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Carter Shelley

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Divine And Human Partiality: A Christian Dilemma -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prepare Or Beware! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Maternal Love: Human And Divine -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We pause in the midst of ongoing war and war crimes to think this Sunday of maternal love.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Hosea: The Movie! -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Introduction and Background
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,

Illustration

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Divine And Human Partiality: A Christian Dilemma -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prepare Or Beware! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Maternal Love: Human And Divine -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We pause in the midst of ongoing war and war crimes to think this Sunday of maternal love.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Hosea: The Movie! -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Introduction and Background
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,

Preaching

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Divine And Human Partiality: A Christian Dilemma -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prepare Or Beware! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Maternal Love: Human And Divine -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We pause in the midst of ongoing war and war crimes to think this Sunday of maternal love.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Hosea: The Movie! -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Introduction and Background
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Divine And Human Partiality: A Christian Dilemma -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prepare Or Beware! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Maternal Love: Human And Divine -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We pause in the midst of ongoing war and war crimes to think this Sunday of maternal love.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Hosea: The Movie! -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Introduction and Background
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)
Can We 'let Heaven And Nature Sing'? -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley, Terry Cain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for January 1, 2006)
Anticipation Or The Best Christmas Present Ever -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Dear Fellow Pastors,
Divine And Human Partiality: A Christian Dilemma -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Hiddenness Of God And God's Human Witnesses -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Why Is It Called The "world" Series? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher:
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Is It Good To Be King? -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- Carter Shelley -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Prepare Or Beware! -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Interconnected And Interdependent For Good Or Ill -- Luke 4:14-21, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Dear Fellow Preacher,
The Transfiguration Of Jesus: A Prelude To The Passion -- Luke 9:28-30 (37-43) -- Carter Shelley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Watching Mel Gibson being interviewed by Diane Sawyer on ABC TV on February 16, you could not help b
What New Thing Is God Doing Now? -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Some folks are excited and energized by learning something new or witnessing a creative development
Maternal Love: Human And Divine -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
We pause in the midst of ongoing war and war crimes to think this Sunday of maternal love.
The Mother -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Dear Fellow Pastor,
One Nation Under God? Democracy And Faith In 2004 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
With the 4th of July taking place on a Sunday this year, it would be hard for any minister to conduc
Hosea: The Movie! -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Introduction and Background
Womb + Potential Medical Miracle + 2004 = Christian Debate Over Preservation Of Life And Stem-Cell Research -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
What If God Prayed For Us/u.s.? -- Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
God's Investment Advice -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Of What Can We Be Certain? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Carter Shelley -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Dear Fellow Preachers,
Is Peace Possible? -- Isaiah 2:2-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44, Psalm 122 -- Carter Shelley -- First Sunday of Advent - A
November 28, 2004Advent 1 / Cycle A Dear Fellow Preachers,
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
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Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For August 31, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
When one of our children was young, she pretended to throw something at me from close range, and then she cheerfully declared, “Ha! Made you flinch!” I remember from my own elementary years that that was always regarded as something of an achievement — to make someone blink or to make someone flinch. In reality, of course, it is little more than a test of one’s reflexes. It’s my reflex to blink or to brace when I think something is coming at me, and the reflex is a good one.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 2:4-13
Regarding verses 6-7 of the lesson John Calvin observes:

… there is nothing more common than for the ungodly when they are proved guilty, to have recourse to this subterfuge, that they acted with good intention, when they gave themselves up to their own superstitions. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.IX/1, p.78)

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (v. 2)

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity for the children. You will want a container of some kind of treat to give to all of the children.

Note: This is a fairly brief message as presented, but that may help keep an emphasis on the simplicity of the message if you stress it.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus knew the importance of humility and used a banquet to teach people about it. As we feast on him today, let us make sure we come to him with unassuming spirits.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we are unaware of our own arrogance.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we spot other people's haughtiness but fail to recognise it in ourselves.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are so humble that we become victims of inverted pride.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
-- Hebrews 13:1-2

James Evans
The writer of Psalm 81 employs a most interesting mixed metaphor. It is not mixed, however, because the psalmist was careless and neglected his subject matter. On the contrary, it is because of an important insight into human nature that the psalmist has us "eating with our ears."

Verse 10 rehearses what was, and is, the most basic confession of faith for followers of the Lord. God speaks and says, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth and I will fill it."

Ron Lavin
There are three words I hope you will take home from church today. The words are "Only The Lonely." As you think about these words, the assurances of God's Word will comfort and strengthen you. But I'm getting ahead of my story. Before we get to these three words, we need to look at the full text of Luke 14:1, 7-14. That involves looking at three other words: humility, hospitality, and hope.

Humility
Chrysanne Timm
It is never a pleasant prospect to deal with someone who has a complaint with you. As a new pastor, and a very young one at that, one of the things I struggled with most was the experience of conflict with members. I remember as if it were yesterday a significant misunderstanding that developed between the congregation's "matriarch" and me very early in my time there. I prayed about the difficulty we were having, and I knew that I needed to go to her home and ask for the opportunity to talk things out.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
In this be confident: that the grace of God is active enough to forgive, and the love of God is powerful enough to transform.

Pastoral Prayer

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