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The Village Shepherd

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

You Can Do It, Emily! -- John 5:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Call to Worship: Jesus said to the paralysed man, "Stand up, take your mat and wa
What's The Plan? -- John 3:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Here's an astonishing thought - God loves us as much as he loves
The Weekend Away -- John 6:56-69 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
This is a story which tries to explain how Jesus can be the Holy One (God) and yet is regard
The Video Game -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: The rich man asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal lif
Paddy's Prayer -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "What is it you want me to do for you?" In our wors
Maisie's Game -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Through our worship today, let us join the band of disciples and
Bleat The Black Sheep -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Life isn't always smooth.
When Mrs Round Was Sick -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Jesus came, took Peter's mother-in-law by the hand, and lifted her
Prettybush And The Ugly Place -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
Call to Worship:
Beth's Gift -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Call to Worship:
Kit -- John 9:1-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Call to Worship:
Boris In The Forest -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
Call to Worship:
The Quiz -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." In
Mr. Skillett And Mrs. Round Make Changes -- Luke 2:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Call to Worship: In our worship today, let us praise and glorify God for all we h
Joe's New School -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Call to Worship: A leper said to Jesus, "If you choose, you can make me clean." As
The Poisonous Plants -- John 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
Call to Worship:
Honesty Really Is The Best Policy -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - C
Call to Worship: Jesus refused to answer Pilate or any of his accusers, even thro
Holly And Michael -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Call to Worship:
Oh Dear, Roly! -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: In Jesus, the kingdom of God has come near.
Stamp Collections -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Call to Worship:
Tarika And Amy -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
Call to Worship:
Uncle Richard -- John 17:6-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship: As Jesus prays to the Creator God for us, let us join our hearts
Molly's Silver Bracelet -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C
Call to Worship:
The Delivery -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
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John And Jane -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - A
Call to Worship:

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Children's sermon

The Village Shepherd

Sabbath Refreshment -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Raised in glory -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.
All brothers and sisters -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Just The Right Time -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe
Who gave the most? -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Note: This children's sermon fills a slot that is not currently filled by The Village Shepherd.

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Hits Back -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
"We got them!" Praxis was proudly relating his story to the Wise Old Pixie, who was listening with a
Praxis Sees The Light -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the pixie whose skin changes colour according to his mood, was bright, bright blue.
Praxis Feels Angry -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the little pixie whose skin changes colour according to his moods, was a dull, ugly red.
Holly's Worry -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A
Jesus tells us not to be anxious about trivial things, for God cares so deeply for us that he
St. Peter's Pool -- John 10:22-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Sarah was on holiday in Malta with her parents.
Junior Gangland -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
Frank was against the plan from start.
The Show -- John 6:1-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
It was nearly the week of the show and Christopher's heart was beating very fast.
Alice's Ambition -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Alice loved ballet.
Praxis Looks For Justice -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Praxis the pixie was ordering the other pixies around.
I Believe... -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Michael was both excited and scared all at the same time.
The Fiery Princess -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
John the Baptist told his followers that the Messiah (Jesus) would baptise with fire.
Mr Skillett And Mrs Round -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Mr Skillett was as tall as a bus, and as thin as two pieces of paper stuck together.
Thomas And The Cave -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Thomas had never seen his friends so excited.
Dapple's Terror -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Dapple the fawn was terrified.
The Spider's Web -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
When wise men from the East travelled many miles to see the new baby Jesus, they first visited K
Barbie Five -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
"Have you seen it?" whispered the Barbie doll to her next door neighbour.
Princess Lightfinger -- Luke 8:22-25 -- Janice B. Scott
This is a story about a princess who finds herself in terrible trouble.
I Will If I Want -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Mrs Bushman sighed. "Don't pick up such large walnuts, Will," she scolded.
The King Is Coming? -- John 18:33-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
The jungle was abuzz with excitement.
Uncle Sol's Visit -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Ben was excited. It was a cold winter's day, but Uncle Sol was coming to visit.
Double Trouble -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Double Trouble was the smallest of the litter of puppies. He was also the most mischievous.
That's Not What You Told Me! -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Nutman the squirrel was sitting quietly at the feet of Wise Owl.
Lone Star -- John 1:6-8; 19-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Lone Star planted his front paws firmly on the rock at the top of the hill, threw back his head,
Buzter’s Busy, Buzzy Day -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Buzter hummed to himself. He was happy in his work, and he always hummed when he was happy.
Roly Makes A Straight Path -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Roly lay down with his head on his paws and felt lonely.

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Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Suffering God... -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - A
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God Of Creation, Your Church Is The Body Of Christ... -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
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All-Seeing God -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
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God Of Mystery, Long Ago The Church Said That You Are Three Persons... -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
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God Of The Impossible... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
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Rescuing God, Your Sense Of Grace Is Outrageous... -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
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God Of Law And Order... -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
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Understanding God, Temptation Is Nasty... -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - A
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God Of Creation... -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
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God Of Love, How Can I Love Everyone I Meet... -- John 15:9-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
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Vulnerable And Self-Effacing God... -- Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
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God Of Rest And Quietness... -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
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God Of Love, It's Tough Being A Christian... -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - B
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All-Seeing And All-Knowing God -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
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Courageous God, You Took Such A Huge Risk... -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
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God Of The Living... -- John 11:1-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
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Servant King... -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
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God Of Love, You Promised To Comfort Those Who Mourn... -- John 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
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Radiant God... -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
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God Of Love And Forgiveness... -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - C
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God Of Glory... -- John 12:20-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
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A Prayer By Cardinal Mercier... -- John 20:19-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
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Father God... -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
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Almighty God Our Heavenly Father... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
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Understanding And Loving God... -- John 14:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
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Prayer

The Village Shepherd

Restrictive religion versus redemptive righteousness -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Self-serving versus self-giving -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1993
Note: This prayer fills a slot that is not currently filled by The Village Shepherd.

Preaching

The Village Shepherd

Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

The Earth Is A House For All People -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
In this familiar and well-loved story of the Prodigal Son, I often wonder what happened to the mot
Profound Experiences -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2018
The highlight of the famous Alpha course is the Holy Spirit weekend, although it has to be said that
A Life Worthy Of The Calling -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2018
Some years ago, I was privileged to spend a long time talking to and listening to a young man wh
Will The Meek Inherit The Earth? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - A -- 2017
Every so often in our national press, there's a call for a return to the Ten Commandments, a cal
Symbols And Idolatry -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Present day icons tend to be stars — football stars, film stars, models and so on.
God's Justice -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
One thing which perhaps separates humans from other animals, is our sense of justice.
Hold To God's Ways -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
Life is unfair.
Do You Need To Go To Church To Be A Christian? -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Many churches in England in small country parishes are struggling. Often the regular congregatio
Consequences -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2012
As Newton's Third Law of Motion tells us, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Consequences -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
As Newton's Third Law of Motion tells us, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Judgment Day -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
I was watching yet another television programme on near-death experiences.
God The Creator -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
According to some research undertaken in 2000, in the last twenty years or so there has been a
Being Christian -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
An abiding memory of my childhood is of my father in the garden.
The Great Antitheses -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Jane had marriage problems.
No Strings Attached -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
I remember, as a child, the loathsome task of writing thank you letters after every birthday and Chr
When The Oil Runs Dry -- Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
When we first discovered that there was oil beneath the North Sea in 1965, it was a cause for
All Things Work Together ... -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
Perhaps one of the harder lessons which Christians have to learn is that bad things happen t
Does Anybody Tell the Truth Anymore? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2011
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Grow Up! -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
The best way to jump-start your spiritual life, according to a recent survey, is to serve others in
Formula For Eternal Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.
Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.
Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
When Jane left school she became a nurse.
I've Got A Home In That Kingdom -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Nibs Stroupe -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe
Unexpected God -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Back in the early seventies when divorce was still regarded with shock and horror, Melanie fell in l
God Never Gives Up On Us -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe

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Worship

The Village Shepherd

Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord Jesus, Think On Me (LBW309, PH301, CBH526)
Proper 5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Parables of the Kingdom -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. (vv.8-10)

I, John Sumwalt, believe in God! It’s the reality in which, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “I live and move and have my being.”
John E. Sumwalt
Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. (vv.8-10)

I, John Sumwalt, believe in God! It’s the reality in which, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “I live and move and have my being.”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A sign that says, “The Home of Jesus!” (Click here to download the sign I used.)

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The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For February 2, 2025:
  • Love Notes To The Powerful by Chris Keating. Jesus' sermon to his hometown crowd provides a reminder of what Rev. William Barbour has called "the terrible joy" of preaching.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Imagine an aging church leader or preacher who has seen one technology tool after another change the face of how messages of fait are communicated. It started with the chalkboard, overhead plastic sheets on a projector to now various forms of computer software programs off a laptop onto a screen. With all the modern technology changes going at increasing megabytes per second, is God’s Word still as accurate and effective as in times past?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Jeremiah 1:4-10
There are plenty of things in contemporary American society which could use a prophetic voice to challenge them. We think of all the ugliness in our public discourse and on the net. There is the rising tide of anti-semitism. Reuters reported a 268.1 times wage gap in 2023 between the salary of the median employed worker and CEO pay. Racism is hardly vanishing given legislation passed in a number of state legislatures against teaching Critical Race Theory. John Calvin well described an important aspect of the sort of prophecy we need. He wrote:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The story of the presentation of Jesus in the temple is strong on two 'bit-part' characters, Simeon and Anna, both of whom are old, and neither of whom has any other mention in the Bible. This story is an imaginary biography of Anna.

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Most people, at one time or another, have had the regrettable experience of needing refuge. Untold millions around this war-ripped world are literally refugees, whose lives are shattered as they are uprooted and left bereft of home, family, and any visible means of sustenance. Countless women around the world suffer from the brutality of abuse by their male partners and are in need of refuge. Each day the numbers of homeless poor on the streets of America grows and grows. They, too, need refuge.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
During the 56 years of his life, Adolf Hitler did incredible harm and was responsible for the death of millions of people. Yet in all of the horror that he unleashed, there were pinpoints of light and nobility. One German soldier, Private Joseph Schultz, was one of those pinpoints.
Derl G. Keefer
Jeremiah had a task, a vision, and a promise from God. The prophet Jeremiah had a call from God to preach his word to a people needing to hear from God. His call has been duplicated multiple times over the centuries.
J. Ellsworth Kalas
David Kalas
In the church, most of us think of Epiphany simply as a season on the church calendar, and sometimes as a season we don't understand too well. We may recall that we are celebrating particularly the revealing of Christ to the Gentile world, via the Wise Men, but not much more.

The dictionary, however, adds further dimension to the word, listen: "a sudden, intuitive perception ... into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience."
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