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Charleston, South Carolina, might aptly...

Illustration
Ascension of the Lord - C
Revelation 21:10, 22-27
Charleston, South Carolina, might aptly be called "the city of churches." Whether walking down the shaded avenues in the historical section of town or sailing in the picturesque bay that leads into Charleston Harbor, one sees a multitude of steeples gracefully pointing skyward. They are like signatures on a painting. "Look up," they sing. "Behold the one who has created for you this graceful scene." Throughout the day bells peal, sending forth a jubilant sound over the city, another reminder of the heavenly. Many of the churches are quite old, going back two hundred years and more.
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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For August 3, 2025:

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Object: The object of the lesson is a gesture you will teach the children.

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Call to Worship:

Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.

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Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
Christ, have mercy.

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For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.... Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
-- Psalm 107:9, 43

Kirk R. Webster
How do you focus on something unseen? How can we set our minds on that which we can't touch, or taste, or verify scientifically? Most practical people want proof. Abstract propositions are difficult to get our arms around, especially if they are from another time and place.
Thomas A. Renquist
This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
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" 'It was I who taught Ephraim how to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them' (11:3). They did not know me. Do you?

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