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John 4:5-42

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Facing and Learning From Our Failures -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- Thomas Willadsen, Nazish Naseem, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2026
For March 8, 2026:
Tapping Into Unlimited (Living) Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Elena Delhagen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 12, 2023:
Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.

CSSPlus

Seeing -- John 4:5-42 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Object:  A pair of tinted glasses, like sunglasses. * * *
Here in this place -- John 4:5-42 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
This children's sermon was originally published March 27, 2011.
Listen Up! -- John 4:5-42 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
The woman from the well had some great news for people after meeting Jesus.
Dying Of Thirst -- John 4:5-42 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
We are going to go back in time for our story today.
The Source of Living Water -- John 4:5-42 -- Anna Shirey -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
First Thoughts Teaching On Y

Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Here in this place -- John 4:5-42 -- Leah Thompson -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Teamwork -- John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Are you thirsty? -- John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
In today's gospel reading, Jesus is having a conversation with a Samaritan woman.
Living water -- John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Teachers or Parents: There is no way to spend too much time
Living Water -- John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Teachers: For this project you will need styrofoam cups (one for each pupil), potting soil for the
Quenching a thirst -- John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Materials: Empty soup cans with the sharp edges removed (one per child)

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 4:5-42 -- John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 4:5-42 -- John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 4:5-42 -- John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 4:5-42 -- John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Rendezvous With God -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
A colleague of mine and I decided to meet one day for lunch.
Overcoming Objections -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
The Black Angel. That’s what Michael Christopher calls Herman Engel in his famous play.
Live And Learn -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
These three passages recognize that we all make mistakes -- and some of the mistakes could be disast
The love of God poured out -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The Old Testament lesson and the gospel for the Third Sunday in Lent tie closely together in that th
Are you thirsty? -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Here's a parable by a cartoonist named Saxon. It's about a fellow who has just reached retirement.
Turning things upside down -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
If you are like me, you come from an educational background that basically emphasized that the bala
Calling on a full-access God -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
Perhaps more than most cities in the world, Washington, D.C., is a city whose central principle, the
Coloring outside the lines -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
(Dr. Foster R. McCurley has had a distinguished career as St.
Timing -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1996
After the bombing of a building in Oklahoma City, an earthquake or a department store implosion in J
The jar left behind -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- William H. Shepherd -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
I was reading the work of a well-known biblical critic who said, "Adequate water sources were crucia

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Facing and Learning From Our Failures -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- Thomas Willadsen, Nazish Naseem, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2026
For March 8, 2026:
Tapping Into Unlimited (Living) Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Elena Delhagen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 12, 2023:
Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2023) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2020) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 95
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2017) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Exodus 17:1-7
How many times... -- John 4:5-42 -- Bob Ove -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
How many times has God put us in situations that we might not think are kosher?
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2014) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Exodus 17:1-7

StoryShare

Gave As Good As She Got -- John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Just then his disciples came.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Facing and Learning From Our Failures -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- Thomas Willadsen, Nazish Naseem, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2026
For March 8, 2026:
Tapping Into Unlimited (Living) Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Elena Delhagen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 12, 2023:
Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
Assurance But Not Insurance -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Ron Love, Roger Lovette, Mary Austin -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures describes the intense frustration of the I
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Gathering
Lent 3 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We come, our souls thirsting for God,
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95, John 4:5-42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsI Hunger And I Thirst (CBH474)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Facing and Learning From Our Failures -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- Thomas Willadsen, Nazish Naseem, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2026
For March 8, 2026:
Tapping Into Unlimited (Living) Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Elena Delhagen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 12, 2023:
Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
Assurance But Not Insurance -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Ron Love, Roger Lovette, Mary Austin -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures describes the intense frustration of the I
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.

SermonStudio

Listening 101 -- John 4:5-42 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Somewhere in my life I heard someone say something like, “The challenge with John (the gospel writer
The Bridge at Sychar -- John 4:5-42 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
A great deal of the Bible is quite understandable by itself.

Free Access

The Bridge at Sychar -- John 4:5-42 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
A great deal of the Bible is quite understandable by itself.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Facing and Learning From Our Failures -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- Thomas Willadsen, Nazish Naseem, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2026
For March 8, 2026:
Tapping Into Unlimited (Living) Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Elena Delhagen -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 12, 2023:
Ignored at the Well -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 15, 2020:
Affordable Living Water -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Health care reform is a hot topic in Washington these days, with the Republican Congress and the Tru
Water, Water, Everywhere? -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
All the action in this week’s Old Testament and gospel texts is centered around access to water.
Assurance But Not Insurance -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Ron Love, Roger Lovette, Mary Austin -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
This week's lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures describes the intense frustration of the I
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.

SermonStudio

Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C, E); Exodus 17:3--7 (RC)
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.

Stories

StoryShare

Gave As Good As She Got -- John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Just then his disciples came.
Witness In The Wilderness -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7 -- Peter Andrew Smith, C. David Mckirachan -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Contents "Witness in the Wilderness" by Peter Andrew Smith
Getting It Done -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Contents "Getting It Done" by C. David McKirachan
Hope Does Not Disappoint -- John 4:5-42, Exodus 17:1-17, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 95 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Contents "Hope Does not Disappoint" by Peter Andrew Smith
Testing One, Two, Three... -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Keith Hewitt, Timothy Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week
Water Sign -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Who Woulda Thunk It? -- John 4:5-42 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Who woulda thunk it?
Water Sign -- John 4:5-42 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Anne Sunday
Rag Pickers Of Juarez -- John 4:5-42 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,'
Set Free -- John 4:5-42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Ken grew up thinking he was no good at anything.

Drama

SermonStudio

A Drink Of Water -- John 4:5-42 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Theme

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 3 -- John 4:5-42 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink ..." The Samaritan

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Jo's New Teacher -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
When Jesus meets the woman by the well, he doesn't see an enemy of the state or a glorified pros

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Daisy Loved To Dance -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Call to Worship:

Free Access

Daisy Loved To Dance -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Call to Worship:

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Astute And Understanding God... -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
30+ – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 3
26 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 4
27 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
For April 12, 2026:

StoryShare

Keith Wagner
Contents
"Spiritually Speaking" by Keith Wagner
"Living With More Power" by Keith Wagner


Spiritually Speaking
by Keith Wagner
Psalm 16
Alex A. Gondola, Jr.
Keith Hewitt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"When through Fiery Trials" by Alex Gondola
"Tracks" by Keith Hewitt


What's Up This Week

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Thomas had never seen his friends so excited. Peter's eyes were shining, and he could hardly contain his impatience. John was always quieter than Peter, but even he seemed full of barely suppressed eagerness. They were both tugging at Thomas, while at the same time dancing round him.

Thomas reluctantly agreed to go to the cave with them, although he continued to think they were mad. "If there was nothing there last week, how can it have changed now?" he kept asking.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
This psalm is a song of confidence and trust, and the first-century church found in it a prophecy of the Resurrection. Peter, in his Pentecost sermon, quotes verses 8-11 (Acts 2:25-28), applying them to the risen Lord. Thus, its designation as the responsorial psalm for Easter 2.

The psalm falls easily into three divisions: verses 1-4, there is no good apart from God; 5-8, the Lord is my portion and my counselor; and 9-11, there is joy and life with God.
John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22--32 (C, E)
According to God's plan and David's prophecy, Jesus was raised from the dead. This pericope is a part of Peter's Pentecost sermon. It is a sample of the early church's preaching, as Luke understood it, summarized in the crucifixion, resurrection, and fulfillment of prophecy. Peter emphasizes that what happened to Jesus was according to God's plan. He quotes Psalm 16 as a prophecy by David of the resurrection which was fulfilled. The disciples are witnesses to the fulfillment because of their encounters with the risen Lord.
Tony S. Everett
So, here we are just over one week after Easter Sunday. Vigils are finished. Sunrise services are over. Dishes from the youth breakfast have been washed and put away. Brass and tympani fanfares have concluded. Flowers on the cross have begun to wilt and blow away. Fewer pews are filled.
Richard L. Sheffield
What the disciples of Jesus reported to their fellow disciple Thomas they had seen seemed unbelievable. And Thomas didn't believe it! They said they saw Jesus alive. Well, Thomas saw him alive until late the previous Friday afternoon when Thomas saw him dead. It was now Sunday afternoon -- and to what they said they saw, Thomas' response was, "Seeing is believing," and until I see something different from what I have already seen, I will not believe a word of what you say.
Albert G. Butzer, III
Several years ago the Episcopal Church launched a creative and clever advertising campaign. One of their ads pictured a young man with a frustrated look on his face because someone had put a heavy piece of tape across his mouth. His mouth had been taped shut; he was unable to speak. The caption, which accompanied the picture, said this: "The problem with churches that have all of the answers is that you can't ask questions."
Harry N. Huxhold
The United States of America has earned the reputation of being the most violent culture in the world. That really is an oxymoron. How can one speak of culture as being violent? Yet the problem of violence is so widespread in our nation that Gavin De Becker, an authority on violence, notes that we are a nation with more firearms than adults, and twenty thousand guns enter our commerce every day. His book, The Gift of Fear, is about our fear which furnishes us survival signals to protect us from violence. We should not be shocked that anyone is capable of violence.
Bill Mosley
The great luxury liner was on fire, but no one knew it. Deep in the hold, near the engine room, hundreds of tons of coal were stored. Coal--powered ships used to carry the coal in a watered--down state. But this ship was new, and very big; bigger than any ship ever built, or had ever sailed. So even though the coal was watered for safety, the enormous amount meant that there were dry spots. A fire smoldered undiscovered deep in the coal supply, and when it was discovered, a fire--fighting crew was sent to quench it. They worked for days, even weeks, and couldn't put it out.
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP
Bless our God who has given us counsel.
Come to worship with exulting heart and rejoicing spirit.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
I Danced In The Morning (UM261, PH 302)
Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! (CBH 272)
Jesus, The Very Thought Of Thee (NCH507)
We Live By Faith And Not By Sight (NCH256, PH398)
O Sons And Daughters, Let Us Sing (NCH244, PH116, 117)
Breathe On Me, Breath Of God (CBH356, UM420, PH316)
These Things Did Thomas Count (NCH284)
When In The Night I Meditate (PH165)

Anthems
From the Messiah: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth, G. F. Handel
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship (Acts 2:32)
 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.


Collect
 We lift up our eyes to you Lord, after the despair of the cross. We follow the path from the empty tomb to see you risen and walking among us! We praise your name in victory! Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Fresh air is precisely what many people feel they never get in church. Many recall the experiences of former times when the air was stodgy and stuffy. In some communities of faith the air is still a bit stifling, and so when invited to worship, the response is often, "Been there. Done that."

Yet our lessons are full of the freshness of spring, bringing life and vigor to what had been dormant, as though frozen in winter and refusing to thaw.

Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Wayne Brouwer
One of my good friends died last year. He had reached a good age and was mostly ready to go. In fact, he once told me he had more lives than the proverbial cat's nine. On too many occasions, because of cancer and accidents and blood diseases, doctors had written him off. Yet, like the Energizer bunny, he kept going and going and going....

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. This morning we read from the Bible about a special meeting between Jesus, who had been resurrected a week earlier, and his disciples. All of the disciples believed the resurrection except Thomas, who had not been in the room when Jesus met with the disciples a week earlier. Thomas had heard about it but didn't believe. He said that unless he saw for himself the wounds in the hands and side of Jesus, he would not believe.
Good morning, boys and girls. What does this sign mean? (Let them answer.) It is a question mark. When you see it that means someone is asking a question. Sometimes it means that someone doesn't believe what you are saying. That means the person is doubting you. It's a very common thing to have doubts about something. If one of you told me that you don't like to play with toys, I'd say, "I'm not so sure about that. I doubt it. I'll bet you really like to play with toys." If one of you told me that you didn't like candy, I would say, "I'm not so sure about that. I doubt it.

Special Occasion

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