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First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7Theme: Open Your EyesCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-4aTheme: ObedienceCall To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7Theme: With Us Or Not?Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 16:1-13Theme: Looking On The HeartCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Ezekiel 37:1-14Theme: You Shall LiveCall To Worship
Sunday Of The Passion (Sixth Sunday In Lent) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9aTheme: Like FlintCall To Worship
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:1-21Theme: I Hear!Call To Worship
Pentecost 27 (Lutheran) -- Jeremiah 26:1-6, Matthew 24:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Jeremiah 26:1-6Theme: They Might ListenCall To Worship
Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 25:19-34Theme: Isaac and RebekahCall To Worship
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 28:10-19a Theme: Know ThisCall To Worship
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 29:15-28Theme: ApprenticeCall To Worship
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Bless Me?Call To Worship
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28Theme: Peace At Home First
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 45:1-15Theme: The Sound Of MercyCall To Worship
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 1:8--2:10Theme: Unique TalentsCall To Worship
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 3:1-15Theme: Holy Ground, Therefore ...
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 12:1-14Theme: TogetherCall To Worship
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 14:19-31Theme: TrustCall To Worship
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 16:2-15Theme: ProvideCall To Worship
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7 Theme: Are You Here, God?Call To Worship
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20Theme: Ten Commandments
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 32:1-14Theme: I Love YouCall To Worship
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 33:12-23Theme: InvisibleCall To Worship
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Theme: Growing UpCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joshua 3:7-17Theme: Miracles of Leadership Call To Worship

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Double Or Nothing -- Matthew 25:27-29 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
The financial and investment community was uneasy as the ominous day, October 19, 1988, approached.
The Ten Percent Solution -- 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It is believed by many that money and religion are incompatible.
The Widow's Mite, The Mighty Widow -- Luke 21:3-4 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Widows occupy a very special place in the biblical religions of Judaism and Christianity.
Taxes To Caesar - What To God? -- Matthew 22:21 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
A young politician running for office asked a veteran politician for advice on how to assure victory
Stocks, Bonds, And Petty Cash -- 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
The Christian Faith owes a great deal to sailors on the seas.
2001: A Faith Odyssey -- Luke 12:15 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It made the headlines when it was first released. Magazines and newspapers were raving about it.
Our Hope For Years To Come -- John 1:1-18 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
On January 1, 2001, our world marked the beginning of a new millennium in human history.
Waiting And Witnessing -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Paul E. Flesner -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
My message this morning is about two biblical senior citizens and what we can learn from them about
God Is Now Here -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Paul E. Flesner -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once observed that the Christmas event can only be spoken about in poetr
A Song, A Dance, A Savior -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Curtis Lewis -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Simon Wiesenthal in his book, The Sunflower, relates a discussion that took place at the Mauthausen
Joy To The World -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Curtis Lewis -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Open the hymnals. Pull out the stops on the organ, for we are going to sing a song.
First Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Curtis Lewis -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Have you ever seen the aurora borealis?
The Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
Today we celebrate the Festival of the Holy Trinity. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The God Who Never Lets Go Of Us -- Joel 2:21-27 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
The prophets of antiquity faced problems no different from the soothsayers of today: what language c
Going, Going, Gone -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Curtis Lewis -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Recently, a friend of mine went to Wrigley Field in Chicago to watch an afternoon baseball game.
Covenant Of The Heart; Sacred Signature -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Marriage is a covenant.
By What Power Did You Do This? -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
When I was growing up, my family belonged to St.
The Light Shines In The Darkness, And The Darkness Cannot Overcome It -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Lament. What a powerful biblical word. Lament.
What Are Your Goliaths? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
I chaperoned a fourth grade class on a field trip to the Olde Mystic Village and Seaport.
Out Of Control! -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Recently some 900 teenagers and adult advisors from all over New England gathered at Hammonasset Sta
God Calling You! -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
One Friday I had kind of a rough morning.
Our Solution ... God's Solution -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
A familiar Yiddish folk tale goes something like this: a man goes to his wise and revered rabbi for
Humble Beginnings -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2002
Small town folk will often ask a person on first meeting, "Who was your mother?" What they mean is:
Blessing Revealed -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
"Trouble comes in threes," so many people say.
The Threshing Floor -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2002
We so casually go to the supermarket and pick up a loaf of bread.

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The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 1:1--2:4a (C); Genesis 1:1--2:3 (E)
First Sunday After Christmas/Holy Family -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7-9 (C)
Advent 4 -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew.
Proper 6 -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The appointed Gospel reading for this week begins with the words: "Then Jesus went about all the cit
Proper 7 -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel assigned for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost comes out of the heart of Matthew 10.
Proper 8 -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come now to the final passage in the section of Matthew's Gospel which Robert Smith has called:
Advent 3 -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's Gospel text is our first big jump in Matthean order for this church year.
Proper 9 -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The text appointed for this week omits 11:20-24.
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come to our text for this week noting that the lectionary has entirely omitted Matthew 12.
Proper 11 -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Matthew 13 contains the parabolic ministry of Jesus as Matthew tells the story.
Proper 12 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The whole of Jesus' discourse in parables in Matthew 13 demonstrates for us that Jesus did much of h
Proper 13 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We move this week from the parables of Jesus (last week's text was Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52) to Jesus
Proper 14 -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Jesus is busy and active in this week's appointed text.
The Epiphany Of The Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 1998
The focus in Matthew 1 was on names. Name after name after name culminating in THE Name: Jesus!
Proper 15 -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The assigned Gospel text for this week skips over a couple of sections in Matthew's story.
Proper 16 -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
With the text appointed for this week we come to the climax of Part Two of Matthew's Gospel.
Proper 17 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
With this week's text we enter Part Three of Matthew's story.
Transfiguration -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We need to say at the outset of our comments for this pericope that the transfiguration text contain
Proper 18 -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Matthew 18 is of crucial importance to the structure of Matthew's Gospel.
Proper 19 -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
In our previous chapter we discussed the importance of Matthew 18 as a whole.
Proper 20 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come this week to one of the most memorable stories in all of Matthew's Gospel: the parable of th
Palm/Passion Sunday -- Matthew 21:1-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Proper 21 -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Jesus enters the temple: Matthew 21:12.
Proper 22 -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's text has important narrative connections in Matthew's story.

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The Mystery Of His Will -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marcia Lee -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
...
Someone To Watch Over Me -- Psalm 89:20-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia M. Thaker -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
In February of 2000, my grandfather, Lloyd Dings, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Eagerly Waiting -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Eileen Fink -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
In my dream, I was in my bed trying to get to sleep when I heard someone coming.
A Deep Peace -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jodie And Georgia N. Hunt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
My father died suddenly, at the age of 58, while he was on business in Canada.
Just Let Go -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bonny J. Bailey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.
Overcome With Amazement -- Mark 5:21-43 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
... he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep?
A Sign Of God's Love -- Psalm 22:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marie Regine Redig -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
An Honor Not Taken Lightly -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bruce Stunkard -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their be
Stopped In Mid-Air -- John E. Sumwalt, Marjorie K. Evans
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.
Christ Entered In -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia Lietzke -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater an
Wisdom From Above -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt, Martinus Cawley -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
About fifteen years ago, as I prepared for a big cider-pressing, I had to move the top-heavy hydraul
A Narrow Escape -- Psalm 124 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Ziese -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
A Tire Of A Different Dimension -- Psalm 26 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay Boone Stewart -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wave
My Beloved -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judie M. Jacobson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Beth and David are a young couple in my congregation who have a wonderful relationship and a tremend
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha -- Mark 7:24-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Allan Mccauley, As Told To Rebecca Henderleiter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." And immedia
Easter In September -- Psalm 19 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
The call came from the doctor that Dad had only a short time to live.
What Dreams Have Come -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
After my father died, in September of 1998, I had several vivid dreams that felt very much like his
A Heavenly Voice -- Psalm 84 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rosmarie Trapp -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
When I was growing up, in our large family which performed all over Europe and the U.S., I was the r

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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...
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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20 – Worship Resources
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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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
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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