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Good Friday - C

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Children's Activity

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What is truth? -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Leah Thompson -- Good Friday - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Jesus' hangout -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ages 8-10 -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ages 5-7 -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Beautiful Scandal -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
When Canadian missionaries Don and Carol Richardson entered the world of the Sawi people in Irian Ja
How the Cross Changes Everyday Life -- Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - C -- 2022
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
All the Signs -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22 -- David Kalas -- Good Friday - C -- 2019
From time to time, I’ll hear someone ask a speculative question that begins, “If a space alien showe
Trustworthy God -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- David Coffin -- Good Friday - C -- 2016
Why do the righteous suffer and the wicked often seem to prosper?
Reclaiming hope in sorrow -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
The names are burned into our recent memories: Columbine, Aurora, Newtown.
Why did Jesus have to die? -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Good Friday - C -- 2010
While Don Richardson was a student at Prairie Bible Institute in the 1950s his heart burned in antic
The people nearby -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22 -- David Kalas -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
You know the experience of showing photographs to someone who was not part of the
Scripture and history fulfilled -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - C -- 2001
Our new American president has been elected and has been in office now nearly the first 100 days.
Lamb of God -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - C -- 1998
The Manual on the Liturgy that accompanies the Lutheran Book of Worship warns us about
The Passion according to John -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - C -- 1995
Traditionally in most communities on this day an ecumenical service built around the seven last word
GOOD Friday? -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Good Friday - C
Anyone who read the story of Holy Week for the first time without understanding might wonder just ho
The Broken Heart -- Hosea 6:1-6, Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9, John 19:17-30 -- Good Friday - C
Much discussion has gone on in the church regarding God's attitude on Good Friday. Where was he?
Triumphant suffering -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42 -- Good Friday - C
On this day for remembering the death of Jesus, each of the lessons portrays nobility in suffering.

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Beautiful Scandal -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
When Canadian missionaries Don and Carol Richardson entered the world of the Sawi people in Irian Ja

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ages 8-10 -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ages 5-7 -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C

Children's sermon

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The End? -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John Jamison -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
Object: A box of Kleenex?* * *
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John Jamison -- Good Friday - C -- 2022
Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus.
The Day Jesus Died -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Good Friday - C -- 2019
“When Jesus had received the wine, he said,'it is finished,' then he bowed his head and
The Truth -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Good Friday - C -- 2016
The Point: the truth is that we all need a Savior
Who Has the Power? -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Anna Shirey -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
First Thoughts
Memory -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Leah Thompson -- Good Friday - C -- 2010
"I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." (v. 17)
What is truth? -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Leah Thompson -- Good Friday - C -- 2010
"Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king.
Provoking others -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not
Jesus' hangout -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the
Let's get together -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Good Friday - C
Hello, boys and girls. I brought a grocery bag because I want to talk about groceries with you.
The kingdom of love -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C
Hello, boys and girls. It's Good Friday today.
We can get in -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Good Friday - C
When I left my house today, I locked it up with this key.
The source -- Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 -- Good Friday - C
Today I want to teach you a new word. You might already know
God's math -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C
How many of you know some math? Let's see who here knows how
Completed, at last -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C
I brought this puzzle along with me to show you. This is a

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The End? -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John Jamison -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
Object: A box of Kleenex?* * *

Drama

SermonStudio

The Darkest Hour -- John 19:1-30 -- Pamela Urfer -- Good Friday - C -- 1994
Cast: NARRATOR (the only speaking part), JESUS, two SOLDIERS, PILATE, a PRIEST, three WOMEN, and a M

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2025) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2022) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Good Friday - C -- 2022
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2019) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas -- Good Friday - C -- 2019
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2016) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, R. Robert Cueni, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas -- Good Friday - C -- 2016
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2013) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
NULL -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Ron Love -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
The Revolutionary War was not going well for the Americans, as the British were continually defeatin
NULL -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
The lesson portrays the Servant who suffers for us, the Messiah on the cross, as undesirable in appe
NULL -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Bob Ove -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
God makes contracts with us, but he plants them in our hearts and minds.
NULL -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
Archaeologists in the Holy Land and in other scattered Jewish settlements throughout the Middle East
NULL -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Ron Love -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
During the French and Indian War, George Washington was accompanying General Edward Braddock on his
NULL -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
Again and again we become Peter, repeating his denials of Jesus with the way we live.
Isaiah 52:13--53:12br... -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C -- 2010
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Dorothee Soelle has remarked that... -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
Dorothee Soelle has remarked that "people can be dead for forty years even though they
Helen Keller is credited with... -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
Helen Keller is credited with these words: "So long as you can sweeten another's pain,
Jim Caviezel describes his part... -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
Jim Caviezel describes his part in the popular and controversial movie, The Passion
Some wonder where and when... -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
Some wonder where and when Jesus became aware of his mission as God's only Son.
The early nineteenth-century landscape... -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
The early nineteenth-century landscape painter, J. M. W. Turner, was totally devoted to
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Hugh... -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Hugh Latimer (1485-1555), wrote this about good deeds:
One day, the great German... -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
One day, the great German artist, Stenberg, was walking through the streets when he saw
We cannot escape the power... -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
We cannot escape the power of the cross on this special day. The old hymn has it right,
It can be hard for... -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
It can be hard for us, today, to wrap our minds around the theological idea known as "the

StoryShare

God's Will -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
I’m sorry but I have some bad news. John heard the words of the doctor again as he sat in t
Good Friday is Cancel Culture -- John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2022
Contents“Good Friday is Cancel Culture” by John Sumwalt

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God's Will -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
I’m sorry but I have some bad news. John heard the words of the doctor again as he sat in t
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2025) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
Isaiah 52:13--53:12

Prayer

SermonStudio

The Christ's self-sacrifice -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Dennis Koch -- Good Friday - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The Christ's self-sacrifice

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The Christ's self-sacrifice -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Dennis Koch -- Good Friday - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The Christ's self-sacrifice

Preaching

SermonStudio

Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Carlos Wilton -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Good Friday -- Psalm 22 -- Stan Purdum -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Jesus spoke the opening words of Psalm 22 from the cross (Matthew 27:46), making it an obvious choic
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
This is the fourth and final Servant Song in Second Isaiah, and because of its content, it has been
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 52:13--53:12 (C, RC, E)
Good Friday -- Luke 23:1-49 -- George M. Bass -- Good Friday - C -- 1991
1.

Sermon

SermonStudio

Faces At A Funeral -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Good Friday - C -- 2021
During the nineteenth century, all Oxford graduates were required to translate a portion of the Gree
We Build The Tomb -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Bonnie Bates -- Good Friday - C -- 2021
All my life I have struggled with the concept of calling this day of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion a
That's Why We Call It Good -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- David Kalas -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
At the end of the day, God saw that it was good.
A Bloody Sacrifice -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
It is a sad commentary on the state of our world that we are far too familiar with those who have sh
You Are Here -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
Maybe you've seen the drawing on a T-shirt or poster.
A Frightening Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
So much happening in so little time! We are left gasping for breath.
Sharing God's Love -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
There once was a king who ruled over a vast empire, but alas, he was rather old and thus decided tha
Priceless -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
The Island of Rodriguez in the Pacific Ocean, not that far from Zanzibar, has mainly managed to stay
Wounded Healers -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
I once watched a television show which scared the daylights out of me.
Pilate Pops The Question -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
In A Land Of Faithfulness -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Good Friday is about faithfulness that happens because of forgiveness.
Deformed, Disfigured, And Despised: A Marred But Magnificent Messiah -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
The prophet gives the report, but who will believe it? The servant will act wisely.
The Cross: A Symbol Of Absolutes -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John N. Brittain -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Pilate asked him, "What is truth?" (John 18:38).
Peeking Over The Fence -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Henry F. Woodruff -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
It wasn't quite a race, although there was a noisy, clamoring crowd, a definite course, and an endin
The King Who Came To Die -- John 19:l6b-22 -- John M. Braaten -- Good Friday - C -- 1991
"The King of the Jews." That was the title which Pilate nailed above the cross where Jesus hung.
The S & L That Didn't Fail! -- Isaiah 52:13-53:1-12 -- Barbara Brokhoff -- Good Friday - C -- 1991
A Peanuts cartoon strip shows Charlie Brown and Linus as they summarize their team's baseball season
It Is Finished -- John 19:17-30 -- Durwood L. Buchheim -- Good Friday - C -- 1985
Among some Christians a favorite question for speculation and discussion is the activity and whereab
How Was Jesus' Death Different? -- John 19:17-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Good Friday - C -- 1976
Death is a common experience of life. All who lived in the past died.

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Wounded Healers -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
I once watched a television show which scared the daylights out of me.
Pilate Pops The Question -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
I ran across a story recently of a pastor from South Africa who had just finished his first year of

Stories

StoryShare

God's Will -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
I’m sorry but I have some bad news. John heard the words of the doctor again as he sat in t
Good Friday is Cancel Culture -- John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2022
Contents“Good Friday is Cancel Culture” by John Sumwalt
Reflections of Grief -- John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Psalm 22 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Good Friday - C -- 2019
Contents "Reflections of Grief" by Keith Hewitt
Forsaken But Not Forgotten -- Psalm 22 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Good Friday - C -- 2016
Contents "Forsaken but not Forgotten" by Peter Andrew Smith
Never Finished -- John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, Psalm 22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2013
Contents"World Saver" by Keith Hewitt "Maybe" by Sandra Herrmann
The Clearing -- John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, Psalm 22 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez, Larry Winebrenner -- Good Friday - C -- 2010
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Clearing" by Keith Hewitt
Betrayal In The Third Grade -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, John E. Sumwalt, C. David Mckirachan, Fanny Lee Seville, Scott Dalgarno, David E. Leininger -- Good Friday - C
Passion/Palm SundayIsaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11

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God's Will -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Good Friday - C -- 2025
I’m sorry but I have some bad news. John heard the words of the doctor again as he sat in t
Reflections of Grief / Bearing Our Infirmities / Abandoned? -- John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Psalm 22 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Good Friday - C -- 2019
Contents "Reflections of Grief" by Keith Hewitt

SermonStudio

The Judas Gene -- John 18:1--19:42 -- David E. Leininger -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
Why did Judas do it? Was it the money, the thirty pieces of silver?
The Ragman -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, stru
Famous Last Words -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
You'd think that when famous people die, they ought to leave us some final word, a last word, if you
Is It Possible To Forgive After Murder? -- Luke 23:32-49 -- John E. Sumwalt, Aba Gayle -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
The first time I walked into the visiting room for death row inmates at San Quentin State Prison was
A Prayer For Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Constance Berg -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Our Father:We listen to the crossUpon which your Son did die for us.

Worship

SermonStudio

Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25, Psalm 22 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
Consider opening the sanctuary from noon until 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:13--53:12Theme: Vindication. Trust Me.
Good Friday -- Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9Theme: Approach ...
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 18:1--19:42Theme: You Are Here
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Theme: The Suffering ServantCall To Worship
All Have Strayed -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/Black; White in some culturesGospel: John 18:1--19:42
The suffering servant -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- James R. Wilson -- Good Friday - C -- 1997
Maundy ThursdayCall To Worship
Good Friday -- Psalm 22:1-18 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Good Friday - C -- 1991
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
GOOD FRIDAY -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42 -- Heth H. Corl -- Good Friday - C -- 1976
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:13--53:12Theme: The Suffering ServantCall to Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 8 | OT 13 | Pentecost 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 9 | OT 14 | Pentecost 4
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For July 6, 2025:

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John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity for the children.

Note: You will need an older volunteer to help with this activity. One option would be to find a teenager with some physical ability. If a teen is not available, an adult could be used instead. For simplicity here, I will refer to my older volunteer as “TOM”. You will also need to select three of your younger children to serve as volunteers in the story.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
2 Kings 5:1-14
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30
Naaman seeks healing. He travels hoping healing will come to him when he visits the king of Israel. Yet, healing does not come in that way. Rather healing comes through Elishah. Healing comes from believing and being cleansed in the River Jordan. Healing comes through Naaman’s faithfulness and through God’s grace. Psalm 30 also reminds us to seek healing; to seek God and God will heal and restore us. Do we believe that? Do we believe that God can bring healing?

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ (vv. 10-11)

When I visit your church for the first time, consider the possibility that I might be looking for a church home. I am a good-looking old guy, but I have gray hair and I dress down in the summer, so don’t be put off by my cargo shorts and tank top. Talk to me!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Damien and Ora grinned at each other in excitement. The time had come - at last! They'd been with the Leader for months and months, waiting for this moment. Not that it had felt much like training. They'd simply lived with the Leader, listening to his stories, hearing about the Kingdom, learning to get along really well with all the other people at Mission Headquarters. Now all seventy of them were ready, the spaceship had docked, and the Mission was about to begin. Ora was glad she'd been paired up with Damien again.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B, and Easter 3, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

Anyone who has ever had the experience of losing a friend because of some conflict or dispute, and then has had the friendship restored because of love and forgiveness, has a unique insight into the meaning of this psalm. Although the poem begins and ends with praise, there is in the middle of the poem a brief moment of confession and contrition that puts the praise portions of the psalm in an entirely different light.

April Yamasaki
A word of encouragement came from an unlikely source the other day in a television interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The former football player, wrestler, and now actor was asked about a low time in his life when he was very discouraged about his career and future.

"How did you make your way back from that?" he was asked.

The Rock replied, "You have to put yourself out there. You have to get out there and fail, and learn from your failures."

Larry D. Powell
In the summer of 1983, I participated in a ministerial exchange program sponsored by my denomination. My assignment was to a circuit of churches on the Isle of Man, a tiny island located in the Irish Sea. The months preceding the exchange included considerable correspondence with the minister on the island with whom I would exchange pastoral duties for six weeks.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time. He strolled by a park. There he purchased a hot dog and a soft drink. As he walked through the park two different "street people" approached him one by one. Each asked, "Can you help me? I am hungry." Each time the businessman looked straight ahead and kept walking. After finishing his lunch, he stopped and bought a chocolate eclair for dessert. As he was about to take the first bite, he was forced to jump out of the way as a young boy raced by on his skateboard. The eclair went flying and landed on the ground.

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