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1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Christmas: Dreams Realized -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2024
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
A Baby No More -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2021
Just yesterday, we celebrated the birth of Jesus as a baby.
Growing Up Holy -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
The theme for this Sunday is holiness (dedication of one’s life to God).
A tale of two boys -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
If we are familiar with both stories, the one inevitably reminds us of the other.
Lord of the strong reaction -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- David Kalas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The New Testament gives us only one peek into Jesus' childhood.
Wise child -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Often a child's perspective is uncannily wise because his/her logic is so direct. A woman
Lost to all but God -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
It was a few weeks before Christmas, about 10 years ago.
Growing in wisdom -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1997
In the second century, some Christians produced popular literature that told stories of Jesus as a y
Living in faith -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Luke 2:41-52 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
After Christmas, with its striking combination of trying human circumstances and glorious divine rev

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Losing Jesus -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2024
For December 29, 2024:
Happy Xmas -- Is War Over? / Merry Anxious Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- The Nativity of our Lord - C, First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2021
For December 24/25/26, 2021:
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
What We Do, Who We Are -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus slips away from his parents and their traveling party as they prep
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
You Are The Person Of The Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
The new year -- this is a good time for taking a few steps back seeking to discover our place in God

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christmas 1 -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for First Sunday after Christmas Day (2024) -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2024
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Sermon Illustrations for First Sunday after Christmas Day (2021) -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2021
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Sermon Illustrations for First Sunday after Christmas Day (2018) -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Sermon Illustrations for First Sunday after Christmas Day (2015) -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Ron Love, R. Robert Cueni, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Sermon Illustrations for First Sunday after Christmas Day (2012) -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
NULL -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The idea of giving things up for Jesus seems rather quaint; not very fashionable these days.
NULL -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Ron Love -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
The Moravian community of Herrnhut in Saxony was well established by the year 1727.
Dedicating our own lives to... -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Dedicating our own lives to God is one thing. Dedicating someone else's life is a different
In today's lectionary text, we... -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
In today's lectionary text, we skip from Jesus' birth to his twelfth year. Last Sunday, we
The Japanese are fond of... -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
The Japanese are fond of cultivating Bonsai trees: dwarf trees that stand no more than a
The boy Samuel served a... -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
The boy Samuel served a faithful apprenticeship at the shrine at Shiloh, without seeking
Every mother or grandmother who... -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Every mother or grandmother who sews probably can tell a story of sewing a garment for
There are many reasons... -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
There are many reasons why God shouldn't have called you. But don't worry.
The boy Samuel served... -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
The boy Samuel served a faithful apprenticeship at the shrine at Shiloh, without seeking perso
Part of the thrill... -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Part of the thrill of competing in team sports is the honor of wearing the uniform.
Every mother or grandmother... -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Every mother or grandmother who sews probably can tell a story of sewing a garment for a child

The Immediate Word

Losing Jesus -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2024
For December 29, 2024:
Happy Xmas -- Is War Over? / Merry Anxious Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- The Nativity of our Lord - C, First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2021
For December 24/25/26, 2021:
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
What We Do, Who We Are -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus slips away from his parents and their traveling party as they prep
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
You Are The Person Of The Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
The new year -- this is a good time for taking a few steps back seeking to discover our place in God

Prayer

SermonStudio

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 111, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- B. David Hostetter -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Losing Jesus -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2024
For December 29, 2024:
Happy Xmas -- Is War Over? / Merry Anxious Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- The Nativity of our Lord - C, First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2021
For December 24/25/26, 2021:
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
What We Do, Who We Are -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus slips away from his parents and their traveling party as they prep
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
You Are The Person Of The Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
The new year -- this is a good time for taking a few steps back seeking to discover our place in God

SermonStudio

First Sunday After Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
First Sunday after Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
There are times in the life of the world or of a nation when one individual changes the whole course
First Sunday After Christmas/Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeThe Savior is born into the human world and circumstances.
First Sunday After Christmas / Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (C)
First Sunday After Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-21, Luke 2:41-52 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
First Sunday After Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-21, Luke 2:41-52 -- George M. Bass -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Christmas 1 -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Losing Jesus -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2024
For December 29, 2024:
Happy Xmas -- Is War Over? / Merry Anxious Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- The Nativity of our Lord - C, First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2021
For December 24/25/26, 2021:
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
What We Do, Who We Are -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus slips away from his parents and their traveling party as they prep
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
You Are The Person Of The Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
The new year -- this is a good time for taking a few steps back seeking to discover our place in God

SermonStudio

Hidden Potential -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Derl G. Keefer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Home and Garden television produces a program titled Hidden Potential hosted by Brandie Malay
The Boy Grows Up -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Each of us faces the choice of who and what we will become.
The Making Of A Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Steven E. Albertin -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
How many times have your heard people say at this time of the year, "Christmas is about family.
The Promising Child -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
The Holy Gospel appointed for this First Sunday after Christmas was chosen to help us understand the
A Mother's Pride And Joy -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Ron Lavin -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1991
The story of Samuel is a drama of great intensity, great love, great change, great conflict and grea
Spiritual Growth -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- James H. Bailey -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1985
The giant steel doors swung shut and the doctor put his big key in the lock.

Free Access

The Making Of A Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Steven E. Albertin -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
How many times have your heard people say at this time of the year, "Christmas is about family.

The Village Shepherd

The Spirituality Of Children -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
Despite the concern for children in the Church, children don't feature very highly in the Bible.

Stories

StoryShare

Yielding to God -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Keith Wagner -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
Contents “The Challenges of Serving the Lord” by Keith Wagner
Sacrifices -- Luke 2:41-52, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Psalm 148 -- Keith Hewitt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
Hannah held the bundle in the palm of one hand and carefully opened the folds of coarse linen that c
Make Your Heart A Manger -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
A Story to Live ByMake Your Heart a Manger
The Song Still Sings -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sil Galvan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

Losing Jesus -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2024
For December 29, 2024:
Happy Xmas -- Is War Over? / Merry Anxious Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- The Nativity of our Lord - C, First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2021
For December 24/25/26, 2021:
A New Outfit for the New Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
For December 30, 2018:
What We Do, Who We Are -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2015
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus slips away from his parents and their traveling party as they prep
Old Clothes -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2012
You Are The Person Of The Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
The new year -- this is a good time for taking a few steps back seeking to discover our place in God

SermonStudio

Christmas 1 -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52, Psalm 148 -- Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
The wonderful cycle of the year,
First Sunday After Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26Theme: Roots
First Sunday After Christmas/The Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Theme: The Boy SamuelCall To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord, all peoples.
A Little Robe -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Dedication to the Lord -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- James R. Wilson -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 1997
Call To Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message is a role play. You can do this with only two children playing the parts of the two women, but if you have more children, you could have two more playing the parts of the children, another playing the part of the synagogue leader, and another playing the part of the country’s leader. You can also add any other roles you might want to add to make it interesting. Also, I have created places for your characters to speak, but you can add more of those to make it all more fun and memorable.

* * *

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For August 24, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
C. Knight Aldrich, a medical doctor and the first chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago (1955-1964), was a keen analyst of the motivations for our behaviors. He worked with the social services agencies of Chicago for a time, particularly spending hours with teenagers who had been arrested for shoplifting or other theft. Aldrich interviewed them to find out how they had come to this. He also talked with the parents, attempting to discover how they had handled the problem from the first time they knew about it.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Psalm 77:1-6

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“We have questions about your conduct as our pastor,” Carl announced as soon as Pastor John sat down at the hastily called board meeting. “We have received complaints about you from the congregation.”

“Complaints?” Pastor John frowned. “From whom and about what?”

“Mrs. Finnigan saw you coming out of what she politely described as ‘A Gentleman’s Club’ last Thursday night when she was driving downtown.” Bruce scowled. “Do you deny this?”

“Not at all,” Pastor John said. “I did have to go to that place on Thursday evening.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus was aware of people's deepest needs and what prompted their actions. In our worship today let us consider how we can discover people's deepest needs and the motives for their actions.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we see only the surface and condemn without real understanding.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are afraid to get sufficiently close to other people to see their inner needs.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Epiphany 4/Ordinary Time 4, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The old saying, "experience is the best teacher," could serve as a subtitle for this psalm. Written as a prayer for help in a time of distress or oppression, the psalm subtly hints at a recognition and awareness that only comes with time. There is a track record, so to speak, that the psalmist is aware of: God's record of dependability. Based on God's proven record of saving power and grace, the psalmist is able to pray for salvation, but at the same time celebrate the certainty of its arrival.
Lee Ann Dunlap
Carrie's1 high school guidance counselor noticed she had been acting out a bit in school recently. She had appeared depressed and had been having some authority issues over rules and such. The guidance counselor set Carrie up with a local pastor who had been volunteering a few hours each Friday after a teen suicide a few months before. Most of the other students who came to see the pastor just needed someone to listen to their usual teen issues and heartaches. But, shortly into their time together, Carrie began to open up about some real grown-up problems.
Kirk R. Webster
It's a typical Sunday morning at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. The people file in and sit down in plush pews. Their attention is drawn to the chancel where they see choir members calmly seated, robed in dark blue and white. The mahogany altar table is draped with a silk parament. Two bronze candleholders stand guard at the table edges.
R. Robert Cueni
As was his custom, Jesus went that Sabbath morning to the synagogue for worship. As he was preaching and teaching, he happened to glance toward the fringe of the crowd where he saw a very crippled woman. She was bent over and was unable to stand up straight. When he inquired, Jesus was told the woman had been that way for eighteen years.
John H. Will
Call to Worship
Indeed, this is a day of rest and gladness.
This is God's Sabbath, created for our reflection and renewal.
Let us then not profane it, but keep it holy.
We do this as we honor God and commit ourselves to the well--being of God's creation.
Each of us individually needs a personal rejuvenation of spirit.
Together we seek a strengthening of community, a community that continues to build itself in love.
So do we come as one people to worship God, our Maker and our Sustainer.

Special Occasion

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