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Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B

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Children's sermon

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Bread From Heaven! -- John 6:51-58 -- John Jamison -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
Eating Is Believing -- John 6:51-58 -- John Jamison -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
Eternal Life in Jesus -- John 6:51-58 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The Point:  Jesus knows and is the way to eternal life.
Feasting on Wisdom -- John 6:51-58 -- Anna Shirey -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
First Thoughts: We're going to examine this passage from John through the lens of the other l
A joyful noise -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Do you feel like making music this morning? I do! I would like to read to you a Psalm.
He is here! -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Jesus said that he is the "living bread." He told those people long ago, "I am the living bread th

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.

Children's Activity

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Want to live forever? -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Teachers or Parents: Jesus tells us that he is the bread of
He is here! -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Teachers or Parents: When Jesus speaks of being "living bread," it is a problem for children who m
Making melody -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Teachers or Parents: Music is a theme in this lesson. Help your children make rhythm shakers.
A special meal -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME Materials:

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:51-58 -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:51-58 -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:51-58 -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 6:51-58 -- John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Intimacy With Our Lord and What It Does To You -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sober counsel -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- David Kalas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
Note: This installment was originally published in 2006.
Christ Fills Us Up -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
This Sunday’s lessons in taking their bearings from the Gospel’s report of Jesus identifying with th
Wisdom and folly -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
Are we to be fools for Christ, or wise as serpents (and innocent as doves)?
Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Ibn Saud was the first modern king of Saudi Arabia.
Wise up! -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2000
We live in an era of an explosion of knowledge.
A word to the wise -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1997
As we have noted before, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings were probably originally one
A new chapter opens -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1994
The first portion of the Old Testament lesson closes one chapter in the history of Israel while the
Reality -- 2 Samuel 18:24-33, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1991
What is reality? Is it material and physical so it may be tested by our senses?
The Blood -- Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
One of the interesting things about blood, as it is presented in the New Testament, is the fact that

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2024) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2021) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2018) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2015) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2012) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4

StoryShare

The Value of Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I should giv
Bread From Heaven -- John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
Contents“Bread From Heaven” by John Sumwalt

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme

Worship

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.

SermonStudio

To You, O God, I Come -- Psalm 111 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1. To you, O God, I come in great thanksgiving.
Theme: The One Wish -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Proverbs 9:9-10)
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship. Based on Psalm 111. Leader:
Proper 15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 146)All: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Seek Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The way to become wise is to honor the Lord;
An Understanding Mind -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.

SermonStudio

The Meal that Stays with You -- John 6:51-58 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2011
Gene Roddenberry is widely remembered as the creator of Star Trek, one of the most successful
Be Careful How You Live -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opport
Wise Leadership -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
Solomon asks for the right thing: He asks for wisdom.
When The Baker Becomes The Bread! -- John 6:51-58 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world ...
Make The Most Of God's Gifts -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
John Harding had it all; his credentials were impeccable. He had a wonderful family.
A Hearing Heart -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
A Hearing Heart

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.

SermonStudio

Proper 15 / Pentecost 12 / Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day More about the bread that brings life, wisdom, and unity.
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Psalm 111 -- James Evans -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2006
(See Epiphany 4/Ordinary Time 4, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58
Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
1. Text
Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Eat to live or live to eat? We can eat to our salvation or damnation.

Free Access

Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Eat to live or live to eat? We can eat to our salvation or damnation.

Stories

StoryShare

The Value of Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I should giv
Bread From Heaven -- John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
Contents“Bread From Heaven” by John Sumwalt
Living Bread -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Keith Wagner, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Contents “Living Bread” by Keith Wagner
Artos -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
Contents "Artos" by Keith Hewitt "Choices" by Peter Andrew Smith
The Bread Truck -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Contents "The Bread Truck" by Keith Hewitt
My Stone Soup -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "My Stone Soup" by Frank Ramirez

SermonStudio

When Words Are Not Enough -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
Once upon a time, a farmer who was a deacon in his country church was summoned to serve on a federal
Carpe Kairos -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Carpe Kairos
The Invitation To Join -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Pao felt disconnected. Like he didn't belong. Like he didn't have a purpose.
The Fear Of The Lord -- Psalm 34:9-14, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
There was no warning.

Drama

SermonStudio

Son Shine Inn -- John 6:53-59 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
ThemeBecome a part of the body of Christ. Still a difficult statement.

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 15 -- John 6:51-58 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1990
Lord, you just don’t make it easywhen you say to follow you,

Prayer

SermonStudio

The living bread from above -- John 6:51-58 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: This passage continues the "I am the bread" sayings of the

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Proper 15 -- John 6:51-58 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
John 6:51-58

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Roly Poly Prickle Faces The Music -- John 6:51-58 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Roly Poly Prickle was in something of a mess.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Believing In You Isn't Easy, Amazing God... -- John 6:51-58 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

The Ladder -- John 6:51-58 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus is the living bread, and those who eat this bread will live
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For April 19, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
When Jesus broke bread in a house in Emmaus, the eyes of his companions were opened, and they recognized him. Let us try to recognise Jesus in our worship today.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm unable to see you or to discern your presence.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I refuse to wait around long enough for you show yourself to me.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I find it easier to ignore you than to seek for you.
Lord, have mercy.

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Speak the Truth in Love" by John Smylie
"Recognizing the Christ" by Sandra Herrmann


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Lee Griess
It is perhaps one of the most compelling narratives in all of the scriptures. So fascinating is this scene, in fact, that the gospel writer Luke includes it in detail near the end of his gospel writing. It is a story known well and beloved in the church -- the story of two disciples walking down a dusty road to the village of Emmaus, the evening of that first Easter day.
Richard L. Sheffield
"People die. Don't ya know." That's what Cleopas and his friend said to Jesus on Easter afternoon on their way home. People die!

Don't believe it? Don't want to believe it? Read about it in The Lima News. And not just in the obits. This is my copy of The Lima News from Good Friday, the day we remember that Jesus died.

Page 1: Cult Died in Shifts

Page 2: A headline so gruesome, let's just say, "Wife kills husband."

Page 3: A list of the dead from page 1, by age, sex, and the state where they got their driver's license.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Is the life you lead one for which you want to be remembered? That very challenging and thought-provoking question certainly came to the mind of the famous Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel one day. In the common everyday exercise of reading the morning paper, Nobel discovered the challenge of God and the need for conversion before his very eyes.
Mark Ellingsen
"What happens to you when you die, Dad?" "Of course, son, if you believe in God, you go up to heaven where you will be with God and the angels."
Harry N. Huxhold
A rather insightful novel about the problem of Christian missions to Africa is Barbara Kingsolver's story The Poisonwood Bible. Kingsolver weaves her story around Nathan Price, a fundamentalist, legalistic preacher who takes his wife and four daughters to serve in the heart of the Belgian Congo. While they are there, in l960 Patrice Lumumba emerges as the leader of his people when Belgium grants the Congolese their independence. Soon after, Mobuto comes to power. Nathan Price decides to remain and serve with his family even when the resources of his sponsors are cut off.
Bill Mosley
There's an old Uncle Remus story about Br'er Rabbit. Br'er Fox catches Br'er Rabbit and is fixin' to cook him for supper. Rabbit kinda giggles behind his hand. Fox grabs him by the ear, and says, "Why you laughin'?"

Rabbit says, "Jus' thinkin' 'bout my Laughin' Place." Fox says, "What Laughin' Place?" Rabbit says, "Oh, I cain't tell you about it. I got to show you!"
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God may call.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering Litany
Begin instrumental music for the Hymn of Praise when the spoken litany begins. A solo flute would be excellent.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice that you have been raised from the dead.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice in the gift of your Holy Spirit.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice in your promise of baptism.
P: Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
C: we rejoice that we are born anew eternally.

Hymn Of Praise

Emphasis Preaching Journal

William H. Shepherd
My friend was overwhelmed by his first church convention. "It's all so big," he wrote in his report. "There is so much going on. I wish I had a manual to instruct me on what to do, where to go, and how to vote."

Someone responded to his report with a letter to an editor. "How sad," said the letter, "that a leader of our church would not know that we Christians already have a manual on how to live the Christian life. It's called the Bible."
The best way to learn about modern culture is to have a teenager; you learn quickly what is valued highly. One of those things that a teenager can teach you is the extreme value of being cool. Now "cool" means different things in different contexts. In general, it means desirable. In talking about clothes, it means fashionable. For 14-year-old boys talking about girls, cool means attractive. But at its root, cool means ... the opposite of hot. It means the opposite of passion. It means looking like nothing will get you stirred up. Like nothing bothers you. Like nothing can affect you.

CSSPlus

Good morning! I have here a newspaper article about a kidnapping. It seems that ... (tell them about the story in the clipping). Now when somebody is kidnapped, the usual reason for kidnapping them is money. The kidnappers want somebody to pay them money to release the prisoner. Does anybody know what we call the money paid to get someone released from the kidnappers? (Let them answer.) It's called a "ransom." A ransom is paid in order to get someone released by the bad guys.
Good morning! Did you know that after Jesus was raised from the dead, he went around showing himself to some of his followers? Some of the disciples saw him and recognized him right away. One of the disciples, Thomas, recognized him but he didn't believe that it was really Jesus. He wanted proof before he would believe.
After the resurrection of Jesus -- but before it was known -- two of his followers were walking along a road. They were sad about the crucifixion and mourning that their friend was gone. Jesus joined them on the road, but they did not recognize him. He challenged their lack of belief in the resurrection. Didn't the prophecies say that the Messiah would be brought back from the dead? Why, then, didn't they believe them? Jesus tells them that they are slow to believe.

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