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Acts 9:36-43

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Miracles -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Tinkerbell is the delightful sprite in Peter Pan who drifts between the world of senses and
The Nature of the Occasion -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Review your schedule for the past week or so and consider the variety of gatherings of which you hav
Lord of New Life -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- David Coffin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
In this season of new life, we are always reminded that Jesus as Lord found in the Christian scriptu
I know you! -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
To know and to be known are important to our well-being.
Hope for today, tomorrow, and eternity -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
If there is a theme that binds these three scriptures, it must be HOPE. Not a short-term, eas
How can the dead testify? -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
We have an affair with death that ranges from fascination to revulsion.
An eye for the miraculous -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Miracles and faith have long traveled together. A couple once told me that they were
How can the dead testify? -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2001
[Rev. Dr. Mark J.
The Lamb as Shepherd -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1998
Although most lectionary guides (including this one) deal only with the three lessons appointed for
A potpourri of possibilities -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
There are no doubt times when the preacher faces the lectionary readings of the day for the first ti

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

God is Our Mother, We Shall Not Want -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 11, 2025:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
After Stuff Happens -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Acts recounts Peter’s startling restoration to life of Tabitha, a d
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who Are These? -- Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Lectionary texts for the Easter season, including all of them for this Sunday, reflect the resurrect
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 4 -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha...

Drama

SermonStudio

Here We Go Again -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Jacqueline Sharer Robertson -- 2006
Making It Preach
Paradox -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 100 -- John A. Tenbrook -- 2004
I hope those groaner puns won't detract from the discussion of paradox.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2025) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2022) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2019) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2016) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Acts 9:36-43
Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2013) -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 9:36-43
NULL -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
In the late 1860s, George F. Gates built a home in Independence.
NULL -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The miracle of the resurrection of Dorcas came as quite a surprise for the faithful, who it is repor
Acts 9:36-43 The... -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Acts 9:36-43
When there's a death in... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
When there's a death in the family, it's a common thing for survivors to assemble a
When Peter raised Dorcas from... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
When Peter raised Dorcas from the dead, he presented her to saints and widows, people
Many years ago, a group... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
Many years ago, a group of women began sewing small bags and then collecting personal
The scene repeats itself thousands... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
The scene repeats itself thousands of times a day all over the world. Loved ones grieve
The power of life over... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
The power of life over death is central to the Christian narrative.
I recall a man in... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
I recall a man in a student church, where I pastored many years ago, being critical of faith healers
When Paul was invited to... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
When Paul was invited to apply for a promotion, he knew that it would mean a move to another city, f
There is a story told... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
There is a story told about a lady who was a little on the heavy side, and who really wanted to lose
John Davison drove by Lester... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
John Davison drove by Lester McWiggins' barn every morning for 23 years.
On a cold February evening... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
On a cold February evening in Edmonton, Alberta, 13-month-old Erika Nordby wandered outside dressed
Norman Vincent Peale tells of... -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Norman Vincent Peale tells of two sad characters from Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment: the

The Immediate Word

God is Our Mother, We Shall Not Want -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 11, 2025:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
After Stuff Happens -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Acts recounts Peter’s startling restoration to life of Tabitha, a d
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who Are These? -- Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Lectionary texts for the Easter season, including all of them for this Sunday, reflect the resurrect

Preaching

The Immediate Word

God is Our Mother, We Shall Not Want -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 11, 2025:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
After Stuff Happens -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Acts recounts Peter’s startling restoration to life of Tabitha, a d
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who Are These? -- Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Lectionary texts for the Easter season, including all of them for this Sunday, reflect the resurrect
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
A number of subsidiary themes emerge in this reading from Acts, and we probably should take note of
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe resurrected Christ becomes a physical presence in the world again.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 9:36-43 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

God is Our Mother, We Shall Not Want -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 11, 2025:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
After Stuff Happens -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Acts recounts Peter’s startling restoration to life of Tabitha, a d
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who Are These? -- Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Lectionary texts for the Easter season, including all of them for this Sunday, reflect the resurrect
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them

SermonStudio

The Good Works We Leave Behind -- Acts 9:36-43 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
It's a poignant scene: the gathering place of mourners.
Need A Lift? -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Journalist Bob Garfield researched health articles in The Washington Post, USA Today, and The New Yo
A Sense Of Urgency -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
In the world we appear to be in a hurry to go nowhere and be on time.

Stories

StoryShare

Tabitha -- Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Contents “Tabitha” by Keith Hewitt
Following Jesus -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "Following Jesus" by Peter Andrew Smith
New Life -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Sandra Herrmann, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Contents"New Life" by Sandra Herrmann
My Sheep Hear My Voice -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Larry Winebrenner, Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "My Sheep Hear My Voice" by Larry Winebrenner
Picture Of Peace -- Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
A Story to Live By Picture of Peace
Dumb Woolies -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- C. David Mckirachan, Stan Purdum, Gregory L. Tolle -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Dumb Woolies" by C. David McKirachan

SermonStudio

Dorcas -- Acts 9:36-43 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Women have always been uniquely important in the life of the church, whether or not men want to admi

Worship

The Immediate Word

God is Our Mother, We Shall Not Want -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
For May 11, 2025:
The Lamb Has No T-Shirts -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
For May 12, 2019:
After Stuff Happens -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary text from Acts recounts Peter’s startling restoration to life of Tabitha, a d
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who Are These? -- Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Roger Lovette -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Lectionary texts for the Easter season, including all of them for this Sunday, reflect the resurrect
The Good Shepherd Faces Violence -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
This week's lectionary readings (especially Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30) are centered around the them

SermonStudio

Easter 4 -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Psalm 23 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The Easter story is about the triumph of creativity.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 9:36-43Theme: What We Really Miss
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Peter Heals DorcasCall To Worship
To Be Continued -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: After Jesus' death, many wondered if the healing had ended.
Power over death -- Acts 9:36-43 -- James R. Wilson -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

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

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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