What could we possibly learn about following Jesus from an insect? Quite a lot, actually, especially if you look at the life of a leaf-cutting ant. Leaf-cuttings ants are specialized ants that make their entire lives about cutting and carrying leaves. Sometimes their leaves are up to twenty times their body weight. They carry a lot, but they make it look easy.

In Matthew 16.24-26, we are called to carry something that can be pretty heavy, too. Jesus calls us to carry a cross. We are called to follow Jesus' example of carrying on through difficulty for one purpose, showing God's love to everyone who would pay attention. Jesus carried the sins of the whole world and he did that for us.

As a result, we are inspired to carry our own burdens and the burdens of each other as we move in trust carrying our own crosses through life, forsaking everything else. Why though? We do this so that others can know the unending love of Christ.

When we realize that even though we may feel the amount that we carry is insignificant, when we all work together we can expect God to show up and work amazing things.

On Sunday we’ll discuss:

• The purpose that drives our unity in the local church
• How to escape feelings of inadequacy or insignificance 
• Trusting Jesus and experiencing the real deal New Testament Christianity

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

• What is cross-bearing?
• What was Jesus praying for in John 17?
• What is the purpose of the church?
• How does that purpose bring us together?
• Why do we carry on with Jesus’ mission even when it’s difficult?

OPENING / WELCOME
Russ Robins

SONG LEADER
Mark Ringle

PRAYER OF PRAISE
James Johnson

LORD'S SUPPER
Boyd Hastings

SCRIPTURE READING
Isaac Tincher
Matthew 16.24-26

PREACHING
Cain Atkinson

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
Rich Walker

WELCOME CENTER
Pat Reeder / Kathi Stewart

USHERS (arrive @ 08.45)
Ryan Fraser / Jim Grushon, Jr.

HEALTH SCREENING (arrive @ 08.45)
FRONT ENTRY: Tricia Spargo
SIDE ENTRY: Vicki Mullins

Post-Service Sanitization
Rich & Connie Walker
Pam Grushon

Closing the Building
Dru McLaughlin