Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A

For August 23, 2026:

• Genuine Faith by Tom Willadsen based on Matthew 16:13-20.
• Second Thoughts: Hey, Candidate — Who Are You? by Mary Austin based on Matthew 16:13-20.
• Sermon illustrations by Dean Feldmeyer and Chris Keating.
• Worship resources by George Reed.

One day, James Butler missed his stop. It was very unusual, for James Butler was a person of habit who always kept strictly to the same timetable. So much so, that the milkman, the postman and the paperboy all set their time by him. "There he goes," they'd mutter as they watched him stride towards the station, "we must be on time today."

Contents
What's Up This Week
"It was a Long Time Ago" by David O. Bales
"The Snare is Broken" by John Sumwalt
"A Rose and a Scarf" by Craig Kelly


What's Up This Week

Contents
"Gilly, a Diligent Leader" by John Sumwalt
"A Conspiracy of Women" by Sandra Herrmann
"Showing Our Belief" by Peter Andrew Smith


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Gilly, a Diligent Leader
by John Sumwalt
Romans 12:1-8

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Contents
"Growing Up Adams" by Frank Ramirez
"More Than That" by Peter Andrew Smith


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Growing Up Adams
by Frank Ramirez
Romans 12:1-8

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect.
-- Romans 12:2

(See Proper 21/Pentecost 19/Ordinary Time 26, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)

"Kids," as old-time television host, Art Linkletter, used to observe, "say the darndest things." That's what one mother found out, when her son turned to her one morning at the breakfast table and asked, "Mom, is it true that God's not only up in heaven, but also here with us on earth?"

"Why, yes," replied his mom.

"Then, is it also true that God is right here in this town?"

"It certainly is," replied Mom (beginning to get his drift).

BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)

The year I knew Jack, one of the cattle he had raised was awarded the title "State Champion Steer." The big brown-eyed animal, nonchalantly chewing straw, unaware of his celebrity status, was adorned with a blue ribbon, purchased by the highest bidder, slaughtered, sliced up into steaks and roasts, and ground up into burgers.

Appearances can be deceiving. John Wayne, for instance, acted the part of a genuine cowboy in dozens of motion pictures and fired make-believe rifles and revolvers hundreds of times. Even his last starring role in The Shootist had him portray an aging western gunslinger. Yet, here is what Wayne had to say about his skills with a firearm: "I couldn't hit a wall with a six-gun, but I can twirl one. It looks good!"

It is said that Winston Churchill never liked talking to subordinates. He always wanted to go to the top because he figured that was the only way he could get any action. So, as the story goes, when Churchill went to heaven, he met St. Peter at the gate and said, "Who are you?" When Peter said, "I'm St. Peter," Churchill said, "To hell with you, get God!"

Introduction

I should confess that I do not begin with a prejudice in favor of nonconformists. Some people do, of course. Some people, I think, have protest hardwired into their souls, and so they applaud almost any personal stand against whatever the prevailing mores happen to be. But by temperament I am not of the camp.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose would by any other name smell as sweet." Shakespeare's Juliet bemoans Romeo's family name of Montague and begs him to cast it off, but all who have seen the play know that is not so easily done. Names have power, both the names we are given and the names that we choose. Each of our lessons today touches on the power of names and naming in our lives of faith. Are there names we need to cast off? Are there names we need to claim? Today's readings offer much to ponder.

Exodus 1:8--2:10

Good morning, boys and girls. Have you ever thought about how blessed you are to be able to speak words? (let them answer) You don't whistle or grunt, you don't bark or meow, instead you say words and other people understand you. Our language is called English, and it is made up of thousands of words. With those words you can ask questions, tell a story, get directions, praise God, and many other things.

Good morning, boys and girls. Isn't it wonderful how God made us different? He gave us so many gifts that we can use to build his church and bring peace to the world. All of us have gifts. What are some of your gifts? (let them answer) Those are all wonderful. The one gift I really like to share is encouragement.