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John E. Sumwalt

John E. Sumwalt is the lead pastor of Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church in suburban Milwaukee and the author of nine books, to be released by CSS in 2007. John and his wife, Jo Perry-Sumwalt, served for three years as co-editors of StoryShare. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS), Sumwalt received the Herbert Manning Jr. award for parish ministry from UDTS in 1997.
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Infidelities R Us -- John 15:9-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Eternity Was In the Room -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
…God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son. (v. 11b)
Who Goes to Heaven? -- John 3:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2024
Indeed, God did not send the son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world
Look At What Cannot Be Seen -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all m
Not Forsaken -- Psalm 9:9-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
Death Will Be No More -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt -- New Year's Day - B -- 2024
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and th
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2024
I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven — whether in
Babies Are Powerful -- Mark 1:4-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2024
In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And j
When Fascism Threatened -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2024
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord...
The Evil in All of Us -- Mark 1:14-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news[
Forgiveness Can Save Your Life -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2024
Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with al
Casting Out Demons in Ohio -- Mark 1:29-39 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2024
And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demo
Stories to Confront Evil -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2024
For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the
If I Should Wake Before I Die -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
As we work together with him, we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he
Rich Toward God -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2024
Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.
We Live By Faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants th
Frank Brown, Legendary Cattle Trucker -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
“Who is wise and knowledgeable among you?
About Angels -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2024
Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels.  
Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio? -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were de
Dark Mysteries of the Universe -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2024
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understand
Troubling Religious Cliches -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2024
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with
Death Will be No More -- John 11:32-44 -- John E. Sumwalt -- All Saints Day - B -- 2024
“Do your loved ones come to you in dreams?”
Deliverance from Hell -- 1 Peter 4:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Good Friday - B -- 2024
For this is reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been jud
No Rest for This Beloved -- Psalm 127 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
Heavenly Bodies and Earthly Bodies -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the

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Now I See -- John 9:1-41 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth.
Healing Tears -- John 11:1-45 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
When we came up out of the tomb of Lazarus, the other half of our touring group, who were waiting th
While It Was Still Dark -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
March 7, 1961, was by all appearances an ordinary day.
The Best Send Off Ever -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
In the summer of 2004, I had the joy of traveling with Rosmarie Trapp on a five-day, whirlwind story
Pentecost Diaries -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
The last time I spoke to Ken was on the phone a few weeks before he died.
Foreign Territory -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
I grew up "poor" -- or so I thought.
Dreaming Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.
Storm Walker -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
The call came on a Sunday after church just as we were sitting down to lunch.
How To Stretch A Meal -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
My mother's people, the Longs of Longfield House, County Tipperary, came from Ireland to southwest W

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Storm Walker -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
The call came on a Sunday after church just as we were sitting down to lunch.

Stories

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Casting Out Demons in Ohio -- Mark 1:29-39 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2024
And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demo
If I Should Wake Before I Die -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
As we work together with him, we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he
We Live By Faith -- Romans 4:13-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants th
Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio? -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were de
Troubling Religious Cliches -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2024
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with
Deliverance from Hell -- 1 Peter 4:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Good Friday - B -- 2024
For this is reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been jud
Heavenly Bodies and Earthly Bodies -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the
Do Angels Really Exist? -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and
Infidelities R Us -- John 15:9-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Eternity Was In the Room -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
…God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son. (v. 11b)
Who Goes to Heaven? -- John 3:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2024
Indeed, God did not send the son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world
Look At What Cannot Be Seen -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all m
Not Forsaken -- Psalm 9:9-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2024
I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven — whether in
When Fascism Threatened -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2024
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord...
Forgiveness Can Save Your Life -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2024
Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with al
Stories to Confront Evil -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2024
For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the
Rich Toward God -- James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2024
Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.
Frank Brown, Legendary Cattle Trucker -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
“Who is wise and knowledgeable among you?
About Angels -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2024
Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels.  
Dark Mysteries of the Universe -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2024
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understand
Death Will be No More -- John 11:32-44 -- John E. Sumwalt -- All Saints Day - B -- 2024
“Do your loved ones come to you in dreams?”
No Rest for This Beloved -- Psalm 127 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
Death Will Be No More -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt -- New Year's Day - B -- 2024
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and th
Babies Are Powerful -- Mark 1:4-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2024
In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And j
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Object: This week’s object is an activity for everyone to join in.

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For November 17, 2024:

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1 Samuel 1:4-20
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The sizzling, fresh aroma of bratwursts and fresh beef burgers is carried downwind to the parsonage living room of Pastor Jamie and family. For over 35 years Pastor Jamie would be rushing out to such events in this town of Gunkel. With local country and western music bands playing in the background, the community celebrates Founder’s Day of Joe and Emma Schwart-hogg. In times past, Pastor Jamie would already have ordered two sandwiches, fries and a drink and sit at a picnic table to visit with townspeople. This year however, Pastor Jamie has chosen to keep a low profile. Why?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“I wish I knew when all of this would be over,” Ben said.

“Me too.” Jill squeezed his hand from her hospital bed. “Some things we just can’t know. Remember the sermon that Pastor Tim preached last Sunday?”

“The one about the end times?” Ben rubbed his chin. “I have to admit it wasn’t the sermon I thought it would be.”

“What did you expect he would say?”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Life isn't always smooth. Jesus calls us to difficult and painful times as well as to times of joy and delight. In our worship today, let us explore something of his call.


Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, I don't understand how you could ever let me suffer.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, I thought that once I decided to follow you, everything would be wonderful.
Christ, have mercy.

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John E. Sumwalt
Jo Perry-Sumwalt
Christmas, 1979

Dear Ones:

From May 7 until June 11, 1979, it was my pleasure to spend 35 days travelling and visiting in the northwest United States, using a Greyhound Ameripass. So many events with inspirational implications happened that the desire to share some of them with you results in this letter.
James Evans
Hannah's song is probably best-known and most frequently associated in the liturgy as an accompanying reading for the celebration of the angelic visitation to Mary (Luke 1:39-57). When the text is used in this manner, Hannah serves as a type of Mary, with her song echoing themes and expressions to be found in Mary's song.

Steven E. Albertin
Introductory Drama

Characters:
Man
Woman

(Scene: The entrance to eternity. A man sits at a desk, papers before him. Woman enters. She goes to the man and stands quietly. The man looks up.)

Man: Heaven on your right -- hell on your left.

Woman: (Looking at the doors, in awe) You mean that door leads to heaven ... and that one to hell?

Man: That is correct. Please don't take too long. There are others waiting.

Woman: But ... what do I do?
Robert A. Hausman
How to have law and order without tyranny? That is the question. Israel began as a rather loosely connected tribal confederacy. The Israelite tribes were led by charismatic leaders, or judges, under the divine direction of Yahweh. They were supposed to be knit together in one harmonious unit. They would avoid the tyranny, which was the result of being governed by a king. Instead, they would have Yahweh alone as their king. It sounded good, and certainly the book of the Judges reflects moments of such peaceful unity, but reality was often quite different.

Lee Ann Dunlap
In the early years of the sixteenth century, a young adventurer named Nicolas Herman left his parents' home near Lorraine, France, to join the French army. Wounded in war, he returned home to recuperate and thus began a process of soul searching that led to Christian commitment.

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