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Timothy J. Smith

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Sermon

The Village Shepherd

Grow Up! -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
The best way to jump-start your spiritual life, according to a recent survey, is to serve others in

SermonStudio

Unity and Hope -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
As we make our way through Advent inching closer to Christmas, our days are consumed with many tasks
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2010
Praise God for all the wonderful things God has done in our lives and in our world!
Waiting for Christmas -- James 5:7-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Excitement is building on this the third Sunday of Advent knowing that Christmas will soon be here.
The Total Gift -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
It is easy to get so caught up in the sentimentality and nostalgia of Christmas that we neglect the
The Best Gift of All -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2010
There is a special feeling from being in church on Christmas Eve.
The Gift that Matters! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
As we gather on the Sunday after Christmas we do so with a sigh of relief.
Wake Up Call -- Romans 13:11-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Advent always seems out of place with everything else that is going on around us.
The Light Has Come -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2010
As the Magi scanned the heavens they noticed a star brighter than all the others in the night sky.
Spirit-Direct -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2010
"Growing up," Valerie recalled, "I was involved in many of my church's activities for children." Rec
The Church Is the Place -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2010
The internet has changed the way people relate to each other.
Divided We Fall -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2010
The power of a vision can transform people. We just celebrated Martin Luther King Day. Dr.
Lift High the Cross -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2010
There might be times in our lives when we are confused and unsure about what direction to go next.
Grow Up! -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
The best way to jump-start your spiritual life, according to a recent survey, is to serve others in
Building a Solid Foundation -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2010
The long-awaited dream would soon become a reality. Ground was broken for the family's new home.
Praise and Blame -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
"Where there is no vision, the people perish," the writer of the Old Testament book of Proverbs decl
Everyone Is Invited -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- Timothy J. Smith -- 2010
Every summer Kaitlin joins her youth group on mission trips.
Credible Witnesses -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2010
Each one of us can remember those special transforming moments in our lives.
Discerning in Love -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2010
Many people have come to rely on Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to travel from one place to anothe
Not All Of This Is Me -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
It was certainly a treat for four-year-old Tara to go shopping with her grandfather one day at the m
A Vision Of Hope -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Difficult times not only try a person's soul but frequently force a person to step up to a new chall
Reversal And Victory -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
"When God is going to do something wonderful," author Anne Lamott claims, "God always starts with a
A Question Of Loyalty -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
Lookout Mountain is a popular tourist destination located in the northwest corner of Georgia, just s
Forward March -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
It was truly a day of new beginnings as the people prepared to make the long-anticipated entry into
The Victory Is Ours -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
All Saints provides an opportunity to remember and give thanks for all the believers who have lived

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Stories

StoryShare

As For Me And My House -- Matthew 25:1-13, Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalm 78:1-7 -- Craig Kelly, Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "As for Me and My House" by Craig Kelly
We Are, None Of Us, Our Own -- Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Psalm 99 -- Scott Dalgarno, Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

"One Bodacious Party" -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
Doug enjoyed partying with his friends.
Alice's Hindsight -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
Alice would be the first to admit that she was too young when she got married.
Because We Care -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
The man sat in the waiting room of the doctor's office all by himself.
Kevin's Vision -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
Kevin often daydreamed about mountain climbing, not just any mountain, but Mount Washington in upsta
What No One Told Karen -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
Like countless others of her generation, Karen grew up attending Sunday School and church and then c
Christmas Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
Jeff and Cheryl had a dream. Actually they had the same dream.
Vicki's First Christmas -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
Life was anything but easy for Vicki.
Ed's Vacation -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
Ed and Darlene were looking forward to their summer vacation.
Love At The Library -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
On New Year's Day Jay had an opportunity to reflect on his life's journey.
Ida's Attic -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1998
What drew people to Ida was her cheerfulness.
Broken Promises -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
Frank was fortunate.
The Word From God -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
The initial impression persons have when meeting Kurt for the first time is of his positive outlook
Not At My Church! -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
For years George had been complaining that the attendance was down at the church he had attended all
Missed Out -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
Have you ever missed an opportunity that you were later sorry you neglected to act on?
Two Brothers -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
Bobby and his brother Gordie were waiting to be picked up to attend Vacation Bible School at their n
Amber's Stand -- Romans 14:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
Amber was thrilled when she made the girl's varsity basketball team in her junior year of high schoo
The Defining Mark -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
Rollin and Tom were colleagues at a small Christian college.
Janice And The Bulldozer -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
The picture in the evening newspaper would certainly catch anyone's attention: three women sitting o
Rally Day -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
Plans for Rally Day were discussed at the Sunday School teachers meeting.
Carla's Persistence -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
Carla was a fighter. That much was evident from several telephone conversations.
Roller Coaster Ride -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
Rob was like any other teenager; he enjoyed doing the usual things that teenagers do.
Aunt Betty's Advice -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
On a warm August afternoon a large extended family gathered for a family reunion.
And Then There Was Eve -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Eve was one of those kids who, no matter how hard anyone tried, no one could reach.

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
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...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For March 8, 2026:

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
Somewhere in my life I heard someone say something like, “The challenge with John (the gospel writer) is he is better at theatre than at writing.” The implications of this comment were about passages such as this one about Jesus and the woman of Samaria.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Jesus reaches across every racial and cultural barrier, offering salvation to all.

Old Testament Lesson
Exodus 17:1-7
Water From A Rock
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
Lee Griess
Streams of living water ... That's what the Son of God offered the Samaritan woman at the well, and that's what he offers us as well -- streams of living water -- life-giving, life-renewing, life-refreshing water that can satisfy those who drink so that we will never thirst again. We are offered water that satisfies our longings in life, water that nourishes our innermost selves, and water that comes from an active, living trust in God and a passionate faith in Christ.
Frank Luchsinger
Enter your password -- flashed up on the computer screen. The pastor was trying to show some of his parishioners the church's new web page. With pride he had gathered them into his office after the Christian Education Committee meeting. He paused. "I don't do this very often ... We may have to try this another time," he said disappointed. "Try 'church,' " someone says, looking over his shoulder. The pastor types c - h - u - r - c - h. Amazingly the internet connection pops up on the screen. A password is a secret word given to gain entry. It can mean security.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Knowledge that water is an integral ingredient of life was a concept not lost on the ancients. The great civilizations of the world located themselves near water and used it in most every aspect of their daily lives. The Egyptians built the world's first great empire along the Nile. In the midst of the desert a flourishing community existed and grew in size and strength. The water of the river provided the source of life for the people then as it does today. On both sides of the Nile a rich and fertile area exists for farming and grazing of livestock.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus and his weather-beaten band of wandering disciples were still heading north and had been for some days. To some extent Jesus had decided to get out of Judea, where he had been working, in order to avoid competition with John the Baptist in that region.
Harry N. Huxhold
One of the most colorful, exciting, and stirring scenes in all of the scriptures is the call of the prophet Isaiah. The account is dated in the year that King Uzziah died. That does not necessarily mean Uzziah was already dead. This scene could have taken place in the temple during a religious festival such as New Year's Day. At such a festival, the cultic ceremonies honored the divine king being enthroned as conqueror of all the enemies of the people.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7
Theme: With Us Or Not?

Call To Worship

Two sides comprise every journey: the found side during which we trust in God's care, and the lost side where we fear that alone we will not make it through. At the worst, we scuffle and fuss within the confines of confusion, then shout, "Are you here with us or not, God?" At the best, we quiet down, hear God's voice in the silence, and proceed with hope. Wherever you are on your present journey, know that, here, you are welcome.

Collect
Wayne H. Keller
The Community Gathers

Invitation to the Celebration

Why have you come to worship today? Out of habit? To see your friends? To enjoy the singing? To hear the sermon? To learn something? To get help for the coming week? To restore your sense of values? For 100 other reasons? (Pause.) And, now that we're here, let us worship, in the Name of God the Parent, God the Child, God the Spirit. And all the people said, "Right on!"

Response

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him." Let us pray that we may be true worshippers today.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when we try to hide from you, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when we fail to worship in spirit and in truth, forgive us.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when we neglect to reveal you to others, forgive us.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Sermon Starters: "Crossing Lines" / "Meeting a Prophet"
Shining Moments: "Water Sign" by Anne Sunday
Scrap Pile: "Healing the Soul" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt
Keith Hewitt
Timothy Smith
Contents

What's Up This Week
"Testing One, Two, Three..." by Keith Hewitt
"The Account" by Keith Hewitt
"Set Free" by Timothy Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in Japan, rescuers hurry. They do so to alleviate the pain of the survivors, to certify the hopes and fears of those who are related to victims of the disaster, and ...
Wayne Brouwer
Schuyler Rhodes
Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement. Now he wonders about his place in society. He begins to spend much of his weekend time walking alone in the woods. One day he finds himself on an unfamiliar path that leads him to a small pond. As he stands beside the pond, the water begins to stir and bubble until there is a lovely little fountain. Astonishingly, a voice calls out to him: "Arnold Flagler! This is the Fountain of Youth!"

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