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John 6:51-58

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Children's sermon

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Bread From Heaven! -- John 6:51-58 -- John Jamison -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
Eating Is Believing -- John 6:51-58 -- John Jamison -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
Eternal Life in Jesus -- John 6:51-58 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The Point:  Jesus knows and is the way to eternal life.
Feasting on Wisdom -- John 6:51-58 -- Anna Shirey -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
First Thoughts: We're going to examine this passage from John through the lens of the other l
Bread from heaven -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do any of you ever think about heaven?
Want to live forever? -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Good morning! I brought this clipping from the newspaper to

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.

Children's Activity

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Bread from heaven -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Materials 7 pieces of white bread, without crust Medium-sized bowl
Want to live forever? -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Teachers or Parents: Jesus tells us that he is the bread of
He is here! -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Teachers or Parents: When Jesus speaks of being "living bread," it is a problem for children who m
A special meal -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME Materials:

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:51-58 -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:51-58 -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:51-58 -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:51-58 -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Intimacy With Our Lord and What It Does To You -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sober counsel -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- David Kalas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
Note: This installment was originally published in 2006.
Christ Fills Us Up -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
This Sunday’s lessons in taking their bearings from the Gospel’s report of Jesus identifying with th
Wisdom and folly -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
Are we to be fools for Christ, or wise as serpents (and innocent as doves)?
Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Ibn Saud was the first modern king of Saudi Arabia.
Wise up! -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2000
We live in an era of an explosion of knowledge.
A word to the wise -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1997
As we have noted before, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings were probably originally one
The Blood -- Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
One of the interesting things about blood, as it is presented in the New Testament, is the fact that

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2024) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2021) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2018) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2015) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2012) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4
The early church fathers saw... -- John 6:51-58 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The early church fathers saw the sixth chapter in the gospel of John as depicting Jesus as the sourc

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme

StoryShare

Bread From Heaven -- John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
Contents“Bread From Heaven” by John Sumwalt

Worship

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.

SermonStudio

Responsive Reading -- John 6:51-58 -- Gail Gaymer Martin, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
Leader: God, the Father, sent his Son to die for our sins and give us an eternal home in heaven.
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship. Based on Psalm 111. Leader:
Credit Where Credit Is Due -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2004
Call To Worship
An Understanding Mind -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Corpus Christi -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16Theme: By God's DesignCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
First Lesson: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Theme: Solomon seeks the wisdom to rule.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.

SermonStudio

The Meal that Stays with You -- John 6:51-58 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2011
Gene Roddenberry is widely remembered as the creator of Star Trek, one of the most successful
When The Baker Becomes The Bread! -- John 6:51-58 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world ...
Resisting Jesus -- John 6:51-58 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Sometimes people have difficulty understanding Jesus, or say they do.
To A Life Beyond -- John 6:51-58 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
The torches burned long into the night in the banquet hall.
Take Jesus Completely -- John 6:51-58 -- Don M. Aycock -- 2000
Christianity is not a faith for the easily offended.
Overcoming Spiritual Anemia -- John 6:51-58 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 1998
Webster, the famous dictionary author, defines anemia as a "condition in which the red corpuscles of

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.

SermonStudio

Proper 15 / Pentecost 12 / Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day More about the bread that brings life, wisdom, and unity.
Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
1. Text
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58
Corpus Christi Roman Catholic -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:2--3, 14--16
Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Eat to live or live to eat? We can eat to our salvation or damnation.

Free Access

Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Eat to live or live to eat? We can eat to our salvation or damnation.

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 15 -- John 6:51-58 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1990
Lord, you just don’t make it easywhen you say to follow you,

Prayer

SermonStudio

The living bread from above -- John 6:51-58 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: This passage continues the "I am the bread" sayings of the

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Proper 15 -- John 6:51-58 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
John 6:51-58

Stories

StoryShare

Bread From Heaven -- John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
Contents“Bread From Heaven” by John Sumwalt
Living Bread -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Keith Wagner, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Contents “Living Bread” by Keith Wagner
Artos -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
Contents "Artos" by Keith Hewitt "Choices" by Peter Andrew Smith
The Bread Truck -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Contents "The Bread Truck" by Keith Hewitt
My Stone Soup -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "My Stone Soup" by Frank Ramirez
Visitation Dreams -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Contents
The Wisest Person I've Ever Known -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, C. David Mckirachan, Susan K. Hedahl -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Carpe Kairos"

SermonStudio

A Double Recipe -- John 6:51-58 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
Karenza picked up the telephone for her study. It was Mr.

Drama

SermonStudio

Searching -- John 6:51-58, John 6:56-69 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersNarrator: male or female, any age

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Roly Poly Prickle Faces The Music -- John 6:51-58 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Roly Poly Prickle was in something of a mess.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Believing In You Isn't Easy, Amazing God... -- John 6:51-58 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

The Ladder -- John 6:51-58 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus is the living bread, and those who eat this bread will live
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
30+ – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 3
26 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 4
27 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
27 – 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
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
For April 12, 2026:

StoryShare

Keith Wagner
Contents
"Spiritually Speaking" by Keith Wagner
"Living With More Power" by Keith Wagner


Spiritually Speaking
by Keith Wagner
Psalm 16
Alex A. Gondola, Jr.
Keith Hewitt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"When through Fiery Trials" by Alex Gondola
"Tracks" by Keith Hewitt


What's Up This Week

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Thomas had never seen his friends so excited. Peter's eyes were shining, and he could hardly contain his impatience. John was always quieter than Peter, but even he seemed full of barely suppressed eagerness. They were both tugging at Thomas, while at the same time dancing round him.

Thomas reluctantly agreed to go to the cave with them, although he continued to think they were mad. "If there was nothing there last week, how can it have changed now?" he kept asking.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
This psalm is a song of confidence and trust, and the first-century church found in it a prophecy of the Resurrection. Peter, in his Pentecost sermon, quotes verses 8-11 (Acts 2:25-28), applying them to the risen Lord. Thus, its designation as the responsorial psalm for Easter 2.

The psalm falls easily into three divisions: verses 1-4, there is no good apart from God; 5-8, the Lord is my portion and my counselor; and 9-11, there is joy and life with God.
John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E)
According to God's plan and David's prophecy, Jesus was raised from the dead. This pericope is a part of Peter's Pentecost sermon. It is a sample of the early church's preaching, as Luke understood it, summarized in the crucifixion, resurrection, and fulfillment of prophecy. Peter emphasizes that what happened to Jesus was according to God's plan. He quotes Psalm 16 as a prophecy by David of the resurrection which was fulfilled. The disciples are witnesses to the fulfillment because of their encounters with the risen Lord.
Tony S. Everett
So, here we are just over one week after Easter Sunday. Vigils are finished. Sunrise services are over. Dishes from the youth breakfast have been washed and put away. Brass and tympani fanfares have concluded. Flowers on the cross have begun to wilt and blow away. Fewer pews are filled.
Richard L. Sheffield
What the disciples of Jesus reported to their fellow disciple Thomas they had seen seemed unbelievable. And Thomas didn't believe it! They said they saw Jesus alive. Well, Thomas saw him alive until late the previous Friday afternoon when Thomas saw him dead. It was now Sunday afternoon -- and to what they said they saw, Thomas' response was, "Seeing is believing," and until I see something different from what I have already seen, I will not believe a word of what you say.
Albert G. Butzer, III
Several years ago the Episcopal Church launched a creative and clever advertising campaign. One of their ads pictured a young man with a frustrated look on his face because someone had put a heavy piece of tape across his mouth. His mouth had been taped shut; he was unable to speak. The caption, which accompanied the picture, said this: "The problem with churches that have all of the answers is that you can't ask questions."
Harry N. Huxhold
The United States of America has earned the reputation of being the most violent culture in the world. That really is an oxymoron. How can one speak of culture as being violent? Yet the problem of violence is so widespread in our nation that Gavin De Becker, an authority on violence, notes that we are a nation with more firearms than adults, and twenty thousand guns enter our commerce every day. His book, The Gift of Fear, is about our fear which furnishes us survival signals to protect us from violence. We should not be shocked that anyone is capable of violence.
Bill Mosley
The great luxury liner was on fire, but no one knew it. Deep in the hold, near the engine room, hundreds of tons of coal were stored. Coal--powered ships used to carry the coal in a watered--down state. But this ship was new, and very big; bigger than any ship ever built, or had ever sailed. So even though the coal was watered for safety, the enormous amount meant that there were dry spots. A fire smoldered undiscovered deep in the coal supply, and when it was discovered, a fire--fighting crew was sent to quench it. They worked for days, even weeks, and couldn't put it out.
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Bless our God who has given us counsel.
Come to worship with exulting heart and rejoicing spirit.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
I Danced In The Morning (UM261, PH 302)
Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! (CBH 272)
Jesus, The Very Thought Of Thee (NCH507)
We Live By Faith And Not By Sight (NCH256, PH398)
O Sons And Daughters, Let Us Sing (NCH244, PH116, 117)
Breathe On Me, Breath Of God (CBH356, UM420, PH316)
These Things Did Thomas Count (NCH284)
When In The Night I Meditate (PH165)

Anthems
From the Messiah: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth, G. F. Handel
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Acts 2:32)
This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.


Collect
We lift up our eyes to you Lord, after the despair of the cross. We follow the path from the empty tomb to see you risen and walking among us! We praise your name in victory! Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Fresh air is precisely what many people feel they never get in church. Many recall the experiences of former times when the air was stodgy and stuffy. In some communities of faith the air is still a bit stifling, and so when invited to worship, the response is often, "Been there. Done that."

Yet our lessons are full of the freshness of spring, bringing life and vigor to what had been dormant, as though frozen in winter and refusing to thaw.

Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Wayne Brouwer
One of my good friends died last year. He had reached a good age and was mostly ready to go. In fact, he once told me he had more lives than the proverbial cat's nine. On too many occasions, because of cancer and accidents and blood diseases, doctors had written him off. Yet, like the Energizer bunny, he kept going and going and going....

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. This morning we read from the Bible about a special meeting between Jesus, who had been resurrected a week earlier, and his disciples. All of the disciples believed the resurrection except Thomas, who had not been in the room when Jesus met with the disciples a week earlier. Thomas had heard about it but didn't believe. He said that unless he saw for himself the wounds in the hands and side of Jesus, he would not believe.
Good morning, boys and girls. What does this sign mean? (Let them answer.) It is a question mark. When you see it that means someone is asking a question. Sometimes it means that someone doesn't believe what you are saying. That means the person is doubting you. It's a very common thing to have doubts about something. If one of you told me that you don't like to play with toys, I'd say, "I'm not so sure about that. I doubt it. I'll bet you really like to play with toys." If one of you told me that you didn't like candy, I would say, "I'm not so sure about that. I doubt it.
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