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Schuyler Rhodes

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Saints -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31, Psalm 149 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- All Saints Day - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2010.
A mountaintop experience -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 2 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2011
One of the cable networks has created a strange hit series.
God's gift of time -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2011
Every January 1 there is a sense of freshness.
Who do you work for? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2011
The following story begins the first chapter of Jeffrey K.
The rise and fall of sin -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 32 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Lent is traditionally a season of spiritual contemplation.
Are you thirsty? -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement.
Question me an answer -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
There is an old show tune, made popular by Bobby Van, whose chorus goes like this:
Believing is seeing -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41, Psalm 23 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Sometimes we see people who are wide-eyed with wonder.
Matters of life and death -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45, Psalm 130 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
As I look out on my congregation on any given Sunday, I recognize that a significant percentage of t
The wrong anthem -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Psalm 31:9-16 -- William H. Shepherd, Schuyler Rhodes -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2011
The choir director was aghast. "I just didn't realize," she said. "It was totally inappropriate.
A good meal -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
When traveling through a strange town many years ago, we stopped a pedestrian and asked her, "Where
A day of surprises -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Easter Day - A -- 2011
Every so often, I have been unable to watch a sports event that I am interested in when it has been
Loving, sight unseen -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Recently a friend told me the story of his move to our community.
What's so good about Good Friday? -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Good Friday - A -- 2011
One of my favorite movies of all time is the 1956 classic titled Twelve Angry Men featuring a
Homecoming -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Ian Maclaren tells the story of a young woman in his book Beside the Bonnie Briar Bush.
Live it and they will come -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10, Psalm 23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Remember the movie, Field of Dreams?
A new us-them mentality -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
You see it in every area of life. It's abundantly true in politics and sports.
Idol-rife -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21, Psalm 66:8-20 -- William H. Shepherd, Schuyler Rhodes -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
In Garret Kreizer's novel, God of Beer (2002), the high school social studies teacher tells t
Game plan -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
During the 1978 British firefighters strike, the army was enlisted to cover emergency services.
Glory in the cross -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Constantine Caesar was advancing his legions through the northern Italian mountains toward Rome.
What's the good word? -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
I expect that our culture has become a rather cynical audience for speech.
It was good -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20, Psalm 8 -- William H. Shepherd, Schuyler Rhodes -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2011
The more I listened, the more I heard desperation.
Defined by choices -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42, Psalm 13 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2011
Robert Maynard once told how he became a writer.
A journey of a thousand miles -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2011
There are many books describing amazing journeys, but one of the most fascinating for me was Endu
Devil's advocate -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Psalm 119:105-112 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2011
It's an awful phrase, you know, when you stop to think about it: "Devil's advocate." Yet how often h

Preaching

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Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!" How often do we give credit where it's due?
Psalm 62:5-12 -- Psalm 62:5-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The storybooks of our faith are full of heroes and martyrs who have insisted on the sovereignty of G
Psalm 126 -- Psalm 126 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday.
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In a bookshelf in my living room sits a testimony to change.
Psalm 31:9-16 -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There are times when paranoia is a well-founded emotion. Sometimes people are out to get you.
Psalm 114 -- Psalm 114 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm calls up some wonderful imagery.
Psalm 1 -- Psalm 1 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm could have been written yesterday! It is striking in its contemporaneous feel.
Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In talking about God, the conversation usually is about how we feel about God.
Psalm 63:1-8 -- Psalm 63:1-8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
At the core of our faith is the basic tenet that we must surrender ourselves to God.
Psalm 127 -- Psalm 127 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a story about a pastor who worked for years to revive and grow a failing downtown church.
Luke 1:47-55 -- Luke 1:47-55 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A common gift to young children is a magnifying glass.
Psalm 31:9-16 -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It was late one night, and the young people in the church were having a party.
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"I owe you one." These words came out of my mouth only yesterday as a church member graciously agree
Psalm 5:1-8 -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Everyone knows what it's like to surrender in a long, collapsing sigh.
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A wise teacher once pointed out that much of scripture is said in dialogue.
Psalm 65 -- Psalm 65 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There are two fundamental theories that govern our human existence.
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Patience," the old ditty goes, "is a grace, and Grace is a little girl who doesn't wash her face."
Luke 1:68-79 -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Known among scholars as the "Benedictus," Zechariah's prophecy is a powerful and beautiful commentar
Psalm 32 -- Psalm 32 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In the United States of America today, the average household carries a credit card debt load of seve
Psalm 8 -- Psalm 8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them...?"
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"It's time." These two words charged through the boy's consciousness like an electric shock.
Psalm 66:1-12 -- Psalm 66:1-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
I use this psalm often when inviting people to join the church choir.
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Back in the '60s, there was a phenomenon known as trading stamps.
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Sometimes life gets to be simply too much.

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Why Did You Bring Us Out Of Egypt? -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2009
I am a baby boomer. I am part of that generation that emerged following World War II.
To Be Passed Over -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
This ancient story comes down the centuries to us with power.
Where The Rubber Meets The Road -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Good Friday - A -- 2007
I don't need to tell you that we belong to a portion of the Christian family called the "Protestant
Preaching Peace By Jesus Christ... -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Easter Day - A -- 2007
May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you!
This Is In The Bible? -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
My mother saved everything from my childhood -- little clay sculptures I made in church school, draw
To An Unknown God -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Are you one of those people who always has a backup plan?
Receiving The Power Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
I love this story.
Are We There Yet? -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
On long family car trips, one of the favorite questions asked by children from the backseat is, "Are
Martyrdom Chic -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
This story about Stephen is a hard one to preach about these days.
Sleeping Through The Alarm -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
I might as well get this off my chest. I have an abiding dislike for alarm clocks.
Are All Your Sons Here? -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
I remember sixth grade as though it were yesterday.
Being A Witness -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
The other day I was driving along when all of a sudden, out of the blue, this car went whizzing by m
Converting To Christianity -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiv
Putting The Genie Back In The Bottle ... -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
When our twins were quite young -- infants really -- I remember a scene that played out on our livin
Being A Blessing -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Have you ever been blessed by someone?
Can These Bones Live? -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
I remember, not too long ago, I was reading some history about our nation and its westward expansion
I Love A Parade -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2007
I love Palm Sunday.
A Level Playing Field For God -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
A Level Playing Field For God
No More Camping Out -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
I wanted to see if we could get a show of hands today.
Denial Ain't A River In Egypt -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Have you ever denied something that, deep down, you know to be true?
Claiming A Do-Over Faith -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
What do you think of when you hear the word "jubilee"?
Day One: A New Beginning -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Day One: A New Beginning
Following A God Who Flip Flops ... -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Following A God Who Flip Flops ...
False Prophets -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
False Prophets

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Being A Blessing -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Have you ever been blessed by someone?
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
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120+ – Illustrations / Stories
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29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
Merry Christmas! The midwinter festival has come, and it calls for parties, feasting and drinking and dancing and the exchange of gifts. Like all people in the northern hemisphere, we need light in the dark days of winter. The only problem with all of this is that the pressure to be joyful can send us spiraling in the exact opposite of mind sets.
Christmas shops are not just for Christmas anymore. These stores that specialize in everything yuletide-ish do business year round and can be found everywhere. I have seen them in an outlet mall near Washington, D.C., nestled in a small village in the mountains of North Carolina and adorning the white sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is born! A bright light has come into our world, so let us thank and praise God for his gift to us of Jesus, the Messiah.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, make us worthy to worship at your crib.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, may we remember you in today's excitement.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are thrilled by your birth, be born in our hearts today.

Lord, have mercy

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
A Story to Live By: "
Christmas Stories: "Christmas Presence" by Janice Hammerquist
"Silver In His Soul"
"www.ChristmasHouse" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve by Thom M. Shuman


What's Up on Christmas Eve

Lamar Massingill
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
"God Acted that We Might Act" by Lamar Massingill
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" by John Sumwalt
"God with Us" by Peter Andrew Smith


* * * * * * * *


Taking His Joy unto Ourselves
Lamar Massingill
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Christmas would be incomplete without recognizing Incarnate Love's first fruit, which is joy. Johann Sebastian Bach recognized it when he, as an act of worship, composed "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

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John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 9:2--7 (C, RC); Isaiah 9:2--4, 6--7 (E)
Mark Wm. Radecke
Year after year, we are drawn to this night: This night with its carols, its candlelight, its communion, and the combined fragrance of pine, poinsettia and perfume. (Is that Passion or Poison you're wearing? Or maybe it's Polo!) The gentle poetry of Luke's story draws us, too.

Why is it that we are so drawn to this night, I wonder? There are, I suppose, as many answers as there are people in this room.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
It's not an easy life, I'll tell you that. I work my small farm during the day, but that doesn't bring in enough money. I have a family to support, taxes to pay -- oy, don't get me started on taxes -- so I need more than my farm brings in. I do the only other thing I know how to do. I hire myself out for the night shift watching other people's sheep. Tending sheep would not be my first choice, you understand. First, I have to stay awake all night. Then, there's counting the sheep to make sure one or two haven't wandered off. Thieves are always a problem.
Timothy J. Smith
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve. For many of us it feels like coming home for Christmas. We come to hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making their way to the little town of Bethlehem. We hear once again of Baby Jesus born in stable. Soon after an unexpected encounter with angels, the shepherds head to the manger to see Jesus for themselves. Children have creatively acted out this story for generations complete with the wise men offering their gifts. Living Nativities complete with live animals are portrayed in church parking lots in many communities.
Frank Luchsinger
"The grace of God has appeared ... training us ... to await our blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-13), and oh, how we have waited! The air is filled with anticipation, the Holy Night has come. We each wait for different things: the lighting of candles, the singing of carols, loved ones returning home, feasting, and forgetting ferment, for the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems us.
John B. Jamison
He stood on the steps and waved. He nodded to those cheering to him from below, and took a deep breath as if to soak up their praise.
Susan R. Andrews
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes. Right now, for just a minute. Please close your eyes. And now imagine with me. Imagine that you are holding a newborn baby. Imagine how this baby feels - skin touching skin, curves touching curves - harmonious heartbeats as life surges between you. Imagine the smell - the earthy sweetness of breath and body perfuming the air. Imagine the sound - the silent melody of sighing, stretching, settling. Right now, for just a minute, let your imagination go. Feel the baby. Smell the baby. Hear the baby.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
P: Born into this world,
C: born into our lives,
P: God made flesh.
C: O Emmanuel, we praise you now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful or Jesus, What A Wonderful Child

Gospel Procession
Have the children (dressed as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds) process and then read the gospel from the center of the congregation.

Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
L: O God of love,
C: be born in us today.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Angels From The Realms Of Glory (UM220, PH22, NCH126)
Born In The Night (PH30, NCH152)
Once In Royal David's City (PH49, UM250, NCH145)
The First Nowell (PH56, UM245, CBH199, NCH139)
On This Day Earth Shall Ring (UM248, PH46, CBH192)
What Child Is This? (UM219, PH53, CBH215, NCH148)
Silent Night (PH60, UM229, CBH193, PH134)
The Friendly Beasts (UM227, NCH138)
That Boy--Child Of Mary (PH55, UM241)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light -

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shone.

Women: You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

Men: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders -

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Merry Christmas, boys and girls. (Show one of your signs). Do any of you know what this sign means? (Let them answer.) That's right, it means (provide answer). (Show another sign and ask what it means. Let them answer.) Very good. Signs are very important aren't they? They give us direction. They tell us what to do and what not to do. The Bible gives many signs also.

You all know the story about the shepherds on Christmas Eve. The shepherds were in the field watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared to them. The Bible says that the shepherds
Leah Thompson
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all… (v. 11)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you today? (allow answers) Who can tell me what today is? (allow answers) That's right -- it's finally here! Today is Christmas [Eve]! We have spent the whole season of Advent preparing for right now. The long preparation is finally over. Christmas is here!

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