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Worship

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All-Surrounding Grace -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to WorshipProcessional Hymn
Unless A Grain Of Wheat ... -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Jesus, The Servant -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
The Lord Has Need Of It -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Did You Know? -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Did you knowDust creates the snow?Common, useless, nuisance dust
The Advent-ure Of Love -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
The Advent-ure Of Hope -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
The Advent-ure Of Peace -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Theme: The Advent-ure Of Peace Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Micah 5:2-5a Theme: The Advent-ure Of Joy
Forever And Ever -- Luke 6:20-31, Ephesians 1:11-23, Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 Theme: Forever And Ever Call To Worship
Convincing -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Come With Your Heart -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
When God Calls You By Name -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7Theme: When God Calls You By NameCall To Worship
Paradox -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 23:33-43Theme: ParadoxCall To Worship
Fully Alive -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 5:27-32 Theme: Authority From BeyondCall To Worship
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)Theme: Straight-Away Call To Worship
To Be Continued -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: After Jesus' death, many wondered if the healing had ended.
No Distinction -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Lydia -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Acts 16:16-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 16:16-34 Theme: Do Not Harm Yourself Call To Worship
Left Out? -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
By The Other Water Gate -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
With You In Mind -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: From where does our confidence arise?
Holy Risking -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship

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The Incarnation: What And Why? -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
We have just remembered again the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus.
With A Song In Your Heart -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
What kind of a song does your heart sing as you go through your days?
Grace Has Appeared -- Titus 2:11-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
A little baby was born nearly 2,000 years ago under very unimpressive circumstances.
Swept Away! -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Susan R. Andrews -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
It's the same year after year.
Road Rage -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
When our children were small, a nice church lady named Chris made them a child--friendly creche.
Disappointed In Jesus -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
It was a painful experience for both of us. Jane was a young mother about my age.
The Power Of Positive Dreaming -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submit
Faith's Curious Dynamic -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"?
Completing The Master's Work -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Classical music provides some significant examples of great musical compositions that were never fin
Building Our Foundation On God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
"I'd sell my soul to play for the Washington Senators." Joe Hardy, the protagonist in the popular Br
God's Delight -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Susan R. Andrews -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
Once upon a time a student approached his teacher and announced that he was ready to assume the offi
Go To Heaven? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Judgment day was the preacher's theme, and he thundered about God's wrath, sin and the day of judgme
Jesus Transforms The Darkness Into Light -- John 20:1-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Pastor David Johnson was all ready, he thought, for his Easter sermon.
Enduring The Trials Of Faith -- John 20:19-3 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
"In the seventh year of his reign, two days before his sixty--fifth birthday, in the presence of a f
Defeat Transformed Into Victory -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Two men, both seriously ill, shared the same room in a hospital.
The Choice For God Or The World -- John 10:1-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Once upon a time, a great and loving king ruled over a vast territory.
Jesus, Our Rock Foundation -- John 14:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents bought him a dresser mirror that he placed in his bedr
God Never Gives Up On Anyone -- John 14:15-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contributi
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.
Call Waiting -- John 1:29-42 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Chaim Potok was an intensely religious man; a Jew who explored the dimensions of faith in our lives.
Kairos Commitments -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
One snowy day a few years ago, after I had declared the church a "nonessential" business and closed
Rejoicing In Reality -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Our text says that Jesus "went up to the mountain" and, oh, what a beautiful mountain it is!
Lite -- Or Light? -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
There is, in this congregation, a running conversation as to what to call this structural wonder tha
The Embassy At 66011 -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
The year was 1967. Vietnam was exploding. The Nuclear Arms Race was escalating.
The Offense Of Grace -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Victor Hugo begins Les Miserables with the story of Jean Valjean.

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God Wants Our Attention -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Jim Cymbala, in his book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, quotes a devotional writer who said, "The m
Twenty--fifth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--sixth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--seventh Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Pentecost Sunday -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Upside Down Christmas -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2002
We spent much of the summer of 1994 "Down Under" in Australia and New Zealand.
Thanksgiving Day -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is the ruling King of life.
Transfiguration Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Holy Trinity -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
First Sunday After Christmas -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148 adapted)
Proper 11, Pentecost 9, Ordinary Time 16 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The Passion of Jesus leading up to Easter.
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
The Baptism of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
"In our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?" (v. 5d).
Second Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
To understand this rich passage, the preacher must first understand its setting.
Third Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
This passage forms the middle chapter of an announcement of salvation that is found in Isaiah 60--62
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
There are three decisive times in the Old Testament when God breaks into Israel's history with a new

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The Mighty Acorn -- Mark 4:26-34 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1996
A church camp counselor gathered the six small boys from his cabin under the spread of a very old oa
Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Frank Marshall had never felt so confused or helpless in his entire life.
If I Live To Be A Hundred -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Sam Duncan lay in the semi-darkness of his nursing home room performing the only two activities of w
A Prophet Without Honor -- Mark 6:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
There was once a young man who grew up in a small farming community.
Dor's Vision -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
As I lay in St. Luke's Hospital, being prepared for an aortagram, I felt quite apprehensive.
Love In Action -- John 3:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
Long ago, in the time before time, God was alone.
Praise The Lord! -- Psalm 148 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
The Board of Bethlehem Community Church gathered for its monthly meeting with solemn resolve.
Flesh -- John 1:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
Uncle Patrick came to live with us after Gram died, in the fall of my senior year.
Waiting For Christmas -- Luke 2:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
There was once a little girl named Lucinda who couldn't wait for Christmas to come.
Pulpit Pounding -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
ONCE IN a happy little village there lived a round man with a straight nose.
The Preacher's Inspiration -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"BUT PASTOR," said Mrs.
Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
ALTHOUGH PETER PULPITPOUNDER was skilled in pounding his fist, he was not one to lose his temper.
D.D. WHAT IS a rally without a pounding fist? -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
At a rousing rally, pounding fists are to the pulpit what streamers are to the rafters.
Door Pounding -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
NOT OFTEN is the urge to be a boy again satisfied so well for preachers as when they go calling.
Peter's Pounding Heart -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
THERE WERE times when Peter did not pound.
Cut-time Preaching -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
SELDOM HAVE preachers been more foolish than when they have supposed that people think with their he
What's in a Name -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
IF PULPITPOUNDER was a flame to live up to, it was also a flame to put up with.
The Pulpit Outlook -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
AFTER PETER PULPITPOUNDER developed the fine art of pulpit pounding, his congregation began to look
The Preacher's Kids -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
THE SCHOOL marm with the sternest looking glasses in the congregation would hardly have called the p
Daddy's Daughters -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"WHAT ARE tummies for, daddy?" This was the question that gurgled from the lips of Helen Margaret, a
The Preacher Goes Fishing -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"IT DOES my heart good to see you working for a change," said farmer Johnson, as he stood with his h
The War Department -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
PEACE AND HARMONY usually prevailed in this little church in the tiny village.
The Ladies' Aid (A Meditation in a Weed Patch) -- Robert E. Segerhamma -- 1995
"MEETINGs, MEETINGS everywhere," Peter groaned.
Glenda Finds An Advent Prayer -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
It had been a tough week for Glenda Kruse.
A Hostage Repents -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Terry Anderson is probably the best known of the American hostages kept in Lebanon.

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
For March 1, 2026:

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
Nicodemus came by night. Why by night? Why in darkness?

In her book Learning to Walk in the Dark,1 Barbara Brown Taylor describes numerous biblical images in which darkness — night’s most obvious quality — is “bad news.” Taylor notes that in the New Testament darkness stands for ignorance and, in the case of John’s gospel, darkness stands for spiritual blindness.
Robert F. Crowley
Theme

"Born Again" -- it's a cliché nowadays. But it isn't understood today anymore than when it was first mentioned.

Summary

Nick, the teacher, seeks Jesus, the teacher. He has some questions and Jesus has the answers and the time to explain them. This is a modernization of the Nicodemus-Jesus encounter.

Playing Time: 3 minutes

Place: Wherever Jesus spends the night

Props: None

Costumes: Contemporary, casual

Time: Last night

Cast: JESUS

NICK -- a teacher
Tony S. Everett
At first reading it seems as if today's text is all about Abram's journey from relative obscurity to universal fame; from being a childless husband in a tiny and insignificant family to becoming the founding father of a great multitude of nations. Now what would it look like if we read this story with God as the main character? What would it look like if we examined the text from the perspective of God's initiating action instead of Abram's immediate faithful response?
David O. Bales
If you're going to study a subject or learn a profession, a good strategy is to investigate one of the earliest theoreticians or practitioners. If you study physics, you might start with Albert Einstein. There were others, but he's a good beginning. If you're interested in drama, you could turn to William Shakespeare. Other playwrights are around, but he'll give you a good start. If you're considering nursing, you could read up on Florence Nightingale. The work of other early nurses would benefit you, but she's a helpful start.
Lee Griess
How much faith does it take to follow? How much trust in God must we have? What does it mean to be part of the kingdom? How can we be born again? That's the question that Nicodemus asked. That's the theme for our time together this morning. How much faith does it take to follow? I came across an interesting idea this past week. I read an article about businesses that reward their employees when they make a mistake. Have you heard about this new trend?
Mark Ellingsen
It was late, almost bedtime, when the Jewish leader came to Jesus' residence. Into Jesus' presence came Nicodemus, one of the best-known Jewish professors in all of Israel (a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin). Nicodemus finally reached the short ruddy-faced leader of the disciples, and he said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him (John 3:2)."
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Confession And Absolution
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
P: Gracious God, you call into existence the things that do not exist.
You give life to the dead and new life to the living.
C: Break open our hearts, that what is in us might be poured out before you.
You have come into the world, O Lord, not to condemn us,
but that we might be saved through you.

Silence to recall our struggles with sin and the power of evil
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-4a
Theme: Obedience

Call To Worship

If Abram could have faith in God, trust God in his heart, and be unafraid -- Abram, who was of an older age when God sent him on a journey to leave his own country and go to another land that God was yet to show him -- then so might we follow God's call to embark upon a new birth, a journey of faith. Come, for God is calling.

Collect

When you send us on a mission, O God, we also choose to obey you. We will try to be brave and to trust you in our hearts. Amen.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: Like Abraham and Sarah,
God calls us out of our comfort zones to new adventures.
All: In this season of discipleship,
may we respond with the trust and faith they model.
One: Like Nicodemus, we seek answers for our questions
from Jesus, especially the ones that awaken us at night.
All: In this season of questioning Jesus,
may we commit ourselves to listening
to what he has to say to us.
One: Like Paul, we affirm that our faith
is based on what God does for us,

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. In our worship today let us explore how different people respond to that love.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I hide my love for you because I am afraid of what people might think.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I find it difficult to understand your words and your stories.
Christ, have mercy.

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
John S. Smylie
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Get Up and Go" by Frank Ramirez
"Three Field Goals and a Touchdown" by John Smylie


What's Up This Week
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"Words, Words, Words" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * *


Words, Words, Words!
by Frank Ramirez
John 3:1-17

Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above."
-- John 3:3 NRSV

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
-- John 3:3 KJV

Let me tell you a story about a word.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

In the three texts today hearers meet three classic figures: Abraham, who receives a call of God and gets to respond; Paul, who comments on those who get called and who respond, in the hope that those who read him might find themselves called and in need of response: and Nicodemus, a shadowy figure who never fully emerges from the shadows in the Fourth Gospel text.
Jules Verne wrote some fascinating books about journeys. They were spectacular journeys like into the center of the earth or to the moon or to no particular destination at all. Those journeys so captivate the human imagination that they became movies, movies renewed for each generation. Other authors, too, have captivated our attention with journeys -- up rivers or through jungles or to impressive mountain peaks.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. I remember a big wind about a week ago and it was really something! I was just walking along when a hat flew right into me. It was a hat like this. The man it belonged to was running down the street, trying to catch it.

Other strange things happened that windy day. It started to rain so I put up my umbrella. I thought it would protect me against the rain, but the wind turned my umbrella inside-out. Instead of protecting me, it was leading me, pulling me faster and faster.
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you know what the word love means? (let them answer) Love is a word with many different meanings. When you love someone you trust him, you honor him, you care for him, you share with him, you are honest with him, and you know that he shares his love with you. Do you get paid to love someone? (let them answer) At the end of the day, does anyone say to you, "Here is the dollar I owe you for loving me today?" (let them answer) Love is so precious we could never put a dollar amount on it.
Good morning, boys and girls. Can any of you remember what it was like being a very tiny baby? (Let them answer.) Do you remember wearing clothes like this? (Hold baby clothing up as you ask the question.) Can any of you fit into this? (Let them answer.) Each of us was small enough once in our life to fit into this. Why can't we fit into it now? (Let them answer.) We've all grown bigger. We aren't babies any more. Do you think any of us will ever be able to fit into this piece of clothing again? (Let them answer.) Will we ever become a tiny baby again? (Let them answer.)

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