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Several years ago, Garrison Keillor...

Illustration
Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Jeremiah 31:7-9
Several years ago, Garrison Keillor offered a modern radio rendition of the parable of the prodigal son on his show "The Prairie Home Companion." The youngest son got into the usual trouble with his inheritance and finally decided to return home. The delightful ending of the skit features a banquet to which everyone is invited: friends the youth made along the way during his escapades and even characters from other biblical parables! Everyone came home for the big supper. No one is left out, including an invitation to the crabby older brother.
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Object: The object of the lesson is a gesture you will teach the children.

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Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. (vv. 9-10)

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Call to Worship:

Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.

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Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
Christ, have mercy.

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For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.... Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
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How do you focus on something unseen? How can we set our minds on that which we can't touch, or taste, or verify scientifically? Most practical people want proof. Abstract propositions are difficult to get our arms around, especially if they are from another time and place.
Thomas A. Renquist
This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
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