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Made For Something Good -- Ephesians 2:4-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: something handcrafted, like a dress, a piece of woodworking, or some pottery
Jesus The Healer -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some chicken noodle soup
Call In The Clowns! -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some horns, drums, and other party items
Fresh Starts -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a check with your name written on it and a gift that you received from someone who lo
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
Jesus Is Our Map -- John 14:1-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a map with the location of some surprises for the children.
Straight A's - Forever! -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a grade card or grade printout with all A's
Get Ready -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Being a Christian takes preparation.
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
When Is Jesus Coming Back? -- Matthew 24:37-44 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an egg timer, a clock, and a television schedule
Growing In Love -- Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a measuring tape
Strange Fishing -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a badminton net
Happiness Is Finding The Lost -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coin
Such A Good Time -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bag of popcorn or peanuts
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 Was A Teacher -- John 1:29-42 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To talk about Jesus as a Teacher.
A Light Bulb And God -- John 13:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb inside of a light globe
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
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
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
Jars Of Bad Candy -- Matthew 22:15-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a jar full of candy
Safe With The Spirit -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large manila envelope
Jesus In The News -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a newspaper

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SermonStudio

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)
An Irish Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Pat and Brigette dated a long time ...
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
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)
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
A Christian Is -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A mind through which Christ thinks,A heart through which Christ loves,
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
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
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
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?
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
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
Stab Us Awake -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Louis Stevenson, a sufferer himself, wrote:If I have faltered more or less
The Faithful And The Unfaithful -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
1. Text
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 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)
On Saying Thanks -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A boy's imagination knows few limits.
Hit It With The Hammer -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Devere Allen used to tell this story.
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
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
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
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,
True Brotherhood -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young black man was carrying two suitcases on a wintry day in New York City.
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
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

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
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
Sleep, Child, In Peace -- John 11:28-36 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young girl whose death involved drugs
Living The Vision -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
In most congregational settings, the name Habakkuk does not bring people to their feet.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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?
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
Fruit With Feet -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There has rarely been a transformation from sinner to saint as dramatic as that of Paul, former pers

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Government
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is our defense attorney.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Excellence
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
Suffering
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.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Persistence Persistence transforms vision into reality.
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
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.
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.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Grace
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness begins in God.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Excuses
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
Sympathy "Sympathy is your pain in my heart." (Anonymous child)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Everything else may pass away, but not a mother's love.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Politics "Nothing is politically right which is morally wrong." (Daniel O'Connell)
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
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.
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.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gratitude
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness behavior conforms to the character of Christ.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fairness

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

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Wedding Vow

Women's Day

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SermonStudio

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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
Willingly -- Luke 9:51-62 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipOur Savior consistently sounds the call: "Follow me!"
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)
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)
The Paths To Calvary -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Seven personalities from Jesus' last weeks speak of their encounters with him as
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.
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
Our Place At The Table -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers around tables in a fellowship room for an enactment of

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

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
For January 11, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
At Jesus' baptism God said, "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." Let us so order our lives that God may say about us, "This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased."

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I fail to please you,
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm sure I have pleased you, but have got it wrong,
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I neither know nor care whether I have pleased you,
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Argile Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Welcoming Mr. Forsythe" by Argile Smith
"The Question about the Dove" by Merle Franke


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
"Jan wasn't baptized by the spirit, she was baptized by spit," went the joke. Jan had heard it all before: the taunting and teasing from her aunts and uncles. Sure, they hadn't been there at her birth, but they loved to tell the story. They were telling Jan's friends about that fateful day when Jan was born - and baptized.


Elizabeth Achtemeier
The lectionary often begins a reading at the end of one poem and includes the beginning of another. Such is the case here. Isaiah 42:1-4 forms the climactic last stanza of the long poem concerning the trial with the nations that begins in 41:1. Isaiah 42:5-9 is the opening stanza of the poem that encompasses 42:5-17. Thus, we will initially deal with 42:1-4 and then 42:5-9.

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC); Isaiah 42:1--7 (L)
Tony S. Everett
Jenny was employed as an emergency room nurse in a busy urban hospital. Often she worked many hours past the end of her shift, providing care to trauma victims and their families. Jenny was also a loving wife and mother, and an excellent cook. On the evening before starting her hectic work week, Jenny would prepare a huge pot of soup, a casserole, or stew; plentiful enough for her family to pop into the microwave or simmer on the stove in case she had to work overtime.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Bil Keane, the creator of the Family Circus cartoon, said he was drawing a cartoon one day when his little boy came in and asked, "Daddy, how do you know what to draw?" Keane replied, "God tells me." Then the boy asked, "Then why do you keep erasing parts of it?"1
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Being Inclusive
Message: Are you sure, God, that you show no partiality? Lauds, KDM

The haughty part of us would prefer that God be partial, that is, partial to you and to me. We want to reap the benefits of having been singled out. On the other hand, our decent side wants God to show no partiality. We do yield a little, however. It is fine for God to be impartial as long as we do not need to move over and lose our place.
William B. Kincaid, III
There are two very different ways to think about baptism. The first approach recognizes the time of baptism as a saving moment in which the person being baptized accepts the love and forgiveness of God. The person then considers herself "saved." She may grow in the faith through the years, but nothing which she will experience after her baptism will be as important as her baptism. She always will be able to recall her baptism as the time when her life changed.
R. Glen Miles
I delivered my very first sermon at the age of sixteen. It was presented to a congregation of my peers, a group of high school students. The service, specifically designed for teens, was held on a Wednesday night. There were about 125 people in attendance. I was scared to death at first, but once the sermon got started I felt okay and sort of got on a roll. My text was 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, as some refer to it. The audience that night was very responsive to the sermon. I do not know why they liked it.
Someone is trying to get through to you. Someone with an important message for you is trying to get in touch with you. It would be greatly to your advantage to make contact with the one who is trying to get through to you.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: When the floods and storms of the world threaten
to overwhelm us,
All: God's peace flows through us,
to calm our troubled lives.
One: When the thunder of the culture's claims on us
deafens us to hope,
All: God whispers to us
and soothes our souls.
One: When the wilderness begs us to come out and play,
All: God takes us by the hand
and we dance into the garden of grace.

Prayer Of The Day
Your voice whispers
over the waters of life,
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
A Service Of Renewal

Gathering (may also be used for Gathering on Epiphany 3)
A: Light shining in the darkness,
C: light never ending.
A: Through the mountains, beneath the sea,
C: light never ending.
A: In the stillness of our hearts,
C: light never ending.
A: In the water and the word,
C: light never ending. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
Baptized In Water or Praise And Thanksgiving Be To God Our Maker

Prayer Of The Day

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. What am I wearing this morning? (Let them answer.) I'm wearing part of a uniform of the (name the team). Have any of you gone to a game where the (name the team) has played? (Let them answer.) I think one of the most exciting parts of a game is right before it starts. That's when all the players are introduced. Someone announces the player's name and number. That player then runs out on the court of playing field. Everyone cheers. Do you like that part of the game? (Let them answer.) Some people call that pre-game "hype." That's a funny term, isn't it?
Good morning! Let me show you this certificate. (Show the
baptism certificate.) Does anyone know what this is? (Let them
answer.) Yes, this is a baptism certificate. It shows the date
and place where a person is baptized. In addition to this
certificate, we also keep a record here at the church of all
baptisms so that if a certificate is lost we can issue a new one.
What do all of you think about baptism? Is it important? (Let
them answer.)

Let me tell you something about baptism. Before Jesus
Good morning! How many of you have played Monopoly? (Let
them answer.) In the game of Monopoly, sometimes you wind up in
jail. You can get out of jail by paying a fine or, if you have
one of these cards (show the card), you can get out free by
turning in the card.

Now, in the game of life, the real world where we all live,
we are also sometimes in jail. Most of us never have to go to a
real jail, but we are all in a kind of jail called "sin." The
Bible tells us that when we sin we become prisoners of sin, and

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