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Friends I Love -- Mark 3:13-17 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Everyone needs friends to love.
The Deaf Shall Hear -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Deafness is a problem that hearing children can faintly grasp.
God In A Box? -- Psalm 139:9-10 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
God is always near no matter where we go.
The Days Are Numbered -- Proverbs 9:11 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
New Year's Day gives us the opportunity to look forward to all the God-given days that are coming in
The Light Bulb -- Genesis 1:3 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
We can thank God that we have lights in our houses on dark winter nights.Object:
"A Scout Is ... kind" -- Ephesians 4:32 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Being kind is considered important in both the Scout Handbook and the Bible.
Herod -- Matthew 2:3-8, 16-20 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Herodus Magnus! By that name, I am known.
O Christmas Tree, Part 6 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Objects: Christmas tree balls
O Christmas Tree, Part 4 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: A Star Ornament
O Christmas Tree, Part 5 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: an angel ornament
O Christmas Tree, Part 3 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Objects: Candy Canes
O Christmas Tree, Part 2 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: Tree Lights
A Joyful Noise -- Psalm 100:1-2 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Christians are called to worship the Lord joyfully.Object:a triangle.
O Christmas Tree, Part 1 -- Dale S. Bringman -- 1987
Object: A small pine tree
A Storybook -- Mark 10:13-16 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Children may be motivated to read the Bible if they are told it contains stories.
Talking to God -- Psalm 116:1-2 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
God listens when we pray.Object:a telephone.
Talk To A Tree -- Genesis 2:8-9 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Trees are beautiful and helpful gifts from Gods.Object:
Friends At Church -- Mark 10:14 -- Shirley Jennings -- 1987
Sunday church school is a place to make friends and to bring friends.
LET JESUS FORGIVE YOU! -- Romans 3:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:a magnifying glass, a piece of wood, and some wood filler.
MUSTARD ON MASHED POTATOES? -- Galatians 5:16-24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:salt, vinegar, and mustard.
God's Thermometer -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Good morning, boys and girls.
DO THE TOUGH THINGS FIRST -- Romans 8:18-23 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
(For use on the Sunday nearest July 4)Object:a shovel and a bucket.
1,943 CANDLES ON THE BIRTHDAY CAKE! -- Acts 2:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object: candles for each child and anything else that will help to make this a birthday party.
PATTERNED AFTER JESUS -- 1 Peter 2:21b-25 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object: an office punch (hole punch) and different shapes and colors of paper.
A TERRIFIC SINGER -- 2 Corinthians 11:19-12:9 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:a tape recorder.

Christian

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Preaching

SermonStudio

In The Name Of God! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Christians have done (and still do) some terrible things and claimed they were
Blemishes And Biblical Authentication -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: "Defects" or "flaws" in the Bible do not necessarily diminish its value or tru
Exiles -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Our story takes place on a small green-blue planet, partly covered with clouds, which circles near t
Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 or Isaiah 35:4-7a3, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 or Isaiah 35:4-7a3
Should The Universe Make Sense -- And Why? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Are we meant to know some of the answers to the more significant questions con
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 10:44-48 1 John 5:1-6 John 15:9-17
When Kids Go Bad -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What is the cause of so many of the problems our youth have today and what can
The Good Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2005
1. Text
An Unidentified Naked Male Running From The Scene -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Our regular examination of our relationship with Jesus and the church is proba
A Dangerous Way To Read Your Bible -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Unavoidably and necessarily we must "pick and choose" which passages in our Bi
Hope In Heaven -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Eighty years out from earth, the ship crept between the stars.
Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 -- Proverbs 1:20-33 or Isaiah 50:5-9a, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Proverbs 1:20-33 or Isaiah 50:5-9a James 3:1-12
Neither Peacock Nor Worm -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: On finding the delicate balance between pride and humility.
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 1 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19
Methinks Thou Dost Not Protest Too Much -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: This sermon presents the case for Christians becoming social activists.
The True Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
1. Text
Can You Be Trusted With Crayons And Scissors? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How great is the responsibility of being a Christian and are we ready for it?
Skeletons In The Church Closet -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: The Church is not now, and has not in the past, been perfect.
"I'll Be Back!" -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Nightfall at Lod airport, 25 miles northeast of Jerusalem.
Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 -- Proverbs 31:10-31 or Jeremiah 11:18-20, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Proverbs 31:10-31 or Jeremiah 11:18-20 James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a
Will Reverend Tortoise Ever Catch Doctor Hare? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is there a gap between science and ethics and what are we going to do about it
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day
Noah And The Ark And Other True Stories -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we interpret the improbable sounding stories in our Old Testament?
A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
1. Text

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Match Made In Heaven -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- David Kalas -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
One of the great privileges of being a parish pastor is the opportunity to officiate at weddings.
Christmas And The Beast -- Isaiah 40:9-11 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
The passage in Matthew 2:13-20 about the slaughter of children by King Herod is usually bypassed by
Aprons Or Bibs -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Potluck dinners are wonderful!
Always With Us -- John 14:15-21 -- Lee Griess -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
On a hot southern night, some 150 years ago, a weary slave sat before a tar-paper shack and lifted h
Dare To Be Different -- Romans 13:11-14 -- John N. Brittain -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
A true story tells how the two sons of a ninety-year-old Fort Worth, Texas, woman were worried about
To An Unknown God -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
Are you one of those people who always has a backup plan?
A Blessing In Disguise -- Genesis 32:22-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
I wonder how many of us here are named after someone.
Can There Be Peace On Earth? -- Luke 2:8-14, John 14:27 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Two thousand years ago an angelic chorus heralded the birth of Jesus with the words, "Peace on earth
The Hungry Monkey -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
During a meeting of the parish stewardship committee, members viewed a thirty-second video clip take
Connected To God -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Lee Griess -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
It's one of those stories that circulates around the internet.
Headed In The Right Direction -- Romans 15:4-13 -- John N. Brittain -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
If you don't know that Christmas is a couple of weeks away, you must be living underground.
Receiving The Power Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
I love this story.
Do You See What I See? -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
In 1956, director/producer Cecil B.
Christmas Gifts -- Matthew 2:1-11 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
The words have been asked, will be asked, and you will respond in one way or another.
Losers, Weepers -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
All of us have experienced the pain of loss in many different forms.
Pentecost ... Again! -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
They had been waiting so long for this.
One In Faith And One In Service -- John 17:1-11 -- Lee Griess -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
A few choice words -- that's what Jesus gives us this morning -- a few choice words about our lives
Are We There Yet? -- James 5:7-10 -- John N. Brittain -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
"Are we there yet?
Are We There Yet? -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
On long family car trips, one of the favorite questions asked by children from the backseat is, "Are
Sentimental Slaves -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- David Kalas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Let me ask you to do a little remembering today.
Gifts For A King -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Several years ago, some small children were helping set up a nativity scene.
I Don’t Do Windows -- Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 -- Tony S. Everett -- 2007
For months, members of the parish property team had been having difficulty finding volunteers to cle
So, Explain It To Me -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
Trinity Sunday begins the second half of the church year.
Life And Forgiveness Come Easy When You're Filled With The Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
It's Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the birth of the Church and the giving of the Holy Sp
Set Apart At Christmas -- Romans 1:1-7 -- John N. Brittain -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
I am so old that I can actually remember when there was a difference between the number of "shopping

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Giving
Petty Concerns -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Mitch loved his church.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prejudice is the mother of ignorance and the sister of hate.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit speaks of a deeper life found to be richer, fuller, and spiritually satisfying to th
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Discipleship
Being A Servant -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Danny looked at the document. He was standing at his secretary's desk.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Holiness is not a series of do's and don'ts, but a conformity to God's character in the very depths
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Worship
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A good mother is sunshine in a house.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Church
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Self-control
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." (William Wallace)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is a bargain at any cost.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Giving "Those who give most are least concerned about returns." (The Lunn Log)
A Steward Of Her Garden -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Grace loves to garden and she tends her garden carefully.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Most moms are aware that happiness is a spot between too little and too much that their kids often v
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is like Tide¨ soap, the deeper the stain, the deeper the cleansing.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Discipleship
Sorry! -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
What if Judas hadn't betrayed Jesus? What if Judas wasn't sorry?
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A "yes" to God is a "no" to things that hurt His Holiness.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Worship "Worship is not performance -- it is participation." (Robert Webber)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's praise has outstanding effects upon children.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11, Psalm 29 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipThis one is based on Genesis 1. Leader:
NULL -- Proverbs 11:25 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: A generous man will prosper;
Theme: A Tangled Web -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
First Sunday after Christmas Day -- Isaiah 61:10, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40, Psalm 148 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (from Psalm 148) Leader:
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Day for Year B -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Service For The Christ CandleReader A: ___________________
A Time For All Things -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For New Year's Day
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 145.
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 5:4 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it.
Theme: Murder Will Out Or The Butler Did Not Do It -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
The Nativity of our Lord -- Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-4, John 1:1-14, Psalm 98 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on John 1:1-5) Leader: In the beginning was the Word
Bulletin Insert for Christmas Day for Year B -- John 1:1-14 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Service For The Christ CandleReader A: ___________________
A Parade Of Passion -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Palm/Passion Sunday
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31, Psalm 133 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA continuing celebration of resurrection. Leader:
NULL -- Ecclesiastes 11:1 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: Give generously,
Theme: Why Couldn't It Have Been Me? -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Christmas Eve -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Psalm 96 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- 2005
Christmas EveProper I Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Psalm 96
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
The Birth Of The Church -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Word For Pentecost Sunday
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48, Psalm 4 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipTaken from 1 John 3:1-3 (The Message)Leader:
NULL -- Isaiah 66:1a, 2a -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool.
Theme: The One Wish -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Proverbs 9:9-10)
The Ministry Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful?
Theme: What I Want -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 34:18-19)
A Basic Service Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
(Share a time of visitation and prayer as previously outlined.
First Sunday in Advent -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.
  • Second Thoughts: Resisting The Storms of Winter by Chris Keating. Jesus does not offer a cheery optimism to those enduring the cold blasts of injustice. More than an insulating blanket of hope, the Beatitudes create communities of resistance.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

Special Occasion

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