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SermonStudio

God's Stamp Of Approval -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a rubber stamp that reads "Paid"
Happiness -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Happiness comes from a life emptied and humble before God and not from a life full a
Made For Something Good -- Ephesians 2:4-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: something handcrafted, like a dress, a piece of woodworking, or some pottery
Reuben, The Rooster With A Reminder -- Matthew 26:34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Get Ready -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Being a Christian takes preparation.
Such A Good Time -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bag of popcorn or peanuts
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.
Making Money On God -- Acts 19:25b-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Happiness Is Finding The Lost -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coin
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
Straight A's - Forever! -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a grade card or grade printout with all A's
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
Growing In Love -- Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a measuring tape
When Is Jesus Coming Back? -- Matthew 24:37-44 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an egg timer, a clock, and a television schedule
Trick Or Treat -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Good leadership seeks to help people not burden them to point of despair. Key
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
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
Working Together -- Acts 18:1-3 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
It Costs To Follow Jesus -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bank statement
Every Letter Is Important -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a computer keyboard
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
Jesus Was A Teacher -- John 1:29-42 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To talk about Jesus as a Teacher.
Safe With The Spirit -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large manila envelope

Christian

Christian Faith

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Death

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Liturgy

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Observance

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Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

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
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
A Christian Is -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A mind through which Christ thinks,A heart through which Christ loves,
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
The Faithful And The Unfaithful -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Stab Us Awake -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Louis Stevenson, a sufferer himself, wrote:If I have faltered more or less
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
An Irish Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Pat and Brigette dated a long time ...
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?
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.
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)
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
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)
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 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
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.
Hit It With The Hammer -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Devere Allen used to tell this story.
True Brotherhood -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young black man was carrying two suitcases on a wintry day in New York City.
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 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
The Sheep And The Goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
1. Text
Strangers? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young married woman had been quarreling with her mother-in-law, to the extent that the elderly one
Noah's Ark -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Remember: Noah's Ark was built by amateurs,The Titanic was built by professionals.
On Saying Thanks -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A boy's imagination knows few limits.
Transfiguration Sunday -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
It seems clear that we have a different source beginning in verse 12 than that found in 24:1-11, bec

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
Compassion Can Do More Than You May Think -- Luke 7:11-17 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
A teacher was fond of asking students in his counseling classes this question: "What can you know ab
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.
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
Mary's Magnificat -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Tom M. Garrison -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Christmas songs have a way of staying with us from childhood.
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!
Those We Have Hurt Will Be Healed -- 1 Corinthians 15:17-22 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a sexual abuserThose We Have Hurt Will Be Healed
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
True Beauty -- Romans 8:31-39 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a well-loved, elderly womanTrue Beauty
Our Dwelling Place In All Generations -- Psalm 90 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person with little discernible religious belief
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
The Real Thing -- Romans 8:37-39 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a shabby, unpolished characterThe Real Thing
More Than Meets The Eye -- Job 38-41 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a daring characterMore Than Meets The Eye
All Life Is A Gift -- Mark 10:13-16 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For hours-old twin girlsAll Life Is A Gift
Tough Guy No Longer -- Luke 2:8-20, Psalm 121 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hard-working, family-oriented personTough Guy No Longer
The Journey Of Life -- Luke 24:13-35, Psalm 122 -- Tom O. Miller, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person without church affiliationThe Journey Of Life
Carrying The Burdens Of Others -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
There was a man named Sundar, a convert to Christianity who decided to go to India to be a missionar
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.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's love is never afraid of giving too much.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Government
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Excellence
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Suffering
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness begins in God.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Age
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.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Persistence Persistence transforms vision into reality.
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.
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.
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.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother is really a four-letter word -- LOVE.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Grace
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Excuses
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Sympathy "Sympathy is your pain in my heart." (Anonymous child)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness behavior conforms to the character of Christ.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Assurance
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.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Politics "Nothing is politically right which is morally wrong." (Daniel O'Connell)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit's passion is to glorify Jesus as Lord.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Everything else may pass away, but not a mother's love.
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.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A wise mother teaches her children to seek God first.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gratitude
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fairness

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

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
This Earthly Life -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Romans 14:7-9 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipOn this earth, what is but one short life?It is a gift from God.
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65, Luke 17:11-19 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
HymnsWe Plow The Fields And Scatter (CBH96, PH560)
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)
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)
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
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.
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)
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
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)
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)
Unity In Christ -- Ephesians 4:1-6, 15-16 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
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)
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)
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?
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)
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)
Willingly -- Luke 9:51-62 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipOur Savior consistently sounds the call: "Follow me!"
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.
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)
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)
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)
The Paths To Calvary -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Seven personalities from Jesus' last weeks speak of their encounters with him as
After Christmas -- Luke 2:21-38 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe've been there. We've had our Christmas. What now?
Ten Words -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:7-10)

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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