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His Name Is John -- Luke 1:57-67 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baptismal certificate and a birth certificate
He Makes The Bad Good -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a good example, such as a picture that shows a person before and after he has lost we
Prissy Plant -- John 9:1-41 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an attractive artificial plant
My Sheep Hear My Voice -- John 10:1-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Help the children discern the voice of God.
How To Settle An Argument -- Acts 15:22a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
It Isn't Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Acceptance of the inequities in life.
Hosanna! -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Where Is God? -- Galatians 2:20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a walnut or any nut that has an outer shell that comes off easily
Watch Out! He's Coming! -- Mark 13:33-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: the pose of someone on a sheep--keeping watch, with binoculars
Be A Good Thermometer -- 2 Thessalonians 1:9-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer
The Doctor For Sin -- Matthew 9:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer, a heating pad, and a bad cough
They Recognized Him -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach that we need God's assistance to truly see.
Sticking Up For God -- Acts 13:8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
How Many Times? -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: There is no limit to forgiveness.
Railroad Crossing -- Revelation 21:6a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a railroad crossing sign
God Can Even Use Garbage -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sacks of garbage and some clip clothespins
Happy Easter! -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a gravestone marker (or a picture of one)
People Who Are Like Popcorn -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bowl or bag of popcorn
Combination Locks And Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a combination lock
Erasers Are For Mistakes -- John 20:19-31 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: After the resurrection, pronouncing forgiveness on others is the first responsibilit
God's Hero -- Acts 11:27-12:3a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a sword
Sin Is An Ugly Matter -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Sin marks us.
He Cares For Our Hurts -- Revelation 7:9-1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box of tissues
Look To The Lord -- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two different kinds of medicine and a heavy pan
Signs Of The Kingdom -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs that note only one mile from your town like "Boston, 1 Mile" and a sign th

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All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Our text for the morning brings three burning questions about human existence into focus for us.
A Bright Question -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
What kind of lights were used on Noah's Ark?
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Israel is underway in this story, as the church is underway. Israel's story is our story.
How The Hot Dog Got Its Name -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A little dog followed its owner to his bakery, and got inside the place.
The Sower -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Twentieth-Century Evaluation -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"They were very decent people, their only monument being a concrete road and 1,000 lost golf balls."
A Kiss Of Mercy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The well-known outstanding Christian layman and U.S.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)
Israel's Most Wanted -- Matthew 26:47-56 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
(Author's note: The format of this sermon is a role play, imitating America's Most Wanted.)
Pocketbook Protection -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A pastor preached a sermon on that text in Ephesians 6:13-18 (NRSV), where there is a listing of the
That Wedding Ring -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The wedding party had proceeded down the center aisle of Epworth United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio
Patience, Dear! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Husband shouting at wife: "For the last time, are you ready to go?"
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:1--4 (C); Isaiah 8:23-9:3 (RC)
Highways To Happiness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A self respect that bears an honest name;A mind content, a conscience free from blame:
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
It is somewhat of a mystery as to why this one text from Judges is inserted into the lectionary at t
A $10,000 Reward! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago in Los Angeles, California, a Brinks armored truck used to transport money dropped a
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
This story forms the beginning of the narrative of David's rise to power that is found in 1 Samuel 1
Humility -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A French monk bemoaned the fact that his monastic order was not as famous as the Jesuits for their s
Weeds And Wheat -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Wahlstrom's Wonder -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some yeas ago, a man by the name of Wahlstrom made a machine that got news media attention.
A Lesson In Mediocrity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man had a bushel of early apples, the kind that spoil easily.
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 3:1-15 (C)
Do You Know Him? -- Matthew 26:69-75 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me." Such is the rhyme we learned in
Poor/Rich Boy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The late Albert Schweitzer was a famous medical missionary to Africa, as well as a musician and theo
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
We sometimes wonder what the world is coming to these days, and when we look at present conditions,

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

Getting The Complete Understanding Experience -- Acts 8:14-17 -- John T. Ball -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
Many times we settle for lives and experiences that are limited and incomplete.
Enduring The Trials Of Faith -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
"In the seventh year of his reign, two days before his 65th birthday, in the presence of a full cons
To Die Is Gain -- Philippians 1:18-23 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an older person who lived past many of her family and friends
Abba, Your Kingdom Come -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
The provoking incident for Jesus teaching his followers what to pray and how to pray is that the apo
Jailhouse Rock -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Do you remember the old folk tune that went something like this? (sing or recite)
As A Child -- Isaiah 40 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a great church memberAs A Child
True Wisdom -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Proverbs 2:1-8, Psalm 111 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing true wisdomTrue Wisdom
The Bible: Head And Heart -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
"With Jesus in your heart, you just can't hate anybody." That is our destination, but sometimes the
God Is Rock Solid -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
The phone rang in the pastor's office.
Book Bound, Free Spirit -- Isaiah 43:1-4 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a librarian with a free-spirit life
You Can't Whistle The Finale From Beethoven's Fifth Symphony! -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
Halford Luccock, onetime professor of homiletics at Yale Divinity School, told of going to a childre
New Creations In Christ -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There once was a very unhappy old man.
Jesus Called To Her -- Luke 13:12 -- T.a. Kantonen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a forty-year-old woman who died a lingering death from cancer
You Fool! -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
The incident stirring up this text is the request of someone in the crowd who asked Jesus to judge b
The Undoing Of Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
Several years ago, my wife and I took a vacation where we drove to Mexico City in an old Volkswagen
All Things Are Possible -- Mark 10:23-27 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a rich manAll Things Are Possible
The Room Named Heaven -- John 14:2-3 -- W. George Easson, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an adult with Down's syndromeThe Room Named Heaven
Leaving Before The Invitation -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
John and Mary have been married for about twenty years.
The Cost Of A Priceless Gift -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Sacrifice is not valued very highly by society.
The Stonecutter -- Revelation 21:1-5 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an eighty-year-old skilled craftsmanThe Stonecutter
Who's Going To Play Second Horn? -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
I know someone who achieved a modest excellence in playing the French horn in his high school days.
Jesus, The Light Of The World -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
In the beginning when the Great Spirit created all that exists, he gave great gifts to all the anima
I'll Give You A Daisy A Day -- Romans 8:38-39, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 -- Victor A. Myers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who died following a lengthy battle with the ravages of cancer
Ready Or Not, Here I Come -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
When you were a child, did you play the game, "Hide and Go Seek"?
Wisdom's Delight -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
I have a question for you, but let me tell you right up front that it is a trick question.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Epiphany: A Wonderful Holiday -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
I have lived in two different countries where Epiphany is a very important holiday: The Netherlands
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Caution
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness "Holiness apart from Christlikeness is hollowness." (E. Stanley Jones)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Trials "Afflictions color your life, but you choose the color." (John Maxwell)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
I believe that the angels speak in soft tones when they speak the name of "Mother."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Effective service to God is accomplished through a holiness lifestyle.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children." (William Makepeace Thackeray
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The distinctives of holiness include: a separation from sin, a dedication to God, a call to service.
The Love Of Being A Christian -- John 1:29-42 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Bob Bohn was serving in Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1971.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Celebrate
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holy Spirit
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Triumph
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smiles break out when mother comes.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service to God cannot be offered in a dirty container.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Family Love
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The sweetest face in all the world to me, Set in a frame of shining golden hair, With eyes whose la
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Pardon is not enough; we want sanctification.
A Time To Rest, A Time For Renewal -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Stan needed rest, but there was no letting up.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Change
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Homemaker
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Unity
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Some children were asked if they knew anyone who was always good.

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SermonStudio

Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Theme: Gratitude For All The Lord Has GivenCall To Worship
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Exodus 34:29-35 Theme: Moses Speaks With The Lord
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 1:46-48, The Message
Proper 22 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
Theme: Sin Causes SufferingCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
Theme: God Does Not Forsake His PeopleCall To Worship
Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Theme: In Praise Of WisdomCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Theme: Beware Of False ProphetsCall To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Joy Of The Lord Is Your StrengthCall To Worship
Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: The Kingdom ComesCall To WorshipLeader: A Child is born to us!
The New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Theme: The New CovenantCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Call Of JeremiahCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas/The Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Theme: The Boy SamuelCall To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord, all peoples.
Teach With All Patience -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5Theme: Teach With All Patience
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Theme: Who Will Be The Lord's Messenger?Call To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Has Saved His PeopleCall To Worship
God Hears Our Prayers -- Luke 18:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:1-8Theme: God Hears Our PrayersCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Searches The HeartCall To Worship
Litany For Advent And Christmas Candle Lighting -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
LitanyFirst Sunday Of Advent(Light the first candle)
Proper 25 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Is Among UsCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Theme: Joseph Reconciled With His BrothersCall To Worship
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2003
ContentsWorship BulletinChristmas ProgramLeader's Helps
Proper 26 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Theme: Why Doesn't God Intervene Now?Call To Worship
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Word Of The Lord Lasts ForeverCall To Worship
Christmas Wonder -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionFirst Sunday Of Advent: New Friends
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Theme: Do Not Be Discouraged -- The Lord Is With YouCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Epiphany 7 (OT 7)
24 – Sermons
130+ – Illustrations / Stories
24 – Children's Sermons / Resources
17 – Worship Resources
24 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Transfiguration Sunday
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
36 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Ash Wednesday
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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John Jamison
Object: A Jesus shirt. A sweatshirt with “I Follow Jesus” printed on the front in big letters.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For March 2, 2025:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Sometimes we experience God’s presence in ordinary, everyday events like the laughter of a child or an awe-inspiring sunset. And sometimes God is experienced in unexpected life-altering events. Richard (Rick) Allison of rural Baraboo, Wisconsin, experienced God’s active presence in two powerful life-changing events.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen

Exodus 34:29-35
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Exodus 34:29-35
In August of 2017, much of the North American continent experienced a total solar eclipse when the moon came directly between earth and the sun. Writing before the eclipse, NASA  explained, “This path, where the moon will completely cover the sun and the sun’s tenuous atmosphere—the corona—can be seen, will stretch from Salem, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

With Peter, let us also say to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here", and ask that we too might see the transfigured Christ.

Invitation to confession:

Jesus, may we see your glory and the glory of all who stand with you.

Lord, have mercy.



Jesus, deepen our prayer life so that we are ready to receive your radiance.

Christ, have mercy.



Jesus, take away the scales from our eyes so that we may truly gaze upon you.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See The Transfiguration Of Our Lord/Last Sunday After The Epiphany, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

One of the greatest of all Christian hymns is Reginald Heber's powerful and beautiful "Holy, Holy, Holy." The hymn is based on Revelation 4:8-11, which depicts heavenly creatures singing praises day and night, celebrating God's holiness and glory.

Psalm 99 also offers a triple "holy, holy, holy." "Holy is he" (vv. 3-5) and "Holy is the Lord our God" (v. 9). The key to this psalm, obviously, is understanding the meaning of the word, "holy."

Elizabeth Achtemeier
Perhaps some of you have seen Michelangelo's great marble statue of Moses. Or if you have just seen a picture of that statue, you know that it depicts Moses sitting, holding the tablets of the law. And strangely enough, on Moses' head are two tiny horns. That depiction furnishes us with a good lesson in the history of Old Testament manuscripts. The verb "shone" in verse 29 of our text can also be translated as "horned," and that apparently was the rendering that the Exodus manuscript available to Michelangelo used.
Harold C. Warlick, Jr.
Today is the end of the season of Epiphany, which began the first Sunday in January. Throughout the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons we have been celebrating ways in which God's glory has been manifested in the life of Jesus. If these ways were easy to understand by early Christians, Paul would not have had to write all those letters.

This is Transfiguration Sunday and, once again, we are presented with another experience in the life of Jesus that appears to be outside our frame of reference.
William G. Carter
I wonder what they were thinking as they started up the mountain.

Peter, James, and John were tagging along. I'm sure Jesus was a few steps ahead. After all, he was the only one who knew where they were going. Those three disciples had put in a lot of miles. Every one of those miles was spent following wherever he went.

Special Occasion

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