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1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15)

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

We Never Get It Right 'Til We're Right With God -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15)
The Winning Team of Losers -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Psalm 138 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
Ernest Gordon’s book To End All Wars (Zondervan, 2002) is the true tale of what took place
Evil is real -- so is grace -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1997
After having seen when he was a young lad the dissipation of the sons of Eli, Samuel must now witne
Forever is a long time -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1994
About the author

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The Winning Team of Losers -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Psalm 138 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
Ernest Gordon’s book To End All Wars (Zondervan, 2002) is the true tale of what took place

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Determined To Have A King -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
For June 9, 2024:
Walking the Line -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
For June 6, 2021:
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
A House Divided -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2015
As this past Sunday’s deadline passed without approval in the Senate for renewal of the Patriot Act,
Dual Citizenship -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
In this week's Old Testament lectionary passage, the elders of Israel approach a clearly displeased

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Walking the Line -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
For June 6, 2021:

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35, Psalm 138 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15)

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Determined To Have A King -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
For June 9, 2024:
Walking the Line -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
For June 6, 2021:
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
A House Divided -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2015
As this past Sunday’s deadline passed without approval in the Senate for renewal of the Patriot Act,
Dual Citizenship -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
In this week's Old Testament lectionary passage, the elders of Israel approach a clearly displeased

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Walking the Line -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
For June 6, 2021:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

One of my best friends... -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1994
One of my best friends held the head high school basketball coaching position for two years.
Some people will give up... -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1994
Some people will give up their freedom for security. But we were born into insecurity.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Determined To Have A King -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
For June 9, 2024:
Walking the Line -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
For June 6, 2021:
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
A House Divided -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2015
As this past Sunday’s deadline passed without approval in the Senate for renewal of the Patriot Act,
Dual Citizenship -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
In this week's Old Testament lectionary passage, the elders of Israel approach a clearly displeased

Free Access

Walking the Line -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
For June 6, 2021:

SermonStudio

Proper 5 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWe never get it right 'til we're right with God.
Proper 5 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 8:4-20 (11:14-15) (C)
Facing the enemy -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Facing the enemy. God and his servants can expect opposition.
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1993
Samuel became the religious and political leader of Israel. He
Proper 5, Pentecost 3, Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Determined To Have A King -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
For June 9, 2024:
Walking the Line -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
For June 6, 2021:
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
A House Divided -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2015
As this past Sunday’s deadline passed without approval in the Senate for renewal of the Patriot Act,
Dual Citizenship -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
In this week's Old Testament lectionary passage, the elders of Israel approach a clearly displeased

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Walking the Line -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
For June 6, 2021:

The Village Shepherd

God Never Gives Up On Us -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe

SermonStudio

God Never Gives Up On Us -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
Have you noticed that no matter how much of a mess we make of our lives, God never gives up on us?
God Never Gives Up On Us -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
Have you noticed that no matter how much of a mess we make of our lives, God never gives up on us?
Being What We Are -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Being What We Are
Our Solution ... God's Solution -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
A familiar Yiddish folk tale goes something like this: a man goes to his wise and revered rabbi for
Making The Worst Of A Bad Situation -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Her father was an alcoholic. Her mother worked most all the time. She had little choice.
Saul, The Tormented King -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
He was like a meteor.
The Way Of The King -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Charles Curley -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1993
This sermon is built around a question, a question which I am not even going to try to answer.

Stories

StoryShare

Wounds -- Mark 3:20-35, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
Contents“Wounds” by Keith Hewitt
Change Is Essential For Newness -- Mark 3:20-35, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Keith Wagner, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2015
Contents "Change is Essential for Newness" by Keith Wagner
Renewed By Day -- Mark 3:20-35, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Psalm 130 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
Contents"Renewed by Day" by Peter Andrew Smith

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Wounds -- Mark 3:20-35, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
Contents“Wounds” by Keith Hewitt

SermonStudio

Be Careful What You Wish For ... You Just Might Get It! -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
This is graduation time in many communities.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Determined To Have A King -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
For June 9, 2024:
Walking the Line -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
For June 6, 2021:
It's Complicated -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
A House Divided -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15 -- Robin Lostetter, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2015
As this past Sunday’s deadline passed without approval in the Senate for renewal of the Patriot Act,
Dual Citizenship -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2012
In this week's Old Testament lectionary passage, the elders of Israel approach a clearly displeased

Free Access

Walking the Line -- Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 138, Psalm 130 -- Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
For June 6, 2021:

SermonStudio

Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) Theme: Have Your Own Way Instead
The Voice Of The People -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: We thank you, Lord, with all our hearts,
Listen To Their Voice -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 5 -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), Mark 3:20-35 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Maundy Thursday
15 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
11 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Good Friday
20 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter!
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
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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