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2 Corinthians 6:1-13

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Fear and Faith -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 1 Samuel 17:57--18:5, 10-16, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
For June 23, 2024:
Underdog? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
For June 20, 2021:
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
A Non-Anxious Presence -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2015
This week’s primary Old Testament and gospel passages each provide vivid illustrations of how many o
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st

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On not being an obstacle -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever heard of the word "obstacle"?
Open your hearts -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning! I want you to play a little game with me this
Now! -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning! I have (three) clocks here and they all say something different.
God is our partner -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. (Hold up the one roller skate and ask the question.) What's missing?
Read the signs -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours.

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Getting the Job Done -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- David Coffin -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
An older person walks across the stage of a smaller state university to receive a hard-earned advanc
Not Who I Thought It Was -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 1 Samuel 15:7--18:5, 10-16, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 9:9-20, Psalm 133 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
Appearances are deceiving.
We Can Change the World -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Our three readings for this week hang together very well.
The work of faith -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2015
Two beloved stories are paired for our lection this Sunday.
Battles and storms -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- David A. Davis -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
It was a scene from vacation Bible school that I will never forget.
Fear and faith -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2000
Fear is everywhere in our society. We fear for our safety both in our homes and on the highways.
How to muzzle life's storms -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1997
The books of Samuel may well be made up of several accounts that are woven together, sometimes witho
Intergenerational traveling -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1994
Unfortunately my mother's father died several years before I was born.
Looking for heroes -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
The year was 1934. Times were difficult around the world.

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We Can Change the World -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Our three readings for this week hang together very well.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12, Cycle B (2024) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 9:9-20, Psalm 133 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12, Cycle B (2021) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 9:9-20, Psalm 133 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4, 11, 19-23) 32-49
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12, Cycle B (2018) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12, Cycle B (2015) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2015
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12, Cycle B (2012) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49
Christians have been made people who go against the grain... -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
Christians have been made people who go against the grain. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Immediate Word

Fear and Faith -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 1 Samuel 17:57--18:5, 10-16, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
For June 23, 2024:
Underdog? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
For June 20, 2021:
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
A Non-Anxious Presence -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2015
This week’s primary Old Testament and gospel passages each provide vivid illustrations of how many o

Worship

The Immediate Word

Fear and Faith -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 1 Samuel 17:57--18:5, 10-16, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
For June 23, 2024:
Underdog? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
For June 20, 2021:
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
A Non-Anxious Presence -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2015
This week’s primary Old Testament and gospel passages each provide vivid illustrations of how many o
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st

SermonStudio

Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 15:7--18:5, 10-16, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
The Lion's Paw -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Who is your Goliath?
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let all who are weary from their labors gather now for worship!

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Fear and Faith -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 1 Samuel 17:57--18:5, 10-16, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
For June 23, 2024:
Underdog? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
For June 20, 2021:
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
A Non-Anxious Presence -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2015
This week’s primary Old Testament and gospel passages each provide vivid illustrations of how many o
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st
It Is Evening... -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan, Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
When the first storm of the 2006 hurricane season posed a threat to Florida last week, many media st

SermonStudio

A Plea From The Heart -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
After Paul's lofty rhetoric on reconciliation that closes out chapter 5, he now returns to his strug
The Acceptable Time -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
When Paul arrived at the city of Corinth, Greece, the middle of the first century A.D., he knew he h
Grace In The Midst Of The Crush Of Time -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
In the year 2000 Forbes Magazine featured a special edition on a single topic that it called "the bi

The Village Shepherd

Open Wide Your Hearts -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
There was a story in our local paper recently about a local television newsreader who had visite

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Fear and Faith -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 1 Samuel 17:57--18:5, 10-16, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Thomas Willadsen, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Katy Stenta -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
For June 23, 2024:
Underdog? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
For June 20, 2021:
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
A Non-Anxious Presence -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Robin Lostetter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2015
This week’s primary Old Testament and gospel passages each provide vivid illustrations of how many o
Running Quickly Into Battle… With Five Smooth Stones? -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
This week the lectionary passage from the Old Testament features one of the Bible's most enduring st

SermonStudio

Proper 7 / Pentecost 4 / Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Pay attention: God's ways are marvelous.
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49 or 1 Samuel 17:57--18:5, 10-16
Proper 7 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49 (C)
Knowing God's presence and power in the midst of the storms of life -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Knowing God's presence and power in the midst of the storms of life.
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1993
Two armies were facing each other in the Elah Valley. The

Stories

StoryShare

A David and Goliath Story -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
Contents “A David and Goliath Story” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Real Man Of La Mancha -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Job 38:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Contents “The Real Man Of La Mancha” by Frank Ramirez
Sit Down And Shut Up -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2015
Contents "Sit Down and Shut Up" by C. David McKirachan
Just A Kid -- Mark 4:35-41, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Psalm 9:9-20 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2012
Contents "Just a Kid" by C. David McKirachan
One Frightened Puppy -- Mark 4:35-41, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Sandra Herrmann, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "One Frightened Puppy" by Sandra Herrmann
Passing Over To The Other Side -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- C. David Mckirachan, Cynthia E. Cowen, Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Miracle"

SermonStudio

Just Let Go -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bonny J. Bailey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 9:9-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49

Drama

SermonStudio

Raging -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
(This stand-alone monologue should be done as simply as possible, one on one with God)
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Christopher Keating
For July 5, 2026:

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Keith Wagner
Contents
"Jesus And Religious Know-It-Alls" by David O. Bales
"Pauls’ Innards" by David O. Bales
"A Little Bit of Heaven" by Keith Wagner
"A Glimpse of Hope" by Keith Wagner

Jesus And Religious Know-It-Alls
by David O. Bales
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Frank Ramirez
Scott Dalgarno
There are many facets to the life we have in Christ, but one of the most important is joy. Joy is intrinsically connected with the Christian experience. However, many of us miss out on it. We may have the reverence part, the seeking-after-justice part, or even the devotion part, but many of us miss out on joy. Frank Ramirez explores the notion of play in worship and the joy it can bring with it in "Holy Games." Scott Dalgarno illustrates the joy we can experience knowing we're following the path and vocation God has set out for us in, "What Can Brown Do for You?"

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Arley K. Fadness
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (v. 28)

Good morning girls and boys,

Do you ever get tired? So tired that you just want to lay down and take a nap? (children share) A lot of things in life can wear us out -- like too many chores, too much playing sports, too much homework, going on a long, boring trip? Sometimes people even get tired in church.

People get tired physically. People also get tired spiritually. Here's why:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
“Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” This week, we have the story of Abraham’s servant going “back home” to find a wife for his boss’ son juxtaposed with Jesus’ words about the criticism he and John the Baptist got for living in two diametrically opposed lifestyles. Jesus is, in effect, saying: “What do you expect? You went out to the wilderness to see John, who preached fear and the punishment sinners deserve, and wound up calling him a madman. You come to see me, and then criticize me for ministering to the outcasts, for eating and drinking like any normal person.
William H. Shepherd
One of the central concepts of the Bible is the "covenant." A covenant is a contract-plus. Like a contract, a covenant is an agreement between two parties to behave in a certain way: I'll do this, and you will do that. Unlike a contract, however, the two parties are not necessarily equals; a king, for example, could enter into a covenant with his people, while in no way ceding power to the people. Further, you can't just walk away from a covenant. A contract, sure -- just pay the penalties for breaking the agreement and you're off the hook.

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:
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." In our worship today let us consider our own burdens and leave then behind at the feet of Jesus.


Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my problems.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I cling onto my difficulties.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, help me to let go of all my burdens.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

SermonStudio

Elizabeth Achtemeier
God has promised Abraham that he will be the forebear of many descendants. To begin to fulfill that promise, God has granted the aged Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac. That is the context of this story that must never be forgotten.
Carlos Wilton
(See Proper 17/Pentecost 15/Ordinary Time 22, Cycle B, for an alternative approach, emphasizing vv. 1-2 and 6-9.)
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Genesis 24:34--38, 42--49, 58--67 (C)
In his old age, Abraham sends his trusted servant back from the land of his origin to secure a wife for his son, Isaac, from his own people. He discovers Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel, who was Abraham's brother. When Isaac lays eyes on her, he is immediately smitten with love. The story assumes that all these events are due to divine design.

Lesson 1: Zechariah 9:9--10 (RC); Zechariah 9:9--12 (E, L)
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus was teaching about the kind of authority he has. We need authority in our context, because to Jesus' mind we are a very confused, wayward generation. There was nothing to compare the people of his time to, nothing to compare us to.1 They and we are wayward, hardened, confused people. Inappropriate behavior seemed to be the order of the day in Jesus' view. The people of Israel were like children who were playing, but could get none of the other children to celebrate, even when they played music.
Stan Purdum
The popular notion in our society is that the best way to choose a marriage partner is to wait until we "fall in love" with someone. By that, we usually mean that we wait for some kind of feeling, some emotional response to a person of the opposite sex that convinces us that we can never be truly happy again unless we can spend the future with that person. And often the feeling we experience is one of ecstatic joy and excitement.
Kristin Borsgard Wee
Early one morning several years ago, I was having coffee with a friend in her kitchen. Her youngest daughter came into the kitchen, dragging her favorite ragged blanket behind her. She looked at her mother with her big eyes and said, "Mommy, why did you marry daddy?" (I was surprised at such a serious question first thing in the morning!) My friend said, "Because I love him." The child's face broke into a smile, and she looked fondly at her blanket. "I love my blanket," she said. Her mother pulled her up into her lap, hugged her, and said, "I know you love your blanket.
William G. Carter
In a certain church, a woman was leading the congregation in the prayer of confession. She called the people to confess, reminding them of the sin within their hearts, and then all joined in reading the prayer of confession. She paused for the silent confession, and she kept pausing for a good long while. So long, in fact, that the people began to rustle as they waited for the next part of the service.
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Hear the invitation of Jesus: "Come to me, all those whose work is hard, whose load is heavy; and I will give you relief. Bend your necks to my yoke, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble-hearted; and your souls will find relief. For my yoke is good to bear, my load is light."

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (LBW499, NCH459, PH356, CBH521, UM400)
Camina, Pueblo de Dios (Go Forth, O People Of God) (NCH614, UM305)
Make Me A Captive, Lord (CBH539, UM421, PH378)
How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord (CBH54, PH419)
There Is A Place Of Quiet Rest (CBH5, UM472, PH527)
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say (NCH489, CBH493)
There Is A Balm In Gilead (NCH553, CBH627, UM375, PH394)
Just As I Am (CBH516, UM357, PH370)

Anthems
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; you love righteousness and hate wickedness.


Collect
 Lord, in our distress you found us and brought us together as your family in Christ. We praise you for your loving kindness. Great is your faithfulness. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

Special Occasion

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