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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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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For July 26, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
We may sometimes feel as though we are too inferior and too insignificant to be of any use to God. But God can make the tiniest of seeds grow into a huge bush. In our worship today let us offer to God all that we can and ask him to use us as yeast to enable his kingdom to grow.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm afraid of being too presumptuous or too proud.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I feel too small to be noticed by you.
Christ, have mercy.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Craig Kelly
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Never Again Separate" by David O. Bales
"Switching Treasures" by Craig Kelly


What's Up This Week
Hospital chaplains offer a different perspective on what it means to witness for Christ in desperate times. "Never Again Separate" shows us how reconciliation can help heal years of anger. "Switching Treasures" reminds us that there are things in life worth pursuing no matter what the cost -- but we have to be careful not to be dazzled by things that only look attractive on the surface.

C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Jerry Springer" by C. David McKirachan
"Circumstantial Evidence" by C. David McKirachan
"People and Sheep" by Larry Winebrenner
"Learning to Pray" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Wall" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


Jerry Springer
by C. David McKirachan
Genesis 29:15-28

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
This Psalm is difficult to preach in our modern culture, because of the central section (vv. 3-4) which addresses devout men exclusively, and which celebrates the gifts of a fertile wife and many children as a blessing from God. That portion of this psalm may preach in Amish country, but in any other part of the twenty-first-century Christian church, its message seems quaint at best and archaic at worst. In a world threatened by overpopulation, there are major ethical questions connected with the image of a large crop of children springing up "like olive shoots around your table."
James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Proper 14/Pentecost 12/Ordinary Time 19, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-6, 16-22, 45b; and see Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-6, 37-45.)
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
When she was a little girl her parents bought a cottage by the lake. It was a small and humble place, but it would soon be filled with many memories. Each summer the family would go to the lake. She and her brother and sisters went swimming almost every day. On special occasions her father would rent a boat and the whole family would paddle around the lake. She learned how to fish and even tried her hand at water skiing. Vacations were a constant source of joy because of the little cottage by the lake.
Tempe Fussell
Curtis Fussell
If you have ever made an in-depth investigation of your family history, a genealogy, then you probably came across some ancestors who would qualify as so-called "black sheep of the family." Among my own ancestors my father came across a family will dating back to shortly before the Civil War. In that will it speaks of my great-great-great-grandmother selling off slaves. In fact, the will indicates that the slave family she owned was to be divided up at her death. When I first heard about this I was shocked and horrified. I could not believe it was true until I read the will myself.
Tom M. Garrison
It was the July 22, 1999, CNN live coverage of the burial at sea of John F. Kennedy, Jr. All his family members were dressed in black, knowing that in a few minutes the remains of someone they loved would be forever committed to the sea. When the coverage from the first news of the plane crash began to air -- one of the main subjects was all the tragedy that this family has suffered, beginning with the little boy the press called John-John, standing with a salute for his fallen father, the President of the United States.
Stan Purdum
I'd quit the ministry were it not for what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 13! Here Jesus is brutally honest in telling his ministers both then and now what to expect. In the best of times ministry is difficult. In the worst of times it is downright intolerable. But there is hope! For in Jesus Christ, nothing is wasted!
Jeff Wedge
Many people have heard a part of this lesson before. Most particularly, the last two verses, the part about "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Genesis 29:15-28
Theme: Apprentice

Call To Worship
Leader: Remember that God still guides us today. God always finds new ways of shedding light on our paths. We rejoice in an ever-present, ever-creating, and ever-sustaining God.
People: Praise be to God.

Collect

God of purpose, God of design, God who knows the way: We come with open hearts ready to hear your word. We come as students of faith. We come as your disciples. Through Christ. Amen.

Prayer Of Confession
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Sing Praise To God (NCH6, UM126, PH483)
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (CBH582, NCH18, 19, UM127, PH281)
Like The Murmur Of The Dove's Song (NCH270, UM544, PH314)
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go (NCH485, UM480, PH342)
Jesus Priceless Treasure (CBH595, NCH480, UM532, PH365)
Thine Is The Glory (CBH269, NCH253, UM308, PH122)
By Gracious Powers (NCH412, UM517, PH342)
The Kingdom Of God (CBH224, UM275)

Anthems
The Love Of God, Natalie Sleeth, SATB

Emphasis Preaching Journal

William H. Shepherd
God works in hidden ways.

It's an oft-heard saying, perhaps a cliché, but there is a reason certain phrases become clichés. The Bible gives plenty of evidence of a God who works in hidden ways.
Wayne Brouwer
According to social researchers there are five basic reasons why people fail to make long- term commitments such as marriage. First, some are hurt by a past relationship that came undone in a nasty or painful way. "Once bitten, twice shy" is the way the modern proverb puts it. Troublesome difficulties in a passionate romance where we allowed ourselves to become vulnerable and then felt abused or misused by the object of our emotions can cause us to pull back from similar future possibilities.

CSSPlus

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field. (Matthew 13:31)

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever visited the kingdom of heaven? (let them answer) Where is the kingdom of heaven? (let them answer) None of you have ever been there, but I suppose all of you want to go there some day, don't you? (let them answer)
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Romans 8:35)

Good morning, boys and girls. Do you feel close to Jesus? (let them answer) When you are in church, can you feel Jesus all around you? (let them answer) Do you feel close to Jesus when you go home from church? (let them answer) When you go to school, or take a ride in your car, or shop in a store, do you feel close to Jesus? (let them answer)

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