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SermonStudio

Second Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Doing Good To The Souls Of People -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Alexander Whyte once reported a woman's comment to her minister, "Sir, your preaching does my soul g
Thanksgiving Day -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is the ruling King of life.
Junk In Our Souls -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Jim Cymbala, in his refreshing book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, states this: "The first step in
Passionless People -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Ken Jones, in his book The Climb of Your Life, said, "Our temporal, 'throwaway' society has s
Transfiguration Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Value Of Trust -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The tank of trust is ebbing low. It is not a high commodity in our world.
Holy Trinity -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Proper 5, Pentecost 3, Ordinary Time 10 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2001
The scene is familiar to us by this time.
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).
Love That Just Won't Quit -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2001
This parable strikes a sound like fingernails on a blackboard right in the core of my being.
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2001
Our text for the morning sets us immediately into the middle of a family drama.
Proper 6, Pentecost 4, Ordinary Time 11 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2001
Every pupil in Sunday school knows - or used to know - this story of David and Goliath.
Language tools in reference to our understanding of the nature of God -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. The mystery of God as the Divine Spirit
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.
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.
Dog-Licked Sores And Linen Underwear -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2001
I wonder if there has ever been a study of how the kind of underwear we wear affects our behavior.
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2001
Let us first give an historical accounting of the text.
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 8 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2001
During the reign of Saul (ca.1020--1000 B.C.), Israel's principal enemies were the Philistines, thos

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Say What? -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- Richard C. Brand -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Say what?
A Question Of Right And Wrong -- Deuteronomy 5:1-22 -- 2004
Is there any such thing as right and wrong? Is there any such thing as truth?
The Golden Calf -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Have you ever waited for someone or something until you just didn't think you could wait anymore?
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- George L. Murphy -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
The key idea in this passage in the Fourth Gospel is truth.
Dancing The Sacraments -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Chimps, Mount Saint Helens, And The Holy Gust -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Bill Mosley -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
They didn't get a TV Guide so they planned their television viewing by the commercial preview
God, Or The World? -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
He was a man of mystery and charm; he was a man of brokenness and faith.
Irrevocable Gifts -- Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
People have had a wide variety of reactions to the idea of politically-correct language.
Righteous People -- Matthew 5:6) -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Starvation was a real possibility in the locale and time of Jesus.
At War With Myself -- Romans 7:15-25a -- William G. Carter -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
In a certain church, a woman was leading the congregation in the prayer of confession.
The Eyes Of Your Heart -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
John Edward believes that people don't just die, but that they "cross over."
Homosexuality, Facing The Issue -- Romans 1:16-32 -- 2004
The Christian faith should form every aspect of the life of a Christian.
Seeing Just Enough Of God -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Life never stands still.
Once More With Feeling! -- Luke 17:11-19 -- George L. Murphy -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
It's that holiday season again. Friends and loved ones are making plans for a visit.
The Blessed Sacrament -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Letting Go -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Bill Mosley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Michael Crichton was a doctor. But he also had other talents and the itch to write.
Transformed In Christ -- John 3:1-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
"Hoke, you are my best friend." It took Daisy Werthan almost twenty years to make that statement; it
Body Parts And Pride -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
It sometimes happens that small parts of the Bible seem to become dated, especially when they echo p
Kindhearted People -- Matthew 5:7 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The beatitudes have a rhythm about them. Jesus states a truth and doubles back with emphasis.
When is Being Right Wrong? -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Richard C. Brand -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
I finally got a copy of the Rules of Life.
A Christian's Resume -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
It's time to update your resume!
Return From A Far Country -- Luke 15:11-24 -- 2004
Every year, the young people in the confirmation classes are told that the most important choice the
In The Darkness Of Despair, There Is The Light Of Hope -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
A student at The University of Georgia got a job as a disc jockey at a little radio station in Comme
View From The Mountaintop -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
Mountains fascinate us. They tower majestically against the horizon, strong and immovable.
Visions And Voices -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
I don't know about you, but I envy Moses and Peter and James and John.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Memorial Day Preacher -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
I walked through the cemetery one evening, late in May.
A Helping Hand -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
O Christ, had I one wish I fain would bethe one who bore your cross to Calvary,
Preparing the Way -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
A young director faced his cast and crew, slumped in their auditorium seats before the stage of Gree
Becoming -- Genesis 3:8-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1996
In the beginning, Adam and Eve were living happily ever after. They were the first human family.
Looking Back -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
My call to be a minister I never will forget.
A Voice In The Wilderness -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Margaret told herself that she should feel very pleased with her Christmas preparations.
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
The Calling Cycle -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
The God who calls isthe God who guides isthe God who provides is
Home For Christmas -- Luke 1:47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
There were just three shopping days left until Christmas. Mrs.
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.
A Man Who Would Be God -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Richard A. Jensen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
It was to be his first trip back to China. He was born in China to missionary parents in the 1930s.
A Mother's Tears -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
Gertrude Schmidt loved being a mother.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 25, Pentecost 23, Ordinary Time 30 -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 18:9-14
Thinking Tall -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Luke 19:28-40, Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 23:1-49 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
Proper 19 | OT 24 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Theme: Partial Ruin Call To Worship
Advent 1 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 19:1-10
Look Around, See The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Look around, see the light.
Pentecost -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: RedGospel: John 14:8-17 (25-27)
All Saints' Sunday -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 6:20-31
Heartsick -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1Theme: Heartsick
Easter Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 20:27-38
All Have Strayed -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Day of Pentecost -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
PentecostThe Season Of The Holy SpiritLiturgical Color: Red/White/Green
Ascension Day -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 24:44-53
Everyone Is Saved -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-7Theme: Everyone Is Saved
Epiphany Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 21:5-19
When You Have Come -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Propers One, Two, Three -- Wayne H. Keller -- 2000
The Season Of The Holy SpiritPropers One, Two, Three
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
A Little Dishonesty Goes A Long Way -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 16:1-13Theme: A Little Dishonesty Goes A Long Way
Holy Week -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
O God, who is perfect in righteousness yet who comes with your mercy of love to every sinner, we pra
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: White/GreenGospel: Luke 7:1-10

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

Special Occasion

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