Maundy Thursday - A
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Contents
"Get Your Boots On" by C. David McKirachan
"The King Is Dead..." by C. David McKirachan
"Washing One Another's Feet" by Larry Winebrenner
"Repaying God" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Garden at Twilight" by Keith Hewitt
"Jesus in His Disturbing Disguise" by Sandra Herrmann
* * * * * * * *
Get Your Boots On
by C. David McKirachan
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
"Get Your Boots On" by C. David McKirachan
"The King Is Dead..." by C. David McKirachan
"Washing One Another's Feet" by Larry Winebrenner
"Repaying God" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Garden at Twilight" by Keith Hewitt
"Jesus in His Disturbing Disguise" by Sandra Herrmann
* * * * * * * *
Get Your Boots On
by C. David McKirachan
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Frank Ramirez
(Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (v. 5)
The Ancestral Puebloan civilization stretched across thousands of miles and at its height lasted for centuries, until climate changes in the fourteenth century forced them to change their way of living. Even today the remnants of their roads which led from one ceremonial site to another, remain. They have been charted from space. The peoples of those regions seem to have travelled great distances to arrive at places like Chaco Canyon, where some of the largest buildings of the ancient world, were erected to celebrate and commemorate the movements of the sun, moon, and stars.
The Ancestral Puebloan civilization stretched across thousands of miles and at its height lasted for centuries, until climate changes in the fourteenth century forced them to change their way of living. Even today the remnants of their roads which led from one ceremonial site to another, remain. They have been charted from space. The peoples of those regions seem to have travelled great distances to arrive at places like Chaco Canyon, where some of the largest buildings of the ancient world, were erected to celebrate and commemorate the movements of the sun, moon, and stars.
Keith Hewitt
David O. Bales
Contents
“A Waste of Time” by Keith Hewitt
“Lord, Where Are You Going? / Domine, Quo Vadis?” by David O. Bales
“Remembering Jesus In Corinth” by David O. Bales
A Waste of Time
by Keith Hewitt
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
The moon cast a bright light on the world, a counterpoint to the gloom that lay heavy in Samuel’s heart. He leaned against the doorpost of his home and looked up and down the narrow, twisting path between houses — it was not wide or paved, so could hardly be called a street. As far as the eye could see, the homes shared a common feature: blood streaked across the lintel and down the posts of each door.
Some was bright red, still drying; other doorposts were caked with darker stains, done much earlier.
Samuel snorted and shook his head: the animals whose blood was being shed were not the only sheep, he thought.
“A Waste of Time” by Keith Hewitt
“Lord, Where Are You Going? / Domine, Quo Vadis?” by David O. Bales
“Remembering Jesus In Corinth” by David O. Bales
A Waste of Time
by Keith Hewitt
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
The moon cast a bright light on the world, a counterpoint to the gloom that lay heavy in Samuel’s heart. He leaned against the doorpost of his home and looked up and down the narrow, twisting path between houses — it was not wide or paved, so could hardly be called a street. As far as the eye could see, the homes shared a common feature: blood streaked across the lintel and down the posts of each door.
Some was bright red, still drying; other doorposts were caked with darker stains, done much earlier.
Samuel snorted and shook his head: the animals whose blood was being shed were not the only sheep, he thought.
Keith Wagner
Contents
"In His Service" by Keith Wagner
"Remembering" by Keith Wagner
In His Service
by Keith Wagner
John 13:1-17
One time a confirmation class I was leading was learning about the many symbols in the church. I asked them what they thought I H S meant, which was inscribed on the altar at a church I served. One of the youth said, “In His service?” Many think that, but the letters I H S (iota-eta-sigma) actually mean “Jesus” in Greek.
"In His Service" by Keith Wagner
"Remembering" by Keith Wagner
In His Service
by Keith Wagner
John 13:1-17
One time a confirmation class I was leading was learning about the many symbols in the church. I asked them what they thought I H S meant, which was inscribed on the altar at a church I served. One of the youth said, “In His service?” Many think that, but the letters I H S (iota-eta-sigma) actually mean “Jesus” in Greek.
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Learning Humility" by Sandra Herrmann
"The Cup of Salvation" by Sandra Herrmann
* * * * * * *
Learning Humility
by Sandra Herrmann
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
I had a wonderful New Testament teacher in seminary, whose job, as he said, it was to get us to feel what the people of the first century felt when they were confronted by the words and actions of Jesus. What I learned from him was that Jesus had a way of being offbeat, to say the least -- and not always in a charming way!
"Learning Humility" by Sandra Herrmann
"The Cup of Salvation" by Sandra Herrmann
* * * * * * *
Learning Humility
by Sandra Herrmann
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
I had a wonderful New Testament teacher in seminary, whose job, as he said, it was to get us to feel what the people of the first century felt when they were confronted by the words and actions of Jesus. What I learned from him was that Jesus had a way of being offbeat, to say the least -- and not always in a charming way!
C. David Mckirachan
Frank Ramirez
Bryan Meadows
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Do this remembering me..." by C. David McKirachan
"Dirty feet" by C. David McKirachan
"Reflecting Martyrs" by Frank Ramirez
"A Little Suffering Goes a Long Way" by Bryan Meadows
What's Up This Week
Service and suffering go hand in hand as we approach the lynchpin event of the Christian faith. Maundy Thursday commemorates the last night Jesus was with his disciples. C. David McKirachan reflects on our act of service in remembering that Last Supper in "Do this remembering me..." Jesus, knowing what was to come, never lost his servant's heart toward his disciples, and he still serves all of us who are unworthy, as McKirachan reflects in "Dirty Feet."
What's Up This Week
"Do this remembering me..." by C. David McKirachan
"Dirty feet" by C. David McKirachan
"Reflecting Martyrs" by Frank Ramirez
"A Little Suffering Goes a Long Way" by Bryan Meadows
What's Up This Week
Service and suffering go hand in hand as we approach the lynchpin event of the Christian faith. Maundy Thursday commemorates the last night Jesus was with his disciples. C. David McKirachan reflects on our act of service in remembering that Last Supper in "Do this remembering me..." Jesus, knowing what was to come, never lost his servant's heart toward his disciples, and he still serves all of us who are unworthy, as McKirachan reflects in "Dirty Feet."
Good Friday - A
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Get Your Boots On" by C. David McKirachan
"The King Is Dead..." by C. David McKirachan
"Washing One Another's Feet" by Larry Winebrenner
"Repaying God" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Garden at Twilight" by Keith Hewitt
"Jesus in His Disturbing Disguise" by Sandra Herrmann
* * * * * * * *
Get Your Boots On
by C. David McKirachan
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
"Get Your Boots On" by C. David McKirachan
"The King Is Dead..." by C. David McKirachan
"Washing One Another's Feet" by Larry Winebrenner
"Repaying God" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Garden at Twilight" by Keith Hewitt
"Jesus in His Disturbing Disguise" by Sandra Herrmann
* * * * * * * *
Get Your Boots On
by C. David McKirachan
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Peter Andrew Smith
Jenna frowned as she looked at the textbook in front of her. She yawned, looked at the page again, and hoped for inspiration.
“Problem with your assignment?” Leah offered her a cup of coffee and sat down across from her.
“Thanks. If it made any sense I would have a problem with it.” Jenna took a sip of the coffee. “As it is I just want to close my eyes for eight hours of so.
“The baby not sleeping through the night anymore?”
“No, she was up a few times in the night.” Jenna stifled another yawn. “I’m just perpetually short of sleep.”
“There aren’t any more classes until Tuesday if that helps.” Leah smiled. “It’s nice to have a break over Easter.”
“It would be more fun if my babysitter wasn’t away for the weekend as well.” Jenna took another sip of coffee. “I never thought going back to school with a baby would be so hard.”
“Problem with your assignment?” Leah offered her a cup of coffee and sat down across from her.
“Thanks. If it made any sense I would have a problem with it.” Jenna took a sip of the coffee. “As it is I just want to close my eyes for eight hours of so.
“The baby not sleeping through the night anymore?”
“No, she was up a few times in the night.” Jenna stifled another yawn. “I’m just perpetually short of sleep.”
“There aren’t any more classes until Tuesday if that helps.” Leah smiled. “It’s nice to have a break over Easter.”
“It would be more fun if my babysitter wasn’t away for the weekend as well.” Jenna took another sip of coffee. “I never thought going back to school with a baby would be so hard.”
C. David Mckirachan
Frank Ramirez
Contents
“Cries for Help” by C. David McKirachan
“Tremble” by C. David McKirachan
“It’s About the Cross Today, Not the Empty Tomb” by Frank Ramirez
Cries for Help
by C. David McKirachan
Psalm 22
I used to leave hospital rooms exhausted. Climbing into my vehicle, I would roll my head back and around, trying to relieve the stress in my neck and in my shoulders. It took me years to realize that I’d been trying to lift the person in the bed or their loved ones. Hospital beds are heavy. And as hard as I tried, they stayed sick, broken, frightened. My words didn’t solve their illness or their problems. Digging a little deeper, I realized that I often felt that way after counselling with people who came to my office with problems. And as hard as I tried, I couldn’t make everything work out.
“Cries for Help” by C. David McKirachan
“Tremble” by C. David McKirachan
“It’s About the Cross Today, Not the Empty Tomb” by Frank Ramirez
Cries for Help
by C. David McKirachan
Psalm 22
I used to leave hospital rooms exhausted. Climbing into my vehicle, I would roll my head back and around, trying to relieve the stress in my neck and in my shoulders. It took me years to realize that I’d been trying to lift the person in the bed or their loved ones. Hospital beds are heavy. And as hard as I tried, they stayed sick, broken, frightened. My words didn’t solve their illness or their problems. Digging a little deeper, I realized that I often felt that way after counselling with people who came to my office with problems. And as hard as I tried, I couldn’t make everything work out.
John Fitzgerald
Contents
"Salvation In Christ" by John Fitzgerald
Salvation In Christ
by John Fitzgerald
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
A great storm ravaged America’s East Coast. Waters were fierce and washed ashore thousands of starfish who were struggling to get back into the ocean. After the weather had passed a man went down to a shoreline and picked up individual starfish. He tossed each poor creature back into the sea. A curious bystander passed by the man and asked, “Why are you spending time with each starfish. There are so many of them, and you can select only a few to take care of?” The man replied, “I may not be able to rescue all the starfish. But I can make a difference in the life of at least one.”
"Salvation In Christ" by John Fitzgerald
Salvation In Christ
by John Fitzgerald
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
A great storm ravaged America’s East Coast. Waters were fierce and washed ashore thousands of starfish who were struggling to get back into the ocean. After the weather had passed a man went down to a shoreline and picked up individual starfish. He tossed each poor creature back into the sea. A curious bystander passed by the man and asked, “Why are you spending time with each starfish. There are so many of them, and you can select only a few to take care of?” The man replied, “I may not be able to rescue all the starfish. But I can make a difference in the life of at least one.”
Keith Wagner
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
"Living the Song of the Servant" by Keith Wagner
"A God Who Forgets" by Keith Wagner
"Judgment" by C. David McKirachan
"More than Esoteric" by C. David McKirachan
* * * * * * *
Living the Song of the Servant
by Keith Wagner
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
In this passage of Isaiah the Messiah is described as a suffering servant. The expectation of the Hebrews was a Messiah who would free them of foreign domination. The servant however is one who "shall be exalted and lifted up." At the same time he would be one who was "despised and rejected."
The image of the servant is a real paradox. On the one hand to be a servant is one who lives a life of humility and compassion, thinking only of others. On the other hand the servant is a light to the nations, praised and close to God.
"Living the Song of the Servant" by Keith Wagner
"A God Who Forgets" by Keith Wagner
"Judgment" by C. David McKirachan
"More than Esoteric" by C. David McKirachan
* * * * * * *
Living the Song of the Servant
by Keith Wagner
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
In this passage of Isaiah the Messiah is described as a suffering servant. The expectation of the Hebrews was a Messiah who would free them of foreign domination. The servant however is one who "shall be exalted and lifted up." At the same time he would be one who was "despised and rejected."
The image of the servant is a real paradox. On the one hand to be a servant is one who lives a life of humility and compassion, thinking only of others. On the other hand the servant is a light to the nations, praised and close to God.
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Do this remembering me..." by C. David McKirachan
"Dirty feet" by C. David McKirachan
"Reflecting Martyrs" by Frank Ramirez
"A Little Suffering Goes a Long Way" by Bryan Meadows
What's Up This Week
Service and suffering go hand in hand as we approach the lynchpin event of the Christian faith. Maundy Thursday commemorates the last night Jesus was with his disciples. C. David McKirachan reflects on our act of service in remembering that Last Supper in "Do this remembering me..." Jesus, knowing what was to come, never lost his servant's heart toward his disciples, and he still serves all of us who are unworthy, as McKirachan reflects in "Dirty Feet."
What's Up This Week
"Do this remembering me..." by C. David McKirachan
"Dirty feet" by C. David McKirachan
"Reflecting Martyrs" by Frank Ramirez
"A Little Suffering Goes a Long Way" by Bryan Meadows
What's Up This Week
Service and suffering go hand in hand as we approach the lynchpin event of the Christian faith. Maundy Thursday commemorates the last night Jesus was with his disciples. C. David McKirachan reflects on our act of service in remembering that Last Supper in "Do this remembering me..." Jesus, knowing what was to come, never lost his servant's heart toward his disciples, and he still serves all of us who are unworthy, as McKirachan reflects in "Dirty Feet."
Easter Day - A
Craig Kelly
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
"No Respecter of Persons" by Craig Kelly
"The Difference the Third Day Makes" by Peter Andrew Smith
* * * * * * * *
No Respecter of Persons
by Craig Kelly
Acts 10:34-43
Aden clutched the paper bag a little tighter as he walked down the street.
Try to look calm. You have nothing to hide.
"No Respecter of Persons" by Craig Kelly
"The Difference the Third Day Makes" by Peter Andrew Smith
* * * * * * * *
No Respecter of Persons
by Craig Kelly
Acts 10:34-43
Aden clutched the paper bag a little tighter as he walked down the street.
Try to look calm. You have nothing to hide.
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)
It was just two years ago, on Easter Sunday morning, that the call came that my brother Alan had died, suddenly, unexpectedly, at the age of 67. The shock of that moment has stayed with me, but what I remember most is the Easter moment that came later.
It was the beginning of Covid time and the threat of the virus delayed plans for a memorial service. We thought it would happen within a few months, in the summer, when surely the pandemic would have run its course. Months turned into years as our family waited for a safe time to gather.
It was just two years ago, on Easter Sunday morning, that the call came that my brother Alan had died, suddenly, unexpectedly, at the age of 67. The shock of that moment has stayed with me, but what I remember most is the Easter moment that came later.
It was the beginning of Covid time and the threat of the virus delayed plans for a memorial service. We thought it would happen within a few months, in the summer, when surely the pandemic would have run its course. Months turned into years as our family waited for a safe time to gather.
Peter Andrew Smith
Lily looked at the sign advertising the worship services on campus. She checked her calendar on her phone and scrolled through her activities and timetable. There were a couple of times when something was happening at the chapel that she was free. Maybe she should think about attending. She knew her Mom would really like it if she went to church while she was at university.
Keith Hewitt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"The Witness" by Keith Hewitt
"Reliable Women" by Frank Ramirez
"Airo the Stone!" by Frank Ramirez
"Eucatastrophe!" by Frank Ramirez
The Witness
by Keith Hewitt
John 20:1-18
I think everyone has the same instinct.
If you see a couple of men tearing down the street like their hair was on fire, and then a woman running after them, trying to keep up, everyone -- anyone -- would do the same thing I did.
I ran after them, because I wanted to see what happened next.
"The Witness" by Keith Hewitt
"Reliable Women" by Frank Ramirez
"Airo the Stone!" by Frank Ramirez
"Eucatastrophe!" by Frank Ramirez
The Witness
by Keith Hewitt
John 20:1-18
I think everyone has the same instinct.
If you see a couple of men tearing down the street like their hair was on fire, and then a woman running after them, trying to keep up, everyone -- anyone -- would do the same thing I did.
I ran after them, because I wanted to see what happened next.
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
"A Change of Perspective" by Peter Andrew Smith
* * * * * * *
A Change of Perspective
by Peter Andrew Smith
Colossians 3:1-4
There once was a man who tried to be good. He was nice to his friends and strove to always be honorable. He gave some of his spending money at Christmas to charity and dug through the cupboards to donate unwanted cans when there was a food drive for the needy in his community. He was honest with his girlfriend when he decided to end their relationship and he stayed away from the people at work who were padding their expense accounts.
"A Change of Perspective" by Peter Andrew Smith
* * * * * * *
A Change of Perspective
by Peter Andrew Smith
Colossians 3:1-4
There once was a man who tried to be good. He was nice to his friends and strove to always be honorable. He gave some of his spending money at Christmas to charity and dug through the cupboards to donate unwanted cans when there was a food drive for the needy in his community. He was honest with his girlfriend when he decided to end their relationship and he stayed away from the people at work who were padding their expense accounts.
Argile Smith
David O. Bales
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Anticipation" by Argile Smith
"Keeping Focus" by David O. Bales
What's Up This Week
Christ is risen! Today marks the celebration of the most joyous moment in history. Death has been defeated and a new day has dawned. A wondrous future lies ahead for all who believe. It is precisely that joy of the resurrection that strengthens the life of the believer, as Argile Smith illustrates in "Anticipation." While the message of Easter is so powerful, it can be easily overlooked and we can begin to lose our focus, not remembering the resurrection. David O. Bales examines this trend in "Keeping Focus."
Happy Easter! Rejoice! Christ is risen!
* * * * * * * * *
Anticipation
By Argile Smith
Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 3:1-4
What's Up This Week
"Anticipation" by Argile Smith
"Keeping Focus" by David O. Bales
What's Up This Week
Christ is risen! Today marks the celebration of the most joyous moment in history. Death has been defeated and a new day has dawned. A wondrous future lies ahead for all who believe. It is precisely that joy of the resurrection that strengthens the life of the believer, as Argile Smith illustrates in "Anticipation." While the message of Easter is so powerful, it can be easily overlooked and we can begin to lose our focus, not remembering the resurrection. David O. Bales examines this trend in "Keeping Focus."
Happy Easter! Rejoice! Christ is risen!
* * * * * * * * *
Anticipation
By Argile Smith
Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 3:1-4
John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "The Door to Eternity"
Shining Moments: "Easter Stories" by Ralph Milton, Lisa Lancaster & Ned Dorau
Good Stories: "The Mortician's Tale" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "Jokes as Hospitality"
What's Up This Week
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "The Door to Eternity"
Shining Moments: "Easter Stories" by Ralph Milton, Lisa Lancaster & Ned Dorau
Good Stories: "The Mortician's Tale" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "Jokes as Hospitality"
What's Up This Week
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.
