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Jo Perry-Sumwalt

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Joelito's Legacy -- Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Sandra Herrmann, Jo Perry-Sumwalt, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2006
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Joelito's Legacy"
Tingling Ears -- John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Gregory Tolle, Frank R. Fisher, Steven E. Burt, Sil Galvan, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2006
Contents What's Up This Week

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Joelito's Legacy -- Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Sandra Herrmann, Jo Perry-Sumwalt, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2006
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Joelito's Legacy"
Tingling Ears -- John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Gregory Tolle, Frank R. Fisher, Steven E. Burt, Sil Galvan, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2006
Contents What's Up This Week
The Reformer -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Jo Perry-Sumwalt, Bonnie Compton Hanson, Victor Shepherd, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2005
Contents What's Up This Week
The Armor Of Light -- Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2005
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A Narrow Escape -- Isaiah 12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
I was savoring one of those rare winter weekends when I am able to get away, on my own, to our littl
The Feeding Of The Fifty -- John 6:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1996
Nancy Baker's cooking had become something of a legend at Our Savior's Church.
Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Frank Marshall had never felt so confused or helpless in his entire life.
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:24-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1996
When the INNS shelter program for the homeless started in Kenosha, I signed up for the training to b
The Lord Always Before Me: Lavinda's Christmas Letter -- Psalm 16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Christmas, 1979Dear Ones:
The Unknown Camper -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1996
One summer at Lake Lucerne, in the Hillcrest area, there appeared in every week-long elementary camp
The Wiles Of The Devil -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1996
Sandy Wright felt betrayed.
Painful Waiting -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The pain was unbearable!
Unstained By The World -- James 1:17-27 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1996
A good friend of mine lives just two blocks from the Saint Croix Casino in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.
Preparing the Way -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
A young director faced his cast and crew, slumped in their auditorium seats before the stage of Gree
Cross Foolishness -- Mark 8:27-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1996
Emma stomped up the church steps and unlocked the front door.
A Voice In The Wilderness -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Margaret told herself that she should feel very pleased with her Christmas preparations.
Who Is The Greatest? -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
A holy woman from India was traveling through the United States on a speaking tour to raise money fo
Home For Christmas -- Luke 1:47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
There were just three shopping days left until Christmas. Mrs.
One Of These Little Ones -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
The patrolman heard three shots fired in rapid succession and started running toward the sound as fa
Favor With God -- Luke 1:26-38, 47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Introduction
What God Has Joined Together -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
Laurie reached for the telephone for the third time in ten minutes, but, once again, her hand recoil
A Wolf In Shepherd's Clothing -- John 10:11-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Jason Drexler was good with sheep. He enjoyed caring for the sheep on his father's farm.
Father Good -- Mark 10:17-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
They called him Father Good, though he was not ordained and he had no natural children.
Sheep Without A Shepherd -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Christ Community Church was without a pastor for the third time within four years. Dr.
Frog Song -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
"We will hear citizens' comments now," the Mayor announced.
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
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...

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The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
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For September 28, 2025:
  • Money! Money! Money! by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. “This is the even-handed dealing of the world! There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity as the pursuit of wealth!” — Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
The president of the college I attended was the kind of man who always said what was on his mind. He had a very healthy self-image and wasn’t concerned about how people might take him. At one of the graduation ceremonies, he stood at the podium, looked out over the huge crowd of people, shook his head, and said to himself (right into the microphone, of course), “All these Christians in one place, and no one’s taking an offering!”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
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Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
The lesson makes clear that God is present in the world of business, in our daily work.  John Wesley offered thoughtful reflections on the nature of work; he noted:

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John E. Sumwalt
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. (vv. 14-15)

One morning last October, Bruce Klemm got up and sang a song to his wife, Virginia, as he has done every morning of the 42 years they have been married. Little did he know that within a few hours, he would be calling her to say goodbye.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told a story about a rich man and a beggar to illustrate the way in which we fail to notice those who are poor. In our worship today let us remember the poor and ask God to teach us a real concern for them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail notice some people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we deliberately leave people out.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we care only about ourselves.

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James Evans
(See Lent 1, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 9-16.)

The writer of this psalm deftly employs a striking image, that at once offers us hope in times of trouble -- but at the same time, redefines for us what it means to be a human being in the world.

Schuyler Rhodes
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "Praise the Lord!" The phrases are familiar, almost rote. Mouths open and words emerge. Pastors and liturgists remind the faithful that this God is not only worthy of our praise; this God sort of requires it of us. This God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who brooks no competition from other gods we might pursue. Yes, God is worthy of praise. Right?
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money. With salaries that are often in the millions, they feel underpaid unless they are at the next level. I heard one player say to a reporter on Sports Center, "It's not about the money. It is about respect." A few moments later, the host of the show made the comment, "When they say it isn't about the money, it's always about the money."

Chrysanne Timm
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at the companion text from the book of Lamentations, a common thread begins to emerge. It is the thread of grief. Jeremiah has been called by God to a truly thankless job -- that of accompanying the people of his homeland into a time of loss and grief. Because of decades of idolatry and treaties with neighboring nations, the people of Judah will lose the land God once graciously gave to their ancestors.
R. Robert Cueni
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describing what happens when a person tries to "serve both God and wealth" (Luke 16:13). Today's Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus leaves us repulsed by the gory details, puzzled by the literal description of eternal life, and hopeful that the Lord didn't really mean all those terrible things about the punishment due us "Haves" for our treatment of the "Have Nots."

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Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some coins with me this morning. (Show the coins.) How many of these coins would it take to be rich? (Let them respond.) I think it would take millions of these coins before you would really be rich. How many of you would like to be rich? (Wait for show of hands.) I think most of us would like to be rich. What would you think if you had a wish that everything you touched turned to gold? (Let them respond.) You would soon have lots and lots of gold and you would quickly be very, very rich. There's a famous story about a man who had

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