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Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A

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Children's Activity

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Sun and rain -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

How It's Done -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
Our faith is a living faith. We are living temples.
Foundations for mature faith -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- David Coffin -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2013
It might happen in any given church or nonprofit organization in the middle of the winter months, or
Tall order -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48, Psalm 119:33-40 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
Basketball fans who are thirty years old or older will remember watching Michael Jordan at his prime

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Tight Fisted -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
Who thinks they can open up my tight fist? Anyone want to try?
Surprising Kindness -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Anna Shirey -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
First Thoughts
Building -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and
Sun and rain -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
… so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and

The Immediate Word

Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
Gleaning Some Wisdom -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
In this week's gospel passage, Jesus counsels his disciples to avoid retaliation -- telling them to

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Hits Back -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
"We got them!" Praxis was proudly relating his story to the Wise Old Pixie, who was listening with a

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7 / OT 7 -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
... You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.-- Leviticus 19:2
Epiphany 7 / OT 7 -- Psalm 119:33-40 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Epiphany 7 / OT 7 -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
... all belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
Epiphany 7 / OT 7 -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth."

Drama

SermonStudio

You Shall <i>(OUCH!)</i> Be Perfect <i>(BRRR!)</i> As Your Heavenly Father <i>(OOOF!)</i> Is Perfect -- Matthew 5:38-48, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Psalm 71 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Thespian Theological Thoughts Be holy ... be perfect.
The Tooth Fairy -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
Theme

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 7 (2017) -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 7 (2014) -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2013
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
In Preaching Daily... -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2013
In Preaching Daily a story is told about a little two-year-old boy named Blaine Morris who ob
In August 2013... -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2013
In August 2013, a young Indian photojournalist and her accompanying boyfriend were on assignment in
Poverty plagues... -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2013
Poverty plagues America. The U.S.
We are each responsible... -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Bob Ove -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2013
We are each responsible for building on the foundation in Christ.
In 1848 the papacy... -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2013
In 1848 the papacy was nearly overthrown, and in 1860 it lost most of its domains with the unificati
Americans have... -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2013
Americans have over-inflated images about themselves.
My coworker's fiance's... -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2013
My coworker's fiancée's birthplace outlawed Christianity.
Sermon illustrations for Epiphany 7 (2011) -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Charlize doesn't get along with her dad... -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
Charlize doesn't get along with her dad.
Reginald Heber (783-1826) was a bishop in the Church of England... -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
Reginald Heber (783-1826) was a bishop in the Church of England.
St. Peter's basilica in Rome is... -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
St. Peter's basilica in Rome is the result of a massive building effort by many contributors.
Frederick Douglass approached the front door... -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
Frederick Douglass approached the front door of the White House, seeking admission into Abraham Linc
In the 1992 film Last of the Mohicans... -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
In the 1992 film Last of the Mohicans, Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Hawkeye, an Englishman adopt

The Immediate Word

Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
Gleaning Some Wisdom -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
In this week's gospel passage, Jesus counsels his disciples to avoid retaliation -- telling them to

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
Gleaning Some Wisdom -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
In this week's gospel passage, Jesus counsels his disciples to avoid retaliation -- telling them to

SermonStudio

Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany / Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayJesus desires that we seek to love our enemies.
Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 119:33-40 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2006
Like last week's selection from the opening portion of this same psalm, today's selection celebrates
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
A Loving Spirit is the gift of Christ to all who believe. -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 (C, E); Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 (L, RC)
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-13, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:27-37 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-13, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:27-37 -- George M. Bass -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
Gleaning Some Wisdom -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
In this week's gospel passage, Jesus counsels his disciples to avoid retaliation -- telling them to

The Village Shepherd

No Strings Attached -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
I remember, as a child, the loathsome task of writing thank you letters after every birthday and Chr

SermonStudio

Building a Solid Foundation -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
The long-awaited dream would soon become a reality. Ground was broken for the family's new home.
God's Weather Report -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
In the 1985 movie, Witness, Harrison Ford plays a tough Philadelphia detective who uncovers c
The Hungry Monkey -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
During a meeting of the parish stewardship committee, members viewed a thirty-second video clip take
Will It Last? -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
A quarter-century ago, the little college at which I worked offered a scholarship for one year of st
The Reward -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
The Rock opera, Jesus Christ, Superstar, pictures Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking G
The Offense Of Grace -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Victor Hugo begins Les Miserables with the story of Jean Valjean.
Three Cheers For Leviticus -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
A once--popular book, The Varieties Of New Testament Religion, by E. F.
You Want Me To Do What? -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
There's an old Charles Schulz Peanuts cartoon that has Lucy chasing Charlie Brown around the
Living Our Lives On The Edge -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1995
In the course of my growing up I was in a great variety of clubs and groups.
Jesus' Countercultural Sermon -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1995
Sometimes age and experience force us to reevaluate long held beliefs about the world and the way li
Ooo Boy! -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- John B. Jamison -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1992
I don't know what started the argument.
Is Anybody There? -- Isaiah 49:8-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1992
In 1976 when our nation was celebrating its bicentennial, there was a delightful musical produced ab
The Primacy of Human ReIationships -- Matthew 5:27-37 -- Joe E. Pennel, Jr -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1989
People being properly related to one another was important to Jesus.

Stories

StoryShare

For Love Of Neighbor -- Matthew 5:38-48, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Keith Wagner -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
Contents "For Love of Neighbor" by Keith Wagner
The Love Ethic -- Matthew 5:38-48, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Keith Wagner, Keith Hewitt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
Contents"The Love Ethic" by Keith Wagner
What Kind Of Fool Are You? -- Matthew 5:38-48, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Psalm 119:33-40 -- John E. Sumwalt, Keith Hewitt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
Contents"What Kind of Fool Are You?" by John Sumwalt

SermonStudio

Sunday Dinner -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
How many folks have tried to read the Bible all the way through but never were able to finish?
Discerning God's Direction -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Jane Moschenrose
An Enemy Loved -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say t
Conscience-Building -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Trace was known for his strong, durable buildings.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Make America Great -- Anew -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus suggests that following traditional precepts like “a
Tuning Out Violence By Turning The Other Cheek -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary texts build on last week’s themes, emphasizing again the importance of fol
Gleaning Some Wisdom -- Matthew 5:38-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
In this week's gospel passage, Jesus counsels his disciples to avoid retaliation -- telling them to

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Matthew 5:38-48, Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Psalm 119:33-40 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
Order For Confession And Forgiveness
Epiphany 7 -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: God would teach us to love, even the imperfect people,
Just Due Charity -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-1, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
HymnsO Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High (LBW88, PH83, NCH209, UM267)
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Moral HolinessCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ The Sure FoundationCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christian PerfectionCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 98 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Concerning Retaliation and Loving Enemies -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18Theme: Not Just On SundayCall To Worship
Teaching About Revenge And About Loving Enemies -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
God does not forget his people -- Isaiah 49:8-13, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Heth H. Corl -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Maundy Thursday
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
For April 20, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A bowl and a towel.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent

Have you ever gotten in trouble for not doing what you were supposed to do? (Let them respond.) Maybe it was something you were supposed to do at home, or maybe it was something you were supposed to do for someone else. Well, our story today is about the time Jesus’ friends didn’t do what Jesus told them they were supposed to do.
John Jamison
Activity: The Easter Game. See the note. 
John Jamison
Object: A box of Kleenex?

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

Today is the day we call Good Friday, and it is the day that Jesus died. What happened on Good Friday is the story I want to tell you about. It is a short story, but it is also a very sad story. (Show the Kleenex.) It is so sad that I brought a box of Kleenex with me in case we need it. Let’s hear our story together.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Acts 10:34-43
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 65:17-25
The vision of Isaiah, the new heaven and new earth, a world we cannot begin to imagine, moves us from the sorrow of Good Friday and the waiting of Saturday, into the joy of the resurrection. Isaiah proclaims from God, “no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it or the cry of distress.” What a moment, what a time that will be. What hope there is in this prophecy? God’s promises are laid out before us. God’s promises are proclaimed to us.
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
It’s unclear whether the original prophet is speaking about his own sufferings as a prophet bringing an unwanted word to people who want to believe all is well (and which could have led to severe physical punishment on the part of the authorities), or to the nation as the suffering servant who have suffered under the lash of a foreign oppressor, much as God’s people suffered under the Egyptians. These are legitimate interpretations, and perhaps there’s a bit of truth in all viewpoints.
Wayne Brouwer
When Canadian missionaries Don and Carol Richardson entered the world of the Sawi people in Irian Jaya in 1962, they were aware that culture shock awaited them. But the full impact of the tensions they faced didn’t become apparent until one challenging day.
David Kalas
What do you do on the night before God saves you? 

The children of Israel had been languishing in hopeless bondage for centuries. How many of them had lived and died under the taskmaster’s whip? How many of them had cried out to the Lord for help without seeing their prayers answered?  And so, as surely as their bodies were weighed down under the weight of their physical burdens, their spirits must also have been weighed down under years of bondage and despair.
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
It is perhaps not widely known, but the Community Blood Center has a website that contains stories of blood recipients.  I spent some time on that website as I thought about this passage. One of the stories that struck me was Kristen’s. Kristen’s time of need came during the birth of her first child. After a smooth pregnancy, she experienced serious problems during delivery, which led to a massive hemorrhage. She needed transfusions immediately, and ended up receiving 28 units of platelets, plasma, and whole blood.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. (v. 14)

Mary weeps as she comes to the tomb that first Easter morning. She weeps because her dearest friend is dead. When this friend comes up behind her she turns around and sees him, but she doesn't really see him. Do you know what I mean?

Mary thought Jesus was the gardener. She implores him, "Sir, if you have taken him away tell me where you have laid him…"  She sees him but she doesn't see him.
Peter Andrew Smith
I’m sorry but I have some bad news. John heard the words of the doctor again as he sat in the pew waiting for the service to start on Good Friday. He was at church because he was a regular and he hoped, he prayed that he could escape the rising fear and dread that had come from the medical appointment yesterday. The doctor had been sure there was no problem when John had told him the symptoms he was experiencing a couple of weeks ago. The doctor even told him to just ignore them as they were a sign of getting older.
John E. Sumwalt
In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ (v. 25)

I was seven years old, the same age as my grandson, Leonard, when I asked the big communion question in the barn while helping Dad, the first Leonard Sumwalt, milk cows in 1958.

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
All my life I have struggled with the concept of calling this day of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion as “good.” What could possibly be good about Jesus being arrested, tried, convicted, and crucified? How can we call this feast day “good”?
Wayne Brouwer
When I was a pastor in rural southern Alberta, we held our Easter Sunrise worship services in a cemetery. It was difficult to gather in the dark, since neither mountains nor forests hid the spring-time sun, and the high desert plains lay open to almost ceaselessly unclouded skies. Still, we mumbled in hushed whispers as we acknowledged one another, and saved our booming tones for the final rousing chorus of “Up from the grave he arose…!” We did not shake the earth as much as we hoped.
Dennis Koch
Gospel Theme:

Different paces and paths to resurrection faith

Gospel Note:
John here obviously mingles at least two Easter morning traditions, the one featuring Mary Magdalene and the other starring Peter and the beloved disciple. The overall effect, however, is to show three different paths and paces to resurrection faith: the unnamed disciple rushes to the empty tomb and comes to faith simply upon viewing it; Mary slowly but finally recognizes the risen Christ and believes; Peter, however, simply goes home, perhaps to await further evidence.
Pamela Urfer
Cast: Two Roman soldiers, FLAVIUS and LUCIUS, and an ANGEL

Length:
15 minutes

FLAVIUS and LUCIUS are seated on their stools, center stage.

FLAVIUS: (Complaining) What was all the hurry about for this burial? I don't understand why we had to rush.

LUCIUS:
(Distracted but agreeable) Hmmmm.

FLAVIUS: I don't know why I even ask. It's so typical of the military: Hurry up and wait.

LUCIUS:
True.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The liturgy can start with a procession in which a child carries the Easter candle from the West end of the church to the altar at the East end, stopping at intervals to raise the candle high and cry, "Christ our Light". The people respond with "Alleluia!" All the candles in church are then lit from the Easter candle.

Call to worship:

The Lord is risen, he is risen indeed! Let us rejoice and be glad in him!

Invitation to confession:

Jesus, we turn to you.

Lord, have mercy.

Special Occasion

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