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I Will Not Be Shaken -- Psalm 16 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (v.
Peace and Security -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as la
Seeing And Not Seeing -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.
An Impromptu Thanksgiving Meal -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2023
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bou
The Gatekeeper -- John 10:1-10 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Carl pulled his car into a parking space and sighed.
The King's Love -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2023
Jason shifted his shopping bags to the other hand.
Called Out of Darkness -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that
A Soldier Waits for God -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
From ages past no one has heard,    no ear has perceived,
Memorial Day Hope -- John 14:15-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.
Fruits of Repentance -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
“I think that was probably the best dinner we’ve ever had with your parents.” Stephen finished wipin
Into Thin Air -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
According to Acts 1:9, as the disciples watched, Jesus “…was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of
Praying for A Good Death -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,because the Lord has anointed me;
Being One -- John 17:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
David frowned as he reread the passage of scripture. He read it slowly and carefully.
What We Need -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my serva
Pentecost in Ukraine -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
A Voice Came from the Light -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2023
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and th
Divine Shimmers: The Wind from God -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2023
When God began to create the heavens and the earth, earth was complete chaos, and darkness cover
Preparing for the Future -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2023
John stared out the window at the softly falling snow.
Sign Here -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax-collection station….
The Plentiful Harvest -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2023
Paul watched the people streaming through the door of the church hall for the community meal.
Crying Out In Ukraine -- Jeremiah 20:7-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2023
“For whenever I speak, I must cry out;    I must shout, “Violence and destruction!”
How to Treat Strangers -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2023
Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 
A Series of Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
In 2004 Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan published the book Chronicles: Volume One.
One Hit Wonder -- Zechariah 9:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2023
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!    Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
The Arrival of the Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2023
Tom sat on the porch looking out over the snow covering the front yard.

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A Series of Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
In 2004 Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan published the book Chronicles: Volume One.
The Arrival of the Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2023
Tom sat on the porch looking out over the snow covering the front yard.
The Good Sower -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2023
Wendy looked at the garden she had prepared near the front door and imagined how much space all of t
A Taste of Divine Glory -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2023
The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl and strips the forest bare,
Enduring With Hope -- Romans 8:12-25, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2023
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of
Epistle from Ukraine -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2023
…just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you so that you are not lacking in
The Season for Sighing -- Romans 8:26-39 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but th
A Great Light -- But Who Saw It First? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep dar
A Little Peace and Quiet -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Teresa stood reading the new sign outside of the church.
Taking the Step of Faith -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2023
Joe took a deep breath of the sea air as he walked down the ramp onto the dock.
A Salt of the Earth Christian -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored
There is Crying in Baseball -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2023
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out,
The Anger of Will Smith -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever
A Call for Religious Tolerance -- Romans 12:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bo
Because God is There -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. (v. 15)
What's In A Name? -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I a
Giving Anonymously -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
“The charter group out of Florida isn’t available to take us either.” Joanne hung up the phone.
That Simple, That Difficult -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2023
Kay checked her phone and then put it on the desk in front of her.
Crazy Gerald -- Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you,    and I did not hide my iniquity;
Forgiveness is Hard and Necessary -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2023
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister
Don't Look Away From Evil -- John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
Listen to the Quiet Voices on Abortion -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2023
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see
Sour Grapes -- Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2023
What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “The parents have eate
Gave As Good As She Got -- John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Just then his disciples came.
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John Jamison
Object: I had the youngest children in the group participate. When I came to the part of the story where Jesus asked the little children to come to him, I had the youngest come and sit closest to me. If you think it is possible with your group, when you ask how little children act when they receive a gift, actually ask your youngest children what they think the answer is. Do the same with the older children when you ask about how older people act.

* * *

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For October 6, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
I heard a sad story today about a pastor whose church essentially had to close as a result of a scandal surrounding his associate. The pastor himself knew nothing about his associate’s behavior, he was as blindsided by it as the rest of the church family was. But it led to such disruption and division in the church, that they shuttered their doors. And now, a friend told me, that innocent pastor is looking for a new ministry, but he carries with him this black mark that he doesn’t deserve.
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Job 1:1; 2:1-10

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John E. Sumwalt
Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels.  But someone has testified somewhere, ‘What are humans that you are mindful of them or mortals that you care for them? You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honor’ (vv. 5-7)

Angels are popular in American culture.

SermonStudio

Christopher Keating
Copied on the front of the bulletin were verses from Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem, “Charged with Grandeur.” A globe was placed on a table near the front, emphasizing human’s place in the world. Video footage from NASA accompanied the sermon in order to reinforce how we are called to claim our vocation as stewards of creation. Images of an old car and glimpses of the Earth from space were also used as visuals.
Robert G. Beckstrand
Vindicate me, O LORD,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
Prove me, O LORD, and try me,
test my heart and mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in faithfulness to you.
-- Psalm 26:1-3

Theme: A pledge of, and a plea for, loyalty

Outline
1-3 -- He pleads for God to give recognition to his integrity and single-hearted devotion.
4-8 -- Evidence of this is in his past conduct and his present joy in worship.
Wesley T. Runk
Object: a clock

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
Reflections on the love of God.

Collect of the Day
Addressing the sovereign God who created us to live in loving community, petitions are raised by the faithful to be formed in faith to trust like children and so reflect Christ's image. Justification and Sanctification are again emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 26
* A prayer for deliverance from personal enemies; a lament traditionally attributed to David.
Donna E. Schaper
We find Job on the edge of town, his money gone, his children dead, picking at his innumerable sores and scabs. In the Joni Mitchell version of his sorrow, Job speaks of how the children of the wicked frisk like deer while his are dead and gone. In her version, we are also told that Job sees the diggers waiting, leaning on their spades, at the site of his grave. Job's three friends, Eliphas, Bildad, and Zophar show up to comfort him but they do so in a way that only pours iodine on his wounds. God is just, they say, therefore, Job must have done something wrong.
John R. Brokhoff
Robert W. Stackel
When William Jennings Bryan went to the father of the young woman whom he loved to ask her hand in marriage, he remembered that the father was a strong religious believer, so he quoted a proverb of Solomon from the Bible: "He who finds a wife finds a good thing." But the father surprised him by responding with a quote from St.
William G. Carter
We have a problem today. Here we are, gathered at worship as the household of God. Through baptism we belong to a worldwide community of faith. Each time we gather, we have an opportunity to pray together and recommit ourselves to peace. Now that we are here, we have to deal with a troublesome and potentially divisive text from the Gospel of Mark. Some Pharisees put Jesus to the test by asking him what he thought about divorce. His response, in turn, has always put a peace-loving church to the test.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, "What God has joined together, let no one separate." In our service today, let us consider our responsibilities to the whole of creation.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, we have not always cared about our environment.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, we have not always taken our responsibilities to animals seriously.
Christ, have mercy.

Special Occasion

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