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John E. Sumwalt

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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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Saved -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Cheryl Kirking -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
"I may have a story for your book, Cheryl." I had just finished presenting at a women's event, and h
A New Creation -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Debi Lyerly Lawson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
I cannot remember a time when God wasn't the source of all that I am.
A Christmas Story From Cambodia -- Titus 2:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia Lyon -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
I wondered if the village folk ever had potlucks like the Methodists back home.
Recovered Memory -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bruce Stunkard -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
I was a male glossophobiac. An avoider of spotlights. Stage frightened.
An Unlikely Angel -- Luke 2:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, David Michael Smith -- 2003
He staggered in fifteen minutes after the traditional holiday hymn sing had begun, plopping with a t
Maundy Thursday Visions -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lisa Lancaster -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
In 1985, I was struggling deeply with a very painful friendship.
A Single Drop Of Blood -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- John E. Sumwalt, Wayne Frank -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
I was first elected as an Alderman on Milwaukee's south side after a special election in 1973.
A Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Ellen Sherry -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
I was raised in the Congregational Church.
Steadfast Love -- Psalm 85 -- John E. Sumwalt, Christal Bindrich -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
My brother died on March 15, 2001, at the age of 56.
The Aqueduct -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Years ago there was an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the center of the village, all the way
Fearless Freddie -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Once upon a time there was a boy known as Fearless Freddie.
Frog Song -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
"We will hear citizens' comments now," the Mayor announced.
Afflicted -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a little boy whose most prized possession was a light blue cat's-eye crystal marble.
Laying Down The Law -- Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Awards Sunday was the biggest annual event at Calvary Church.
You Shall Not Murder -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a man who was an active proponent of capital punishment.
Heads Will Roll -- Mark 6:14-29, Amos 7:7-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
Both management and union leaders were angry with Amos Dresser.
Dog Days Of The Soul -- John 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Introduction

The Fear Of The Lord -- Psalm 34:9-14, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
There was no warning.
The Conversion -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
She hadn't intended to speak.
Will Work For Food -- Mark 10:46-52 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
A well-known politician came into a large American city one day to speak at a political rally.
The Anointing -- John 12:12-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Marilyn came slowly down the long stairs of her sister Margaret's big brick house in the suburbs of
Giving All -- Mark 12:38-44 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Gerald Fitzgerald was the biggest giver at First Redeemer Church.
Prejudice, Once Removed: The Larry Wasson Story -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
The gray-haired man cleared his throat and stood before the circle of his peers, gathered to share t
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, 1979

Dear Ones:

Painful Waiting -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The pain was unbearable!

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My mother told me that if I’d been a girl, I’d have been named Hannah. It was always an incidental detail. Then my nephew and his wife gave their daughter the name and I realized it ran in the family. So I got interested. The Bible keeps surprising me. This time when I read the familiar story, I ran into something new.

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Good morning boys and girls,

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BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 (C)

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