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Jonah 3:1-5, 10

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Times They Are A Changing -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Back in 1963 Bob Dylan, at that time coming into his own at a folk singer, wrote and recorded a folk
Imperative -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Recently, British researchers discovered that 42 percent of the church-goers in that country fall as
The rules just changed -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
Jonah later claimed that the reason he fled after the command of God to condemn Nineveh was he knew
Telling time -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2015
Somewhere along the way, each of us learned how to tell time.
The test -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2011
I have a dear friend who is a college professor.
Fish tales -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2003
I had a colleague in graduate school about whom another friend in our doctoral program in New Testam
Urgency -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2000
It's fair to say that any sense of urgency about their faith is missing among a good many contempora
Christian living in the last days -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1994
While waiting in the convenience store check-out line, my eyes went to the ever-present tabloid head

Free Access

The Times They Are A Changing -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Back in 1963 Bob Dylan, at that time coming into his own at a folk singer, wrote and recorded a folk
Imperative -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Recently, British researchers discovered that 42 percent of the church-goers in that country fall as

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2024) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2021) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2018) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
Jonah 3:1-5, 10

The Immediate Word

Crisis Instructions -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
For January 21, 2024:
And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
For January 24, 2021:
Messengers -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
In the stories of Jonah proclaiming God’s judgment to the Ninevites and Jesus calling fishermen to b

Free Access

Crisis Instructions -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
For January 21, 2024:
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2024) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
For January 24, 2021:
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2021) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Worship

The Immediate Word

Crisis Instructions -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
For January 21, 2024:
And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
For January 24, 2021:
Messengers -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
In the stories of Jonah proclaiming God’s judgment to the Ninevites and Jesus calling fishermen to b
Urgent Message -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary passages contain a pair of warnings about the urgency of changing our beha
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s

Free Access

Crisis Instructions -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
For January 21, 2024:
And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
For January 24, 2021:
I Knew This Would Happen! -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Acts 3:19-21) One:

SermonStudio

Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Theme: I Knew This Would Happen!
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship Psalm 62:5-8 -- Freely translated! Leader:

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Crisis Instructions -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
For January 21, 2024:
And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
For January 24, 2021:
Messengers -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
In the stories of Jonah proclaiming God’s judgment to the Ninevites and Jesus calling fishermen to b
Urgent Message -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary passages contain a pair of warnings about the urgency of changing our beha
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s

Free Access

Crisis Instructions -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
For January 21, 2024:
And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
For January 24, 2021:

SermonStudio

The Need For Transformation -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2008
The Bishop of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was known to be a great evangelist and preacher who woul
Following A God Who Flip Flops ... -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Following A God Who Flip Flops ...
Defining Moments -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
Throughout the Bible God caused defining moments in order to prepare leadership to begin new chapter

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Crisis Instructions -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
For January 21, 2024:
And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
For January 24, 2021:
Messengers -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
In the stories of Jonah proclaiming God’s judgment to the Ninevites and Jesus calling fishermen to b
Urgent Message -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary passages contain a pair of warnings about the urgency of changing our beha
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s

Free Access

Crisis Instructions -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
For January 21, 2024:
And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
For January 24, 2021:

SermonStudio

Epiphany 3 -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2011
Theme of the Day Now is the time! Collect of the Day
Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Jonah 3:1-5, 10 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20
Third Sunday after Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2001
In preaching on this text from Jonah, we must never forget that it is set within a narrative context

Stories

StoryShare

Endings And Beginnings -- Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2014
Contents "Endings and Beginnings" by Peter Andrew Smith
Always The Same, Always Changing -- Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
Contents "Always the Same, Always Changing" by Frank Ramirez
All Along The Watchtower -- Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Keith Hewitt, Argile Smith, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "All Along the Watchtower" by Keith Hewitt
Joelito's Legacy -- Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Sandra Herrmann, Jo Perry-Sumwalt, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2006
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Joelito's Legacy"

SermonStudio

A Gospel For Losers -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2008
A fellow is standing at a bar, just looking at his drink.
Joelito's Legacy -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
The prophet Jonah was commanded by God to go to Nineveh; Joel Fil‡rtiga was inspired to go to Paragu
Getting Up The Courage -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
Julie hadn't been able to think of anything for a month but a

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 3 -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2008
Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Crisis Instructions -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
For January 21, 2024:
And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
For January 24, 2021:
Messengers -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
In the stories of Jonah proclaiming God’s judgment to the Ninevites and Jesus calling fishermen to b
Urgent Message -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2015
This week’s lectionary passages contain a pair of warnings about the urgency of changing our beha
Game-Changers -- Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2012
The lectionary scripture passages for the Third Sunday after Epiphany bring us a pair of startling s
Prayer For Public Consumption? -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Carter Shelley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Free Access

Crisis Instructions -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
For January 21, 2024:
And Immediately, God’s Mind Is Finally Changed -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
For January 24, 2021:
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 5
28 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
22 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
24 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
21 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

SermonStudio

Richard E. Gribble, CSC
When Charlie Atlas was a teenager his parents purchased for him a dresser mirror that he placed in his bedroom. Before this, whenever Charlie needed to use a mirror, he went to the bathroom, but there he was only able to see his head and possibly his shoulders. When he got dressed up he used his parents' full-length mirror in their bedroom. Charlie was happy with his new mirror; he spent many hours in front of it.
Elizabeth Achtemeier
There is a strange belief abroad in our land at the present time, the belief that we cannot know God. Such a belief rises partly from a feeling of awe before the divine -- the feeling that God is so unfathomable, so other, so beyond our feeble understanding that we cannot possibly experience who he truly is in all of his fullness and perfection. And perhaps that is the reason that the Athenians have erected that idol "to an unknown God" that Paul encounters when he visits their city. They know that there is a god beyond them, but they cannot define him or name him.
Stan Purdum
(See Proper 23/Pentecost 21/Ordinary Time 28, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-12.)

Psalm 66 is a song of communal thanksgiving, probably composed to celebrate some national deliverance. Because of the personal language of verses 13-20, there is some speculation that this psalm was originally two hymns, but as it stands, it contains a combination of corporate and personal prayers, both appropriate in worship.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 17:22--31 (C, E, L)
Schuyler Rhodes
Are you one of those people who always has a backup plan? Do you make your commitments and focus your energies on one thing, but have an alternative in mind just in case things don't work out with the first one? You might call it "Plan B" or something else, but basically you're hedging your bets and covering yourself in case the situation goes south.
Mark Ellingsen
Jesus was still in the middle of his farewell discourse to his disciples. He was trying to comfort the despair that they were feeling when they had first heard the news (during the last supper) that Jesus would be leaving them (John 13:21, 33; 14:1). He had comforted them with the good news that he was on the way to God the Father, that in associating with Jesus, the disciples had been in fellowship with the Father (John 14:6-11). Whoever believed in him, Jesus said, would be able to do the works that he had done, even greater works (John 14:12).
Albert G. Butzer, III
Here are two statements about the world. Tell me if both of them ring true for you. The first of them is this: "The world is a beautiful place." And the second statement is this: "The world is a terrible and dangerous place." Both statements are true - don't you agree? - and yet, ironically, they seem to say the exact opposite thing. How much easier it would be to affirm one statement or the other, but not both.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contribution to humanity will live on in the minds of many under a different title, "The Birdman of Alcatraz." By nature, Robert Stroud was not a congenial man. As a youth he was always getting into fights, disagreements, and various altercations. When he was only nineteen he killed a man in a barroom brawl, was convicted of second--degree murder, and was sentenced to the Federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, since the crime was committed on Federal land.
Richard W. Ferris
In a large stone cathedral in Europe there was a grand, magnificent pipe organ. On a particular Saturday afternoon, the sexton was making one final check of the choir and organ loft high in the balcony at the back of the church. As he was making his inspection, he was startled to hear footsteps echoing up the stone stairway behind him. He thought the doors were all locked and that no one else was in the church. He turned to see a man in slightly tattered traveling clothes coming toward him.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Acts 17:22-31
Theme: To A Known God

Call To Worship
Leader: God is a known God who continually gives us evidence of presence.
People: God is a knowable God who extends to us the hand of hope.
All: Come, let us worship God. Amen.

Collect
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Our Cities Cry To You, O God (PH437)
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (PH376, UM384, LBW315, NCH43)
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (PH321, UM465)
There's A Sweet, Sweet Spirit (PH398, UM334)
Thy Holy Wings, O Savior (UM502)
Come Down, O Love Divine (LBW508, NCH289, PH313)
O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee (OBW492, NCH502, PH357)
My Song Is Love Unknown (LBW94, NCH222, PH76)

Anthems
Praise The Lord, Service Music, Hal Hopson, CGA, Unison 2--part

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 10, 2026:

StoryShare

John Fitzgerald
Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the classic Little House on the Prairie series neared an end to her
life. At this juncture she penned an essay about hope in face of the constant current of change. Here is an excerpt from that writing: 
Frank Ramirez
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Always Be Ready" by Frank Ramirez
"Looking for God" by Peter Andrew Smith
"A Gentle Profession" by Peter Andrew Smith


What's Up This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
The lessons for the Sixth Sunday of Easter direct us to sermons on the great things God’s love does, appreciating in two cases this love’s cosmic character (especially leading to a stress on justification by grace). This is an appropriate theme with the festival of the Ascension in view, which celebrates Christ’s almighty power and cosmic vindication. 

Acts 17:22-31
William H. Shepherd
Schuyler Rhodes
In Garret Kreizer's novel, God of Beer (2002), the high school social studies teacher tells the class about Gandhi's assertion that if God ever came to India, he'd have to come as bread, in order to get the attention of the starving peasants. The teacher then asks the class what form God would have to take in order to get the attention of their high school. "Beer," says one student. "Yeah," another chimes in, "it's the only thing to do around here."

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

The Church of Christ

Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority

The local community

Those who suffer

The communion of saints


These responses may be used:


Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.

CSSPlus

Hi there, boys and girls! How many of you have rules that you have to follow at home? (show of hands) What are some of the rules you have? (let them tell you) What about at school? Do you have rules there? What are they? (let them tell you)

Why should we even have rules? (see what they think) I think we have rules because it makes it easier for us to be together. If we are all kind to each other, we will all be happier. If there are rules, then maybe people will fight less.

Special Occasion

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