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Working Together -- Acts 18:1-3 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
The Great Picnic -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a basketful of pieces of broken bread
Try For A Good Life -- James 3:16-4:6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: bricks and raisins
The Humble Teddy -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a tire jack
It's Mine! -- 2 Timothy 2:8-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: your watch, your billfold, your comb, a handkerchief with your initial on it
Who Ends Up Happiest? -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: very pretty ribbon and some plain old string
Coal, Frankenstein, And Merv -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: An explanation of the important gifts of the Magi.
Jesus Is No Joke -- John 12:20-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some grains of wheat
A Good Custom -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: praying hands and bowed head
Heart, Mind, Soul, And Strength -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: A working understanding of the Greatest Commandment.
Gifts For God -- Romans 11:33-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box of candy, some flowers, a piece of jewelry
Using The Name Of Jesus -- Acts 19:13-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Don't Ignore The Signs -- Galatians 6:1-10, 14-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs, such as "Stop," "Keep Off The Grass," or "Beware Of Dog"
Faith Needs Work -- James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a calculator
What's In A Name? -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two brands of soda crackers like "Krispy" and "Zesta"
Fizz! -- 2 Timothy 1:3-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an Alka--Seltzer tablet and a glass of water
An Invitation -- Matthew 22:1-10 (11-14) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an impressive invitation (try to plan at least part of your service, if not the whole
Zip--lock Protection -- John 17:1-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: We are protected from the corruption of the world. Key verse: 11.
One Flower Or Many? -- John 11:1-53 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a flower with some seeds that will shake out when the petals are removed
It's Tempting -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a television schedule
Tricky People -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
Exegetical Aim: Beware of people who try to trick you.
Jesus' Job Description -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a blackboard, some chalk, and some ideas on the job description of a mother
Teaching Trust -- Acts 16:28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
A Warm, Steamy Bath -- Galatians 3:26-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big bath towel
Anger Doesn't Work! -- James 1:17-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of water, a strainer, and an empty bucket

Christian

Christian Faith

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Church Leaders

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Poems

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Preaching

SermonStudio

You Make The Call -- Mark 5:1-20 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The old-timers probably knew the story of the demoniac in detail. Let's call him Caliphys.
Strangers? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young married woman had been quarreling with her mother-in-law, to the extent that the elderly one
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
"Give us this day our daily bread." This text from Exodus forms the background of that petition in t
The Sheep And The Goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
1. Text
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
Sometime between 500 and 350 B.C., post-exilic Israel experienced a devastating locust plague, follo
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22--31 (C)
One American Dollar -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
While we were on a trip to Israel with a Christian tour group, we were amused by the peddlers of var
Holy Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I asked a Roman Catholic priest in Delphos, Ohio, how they make "Holy Water."
A Connectional Religion -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It is a well-known fact that a shoe store salesman won Dwight L. Moody to Christ.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14a, 36--41 (RC)
Ground Zero -- One Year Later -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Listening to and watching television on September 11, 2002, as that long list of over 2,800 names wa
True Brotherhood 2 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It is interesting to know that the New Testament of the Bible has taught the equality of all humanki
The Prayer In Gethsemane -- Mark 14:32-42 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The scene in Gethsemane is one of those places that I find extremely significant for my own personal
.A Kentucky Story (in fun, of course) -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A visitor in a sixth grade classroom listened to the children answer questions from their teacher.
Recognizing True Authority -- Matthew 8:5-13 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Like the account of the paralytic and his four friends, here is another miracle where the faith of a
Teamwork -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church met in Columbus, Ohio.
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
The traditions that we find in the Old Testament concerning Israel's wandering in the wilderness aft
Salt And Light -- Matthew 5:13-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
Our story of Israel has brought us to Mount Sinai, where Israel has heard that she is God's elected
Shepherds And Sheep -- John 10:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
1. Text
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
The first thing we should realize about our texts from Genesis is that they are intended as depictio
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: 37:1--4, 12--18 (C)
Our Total Trust In God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr.
Hot Dog, This Is It! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Someone asked an ex-alcoholic what the word "hallelujah" meant.
A Gift Of God's Grace -- Laughter -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Humankind is never so expressive of the goodness of God as when a person is laughing.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Two For The Price Of One -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Today is an important day in the life of the world and the life of the church.
Death To Glory -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Once in a far-off land, there was a great king whose dominion extended far and wide.
The Promised Land -- Luke 9:28-36, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 86:1-13 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a Christian who has suffered in faithThe Promised Land
How Not To Become Distracted -- Luke 10:38-42 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
We live in what has been called the "Information Age." We have more information at our disposal than
Thanks For Receiving Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- John W. Clarke -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
This wonderful chapter of Deuteronomy speaks to us on this Thanksgiving Day of the forms for the pre
Death, Our Teacher -- Psalm 90 -- Allen Puffenberger, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a beloved parishionerDeath, Our Teacher
God Can Change The Past -- Luke 24:1-9, Isaiah 42:1-4, Revelation 7:13-17, Psalm 22:1-8, 14-31 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing that God can turn the past around
Prophet Or Profit? -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
I shall never forget the night that Mae June came to church.
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
One of the most obvious things about the night sky is the moon, especially the full moon.
Jailhouse Rock -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Do you remember the old folk tune that went something like this? (sing or recite)
God Is Rock Solid -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
The phone rang in the pastor's office.
Book Bound, Free Spirit -- Isaiah 43:1-4 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a librarian with a free-spirit life
Getting The Complete Understanding Experience -- Acts 8:14-17 -- John T. Ball -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
Many times we settle for lives and experiences that are limited and incomplete.
Enduring The Trials Of Faith -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
"In the seventh year of his reign, two days before his 65th birthday, in the presence of a full cons
To Die Is Gain -- Philippians 1:18-23 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an older person who lived past many of her family and friends
Abba, Your Kingdom Come -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
The provoking incident for Jesus teaching his followers what to pray and how to pray is that the apo
As A Child -- Isaiah 40 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a great church memberAs A Child
True Wisdom -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Proverbs 2:1-8, Psalm 111 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing true wisdomTrue Wisdom
The Bible: Head And Heart -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
"With Jesus in your heart, you just can't hate anybody." That is our destination, but sometimes the
The Undoing Of Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
Several years ago, my wife and I took a vacation where we drove to Mexico City in an old Volkswagen
The Cost Of A Priceless Gift -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Sacrifice is not valued very highly by society.
The Stonecutter -- Revelation 21:1-5 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an eighty-year-old skilled craftsmanThe Stonecutter
You Can't Whistle The Finale From Beethoven's Fifth Symphony! -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
Halford Luccock, onetime professor of homiletics at Yale Divinity School, told of going to a childre
New Creations In Christ -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There once was a very unhappy old man.
Jesus Called To Her -- Luke 13:12 -- T.a. Kantonen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a forty-year-old woman who died a lingering death from cancer

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no heartbeat like the heartbeat of a mother.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Our assurance, comfort, hope, and joy is in the complete holiness of the Father.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gratitude
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Teamwork
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
On May 7, 1914, Thomas J.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christ's church does not move by pushing itself harder, but simply opening itself to the full potent
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fairness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
The Reason For The Season -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Aunt Carla is adamant about her celebration of Christmas. It can only be one way.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Attitude
What Good Can Come Of This? -- John 14:1-14 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Their hearts were troubled. They couldn't believe it.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
No language can express a mother's hope.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God cannot help but act in a consistent manner with His holy character.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Thought
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; a mother's secret hope outlives them all."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I do not find in the Old Testament or in the New Testament, neither in Christian biography, in chur
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Beauty
The Advocate -- John 14:15-21 -- Constance Berg -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
A new baby boy: Jonathan Richard.
Will It Bear Fruit? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Melinda's heart ached. Her seventeen-year-old daughter had just gotten her nose pierced.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Men are what their mothers make them." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not like the light bulb -- on again -- off again.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Sunday Of The Passion -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Matthew 21:1-11, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
HymnsAt The Name Of Jesus (PH148, UM168, CBH342)
Our Place At The Table -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers around tables in a fellowship room for an enactment of
Ten Words -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:7-10)
Eyes On The Prize -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 31:15-16)
Blessedness/Trust -- Luke 6:17-26, Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIt is not what we have but who we are that counts.
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, PH321)
A Passover To Remember -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers around tables in a fellowship room on Thursday evening
Short Attention Span -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
One Degree As God's Relation -- Acts 17:22-3, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Based on Acts 17:24-31)
Blindness/Seeing -- Mark 10:46-52 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod sees all - and understands.
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Hymns
A Growing Darkness -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers on Friday in the late afternoon or evening, in a candle
Love. Serve God. See God. Live. -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 99)
Waiting Together -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts: 1:7-8)
Bread -- John 6:24-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come here today to choose.
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Hymns
Seven Words To Die By -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Late on Good Friday worshipers gather by candlelight to remember the death of th
The Greatest -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 34:1-12Theme: The GreatestCall To Worship
Before I Was Born -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Second Sunday After Epiphany First Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-7
Challenge -- 1 Samuel 17:32-46a, 48-50a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe gather in worship to still our souls.
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
HymnsSing Praise To God (NCH6, UM126, PH483)
Surprise At Sunrise -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Worshipers gather at first dawn light on Easter morning to re-live the joy.
Taking The Plunge (What's An Ebenezer?) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
On The Day Of Midian -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Third Sunday After Epiphany First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4
Choosing -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come because God has called us.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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180+ – Illustrations / Stories
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5 – Pastor's Devotions
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Elena Delhagen
For May 19, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Pentecost accents the belief that the Christian church is a Spirit movement, not another world institution. Imagine a pastor who is on the denomination committee for examining pastoral candidates that are on various points along their journey toward ordination either before, during or just after completion of seminary/Bible college training. All the pastoral candidates are excited about their future of making a positive change and impression on the churches they serve.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 2:1-21
Martin Luther viewed Pentecost as a day of celebration, as on a sermon in the topic he noted “it was on this present Pentecost Day that the joyful blessed and lovely kingdom of Christ was established, a kingdom filled with joy, courage, and certainty.”  Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.152) Awareness of the Holy Spirit is a big part of the joy and certainty Pentecost brings.  John Wesley, then, offers a timely warning about how not to lose a sense of the Spirit and the joy and confidence this insight offers.  He wrote:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand. He unpacked his guitar and played a few chords to make sure that it was in tune. “The acoustics are better in the church building.”

“They may be,” Todd said raising his voice over the sounds of the busy park. “Going to be a noisy afternoon from the sounds of it.”

“Huh?” Ollie looked over at his smiling friend. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“You’re just saying what we’re all thinking, isn’t he Wendy?’

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Today’s message will include a role-play. You will need one child to play the role of the shepherd and the rest of the children will be the people from town. I usually pick an outgoing child for my shepherd so they will act out a bit. Encourage everyone to have fun and ham it up a bit.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As I recall, there was a mighty, rushing wind at the last Bank Holiday weekend. It didn't herald the coming of God quite as much as the coming of a mighty, rushing rain, and for many unfortunate people, substantial flooding. And it was accompanied by considerable power, for it uprooted and destroyed one of our laburnum trees.

SermonStudio

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
The Holy Spirit gets around. Historically the church has also commemorated its origins on this festival. In some traditions, confirmation is celebrated.

Collect of the Day
Petitions are offered that the Spirit come and transform the faithful to give them language to proclaim the word. The Holy Spirit, Justification (by Grace), Sanctification, and Evangelism are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
* Hymn to God the creator; praise for God's providential interventions.
James Evans
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Elizabeth Achtemeier
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to remain in Jerusalem until he sends the Holy Spirit upon them. That will enable them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Having promised that, he ascended into heaven, to rule over all at the right hand of the Father. That promise was spoken during the forty days that the Lord was with the apostles and disciples after his resurrection.
Arthur H. Kolsti
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord to the breath, prophesy mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
-- Ezekiel 37:4-10
Ron Lavin
The Holy Spirit is called "your Advocate" in the New English Bible translation of John 15:26. Other translations may be helpful in understanding the meaning of the Holy Spirit. The King James Version uses the term "The Comforter." The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version use the term "The Counselor." The Phillips translation and the Barclay translation call the Holy Spirit "The Helper." I like the title "The Advocate" best of all. This term "The Adovcate" includes comforting, counseling, and helping.

Special Occasion

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