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Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B

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Children's Activity

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One of a kind -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Materials Pipe cleaners (white, iridescent, silver) Beads OR
The sin-disease connection -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Teachers or Parents: The theme of healing continues this

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Perceiving new things in the kingdom of God -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Most brides and grooms don't seem to have much investment in the selection of scripture for the wedd
Yes! -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
A few months ago there were two different television commercials that both had to do with a fellow t
Getting to yes -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
A number of years ago, a colleague and I were in a kind of leadership stalemate.

Children's sermon

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Saying "Yes" to Jesus -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Is everyone happy?
One of a kind -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. We are getting near the end of our season of Epiphany.
God says, "Yes" -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning! I brought something good for you this morning!
The sin-disease connection -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning! Once Jesus healed a man who was a paralytic,

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
Isaiah 43:18-25
Epiphany 7 -- Mark 2:1-12 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Mark 2:1-12

Drama

SermonStudio

A Hiding Place -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 32 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Opening Up To Jesus -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
ThemeJesus fulfills all our needs.Summary

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Harry was 89 when I... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Harry was 89 when I first met him.
In the mid-20th century... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
In the mid-20th century, Edgar A. Guest was a well-known verse-writer.
A forgiveness laboratory at Hope... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
A forgiveness laboratory at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, monitors the four stages identified i
Just as the paralytic's friends... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Just as the paralytic's friends came to his aid by bringing him to Jesus, so Paul Revere of Revoluti
The passage celebrates the incredible... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
The passage celebrates the incredible love and commitment of God to humanity and the sacrificial "Ye
There are few feelings as... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
There are few feelings as bad as realizing your dog has run away.
Before a product is put... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Before a product is put on the market it goes through rigorous testing.
On one occasion during his... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
On one occasion during his administration, President Herbert Hoover was receiving some particularly
The people who witnessed Jesus... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
The people who witnessed Jesus' healing work were often amazed, a sign that they did not recognize w
I'll heal him, but first... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
"I'll heal him, but first fix the roof." This might have been one reaction of Jesus to this bizarre
Doug had gotten to the... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
Doug had gotten to the point where he almost hated going to work.
I applied for ordination while... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
I applied for ordination while I was serving a small country church.
Most of us have had... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
Most of us have had the experience of standing in the large room at an airport, waiting for our lugg
To vacillate or not to... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
"To vacillate or not to vacillate; that is the question -- isn't it?" quipped Bruce Wallace.
In 1997, a man who... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
In 1997, a man who said that he was an exiled prince from Borneo announced at a United Nations confe
P, C)Are... -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(L, M)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(L, M)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
L, M)There... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(L, M)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(P, C)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Almighty God Our Heavenly Father... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Poems

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7 -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Andrew Daughters -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1990
Four men came to Jesus,came bringing a friendwho was paralyzed. He could not walk.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Divine activity, demonstrable authority -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Mark here records Jesus' forgiveness of a paralytic as well as

Preaching

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 41 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2006
This psalm is often identified as a prayer of individual thanksgiving but it reads more as a plea fo
Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 43:18-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Mark 2:1-12
Forgiveness Starts A Fight -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Miracle Four Forgiveness Starts A FightThe Text
The Miracle Of Forgiveness -- Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Paralytic
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2001
A portion of this passage, namely verses 16--21, is also treated on the Fifth Sunday in Lent in Cycl
Healing A Paralytic -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Forgiveness of sins -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Forgiveness of sins.
Epiphany 7 -- Psalm 41 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
The Jews are in exile in Babylon. Deutero-Isaiah sees hope in
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Healing The Paralyzed Man -- Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
1. Text

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Sermon

SermonStudio

Prayer Changes Things -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2015
Dr.
The Renewal Of Life -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
There once was a tree that lived happily in a big forest with many other trees.
Jesus At Home -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
When he [Jesus] returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
Integrity: Words With Meaning -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Scott Suskovic -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
My yes means yes. -- 2 Corinthians 1:18b (NLT)
Doing A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Doing A New Thing
Gift Of Positive Thinking -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
For generations the "power of positive thinking" has been touted throughout our land.
Jesus Destroys The Power Of Sin -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
A story is told about how Leonardo da Vinci created one of his great masterpieces, Last Supper
Your Sins Are Forgiven -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
This morning Mark tells us about the healing of a paralyzed man.
The Answer Waiting For A Question -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
A number of years ago some Christians placed bumper stickers on their vehicles stating, "Christ is t
ChristianOptimism -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
While waiting at an airport, years ago, I saw a couple in their thirties bring an older woman
Forever Plaid -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
A few years ago there was a popular off-Broadway musical which gave a good insight into how life was
Standing Room Only Religion And Roof Repair -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
I long have enjoyed this story of Jesus' healing of the paralytic.
Christian Optimism -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
While waiting at an airport, years ago, I saw a couple in their thirties bring an older woman to her
When Imagination Replaces Memory -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
One of the fascinating aspects of being human is our ability to create time.
The Power Of A Rumor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Most sermons on this text deal with one of two things: either a detailed account about the four
When Imagination Replaces Memory -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
One of the fascinating aspects of being human is our ability to create time.
With Friends Like This ... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Glenn Schoonover -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Our sense of justice often causes us to insist that grace
And Now For Something Completely Different -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Frederick C. Edwards -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
At the end of a week-long retreat in a mountain camp setting a
Sometimes It's Okay To Be Absentminded -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Curtis Lewis -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
All of us have heard of the absent-minded professor.

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

The Village Shepherd

Get Up, And Live Life To The Full -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
They say the camera never lies, but that's no longer true, as the Royal Family proved on that

Stories

SermonStudio

The Forgiveness Factor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
This is probably one of the best-known vignettes in all of scripture, this wonderfully appealing sto
Yes! -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Yes!
Memories -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Don sat at the edge of his chair and looked right past me. "I can't hear much anymore.
The Aqueduct -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Years ago there was an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the center of the village, all the way
Still Hope -- Psalm 41 -- John E. Sumwalt, John W. Doll -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
My brother has a daughter who is as beautiful as any woman could ever hope to be.

StoryShare

A Source Of Comfort -- Psalm 41:8, 10a -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
ContentsSharing Stories: "A Source of Comfort" by Kendall W. Anderson

Worship

SermonStudio

God Of Mercy, Ever Blessing -- Psalm 41 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
1. God of mercy, ever blessing, Tending to each human need,
Theme: Get In The Game -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 8:1, 3-4, 9) One:
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 43:18-19)
God's Forgiveness -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord says, "Do not cling to events of the past."
The Blotter -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let our hearts be joined together this day in praise and worship!
Jesus Heals A Paralyzed Man -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPIn Christ Jesus every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this
Jesus healing the bed-ridden -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1990
Theme: Jesus healing the bed-ridden, followed by the hostility of the scribes.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Pastoral Invitation (Pastor and evangels)

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Epiphany 3 (OT 3)
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
35 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 4 (OT 4)
28 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 5 (OT 5)
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

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John Jamison
Object: A 2025 calendar.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! This is a story about something that happened after Jesus was baptized when he went back to his hometown of Nazareth to visit his family and friends. While he was visiting, he went to the service at the synagogue, just like we come to our church service. During the service, they asked Jesus to read the scripture, so he stood up and read. He said:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For January 26, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
It seems everybody knows about Victor Hugo’s greatest novel, even if few have actually read it. He called his masterpiece, Les Miserables, and said that it was “a religious work.” So it is. The story echoes the gospel message at nearly every turn.

The main character, Jean Valjean, has been beaten hard by the cruel twists of fate. He has seen the sham of hypocrisy on all sides. So he casts the name of the Lord to the ground like a curse. What does God know of him, and what does it matter?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
Did you ever notice in most of the old movies how the credits are at the front and they don’t share much information? Take the classic The Wizard of Oz. The overture begins with a rousing fanfare, followed by musical allusions to the key songs in the show. Visually, we see the Metro Goldwyn Mayer logo featuring the roaring lion and the words “Metro Goldwyn Mayer presents,” and of course the title of the film.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

 The Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus as he worshipped in the synagogue at Nazareth. Let us ask God's Spirit to fill us as we worship in church today.

Invitation to Confession:

 Jesus, when we are unaware of your Spirit within us,
Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we deny your Spirit within us,
Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we reject or damage your Spirit within us,
Lord, have mercy.

 Reading:

 Luke 4:14-21

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.
-- Luke 4:21

Constance Berg
David led us the two blocks from our church to his place of worship: a synagogue. We all gathered around him to hear what he was saying. The mid-week church school students had been studying the Jewish faith for three weeks, and now it was time to visit a synagogue!

David's job was to help the rabbi, who could only come to town periodically. David spoke with much pride of the customs that have been handed down for centuries and that he now espoused.
Robert F. Crowley
Theme

Is the body of Christ able to work together in harmony because the spirit of the Lord is upon it, or is it meant to operate like any other organization?

Summary

Pastor Ralph needs some work on his car and he is also dealing with differing factions in his church. He is not having a good day. Earl, his friend and mechanic, gives him some good advice on taking care of his car and then relates it to his church -- get all the parts working together; after all, they all have the same manufacturer -- the Holy Spirit.

Playing Time
Dennis Koch
Gospel Theme:
An overture for the oppressed

Gospel Note:
Luke's moving of Jesus' hometown sermon from later in his ministry (as in Mark) to its inception makes it a kind of programmatic overture for the Master's entire career. Jesus' choice of passage (from Tito-Isaiah) to define his objective is as sobering today as it was then, for the recipients of the good news are to be, not the comfortable and contented, but the poor, the imprisoned, the blind, the oppressed.

Liturgical Color:
Green

Suggested Hymns:
O God Of Light
James Evans
Psalm 19 celebrates two different media through which God is revealed: nature and the law.

The first part of the psalm calls our attention to the presence of God in nature -- "The heavens are telling the glory of God." The word "glory" is the Hebrew kabod and literally means weight or heaviness. The derived meaning is something akin to "reputation." God's reputation is evident in the heavens.

But reputation for what?

Elizabeth Achtemeier
We live in a society in which right and wrong have become largely a matter of personal opinion. All individuals are seen as a law unto themselves, and what is right for one person is not necessarily right for anyone else. Indeed, if any person tries to impose their ethical standards on another, the response is usually defensive anger. "Don't try to impose your middle-class morality on me," goes the complaint. "I know what is right for me, and you have no business trying to meddle in my life!"
Gary L. Carver
I shall never forget the night that Mae June came to church. Mae June was a workingwoman who, in our little community, was often seen in the late hours of the night in some of the darker places of our little town.

Harry N. Huxhold
In the Sundays of the Epiphany we are reminded in our worship how God continually reveals God's Person. That, of course, is done most clearly in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to be one of us. Today the emphasis of the Lessons is on how God is revealed in the Word. In the Holy Gospel, Jesus himself points out how he is revealed in the word, or the word is revealed in him, but the people do not seem to understand. That is always a problem in communication. The words can be ever so clear, but do people get the message?
Robert S. Crilley
Let me offer you a hypothetical situation. Suppose you had a friend who was unfamiliar with the church. The person had never attended a worship service or sat in on a Sunday school class. He or she had never participated in any of the midweek fellowship activities or volunteered to help out with one of the mission trips. In effect, Christianity was a complete mystery to him/her. And so, more out of curiosity than anything else, the person asks you, "What exactly is the church?"
Julia Ross Strope
A single song is being inflected through all the colorations of the human choir.
The way to become human is to recognize the lineaments of God in all the wonderful modulations of the face [of humankind].
-- Joseph Campbell, The Hero With a Thousand Faces

Call To Worship
Leader: Welcome! Together we'll explore ancient stories about a public reading, the awesomeness of Creation, satisfying life together, and we will claim our God-given abilities.

Special Occasion

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