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Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C

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Children's Activity

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Amazing faith -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Teachers or Parents: The faith of the Roman centurion is an

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Ages 5-7 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Response to the call -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- David Coffin -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
All three of this week’s texts address how a person of faith responds to a calling God has given him
The changing landscape -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
With Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, Israel experienced a changing
The Pastoral Heart -- 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1, Mark 3:20-35, Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
The God Who Saves -- Psalm 117, Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Sometimes I hear people talking as if God were some sort of tyrant who was forever either tempting u
Universalism Versus Exclusivism -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
The issue as to whether Yahweh was the God of Israel alone or the God of all the nations was always

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Ages 8-10 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Ages 5-7 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C

Children's sermon

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Key To Eternal Life -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus is the key to eternal life so put your faith in him
The Surprise Disciple -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Anna Shirey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
First Thoughts
Dear Galatians -- Galatians 1:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
How many of you have gotten a letter addressed just to you?
Amazing faith -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
This is a passport. If I were to travel to another country, I

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
How long will you go limping with two different opinions?
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 96 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Say among the nations, "The Lord is king!"-- Psalm 96:10a
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Or am I still trying to please people?
Proper 4 / Pentecost 2 / Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death.

Drama

SermonStudio

The Mystery -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1997
Theme Where does the faith for healing originate?Summary

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 4 | OT 9 (2016) -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 4 | OT 9 (2013) -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39
Obviously most Americans... -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
Obviously most Americans don't have Baal or one of the other gods of antiquity, but don't some make
The odds were... -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
The odds were against him. Four hundred and fifty to one!
Though the Seventh-Day Adventists... -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Ron Love -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
Though the Seventh-Day Adventists have a strong and uncompromising belief in Jesus, many consider th
Comedian Stephen Wright... -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
Comedian Stephen Wright once claimed to have found the original axe that George Washington used to c
Our text is all about... -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
Our text is all about the fleeting character of human approval, how it all pales compared to God's w
In recent times... -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
In recent times during our ailing economy there has been an advertisement from an investment firm, p
A centurion was a Roman... -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
A centurion was a Roman, a hated outsider, but some tried to be friends and get along with those he
Helen Keller was born... -- 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Helen Keller was born with the crushing handicaps of both blindness and deafness ‚--'' a helpl
Rules for Receiving Church Visitors... -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, 41-43 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Rules for Receiving Church Visitors:
One commentator on the prevailing... -- Luke 9:11-17 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
One commentator on the prevailing mood in the market place called the young people in business who a
Paul expresses his faith... -- 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Paul expresses his faith in the Lord Jesus.
A generation ago, various books... -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, 41-43 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
A generation ago, various books and ceremonies pertaining to weddings, referred to marriage as a con
Living in Florida where... -- 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Living in Florida where retirement and old age are more visible than in other parts of the cou
A cleric once bewailed the... -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
A cleric once bewailed the fact that his people preferred the back pews in the sanctuary, leaving se
Solomon dedicated the newly-built... -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, 41-43 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Solomon dedicated the newly-built Temple in Jerusalem by praying to the Lord.
I am a church... -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
I am a church person. I have been a church person all my life.
Few dramatic presentations of poetry... -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Few dramatic presentations of poetry or prose surpass James Weldon Johnson's enactment of God's crea
Being a member of a... -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, 41-43 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
Being a member of a traveling choir was a very educational experience.
In his book, I... -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
In his book, Whom Shall I Send?, Watchman Nee writes: “Humility is not looking less at
It's imperative for a person... -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
It's imperative for a person to develop good communication skills, if she desires to succeed in her
I was preaching on a... -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, 41-43 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C
I was preaching on a Sunday morning in one of my early pastorates.

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

Prayer

SermonStudio

The power of faith -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1994
Gospel Theme:The power of faithGospel Note:
Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 8:22-23, Psalm 100, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

SermonStudio

Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day True faith always finds itself in conflict with falsehood.
Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 96 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Psalm 96 is an enthronement psalm.
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Centurion's Servant -- Luke 7:1-10, Matthew 8:5-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1997
1. Text
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Faith Miracle -- Luke 7:1-10 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
After he had ended all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Galatians 1:1-10, Luke 7:1-10 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

SermonStudio

Mugwumpers -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
In certain streams of Christianity, it is common to speak of people being "born again." The phrase c
An Uncomplicated Gospel -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- April Yamasaki -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Dear John,
Amazing Faith -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Twice in Jesus' ministry, Jesus is flabbergasted.
What Outsiders Can Teach Us -- Luke 7:1-10 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Those of us ministers actively engaged in congregational worship don't get many opportunities to vis
The Dream -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- John Jamison -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
It was an October Monday morning.
Choosing To Believe -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Perhaps you recall recently when a burial box from the first century A.D.
Contemporary Prophets -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
On March 24, 1980, Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, was saying Mass at a cancer hospital op
Whom Christ Commended -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
A new soldier, having just completed jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, stood proudly at attentio
Too Peeved To Pray -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Paul did not pray! I know that it is difficult to believe, but Paul did not pray.
Make Up Your Mind! -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Robert Leslie Holmes -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Why hasn't Hollywood made this into a major motion picture epic?
We Are Witnesses -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Billy D. Strayhorn -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Have you ever been afraid? Of course you have; we all have.
Changing A Paradigm -- Or Two -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Glenn E. Ludwig -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1999
Paradigm is certainly a word that has received much usage these days, especially in management circl
Just Speak The Word -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Larry D. Powell -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
It is somewhere written down that many years ago a rider on horseback approached a group of soldiers

Stories

StoryShare

Too Good To Be True -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
Contents "Too Good To Be True" by Frank Ramirez
Following The Leader -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
Contents"Following the Leader" by Peter Andrew Smith

SermonStudio

Choosing A God -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
For sheer drama, there is little in fact or fiction that can surpass the stories of Elijah in 1 King
Ray Of Hope< -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
The FIDO Effect -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Timothy F. Merrill -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
In the fall of 1940, the Battle of Britain was coming to a close.
A Prayer For Help -- Psalm 5:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia C. Joyce -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
On May 3, 2002, I was engaged to narrate the historical Williamsburg tour.
The Centurion -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
A centurion was a Roman soldier in charge of 100 men; thus the name "centurion." These Roman soldier
''Only Speak The Word'' -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1994
Luke is fond of telling stories of faith.

Worship

The Immediate Word

On The Other Hand -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary reading from the Hebrew scriptures, a clearly frustrated Elijah pleads wit
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

SermonStudio

Proper 4 / Ordinary Time 9 / Pentecost 2 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10, Psalm 96 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2009
Atonement, [sometimes called at-one-ment] takes place where men and women, races, classes, and na
Proper 4/Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39Theme: The Right Way To Make Trouble
Proper 4/Ordinary Time 9 -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 1:1-12Theme: Untouched By Human Hands
Proper 4/Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 7:1-10Theme: Unmatched Faith
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Alone Is GoodCall To Worship
Limping Without Answer -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: White/GreenGospel: Luke 7:1-10
God knows no equal! -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
Proper 4 -- Psalm 100 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1991
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.Worship the Lord with gladness;
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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