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Carlos Wilton

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Love Of Neighbor: Priceless -- Romans 13:8-14, Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
"did You Call?" -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What Kindness Teaches -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Baggage Or Equipment? -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Welcome The Stranger -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Hospitality to strangers, a welcoming spirit, the personal touch -- we expect to find these above al
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are
A Seeker's Faith -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From newspaper editorial pages and cable television news channels to internet "blogs" and direct-mai
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
If your congregation is like most these days, you have people sitting in your pews who have been hur
Alive Again! -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Easter Day - B
The "real Presence" Of The Church -- Luke 24:36b-48, 1 John 3:1-7, Acts 3:12-19 -- George Reed, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
D
Is God Listening? -- John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - B
A major story making headlines recently has been the revelation that the NSA, the federal agency in
A Passing Touch -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Summer evenings at the ballpark are a favorite way for many to celebrate the "national pastime" -- a
Blessed, But Who's Counting? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
January 30, 2005
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
The Nurse Who Wouldn't Give Up -- Ephesians 4:1-3, John 6:24-35, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
The grisly video images of dead children being removed from the rubble in Cana are only the latest r
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
Are You Afraid Of The Dark? -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
The good news is -- God is always with us even in our darkest hour.
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc
The Stone Has Been Rolled Away -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Easter Day - C
On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the victory of the resurrection over the power of death -- yet the lo

Illustration

The Immediate Word

The Message On A Postcard -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
December 5, 2004Second Sunday in Advent / Cycle A
God Plays No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that no preacher should go long without saying something
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security
Awakenings -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A
Crime and punishment are in the news.
Well-Known Christians -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Looking Skyward -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A
Ascension Day is not observed by many North Americans.
The Prophet's Prescription -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers
My Big Fat Greek Religion -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Lights Over Baghdad -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"shock And Awe" -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - B
Dear Preacher,
"who's Your Daddy?" -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
How Would Jesus Campaign? -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Love Of Neighbor: Priceless -- Romans 13:8-14, Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
"baggage Or Equipment?" -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Baggage Or Equipment? -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Welcome The Stranger -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Hospitality to strangers, a welcoming spirit, the personal touch -- we expect to find these above al
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are
A Seeker's Faith -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From newspaper editorial pages and cable television news channels to internet "blogs" and direct-mai
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Alive Again! -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Easter Day - B
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
If your congregation is like most these days, you have people sitting in your pews who have been hur
The "real Presence" Of The Church -- Luke 24:36b-48, 1 John 3:1-7, Acts 3:12-19 -- George Reed, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
D
Is God Listening? -- John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - B
A major story making headlines recently has been the revelation that the NSA, the federal agency in
A Passing Touch -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Summer evenings at the ballpark are a favorite way for many to celebrate the "national pastime" -- a

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayIn the Passover and in the Lord's Supper, eating is remembering.
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany / Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
The Day Of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord / Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayFaith gives us power for living.
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayOur God is a God who remembers.
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 8 / Pentecost 6 / Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayGod's grace is a precious gift.
Proper 9 / Pentecost 7 / Ordinary Time 14 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 10 / Ordinary Time 15 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 11 / Pentecost 9 / Ordinary Time 16 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 12 / Pentecost 10 / Ordinary Time 17 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayWhen we wrestle with God, the encounter changes us.
Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayFaith always involves an element of risk.
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day

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Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Third Sunday After The Epiphany / Third Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 6 / Ordinary Time 11 / Pentecost 2 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 23 / Ordinary Time 28 / Pentecost 19 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayThe only antidote to idolatry is proper worship.

The Immediate Word

A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
What The Church Can Teach The Nations -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2008
Power can lead to great good or great evil, depending on who wields that power.
Do We Have Enemies? -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
As we face a world of conflict and war, with battle lines drawn and weapons aimed at the enemy, wit
The Fickle Crowd -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2008
During presidential campaigns, it is customary to introduce presidential candidates with "Hail to th
Dead Men Believing -- John 20:1-18, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic -- Easter Day - A -- 2008
March 23, 2008Easter Day / Cycle ADear Fellow Preachers:
Peace In An Angry World -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- 2008
Division and unrest seem to be the general state of affairs in the world today.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Love Of Neighbor: Priceless -- Romans 13:8-14, Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
"did You Call?" -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What Kindness Teaches -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Baggage Or Equipment? -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Welcome The Stranger -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Hospitality to strangers, a welcoming spirit, the personal touch -- we expect to find these above al
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are
A Seeker's Faith -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From newspaper editorial pages and cable television news channels to internet "blogs" and direct-mai
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
If your congregation is like most these days, you have people sitting in your pews who have been hur
Alive Again! -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Easter Day - B
The "real Presence" Of The Church -- Luke 24:36b-48, 1 John 3:1-7, Acts 3:12-19 -- George Reed, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
D
Is God Listening? -- John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - B
A major story making headlines recently has been the revelation that the NSA, the federal agency in
A Passing Touch -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Summer evenings at the ballpark are a favorite way for many to celebrate the "national pastime" -- a
Blessed, But Who's Counting? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
January 30, 2005
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
The Nurse Who Wouldn't Give Up -- Ephesians 4:1-3, John 6:24-35, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
The grisly video images of dead children being removed from the rubble in Cana are only the latest r
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
Are You Afraid Of The Dark? -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
The good news is -- God is always with us even in our darkest hour.
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc
The Stone Has Been Rolled Away -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Easter Day - C
On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the victory of the resurrection over the power of death -- yet the lo

Stories

Worship

The Immediate Word

Love Of Neighbor: Priceless -- Romans 13:8-14, Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Dear fellow preachers,
"did You Call?" -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
"prepare Him Room" -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
What Kindness Teaches -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
When Jesus Says "no" -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
In Giving, We Receive -- 1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:38-44 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Baggage Or Equipment? -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Welcome The Stranger -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Hospitality to strangers, a welcoming spirit, the personal touch -- we expect to find these above al
One Sin At A Time -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
When we hear of atrocities and other deplorable acts in our world, it is easy to imagine that we are
A Seeker's Faith -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Psalm 14 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
From newspaper editorial pages and cable television news channels to internet "blogs" and direct-mai
Nothing Hid From Its Heat -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
It's the nature of the news business that gripping human interest stories and immediate crises domin
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
If your congregation is like most these days, you have people sitting in your pews who have been hur
Alive Again! -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Easter Day - B
The "real Presence" Of The Church -- Luke 24:36b-48, 1 John 3:1-7, Acts 3:12-19 -- George Reed, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
D
Is God Listening? -- John 17:6-19 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - B
A major story making headlines recently has been the revelation that the NSA, the federal agency in
A Passing Touch -- Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Summer evenings at the ballpark are a favorite way for many to celebrate the "national pastime" -- a
Blessed, But Who's Counting? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
January 30, 2005
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
The Nurse Who Wouldn't Give Up -- Ephesians 4:1-3, John 6:24-35, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
The grisly video images of dead children being removed from the rubble in Cana are only the latest r
Hungering For Justice -- Mark 10:2-16, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Psalm 26 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
In my formative years I was intrigued by the words of a song I learned at church: "what is man that
Answering The Call -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
In the time of year when daylight is the least, the brightest gift came to us, our Lord, Jesus Chris
Are You Afraid Of The Dark? -- Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
The good news is -- God is always with us even in our darkest hour.
What Would You Do? -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Oftentimes one sees crosses placed along side the highway denoting the place where a tragic death oc
The Stone Has Been Rolled Away -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Easter Day - C
On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the victory of the resurrection over the power of death -- yet the lo
UPCOMING WEEKS
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

Special Occasion

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