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Ash Wednesday - C

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Children's Activity

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Four rules -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
"Human holograms" -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Teachers or Parents: If your church practices the

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ages 8-10 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ages 5-7 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Getting Right -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
I had a coworker tell me the other day about a problem she was having with her computer.
Love that hurts -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
The story is told of a young girl whose very best friend lived just down the street.
The practicality of penitence -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent, a season of penitence.
Love that hurts -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The story is told of a young girl whose very best friend lived just down the street. They
Called to a different life -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2001
The summer of 2000 was a devastating one for the western United States.
No pretensions -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1998
The common theme in the lessons for this day is an explication of what we might call "religion of th
A time to get personal -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1995
Ash Wednesday services are well-rooted in some traditions and absent in others though an increasing
Over the trash can -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2, 12-19 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Ashes may not be as familiar or as regular a part of daily life as when most people had wood or coal
Ashes -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Most of us are aware of ashes as a symbol of a repentant heart and spirit and have heard this theme

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Getting Right -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
I had a coworker tell me the other day about a problem she was having with her computer.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ages 8-10 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ages 5-7 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C

Children's sermon

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SHHHhhhhh! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John Jamison -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogu
The Right Treasure Chest -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2019
Hello kids,Thank you for joining me for this message I have just for you.
Your Greatest Treasurer -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
The Point: Your greatest treasure is not laid up on earth but in heaven
What Is Lasting -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Anna Shirey -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2013
First Thoughts
Obstacles -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with
Four rules -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them;
Don't sound a trumpet -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Good evening, boys and girls. I brought an empty tube with me tonight.
What's a hypocrite? -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C
(Show the children the hologram picture.) When I look at
Human holograms -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C
When I look at this card, the picture looks real. It looks
An acceptable time -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought two special things with me tonight.
Put on ashes -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Good evening! This is Ash Wednesday. Does anybody know why
God's time -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Our service tonight began at (time). I came early because I

Drama

SermonStudio

Reward -- Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21 -- Pamela Urfer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
Cast: Two people, SARAH and SIMONLength:5 minutes

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2022) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2019) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2019
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2016) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2013) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Martin Luther began his famed Ninety-Five Theses with this statement: "...
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Martin Luther King Jr. affirmed the majesty of God in a telling speech.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
There are 193 ambassadors from other countries to the United States.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
When we think of Jesus as having no sin and yet being tempted in every way that we are, I think of P
NULL -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Jesus never spoke of equality with God.
NULL -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Jesus is right. Our piety is full of hypocrisy.
Have you ever heard of... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Have you ever heard of a "three-hankie" movie? It's an old term, favored by Hollywood's
Rend your hearts and not... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
"Rend your hearts and not your garments," is Joel's challenge to God's people. Stop
The church played an important... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The church played an important role in Paula's formative years. She attended Sunday
Do you dread making wrong... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Do you dread making wrong decisions? Do you worry that bad choices lead to poor
In the middle of the... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
In the middle of the twentieth century, mainland China became officially Communist,
I had been visiting Martha... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
I had been visiting Martha for a few months as she was making her final journey in life.
A hailstorm when crops are... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
A hailstorm when crops are growing can be very devastating in Iowa or anyplace where
Ash Wednesday is a good... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Ash Wednesday is a good time to ponder this enormously important biblical word,
One day, Gandhi stepped aboard... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
One day, Gandhi stepped aboard a train as it started to move, and one of his shoes slipped
For years, the church received... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
For years, the church received a substantial anonymous donation. It arrived early in
No one would ever have... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
No one would ever have guessed that Stan was a generous man, especially when it came
While recently listening to a... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
While recently listening to a public radio broadcast, I heard some social science experts
The movie Ed TV... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2001
The movie Ed TV follows the experience of Ed Pukurny, an unambitious, unassuming, regular guy
If the essence of all... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2001
If the essence of all prayer, as Friedrich Heiler in his book Prayer contends, is a genuine f

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Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2019) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2019
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

Prayer

SermonStudio

Piety as private, not public -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dennis Koch -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Piety as private, not publicGospel Note:
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-12, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10), Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Ash Wednesday is a time for having a good cry.
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The superscription to this psalm identifies its origins with David's prayer after the prophet Nathan
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Karl Barth once remarked that the greatest tragedy in human life would be to come to the end of our
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- George M. Bass -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue

Sermon

SermonStudio

Trumpet Medley -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Listen to the sound of the trumpet. What do you hear?
Show Me Your Credentials -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
When you apply for a job, offer service to a customer, or try to get a license ...
There's Still Time -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Nowadays the cost of a dinner and a movie keeps going up, and a vacation can be especially expensive
The Hard Sell -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Our blessed Lord presses the issue. Do you or do you not want to be my disciple?
Triumphing Over Obstacles -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Rabbi Moshe took a trip to a strange land. He took with him a donkey, a rooster, and a lamp.
Ashes And Bugs -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Ah, spring! The days are getting longer, and hopefully warmer.
Come Clean -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
There is an old story about a mother of eight who walked into her house after visiting with a neighb
Escape From The Island Of Spiritual Sloth -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
I was noodling around on the internet not long ago, doing some research on the "Seven Deadly Sins,"
The Ash Connection -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
There is always something we cannot stand about ourselves, something that is unacceptable, something
What Are They Saying About Us? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Robert J. Elder -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2001
Why should it be said among the peoples, "Where is their God?"
With All Your Heart -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
The poignant words of the prophet Joel should have deep relevance and meaning for this Ash Wednesday
Living Horizontally -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John N. Brittain -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Mitchell (obviously not his real name) was a pillar of the church I served a quarter century ago and
"Lord, I'm Coming Home" -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Like a bridge under which much water has flowed with the passage of time, the words span generations
The Pitfalls Of Practicing Piety -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John M. Braaten -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1991
I have never liked the word "beware." It always seems to be written in intimidating block letters wh
Fasting In A Fast-food World -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Barbara Brokhoff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1991
If I told you that I have a sure-fire, effortless plan whereby you can lose 25 pounds, with no exerc
The Piety That Isn't -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carl L. Jech -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1988
The well-known San Francisco newspaper columnist, Herb Caen, recently made a provocative observation
Rejoice! It's Lent -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-19 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1988
Rejoice! It's Lent. Sounds strange doesn't it? Joy and Lent just do not seem to go together.
Spirituality Made Simple? -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Durwood L. Buchheim -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1985
For many of us, the religious experiences of other Christians look much more attractive and exciting
Fasting: Foolish or Fraitful? -- Matthew 6:16-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1976
Today, fasting is a lost practice. Since Vatican II, Catholics do not require fasting.

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The Pitfalls Of Practicing Piety -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John M. Braaten -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1991
I have never liked the word "beware." It always seems to be written in intimidating block letters wh

Stories

StoryShare

Silent Witness -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
Luke watched Marion as she spoke her nonsense syllables and wondered what he was doing here.
Holy Self-Defense -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Keith Wagner -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2019
Contents “Holy Self-Defense” by Keith Wagner
Lincoln And Lent -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- John Fitzgerald -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
Contents "Lincoln and Lent" by John Fitzgerald
Sound The Alarm -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Sandra Herrmann, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2013
Contents"Sound the Alarm" by Sandra Herrmann
Ashes For Remembering -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- John S. Smylie, Frank R. Fisher, Ron Lavin -- Ash Wednesday - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Transforming Light" by John Smylie

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Silent Witness -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
Luke watched Marion as she spoke her nonsense syllables and wondered what he was doing here.

SermonStudio

The Truth, The Whole Truth, And Nothing But The Truth -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Several years ago there was a huge literary uproar over A Million Little Pieces (New York: An
The Right Thing For The Right Reason -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no
Deafening Decibels -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
My neighbor across the street stopped by one day to tell me he had petitioned the city council for a
Abounding In Steadfast Love -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Our son, Lloyd, died on May 4, 1997.
Mrs. Smedes' Prayer Chair -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
The Reverend Dr.
True Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
"Today we're going to talk about Lent," Tanya announced at the beginning of the adult class she had

Worship

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
A single song is being reflected through all the colorations of the human choir.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Theme: Lost And Found
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10Theme: Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21Theme: No Peeking
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Theme: A Call To RepentanceCall To Worship
Come With Your Heart -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Repent and turn to the Lord -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- James R. Wilson -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1991
Have mercy on me, O God,according to your steadfast love;
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10), Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Heth H. Corl -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1985
Theme:Return to the LordCall to WorshipPastor:
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Zechariah 7:4-10 -- Heth H. Corl -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Zechariah 7:4-10Theme: Righteousness is more important than ritual
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New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: An x-ray showing the human heart. I have attached a public domain image you may use if you like.

* * *

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For November 10, 2024:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives sleep to his beloved.
(v. 2)

While staying in a motel recently, I was wakened several times during the night by someone sawing wood in the adjoining room. At first I thought the sound was coming from outside. But when I peered out the window over the dumpster there was nothing but a weary raccoon on his way home after working the late shift.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Mark Ellingsen
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
The First Lesson is drawn from a short story set in the period of Judges (1:1), underscoring the loyalty and fidelity that binds families together. The date of the work is uncertain, a date prior to the Babylonian captivity in the sixth century BC indicates its purpose may be to establish David’s ancestry. A post-exilic date might indicate the author’s efforts to counter the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah which considered intermarriage wrong.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
A 91-year old man recently appeared in court, charged with causing death by careless driving. He was driving behind a lorry on a fairly narrow road, when to the horror of other motorists, he pulled out to overtake the lorry. The other motorists were horrified because they had all seen a motorcyclist coming in the opposite direction. The motorcyclist flashed his lights in warning and the lorry driver pulled as far to the left as he could, in the hope that the elderly motorist who was driving at 40 mph, would either speed up and get past or would take other evasive action. But it was too late.

SermonStudio

James Evans
It is not possible in a single sermon -- or even a psalm -- to answer the question, "What is the meaning of life?" That is one of those complicated and complex questions that require a lifetime of reflection, prayer, study, and some trial and error. However, it is possible to ask and answer a different question that may be just as important. The writer of Psalm 127 seems to be trying to answer such a question: "How do we find a life that is really worth living?"

Schuyler Rhodes
There is a well-worn axiom that warns against mixing religion and politics. It was probably devised in an attempt to help smooth the rough places in some of those long holiday dinners with seldom-seen relatives. Keep the conversation polite, vague, and unchallenging. That way, all parties can stay through the dessert course and get home in one piece. In truth, there is wisdom in such an unwritten law. However, a serious people of faith must contend with the time after dinner when the relatives have dispersed and it's back to business as usual.
Stephen M. Crotts
And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living."
-- Mark 12:41-44 (RSV)
Lee Ann Dunlap
Several years have now passed since the television series Survivor first debuted to become a summer ratings sensation. The concept was simple: place a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and personalities into close proximity with a common purpose, namely survival on a deserted island, and let the audience watch as their relationships develop, or fall apart.

Mary S. Lautensleger
Fried green tomatoes were the house specialty at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama during the 1930s. Evelyn is suffering through the growing pains of a midlife crisis when she and her husband come across the quaint Depression-era ghost of a town called Whistle Stop. Their destination is a nearby retirement home where Evelyn quite by chance meets octogenarian Ninny Threadgoode.

John R. Brokhoff
Robert W. Stackel
On August 20, 1977, there was launched an 1819 pound space craft, Voyager 2, at Cape Canaveral. At 61,148 miles per hour it was directed toward the planet Neptune. In 1989 it arrived, only twenty-one miles from its destination. From 2.8 billion miles from earth it sent back pictures of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Since it completed its mission, it was turned toward outer space, where it will float through the Milky Way forever and ever.

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