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Gennifer Benjamin Brooks

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African-American History

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CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY -- Psalm 137, Isaiah 61:1-4 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
The history of black people in America, or African-American history, like the early history of the H

Christian

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A SERVICE FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY -- Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 100, John 15:1-11 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GREETING

Church Anniversary

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LITANY FOR A CHURCH ANNIVERSARY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Leader: We come together in celebration for the years that we have been together as the people of Go

Church Leaders

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LITANY FOR CHURCH LEADERS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Leader: You have called each of us to be partners with you in building up your church, O Christ.

Death

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A SERVICE OF DEATH AND RESURRECTION -- Revelation 21:1-4, Psalm 23 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GATHERING

Fellowship

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AN ADULT BIRTHDAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
You give us life, creator God, and you know the number of our days.
BLESSING OF A HOME -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of blessing and of tender care, let your spirit be present as we make this place our home.
BLESSING OF A MEAL -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Thank you, dear Lord, for this meal which you have provided for the nourishment of our bodies.
GRACE AT THANKSGIVING DINNER -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Thank you, God, for another Thanksgiving day and the opportunity to give you thanks.
FAMILY REUNION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
In your wisdom you made us one family, dear God, and then scattered us far from one another.
FAMILY REUNION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gracious God, we who have been scattered far and wide have come together to celebrate our family and
CHRISTENING CELEBRATION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We give thanks to you, loving God, for the promise of life fulfilled in this infant child.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of love, who ordained the union of male and female in marriage through the example of Adam and E
GRADUATION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Eternal God, you know the pathway of life, and give us the promise of your presence if we seek you.

Funeral

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FUNERAL SERVICE -- Psalm 121:1-2 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(When death occurs in tragic circumstances.)PROCESSIONAL

Gathering Prayer

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For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Source of all life and seat of all power, you made us in your likeness and called us good.
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We hear your call, O God, to come from the places where life with all mysteries and inducements take
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of all people, we come with open hands and hearts to receive your blessing.
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Seat of wisdom, we thank you for this gathering of your people, for the inspiration that enabled us
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We come together from the places where life has scattered us, and gather in community seeking to be
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Eternal God, you call us into being and living.
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of covenant care, we come in humility, aware of the weakness that causes us to break our promise
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gracious God, we come from the places where life has taken us.
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
O God, you call us to be messengers of hope.
For Gathering And Approach -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of grace and glory, you travel with us in the day and watch over us at night.

Healing

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HEALING SERVICE -- Psalm 103:1-5, 22b -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
A TIME OF MEDITATION

Home Blessing

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BLESSING OF A HOME -- Psalm 23, Psalm 91, Psalm 118, Psalm 127 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GREETING

Intercession

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FOR COMFORT IN TIME OF GRIEF -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Creator God, the source of our life and the hope of our souls, we come bringing the burden of grief
FOR HELP IN TIME OF TROUBLE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gracious God, who came to the aid of your people in times past, we call upon you for help and delive
FOR HEALING -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Blessed Savior, you understand the pain of bodily hurt, you know the feel of torn flesh.
FOR HEALING -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Loving Savior, we come to you in supplication for the healing of your child ______________.
FOR SAFE TRAVEL -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Merciful God, who led your people of old safely to the promised land, guide and protect us every ste
FOR RELIEF FROM DEPRESSION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Comforter and guide, who has promised to be with us wherever life takes us, be present even in this
FOR HEALING A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of tender care, who brought healing to many who were broken in heart and mind, come and mend thi
FOR EMPLOYMENT -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Creator of the universe, you are the one who inspires my mind, fills my soul and puts my hands to wo
FOR EMPLOYMENT -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Jesus, my Savior and friend, you have been with me through all the days of study, when it seemed I w
FOR UNITY IN THE FAMILY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of love, who brought together people from many places to be a family, who caused us human beings
FOR FAMILY MEMBERS LEAVING ON ASSIGNMENT OVERSEAS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Almighty Savior, who by your grace keeps us together in heart, even when we are apart, keep safe the
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Guard and protect our child, dear Lord, as s/he begins this new experience of school.
FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gracious God, you move us through higher phases of learning so that we may gain the knowledge we nee

Liturgy

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ADVENT CANDLELIGHTING CEREMONY I -- Isaiah 42:5-9, Isaiah 40:1-5, Isaiah 55:1-7, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
FIRST SUNDAY -- THE CANDLE OF ANTICIPATION
ADVENT CANDLELIGHTING CEREMONY II -- Psalm 130:7-8, Psalm 95:1-2 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
FIRST SUNDAY -- THE CANDLE OF HOPE
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE -- Luke 1:68-79, Isaiah 11:1-9, Luke 1:26-38 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
THE CALL
EPIPHANY SERVICE -- John 1:14 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
THE BLESSING OF THE GIFTS
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE -- Psalm 103:1-5 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
The season of Lent is the time in between two important celebrations of the Christian church.
GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP SERVICE -- Isaiah 53:1-9, Matthew 5:43-48, Luke 23:35-43, John 19:25-27 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
A THREE-HOUR SERVICE ON THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRISTSILENT MEDITATION

Marriage Ceremony

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A SERVICE OF CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GREETING

Memorial

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MEMORIAL SERVICE -- Psalm 103 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Men's Day

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LITANY FOR MEN'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Leader: You made us male and female in your image and we praise you, dear God.

Mother's Day

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LITANY FOR MOTHER'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Leader: God of tender care, on this day of celebration, we praise you for our mothers.

Observance

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Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

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Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)
Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Prayer

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NOONTIME PRAYER SERVICE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GATHERING

Sacrament

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BAPTISM OF AN ADULT -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GATHERING
AN ORDER FOR CONFIRMATION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
THE MEANING OF CONFIRMATION
CELEBRATING THE APPOINTMENT OF A PASTOR -- Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Ephesians 4:11-16 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of th
CELEBRATION OF MUSIC MINISTRY -- Psalm 95:1-2, Psalm 96, Psalm 98, Psalm 100 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
"O come let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

Thanksgiving Day

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THANKSGIVING DAY CELEBRATION -- Psalm 67:1, 3-7, Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This service has been written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Thanksgiving Prayer

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FOR SAFE ARRIVAL -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We thank you, gracious God, for your presence with us on our journey, and for your loving care which
FOR SAFE RETURN FROM A PERILOUS JOURNEY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God our protector, by your guidance and in your presence we have made it to the end of this journey.
FOR SAFE DELIVERY AFTER A DIFFICULT PREGNANCY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of all life, who delivered our ancestors through toil and trouble, we thank you for the safe del
FOR SUCCESSFUL SURGERY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Loving Jesus, who healed the sick and cured all manner of diseases, we thank you for your healing to
FOR SUCCESS IN SCHOOL OR EXAM -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Wisdom God, we thank you for opening our minds to the understanding of the lessons that we have been
FOR COMPLETION OF THE ADOPTION OF A CHILD -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Loving Jesus, you who gave us a new model of family, thank you for bringing ______________ into our
FOR A COUPLE STARTING OUT -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We come together in your love, O God, thanking you for the love we feel for each other that has brou
FOR A COUPLE REUNITED AFTER SEPARATION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of grace and glory, we come in thanksgiving for the fresh opportunity you have given us to live
FOR A NEW HOME -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gentle Jesus, who yourself was without a permanent home, we thank you for this home that you have pr
FOR SATISFACTION OF A MORTGAGE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Generous God, you have provided for us through all the years, and you have brought us to this moment
FOR A NEW JOB -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of the ages, who gave us hands to work for you, minds to receive your thoughts and hearts to do
FOR A NEW CAR -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We thank you, O God, for this vehicle, which you have provided for us to travel as we go about our l

Unison Prayer

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MORNING PRAYER -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Thank you for the new day, for the morning sun and the sparkling dew.
ANY TIME DURING THE DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
For the hours of day that have come and gone, we give you grateful thanks, O God.
EVENING PRAYER -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
As the sun sinks silently from our view, and as the evening stars begin to appear, we come to you in
CHURCH MEETING OPENING -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We have come together, Holy One, bringing the gifts you give us to be used in the service of your ch
END OF MEETING CLOSING PRAYER -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
For the time we have spent in your presence here, we give you thanks, O God.
CHURCH SCHOOL PROMOTION -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We have reached another milestone of learning, dear God, and we give you thanks for all that has bee
CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Great teacher, you called your disciples together and imparted your Word to them so that they might
WORKERS IN THE CHURCH -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Thank you, God, for these persons who have been called to the various offices in your church.
NEW PASTOR -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Lord, we thank you for all those who have served as pastors in this church over the years.
FOR MOTHERS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Life-giving God, whose tender care has defined for all time the role of mothers, we give you thanks
MOTHER'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God, our mother, thank you for the human mothers you have placed in our lives.
MOTHER'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gentle God, you nurture us in the womb of your compassion, you feed us from your storehouse of love,
FOR FATHERS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God our creator, the source of all life, we thank you for those whom we call father.
FATHER'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Father of all, we celebrate your gift of fatherhood this day.
FATHER'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of all, you model for us the qualities that we would want in our fathers.
FOR PARENTS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God, our mother and our father, we bless you for the fullness of care provided by our parents.
FOR PARENTS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Heavenly parent, you made us in your image and likeness, and set the example of care and nurture for
FOR GRANDPARENTS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Gracious God, you have blessed us with these special persons, our grandparents, who have been a have
A NEW YEAR -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of all seasons, who gives us the minutes and hours and days of our lives, we come to you in this
CHRISTMAS GATHERING -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We gather in festive joy gracious God, celebrating the birth of our Savior and the gift of life you
CHRISTMAS DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Giver of all gifts, for the gift of your son Jesus Christ as a child into our world, for the gift of
CLOSING OF A YEAR -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
We come again, dear God, to the close of a year.
FOR PEACE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Life-giving God, whose desire for your children is that we live together in harmony, grant us peace
FOR JUSTICE -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
God of the ages, you who desire justice for all people, look with compassion upon those for whom jus
FOR DISCERNMENT -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
O Wisdom on high, open our eyes to your truth, open our ears to your word, open our minds to your pr

Wedding Vow

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RENEWAL OF WEDDING VOWS -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
GATHERING

Women's Day

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LITANY FOR WOMEN'S DAY -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
Leader: Creator of life, you call us women and men to be full persons in your sight.

Worship

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MORNING WORSHIP -- Psalm 100 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
"New every morning is the love our waking and uprising proves, through sleep and darkness safely bro
EVENING WORSHIP -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
CALL TO WORSHIP
Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Free Access

Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)
Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Worship Service

SermonStudio

Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)

Free Access

Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)
Observance Of The Birthday Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- Jonah 2:2-9, Revelation 21:1-7 -- Gennifer Benjamin Brooks -- 1996
(This liturgy is written intentionally for use in an interfaith setting.)
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For September 14, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A sheep stuffy or toy.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started!

Did you know that Jesus traveled around and hunted for people who were doing something illegal and breaking the laws? (Let them respond.) He really did.And when he found someone who was doing something illegal, do you know what he did with them? (Let them respond.)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Our text tells us that we are skilled in doing evil (v.22). An anonymous late medieval treatise titled German Theology tells us why:

It is the nature and property of the creature to seek itself and its own things, and this and that, here and there, and in all that it does and leaves undone as desire is to its own advantage and benefit. (Varieties of Mystic Experience, p.162)

Martin Luther King, Jr. offers an alternative to this vision:
David Coffin
All three of today’s texts can be viewed as good news that God never gives up on God’s people. This is despite their resistance to repent or simple straying from the community of faith. We can observe family and loved ones at various points of their faith journey through the lens of each of these texts. Jeremiah 4 informs the people their neglect of honoring their covenant with God is about to result in disastrous consequences. Paul recalls in 1 Timothy 1 how he thought he was falling God’s will until he had his literal come to Jesus moment!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (vv. 6-7)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told stories to illustrate to the people God's gladness whenever anyone turned to him and chose life. There is still rejoicing in heaven whenever any one of us turns to God.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I think I'm too insignificant for you to bother with me.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with other people, but only with myself.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)

The psalm writer has an interesting perspective on the origin of injustice in our world. He begins this psalm with the assertion that those who do not believe in God are "fools." He goes on to accuse them of corruption and of being incapable of doing good. Later on he writes, "Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the Lord?" (v. 4).

Elizabeth Achtemeier
"Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them" (v. 12). Ours is a society that does not accept that as the Word of God. Many people do not believe that God judges anyone. Rather, the Lord is a forgiving God, a kindly deity who overlooks all wrong. As in the Gospel lesson for the morning, the Lord searches for the one lost sheep and returns it gently to the fold, or he hunts for the one lost coin until he finds it. God accepts the lost as they are, we think, overlooking Jesus' teaching about repentance and transformation of life.
Scott Suskovic
We usually don't spend too much time thinking about our own sinfulness. On occasion, of course, our feelings of guilt overwhelm us. We can't stop thinking about our sinfulness. If we are in that situation, we may need to talk that out with someone. Apart from times like that, we don't think much about our own sinfulness. We have ways of getting around that.

R. Robert Cueni
Back before the ways of the Taliban became common knowledge, there was a fascinating little article about how they jailed barbers when they didn't do culturally correct haircuts.1 The newspaper reported that young men in Kabul, Afghanistan, have started wearing their hair the way the actor Leonardo DiCaprio wears his. Long, not only on the sides, but so long in the front that hair can drop over the eyes. They call the style, "the Titanic," named for the blockbuster movie starring DiCaprio about the 1912 sinking of the cruise ship by that name.

Special Occasion

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