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Worship

SermonStudio

Massah And Meribah -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Get A Map, Ask For Directions -- 1 Samuel 16:1-12, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Believe! -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Fast Food -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Undoing Babel -- Acts 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 2:21, Louis Segond 1910,
No Fair -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
At The Crossroads -- Genesis 28:10-91a, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (from Genesis 28:16-17)
The Deceiver Deceive -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 105:8-11)
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Out Of Joint
God Walks With Us Through Darkness -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 105:1-4)
God Has Sent Me Before You -- Genesis 45:1-5, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
God Remembers The People -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
The God With A History -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipOne: God spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
Bitter Herbs, Sweet Remembrance -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 149:1-4)
Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Exodus 14:19-31
What Is It? -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipOne: What is this?
Rocky Water -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16)
Ten Words -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:7-10)
Short Attention Span -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Love. Serve God. See God. Live. -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 99)
The Greatest -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 34:1-12Theme: The GreatestCall To Worship
Taking The Plunge (What's An Ebenezer?) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Choose One -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 70)
Might As Well Be You And Me -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Come Into The Ark -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipCome into the ark, it's raining outside.

Pages

Drama

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Way Things Are -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weav
Hidden In Plain Sight -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
I had a much-loved professor in seminary who confessed to some of us over coffee one day that he fre
A Disconcerting Sight -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
I once had a student whose dad was a pilot for a major airline who told me this true story.
Will It Last? -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
A quarter-century ago, the little college at which I worked offered a scholarship for one year of st
By Whose Standards? -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
As the current century dawned, Time magazine placed Einstein on the front cover as the Person
All About Me? -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- John N. Brittain -- 2007
Since we all know that one of life's cardinal rules in the twenty-first century is that "it's all ab
With Our Own Eyes -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- John N. Brittain -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Leslie D.
Dust And Ashes Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
The Passion of the Christ, is a helpful movie to consider for Ash Wednesday and Lent.
In The Balance -- Romans 5:12-19 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
"He started it." You've probably heard that from the backseat or from a distant bedroom.
For Example -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
If you're going to study a subject or learn a profession, a good strategy is to investigate one of t
Spiritual Judo -- Romans 5:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Back in the old days, meaning before Computer Assisted Design (CAD), blueprints for a house were dra
Lighting Up Lent -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Can you recall a significant event that changed many things about you: maybe a natural disaster like
Spiritual Resuscitation -- Romans 8:6-11 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
One spring when I was about ten, I was home alone after school.
Humility: We Know It When We See It -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- David O. Bales -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2007
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the Illinois Republican Presidential nomination in this way: Lincoln's
The Ordinary In God's Hands -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
The apostle Paul writes to a church where he was the founding pastor.
A Friday We Call "Good" -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- David O. Bales -- Good Friday - A -- 2007
After our last trip to Israel, a number in our group met to share photos and memories.
Life In The Resurrection Zone -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- David O. Bales -- Easter Day - A -- 2007
Sermon Note: Before this sermon something like the following needs to be included the worship
A Living Hope (If It Hadn't Been For Easter) -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
A church member read the New Testament and concluded, "Amazing things were going on back then.
Oddballs For God -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Immigration reform swirls around us. Immigrants, documented and undocumented, live among us.
A Big Enough Reason -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Peter writes to Christian slaves.
Yes, You -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Most congregations experience the joy of their former pastors visiting.
Rock Bottom -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- David O. Bales -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Peter begins a new paragraph here by asking, "Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is g
Surprises -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- David O. Bales -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
You hope for good surprises, but many of life's surprises are the bad kind.
Power Sharing -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
Modern people are fascinated with power.
Pentecost ... Again! -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
They had been waiting so long for this.

Pages

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Clothed With Power -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The need to have God's power in our life.
God With Us -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Jesus is God "with us."
Preparing The Tree -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Making preparations in our personal lives for Christ's coming.
Children, Get Ready! -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Christmas reminds us to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance."
Can You Tie Your Own Shoes? -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Our dependence upon God. Key verses: 37--41.
Now What Do We Do? -- John 2:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Objects: some wine and some water in containers, to show the children
You Shall See Great Things -- John 1:43-51 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an airplane model - the earliest model available - and a moon rocket
You Can't Hide The Light -- John 1:1-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box with a hole in one end and a blanket that will shut out the light attached to t
Gum! -- Luke 24:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use at Easter)
A Different Kind Of King -- Luke 23:35-43 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a cup of vinegar
Who Cleans You Up? -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a mop, a bucket, and a silver candlestick
Jesus Is Coming -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use in Advent)
More Important Than We Thought -- Luke 20:9-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a garage sale item such as a picture or a lamp
The Shouting Stones -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use on Palm Sunday)
Jesus Is A Ladder To Us -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a ladder
Jesus And The Beggar -- Luke 18:31-43 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a cup or bag or something that a beggar might use for begging
Ten Broken Pencils -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: ten pencils with broken points and one pencil sharpener
Homework Is A Duty -- Luke 17:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some homework papers
Warning! -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a warning device, like a siren or buzzer
A Candle With Two Wicks -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a candle with the wick exposed at both ends
Call In The Clowns! -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some horns, drums, and other party items
Happiness Is Finding The Lost -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coin
It Costs To Follow Jesus -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bank statement
The Humble Teddy -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a tire jack
What's In A Name? -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two brands of soda crackers like "Krispy" and "Zesta"

Pages

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Burying The Seeds -- John 12:20-33 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
She sat on the ground and watched the grass grow. The long green stalks were not good to eat.
The Bread Of Heaven -- Acts 1:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
"This could be kind of embarrassing!" she thought as she looked at the computer screen and read the
I Am Christ's Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
I Am Christ's Body 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
The Signal -- Ephesians 3:7-12 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The Signal Ephesians 3:7-12
Superhero: Sort Of A Sequel -- Hebrews 12:1-2 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Superhero: Sort Of A Sequel Hebrews 12:1-2
Real Faith And Fictional Worlds -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
(An edited version of this essay was published as "Religion in Science Fiction" in Forum Letter 27.5
The Matrix And The Gospel -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
(This is a modified version of an essay that was originally published as part of The Immediate Wo
Did Jesus Really Yell At A Tree? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: As Christians are we the worker bees or the drones?
The Doorkeeper -- Mark 13:32-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
1. Text
The Good Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2005
1. Text
The True Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
1. Text
A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
1. Text
The Miracle Seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
1. Text
Bread To Eat -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
1. Text
Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
1. Text
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
We sometimes wonder what the world is coming to these days, and when we look at present conditions,
Second Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
This passage is part of the larger section of Isaiah 10:5--11:16, that portrays the defeat of Assyri
Third Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
This passage has many affinities with the prophecies of Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55), and it has oft
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
"O that thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down" (Isaiah 64:1).
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
Our Christmas celebrations are associated with light.
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
"My way is hid from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God" (Isaiah 40:27).
First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
By specifying this text on the first Sunday after Christmas -- that day so often called "low Sunday,
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Numbers 6:22-27 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A -- 2004
I cry at weddings.
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
Isaiah 60-62 represents a sharp contrast with what has gone before in the preceding chapters of Thir
Baptism of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
The lectionary often begins a reading at the end of one poem and includes the beginning of another.

Pages

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Serving
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smile "All people smile in the same language." (Anonymous)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Irresponsibility
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Life
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stewardship
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress And Pain
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress -- Good And Bad
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Success
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Suffering
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Sympathy "Sympathy is your pain in my heart." (Anonymous child)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Teamwork
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Thought
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Thoughts
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Training
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Trials "Great hearts can only be made by great troubles." (G. H. Spurgeon)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Trials "Afflictions color your life, but you choose the color." (John Maxwell)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Triumph
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Unity
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Unwanted
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Virginity
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Vision
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Vision
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Vision
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Vision
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Vision

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For March 8, 2026:

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
Somewhere in my life I heard someone say something like, “The challenge with John (the gospel writer) is he is better at theatre than at writing.” The implications of this comment were about passages such as this one about Jesus and the woman of Samaria.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus reaches across every racial and cultural barrier, offering salvation to all.

Old Testament Lesson
Exodus 17:1-7
Water From A Rock
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
Lee Griess
Streams of living water ... That's what the Son of God offered the Samaritan woman at the well, and that's what he offers us as well -- streams of living water -- life-giving, life-renewing, life-refreshing water that can satisfy those who drink so that we will never thirst again. We are offered water that satisfies our longings in life, water that nourishes our innermost selves, and water that comes from an active, living trust in God and a passionate faith in Christ.
Frank Luchsinger
Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen. The pastor was trying to show some of his parishioners the church's new web page. With pride he had gathered them into his office after the Christian Education Committee meeting. He paused. "I don't do this very often ... We may have to try this another time," he said disappointed. "Try 'church,' " someone says, looking over his shoulder. The pastor types c - h - u - r - c - h. Amazingly the internet connection pops up on the screen. A password is a secret word given to gain entry. It can mean security.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Knowledge that water is an integral ingredient of life was a concept not lost on the ancients. The great civilizations of the world located themselves near water and used it in most every aspect of their daily lives. The Egyptians built the world's first great empire along the Nile. In the midst of the desert a flourishing community existed and grew in size and strength. The water of the river provided the source of life for the people then as it does today. On both sides of the Nile a rich and fertile area exists for farming and grazing of livestock.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus and his weather-beaten band of wandering disciples were still heading north and had been for some days. To some extent Jesus had decided to get out of Judea, where he had been working, in order to avoid competition with John the Baptist in that region.
Harry N. Huxhold
One of the most colorful, exciting, and stirring scenes in all of the scriptures is the call of the prophet Isaiah. The account is dated in the year that King Uzziah died. That does not necessarily mean Uzziah was already dead. This scene could have taken place in the temple during a religious festival such as New Year's Day. At such a festival, the cultic ceremonies honored the divine king being enthroned as conqueror of all the enemies of the people.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7
Theme: With Us Or Not?

Call To Worship

Two sides comprise every journey: the found side during which we trust in God's care, and the lost side where we fear that alone we will not make it through. At the worst, we scuffle and fuss within the confines of confusion, then shout, "Are you here with us or not, God?" At the best, we quiet down, hear God's voice in the silence, and proceed with hope. Wherever you are on your present journey, know that, here, you are welcome.

Collect
Wayne H. Keller
The Community Gathers

Invitation to the Celebration

Why have you come to worship today? Out of habit? To see your friends? To enjoy the singing? To hear the sermon? To learn something? To get help for the coming week? To restore your sense of values? For 100 other reasons? (Pause.) And, now that we're here, let us worship, in the Name of God the Parent, God the Child, God the Spirit. And all the people said, "Right on!"

Response

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him." Let us pray that we may be true worshippers today.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when we try to hide from you, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when we fail to worship in spirit and in truth, forgive us.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when we neglect to reveal you to others, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Sermon Starters: "Crossing Lines" / "Meeting a Prophet"
Shining Moments: "Water Sign" by Anne Sunday
Scrap Pile: "Healing the Soul" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt
Keith Hewitt
Timothy Smith
Contents

What's Up This Week
"Testing One, Two, Three..." by Keith Hewitt
"The Account" by Keith Hewitt
"Set Free" by Timothy Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in Japan, rescuers hurry. They do so to alleviate the pain of the survivors, to certify the hopes and fears of those who are related to victims of the disaster, and ...
Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes
Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement. Now he wonders about his place in society. He begins to spend much of his weekend time walking alone in the woods. One day he finds himself on an unfamiliar path that leads him to a small pond. As he stands beside the pond, the water begins to stir and bubble until there is a lovely little fountain. Astonishingly, a voice calls out to him: "Arnold Flagler! This is the Fountain of Youth!"

Special Occasion

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