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There were about a dozen...

Illustration
Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Acts 16:9-15
There were about a dozen people present for the quarterly deacons' meeting at the church. There didn't seem to be much to talk about, but one woman seemed to be waiting to speak, even so. Just as the chairman said, "Well, if there's no further business ..." she spoke up. "I think we should drop the children's time from the worship service," she said, her face grim. "It's a waste of time, and the rest of us can't hear what the pastor is saying to the kids. When there are kids. We could be putting that time to better use." She nodded firmly, to indicate that she had had her say.
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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For August 3, 2025:

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

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Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
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Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
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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.
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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.
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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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