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Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Chosen By God -- Acts 21:27-22:29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: straws of different lengths for drawing straws; have more straws than children
God-given Talent -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Talents and gifts are from God and are to be used in service to the church.
Made For Something Good -- Ephesians 2:4-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: something handcrafted, like a dress, a piece of woodworking, or some pottery
God's Stamp Of Approval -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a rubber stamp that reads "Paid"
Straight A's - Forever! -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a grade card or grade printout with all A's
Such A Good Time -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bag of popcorn or peanuts
When Is Jesus Coming Back? -- Matthew 24:37-44 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an egg timer, a clock, and a television schedule
Happiness Is Finding The Lost -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coin
Strange Fishing -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a badminton net
Jesus Is Our Map -- John 14:1-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a map with the location of some surprises for the children.
A Great Light -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To convey the images of darkness (sin) and light (Gospel of Christ) and that the chu
Really Living! -- Romans 14:7-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a beach ball and a grave marker (stone) possibly made out of cardboard and painted gr
Making Money On God -- Acts 19:25b-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Get Ready -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Being a Christian takes preparation.
Growing In Love -- Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a measuring tape
Safe With The Spirit -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large manila envelope
Share Your Life -- James 4:7-12 (13-5:6) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two buckets of water, some powdered household cleaner like Spic And Span, and some di
A Real Champion -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big piece of cardboard with the words "Round 15" on it and some boxing gloves
Jars Of Bad Candy -- Matthew 22:15-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a jar full of candy
It Costs To Follow Jesus -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bank statement
Jesus In The News -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a newspaper
A Light Bulb And God -- John 13:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb inside of a light globe
Jesus Was A Teacher -- John 1:29-42 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To talk about Jesus as a Teacher.
Every Letter Is Important -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a computer keyboard
Working Together -- Acts 18:1-3 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none

Christian

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SermonStudio

The Faithful And The Unfaithful -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Hillbilly Humor -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man was sitting in front of a typical village in the southeastern Ohio hills, when some guys drove
The Greater Miracle -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
When we read the stories from the early part of Jesus' ministry, we begin to understand why his life
The Lord's Supper -- Matthew 26:17-30 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
In all of the Gospels, the story of Jesus' last week, especially his last night, makes up the bulk o
The Demon--Possessed Girl -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Jeff Wedge -- 2004
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon.
A Christian Is -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A mind through which Christ thinks,A heart through which Christ loves,
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 28:10--19a (C)
Three Philosophies Of Life In The Story Of The Good Samaritan -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
1.What's yours is mine; I'll take it! -- the thief
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
The exodus from slavery in Egypt and the deliverance of the Israelites from the pursuing troops of P
Needs And Wants -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
After I had preached a sermon on the difference between "needs and wants," on our way home from chur
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E)
Stab Us Awake -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Louis Stevenson, a sufferer himself, wrote:If I have faltered more or less
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
In the church, we speak often of "salvation." But what do we mean by that term?
An Irish Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Pat and Brigette dated a long time ...
God Uses Written Prayers Also -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the late 1940s, Reverend Peter Marshall, the well-known pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyteria
Gratitude At Sing Sing -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One of the classic stories of prison ministry pertains to the loving service given by Kathryn Lawes,
The Sheep And The Goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
1. Text
Hit It With The Hammer -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Devere Allen used to tell this story.
You Make The Call -- Mark 5:1-20 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The old-timers probably knew the story of the demoniac in detail. Let's call him Caliphys.
Betrayal -- Mark 14:17-21, 43-45 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
When you look at the last night of Jesus, consider that he experienced every negative event a human
A Pastor's Humor -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young pastor with a sense of humor became a father; so at the county ministerial meeting he passed
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
True Brotherhood -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young black man was carrying two suitcases on a wintry day in New York City.
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
"Give us this day our daily bread." This text from Exodus forms the background of that petition in t
Noah's Ark -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Remember: Noah's Ark was built by amateurs,The Titanic was built by professionals.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Reward Or Responsibility? -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Then Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a wealthy person who had a manager of his possession
A Living Sacrifice -- Romans 12:1-12 -- Lawrence Ruegg, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a seventy-year-old womanA Living Sacrifice
The Easter Era -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Most of us probably enjoy taking part in Easter rituals both here at church and at home.
God Will Prevail -- John 6:40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a family manGod Will Prevail
Sowing And Reaping -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- John Jamison -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
These words certainly sound like a threat, don't they? You will reap what you sow!
Advent: The Call To Holiness -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Anytime we center on First Thessalonians in our devotional reading or in a study group or read a pas
Be Reconciled -- To Christ And Others -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
The train clanked and rattled down the tracks one lazy summer afternoon as I traveled from Kyoto to
The Extravagance Of Love -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
If there was anything Jesus despised, it was stinginess, especially the holding back of oneself.
The Real Thing -- Romans 8:37-39 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a shabby, unpolished characterThe Real Thing
Bethlehem: Where Extremes Meet -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Tom M. Garrison -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Every year at this particular season, I am amazed all over again at the impact that the old, old sto
God Wants Her Back Home -- Mark 5:21-23, 35-42 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a child who died at the hand of her mother
Building The Temple Of God -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Haggai is what has been labeled as the first of the restoration prophets, and he has no recorded his
Total Living In Christ -- Deuteronomy 8:11-20 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In Lutheran churches and many other denominations across the world, today is the celebration of Chri
True Beauty -- Romans 8:31-39 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a well-loved, elderly womanTrue Beauty
Who? -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
My guess is that unless you're a fan of Elizabethan theater you've never heard of Robert Greene (156
Our Dwelling Place In All Generations -- Psalm 90 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person with little discernible religious belief
Something To Whistle About -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- John Jamison -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
It was back in the days when the railroad was the most common mode of transportation.
Advent: A Wider Context -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
The congregation at the Macedonian city of Philippi was the first church established by Paul in Euro
All Is New In Christ -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Running as fast as his feet would carry him, Androclus raced into the forest.
What Happens When You're Not Prepared For What Happens -- Luke 8:26-39 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
How do you handle what happens when you're not prepared for what happens?
More Than Meets The Eye -- Job 38-41 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a daring characterMore Than Meets The Eye
Our Task: Acceptance And Challenge -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Tom M. Garrison -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
What do our children need of us really, as adults, as parents, and as the community of faith called
All Life Is A Gift -- Mark 10:13-16 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For hours-old twin girlsAll Life Is A Gift
Isaiah -- The Prophet Of Gloom And Glory -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
Of all the writing prophets of Israel, Isaiah stands out above them all.
The True Source Of Thanksgiving -- Matthew 25 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
It has been said that you cannot know where you are going until you know where you have come from.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is our defense attorney.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Success
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother is really a four-letter word -- LOVE.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Do not pray for more of the Holy Spirit, for He does not come as puzzle, but as a whole picture.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Grace
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Persistence Persistence transforms vision into reality.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Excellence
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Age
So Unnecessary! -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Some things are beyond understanding - especially when a loss of life is preventable.
Doubt - A Difficult Thing To Overcome -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Doubt, especially self--doubt, is difficult to overcome. Sometimes it is impossible.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no joy like the joy that a mother puts in the heart of her children.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness begins in God.
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)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A wise mother teaches her children to seek God first.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit's passion is to glorify Jesus as Lord.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gratitude
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Politics "Nothing is politically right which is morally wrong." (Daniel O'Connell)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Excuses
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Assurance
Grace Upon Grace -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Laura Fischer is growing up to be a lovely young lady. She is an example of grace and perseverance.
Unrecognized Faith -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Pastor Jim and his wife Ida were shaking hands with people as they came to church.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Everything else may pass away, but not a mother's love.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness behavior conforms to the character of Christ.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Teamwork

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsThe God Of Abraham Praise (NCH24, UM116, PH488)
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.
Seek Out The Lost -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
The Holy Trinity -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1-2:4a, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
HymnsSois la Semilla (You Are The Seed) (NCH528, MH583)
Transfiguration/Fully Awake -- Luke 9:28-36, Exodus 34:29-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe would be fully awake to the glory of God.
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95, John 4:5-42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsI Hunger And I Thirst (CBH474)
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)
Credit Where Credit Is Due -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2004
Call To Worship
We Can't See This Enough -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, Matthew 28:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 10:39-40)
Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Beverly S. Bailey -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
HymnsO Sing A New Song To The Lord (PH216)
Unity In Christ -- Ephesians 4:1-6, 15-16 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsGod Of The Prophets (NCH358)Gentle Shepherd (CBH352)
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
Who Is That Preaching? -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 2:32)
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Psalm 148, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
HymnsO For A Thousand Tongues To Sing (CBH110, NCH42, UM57)
Willingly -- Luke 9:51-62 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipOur Savior consistently sounds the call: "Follow me!"
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, Psalm 130, John 11:1-45 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsLet It Breathe On Me (NCH288)
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?
The Promise Is For All -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 2:39)
Advent/Opportunity -- Luke 3:7-18, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere was one who came to prepare the way.
The Paths To Calvary -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Seven personalities from Jesus' last weeks speak of their encounters with him as
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
HymnsI Love The Lord, Who Heard My Cry (PH362, NCH511)
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)
Teaching, Fellowship Is Bread, And Prayer -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Fourth Sunday Of Easter First Lesson: Acts 2:42-47
After Christmas -- Luke 2:21-38 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe've been there. We've had our Christmas. What now?

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:
Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For November 2, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message involves roleplay. You will need a chair for Zach to stand on, unless it is ok for him to stand on a front pew. For the best fun, you will also want to have an adult volunteer play the role of Jesus and walk in when it is time. Whether he is in costume is up to you.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: You will need one or more pictures of people recognized as saints. You may find some pictures by Googling “public domain pictures of saints” and printing images from the results.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Psalm 119:137-144
Walter Elwell in the Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook notes of righteousness that it is, “Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue. Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice.” God is a righteous God, even when is people are not righteous.
Frank Ramirez
One of the features of synagogue worship is the Shema. The Hebrew word is “Hear!” and is the opening for Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God’s people are commanded to “hear” these words. They come from the Lord. And these three scriptures invite us to hear God and each other, something that is lacking in our society today.
Wayne Brouwer
Fred Craddock tells of a vacation encounter in the Smokey Mountains of eastern Tennessee years ago that moved him deeply. He and his wife took supper one evening in a place called the Black Bear Inn. One side of the building was all glass, open to a magnificent mountain view. Glad to be alone, the Craddocks were a bit annoyed when an elderly man ambled over and struck up a nosey conversation: “Are you on vacation?” “Where are you from?” “What do you do?”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 and Psalm 149

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.
Frank Ramirez
Call them the good old days. Call it the Golden Age. It’s not unusual for people to look back in their youth, or to the youth of their country, as somehow more perfect, honorable, or simpler. C.S. Lewis was always skeptical about claims that chocolate was better in one’s youth. It wasn’t better. Our taste buds were stronger and more receptive.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The Roman Catholic Church's canonisation of Edith Stein some years ago, fuelled considerable controversy. Edith Stein was born and bred into a Jewish family, becoming a Roman Catholic Christian at the age of 31. She was also a leading German intellectual in the early thirties, during the run-up to World War 2, although she gave up that career in order to become a Carmelite nun. But she didn't deny her Jewish roots, for in 1933 she petitioned the Pope, Pious XI to write an encyclical in defence of the Jews.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus didn't reject anyone, even those who were liars and cheats. By a simple act of friendship Jesus turned Zaccheus' life around. In our worship today let us consider friendship and all that it means.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, there are some people I don't like.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I reject.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, there are some people I keep out of my circle of friends.
Lord, have mercy.


Reading:

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The world offers many blessings, but none of these things will save us: only the blessing of God in Jesus Christ can do that.

Old Testament Lesson
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
Daniel's Apocalyptic Dream
Perry H. Biddle, Jr.
Comments on the Lessons
John W. Clarke
This chapter of Luke brings us ever closer to the end of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus enters Jericho, just fifteen miles or so from the holy city of Jerusalem. It is here that Jesus transforms the life of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. This is one of the few stories that is peculiar to Luke and is a wonderful human-interest story. The fact that Zacchaeus is willing to climb a tree to see Jesus is a clear indication that he really wanted to see and meet the carpenter from Nazareth. His eagerness to see Jesus is rewarded in a very special way.
Scott A. Bryte
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
Mark Ellingson
This is a story written for people who had been or were about to be persecuted, if not enslaved. (The book of Daniel was probably written in the mid-second century B.C. during a period of Seleucid [Syrian] domination in Palestine.) It tells them and us how their ancestors had once faced a similar slavery under the oppression of the Babylonians centuries earlier. The implication was that if these ancestors could endure and overcome such bondage, so could they and so can we.
Gary L. Carver
Ulysses S. Grant fought many significant battles as commander of the Union forces in the War Between the States. He also served as President of the United States where he probably engaged in as many battles as he did while he was a general. Toward the end of his life he fought his toughest battle -- with cancer and death.

Special Occasion

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