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Proper 13 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26„12:13a (C)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 1:1-5 (C)
Proper 14 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9,15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 (C)
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 (C)
Proper 15 (C, E) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 (C)
Miracle 9 Demon--Possessed Child -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
1. Text
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1-21 (C); Acts 2:1-11 (RC, E)
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 35:1-10 (C, E); Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (RC)
Proper 22 -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's text has important narrative connections in Matthew's story.
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 (C)
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 25:19-34 (C)
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Christmas 1 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Matthean text assigned for the First Sunday after Christmas is very difficult to dislodge from i
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 12:1-9 (C)
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 28:10-19a (C)
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 23 -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
"Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables...." That's how this week's appointed text begins.
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 18:1-15 (C)
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 29:15-28 (C)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Proper 24 -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The opening words of this week's text indicate a change of venue and actor.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
Proper 25 -- Matthew 22:34-36 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's text includes the third and fourth controversies between Jesus and the religious leaders
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8-21 (C)
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22-31 (C)

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Epiphany: The Tragedy Of Rejection -- Luke 4:21-30 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
In the church, most of us think of Epiphany simply as a season on the church calendar, and sometimes
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 2:15 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 2:15
Calendars And Checkbooks -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
In seeking to create that teachable moment, the motivational speaker presented to his gathered stude
What The Church Should Be Doing Until The Second Coming -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
In folklore and literature there are many famous deadlines.
A Personal Commitment To God -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
One morning at a missionary church deep in the rain forest of South America, the Sunday worship serv
From Empty Nets To Full Lives -- Luke 5:1-11 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
It's funny what experiences and phrases will stay with you from childhood.
The Festival Of The Holy Nativity -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Prelude Organ SuggestionsJoy To The World -- arr. Petker
The Reason For The Rules -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
When I was eleven years old I was a baseball player. Well, not really.
Whom Christ Commended -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
A new soldier, having just completed jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, stood proudly at attentio
God Provides The Path To Life -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Today people throughout the world refer to the Hawaiian islands as "paradise." Visitors come to enjo
At The Corner Of Church And Main -- Luke 6:17-26 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Once there was a great intersection in the ancient city of Bethlehem.
Sustained By A Hope Unfulfilled -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
In his newest book, The Good Life, Peter Gomes tells of the two times he invited Billy Graham to spe
Grace Encounters -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Several years ago at one of the Lausanne Missions Conferences, something remarkable was decided.
Incident At A Table -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Many of the great events of history have taken place at tables.
God Knows What God Is Doing -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
There is an apocryphal story told that after completing his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, the famous I
Saints In Shorts -- Luke 6:27-38 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Seven years ago, our family moved from southern Virginia to northeast Wisconsin.
Look To Jesus -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
I never shall forget the time when I first donned the colors of the Purple and Gold.
The New Man For Our Time -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
This is the time of the year when new cars are unveiled.
God Restores Us To Life -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
Whether You'll Weather The Weather -- Luke 6:39-49 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Every so often, toward the end of a hot, still, muggy day here in the Midwest, we'll have a televisi
In Betwixt And Between -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
It was a calm and lazy summer evening, almost dark.
Committed To The Committed One? -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Try this experiment. Turn your radio on. Now dial it to your favorite station.
Supporting Others As God Supports Us -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
In 1921 Lewis Lawes became the warden at New York's infamous Sing Sing Penitentiary.
Pilate Pops The Question -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Do The Do's! -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
It was just unthinkable! The unbelievable had to be believed because it had just happened!

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

HERMON: The Camel Who Was Humbled -- Matthew 19:24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Do you know what it means to be humble?
BENJAMIN: The Little Peoples Friend -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many people here this morning wish that they were older than they are?
REUBEN:The Rooster With a Reminder -- Matthew 26:34 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many boys and girls know what I mean when I talk about reminders?
REHOBOAM: The Lion Who Learned About God -- Daniel 6:21-23 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Who are you supposed to listen to?
ISHMAEL - The Lost Sheep -- Matthew 18:12-14 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many boys and girls have ever been lost? Were you afraid? It's awful to be lost and I know it.
Proper 7 -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- John Steward -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Some time ago there was a documentary on television about wildlife in their natural environment.
An Honor Not Taken Lightly -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bruce Stunkard -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their be
Epiphany 2 -- John 2:1-11 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
When Theodore Roosevelt was an Assemblyman in the legislature of the state of New York, events devel
Peace Be With You -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kenneth Lyerly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
When my mother called the last time to tell us that Dad was in the hospital again, and not doing wel
Startled -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John E. Sumwalt, Elaine H. Klemm-grau -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Jackie was gone.
Proper 8 -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- John Steward -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
In the introduction to his book Fruits of the Spirit, Charles Hembree remembers an ancient fable.
Stopped In Mid-Air -- John E. Sumwalt, Marjorie K. Evans
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.
Epiphany 3 -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- John Steward -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
There was a man who had a dream one night that he had died.
God Restores My Soul -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
A few weeks ago, I started reading a psalm a day as part of my daily devotions.
Proper 9 -- Galatians 6:7-16 -- John Steward -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
In India there is a tribe known as the Santals.
Christ Entered In -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia Lietzke -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater an
Epiphany 4 -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Andre Malraux, the French author, tells in his book Lazarus of being with the troops that liberated
Filled With The Spirit -- Acts 19:1-7 -- John E. Sumwalt, Eileen Fink -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
I had been reading books on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, trying to figure out the controversy bet
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- John Steward -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
A young man was visiting with his pastor one afternoon.
Wisdom From Above -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt, Martinus Cawley -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
About fifteen years ago, as I prepared for a big cider-pressing, I had to move the top-heavy hydraul
Epiphany 5 -- Luke 5:1-11 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
So often we read these words of Jesus and wonder why we do not see this taking place in our churches
Seeing Jesus -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
It was a nice summer day.
Trinity Sunday -- John 16:12-15 -- John Steward -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
Sometimes it is hard to determine just who is telling the truth.
A Narrow Escape -- Psalm 124 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Ziese -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
Epiphany 6 -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
When I was in college my professor and good friend Dr.

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Prayer 4 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Caring God:
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 45:1-15Theme: The Sound Of MercyCall To Worship
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11Theme: SonlightCall To Worship
Prayer 37 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Source Of Mystery:
Jesus Walking on Water -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 22:1-14 Theme: The Right CallCall To Worship
Salt, Light, Righteousness -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 5 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Patient Overseer:
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 1:8--2:10Theme: Unique TalentsCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Theme: Return To MeCall To Worship
Prayer 38 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
An Easter PetitionCome, risen Jesus! Rise up again!
That Which Defiles -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67Theme: LifemateCall To Worship
Anger, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 6 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Living Presence:
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 3:1-15Theme: Holy Ground, Therefore ...
Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 42:1-9Theme: ChosenCall To Worship
Prayer 39 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Science And Faith
Peter's Declaration about Jesus -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 24:12-18Theme: Into And Out Of The Clouds
Concerning Retaliation and Loving Enemies -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 7 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Supreme Valuer:
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 12:1-14Theme: TogetherCall To Worship
Corpus Christi -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16Theme: By God's DesignCall To Worship
Jesus Foretells his Death and Resurrection -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
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Advent 4
36 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
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19 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas!
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100+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
3 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For December 15, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
How many frustrated preachers have wished in the back of their minds that they could begin a sermon with John the Baptist’s words, “You brood of vipers!” (37). Before anyone jumps the gun on this, consider the end of Luke 3, “he [King Herod] shut up John in prison (3:20). In anxious times, weighing one’s words carefully when emotions run rampant, and tempers are short is good wisdom. John’s desired outcome was for people of faith to bear advent fruit, not simply fly off the handle at their poor judgement.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Zephaniah 3:14-20
In this season of hope with Christmas looming, there is still a lot of despair. Rising prices putting pressure on the American family have led 78% of our families to live paycheck to paycheck (as per a 2023 Payroll.org survey). Of course, the Christmas Season is often a time of gloom and regret for some of us. In response, based on this lesson's word of assurance, Martin Luther comments on God's love:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (v. 16)

Sometime in the spring of 1951, my parents, Leonard and Bernice Sumwalt, stood before the congregation of the Loyd Evangelical United Brethren Church and made a promise that had a profound effect on my life. Our pastor at that time, Miss Sarah Mower, said to them:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Two shirts and two sandwiches or little bags of chips or cookies.

* * *

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

SermonStudio

Mary Austin
On this third Sunday of Advent, we hear again from Paul’s letter to the believers at Philippi. Many scholars believe that he wrote this letter from prison, perhaps even during his last prison term in Rome, before his death, but we don’t know for sure. It’s clear that he wrote from a prison cell somewhere, and that he wrote about his deeply held idea of cultivating joy in all things.
Derl G. Keefer
Moline, Illinois, September, 1977 was the place and date for a special gift that Terry Schafer purchased for her policeman husband, David. It was a pre-Christmas gift. She had a fear that it might be too expensive, but nothing was too good for her husband! She loved him with all of her heart and wanted this to be special.
James Evans
(See Proper 28/Pentecost 26/Ordinary Time 33, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The theme of joy is highlighted in this reading from the prophet Isaiah, which is why the text is frequently employed during Advent. The poet sings, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" (v. 3) and "Shout aloud and sing for joy ... for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel" (v. 6). The key to joy is those closing words in verse 6, in which the prophet celebrates the presence of God in the midst of the worshiping community.

Steven E. Albertin
I recently saw a survey conducted by the Muzak Holiday Channel concerning the most popular Christmas songs played at this time of the year. They are 1) "The Christmas Song," 2) "White Christmas," 3) "Winter Wonderland," and 4) "Silver Bells." It is interesting to note that they are all secular songs that focus on the "warm fuzzies" and sentimental feelings of the season. There are no Christian or religious songs here.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

John the Baptist called people to turn to God for help and support. In our worship today let us follow his advice and turn to our Lord.

Invitation to Confession:

 Lord Jesus, we are sorry for the times we turn away from you.

Lord, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, we are sorry for the times when we ignore you.

Christ, have mercy.

 Lord Jesus, turn your face upon us, that we may turn again to you.

Lord, have mercy.

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