SUNDAY NOTES 7.19.26
Today’s Setlist:
Thank God I’m Free
Behold Him
The Wonderful Blood
Good Plans
SERMON NOTES
Habakkuk week 3
“Waiting on God”
Habakuk 2:1
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
POSITION YOURSELF PROPERLY:
“He positions himself where he is most likely to hear from God.”
Habakkuk 2:2-4
Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.'
TRUST HIS TIMING
WORK YOUR WAIT
Habakkuk 2:4
See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.
The righteous live by faith.
Babylon lives by pride.
Habakkuk 2:20
The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.
SUNDAY NOTES 7.12.26
Today’s Setlist:
Take You At Your Word
Rest on Us
Fall Like Rain
Center
SERMON NOTES
Habakkuk week 2
“God is Working in the Chaos”
Verses We Love (Out of Context)
Matt 18:20:
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matt 28:20:
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Philippians 4:13:
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
John 16:33
In this world you will have trouble
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well
Matthew 6:19
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Habakkuk 1:5-11
“Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own. They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor. Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their cavalry gallops headlong; their horsemen come from afar. They fly like an eagle swooping to devour; they all come intent on violence. Their hordes advance like a desert wind and gather prisoners like sand. They mock kings and scoff at rulers. They laugh at all fortified cities; by building earthen ramps they capture them. Then they sweep past like the wind and go on—guilty people, whose own strength is their god.”
Habakkuk 1:12-17
Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you have ordained them to punish. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil, and you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler. The wicked foe pulls them up with hooks, catches them in his net, and gathers them in his dragnet. Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys the choicest food. Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?
Habakkuk 2:1
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
The World Is More Broken Than We Often Realize
Habakkuk laments real violence, real injustice
Sin and evil are universal — Romans 3:23.
God never rebukes him for the complaint. Noticing evil isn't the problem.
God Is Always Working, Even When His Work Confuses Us
God's answer: Babylon. Not judgment on the wicked out there but judgment that starts at home.
Habakkuk assumed God should judge their evil before His own people's evil.
"We all want justice...
until justice points in our direction."
Faith Waits When
Understanding Cannot
"Faith isn't formed after God explains everything.
Faith is formed while you're waiting for the explanation."
SUNDAY NOTES 7.5.26
Today’s Setlist:
Thank God I’m Free
Christ is enough
How Great THou Art
At the altar
SERMON NOTES
Habakkuk week 1
“Wrestle, Don’t Run”
Habakkuk 1:1-4
The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received. How long LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry to you, “Violence!” But you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
Prayer isn't presenting a polished version of yourself; it's bringing the real condition of your heart into His presence.
Habakkuk 1:5
“Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.
Habakkuk 1:6-7
I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own. They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor.
SUNDAY NOTES 6.28.26
Today’s Setlist:
ThE Joy
Holy SPirit
Who Else
Good Plans/Doxology
SERMON NOTES
Daniel Week 7
“Hope That Endures”
HOPE SEES BEYOND PRESENT SUFFERING
Daniel 12:1-4
“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”
Our hope is not found in escaping hardship, but in belonging to God.
“Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”
HOPE KEEPS GOING
Daniel 12:5-9
Then I, Daniel, looked, and there before me stood two others, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank. One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?" The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, "It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed." I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?" He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end."
Faith is not having every answer. Faith is trusting the One who does.
"Go your way, Daniel."
Daniel 12:13
As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.
SUNDAY NOTES 6.21.26
Today’s Setlist:
I Know A Name
Fall Like Rain
The Wonderful Blood
Do It Again
SERMON NOTES
Daniel Week 6
“The Lion’s Den”
Bold Faith in the Public Space
Daniel 5:29-31
Then at Belshazzar's command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.
Daniel 6:1-3
It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
BOLD FAITH PRODUCES CHARACTER
Daniel 6:4
At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.
BOLD FAITH WELCOMES ENEMIES
Daniel 6:5-9
Finally these men said, 'We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.' So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: 'May King Darius live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions' den. Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered-in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” So King Dairus put the decree in writing.
Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
BOLD FAITH DOESN’T CONFORM TO THE PATTERN OF THE WORLD
BOLD FAITH STARTS IN PRIVATE PLACES BEFORE ITS REVEALED IN PUBLIC SPACES
Daniel 6:11-14
"Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: 'Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions' den?'"
BOLD FAITH TRUSTS GOD WITH THE OUTCOME
Daniel 6:16
"So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, 'May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!'"
THE TRAP THEY SET BECAME THE TRAP THAT LED TO THEIR DEMISE
SUNDAY NOTES 6.14.26
Today’s Setlist:
Christ Is Enough
Behold Him
How Great Thou Art
Center
Worthy
SERMON NOTES
Daniel Week 5
“The Unseen Battle”
David reigns 1000 BC
Solomon builds Temple 960 BC
Kingdom splits (Israel / Judah) 930 BC
Assyria destroys Israel 722 BC
Jeremiah begins prophesying 627 BC
Babylon attacks Judah 605 BC ← Daniel taken
Babylon attacks again 597 BC
Jerusalem destroyed 586 BC
Persia defeats Babylon 539 BC
Babylon Falls, Jews return 538 BC
Daniel survives into Persian rule 536 BC
Faithfulness doesn’t exempt us from waiting.
Daniel 10:5-9
I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people. Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.
Prayer is the most powerful weapon that the Lord gives us. When we pray, battles begin.
Daniel 10:10-11
Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.
Daniel 10:12-14
Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”
Just because you can’t see God working, doesn’t mean He isn’t!
Daniel 10:15-19
While he was speaking to me, I looked down at the ground, unable to say a word. Then the one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me, “I am filled with anguish because of the vision I have seen, my lord, and I am very weak. How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe.” Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”
SUNDAY NOTES 6.7.26
Today’s Setlist:
Take You At Your Word
Rest on Us
How Great Is Your Name
Available
SERMON NOTES
Daniel Week 4
“Pride Turns Men Into Monsters”
PRIDE IGNORES WARNINGS
Daniel 4:19
Daniel answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!
Daniel 4:22-27
Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. “Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.’ “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”
One of God's greatest mercies is a warning.
Daniel 4:27b
…accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”
PRIDE TURNS MEN INTO MONSTERS
Daniel 4:25
You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.
PRIDE TAKES CREDIT FOR WHAT GOD BUILT
Daniel 4:29-30
Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”
Pride begins when we start taking credit for what God has done.
HUMILITY RESTORES WHAT PRIDE DESTROYS
Daniel 4:34-37
At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
Humility begins when we remember who the real King is.
SUNDAY NOTES 5.31.26
Today’s Setlist:
Christ is Enough
The Wonderful Blood
Center
Back to Life
SERMON NOTES
Daniel Week 3
“Conviction in the Fire”
Daniel 3:1
King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold…
Daniel 3:4-6
Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
Daniel 3:12
But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”
An idol is anything you cannot say no to, or anything you are willing to sin to keep.
Daniel 3:13-15
Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”
Daniel 3:16-18
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
“ONLY IF” vs “EVEN IF”
Daniel 3:19-23
Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
Daniel 3:24-27
Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
SUNDAY NOTES 5.24.26
Today’s Setlist:
The Joy
Who Else
AVAILABLE
AT The Altar
SERMON NOTES
Daniel Week 2
“God Reveals What We Cannot See”
Daniel 2:1-3
In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the king, he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means.”
POWER BUT NO PEACE
Daniel 2:10-12
The astrologers answered the king, “There is no one on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among humans.” This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon.
HUMAN WISDOM ALWAYS HAS LIMITS
Daniel 2:16-19
At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven
GOD IS THE REVEALER OF ALL TRUTH
Daniel 2:20-21
Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Daniel 2:32-35
The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay. While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.
EARTHLY KINGDOMS BECOME DUST
THE STONE BECOMES THE MOUNTAIN
MAY 31ST is BAPTISM SUNDAY. if you have decided to follow jesus but have not taken this step, this day is for you.
SUNDAY NOTES 5.17.26
Today’s Setlist:
I Know A Name
Holy SPirit
Center
heart of Worship
Good Plans
SERMON NOTES
Daniel Week 1
“Conviction without Compromise”
David reigns 1000 BC
Solomon builds Temple 960 BC
Kingdom splits (Israel / Judah) 930 BC
Assyria destroys Israel 722 BC
Jeremiah begins prophesying 627 BC
Babylon attacks Judah 605 BC ← Daniel taken
Babylon attacks again 597 BC
Jerusalem destroyed 586 BC
Persia defeats Babylon 539 BC
Babylon Falls, Jews return 538 BC
Daniel survives into Persian rule 536 BC
Daniel 1:1, 3-5
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.
1 Peter 2:11-12
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Daniel 1:6-8
Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Daniel 1:17-20
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
BABYLON CAN HAVE OUR SERVICE,
BUT IT CAN’T HAVE OUR WORSHIP
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
MAY 31ST is BAPTISM SUNDAY. if you have decided to follow jesus but have not taken this step, this day is for you.
SUNDAY NOTES 5.10.26
Today’s Setlist:
The Joy
How Great is Your Name
CEnter
SERMON NOTES
PHILIPPIANS Week 5
“Formation = Focus”
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
FORMATION ISN’T ACCIDENTAL. IT’S INTENTIONAL.
YOUR LIFE MOVES IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR FOCUS.
WHAT YOU FOCUS ON GROWS
Philippians 4:4–6
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Prayer is not simply informing God, it is also forming you.
WHAT YOU DWELL ON, YOU BECOME
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
WHAT YOU PRACTICE, YOU EXPERIENCE
Philippians 4:9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU
MAY 31ST is BAPTISM SUNDAY. if you have decided to follow jesus but have not taken this step, this day is for you.
SUNDAY NOTES 5.3.26
Today’s Setlist:
Christ is enough
Behold him
The WOnderful Blood
Available
SERMON NOTES
PHILIPPIANS Week 4
“No Confidence in the Flesh”
Philippians 3:1-14
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:2
Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.
Philippians 3:3
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh
NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH
Philippians 3:4-6
though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
Philippians 3:7-9
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 4:3–4
I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.
MAY 31ST is BAPTISM SUNDAY. if you have decided to follow jesus but have not taken this step, this day is for you.
SUNDAY NOTES 4.26.26
Today’s Setlist:
Christ is enough
Worthy
Good Plans
Back to Life
SERMON NOTES
PHILIPPIANS Week 3
“THE WAY IS JESUS”
Philippians 2:1-2
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Pride is what fractures the Church.
Humility is what binds it.
DOCTRINE DESTROYS DIVISION
Philippians 2:5-8
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
We want resurrection power without crucifixion.
We want the life of Jesus without the way of Jesus.
Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Whether you’re new or have been around for a while, this is a great opportunity to take a closer look at who we are and how to get connected.
At Vertical Up Close, you’ll meet our staff team, hear about our mission and vision, and explore next steps in spiritual growth, serving, and community. We’ll also share opportunities like discipleship groups, Bible studies, and what it looks like to become a partner of the church.
Our next Vertical Up Close is happening TODAY, April 26th, immediately following the second service. If you’ve been looking for a next step, this is a great place to start.
We’re grateful for all God is doing in and through our church and would love for you to be part of it.
MAY 31ST is BAPTISM SUNDAY. if you have decided to follow jesus but have not taken this step, this day is for you.
SUNDAY NOTES 4.19.26
Today’s Setlist:
THE JOY
HOLY SPIRIT
MORE THAN ABLE
AT THE ALTAR
SERMON NOTES
PHILIPPIANS Week 2
“WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL:
A FAITH THAT COSTS US SOMETHING”
Philippians 1:27–30
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Ephesisans 4:1-5
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
A life worthy of the Gospel
is active, not passive.
Matthew 20:26-28 26
It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Philippians 1:28
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
Isaiah 43: 1-2
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Philippians 1:29-30
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Romans 5:3-5
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Suffering is not evidence God is absent—
it’s often evidence He’s at work
Whether you’re new or have been around for a while, this is a great opportunity to take a closer look at who we are and how to get connected.
At Vertical Up Close, you’ll meet our staff team, hear about our mission and vision, and explore next steps in spiritual growth, serving, and community. We’ll also share opportunities like discipleship groups, Bible studies, and what it looks like to become a partner of the church.
Our next Vertical Up Close is happening Sunday, April 26th, immediately following the second service. If you’ve been looking for a next step, this is a great place to start.
We’re grateful for all God is doing in and through our church and would love for you to be part of it.
MAY 31ST is BAPTISM SUNDAY. if you have decided to follow jesus but have not taken this step, this day is for you.
SUNDAY NOTES 4.12.26
Today’s Setlist:
MOVE OF GOD
WHO ELSE
DO IT AGAIN
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
GOOD PLANS/DOXOLOGY
SERMON NOTES
PHILIPPIANS: Week 1
PHILIPPIANS 1:3–6
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
POINT ONE:
Your Faith Journey Didn't Start With You
"He who began a good work in you…"
POINT TWO:
He Promised to Finish It
and He Doesn't Break Promises
"…will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
POINT THREE:
Joy Is Found in His Faithfulness,
Not Your Perfection
"I always pray with joy…"
POINT FOUR:
He Is Pleased With Your Willingness.
Just Keep Trying
"…your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."
He who began a good work in you,
in your church,
in your family,
in your own heart,
will carry it on to completion.
Whether you’re new or have been around for a while, this is a great opportunity to take a closer look at who we are and how to get connected.
At Vertical Up Close, you’ll meet our staff team, hear about our mission and vision, and explore next steps in spiritual growth, serving, and community. We’ll also share opportunities like discipleship groups, Bible studies, and what it looks like to become a partner of the church.
Our next Vertical Up Close is happening Sunday, April 26th, immediately following the second service. If you’ve been looking for a next step, this is a great place to start.
We’re grateful for all God is doing in and through our church and would love for you to be part of it.
MAY 31ST is BAPTISM SUNDAY. if you have decided to follow jesus but have not taken this step, this day is for you.
SUNDAY NOTES 4.5.26
While we naturally define significance by status, recognition, and influence, Jesus completely redefines greatness through the story of James and John in Mark 10. Instead of climbing to positions of power, true greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in humility, service, and sacrifice. Jesus Himself modeled this by choosing the lowest place—serving others and ultimately giving His life. The call for believers is not just to admire this example, but to live it out through obedience in everyday moments, where choosing to serve and sacrifice leads to a life that truly matters.
Today’s Setlist:
THE JOY
I Know A Name
All hail king jesus
Back to life
THE wonderful blood
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 10
Mark 16:2
Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb
Respond to what you do know about Jesus,
even if you don’t know everything yet.
Mark 16:3
and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
Mark 16:4
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.
Mark 16:5-6
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
He has risen. He is not here.
Mark 16:7-8
But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
SUNDAY NOTES 3.29.26
While we naturally define significance by status, recognition, and influence, Jesus completely redefines greatness through the story of James and John in Mark 10. Instead of climbing to positions of power, true greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in humility, service, and sacrifice. Jesus Himself modeled this by choosing the lowest place—serving others and ultimately giving His life. The call for believers is not just to admire this example, but to live it out through obedience in everyday moments, where choosing to serve and sacrifice leads to a life that truly matters.
Today’s Setlist:
I Know A Name
All Hail King Jesus
At The Altar
The WOnderful Blood
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 9
”the King on A Cross”
Mark 14:32-36
They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Mark 14:43-52
Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled. A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
Mark 14:56,61-62, 65
Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
Mark 15:1, 12-15
Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they shouted. “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Mark 15:16-20
The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
Mark 15:25-26
It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.
The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews.
Mark 15:37-38
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
What’s Coming Up at Vertical
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SUNDAY NOTES 3.22.26
While we naturally define significance by status, recognition, and influence, Jesus completely redefines greatness through the story of James and John in Mark 10. Instead of climbing to positions of power, true greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in humility, service, and sacrifice. Jesus Himself modeled this by choosing the lowest place—serving others and ultimately giving His life. The call for believers is not just to admire this example, but to live it out through obedience in everyday moments, where choosing to serve and sacrifice leads to a life that truly matters.
Today’s Setlist:
The Joy
All Hail King Jesus
Back to Life
The Wonderful Blood
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 8
”Redefining Greatness”
Mark 10:35-45
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
WE WANT JESUS TO DO FOR US WHATEVER WE WANT
Mark 10:35–37
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
WE DON’T LIVE LIKE THE WORLD
Mark 10:42
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
A LIFE OF SIGNIFICANCE IS FOUND IN SERVICE
Mark 10:43-45
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
What’s Coming Up at Vertical
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SUNDAY NOTES 3.15.26
Mark 8:27–38 reveals that many people subtly reshape Jesus into the version they prefer—one who affirms their desires without challenging their lives—but Jesus confronts that tendency by asking His disciples the defining question: “Who do you say I am?” While Peter correctly identifies Him as the Messiah, he still misunderstands His mission, expecting power and political victory rather than suffering and the cross. Jesus clarifies that God’s plan brings victory through sacrifice, rebuking Peter for thinking with merely human concerns. He then extends the implication to everyone: following Him requires denying oneself, taking up the cross, and surrendering control of one’s life. In the paradox of the kingdom, the life we try to protect is the one we ultimately lose, but the life surrendered to Christ is the one truly saved. Therefore, recognizing Jesus as the true Messiah demands more than agreement—it requires complete surrender of one’s life to Him.
Today’s Setlist:
I Know A NAME
BACK TO LIFE
THE WONDERFUL BLOOD
SOUND MIND
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 7
”WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?”
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” — A.W. Tozer
Mark 8:27-30
Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
Mark 8:31-33
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
REVELATION BRINGS CLARITY
Peter loved Jesus. He believed in Jesus.
He just didn’t like the version of Jesus that included the cross.
Mark 8:34-37
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
LOSE TO SAVE // GIVE UP TO GAIN
Mark 8:38
“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
What’s Coming Up at Vertical
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SUNDAY NOTES 3.8.26
Jesus doesn’t avoid graveyards—He crosses to the other side, steps into darkness, and confronts what death has claimed in order to restore what belongs to Him. In Mark 5:1–20, we see that the grave doesn’t get the final word—because when Jesus invades our chaos, He doesn’t manage it, He redeems it and turns our past pain into present purpose.
Today’s Setlist:
Move of God
Bless God
Who Else
More Than Able
Click above to register
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 6
”A Poverty mindset”
Mark 6:30-44
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
A poverty mindset begins with focusing on what’s missing. A kingdom mindset begins with focusing on who is present.
OUR POVERTY MINDSET GETS EXPOSED
Mark 6:35-38
By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”
Jesus will never ask you for what you don’t have. He asks for what you have, but refuse to surrender.
OBEDIENCE OFTEN PRECEDES THE MIRACULOUS
Mark 6:39-41
Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.
Many of us are waiting for God to move.
But sometimes God is waiting on our obedience.
THE RHYTHM OF THE KINGDOM
Mark 6:41
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people.”
He takes it.
He blesses it.
He breaks it.
He gives it.
Mark 14:22
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’”
God reaches the world through surrendered people.
He blesses our lives so that through us, His life can reach others.
Mark 6:42–43
“They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets of broken pieces of bread and fish.”