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Children's Activity

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A kind of king -- John 6:1-21 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME Materials:
God's biggest job -- John 6:24-35 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME Materials:
The bread of life -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME Materials:
A special meal -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME Materials:
We are Christians -- John 6:56-69 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME Materials:
Following Instructions -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Materials None Instructions
Follow the Leader -- John 1:43-51 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Teachers or Parents: Being a disciple of Jesus is not an easy task.
Gates of Heaven -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Teachers or Parents: The gospel, in the narrowest sense of its use, is the good news that Jesus died
Two by two -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Teachers or Parents: Jesus instructed his disciples to go out two by two to teach the word of Go

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:35, 41-51 -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Entering the mystery -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
It's a full ten days after Christmas; most of our world has moved on through New Year's celebrations
Christ for the Gentiles -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2014
Many years ago I was visiting with a parishioner; I don't remember how the conversation got to this
Spirit of purpose -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- David Coffin -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2014
It is way past Christmas and New Year's celebration times.
The outrageous call to service -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2014
Henry Gerecke is not a household name; yet he had one of the most significant callings in the histor
Rediscovering the party -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2014
First, there is the happy and important event itself.
Have I thought enough? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- David Kalas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
The award-winning 1968 movie A Man for All Seasons portrays a portion of the real-life story
Seeing the world through Abraham's eyes -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Scott Camp told of a university student who was working on a doctorate investigating the social cult
Foolish wisdom -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
I'm not that old, but I am still old enough to remember "Blue Laws" from my adolescence in northwest
The cross in the desert -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- David Kalas -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
An older church member might see my title and take issue with it.
When everything old becomes new -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Here's a parable: a man is convicted of a criminal act.

Children's bulletin

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's sermon

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Who, Who, Who Is Jesus' Family? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2018
“Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (v.35)
The Kingdom Grows -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2018
“The kingdom of God... is like a mustard seed....” (v.31)
The Very Best Boating Companion of All -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
“And they were filled with great awe...who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey
Touch You First! -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2018
“At this they were overcome with amazement.” (v. 42b)
Chosen and Sent -- Matched and Dispatched -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
“He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over th
Truth Tellers -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2018
“It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” (v. 15b)
Sad to Glad -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
“...all who touched it were healed...” (v. 56b)
Lunch for a Bunch -- John 6:1-21 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2018
“...the people saw the sign that he had done...”
Delicious Bread -- Good, Better, and Best -- John 6:24-35 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2018
“...I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry...” (v.
Forever Bread -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven.” (v. 51a)

Children's Story

Communicating God's Love

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Mending Walls -- Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 89:20-37, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2021
For July 18, 2021:
The Love of Power vs. The Power of Love -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2021
For July 25, 2021:
Message or Miracle? -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2021
For August 1, 2021:
Do Not Make Room for the Devil -- 2 Samuel 19:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51, Psalm 130 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2021
For August 8, 2021:
Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
Heading For The Exits -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2021
For August 22, 2021:
Heartwork -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Katy Stenta, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2021
For August 29, 2021:
Hearing Our Siblings' Cries -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37, Psalm 125, Genesis 2:15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2021
For September 5, 2021:
Controlling the Narrative -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2021
For September 12, 2021:
Suffer The Powerless -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37, Psalm 1 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
For September 19, 2021:

Intercession

Poems

Political Pulpit

Prayer

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Living An Ascending Hope -- Psalm 127, Mark 12:38-44 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
As the Northeastern U.S.
A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Out Of This World -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Our world is one of deep divisions and seemingly endless conflict.
Good News! Good News! -- John 1:1-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George Reed, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
For many people the news may have seemed arcane, but for scientists a recent update on the status o
Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Guide Rails -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The lectionary's assigned passage from Isaiah for the Second Sunday of Advent tells us that we are t
Joy To The World -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The Third Sunday of Advent is referred to as "Joy" Sunday in many traditions, particularly those tha
A Spirit Of Possibility -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For the final Sunday before Christmas, the lectionary's gospel passage gives us a wonderful lead-in

SermonStudio

Advent 1 -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day
Advent 2 -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Faithfulness And Righteousness On The Campaign Trail -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:23-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
It was rather startling to find discussions on theology in the headlines last week.
Should We Give Up Calm Instead Of Chocolate? -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary gospel passage features Jesus's celebrated outburst in which he clears out
Le Monde Noir? -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
The ongoing strife in Syria has been a bracing reminder to the world of just how inhumane we can be
Whose Economy? -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In the lectionary's gospel text this week, Jesus foreshadows his coming death and tries to communica
Ticker Tape Charade -- Mark 11:1-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 22 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2012
This Sunday we face the delicate task of how much emphasis to place on the Palm Sunday texts, with t
Do-It-Yourself Resurrection? -- Mark 16:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Easter Day - B -- 2012
On Easter Sunday we celebrate God's triumph over the power of death -- but while we are all mor
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
Of Fear And Superstition -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
In the gospel text appointed by the lectionary for the Third Sunday of Easter, Luke depicts a group
Shepherds And Crooks -- John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24, Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
This Sunday is often colloquially referred to as "Good Shepherd Sunday" because of the lectionary te
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher

Stories

StoryShare

The Long Wait -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Keith Hewitt, Keith Wagner -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Contents "The Long Wait" by Keith Hewitt
The Right Season -- Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 8 -- John Fitzgerald -- New Year's Day - A -- 2014
Contents "The Right Season" by John Fitzgerald * * * * * * *
Make It A Rule -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Contents "Make It a Rule" by Frank Ramirez
Where's Christmas? -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, John Fitzgerald -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Contents "Where’s Christmas?" by C. David McKirachan
Hope For The New Year -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Keith Wagner, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
Contents "Hope for the New Year" by Keith Wagner
Conversation On A Winter’s Night -- Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Keith Hewitt -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2014
Contents "Conversation on a Winter's Night" by Keith Hewitt
Endings And Beginnings -- Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2014
Contents "Endings and Beginnings" by Peter Andrew Smith
Threading The Needle -- Mark 10:17-31, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Contents "Threading the Needle" by Frank Ramirez
The Message Of A Joy-Filled Spirit -- Mark 6:14-29, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 24 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Lamar Massingill -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2012
Contents "The Message of a Joy-Filled Spirit" by Peter Andrew Smith
How The Mighty Have Fallen -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Psalm 48 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
Contents "How the Mighty Have Fallen" by Frank Ramirez

The Political Pulpit

Worship

The Immediate Word

A New Provocation -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
The voting is now over and this past week President Obama was re-elected to another four-year term.
Out Of This World -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Our world is one of deep divisions and seemingly endless conflict.
Good News! Good News! -- John 1:1-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- George Reed, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
For many people the news may have seemed arcane, but for scientists a recent update on the status o
Anticipation -- It's Keepin' Me Waitin' -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Advent arrives for our congregations on a weekend when many people will still be basking in the afte
Guide Rails -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The lectionary's assigned passage from Isaiah for the Second Sunday of Advent tells us that we are t
Joy To The World -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
The Third Sunday of Advent is referred to as "Joy" Sunday in many traditions, particularly those tha
A Spirit Of Possibility -- Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
For the final Sunday before Christmas, the lectionary's gospel passage gives us a wonderful lead-in
Be Ready: The Lord Is Coming! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published November 30, 2008)
Prepare The Way -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Robin Lostetter, Paul Bresnahan, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published December 7, 2008)
God's Oil Change: From Mourning To Gladness -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
(Originally published December 14, 2008)
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Mary Austin
George Reed
For June 21, 2026:

CSSPlus

Arley K. Fadness

Do not fear... (v. 28)

Good morning girls and boys,

Have I got something to show you today! But first I have a question.

Are there things that make you afraid?  (children answer)

Are you afraid of the dark? Are you afraid of thunder?

Are you afraid of getting sick or hurt in sports?
Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: When we walk with Jesus we never walk alone.

The Lesson: Good morning, boys and girls. It's good to be with you at church today. Look around. Do you see people you know? (let children answer) How about people you don't know? (let children answer) All of these people are here today because they want to worship God and to be a part of God's family.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
In accord with the overall theme of the Pentecost season, all the texts for this Sunday pertain to living the Christian life (sanctification), specifically with how Christian life is easy, for it is not our work but the result of God’s grace. 

Genesis 21:8-21
Cathy Venkatesh
In one of my former parishes, the wife of retired pastor led us in a Bible study of the book of Genesis. She was trained as a social worker and had previously led studies of Genesis in her work with prisoners. As we progressed through the stories, she told us how the complicated family relationships of the patriarchs prompted the incarcerated men in her Bible study to talk about their own families and the troubles so many of them had experienced growing up.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me." In our worship today let us pledge ourselves to be worthy of him.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, I don't know what my cross is, so I don't know how to take it up.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, I do want to follow you, but I also like to be comfortable.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, I want to avoid or evade crucifixion at all costs.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Bryan Meadows
Keith Hewitt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sin that Grace Abound?" by David O. Bales
"Teacher and Leader!" by Bryan Meadows
"A Night without Stars" by Keith Hewitt


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Steven E. Albertin
Fido is in the dirt gnawing on a bone. It is dry, brittle, depleted of marrow and moisture. It is dead and useless except for stimulating the gums of Fido and giving his jaws some exercise. You approach Fido with your hands behind your back. Fido eyes you and is suspicious. You speak kindly to your canine friend. He wags his tail. He smiles his doggy smile keeping his paw firmly planted on the bone. Fido continues to sniff and chew on his bone. You slowly bring a hand out from behind your back revealing a half pound of USDA prime cut choice ground sirloin beef.
Justin W. Tull
As I studied in depth this passage of scripture, I learned that I have long carried misconceptions about "Jacob's ladder." My first surprising discovery was that all the commentaries I read suggested that Jacob's vision was not of a ladder as we know it today, but more of a "ramp" or "stair-like pavement."9 This "ramp" was to handle traffic between heaven and earth.10 Heavenly messengers could approach thereby those dwelling below.
Schuyler Rhodes
Once, not too long ago, a certain pastor was leaving the grocery store with some supplies for his family's evening meal. Outside in the parking lot he noticed a woman in her car trying to back out of a narrow spot. Pastor set his bag down on the pavement and got the woman's attention by waving and waving. He then proceeded with dramatic arm gestures and directions to assist the woman in backing her car out of the spot. Feeling quite smug and self--satisfied for his good deed he picked up his bag and strode over to the car where the woman had opened her window and was motioning to him.
James L. Killen, Jr.
Some things that happen in our world just ought not to happen. A mother decides that she does not want her newborn baby, so she wraps it in a blanket and leaves it beside a rural road. Fortunately, the baby is found by someone passing by before it dies but the ants have already begun to bite it. A community puts its trust in a man and elects him to public office. Then he uses his position to enrich himself by taking bribes and favoring the businesses of his friends. Famines occur in impoverished parts of the world.
Stephen M. Crotts
Do you remember when Timothy McVeigh, the man responsible for the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, was executed? As the time of his execution drew near, McVeigh gave a handwritten statement to the warden, intending it to take the place of any verbal comment. In that statement, McVeigh quoted a section of the poem "Invictus," which is Latin for "unconquered." That poem, by nineteenth--century British poet William Ernest Henley (1849--1903), reads, in part, "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (NCH423, PH276, UM140)
O Lord, Hear My Prayer (CBH348, Taize)
Lift High The Cross (NCH198, CBH321, UM159, PH371)
Crown Him With Many Crowns (CBH 116, UM327)
The Strife Is O'er (CBH263, UM306)
We Know That Christ Is Raised (UM610, PH495)
Take Up Your Cross (CBH536, PH393, UM415)
God's Eye Is On The Sparrow (NCH475)

Anthems
Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Cynthia Dobrinski, Agape, 3 to 5--octave handbells

Special Occasion

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