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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
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
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?

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 -- 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,
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
Massah And Meribah -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship

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:
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For June 14, 2026:

StoryShare

David O. Bales
John Fitzgerald
Contents
"Most Improved" by David O. Bales
"Echoing Sheep" by David O. Bales
"Having Compassion" by John Fitzgerald

Most Improved
Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7)
By David O. Bales

In the teachers’ lounge at South Middle School the morning gossip and general world critique turned to Darrell Schmeling. “Old prune face,” one called him.

A teacher getting a soda from the refrigerator turned and said, “I saw him smile once, but I think he was getting paid.”
John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "She Had Compassion"
Shining Moments: "I Gave You to God" by Andrew Oren
Sermon Starter: "Like Having a Baby" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "Preaching without a Manuscript" by R. Karl Watkins
"How Do You Preach?" by John Sumwalt


What's Up This Week

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
When Jesus saw the people he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless. Is he calling you today to become a shepherd for his sheep?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, I wonder why you don't call me to work for you?
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, I'm happy to work for you as long as I don't have to change anything in my life.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, help me to tune into your voice so that I may hear your call, and then to respond.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

David E. Leininger
Interesting collection of workers Jesus chose to accompany him -- the twelve. Not a genius among 'em. Common folks: a few fishermen, farmers, even a tax collector. They were not even particularly religious. What they were was willing to be used to further the work of a man they admired, even loved, despite the fact that he was a man they misunderstood. Eventually, they came to realize (even as a few others did) that "this truly was the Son of God." And with the training they had received combined with the commitment they came to develop, those folks turned the world upside down.
Constance Berg
I grew up in a predominately Catholic town, and I have three friends who are priests. I admire their adherence to the vows they took at their ordination: a vow of obedience, a vow of celibacy, and a vow of poverty. Each took their vows quite seriously at their ordination and still do to this day.

Steven E. Albertin
The phone rings in the middle of the night. There is only one reason why someone would call you at this time of the night, and it can't be good. The deadpan voice of the police officer tells you the horrible news rather matter-of-factly. Your imagination runs wild. You were not there, but you can hear the tires screeching, the metal smashing, the glass breaking, and the sirens whining. It was not supposed to end this way. She had so much of life yet to live.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus' ministry and mission was shifting into high gear. Matthew reports that Jesus had gone about all the cities and villages teaching in their synagogues. But he had not just been preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 9:35a). It seems that Jesus had compassion on the crowd because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). Matthew reports that Jesus cured every disease and sickness he encountered (Matthew 9:35b).
Wayne H. Keller
Unlike many businesses today engaged in the process of "downsizing," it was time for Jesus to "upsize." Too much happening, too many demands, too many needs, too much illness, too many people sapping Jesus' strength. So, he called the twelve. Did he have any idea what he was doing? What a pathetic band of characters, at least by society's standards. In a choose-up-sides baseball game, the captain probably would have picked them last. They looked and acted like the "Charlie Browns" of the first century.
Larry M. Goodpaster
The young woman squirmed uncomfortably in the cushioned chair to which she had been directed by the receptionist. Not only was she nervous about the impending job interview, but the shuttle service which had provided transportation from the airport to this office building had been the worst of her life. The others who had been on the van seemed as upset as she was -- and just as captive. Now, because of the traffic, and because that driver had not known which building was hers, she was late for her appointment.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: On an ordinary Sunday,
we come to worship God.
All: We come, trusting God will speak to us;
we come, hoping God will surprise us.
One: On this day, like every other day,
we seek to follow Jesus.
All: We follow, believing Jesus will be with us;
we follow, hoping Jesus will work through us.
One: On this day,
we lift our souls to God's Spirit;
All: we open our hearts, that the Spirit may fill us;
we open our hands that we might be a gift to others.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Confession And Absolution
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.

P: Merciful God, your will for us is to know the abundance of life, yet this world's suffering continues.
C: We have no answers, and we confess to you the failure of our self-reliance and the anger that is born of our despair. Speak to our questions. Speak to our confusion. Speak to our tears.

Silence for reflection

Emphasis Preaching Journal

A few years back, the religious media was filled with reports of "holy laughter." Some charismatic churches saw what proponents called a new manifestation of the Holy Spirit, as their members were seized by fits of uncontrollable laughing. Advocates insisted that this was an indication that God was doing a new thing among believers. Critics countered that this new thing was a manifestation of the wrong sort of spirit, and brought about by New Age doctrine and mind control techniques. Outsiders looked at the whole controversy as yet another dumb thing fundamentalists do.
Wayne Brouwer
Psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl, often wrote about the meaninglessness of his patients' lives. He was able to sympathize with them in a powerful way, since he spent part of World War II in a concentration camp. He remembered the dark weeks of 1944 vividly: the numbness of the gray days, the cold sameness of every dreary morning.

Suddenly, like a bolt of bright colors, came the stunning whisper that the Allies had landed at Normandy. The push was on. The Germans were running. The tide of the war had turned. "By Christmas we'll be released!" they told each other.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to have a real treat. I found out the other day that our friend, Mike, is taking guitar lessons. So I asked Mike if he wouldn't mind playing for us.

Mike, how do you like playing the guitar? (let him answer) How long have you been taking lessons? (let him answer) How often do you practice? (let him answer) That is very good. I bet some day you will be a great musician. Would you play your favorite song for us? (ask him to play something that he knows very well)
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of your parents read a newspaper? (Let them answer.) Do some of you look at the newspaper? Do you read the comics or other sections? (Let them answer.) Some of you aren't old enough to read yet, but some day you'll start reading. One thing you will read will be a newspaper like this one. (Show the paper.) What does a newspaper have in it that is so important to people? (Let them answer.) It has stories in it. We call these stories "news." Some of the news is good news. Some of the news is bad news.

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