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John 12:20-33

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Children's sermon

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Now Is the Time! -- John 12:20-33 -- John Jamison -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Object: This message makes a great role play.
Being Seed-y -- John 12:20-33 -- John Jamison -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Object: A tomato seed and a tomato to cut open.
A Miracle Seed -- John 12:20-33 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
“Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains ju
The 'Lost' Fruit -- John 12:20-33 -- Anna Shirey -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
First Thoughts: In just another two weeks we will be encountering the sorrow and loss of the
A seed multiplies -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Good morning, boys and girls.

The Immediate Word

We Want To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 17, 2024:
The Loss Before Life -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 21, 2021:
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Remembering No More -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s Jeremiah text, God communicates through the prophet about the coming of “a new cov
Whose Economy? -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In the lectionary's gospel text this week, Jesus foreshadows his coming death and tries to communica

Children's Activity

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A seed multiplies -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Materials Small seeds (grass seed is a good choice) Small Styrofoam cups
Seeing Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Teachers or Parents: It is natural for people to want to see
One grain -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Teachers or Parents: Easter comes in two weeks.
A voice from heaven -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Teachers: In this scripture, Jesus speaks about his approaching death.
Bearing fruit -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Materials: Styrofoam cups Potting soil Marigold seeds

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 12:20-33 -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 12:20-33 -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 12:20-33 -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 12:20-33 -- John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Written On The Heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
This week’s lectionary scriptures invite us to seek perfection — not in the sense of being perfect,
With God, You Get More Than What You Asked For -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Jeremiah 31:31-34
The Crisis That Changed Everything -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
One of the German army prison camps during World War II was divided into two sections.
Glorifying God in difficult times -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- David Coffin -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Today’s texts afford the preacher an opportunity to identify which difficult times people in our con
When everything old becomes new -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Here's a parable: a man is convicted of a criminal act.
The magnetism of Jesus -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2003
I have always been fascinated by magnets.
Written on the heart -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2000
There are some experiences that make indelible marks on our lives.
To die is the only way to live -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1997
This passage from Jeremiah has been called the most important single teaching of his prophecy, and i
Magnetic appeal -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1994
One of the strange paradoxes of the human race is that we should be so strongly attracted to the cro
Sacrifice -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:7-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1991
There are those who get all tangled up in incorrect understandings of the sacrificial system of Juda

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2024) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2021) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2018) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2015) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2012) -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Jeremiah 31:31-34

The Immediate Word

We Want To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 17, 2024:
The Loss Before Life -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 21, 2021:
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Remembering No More -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s Jeremiah text, God communicates through the prophet about the coming of “a new cov

StoryShare

Seeing Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Kirk shouted as he ran through the doors of the school after his friend. “Hey, Johnny!”

Worship

The Immediate Word

We Want To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 17, 2024:
The Loss Before Life -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 21, 2021:
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Remembering No More -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s Jeremiah text, God communicates through the prophet about the coming of “a new cov
Whose Economy? -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In the lectionary's gospel text this week, Jesus foreshadows his coming death and tries to communica

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Call To Worship A general Call To Worship. Leader:
All Shall Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- James R. Wilson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Lent 5 -- John 12:20-33 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: Now among those who went up to worship at the festival
FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPCome to see Jesus, even though his glory is a cross and to follow

Sermon

The Immediate Word

We Want To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 17, 2024:
The Loss Before Life -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 21, 2021:
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Remembering No More -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s Jeremiah text, God communicates through the prophet about the coming of “a new cov
Whose Economy? -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In the lectionary's gospel text this week, Jesus foreshadows his coming death and tries to communica

SermonStudio

Some Greeks -- John 12:20-33 -- John Jamison -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Jesus was back in Jerusalem for another Passover.
Life Lived in Glory -- John 12:20-33 -- John W. Clarke -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Today our Lenten journey takes us to a festival and attending the festival are some Greeks.
We Wish To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- John S. Smylie -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus" (v. 21).
Seeing And Not Being Seen -- John 12:20-33 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Toward the end of the last presidential campaign, I heard an amusing report on one of the cable news
The Ministry Of Fading -- John 12:20-33 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
We could spend our sermon time talking with you about John's Christology and how our text indicates

Preaching

The Immediate Word

We Want To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Quantisha Mason-Doll, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
For March 17, 2024:
The Loss Before Life -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
For March 21, 2021:
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Remembering No More -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
In this week’s Jeremiah text, God communicates through the prophet about the coming of “a new cov
Whose Economy? -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
In the lectionary's gospel text this week, Jesus foreshadows his coming death and tries to communica

SermonStudio

Lent 5 -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day With God, you get more than what you asked for.
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Jeremiah 31:31-34 Hebrews 5:5-10 John 12:20-33
Burying The Seeds -- John 12:20-33 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
She sat on the ground and watched the grass grow. The long green stalks were not good to eat.
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (C, RC, E)
The heart of Jesus was broken in death so that he might create within us a new heart. -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The heart of Jesus was broken in death so that he might create within us a new h

Stories

StoryShare

Seeing Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Kirk shouted as he ran through the doors of the school after his friend. “Hey, Johnny!”
A God of Second Chances -- John 12:20-33, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Keith Wagner, John Fitzgerald -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Contents “A God of Second Chances” by Keith Wagner
Written On Our Hearts -- John 12:20-33, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Contents "Written on our Hearts" by Peter Andrew Smith
Questions For Lunch -- John 12:20-33, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Contents "Questions for Lunch" by Keith Hewitt
Showing Them Jesus -- John 12:20-33, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Larry Winebrenner, John E. Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Showing Them Jesus" by Peter Andrew Smith

SermonStudio

Hope -- John 12:20-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Word had begun to spread about Jesus.
The End -- John 12:20-33 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
The End
A Blessed Harvest -- John 12:20-33 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
It sounded like thunder. There wasn't a cloud in the sky that morning. The noise grew louder.
The Draw Of The Magnet -- John 12:20-33 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
A young child sat at the wooden picnic table in the back yard
Then A Voice Came -- John 12:20-33 -- John E. Sumwalt, Loxley Ann Schlosser -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified [my name], and I will glorify it again." The crowd

Drama

SermonStudio

God's Voice -- John 12:20-33 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Theme
A Single Granary -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:20-33, Psalm 51 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Poems

SermonStudio

Lent 5 -- John 12:20-33 -- Andrew Daughters -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1990
A group of Gentiles came to Phillip.Greeks they were,

Prayer

SermonStudio

The fruit of life from the seed of death -- John 12:20-33 -- Dennis Koch -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: This passage, in which John signals the "beginning of the end"

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 5 -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Lent 5 -- John 12:20-33 -- William W. Helland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
John 12:20-33

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Brings Some Friends -- John 12:20-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Praxis the colourful pixie was a bright shining pink, with a tinge of orange around the edges.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

God Of Glory... -- John 12:20-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

The Beautiful Red Balloon -- John 12:20-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: If we wish to see Jesus, we must be prepared to follow him so that
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Mary Austin
George Reed
For June 21, 2026:

CSSPlus

Arley K. Fadness

Do not fear... (v. 28)

Good morning girls and boys,

Have I got something to show you today! But first I have a question.

Are there things that make you afraid?  (children answer)

Are you afraid of the dark? Are you afraid of thunder?

Are you afraid of getting sick or hurt in sports?
Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: When we walk with Jesus we never walk alone.

The Lesson: Good morning, boys and girls. It's good to be with you at church today. Look around. Do you see people you know? (let children answer) How about people you don't know? (let children answer) All of these people are here today because they want to worship God and to be a part of God's family.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
In accord with the overall theme of the Pentecost season, all the texts for this Sunday pertain to living the Christian life (sanctification), specifically with how Christian life is easy, for it is not our work but the result of God’s grace. 

Genesis 21:8-21
Cathy Venkatesh
In one of my former parishes, the wife of retired pastor led us in a Bible study of the book of Genesis. She was trained as a social worker and had previously led studies of Genesis in her work with prisoners. As we progressed through the stories, she told us how the complicated family relationships of the patriarchs prompted the incarcerated men in her Bible study to talk about their own families and the troubles so many of them had experienced growing up.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said, "Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me." In our worship today let us pledge ourselves to be worthy of him.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, I don't know what my cross is, so I don't know how to take it up.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, I do want to follow you, but I also like to be comfortable.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, I want to avoid or evade crucifixion at all costs.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Bryan Meadows
Keith Hewitt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sin that Grace Abound?" by David O. Bales
"Teacher and Leader!" by Bryan Meadows
"A Night without Stars" by Keith Hewitt


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Steven E. Albertin
Fido is in the dirt gnawing on a bone. It is dry, brittle, depleted of marrow and moisture. It is dead and useless except for stimulating the gums of Fido and giving his jaws some exercise. You approach Fido with your hands behind your back. Fido eyes you and is suspicious. You speak kindly to your canine friend. He wags his tail. He smiles his doggy smile keeping his paw firmly planted on the bone. Fido continues to sniff and chew on his bone. You slowly bring a hand out from behind your back revealing a half pound of USDA prime cut choice ground sirloin beef.
Justin W. Tull
As I studied in depth this passage of scripture, I learned that I have long carried misconceptions about "Jacob's ladder." My first surprising discovery was that all the commentaries I read suggested that Jacob's vision was not of a ladder as we know it today, but more of a "ramp" or "stair-like pavement."9 This "ramp" was to handle traffic between heaven and earth.10 Heavenly messengers could approach thereby those dwelling below.
Schuyler Rhodes
Once, not too long ago, a certain pastor was leaving the grocery store with some supplies for his family's evening meal. Outside in the parking lot he noticed a woman in her car trying to back out of a narrow spot. Pastor set his bag down on the pavement and got the woman's attention by waving and waving. He then proceeded with dramatic arm gestures and directions to assist the woman in backing her car out of the spot. Feeling quite smug and self--satisfied for his good deed he picked up his bag and strode over to the car where the woman had opened her window and was motioning to him.
James L. Killen, Jr.
Some things that happen in our world just ought not to happen. A mother decides that she does not want her newborn baby, so she wraps it in a blanket and leaves it beside a rural road. Fortunately, the baby is found by someone passing by before it dies but the ants have already begun to bite it. A community puts its trust in a man and elects him to public office. Then he uses his position to enrich himself by taking bribes and favoring the businesses of his friends. Famines occur in impoverished parts of the world.
Stephen M. Crotts
Do you remember when Timothy McVeigh, the man responsible for the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, was executed? As the time of his execution drew near, McVeigh gave a handwritten statement to the warden, intending it to take the place of any verbal comment. In that statement, McVeigh quoted a section of the poem "Invictus," which is Latin for "unconquered." That poem, by nineteenth--century British poet William Ernest Henley (1849--1903), reads, in part, "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (NCH423, PH276, UM140)
O Lord, Hear My Prayer (CBH348, Taize)
Lift High The Cross (NCH198, CBH321, UM159, PH371)
Crown Him With Many Crowns (CBH 116, UM327)
The Strife Is O'er (CBH263, UM306)
We Know That Christ Is Raised (UM610, PH495)
Take Up Your Cross (CBH536, PH393, UM415)
God's Eye Is On The Sparrow (NCH475)

Anthems
Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Cynthia Dobrinski, Agape, 3 to 5--octave handbells

Special Occasion

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