If you had to spend the rest of your life on a deserted island—and you could only take three things with you—what would you take? It's likely that you would choose to take things that ensured your survival into the future, like a knife, matches, and a water filter. While we might want to take things of sentimental value, it is really only those things that contribute to a meaningful future that would earn a place in our backpack. When we think about our futures, what kinds of things do we suppose will have meaning there? Will our children value our old furniture - or the resiliency and work ethic we gifted them? Will the organizations we've been a part of need the things we accomplished through them in the past - or the quality culture we helped build? And when we think about the future of the Church, what will the future Church need to remain a faithful and effective witness for Jesus in the world? There really are only a few things of value that the future Church needs... and those things are all about God's promise, provision, and direction. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KTEVfCGQis

Hymn Sing Sunday! Sing along or simply just sit back and listen to all your favorite hymns presented by Andy Riggs, Minister of Music and the Worship Team at Union Chapel Indy. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an6cQVUB2nU

Scripture is filled with intriguing characters who left profound legacies. As we look closer, we find that they were not that different from us. They too, experienced challenges, heartaches, successes, and failures. Their lives knew fear, doubt, and worry, and yet their lives bear witness to the everlasting story of God’s hope and love for God’s people. The Holy Spirit is hoping to do the same thing in our day and age through people just like us. We are called to be a story of hope, joy, and purpose that encourages and inspires future followers. What will be your legacy? Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4PElC75-u0

Everyone lives by some purpose, goal, or standard. Maybe your purpose in life is to assure your family's safety and happiness. Maybe your goal is to get to the top of your profession. Maybe your priority is to spend as much time as possible in leisure pursuits. Whatever it is, you put effort, resources, and intention towards it. You do your best to learn, apply, and master the tips, techniques, and strategies to move you most efficiently and effectively toward your hoped-for end. Jesus also had a very clear standard for his life. When asked what the most important commandment (directive for living) was, he said very clearly: Love God and love others. Everything else grew out of these priorities. Followers of Jesus commit to this same goal and purpose. And the good news is, it's not as hard as you might think to keep your focus on loving God and loving others! Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP19IDgyHvc

The Hacked Life: Connect Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel and Online: We begin every day with the best of intentions. "Today I will.... get out of bed on my first alarm... stick to my diet... be kinder to my spouse... spend more time with my kids... be to work on time... go to bed early..." But, as one wise person noted, "Life has a way of disregarding even our best intentions." The same happens with our spiritual lives. Our best intentions to stay connected with Jesus and other followers get waylaid by competing priorities, overbooked schedules, and the many demands of life. But there are things we can do to stay in deep connection with Jesus. Just like life hacks can help us stay on track with daily intentions and habits, let's consider some spiritual hacks that can help us walk more closely with Jesus... Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZjX7VZZyI4

Especially for those outside the faith - but also for those seeking to follow Jesus - being a Christian can be confusing. There seems to be so many rules, restrictions, and exclusions! But at its core, the Christian tradition is about Jesus. And Jesus didn't give us rules, restrictions, or regulations. Jesus extended an invitation. To all kinds of people he met in all kinds of circumstances, he simply said, "Follow me." Life with Jesus does not have to be complicated or burdensome. The Bible gives us some clear, concise words to guide and grow our spiritual lives. And just like life hacks make our day-to-day easier, there are tools and techniques for incorporating more of Jesus into our everyday lives. How about some 'faith hacks' to make life with Jesus a bit easier? Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emLW3x5msJ0

Have you noticed that if you look online for a recipe you have to slog through commentary, personal anecdotes, photos, and cooking tips before you ever get to the recipe? While all that might be interesting and helpful, the practical information needed for the endeavor - in the form of ingredients, measurements, and instructions - is nearly the last thing on the site! In the Book of Colossians we find lots of beautiful prose and lofty writing about who Jesus is, the high calling of being a follower, and the power of a life lived with Jesus. While all inspiring and helpful, it's not until near the end of the letter that we find the 'how-to's' of connecting with Jesus in meaningful ways. And when we get it, just like so many recipes, we often find that the practical steps to the new creation are not all that complicated. A few easy steps can create a yummy dish - and a meaningful life of faith! Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yTZbHa5zz4

Some of us like to be spontaneous and a bit 'by the seat of our pants.' Many of us like a plan for our days, our activities, our careers, and even our lives. And if those plans get disrupted, we get really uncomfortable! Yet few things go as planned. We are always rerouting, pivoting, or coming up with a plan B, C, or D. Often the new places we ended up, the unexpected things we did, or the updated skills we garnered are among our most valuable assets and most memorable experiences. Traveling through this life with Jesus is an adventure all its own that promises all this and more. Are ready to journey with Jesus to some new places? WORSHIP LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0OVJxr7Q9U

As a people, we tend to like new things... a delicious new recipe, new clothes, an exciting new destination to visit. Sometimes we choose the 'new,' and sometimes the 'new' just - - shows up. The Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the Christian New Testament, is about 'new' (among other things). And that 'new' is Jesus. In Jesus, Matthew shows his readers that Jesus is not just a new way to experience God, but that Jesus also brings a new understanding of faith and faithful living. And sometimes to fully experience the 'new,' some of the old has to go. Are you ready for a 'new' adventure!? Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMZtJ5PM6_U

In his book "Staying in Love," Andy Stanley writes..."We all know what’s required to fall in love… a pulse." He points out, however, the fact of the matter in the book's subtitle: "Falling in love is easy. Staying in love requires a plan." Truer words have maybe never been spoken. We'd all like to think that the feelings of falling in love will see us through the tough times of a relationship, but that rarely happens. Staying in love requires intention, commitment, discipline, and action. That goes for staying in love with God, too! As we continue to discover what is "Uniquely UMC," we consider the last of Wesley's General Rules, Stay in Love with God. As we seek to Do No Harm and Do Good, we're going to need a vital, vibrant, and deep relationship with God. To be God's people in the world, we'll need to Stay in Love with God! Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wddzig1-fXk