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John 20:19-31

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Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 20:19-31 -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 20:19-31 -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A

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Surprise! -- John 20:19-31 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
"When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the
Believe -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them,
Retainers -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the
Which direction? -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like to go hiking?
Nailprints -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls.
Written for you -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Happy Easter! Did you know that it's still Easter?
The marks on Jesus -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Do you see this flower? It is called a dogwood. There is
Shalom -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Good morning! I brought this picture to show you today. What
Blessed are those who believe -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Good morning! Last Sunday we heard how Jesus was raised from the dead.
No illusion here! -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
I want to show you something here. (Show them the optical
Peace! -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
When Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples must have been
Palm prints -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
When Jesus was killed, his followers were very afraid. They
I'll believe it when I see it -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Has anyone ever told you
I'll believe it when I see it -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Has anyone ever told you
I doubt it! -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Good morning, boys and girls. What does this sign mean? (Let
Scars tell a story -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Good morning, boys and girls.
Christ is risen -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Easter was wonderful, wasn't it?

The Immediate Word

Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do
Peace In An Angry World -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- 2008
Division and unrest seem to be the general state of affairs in the world today.
Breaking Into The Tomb -- John 20:19-31 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
This has been a week of troubling news out of Iraq, and many people in the pews will be feeling the
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,

SermonStudio

I Doubt It! -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: Thomas' transition from doubt to faith concerning the resurrection of Jesus.
Be A Doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Erskine White -- 1997
Last week we talked about ghosts and how hard it was for even Jesus’ best friends to believe that He

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Be A Doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Erskine White -- 1997
Last week we talked about ghosts and how hard it was for even Jesus’ best friends to believe that He

Children's Story

Devotional

Drama

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Show Me The Marks -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
This week’s lectionary gospel text features “doubting Thomas,” whose skepticism marks him as some
Is It Real Or Is It Photoshop? -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
On the Second Sunday of Easter, the lectionary showcases the familiar story of the disciple Thomas a
Finding Fellowship -- Acts 4:23-37, John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
The resurrection was a startling event that completely turned the lives of the disciples upside down
The Reluctant Witness -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
The common thread that runs through the lectionary readings for the Second Sunday of Easter is the t
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do

Emphasis Preaching Journal

It is so easy to demonize his lack of faith... -- John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The story of Doubting Thomas: It is so easy to demonize his lack of faith.
John Quincy Adamswould arise at 4 AM every day... -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, would arise at 4 AM every day.
Sermon illustrations for Easter 2 (2013) -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Acts 5:27-32
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 4:32-35
Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile... -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Roger Bannister is the first man to run the four-minute mile.
NULL -- Acts 2:14-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Acts 2:14-32
NULL -- John 20:19-31 -- Leah Thompson -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
Rebecca wanted to go out to dinner with all of her friends, but had to work instead.
NULL -- John 20:19-31 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2011
On January 14, 2011, President Barack Obama issued his proclamation for Religious Freedom Day.
Acts 5:27-32 A... -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
Acts 5:27-32
Acts 4:32-35br... -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-35 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Acts 4:32-35
We always draw a solid... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
We always draw a solid lesson from Thomas' doubt: Believe even if you haven't seen.
On this first Easter evening... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
On this first Easter evening the doors aren't just shut. They're locked.
Anxiety is prevalent in our... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Anxiety is prevalent in our world today, and the church is certainly not immune to worldly concerns.
Before he was the nationally... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Before he was the nationally famous chaplain at Yale University, before he was the
Abraham Lincoln never claimed to... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Abraham Lincoln never claimed to be a Christian. His closest friends were in agreement
Brittney says she did not... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Brittney says she did not go to church with her family much while growing up. In
Sandra and Elena came bounding... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Sandra and Elena came bounding out of the school. "Mr. Winter has given us the period
Acts 2:14a, 22-32... -- John 20:19-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Brittney says she did not... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Brittney says she did not go to church with her family much while growing up.
Sandra and Elena came bounding... -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Sandra and Elena came bounding out of the school. "Mr.

Intercession

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The risen Christ confronts us in our doubts and fears with his living presence,
faith and doubt -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E, L)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Here is a picture of the apostolic church. In this passage we
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 (C, E, L)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
The very subtle change of the preposition of for after (as evidenced in the title of this Sunday as
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- George M. Bass -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue
Easter 2 -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons

The Immediate Word

Breaking Into The Tomb -- John 20:19-31 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
This has been a week of troubling news out of Iraq, and many people in the pews will be feeling the
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe

Sermon

SermonStudio

Believing Is Seeing -- John 20:19-31 -- John N. Brittain -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
I attended graduate school at St.
Confession: Confess And Absolve -- Joel 2:28-32, John 20:19-31 -- James A. Lucas -- 2000
The Office Of The Keys And Confession
Through Many Doors, He Comes -- John 20:19-31 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Jesus came to earth. Jesus left earth.
The Last Beatitude -- John 20:19-31 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
What the disciples of Jesus reported to their fellow disciple Thomas they had seen seemed unbelievab
Calling A Spade A Spade -- John 20:19-31 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 1998
... Unless I see... I will not believe...
Late For Easter -- John 20:19-31 -- Erskine White -- 1997
There have been a number of occasions in my life where I have had the opportunity to make a complete
Do Not Be Doubting But Believe! -- John 20:19-31 -- Lee Griess -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1997
What a week it had been for the disciples. Everything had
Easter Power -- John 20:19-31 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Storms that knock out electrical systems make us mindful of how dependent we are upon power.
The Disciple From Missouri -- John 20:19-31 -- Charles Michael Mills -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
The disciple from Missouri, "Didymus" which in the Greek
When Thomas Doubted -- John 20:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 1992
A German was the guest of a Frenchman who asked him how they distinguished between an optimist and a
What Happens When We Can't Believe It? -- John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1992
All three of our Bible lessons for today touch on themes that cannot help but direct our attention t
A Word For All Reasons -- John 20:19-31 -- John M. Braaten -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1991
Easter has happened.
Colorizing Jesus -- John 20:19-31 -- Carl L. Jech -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1988
Most of us are familiar with the controversy that has been going on over the issue of "colorizing" o
The Faith Struggle -- John 20:19-31 -- Durwood L. Buchheim -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1985
Let us pray: Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief.
Doubting Thomas And His Twin -- John 20:19-31 -- Albert G. Butzer, III -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Several years ago the Episcopal Church launched a creative and clever advertising campaign.

The Immediate Word

Breaking Into The Tomb -- John 20:19-31 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
This has been a week of troubling news out of Iraq, and many people in the pews will be feeling the
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe

The Village Shepherd

The Value Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Several years ago, 38 members of the "Heaven's Gate" religious cult in California drank poison in
The Value Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Several years ago, 38 members of the "Heaven's Gate" religious cult in California drank poison i
The Value Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
At the end of last year there was feverish speculation over what the press termed the "race" to beco

Stories

SermonStudio

''This Is My Body'' -- John 20:19-31 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Tommy Russo tried and tried to go to church with his wife.
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
A young couple fell in love in a very unique way.
Peace Be With You -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kenneth Lyerly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
When my mother called the last time to tell us that Dad was in the hospital again, and not doing wel

StoryShare

Seeing Jesus -- John 20:26, John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
ContentsA Story to Live By: "Seeing Jesus"
Can There Be Any Doubt? -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 150, Revelation 1:4-8 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Contents From the StoryShare Archives: "Can There Be Any Doubt?"
Reason To Doubt -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Reason to Doubt"
The Mighty Metaphor Machine -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Stan Purdum, C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week
And Jesus Will Be Our Friend -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank R. Fisher, John S. Smylie, Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week

Worship

SermonStudio

Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 5:27-32 Theme: Authority From BeyondCall To Worship
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 20:19-31
Jesus' Appearance to the Disciples -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:14a, 22-32Theme: But God IsCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is merciful and the Lord is wonderful and great!
Jesus Appears To His Disciples -- John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading or as a call
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- B. David Hostetter -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIPBless our God who has given us counsel.
The risen Christ confronts a doubting Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
EASTER 2 -- Psalm 16:5-11, Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Norman A. Beck -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1986
The primary theme of these texts selected for Easter 2 is appropriately, implicitly or explicitly, t
Jesus Appears to the Disciples, and Makes a Special Appearance to Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
An Invitation To The Easter CelebrationPastoral Invitation

The Immediate Word

Breaking Into The Tomb -- John 20:19-31 -- George L. Murphy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
This has been a week of troubling news out of Iraq, and many people in the pews will be feeling the
Born Anew To A Living Hope -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31, Psalm 16 -- Chris Ewing -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
It is a paradoxical world where a life that appears empty of meaning and possibility can spark eithe
Low Sunday! Slow Sunday! "oh No" Sunday! -- John 20:19-31, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Yearning For Peace -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
The prophet Jeremiah complained about those who "treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying,
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture -the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response – to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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