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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
Gave As Good As She Got -- John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Just then his disciples came.
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
In The Presence Of My Enemies -- Psalm 23 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
John took a deep breath and walked into the diner.
Rules for Life -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Teddy thought for a moment and then shook his head. “I appreciate you asking but no thanks.”
Are There Tractors in Heaven? -- Romans 8:6-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you.
Who May Come To The Banquet? -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2023
'The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy.
My Rock of Ages Moment -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2023
I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand... (v. 22)
I Will Not Be Ashamed -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2023
The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced;
Impostor Syndrome? -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023
Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.
Footwear and Foot Care -- John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
(Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (v. 5)
Another Side of Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2022
Luke moved to one side of the walking trail without looking up.
A Difficult Message -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2022
Abbie walked through the door, threw her coat on the chair and crashed onto the couch.
Valley of the Shadow -- Psalm 112, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2022
Contents “Valley of the Shadow” by John Sumwalt
First Things First -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2022
Rob put the marker down and looked at the whiteboard. “I think we need a children’s ministry.”
We Remain -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2022
“I want to hold a picnic on the last day we’re having Sunday School before summer begins,” Janice an
Loving Our Transgender Children -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2022
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,

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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.
Keep Your Hands Off the Steering Wheel -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2022
Contents “Keep Your Hands Off the Steering Wheel” by Frank Ramirez
When I Fall In Love -- Luke 8:26-39, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2022
Contents"When I Fall in Love…" by C. David McKirachan
Oskar -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Keith Hewitt, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2022
Contents"Oskar" by Keith Hewitt "With Reverence and Awe" by John Sumwalt
What to Give for Christmas? -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2022
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep da
...remembering Me -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2013.Contents
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Jeremiah 31:27-34
John Calvin makes very clear why a new covenant is needed according to this text. He observes:

… the fault was not to be sought in the law that there was need of a new covenant, for the law was abundantly sufficient, but that fault was in the levity and the unfaithfulness of the people. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.X/2, p.130)
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Peter Andrew Smith
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“What are you two doing?” she looked over at the clock. “Don’t you have homework?”

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Call to Worship:

Jesus told us that we should always pray and not lose heart, for God is on our side. In our worship today let us pray to the Lord for the needs of others and for all our own needs.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes you don't seem to be there when I pray and I feel like I'm talking to myself.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes my prayers seem so dry and boring that I give up.

Christ, have mercy.

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Psalm 119 is well-known as the longest chapter in the Bible. The poem is actually an extended, and extensive, meditation on the meaning of the law. Given the sterile connotations often associated with "law" and "legalism," it's hard sometimes to appreciate the lyrical beauty of these reflections. One thing is for certain, the writer of this psalm does not view the law as either sterile or void of vitality.

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There is perhaps no better feeling than knowing that someone "has your back." Having someone's back is a term that arose from urban street fighting where a partner or ally would stay with you and protect your back in the thick of the fray. When someone has your back, you don't worry about being hit from behind. When someone has your back you can concentrate on the struggle in front of you without worrying about dangers you cannot see. When someone has your back you feel protected, secure, safe.
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I wonder how many of us here are named after someone.

Chances are that a good many of us carry family names. We are named for a parent, a grandparent, an uncle, or an aunt somewhere on the family tree. Others of us had parents who named us after a character in the Bible, or perhaps some other significant character from history.

All told, I expect a pretty fair number of us are named after someone else.

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Our reading today from the prophet Jeremiah is one in which the Hebrew people, not knowing what else to do in terms of addressing their predicament, decide to blame it all on God. They believed their problems to be the result of their sins and the sins of their fathers. Of course, one person's sin does indeed affect other people, but all people are still held personally accountable for the sin in their own lives (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:2).
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Did Jesus ever do comedy? Indeed he did, and the Parable of the Unjust Judge is partly comic monologue. The routine began with a probate judge so ridiculously dishonest that he announced, "... I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone...." (There must have been a gasp of disbelief from Jesus' audience.)

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And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? (v. 7)

Good morning, boys and girls. Yesterday, I was riding in my car and I kept hearing this noise. I call it a squeak. Do you know what a squeak sounds like? (let them answer) Squeaks are very annoying. It is hard to find a squeak in your car, so it is still squeaking.

I also have a chair that has a squeak and I brought it in with me today because it is

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