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Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

What the Lord Requires -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2026
For February 1, 2026:
Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
For January 29, 2023:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was

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The Bee-Attitudes -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Object:  A jar of honey.
Pick the Last First -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
Jesus turns the theology of the day on it’s head by saying the people who you thought were left out
Worth Waiting For! -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
Can anyone tell me what all of these items have in common?
The Learning Curve -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Anna Shirey -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
First Thoughts Teaching On Y

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The Bee-Attitudes -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Object:  A jar of honey.
Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
For January 29, 2023:

Children's Activity

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Pure in heart -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Leah Thompson -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
A great reward -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
Children love to be rewarded when they do the right things. We probably all do.
Blessed are the persecuted -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
Teachers and Parents: A little-known fact about Christian
Jesus the teacher -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop
Children Of God -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
Teachers: This lesson offers you a chance to do role-playing. The session focuses on "Blessed are th
Turning the world upside-down -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
Materials:

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Fulfillment in Darkness -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- David Coffin -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
Long Term Change -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
An epiphany is a moment of clarity.
The Surprising Profile -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
We’ve all read job postings and help-wanted ads.
It's a dog's life -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Ron Love -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
Pope Francis was selected as Time magazine's "Person of the Year." Regarding his selection, N
Fools for Christ or just plain fools? -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Psalm 15 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2010
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley F
The ways of God -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1999
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The p
Christ crucified -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1996
Of simplicity and simpletons -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Psalm 15 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex.

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Fulfillment in Darkness -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- David Coffin -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.

Illustration

The Immediate Word

What the Lord Requires -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2026
For February 1, 2026:
Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
For January 29, 2023:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 4 | OT 4 (2023) -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Micah 6:1-8
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 4 | OT 4 (2020) -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
Micah 6:1-8
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 4 | Ot 4 (2017) -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
Micah 6:1-8

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Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Teresa stood reading the new sign outside of the church.

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Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 4 | OT 4 (2023) -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Micah 6:1-8
Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
For January 29, 2023:
Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Teresa stood reading the new sign outside of the church.

Worship

The Immediate Word

What the Lord Requires -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2026
For February 1, 2026:
Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
For January 29, 2023:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
A Tale Of Two Mountains -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
A key theme in this week’s lectionary texts is the contrast between what the world sees as streng
On Seeing God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2011
For the fourth Sunday after Epiphany, the lectionary assigns two very familiar scripture texts: the

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Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
For January 29, 2023:

SermonStudio

Epiphany 4 -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We are blessed when we hunger for justice
Epiphany 4/Ordinary Time 4 -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
HymnsWhat Does The Lord Require (UM441, CBH409, PH405)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

What the Lord Requires -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2026
For February 1, 2026:
Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
For January 29, 2023:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
A Tale Of Two Mountains -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
A key theme in this week’s lectionary texts is the contrast between what the world sees as streng
On Seeing God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2011
For the fourth Sunday after Epiphany, the lectionary assigns two very familiar scripture texts: the

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Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
For January 29, 2023:

SermonStudio

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.
What Were You Thinking? -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Tony S. Everett -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with h
Those Who Most Need A Blessing -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Can a child pass up a tasty marshmallow? A researcher who wanted to know set up an experiment.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

What the Lord Requires -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2026
For February 1, 2026:
Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
For January 29, 2023:
What Did He Say? -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
For February 2, 2020:
The Power To Pardon -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
In his final week in the White House, Barack Obama announced that he was
A Tale Of Two Mountains -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
A key theme in this week’s lectionary texts is the contrast between what the world sees as streng
On Seeing God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15 -- Roger Lovette, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2011
For the fourth Sunday after Epiphany, the lectionary assigns two very familiar scripture texts: the

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Beyond the Rule -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
For January 29, 2023:

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany / Fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Epiphany 4/Ordinary Time 4 -- Psalm 15 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2006
"There's Jackson, standing like a stone wall." Those words, spoken at the First Battle of Bull Run (
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
The important thing to remember about this text from Micah is that it represents a court case betwee

Stories

StoryShare

Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Teresa stood reading the new sign outside of the church.
Pup -- Matthew 5:1-12, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- David O. Bales -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
Contents “Pup” by David O. Bales
Worship And Service -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- John Fitzgerald -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2017
Contents "Worship and Service" by John Fitzgerald
The Man With The Power -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Keith Hewitt, John Fitzgerald -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2014
Contents "The Man with the Power" by Keith Hewitt
Child Sacrifice -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Sandra Herrmann, John Jamison -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2011
Contents "Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)

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Blessed Are You -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Teresa stood reading the new sign outside of the church.

SermonStudio

Real Religion -- Micah 6:1-8 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice,
A Comforting Dream -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Harold KlugMy healing vision from God came in a dream.
WWJD -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
"With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high?
An Open Letter To Congressional Delegation And The U.S. Secretary Of Agriculture -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Dear Sirs:

Drama

SermonStudio

The Foolishness Of God -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Be About It -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
Theme

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 4 / OT 4 -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice,
Epiphany 4 / OT 4 -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling blo
Epiphany 4 / OT 4 -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying.... -- Matthew 5:2
Epiphany 4 / OT 4 -- Psalm 15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Who may dwell on your holy hill? -- Psalm 15:1

Children's Liturgy and Story

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John and Jane -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A
Call to Worship:

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

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Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
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