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John 20:19-23

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Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Receive -- John 20:19-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Breath of God -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
The wind of the Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A
We can feel it when someone breathes on us. This is especially true when the person is nearby.
In all the world -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Materials:Paper (one per child, with Bible verse listed below printed at the top)

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A

Free Access

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Spirit, Out of the Box -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
Acts 2:1-21 is the obvious choice for your Pentecost lectionary text and perhaps you have used it on
The Coming Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
As far as the earliest church was concerned, the ability to speak in tongues was the definitive even
Harvest time -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
An ancient Jewish legend declares, "Pentecost is the day on which Torah was given." One wonders whet
What's the good word? -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
I expect that our culture has become a rather cynical audience for speech.
The counterproductive sermon -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- David Kalas -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Accordingly, our first reading is the familiar story of
The signs of credibility -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-23 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1995
Last Sunday Mary Magdalene stood before us in her bereavement and met the Risen Jesus.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A

Free Access

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 20:19-23 -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

CSSPlus

Looking For The Holy Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'receive the Holy Spirit.' (v.
The Power to Follow Jesus -- John 20:19-23 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
The Point: Jesus comes to us even when we are afraid and gives us the power to live as his fo
Receive -- John 20:19-23 -- Leah Thompson -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (v.
Breath of God -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the
The wind of the Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Good morning, boys and girls! Today is Pentecost.
In all the world -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A
Good morning, boys and girls. Did you ever think that you would like to be a missionary?

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The Treasure Praxis Found -- John 20:19-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
Praxis the colourful pixie was wandering through the woods by himself, gazing at the ground.

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Day Of Pentecost (2020) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, M Adryael Tong -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations For Day Of Pentecost (2017) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2014) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
Acts 2:1-21
Not all the disciples... -- John 20:19-23 -- Bob Ove -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
Not all the disciples had seen the risen Lord, so they were still frightened of the powers that be.
The story is told... -- John 20:19-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
The story is told how Satan called together a council of aides to discuss how to stop the Christians
NULL -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Acts 2:1-21
NULL -- John 20:19-23 -- Craig Kelly -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Fingerprints have long been used as a means of identification.
NULL -- John 20:19-23 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
When the risen Christ appeared to his disciples in the evening of the first day of the week, he said
My friends lived at the... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
My friends lived at the end of a dark, dead-end street a quarter mile from a prison. They
Most of us wonder what... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Most of us wonder what kind of life we'll have in heaven. Will we have an ethereal
One of the strongest statements... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
One of the strongest statements against war is that which Mark Twain wrote in the form
Acts 2:1-21 These... -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Acts 2:1-21
There is always a fresh... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1994
There is always a fresh, clean smell after a heavy summer rainstorm.
Many years ago there was... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1994
Many years ago there was an Easter Day episode in the comic strip called Graves, Inc. Mr.
Many of us could possibly... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1991
Many of us could possibly be categorized as cynical individuals, believing only in those things whic
One day as A. J... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1991
One day as A. J.
Tennyson wrote in his In... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1991
Tennyson wrote in his In Memoriam: "There is more faith in honest doubt, Believe me than in half the
John records Jesus' first words... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B
John records Jesus' first words after the resurrection: "Peace ... peace ...
Have you ever known anyone... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Have you ever known anyone with agoraphobia? This is an irrational fear or dread of open places.
Peace be with you. (vv... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B
"Peace be with you." (vv. 19, 21)
Jesus had an intimate and... -- John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Jesus had an intimate and special relationship with the disciples.

The Immediate Word

We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

A Prayer By Cardinal Mercier... -- John 20:19-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Poems

SermonStudio

Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Jesus said to his apostles,'Peace be with you, peace.
Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Jesus said to his apostles,'Peace be with you, peace.
The Day of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1989
The atmospherewas full of fearthat awe-filled evening.The gath'ring room

Prayer

SermonStudio

THE GOOD NEWS OF FORGIVENESS -- John 20:19-23 -- Richard F. Bansemer -- 1997
John 20:19-23

Preaching

The Immediate Word

We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1--21 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

SermonStudio

Life And Forgiveness Come Easy When You're Filled With The Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2007
It's Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the birth of the Church and the giving of the Holy Sp
Pentecost! Slow ... And Sure! -- John 20:19-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Have you ever noticed how we preachers often promote the early church as if it were the ideal?
Receiving The Holy Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Today is Pentecost. Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the people of God.
The Office Of The Keys: Why Pastors? -- Exodus 32:1-14, John 20:19-23 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Office Of The Keys And Confession
Zapped By The Spirit: No Post-Easter Slump -- John 20:19-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pentecost -- the "religious holiday" ignored by the mass media. Thank God!
A Blessing Behind Locked Doors -- John 20:19-23 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Every Sunday morning, the people of a church in the Pacific Northwest say, "Peace be with you." They
God's Descending Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Leonard H. Budd -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1993
Even in the room's darkness Rachel's face was seen streaked with tears.
Like A Breath Of Fresh Air -- John 20:19-23 -- Larry M. Goodpaster -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1992
One of the several things we all have in common is the sheer enjoyment of receiving gifts.
The Greatest Wonder Of All! -- John 20:19-23 -- John M. Braaten -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1991
The celebration of Pentecost, with its mighty demonstration of power by the Holy Spirit, is a good t
Receive The Holy Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Larry D. Powell -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1991
"It is my heart-warming and world-embracing hope," said Mark Twain, "that all of us - the high, the
The Song in Search of a Voice -- John 20:19-23 -- James Weekley -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1987
Since the second great war of our century humankind has treated itself to seventy more armed conflic
Proclaim Peace -- Isaiah 57:14-19, John 20:19-23 -- Alan Bacon Bond -- 1986
The run-of-the-mill soldier belonged to a surly lot in the Tenth Roman Legion which occupied Israel

The Village Shepherd

Is Hearing God Like Playing Chinese Whispers? -- John 20:19-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
For Christmas one year, I was given a very useful piece of computer software, which enables me t

Stories

StoryShare

A Planet-Sized Wind -- John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
Contents"A Planet-Sized Wind" by Frank Ramirez* * * * * * *
Rauch -- John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- C. David Mckirachan, David O. Bales -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
Contents"Rauch" by C. David McKirachan "Claustrophobia" by David O. Bales
Would That All Were Prophets -- Numbers 11:24-30, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

We Are The 120 -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, Numbers 11:24-30 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
For May 31, 2020:
All Together Now -- Acts 2:1-21, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
The account of the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts opens with a seemingly unimportant detail --
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Imagine -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 -- Roger Lovette, Ron Love, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2011
It's interesting that we observe Pentecost Sunday during the spring graduation and marriage season.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.

SermonStudio

The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, PH321)
The Coming and Presence of Holy Spirit -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, John 7:37-39a, John 20:19-23 -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Bulletin HeadingConsider this:
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Bethany Peerbolte
For May 9, 2021:
  • One Nation Under God? by Tom Willadsen — What would the United States look like if we truly were “one nation under God?” What would it be like to live in a place where everyone was treated as one who has been “born of God?”
  • Dying Is Easy by Dean Feldmeyer — Dying is easy; living the gospel is hard.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
“Waking Up to Racism” by John Sumwalt
“Twists and Turns” by Frank Ramirez

 
Waking Up to Racism
by John Sumwalt
Psalm 98

Let the floods clap their hands;
    let the hills sing together for joy
 at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with equity. (vv. 8-9)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the mid-1960s, a popular song declared, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of.”1 It was an era of both national and international unrest. And the American landscape was reeling from the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, and opposition to both. Amidst headlines so marked by unrest and division, therefore, the sentiment of the song struck a chord with an American audience. 
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 10:44-48
Prejudice is always wrong. Nat King Cole is a well-known artist who was the first African American to host his own national television program. In 1948, he purchased a beautiful home in an exclusive Los Angeles neighborhood. When the local neighborhood association confronted him and informed him it didn’t want any undesirables to move in, Cole responded, “Neither do I. If I see any coming in here, I’ll be the first to complain.” He lived in that house until his death in 1965.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (vv. 9-12)

Hi, everyone! (Let them respond.)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus gave up his life for us. In our worship today let us explore how to love one another as he has loved us.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our love for each other is thin and pale.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we pretend to love but fail to care.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we don't know how to love.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jo Perry-sumwalt
One evening, when I was 26 years old, beleagered by guilt for acknowledged sins, I was deep into an hour-long prayer of repentance. In despair, I grieved that I had broken the commandments and that I was not worthy of God's love.

Near me lay the Bible, unused and unfamiliar. I had never, ever read from the Bible. Yet my hands reached out and took the Bible to open it. I knew not where, nor why. But my hands knew the way. They opened to John 15:9-11 and as my eyes began to read, my mind knew the meaning with clarity. My eyes read verse 10 first:
Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
God's love brings us together.

Collect of the Day
It is noted that God has prepared great joy for those who love Him. Petitions are then offered that such love may be poured into the hearts of the faithful so that they may obtain these promises. Justification as a reward for our deeds (love) is communicated by this prayer.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 98
Stan Purdum
(See Christmas Day, Cycles A and B, for alternative approaches.)

Richard E. Gribble
Once upon a time a great and powerful king ruled over a vast territory. There was something very strange about this kingdom, however -- everything was the same. The people ate the same food, drank the same drink, wore the same clothes, and lived in the same type of homes. The people even did all the same work. There was another oddity about this place. Everything was gray -- the food, the drink, the clothes, the houses; there were no other colors.

Special Occasion