Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
Keith Hewitt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"American Idols" by Keith Heweitt
"Invitation to Peace" by Frank Ramirez
* * * * * * * *
American Idols
by Keith Hewitt
Exodus 32:1-14
There are 110 floors in the Sears Tower. Almost nobody in the city calls it by its legal name, Willis Tower, instead sticking stubbornly to its original given name, like family who use a woman's maiden name long after she's married, because they refuse to acknowledge the obvious mistake. But never mind -- the salient point is that there are 110 floors in the tower, giving it a view of four states and the title of tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
"American Idols" by Keith Heweitt
"Invitation to Peace" by Frank Ramirez
* * * * * * * *
American Idols
by Keith Hewitt
Exodus 32:1-14
There are 110 floors in the Sears Tower. Almost nobody in the city calls it by its legal name, Willis Tower, instead sticking stubbornly to its original given name, like family who use a woman's maiden name long after she's married, because they refuse to acknowledge the obvious mistake. But never mind -- the salient point is that there are 110 floors in the tower, giving it a view of four states and the title of tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Alex A. Gondola, Jr.
Craig Kelly
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"A Lot of Bull" by Alex Gondola
"Rejoice in the Lord Always" by Alex Gondola
"Second Chances" by Craig Kelly
"American Idol" by John Sumwalt
What's Up This Week
What's Up This Week
"A Lot of Bull" by Alex Gondola
"Rejoice in the Lord Always" by Alex Gondola
"Second Chances" by Craig Kelly
"American Idol" by John Sumwalt
What's Up This Week
John E. Sumwalt
'The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.' Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. (vv. 8b-10)
How many of you would pick this parable as your favorite Bible story? Is it anyone's favorite parable? It doesn't even make the top ten, does it?
Did you notice that this parable about a wedding banquet is different from the parable of the great banquet which is found in Luke? That's the one we sing the song about...
I cannot come to the banquet, don't bother me now,
I have married a wife, I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum.
Pray hold me excused, I cannot come.
How many of you would pick this parable as your favorite Bible story? Is it anyone's favorite parable? It doesn't even make the top ten, does it?
Did you notice that this parable about a wedding banquet is different from the parable of the great banquet which is found in Luke? That's the one we sing the song about...
I cannot come to the banquet, don't bother me now,
I have married a wife, I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum.
Pray hold me excused, I cannot come.
Peter Andrew Smith
John entered the room without saying a word and took a seat at one end of the table.
“Are you okay, John?” David asked from the other end.
“I think I need a few minutes.”
David tapped a quick note on his cell phone. “I’ve asked Carol if we can start a bit later than we intended.” His phone vibrated. “She says that works for her and she’ll drop down in about twenty minutes.”
John looked at his watch and them slumped back in his chair. “I just never...it’s hard to explain.”
“Take your time.” David waited patiently as John collected himself. “You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to talk. We can just sit here in silence until Carol shows up.”
“Thanks.” John reached into his bag and took a drink from his water bottle. “If you don’t mind talking about it, it might be helpful.”
“I’m happy to be a sounding board for you.” David got up and closed the door to the room. “So, what’s up?”
“Are you okay, John?” David asked from the other end.
“I think I need a few minutes.”
David tapped a quick note on his cell phone. “I’ve asked Carol if we can start a bit later than we intended.” His phone vibrated. “She says that works for her and she’ll drop down in about twenty minutes.”
John looked at his watch and them slumped back in his chair. “I just never...it’s hard to explain.”
“Take your time.” David waited patiently as John collected himself. “You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to talk. We can just sit here in silence until Carol shows up.”
“Thanks.” John reached into his bag and took a drink from his water bottle. “If you don’t mind talking about it, it might be helpful.”
“I’m happy to be a sounding board for you.” David got up and closed the door to the room. “So, what’s up?”
David O. Bales
Keith Wagner
Contents
"Late" by David O. Bales
"Three Lifetimes Later In Philippi" by David O. Bales
"Being Honest With God" by Keith Wagner
"God is Always With Us" by Keith Wagner
Late
by David O. Bales
Matthew 22:1-14
“Hi. I’ve been trying to phone for two hours,” Chris spoke into his cell phone, trying to shield his conversation from the boarding line he was standing in. “I’m not on Flight 4848.”
Justin responded in his cell phone. “I heard a ring driving but I couldn’t answer in the car. As soon as I got here… I can’t hear you. Wait a minute… Jack hammer or something. The whole airport’s under construction.”
“I’m still at the gate. Ready to board. I’ll be on the next flight, landing 12:05. Flight 4545. Can you meet me then?” Chris asked.
"Late" by David O. Bales
"Three Lifetimes Later In Philippi" by David O. Bales
"Being Honest With God" by Keith Wagner
"God is Always With Us" by Keith Wagner
Late
by David O. Bales
Matthew 22:1-14
“Hi. I’ve been trying to phone for two hours,” Chris spoke into his cell phone, trying to shield his conversation from the boarding line he was standing in. “I’m not on Flight 4848.”
Justin responded in his cell phone. “I heard a ring driving but I couldn’t answer in the car. As soon as I got here… I can’t hear you. Wait a minute… Jack hammer or something. The whole airport’s under construction.”
“I’m still at the gate. Ready to board. I’ll be on the next flight, landing 12:05. Flight 4545. Can you meet me then?” Chris asked.
Keith Wagner
Contents
"Relief for the Stiff Neck" by Keith Wagner
"Life Worth Singing" by Keith Wagner
* * * * * * *
Relief for the Stiff Neck
by Keith Wagner
Exodus 32:1-14
A kindergarten teacher told her class they could draw a picture of anything they wanted. Each student drew very colorful pictures of houses, trees, their families, and so on. When the teacher passed by Johnny's desk she asked him what he was making. He said, "I'm drawing a picture of God." "But no one knows what God looks like," the teacher replied. "They will when I get through," Johnny protested.
"Relief for the Stiff Neck" by Keith Wagner
"Life Worth Singing" by Keith Wagner
* * * * * * *
Relief for the Stiff Neck
by Keith Wagner
Exodus 32:1-14
A kindergarten teacher told her class they could draw a picture of anything they wanted. Each student drew very colorful pictures of houses, trees, their families, and so on. When the teacher passed by Johnny's desk she asked him what he was making. He said, "I'm drawing a picture of God." "But no one knows what God looks like," the teacher replied. "They will when I get through," Johnny protested.
Sherman Rogers
Mark Hornickel
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "The Middle Wife"
Shining Moments: "Doing Righteousness"
Sermon Starters: "Who May Come To The Banquet?" / "Rejoice Always?"
Scrap Pile: "Time for a Change" by Mark Hornickel
What's Up This Week
More and more mainline Christians are attending worship less and less these days. Perhaps it is time to do what Jesus recommends in his parable of the wedding feast. Check out "Who May Come To the Banquet?" in Sermon Starters. Look in the Scrap Pile for Mark Hornickel's report on the life of a former Chicago gang member, one of those not-so-respectable types that Jesus has invited to the banquet. "The Middle Wife" in A Story to Live By is a "hoot" that's sure to get a chuckle when you tell it on Sunday morning -- it is one of those stories you can be certain will be told around the water cooler on Monday.
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "The Middle Wife"
Shining Moments: "Doing Righteousness"
Sermon Starters: "Who May Come To The Banquet?" / "Rejoice Always?"
Scrap Pile: "Time for a Change" by Mark Hornickel
What's Up This Week
More and more mainline Christians are attending worship less and less these days. Perhaps it is time to do what Jesus recommends in his parable of the wedding feast. Check out "Who May Come To the Banquet?" in Sermon Starters. Look in the Scrap Pile for Mark Hornickel's report on the life of a former Chicago gang member, one of those not-so-respectable types that Jesus has invited to the banquet. "The Middle Wife" in A Story to Live By is a "hoot" that's sure to get a chuckle when you tell it on Sunday morning -- it is one of those stories you can be certain will be told around the water cooler on Monday.
What is StoryShare?
StoryShare is a treasure house with hundreds of good stories to share, stories which relate authentic, life-changing experiences that demonstrate the Lord's power and presence. Many are intensely personal accounts that concern visions, healing, or answers to prayers, but all bear witness to the indescribable joy, comfort and peace that come from a personal encounter with the divine. Our "Good Stories" section includes short fiction, parables much like those Jesus told.
Can I share stories that I have?
Yes, you can. You have good stories to share too, probably more than you know: personal stories, and stories from others that you have used over the years. StoryShare is always looking for stories involving personal experiences of the presence of God. Have you or someone you know heard the voice of God or been healed as a direct answer to prayer? If you have a story that you can share send it to StoryShare for review. Simply click here (storyshare@sermonsuite.com) and email your story to us.
