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Bible Study

SermonStudio

Nowhere Man? -- Psalm 1 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners,

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Leaning into God's Future -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019

There is a powerful scene in Robert Bolt’s play A Man for All Seasons.

Winsome Wisdom -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

In H. G. Wells’ tale “The Queer Story of Brownlow’s Newspaper,” it is November 10, 1931, when Mr.

Any questions -- show of hands -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2006

"Any questions?" The words hang in the air at the end of the teacher's lecture as the

In vane, in vain, in vein -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006

These texts deal with the vanity of life. Jeremiah lived in a time when the world, as he

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Winsome Wisdom -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

In H. G. Wells’ tale “The Queer Story of Brownlow’s Newspaper,” it is November 10, 1931, when Mr.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The "Woke" Gospel -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, George Reed -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025

For February 16, 2025:

The Church of Jesus Christ Continues -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B, Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024

For May 12, 2024:

Dare We Hope For Peace? -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023

For October 29, 2023:

But What About Meeeee? -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 1 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2022

For September 4, 2022:

Whatever Happened to Justus? -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Katy Stenta -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021

For May 16, 2021:

Suffer The Powerless -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021

For September 19, 2021:

The Law of the Lord and the Law of the Land -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020

For October 25, 2020:

That's the Power of Love -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2019

For February 17, 2019:

Delighting in the law -- Psalm 1, John 17:6-19, 1 John 5:9-13, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018

Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

Press One To Order Quality Parenting -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Robin Lostetter, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015

This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci

Girl Talk -- Eavesdropping On The Capable Wife And Today's Woman -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012

Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.

Power And Servanthood In Christian Leaders: "the First Will Be Last" -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B

Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?

You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C

Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?

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Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009

They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their

Easter 7 -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008

Proverbs 31:10-31

Happy Are Those ... -- Psalm 1 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,

Drama

SermonStudio

What's In It For M-E-E-E-E? -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003

Thespian Theological Thoughts

Growth -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Mark 4:1-9, Psalm 1 -- Neil Ellis Orts -- 1996

1 - WATCH AND PRAY.2 - We are planting seeds.

Illustration

The Immediate Word

For February 16, 2025:

For May 12, 2024:

For October 29, 2023:

For September 4, 2022:

For May 16, 2021:

For September 19, 2021:

For October 25, 2020:

For February 17, 2019:

This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci

Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.

Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?

You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C

Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2023) -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2021) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021

Proverbs 31:10-31

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2020) -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020

Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 1

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2018) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1

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Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1

Prayer

SermonStudio

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1985

CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

The Immediate Word

For February 16, 2025:

For May 12, 2024:

For October 29, 2023:

For September 4, 2022:

For May 16, 2021:

For September 19, 2021:

For October 25, 2020:

For February 17, 2019:

This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci

Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.

Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?

You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C

Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?

Free Access

SermonStudio

Psalm 1 -- Psalm 1 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009

It would be an easy thing to read through this psalm and nod in assent before moving on to the next.

Psalm 1 -- Psalm 1 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009

This psalm could have been written yesterday! It is striking in its contemporaneous feel.

True Prosperity/Abundant Life -- Psalm 1 -- 2006

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners

Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Psalm 1 -- James Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006

(See Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25, Cycle B for an alternative approach.)

Easter 7 -- Psalm 1 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2006

Psalm 1 has long been considered as a possible prologue to the rest of the psalter.

Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Psalm 1 -- James Evans -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2006

(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

Easter 7 -- Psalm 1 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,

Sermon

The Immediate Word

For February 16, 2025:

For May 12, 2024:

For October 29, 2023:

For September 4, 2022:

For May 16, 2021:

For September 19, 2021:

For October 25, 2020:

For February 17, 2019:

This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci

Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.

Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?

You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C

Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?

Free Access

SermonStudio

First In War, First In Peace -- Psalm 1 -- 2004

Peter Gibbon is an author, lecturer, and much-quoted researcher at Harvard University. Dr.

God's Plan For Your Happiness -- Psalm 1 -- Robert G. Mccreight -- 1996

Introduction

Is It Any Fun Being Good? -- Romans 12:9-21, Psalm 1 -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1993

An underground current in our thinking has it that being good is no fun at all.

Stories

StoryShare

Rules -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020

Contents “Rules” by C. David McKirachan

Is There Hope? -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Psalm 1 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019

Contents “Is There Hope?” by C. David McKirachan

Rooted in Faith -- John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, Psalm 1 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Wagner -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018

Contents "Rooted in Faith" by Peter Andrew Smith

Buzzkill -- Mark 9:30-37, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

Contents “Buzzkill” by Keith Hewitt

To Make New -- John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, Psalm 1 -- Peter Andrew Smith, John Fitzgerald -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015

Contents "To Make New" by Peter Andrew Smith

Jesus And Judas -- John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, Psalm 1 -- Lamar Massingill, John E. Sumwalt, Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012

Contents"Evac" by Keith Hewitt

Standing Up To The General -- Mark 9:30-37, Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Psalm 1 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012

Contents"Standing Up to the General" by Frank Ramirez

Witnessing To The Truth -- John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, Psalm 1 -- Peter Andrew Smith, John E. Sumwalt, Argile Smith, C. David Mckirachan -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009

ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Witnessing to the Truth" by Peter Andrew Smith

Five Days Old -- Mark 9:30-37, Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Psalm 1 -- John S. Smylie, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2009

Contents What's Up This Week "Five Days Old" by John Smylie

The Gift Of Trees -- Luke 6:17-26, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C

Contents A Story To Live By: "Healing Touch."

A Dishonest Painter -- Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B

Contents Post-9/11 Comfort

Is It True? -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- David E. Leininger, David O. Bales -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C

ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Is It True?" by David Leininger

Free Access

Buzzkill -- Mark 9:30-37, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018

Contents “Buzzkill” by Keith Hewitt

SermonStudio

The Path Of Happy Living -- Psalm 1 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005

The Path Of Happy Living

Worship

The Immediate Word

For February 16, 2025:

For May 12, 2024:

For October 29, 2023:

For September 4, 2022:

For May 16, 2021:

For September 19, 2021:

For October 25, 2020:

For February 17, 2019:

This week’s passage from Proverbs describes the qualities of a “capable wife” who is “far more preci

Over the last century, the role of women in American society has been completely transformed.

Can a balance between power and servanthood be found?

You've Gotta Have Heart! -- Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C

Thom Shuman is writing about our faithful hearts. Who can we turn our heart toward?

Free Access

SermonStudio

Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009

A single song is being inflected through all the colorations of the human choir.

Happy Are The Ones Who In The Lord Live -- Psalm 1 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008

1. Happy are the ones who in the Lord live, Delighting in his pathway of life;

Happy, The Life God Gives -- Psalm 1 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008

Refrain Happy, the life God gives to us, Wherein, we know sweet peace;

Proper 25/Pentecost 23/Ordinary Time 29 -- Matthew 22:34-46, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Psalm 1 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007

Confession And Forgiveness

Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005

Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 1:1-3 (The Message)Leader:

Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005

Call To WorshipPsalm 1:1-3 (The Message)Leader:

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1 -- B. David Hostetter -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993

* CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively)How awesome is God most high,

PROPER 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1993

* CALL TO WORSHIPTurn your thoughts to God who is your helper and who will be the

Epiphany 6 -- Psalm 1 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1991

Happy are thosewho do not follow the advice of the wicked,

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

Lent 2

20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Lent 3

34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Lent 4

30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...

Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

Two Sons

John Jamison

Object: A rock about the size of a tennis ball, baseball, or even a softball.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

What is Forgiveness?

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin

For March 30, 2025:

What Is Forgiveness? by Dean Feldmeyer based on Luke 15:1-3,11b-32
Second Thoughts: Reconciling Christ by Katy Stenta based on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.
Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin and Chris Keating.
Worship resources by George Reed.

StoryShare

The Old, Old Story

Peter Andrew Smith

Paul reread the parable again and sighed. Why had he agreed to lead the Bible study this week? When Pastor Luke asked him, he had been all excited and enthusiastic. He knew the parable of the prodigal son inside and out having read commentaries and stories about it before. He had actually preached a sermon on the passage when Pastor Luke was away and received great feedback from the congregation.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

God Saves Us By His Grace!

Mark Ellingsen

Joshua 5:9-12

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2025)

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen

Joshua 9:5-12

SermonStudio

Seeking The Presence Of God

Bonnie Bates

It is a well-known cliché that “God never gives us more than we can handle”, but I have sometimes found that not to be so. When my youngest brother died of brain cancer at age five, it was more than I could handle. When my first husband was emotionally and physically abusive, it was more than I could handle. When my second husband and I lost our twin sons at birth, it was more than I could handle. The COVID pandemic was more than we could handle. Wars and violence are often more than we can handle. Homelessness, poverty, grief, and loss are often more than we can handle.

Where Am I?

John N. Brittain

I suppose we are all a little bit nervous about the prospect of a sermon on a Bible story as familiar and sometimes as overworked as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. "What can I possibly say that hasn't been said before?" And I know what's going through your minds: "Are we going to be subjected to the same old sermon yet another time?" Confronting a familiar Bible passage like this mid-Lent really serves to address the discipline of reading Scripture as part of our devotional life, particularly passages that are very familiar.

A Happy Ending

Charles D. Reeb

A. A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, wrote a simple, yet telling poem in his work, Now We Are Six:

When I was One, I had just begun.
When I was Two, I was nearly new.
When I was Three, I was hardly Me.
When I was Four, I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as ever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.1

The Village Shepherd

The Wandering Minstrel

Janice B. Scott

Call to worship:

While the Prodigal Son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. In our worship today, let us turn to God so that he may run to us, put his arms around and kiss us.

Invitation to confession:

Jesus, for the times when we run away from you,

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, for the times when we have wasted our inheritance on dissolute living,

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, when we return to you,

Lord, have mercy.

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