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Psalm 46

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Bible Study

SermonStudio

The Good Now Days! -- Psalm 46, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- 2008
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. -- Psalm 46:1
As The World Turns: Changes In Our Culture -- Psalm 46 -- Steven Molin -- 2005
Every generation has its transitions.

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Profiles in righteousness -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29, Psalm 46 -- David Kalas -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
In 1956, then Senator John F. Kennedy published a book titled, Profiles in
Flood insurance -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29, Psalm 46 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2002
The sad fact is that many people do not know what is truly covered in their insurance policies until

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Is Anyone Listening? -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
For November 20, 2022:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
Like A Shepherd, Lead Us -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
On this final Sunday of the church year, all of the lectionary readings address the reign of Christ
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / OT 9 -- Psalm 46 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
"Be still, and know that I am God!..." -- Psalm 46:10
God Is Our Refuge And Strength -- Psalm 46 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Drama

SermonStudio

Repentance -- Jeremiah 8:4-7, Romans 5:6-11, Luke 13:1-5, Psalm 46 -- Neil Ellis Orts -- 1996
1 - Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand!2 - Repent!3 - Repent!

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Is Anyone Listening? -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
For November 20, 2022:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
Like A Shepherd, Lead Us -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
On this final Sunday of the church year, all of the lectionary readings address the reign of Christ
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Reformation Day (2019) -- Psalm 46, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2019
Psalm 46

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Is Anyone Listening? -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
For November 20, 2022:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
Like A Shepherd, Lead Us -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
On this final Sunday of the church year, all of the lectionary readings address the reign of Christ
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e

SermonStudio

Reformation Day -- John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Theme of the DayFreedom! Collect of the Day
Psalm 46 -- Psalm 46 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is a growing and dangerous form of Christian faith spreading around the land.
Psalm 46 -- Psalm 46 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Be still and know that I am God."
Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 46 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2006
Categorized as both a "song of Zion" and "a psalm of confidence," Psalm 46 celebrates God's choice t

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Is Anyone Listening? -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
For November 20, 2022:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
Like A Shepherd, Lead Us -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
On this final Sunday of the church year, all of the lectionary readings address the reign of Christ
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e

SermonStudio

When The Boat Keeps Rocking -- Psalm 46 -- Robert A. Noblett, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a congregation experiencing several deaths in a brief period
Psalm 46 And Reformation Today -- Psalm 46 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Chaos breaking into life, from creation to now -- today's psalmody was Psalm 46.
When The Boat Keeps Rocking -- Psalm 46 -- Robert A. Noblett, Anthology -- 1994
On a fourth of July weekend when I was a fairly young man, a friend of my father's invited a friend

Stories

StoryShare

In The Heart Of The Sea -- Psalm 46, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- David O. Bales -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2019
Contents “In The Heart Of The Sea” by David O. Bales
Counting on God -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Psalm 46 -- Keith Wagner -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
Contents “Counting on God” by Keith Wagner
The Fortress -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Contents"The Fortress" by Sandra Herrmann* * * * * * *
Right Place, Right Time -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Frank Ramirez, Keith Wagner -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2013
Contents"Right Place, Right Time" by Frank Ramirez
The Flower -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith, C. David Mckirachan -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
Contents"The Flower" by Keith Hewitt
Lost -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Peter Andrew Smith, Constance Berg, Sandra Herrmann -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2011
Contents "New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann "Lost" by Keith Hewitt
Mistaken Identity -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Argile Smith, John E. Sumwalt, C. David Mckirachan -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Mistaken Identity" by Argile Smith
Where To Walk In Faith -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Where to Walk in Faith" by Peter Andrew Smith
A Born Leader -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Sandra Herrmann, Argile Smith, David O. Bales, Craig Kelly -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "A Born Leader" by Sandra Herrmann
A Change Of Heart -- John 8:31-36, Romans 3:19-28, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 46 -- Scott Dalgarno, Gary L. Carver, Stan Purdum, David E. Leininger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2007
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "A Change of Heart" by Scott Dalgarno
Sufficient Grace -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Prayer at Valley Forge"
Awe Is The Answer -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 46 -- Charles Cammarata, Constance Berg, Sil Galvan, Frank R. Fisher -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
ContentsProper 25

SermonStudio

Sufficient Grace -- 2 Corinthians 12:8, Psalm 46 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Joyce Schroer

Worship

The Immediate Word

Is Anyone Listening? -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
For November 20, 2022:
Shepherds Of Malfeasance -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
For November 24, 2019:
Like A Shepherd, Lead Us -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
On this final Sunday of the church year, all of the lectionary readings address the reign of Christ
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Building On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29, Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Every day we have fresh evidence that moral evil is not only a factor in personal life but -- with e

SermonStudio

Reformation Day -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36, Psalm 46 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2009
Who is this king that forms another king out of the ground,
Reformation Day -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Choral Music "The House Of The Lord" -- Bradley Ellingboe (Neil A. Kjos Music)
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:19-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
HymnsMy Hope Is Built On Nothing Less (UM368, PH379, NCH403, CBH343)
Proper 4 -- Psalm 46 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
God Is Our Refuge And Strength -- Psalm 46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use before the pastoral prayer.2 readers - senior spouses
PROPER 4 -- Genesis 6:9-22, 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46, Matthew 7:21-29 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
Materialism versus what really matters -- Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 46, Romans 5:6-11, Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: Neither of the principals in this story comes out looking very good: Jacob is portr
PROPER 6 -- Psalm 46, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 5:6-11, Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1986
The texts selected for this occasion include the basic elements of worship of God and of the life an
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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:

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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.

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