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The Fruitless Fig Tree -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
1. Text
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 25, Reformation Sunday -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
The lectionary sometimes begins a reading in the middle of one oracle and adds to it another.
The Prodigal Sons -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
1. Text
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
A cynic once remarked that Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God, and what he got was the church -
The Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 28 -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
This text forms the last portion of the long judgment-salvation oracle that is contained in Isaiah 6
A Midnight Friend -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Israel in the Old Testament and the Christian Church are both understood in the scriptures to be the
The Rich Fool -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
1. Text
First Sunday After Christmas -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148 adapted)
Sunday Of The Passion -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
What Do Your People Expect From You? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Every pastor is anxious to know what his/her people expect from him/her.
The Good Grocer -- Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-13 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
Most of us remember from our nursery rhyme days a little old lady by the name of Mother Hubbard.
Third Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Woman Who Attempted To Steal A Miracle -- Mark 5:21-43, Mark 5:25-34, Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8:40-56 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
The Woman With An Issue Of Blood
Fourth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Man Who Stormed The Kingdom Of God With Violence -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Leper
The Miracle Of Forgiveness -- Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Paralytic
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Does Jesus Live Here? -- Mark 1:29-34, Matthew 8:14-17 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of Peter's Mother-In-Law
Sixth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP

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Sermon

SermonStudio

Time For A Minimalist Faith -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Some years ago, a San Francisco author who often worked as a stevedore on the city's docks, wrote,
Nothing But Plunging In -- John 15:1-8 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Commenting on our lection, John 15:1-8, a great American preacher wrote, "There is nothing for it bu
No More Camping Out -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
I wanted to see if we could get a show of hands today.
Listening To Minority Voices -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
The endurance of humanity and even the whole cosmos could depend upon giving a serious listening of
From Silence To Sight -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
Playwright Neil Simon has written a comedy, God's Favorite, based on a contemporary Job, a ty
A Healing Ministry For The Modern Church -- Mark 7:24-37 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
The mission and ministry of Jesus was preaching, teaching, and healing.
The Power Of Jesus' Death -- John 15:9-17 -- David T. Ball -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
There is an old saying that nothing is inevitable except death and taxes.
Claiming A Do-Over Faith -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
What do you think of when you hear the word "jubilee"?
Abraham: The Near Death Of God's Promise -- Romans 4:13-25 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Since Dr.
Risking Relationships That Redeem -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- 2005
Fried green tomatoes were the house specialty at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama during the 1930s.
Generosity As The Clue To Life -- Mark 8:27-38 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
All the great founders of our religious traditions offer secrets to the good life.
Heaven Can Wait -- John 17:6-19 -- David T. Ball -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In a popular Hollywood movie starring Warren Beatty, Beatty plays a quarterback destined to lead the
A Level Playing Field For God -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
A Level Playing Field For God
Finding Our Salvation In Today's World -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
One of Louis Armstrong's vocal hits went like this:
Economic Justice, Facing The Issue -- Matthew 6:31-33 -- 2004
For years, they had all been hearing that our world's economic system is working in a way that makes
Light Is As Light Does -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
If you saw the movie, Forrest Gump a few years back, you will remember how Forrest always had
Influence! -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
If you think a mosquito is small and has little influence, try sleeping in a hot room at night with
Shalom Shattered -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
It's art class.
The Letter To Smyrna -- Revelation 2:8-11 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
About 35 miles north of Ephesus is Smyrna. It's called Ismir, Turkey, today.
Going For The Goal In Football And Faith -- Hebrews 12:1-3, 12a -- 2004
I caught the title out of the corner of my eye while wandering through a bookstore.
Reevaluating Our Mission For Christ -- John 17:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Once there was a village with a chief who had three sons, each of which possessed a special talent.
A Peek At The Resurrection -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to
Another Door -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Intergenerational ServiceCall To Worship:
Worthy Of God -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God
Adam And Evie -- Genesis 2:15-17 -- 2004
(A story sermon with dialogical parts that can be read by a pastor and two or more church members.)

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Harry's Legacy -- John 20:19-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Harry was a quiet, gentle, kind-hearted man who daily demonstrated his concern for people.
Life From Death -- Rick's Discovery -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Rick asked the pastor if he could say a few words to the congregation on Sunday.
Missed Out -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
Have you ever missed an opportunity that you were later sorry you neglected to act on?
The Joy Of Bible Study -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Patty longed to study and gain a better understanding of the Bible.
Not At My Church! -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
For years George had been complaining that the attendance was down at the church he had attended all
Bruce's Integrity -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
No one was expecting the announcement that Bruce would retire after many years serving on the state
The Word From God -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
The initial impression persons have when meeting Kurt for the first time is of his positive outlook
If Only I Had Known! -- John 14:15-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Diane, by her own admission, was a difficult teenager who often gave her mother a tempestuous time.
Broken Promises -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
Frank was fortunate.
The Cookout -- John 17:1-11 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
When Steve and Jan moved into their new home in a new neighborhood, it seemed like a dream come true
Julie's Love Shines Through -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
One warm evening, within sight of her house, Julie found herself in a difficult position, a complete
Vacation Of A Lifetime -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
Phil and Paula, along with their four young children, planned a two-week vacation in the western sta
Angie's Grand Adventure -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
Eight-year-old Angie and her family were visiting friends in suburban Washington DC.
Day On -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
Early in January the students in Ms.
Because We Care -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
The man sat in the waiting room of the doctor's office all by himself.
The Memorable Meeting -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
The church meeting erupted in contention over, of all things, a new piano.
"One Bodacious Party" -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
Doug enjoyed partying with his friends.
Send In The Clowns -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
It certainly was a risky thing to do -- to invite clowns to participate in the worship service.
The Visit -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
It was a "go nowhere" sort of a job. The job itself was fun, working part-time during high school.
TALK The Walk -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
A group of mothers has been meeting once a month to pray for their children, as well as for other st
Noelle's Summer Vacation -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
Noelle was an attractive strawberry blond who grew up in southern California.
Reconciled -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
No one could remember when the trouble between Mark and Sue began.
God's Direction -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
If it's true that our family of origin defines who we are from the moment of our birth, then Marvin
Trek Of The Cross -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
It was easy to miss the small town nestled between the mountains.
Stealing Candy -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Mark was one of those teens that other kids wanted to be with; at the same time parents strongly enc

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Theme: A Light To The NationsCall To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 95 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 9 -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Theme: Bring Your Burdens To The LordCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: A New CovenantCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Pageant Of The Lord's ComingCall To Worship
Wednesday Lent 4 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Welcome to worship this evening. Tonight, we will hear again from Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son.
Rescue By Angels -- Acts 12 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Peter Escapes From Herod's Jail
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Life Among The BelieversCall To Worship
Proper 17 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Cross And Self-DenialCall To Worship
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Acts 10:34-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Good News For EveryoneCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Lord Looks On The HeartCall To Worship
Proper 9 -- Psalm 72:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance Jesus said: "Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away."
Reformation Sunday -- Romans 3:19-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: Justified By FaithCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Living As Children Of LightCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Theme: PatienceCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: True DisciplesCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Advent -- James 5:7-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Patience In SufferingCall To Worship
Wednesday Lent 5 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Welcome to worship this evening. Tonight, we will hear again from Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son.
A Night To Remember -- Acts 16 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Six Memories Of Philippi
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: When We Suffer UnjustlyCall To Worship
Proper 17 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Baptism Of JesusCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- John 9:1-41 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Open Our Eyes That We May SeeCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Romans 8:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Theme: Life In The SpiritCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Psalm 124 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance

Worship Service

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Transfiguration
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For February 15, 2026:

CSSPlus

Bethany Peerbolte
The disciples see Jesus transfigured with Moses and Elijah, and then Jesus tells them to tell no one. I don’t think I would have been up for the task of keeping that secret. I know this because the first time I played The Green Wall a friend told me the secret and I had the hardest time not telling everyone else the answer.
Good morning, boys and girls. Kermit the Frog came along with me this morning. How many of you watch Kermit on public television? (Let them answer.) I've watched a bit of Kermit myself. One of the things he does that I like the best is when he pre tends that he is a television newscaster. When he does this he always reports events as an eyewitness. How many of you like his eyewitness TV reports? (Wait for a show of hands.) Can anyone tell me what it means to be an eyewitness? (Let someone answer.) It means that someone actually saw an event take place. That
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME

Materials:
Blue construction paper
White cotton balls
Glue
Alphabet pasta

Directions:

1. Give each of the children a piece of blue construction paper.

2. Tell the children to use the cotton balls to make clouds and glue them onto the paper.

3. Have the children use the pasta letters to spell, "Listen to him," by gluing the letters on the blue construction paper under the cotton ball clouds.
And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. (v. 2)

Good morning, boys and girls. Today is the Transfiguration of our Lord and it is one of the special days of the church year. Today we talk about Jesus changing in several ways while three of his disciples -- Peter, James, and John -- watched. How did he change? The Bible says that the face of Jesus became as bright as the sun and his clothes became gleaming white. There were other things that happened that the disciples remembered and

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Transfiguration is a celebration of God’s glory and how that glory is revealed in Christ when he was transfigured. The festival was observed as early as the sixth century in Eastern Christianity, but did not become a festival in the Catholic Church and its Protestant heirs until just 70 years prior to the Reformation. Sermons in line with this festival will aim to focus the flock on coming to appreciate a bigger, more majestic picture of God and Christ than what they brought to church. Assurance will be provided that this majestic God overcomes all evil.
William H. Shepherd
It was the most boring sermon I ever heard, until it became the most interesting.

At first, I did not understand what had come over my student. Up to this point in the class, I thought she had been getting it. She laughed when I quoted Kierkegaard, "Boredom is the root of all evils." She nodded her head when I said that the dullest presentation would not be redeemed by the soundest content. Her critiques of the other students' sermons were right on target.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
When Jesus was transfigured up on the mountain, God said, "This is my son whom I love, listen to him." In our worship today, let us listen to Jesus.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I find it difficult to hear your voice.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I hear so many voices that I don't know which voice is yours.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I turn away from your voice because I don't want to hear it.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Seeing Clearly"
Shining Moments: "Charlie Is Glowing" by Deb Alexander
"The Horse Whisperer" by William Lee Rand
Scrap Pile: "Picture This" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Argile Smith
Keith Hewitt
Peter Andrew Smith
David O. Bales
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Glenda's Surprise" by Argile Smith
"It Was Just My Imagination" by Keith Hewitt
"The Terrible Dark Day" by Peter Andrew Smith
"In Secret" by David Bales


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Mark Wm. Radecke
You go into the movie theatre, find a seat that's suitable, clamber over some poor innocent slumbering in the aisle seat, taking pains not to step on toes or lose your balance. You find a place for your coat, sit down, and get ready to watch the movie. The house lights dim; the speakers crackle as the dust and scratches on the soundtrack are translated into static, and an image appears on the screen. It is not the film you came to see. It is the preview of coming attractions, a brief glimpse of the highlights of a film opening soon.
John N. Brittain
Leslie D. Weatherhead, the great British preacher who served many years at City Temple on Holborn Viaduct in London, told the story of the elderly gentlemen who sat on the benches near the church trading stories. As one might expect, in addition to the good old days, a popular topic of conversation was their aches, pains, and ailments. "I have heard that such-and-such a clinic has a very effective regimen of treatment for this," one fellow would say. "Well, I understand that Dr. So-and-So is very efficacious in dealing with this particular ailment," another would counter.
Stephen M. Crotts
Grandma was well into her eighties when she saw her first basketball game. It was a high school contest in which two of her great-grandsons played. She watched the action with great interest. Afterwards everyone piled into the van to get some ice cream, and a grandson inquired, "Grandmama, what did you think of the game?" "I sure liked it fine," she chirped. And then a little hesitantly she added, "But I think the kids would have had more fun if somebody had made the fellow with the whistle leave the players alone!"
R. Glen Miles
Whenever I read from the book of Exodus, especially a text which includes a visit by Moses to the mountaintop to be in the presence of God, I get an image in my mind of Charlton Heston in the movie version of The Ten Commandments. I'll bet you have that problem too, don't you? It doesn't matter if you were born a decade or two since that movie was first released. It gets a lot of play on television, especially during "holy seasons" of the year like Easter.
Joe E. Pennel, Jr
Remember that fog we had last November? I had to venture into it early that Sunday morning. I left home about 6:00 a.m., long before most people even thought about getting up. The fog was dense. My automobile headlights would not cut it. Visibility was reduced to about ten feet. I turned on my dimmer lights and hoped that on-coming traffic would do the same. As I drove, I felt like my car was pushing through a tunnel of smoke.
John T. Ball
There is an old story about a Sunday school teacher who asked a young girl in her class why her little brother wasn't coming to Sunday school any longer. The girl replied, "Well, to tell the truth, he just can't stand Jesus!" Her brother had more of Jesus than he wanted.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: We gather as the faithful of God,
we come to listen to what God has to say to us.
All: God has invited us to this place;
may our faces reflect our hopes and our hearts.
One: We gather as the faithful of God,
people of the new covenant of hope and promise.
All: We boldly enter into the presence of God,
hoping to be transformed into new people.
One: We gather as the faithful of God,
our fears melting away in the heart of God.
All: We come to share in the freedom of the Spirit,
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering Litany
Divide the congregation into two parts (left and right would be easiest here) with the choir or assisting minister as a third voice besides the pastor (marked "L" in this litany).

L: Looking for the Light.
I: Looking for the Light.
II: Looking for the Light.
P: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
L: Looking for the Light.
I: Looking for the Light.
II: Looking for the Light.
P: Do not be afraid.

Intercessory Prayers

Special Occasion

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