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Children's sermon

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Whose Plans? -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- John Jamison -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
Object: Ideally, find a big map of the Holy Land to show where Mary and Joseph trav
Trusted Advice -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
Children are at a stage in life where they are told to do all kinds of things.
Instant Obedience -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2017
How many of you have a dog?  Have you ever tried to teach your dog some tricks?  Isn't it amazing ho
Moving On -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Anna Shirey -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
First Thoughts Teaching On
Likewise -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Moving day -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophe

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg

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Trusted Advice -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
Children are at a stage in life where they are told to do all kinds of things.

Children's Activity

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Moving day -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Backpacking -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Materials: Thin ribbon Round lollipops
Backpacking -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
God watches over us -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Today's lesson has some difficult things to share with children.
Follow God's directions -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Teachers or Parents: We would all like our children to
Popular John -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Teachers or Parents: Bring a newspaper or news magazine.
Going with God -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Teachers or Parents: Travel is likely to be part of the holidays in your household.
Warned In A Dream -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Today's story gives students a chance to act out the dream of Joseph.

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

What Do We Do with Jesus? -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
A friend once explained it like this: in a dream, he saw a marvelous apparatus of yellow silk billow
Cost of Deliverance (COD) -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- David Coffin -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
In my early years of ministry, I took this Sunday off, and let the supply preacher worry about these
God's love and trust in us -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The Christmas season is over in the secular world.
In praise of praise -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Our English word "carol" emerged from the public celebrations of late Medieval France.
Trapped in stained glass -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
I love stained glass.
Rock-solid change -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
As the end of the old year draws near, and as the dawn of a new year begins to break, we think about
Vulnerable Savior -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
It is only two days after Christmas.
The suffering children -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1995
When a bomb destroyed the federal building in Oklahoma City earlier this year there was an outpourin
The price of loving! -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Galatians 4:4-7, Matthew 2:13-23 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Now come the bills! Christmas is a time of exhilarating gift giving.
Search and preserve mission -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 148 -- William H. Shepherd -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty," says the bumper sticker.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
Isaiah 63:7-9
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2019) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
Isaiah 63:7-9
When the United States... -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
When the United States occupied the Philippines in the 1890s, Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem that prom
William McCumber says... -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
William McCumber says that the men in this section of the scripture are "unwise men." These religiou
If we are suffering... -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
If we are suffering in any way, it can help to know that God's only son was sent to suffer for us.
The Sunday after... -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The Sunday after Christmas is calculated to be a bit of a "downer" compared to the Christmas festiva
Finding something... -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
Finding something spiritually meaningful in the Holy Family's fleeing to Egypt is a tall order.

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:

StoryShare

A Series of Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
In 2004 Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan published the book Chronicles: Volume One.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr

SermonStudio

Christmas 1 -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: All God's people -- boys and girls, women and men,
Christmas 1 -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Greeting And Opening Litany P: Brothers and sisters, we gather on this day
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
HymnsO For A Thousand Tongues To Sing (CBH110, NCH42, UM57)
Fire And Hail, Snow And Frost -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 63:7)
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Saving Acts In History Call To Worship

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr

SermonStudio

The Gift that Matters! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
As we gather on the Sunday after Christmas we do so with a sigh of relief.
Not What You Expected -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- John N. Brittain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Some years ago, my wife and I took a group of students on a short-term mission trip to Belize, the o
Restoration Frustration -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Tony S. Everett -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Here we are gathered together a few days after Christmas.
The Horror Before The Blessing -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
A few years ago, a woman wrote in exasperation to the editor of her newspaper.

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The Horror Before The Blessing -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
A few years ago, a woman wrote in exasperation to the editor of her newspaper.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Obedient to Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
For January 1, 2023:
The Dreams We Have for Children -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
For December 29, 2019:
Fleeing Christmas -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
The gospel text for the First Sunday after Christmas tells of Jesus and his family’s flight to Eg
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr

SermonStudio

First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Christmas 1 -- Psalm 148 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Christmas 1, Cycle B; Christmas 1, Cycle C; an
First Sunday after Christmas Day -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7--9 (C); Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (E)
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
By specifying this text on the first Sunday after Christmas -- that day so often called "low Sunday,
First Sunday After Christmas -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148 adapted)

Stories

StoryShare

A Series of Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
In 2004 Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan published the book Chronicles: Volume One.
A Life-Saving Monkey -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
"Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; fo
Protecting The Good -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- John Fitzgerald -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2013
Contents "Protecting the Good" by John Fitzgerald
God With Us -- Matthew 2:13-23, Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
Contents "Taking His Joy unto Ourselves" by Lamar Massingill
Have You Seen Any Eskimos Lately? -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Ron Lavin, Fanny Lee Seville -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

When Evil Seems To Win -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
"Peace on earth." Ha! Even in the Christmas story, it doesn't last long.
Warnings -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Vickie Eckoldt
Identifying With Suffering -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham.
So Unnecessary! -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Some things are beyond understanding - especially when a loss of life is preventable.
Christmas Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
Jeff and Cheryl had a dream. Actually they had the same dream.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christmas 1 -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
For he said, "Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely; and he became their
Christmas 1 -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Christmas 1 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
...
Christmas 1 -- Psalm 148 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The Refugees -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Joe shivered and cuddled up against his young wife, now sleeping at last with the baby held secu

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

A Father's Story -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Call to Worship:

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

CSSPlus

Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
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