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Prayer 5 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Patient Overseer:
Prayer 6 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Living Presence:
Prayer 7 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Supreme Valuer:
Prayer 8 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Master Craftsman And Innovator:
Prayer 9 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Lord Of Life:
Prayer 10 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear God, By Whatever Name You Are Known:
Prayer 11 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Watchful And Caring Mother-Father God:
Prayer 12 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Loving, Merciful God:
Prayer 13 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Creator And Inhabiter Of The Universe:
Prayer 14 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Wonderful Provider:
Prayer 15 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Lord:
Prayer 16 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Concerned And Loving One:
Prayer 17 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Patient, Present, And Self-Revealing One:
Prayer 18 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Author Of Great Mysteries:
Prayer 19 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Love Entity:
Prayer 20 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Supreme Scientist Of The Universe:
Prayer 21 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Loving Communicator:
Prayer 22 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Father Of Us All:
Prayer 23 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Ever-Present, Helping God:
Prayer 24 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Merciful Judge And Loving Father:
Prayer 25 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Source Of All Good Things:
Prayer 26 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Compassionate Judge:
Prayer 27 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Grantor Of Responsibility:
Prayer 28 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Zealous Landlord:
Prayer 29 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Benign Protector:

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Drama

Sermon

SermonStudio

Smiling In The Dark -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- 2003
There are those who give little of the much which they have -- and they give it for recognition and
A Slave To Mistaken Notions -- Romans 8:14-17 -- Gary L. Carver -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Sally is Johnny's older sister by two years. They are staying with their grandma for the summer.
Praying With The Preacher -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Sharlon and I returned recently from a brief trip to Tuscumbia, Alabama, where we served from 1978-1
The One Or One Of Many -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
It is the year 50 A.D. Two individuals run into each other on the street corner.
Calendars And Checkbooks -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
In seeking to create that teachable moment, the motivational speaker presented to his gathered stude
The Reason For The Rules -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
When I was eleven years old I was a baseball player. Well, not really.
Sustained By A Hope Unfulfilled -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
In his newest book, The Good Life, Peter Gomes tells of the two times he invited Billy Graham to spe
Look To Jesus -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
I never shall forget the time when I first donned the colors of the Purple and Gold.
In Betwixt And Between -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
It was a calm and lazy summer evening, almost dark.
Do The Do's! -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
It was just unthinkable! The unbelievable had to be believed because it had just happened!
Waging Peace -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
The old man is about to retire for the evening.
Giving The Best To The Worst -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
J.
All! -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
"I pray that we will not become too introverted."
Greed And Graciousness -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
In July, 1975, the Nashville Banner ran an article about David Burroughs.
Fan The Flame -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
You may have noticed that I read earlier from the King James Version of the Bible and not the New In
Half-truths And Almost Bible -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
The first time that I noticed the book Salvation on Sand Mountain was when I was leaving the Andover
Changed And Charged -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Fred Craddock tells the story of a young lady standing before a mirror and she doesn't like what she
Life As Prelude -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
John Claypool reminds us that the ancient art of map-making or cartography dates back over 4,500 yea
Praying For People -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Ulysses S.
Left Behind? -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
I want to talk about the confusing, messy, often heartbreaking process we call life.
Rowers And Rockers -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
One of the most difficult jobs in any church is the staff person, usually a secretary, who is assign
Too Peeved To Pray -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Paul did not pray! I know that it is difficult to believe, but Paul did not pray.
The Power Of Story -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Elie Wiesel relates this story.
Curtain Call -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
It was 1974 in the racially-troubled southern city of Birmingham.
A Whole New World -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
I knew that it was wrong.

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Children's sermon

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Preaching

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The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (C)
Proper 10 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 (C)
Proper 11 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a (C)
Proper 12 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 (C)
Proper 13 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26„12:13a (C)
Proper 14 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9,15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 (C)
Proper 15 (C, E) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 (C)
Proper 16 (C, E) -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS Lesson 1: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 (C)
Proper 17 (C, E) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Song of Solomon 2:8-13 (C)
Proper 18 (C, E) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 (C)
Proper 19 (C, E) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Proverbs 1:20-33 (C)
Proper 20 (C, E) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Proverbs 31:10-31 (C)
Proper 21 (C, E) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 (C)
Proper 22 (C, E) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Job 1:1; 2:1-10 (C)
Proper 23 (C, E) -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 (C)
Proper 24 (C, E) -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Job 38:1-7 (34-41) (C)
Proper 25 (C, E) -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Job 42:1-6, 10-17 (C)
Proper 26 (C, E) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ruth 1:1-18 (C)
Proper 27 (C, E) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS Lesson 1: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 (C)
Proper 28 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 (C)
Proper 4 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 (C)
Proper 5 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 8:4-20 (11:14-15) (C)
Proper 6 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 15:34„16:13 (C)
Proper 7 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49 (C)
Proper 8 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 (C)

Pages

Stories

SermonStudio

The Existence of God -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Robinson Crusoe is an imaginary story about a sailor, who was marooned on a desert island.
Through -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Keep my lad safe, O Lord. Hide him under Thy wings.
Tired -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the entrance hall of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is a remarkable statue of Jesus of Nazar
Tomato -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Before 1830, tomatoes were known as love apples.
Tradition -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When Bismarck was the Prussian ambassador to the court of Alexander II, in the early 1860's, he look
Translate -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A carpenter worked for a lumber company for forty years.
Unjust Suffering -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"If the Lord is really with us, why has all this happened to us?" asked Gideon in the Old Testament.
Untoward -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In Arthur Miller's play Death of a Salesman, the central character is Willy Loman, a traveling sales
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. -- Luke 8:8 -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
There is an old "preacher story" about the traveling evangelist who had a flair for the dramatic.
A THEOLOGY OF A STORM -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
There was an elderly lady in the little hamlet where I grew up who lived just across the back yard f
IN QUEST OF A TREASURE -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon's obsession with discovering the fountain of eternal youth led hi
IN PRAISE OF DOERS -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
Following morning worship one Sunday, some good lady, whose name I do not know, handed me a newspape
Loving -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging
PARABLE OF THE THREE CANDLES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
Three children carried their candles home from church.
PARABLE OF THE ELEVATOR AND THE STAIRWAY -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"I don't mind going to work," said Jane, "but climbing those five flights of stairs to the office ge
PARABLE OF THE WEIGHT OF HAPPINESS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"Let's get weighed and have our fortunes told," said Jean.
PARABLE OF THE INDIAN CHIEFS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
Said the great red one, "I am a mighty chief, and I want my son to follow in my footsteps and rule a
PARABLE OF STRINGED MUSIC AND SOUL WHISPERS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
There is a sense of finenessIn music of the strings
PARABLE OF TWO CAKES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
The first homemaker placed her cake in the oven and went about her duties.
PARABLE OF GRANTING YOUR WISHES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
The old philosopher in a homespun setting was talking to his three nephews.
PARABLE OF THE ROAD SIGNS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
They were heading down the highway of life and the story of where they were going was written on the
PARABLE OF THE CORRECTION FLUID -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"What is the little blue bottle? Ink?" the lady asked the secretary.
PARABLE OF THE HAND -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"What did you do?" inquired the boss of his secretary, who was grimacing with pain.
EBENEEZER: The Satisfied Pig -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Have you ever felt greedy?
JASON: One of God's Signs -- Exodus 8:2 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many children like to keep the promises that they make?

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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
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20 – Worship Resources
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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

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
For March 1, 2026:

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
Nicodemus came by night. Why by night? Why in darkness?

In her book Learning to Walk in the Dark,1 Barbara Brown Taylor describes numerous biblical images in which darkness — night’s most obvious quality — is “bad news.” Taylor notes that in the New Testament darkness stands for ignorance and, in the case of John’s gospel, darkness stands for spiritual blindness.
Robert F. Crowley
Theme

"Born Again" -- it's a cliché nowadays. But it isn't understood today anymore than when it was first mentioned.

Summary

Nick, the teacher, seeks Jesus, the teacher. He has some questions and Jesus has the answers and the time to explain them. This is a modernization of the Nicodemus-Jesus encounter.

Playing Time: 3 minutes

Place: Wherever Jesus spends the night

Props: None

Costumes: Contemporary, casual

Time: Last night

Cast: JESUS

NICK -- a teacher
Tony S. Everett
At first reading it seems as if today's text is all about Abram's journey from relative obscurity to universal fame; from being a childless husband in a tiny and insignificant family to becoming the founding father of a great multitude of nations. Now what would it look like if we read this story with God as the main character? What would it look like if we examined the text from the perspective of God's initiating action instead of Abram's immediate faithful response?
David O. Bales
If you're going to study a subject or learn a profession, a good strategy is to investigate one of the earliest theoreticians or practitioners. If you study physics, you might start with Albert Einstein. There were others, but he's a good beginning. If you're interested in drama, you could turn to William Shakespeare. Other playwrights are around, but he'll give you a good start. If you're considering nursing, you could read up on Florence Nightingale. The work of other early nurses would benefit you, but she's a helpful start.
Lee Griess
How much faith does it take to follow? How much trust in God must we have? What does it mean to be part of the kingdom? How can we be born again? That's the question that Nicodemus asked. That's the theme for our time together this morning. How much faith does it take to follow? I came across an interesting idea this past week. I read an article about businesses that reward their employees when they make a mistake. Have you heard about this new trend?
Mark Ellingsen
It was late, almost bedtime, when the Jewish leader came to Jesus' residence. Into Jesus' presence came Nicodemus, one of the best-known Jewish professors in all of Israel (a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin). Nicodemus finally reached the short ruddy-faced leader of the disciples, and he said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him (John 3:2)."
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Confession And Absolution
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
P: Gracious God, you call into existence the things that do not exist.
You give life to the dead and new life to the living.
C: Break open our hearts, that what is in us might be poured out before you.
You have come into the world, O Lord, not to condemn us,
but that we might be saved through you.

Silence to recall our struggles with sin and the power of evil
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-4a
Theme: Obedience

Call To Worship

If Abram could have faith in God, trust God in his heart, and be unafraid -- Abram, who was of an older age when God sent him on a journey to leave his own country and go to another land that God was yet to show him -- then so might we follow God's call to embark upon a new birth, a journey of faith. Come, for God is calling.

Collect

When you send us on a mission, O God, we also choose to obey you. We will try to be brave and to trust you in our hearts. Amen.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: Like Abraham and Sarah,
God calls us out of our comfort zones to new adventures.
All: In this season of discipleship,
may we respond with the trust and faith they model.
One: Like Nicodemus, we seek answers for our questions
from Jesus, especially the ones that awaken us at night.
All: In this season of questioning Jesus,
may we commit ourselves to listening
to what he has to say to us.
One: Like Paul, we affirm that our faith
is based on what God does for us,

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. In our worship today let us explore how different people respond to that love.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I hide my love for you because I am afraid of what people might think.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I find it difficult to understand your words and your stories.
Christ, have mercy.

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
John S. Smylie
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Get Up and Go" by Frank Ramirez
"Three Field Goals and a Touchdown" by John Smylie


What's Up This Week
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"Words, Words, Words" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * *


Words, Words, Words!
by Frank Ramirez
John 3:1-17

Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above."
-- John 3:3 NRSV

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
-- John 3:3 KJV

Let me tell you a story about a word.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

In the three texts today hearers meet three classic figures: Abraham, who receives a call of God and gets to respond; Paul, who comments on those who get called and who respond, in the hope that those who read him might find themselves called and in need of response: and Nicodemus, a shadowy figure who never fully emerges from the shadows in the Fourth Gospel text.
Jules Verne wrote some fascinating books about journeys. They were spectacular journeys like into the center of the earth or to the moon or to no particular destination at all. Those journeys so captivate the human imagination that they became movies, movies renewed for each generation. Other authors, too, have captivated our attention with journeys -- up rivers or through jungles or to impressive mountain peaks.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. I remember a big wind about a week ago and it was really something! I was just walking along when a hat flew right into me. It was a hat like this. The man it belonged to was running down the street, trying to catch it.

Other strange things happened that windy day. It started to rain so I put up my umbrella. I thought it would protect me against the rain, but the wind turned my umbrella inside-out. Instead of protecting me, it was leading me, pulling me faster and faster.
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you know what the word love means? (let them answer) Love is a word with many different meanings. When you love someone you trust him, you honor him, you care for him, you share with him, you are honest with him, and you know that he shares his love with you. Do you get paid to love someone? (let them answer) At the end of the day, does anyone say to you, "Here is the dollar I owe you for loving me today?" (let them answer) Love is so precious we could never put a dollar amount on it.
Good morning, boys and girls. Can any of you remember what it was like being a very tiny baby? (Let them answer.) Do you remember wearing clothes like this? (Hold baby clothing up as you ask the question.) Can any of you fit into this? (Let them answer.) Each of us was small enough once in our life to fit into this. Why can't we fit into it now? (Let them answer.) We've all grown bigger. We aren't babies any more. Do you think any of us will ever be able to fit into this piece of clothing again? (Let them answer.) Will we ever become a tiny baby again? (Let them answer.)

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