I've been happened to me this week. I've been happened to me this week. I've been studying about Jonathan and trying to studying about Jonathan and trying to studying about Jonathan and trying to learn about him and trying to make sense learn about him and trying to make sense learn about him and trying to make sense of how I can apply this to friendship of how I can apply this to friendship of how I can apply this to friendship and and I'm reading my Morning Wall and and I'm reading my Morning Wall and and I'm reading my Morning Wall Street Journal and there's an article Street Journal and there's an article Street Journal and there's an article called The Life of Jonathan. I was like, called The Life of Jonathan. I was like, called The Life of Jonathan. I was like, "Thank you." So, I look at it and it's "Thank you." So, I look at it and it's "Thank you." So, I look at it and it's not about this Jonathan. It it it's not about this Jonathan. It it it's not about this Jonathan. It it it's about a man named Jonathan who died at about a man named Jonathan who died at about a man named Jonathan who died at age 50 and his brother is writing this age 50 and his brother is writing this age 50 and his brother is writing this column about who his brother was and column about who his brother was and column about who his brother was and he's reflecting on how many people came he's reflecting on how many people came he's reflecting on how many people came to the memorial service and how many to the memorial service and how many to the memorial service and how many people were there and let let me read to people were there and let let me read to people were there and let let me read to you what he said because it really you what he said because it really you what he said because it really touched me.

touched me. touched me. 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, and went straight home. A round family, and went straight home. A round family, and went straight home. A round trip across the Atlantic simply to be trip across the Atlantic simply to be trip across the Atlantic simply to be present. When I heard what he had done, present. When I heard what he had done, present. When I heard what he had done, I asked one of his colleagues, "Who I asked one of his colleagues, "Who I asked one of his colleagues, "Who would do such a thing?" He answered would do such a thing?" He answered would do such a thing?" He answered immediately, "Your brother would." immediately, "Your brother would." immediately, "Your brother would." Jonathan had spent his life doing that, Jonathan had spent his life doing that, Jonathan had spent his life doing that, interrupting his plans for other interrupting his plans for other interrupting his plans for other people's lives. He celebrated their people's lives. He celebrated their people's lives. He celebrated their occasions and appeared during the occasions and appeared during the occasions and appeared during the 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. succinctly. succinctly. To have a village, you have to be a To have a village, you have to be a To have a village, you have to be a villager. villager. villager. To to have friends, you have to decide To to have friends, you have to decide To to have friends, you have to decide to be a friend. You have to interrupt to be a friend. You have to interrupt to be a friend. You have to interrupt your life. You have to put aside the the your life. You have to put aside the the your life. You have to put aside the the things that sort of run your life and things that sort of run your life and things that sort of run your life and say, you know what? I'm going to I'm say, you know what? I'm going to I'm say, you know what? I'm going to I'm going to give of myself and interrupt my going to give of myself and interrupt my going to give of myself and interrupt my life to be your friend. Among my favorite passages of great Among my favorite passages of great literature is uh Evie White's uh literature is uh Evie White's uh literature is uh Evie White's uh Charlotte's Web. Charlotte's Web. Charlotte's Web. Um when my sister died many years ago Um when my sister died many years ago Um when my sister died many years ago and I spoke at her funeral and um I was and I spoke at her funeral and um I was and I spoke at her funeral and um I was reading her doctoral dissertation and reading her doctoral dissertation and reading her doctoral dissertation and she was in children's literature and she she was in children's literature and she she was in children's literature and she pointed to this passage um from pointed to this passage um from pointed to this passage um from Charlotte's Web. Perhaps you know the Charlotte's Web. Perhaps you know the Charlotte's Web. Perhaps you know the story. Charlotte wo a web to uh so that story. Charlotte wo a web to uh so that story. Charlotte wo a web to uh so that Wilbur the pig wouldn't be slaughtered.

Wilbur the pig wouldn't be slaughtered. Wilbur the pig wouldn't be slaughtered. Put words in in the middle of it to make Put words in in the middle of it to make Put words in in the middle of it to make him like an extraordinary pig. [snorts] him like an extraordinary pig. [snorts] him like an extraordinary pig. [snorts] Here's here's how um she she uses the Here's here's how um she she uses the Here's here's how um she she uses the last ounce of her life to to weave this last ounce of her life to to weave this last ounce of her life to to weave this web. Here's the interchange. Wilbur web. Here's the interchange. Wilbur web. Here's the interchange. Wilbur asks, "Why did you do all this for me? I asks, "Why did you do all this for me? I asks, "Why did you do all this for me? I don't deserve it. I've never done don't deserve it. I've never done don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you. anything for you. anything for you. Charlotte replies, Charlotte replies, Charlotte replies, you have been my friend. you have been my friend. you have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I That in itself is a tremendous thing. I That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wo my webs for you because I liked you. wo my webs for you because I liked you. wo my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what's life anyway? We're After all, what's life anyway? We're After all, what's life anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die. A born, we live a little while, we die. A born, we live a little while, we die. A spider's life can't help being something spider's life can't help being something spider's life can't help being something of a mess with all this trapping and of a mess with all this trapping and of a mess with all this trapping and eating flies. eating flies. eating flies. by helping you. Perhaps I was trying to by helping you. Perhaps I was trying to by helping you. Perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. lift up my life a trifle. lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that.

little of that. little of that. Yes, heaven knows for sure. Yes, heaven knows for sure. Yes, heaven knows for sure. Go make a friend Go make a friend Go make a friend and be a friend. and be a friend. and be a friend. Gracious and loving God, uh we thank you Gracious and loving God, uh we thank you Gracious and loving God, uh we thank you for the people who have been friends to for the people who have been friends to for the people who have been friends to us us us and we ask God that you would speak into and we ask God that you would speak into and we ask God that you would speak into our hearts and give us the courage, the our hearts and give us the courage, the our hearts and give us the courage, the wisdom wisdom wisdom to step out, to take the risk to step out, to take the risk to step out, to take the risk to make a friend to make a friend to make a friend to be a friend for others to be a friend for others to be a friend for others just as you have been a friend for us. just as you have been a friend for us. just as you have been a friend for 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. Our whom commitment is 557. Our whom commitment is 557. Our whom commitment is 557. Blessed be the tithe that binds. Let's Blessed be the tithe that binds. Let's Blessed be the tithe that binds. Let's stand as we sing it together. stand as we sing it together. stand as we sing it together. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the time that >> the time that >> the time that the heart [music] [music] of is is to [music]

be be [music] all [music] all [music] all we and all and all [music] the the the the the king with God. with God. [music] next week we'll be talking about next week we'll be talking about service, servantthood, service, servantthood, service, servantthood, how important that is in being a a a how important that is in being a a a how important that is in being a a a part of uh our life's journey and the uh part of uh our life's journey and the uh part of uh our life's journey and the uh recipe that makes up our lives. Hear recipe that makes up our lives. Hear recipe that makes up our lives. Hear this benediction. Go bear witness to the

this benediction. Go bear witness to the this benediction. Go bear witness to the love of God in this world so that those love of God in this world so that those love of God in this world so that those to whom love is a stranger will find in to whom love is a stranger will find in to whom love is a stranger will find in you generous friends. you generous friends. you generous friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, the communion of the Holy love of God, the communion of the Holy love of God, the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Spirit be with you now and forever. Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat.

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