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Ash Wednesday - C

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Children's Activity

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Four rules -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
"Human holograms" -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Teachers or Parents: If your church practices the

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ages 8-10 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ages 5-7 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Excuses Versus Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day for remembering our sins, asking for forgiveness, and resolving to change.
Getting Right -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
I had a coworker tell me the other day about a problem she was having with her computer.
Love that hurts -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
The story is told of a young girl whose very best friend lived just down the street.
The practicality of penitence -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent, a season of penitence.
Love that hurts -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The story is told of a young girl whose very best friend lived just down the street. They
Called to a different life -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2001
The summer of 2000 was a devastating one for the western United States.
No pretensions -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1998
The common theme in the lessons for this day is an explication of what we might call "religion of th
A time to get personal -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1995
Ash Wednesday services are well-rooted in some traditions and absent in others though an increasing
Over the trash can -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Joel 2:1-2, 12-19 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Ashes may not be as familiar or as regular a part of daily life as when most people had wood or coal
Ashes -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Most of us are aware of ashes as a symbol of a repentant heart and spirit and have heard this theme

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Excuses Versus Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day for remembering our sins, asking for forgiveness, and resolving to change.
Getting Right -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
I had a coworker tell me the other day about a problem she was having with her computer.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ages 8-10 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ages 5-7 -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C

Children's sermon

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Be Quiet! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John Jamison -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Object: A phone with a camera, a candy bar, and all kinds of noisemakers.
SHHHhhhhh! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John Jamison -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogu
The Right Treasure Chest -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2019
Hello kids,Thank you for joining me for this message I have just for you.
Your Greatest Treasurer -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
The Point: Your greatest treasure is not laid up on earth but in heaven
What Is Lasting -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Anna Shirey -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2013
First Thoughts
Obstacles -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with
Four rules -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them;
Don't sound a trumpet -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Good evening, boys and girls. I brought an empty tube with me tonight.
What's a hypocrite? -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C
(Show the children the hologram picture.) When I look at
Human holograms -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C
When I look at this card, the picture looks real. It looks
An acceptable time -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought two special things with me tonight.
Put on ashes -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Good evening! This is Ash Wednesday. Does anybody know why
God's time -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C
Our service tonight began at (time). I came early because I

Free Access

Be Quiet! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John Jamison -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Object: A phone with a camera, a candy bar, and all kinds of noisemakers.

Drama

SermonStudio

Reward -- Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21 -- Pamela Urfer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
Cast: Two people, SARAH and SIMONLength:5 minutes

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2025) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Isaiah 58:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2022) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2019) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2019
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2016) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2013) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Martin Luther began his famed Ninety-Five Theses with this statement: "...
NULL -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Martin Luther King Jr. affirmed the majesty of God in a telling speech.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
There are 193 ambassadors from other countries to the United States.
NULL -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Bob Ove -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
When we think of Jesus as having no sin and yet being tempted in every way that we are, I think of P
NULL -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ron Love -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Jesus never spoke of equality with God.
NULL -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2012
Jesus is right. Our piety is full of hypocrisy.
Have you ever heard of... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Have you ever heard of a "three-hankie" movie? It's an old term, favored by Hollywood's
Rend your hearts and not... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
"Rend your hearts and not your garments," is Joel's challenge to God's people. Stop
The church played an important... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The church played an important role in Paula's formative years. She attended Sunday
Do you dread making wrong... -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Do you dread making wrong decisions? Do you worry that bad choices lead to poor
In the middle of the... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
In the middle of the twentieth century, mainland China became officially Communist,
I had been visiting Martha... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
I had been visiting Martha for a few months as she was making her final journey in life.
A hailstorm when crops are... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
A hailstorm when crops are growing can be very devastating in Iowa or anyplace where
Ash Wednesday is a good... -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Ash Wednesday is a good time to ponder this enormously important biblical word,
One day, Gandhi stepped aboard... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
One day, Gandhi stepped aboard a train as it started to move, and one of his shoes slipped
For years, the church received... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
For years, the church received a substantial anonymous donation. It arrived early in
No one would ever have... -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
No one would ever have guessed that Stan was a generous man, especially when it came

StoryShare

Giving Alms -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Jonathan picked up the phone on the second ring. “Hello?”

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Giving Alms -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Jonathan picked up the phone on the second ring. “Hello?”
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2025) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Isaiah 58:1-12

Prayer

SermonStudio

Piety as private, not public -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dennis Koch -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:Piety as private, not publicGospel Note:
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-12, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10), Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- B. David Hostetter -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day Ash Wednesday is a time for having a good cry.
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
The superscription to this psalm identifies its origins with David's prayer after the prophet Nathan
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Karl Barth once remarked that the greatest tragedy in human life would be to come to the end of our
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:12-19, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- George M. Bass -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Portion Of Thyself -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2021
At a graduation ceremony, the president of a Christian college stood at the podium and looked out ov
Living Through Hard Times -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Bonnie Bates -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2021
Sometimes it is hard for us to accept the hardships of this life.
Trumpet Medley -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- David Kalas -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Listen to the sound of the trumpet. What do you hear?
Show Me Your Credentials -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
When you apply for a job, offer service to a customer, or try to get a license ...
There's Still Time -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Nowadays the cost of a dinner and a movie keeps going up, and a vacation can be especially expensive
The Hard Sell -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Our blessed Lord presses the issue. Do you or do you not want to be my disciple?
Triumphing Over Obstacles -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Rabbi Moshe took a trip to a strange land. He took with him a donkey, a rooster, and a lamp.
Ashes And Bugs -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Ah, spring! The days are getting longer, and hopefully warmer.
Come Clean -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
There is an old story about a mother of eight who walked into her house after visiting with a neighb
Escape From The Island Of Spiritual Sloth -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
I was noodling around on the internet not long ago, doing some research on the "Seven Deadly Sins,"
The Ash Connection -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
There is always something we cannot stand about ourselves, something that is unacceptable, something
What Are They Saying About Us? -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Robert J. Elder -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2001
Why should it be said among the peoples, "Where is their God?"
With All Your Heart -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
The poignant words of the prophet Joel should have deep relevance and meaning for this Ash Wednesday
Living Horizontally -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John N. Brittain -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Mitchell (obviously not his real name) was a pillar of the church I served a quarter century ago and
"Lord, I'm Coming Home" -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Like a bridge under which much water has flowed with the passage of time, the words span generations
The Pitfalls Of Practicing Piety -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John M. Braaten -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1991
I have never liked the word "beware." It always seems to be written in intimidating block letters wh
Fasting In A Fast-food World -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Barbara Brokhoff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1991
If I told you that I have a sure-fire, effortless plan whereby you can lose 25 pounds, with no exerc
The Piety That Isn't -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Carl L. Jech -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1988
The well-known San Francisco newspaper columnist, Herb Caen, recently made a provocative observation
Rejoice! It's Lent -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-19 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1988
Rejoice! It's Lent. Sounds strange doesn't it? Joy and Lent just do not seem to go together.
Spirituality Made Simple? -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Durwood L. Buchheim -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1985
For many of us, the religious experiences of other Christians look much more attractive and exciting
Fasting: Foolish or Fraitful? -- Matthew 6:16-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1976
Today, fasting is a lost practice. Since Vatican II, Catholics do not require fasting.

Stories

StoryShare

Giving Alms -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Jonathan picked up the phone on the second ring. “Hello?”
Silent Witness -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
Luke watched Marion as she spoke her nonsense syllables and wondered what he was doing here.
Holy Self-Defense -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Keith Wagner -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2019
Contents “Holy Self-Defense” by Keith Wagner
Lincoln And Lent -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- John Fitzgerald -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
Contents "Lincoln and Lent" by John Fitzgerald
Sound The Alarm -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Sandra Herrmann, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2013
Contents"Sound the Alarm" by Sandra Herrmann
Ashes For Remembering -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- John S. Smylie, Frank R. Fisher, Ron Lavin -- Ash Wednesday - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Transforming Light" by John Smylie

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Giving Alms -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Jonathan picked up the phone on the second ring. “Hello?”
Silent Witness -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
Luke watched Marion as she spoke her nonsense syllables and wondered what he was doing here.

SermonStudio

The Truth, The Whole Truth, And Nothing But The Truth -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Several years ago there was a huge literary uproar over A Million Little Pieces (New York: An
The Right Thing For The Right Reason -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no
Deafening Decibels -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
My neighbor across the street stopped by one day to tell me he had petitioned the city council for a
Abounding In Steadfast Love -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Our son, Lloyd, died on May 4, 1997.
Mrs. Smedes' Prayer Chair -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
The Reverend Dr.
True Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
"Today we're going to talk about Lent," Tanya announced at the beginning of the adult class she had

Worship

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
A single song is being reflected through all the colorations of the human choir.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Theme: Lost And Found
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10Theme: Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21Theme: No Peeking
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Theme: A Call To RepentanceCall To Worship
Come With Your Heart -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Repent and turn to the Lord -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- James R. Wilson -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1991
Have mercy on me, O God,according to your steadfast love;
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:2 (3-10), Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Heth H. Corl -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1985
Theme:Return to the LordCall to WorshipPastor:
ASH WEDNESDAY -- Zechariah 7:4-10 -- Heth H. Corl -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Zechariah 7:4-10Theme: Righteousness is more important than ritual
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Ascension of the Lord
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Pentecost
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

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A pig stuffie.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For June 22, 2025:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian,  for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.  As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (vv. 25-28)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a
Life can be frightening sometimes. Thus it is both comforting but disconcerting to find a giant of faith like Elijah to fear the future. On that matter Martin Luther once claimed:
David Kalas
We’re not far from the 4th of July. And while for so many Americans, it seems that the holiday has become more about long weekends, cookouts, and fireworks shows, the theme of freedom is still there at least in the background. We might take advantage of that, therefore, and give some thought to the theme of freedom as it is revealed in our assigned texts for this week.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

The madman cried out to Jesus, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" In our worship today let us explore what Jesus has to do with us and invite him to heal our brokenness.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, we often find ourselves thinking, saying and doing things that we quickly regret.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
When Jill was five, she began to have headaches. The headaches were so severe she would throw up. Sometimes she would pass out. They usually came once a month. Jill could be playing, resting, or watching television when the headaches would come. Her only warning was a sudden pain in her head, then a blinding light would appear, and she would be rocked with pain. In her teenage years, they became debilitating, causing Jill to be in bed for three days at a time.
Stan Purdum
I'm not sure when the term "burn out" ceased being only a description of what happened to a campfire when you ran out of firewood to a term describing the experience of long-term exhaustion and diminished interest, usually coming immediately after an extended period of overwork, but the expression seems to fit that later situation, doesn't it? Exhaustion, deep weariness, all used up, nothing more to give, wiped out, burned out -- call it what we will, its symptoms are all too familiar to many of us.
April Yamasaki
In the classic movie, Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews plays a no-nonsense, yet delightful, nanny to two young children. As a nanny to a wealthy family, she is part teacher, part parent, and part disciplinarian. She gets the children up in the morning, puts them to bed at night, supervises their many adventures, and guides them in many ways. While they are in her care, she is responsible for their overall safety and well-being.

Julia Ross Strope
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces.
Religion faces the same problem.
Certain illusions about freedom plague them both.
-- Yann Martel, Life of Pi

Call To Worship
Leader: I'm so glad you're here! There are seats for everyone; there's slight air movement; the windows engender tranquility and imagination and words will stimulate fresh thoughts.

People: It's good to be here, in sanctuary. We're glad for opportunities to gather and to express our gratitude to God and our appreciation for one another.

Special Occasion

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