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Ephesians 5:15-20

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,

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Watching for signs -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you know what the word "danger" means?
Fill up with the Spirit -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Good morning! I want to show you this newspaper article.
A joyful noise -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Do you feel like making music this morning? I do! I would like to read to you a Psalm.
Sing and give thanks -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Are you wise? -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise. (v. 15)

Children's Activity

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Making melody -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Teachers or Parents: Music is a theme in this lesson. Help your children make rhythm shakers.

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Intimacy With Our Lord and What It Does To You -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sober counsel -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- David Kalas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
Note: This installment was originally published in 2006.
Christ Fills Us Up -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
This Sunday’s lessons in taking their bearings from the Gospel’s report of Jesus identifying with th
Wisdom and folly -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
Are we to be fools for Christ, or wise as serpents (and innocent as doves)?
Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Ibn Saud was the first modern king of Saudi Arabia.
Wise up! -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2000
We live in an era of an explosion of knowledge.
A word to the wise -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1997
As we have noted before, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings were probably originally one
A new chapter opens -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1994
The first portion of the Old Testament lesson closes one chapter in the history of Israel while the
Reality -- 2 Samuel 18:24-33, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1991
What is reality? Is it material and physical so it may be tested by our senses?
The Blood -- Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
One of the interesting things about blood, as it is presented in the New Testament, is the fact that

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2024) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2021) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2018) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2015) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2012) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-4
Our lesson urges us to make the most of our time... -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Our lesson urges us to make the most of our time (v. 16). Americans do not do that very well.

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
When The Darkness Deepens -- John 6:51-58, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
The shocking news of the thwarting of a major plot to blow up several trans-Atlantic flights -- and

SermonStudio

Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship. Based on Psalm 111. Leader:
An Understanding Mind -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
First Lesson: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Theme: Solomon seeks the wisdom to rule.
PROPER 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPPraise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD with all your heart.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.
Null -- 1 Kings 2 10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,

SermonStudio

Be Careful How You Live -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Thomas W. Lentz -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opport
Make The Most Of God's Gifts -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
John Harding had it all; his credentials were impeccable. He had a wonderful family.
Caution And Opportunity -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
A university president, as was his custom, attended the mid-week worship service in his institution'
The Second Commandment: God's Name -- Isaiah 9:1-7, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Second Commandment

Free Access

Caution And Opportunity -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
A university president, as was his custom, attended the mid-week worship service in his institution'

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Wisdom with Humility -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
For August 15, 2021:
The Principal Thing -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Night Of The Living Savior -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Robin Lostetter, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
The common thread in this week’s lectionary readings is the importance of wisdom and discernme
Where Everyone Is Above Average -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
The recent spate of mass shootings has been very troubling.

SermonStudio

Proper 15 / Pentecost 12 / Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day More about the bread that brings life, wisdom, and unity.
Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58
Proper 15 (C, E) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 (C)
Being filled with the wisdom and Spirit of God -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Being filled with the wisdom and Spirit of God.
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1993
We have come to the end of the story of great King David who
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1990
Since every Sunday of the church year is a "Little Easter," and since John 6 is being read as the Go

Stories

StoryShare

Living Bread -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Keith Wagner, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2018
Contents “Living Bread” by Keith Wagner
Artos -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2015
Contents "Artos" by Keith Hewitt "Choices" by Peter Andrew Smith
The Bread Truck -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2012
Contents "The Bread Truck" by Keith Hewitt
My Stone Soup -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "My Stone Soup" by Frank Ramirez
Visitation Dreams -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Contents
The Wisest Person I've Ever Known -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, C. David Mckirachan, Susan K. Hedahl -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Carpe Kairos"

SermonStudio

When Words Are Not Enough -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
Once upon a time, a farmer who was a deacon in his country church was summoned to serve on a federal
Carpe Kairos -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
Carpe Kairos
The Invitation To Join -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Pao felt disconnected. Like he didn't belong. Like he didn't have a purpose.
The Fear Of The Lord -- Psalm 34:9-14, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
There was no warning.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For October 11, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Amanda Squirrel hummed as she put the finishing touches to the icing on the huge cake she had made earlier that day. "Will this do?" she asked her friend Hetty Hedgehog.

"Do?" gasped Hetty. "Why, it's the best and biggest cake I've ever seen!"

Amanda had been planning this party for months. All the invitations had been sent out weeks ago, and Amanda and Hetty had been hard at it for several days, preparing the food and sweeping and cleaning and decorating the animal hall.

StoryShare

Alex A. Gondola, Jr.
Craig Kelly
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"A Lot of Bull" by Alex Gondola
"Rejoice in the Lord Always" by Alex Gondola
"Second Chances" by Craig Kelly
"American Idol" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"American Idols" by Keith Heweitt
"Invitation to Peace" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * * *


American Idols
by Keith Hewitt
Exodus 32:1-14

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
Psalm 106 is recitation of the sins of Israel, an enumeration of the ways in which the nation failed to trust their well-being to the Lord. In verse 6, the psalmist confesses that his own generation has been as sinful as their ancestors, but the catalog of sins that follows sticks to those of the forebears.
William E. Keeney
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come.
John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Exodus 32:1-14 (C)
The Israelites worship a golden bull. Thinking Moses had deserted them as well as Yahweh, the people persuaded Aaron to make a golden bull out of their jewelry for worship. It is a return to an Egyptian god, Amon-Re, represented by a bull. Yahweh was so angry at their desertion of him, that he threatened to destroy them. Upon Moses' intercession, their plight was avoided.

Lesson 1: Isaiah 25:6-10 (RC); Isaiah 25:1-9 (E)
On Mount Zion, God will make a feast for all peoples on the last day.
Argile Smith
When we get nervous about the unknown, we can make mountains out of mole hills. But we aren't by ourselves. Loads of people down through history have made the same mistake.
Joseph M. Freeman
Jesus' use of parables is his way of communicating a striking truth with significant love. In my own journey as a Christian person, the most amazing quality of God which has been so instructive to me is that He approaches us with equal doses of love and truth. How different He is than us. When I see someone in error and that error has personally hurt me, I go for that person's jugular, to deliver the truth, but little or no love accompanies it. Hence, the person becomes defensive and flatly refuses the truth which could correct the error.
George S. Johnson
This morning I want to talk to you about becoming a Christian - the invitation of Jesus to come and follow him. It is not my intention to judge who is or is not a Christian, or criticize anyone's experience of salvation, or to suggest that you are not already a member of God's family. My intention is rather to allow this text to speak clearly to us about Jesus' invitation. My purpose is to give voice to Jesus' call to discipleship.

I approach this text from Matthew with a few assumptions, a few underlying givens. Let me share with you what they are.
Richard C. Brand
"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord." We have no idea what in the world these two women were quarreling about. Perhaps if we had had Entertainment Weekly or the National Enquirer or MSNBC or the investigative potential of the Internet we would have more information about the nature of the split. But we have no idea what had set these two women against each other.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Confession And Absolution
P: We hold back your goodness from one another.
We hold back, pretending it is our own.
C: Break open the tombs of pride and fear that we build,
so that in giving what is yours,
we might find what we truly need.

Silence for reflection and self-examination

P: The Lord is your shepherd: you shall never be in want.
Such goodness and mercy will seek you,
and they will find you;
so that in the banquet of love, you will forever be filled.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Rejoice, Ye Pure In Heart (UM160, 16l, NCH55, 71, PH145, 146, LBW553)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (UM427, CBH405, NCH543, PH408)
Sweet Hour Of Prayer (CBH11, UM496, NCH505)
Rejoice, The Lord Is King! (CBH288, UM716, NCH303, PH155)
What A Friend We Have In Jesus (NCH506, CBH573, UM526, PH403)
I Would Be True (NCH492)
Lead On, O King Eternal (LBW495, NCH573, PH447, 448, UM580)
We Come As Guests Invited (PH517)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
As I was driving home from the office the other day, I was waiting at a traffic light downtown, when I saw one of my parishioners cross the street in front of me. It's still my first year in my present appointment, and it occurred to me that I had never seen him outside of church. He is in church quite faithfully, but I had never seen him outside of that context. The sight of him in more casual clothes ... chewing gum ... and coming out of a store reminded me of a ridiculously simple fact: He has a life outside of that pew where I am accustomed to seeing him each Sunday morning.
Wayne Brouwer
His shrunken frame and age-diminished voice were almost lost at the front of our large church auditorium. He had been a medical intern at a small hospital in Arnhem when Hitler's war machine rolled through the Netherlands and set up a puppet Nazi government. Radios were destroyed to prevent BBC "propaganda" from demoralizing folks who needed nothing other than German "truth."

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Have you ever seen a movie or a television show that was scary? (Let them answer.) I have! Sometimes a show will get so scary that my heart starts pounding and it seems so real. When an action scene gets too real, what are some things people can do to remind themselves that this is only a show and not real? (Let them answer.)
Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus asks us to join God's family and how we respond is important.

The Lesson:
Welcome, boys and girls. Thank you for coming forward to share this teaching moment with me.
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