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Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

No One is Sitting Around -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2026
For July 26, 2026:
The Kingdom of Heaven is Hot -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, 1 Kings 3:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
For July 30, 2023:
Hear the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
For July 26, 2020:
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
What We Fail To Mention -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
The opening section of Psalm 105 -- the lectionary’s primary psalm selection for this coming week

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God's Math -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- John Jamison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Object: A blank piece of poster paper, markers, and the attached list of numbers.
Our Rising Faith -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- John Jamison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
“He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman
The Kingdom Of Surprises -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the
Guide to Heaven -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
The Point: Jesus wants us to know what the kingdom of heaven is like.
One pearl -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of

Children's Activity

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One pearl -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
The kingdom -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2008
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
An image of God's kingdom -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
During our sermon time we discussed the lesson for today using dot-to-dot image.
The kingdom of Heaven -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Teachers or Parents: Jesus gave many illustrations about the
The kingdom of heaven -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Teachers or Parents: Jesus used many similes -- especially about those intangible things we cann
"Going fishing" and "A treasure hunt" -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Parents and Teachers: Here are two games geared to different age groups.
Heaven's pearls -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Materials:

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Living the Gift of Faith -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Genesis 29:15-28
What Do We Keep? -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
Our three selections for today have not much in the way of similarities.
Turning The Tables -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
Turning the tables is an effective storytelling device in both comedy and tragedy.
Kingdom ambiguities -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- David Coffin -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
So a person believes they have gotten a job or are active in a community that calls itself "Christia
Belonging -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
When I was in high school a new music teacher came to town.
Commitment -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2008
According to social researchers there are five basic reasons why people fail to make long- term comm
Playing the hand you're dealt -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2002
Several years ago a friend was unloading her van in the steeply inclined driveway next to her home.
Loving God with our minds -- 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1999
The first great commandment that we should "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all
What's it worth to you? -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1996
If you are a preacher who likes to pull all of the texts for the day into your sermon, this Sunday
"X" marks the spot -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 119:129-136 -- William H. Shepherd -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
God works in hidden ways.

Illustration

The Immediate Word

No One is Sitting Around -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2026
For July 26, 2026:
The Kingdom of Heaven is Hot -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, 1 Kings 3:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
For July 30, 2023:
Hear the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
For July 26, 2020:
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2023) -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Genesis 29:15-28
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2020) -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 128 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
Psalm 128
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2017) -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
Genesis 29:15-28
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2014) -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
Genesis 29:15-28
Growing the Kingdom of... -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
Growing the Kingdom of God and our churches does not come easy.
Corrie ten Boom was... -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Ron Love -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
Corrie ten Boom was transferred to Ravensbruck Concentration Camp.

Worship

The Immediate Word

No One is Sitting Around -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2026
For July 26, 2026:
The Kingdom of Heaven is Hot -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, 1 Kings 3:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
For July 30, 2023:
Hear the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
For July 26, 2020:
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
What We Fail To Mention -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
The opening section of Psalm 105 -- the lectionary’s primary psalm selection for this coming week
The Treat In The Trick -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
This week our lectionary passage from Genesis brings us the strange story of Jacob being tricked by
The Good News Is Always Present -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Scott Suskovic -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2008
Bad news seems to be inevitable these days, and in a world of media saturation, it is difficult, if

SermonStudio

Proper 12 / Ordinary Time 17 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
Litany Of Confession
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We come, to proclaim God's majesty,
The Deceiver Deceive -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 105:8-11)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

No One is Sitting Around -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2026
For July 26, 2026:
The Kingdom of Heaven is Hot -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, 1 Kings 3:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
For July 30, 2023:
Hear the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
For July 26, 2020:
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
What We Fail To Mention -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
The opening section of Psalm 105 -- the lectionary’s primary psalm selection for this coming week
The Treat In The Trick -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
This week our lectionary passage from Genesis brings us the strange story of Jacob being tricked by
The Good News Is Always Present -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Scott Suskovic -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2008
Bad news seems to be inevitable these days, and in a world of media saturation, it is difficult, if

SermonStudio

Why We Need The Pledge Of Allegiance -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
When I was in high school, a new music teacher came to town.
Things To Come! -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
I'd quit the ministry were it not for what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 13!
What Is Priceless? -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Introduction

Preaching

The Immediate Word

No One is Sitting Around -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2026
For July 26, 2026:
The Kingdom of Heaven is Hot -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, 1 Kings 3:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
For July 30, 2023:
Hear the Voices of Peoples Long Silenced -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
For July 26, 2020:
Secrets And Lies -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
We all have secrets -- things that we would rather keep hidden from others...
What We Fail To Mention -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
The opening section of Psalm 105 -- the lectionary’s primary psalm selection for this coming week
The Treat In The Trick -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
This week our lectionary passage from Genesis brings us the strange story of Jacob being tricked by
The Good News Is Always Present -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Scott Suskovic -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2008
Bad news seems to be inevitable these days, and in a world of media saturation, it is difficult, if

SermonStudio

Proper 12 / Pentecost 10 / Ordinary Time 17 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Storytelling -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
Jesus loved to tell stories. Much of his teaching was in the form of stories we call parables.
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)

Stories

StoryShare

Too Deep For Words -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
Contents “Too Deep For Words” by David O. Bales
Almost Heaven -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 119:129-136 -- Keith Wagner, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
Contents "Almost Heaven" by Keith Wagner
When We Cannot Pray -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
Contents "When We Cannot Pray" by Sandra Herrmann
Jerry Springer -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- C. David Mckirachan, Larry Winebrenner, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
Contents "Jerry Springer" by C. David McKirachan
Never Again Separate -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- David O. Bales, Craig Kelly -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Never Again Separate" by David O. Bales
Learning How To Pray -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "A Time to Deceive"

SermonStudio

Extraordinary Ordinary Things -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Catchy quotes help us envision things that are hard to understand.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 12 / Pentecost 10 / OT 17 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
"Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes." -- Matthew 13:51

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

The Grain Of Faith -- Matthew 13:31-33, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Call to Worship:

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Terry's Dream -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Terry had a dream.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Radiant God... -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

The Immediate Word

No One is Sitting Around -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, 1 Kings 3:5-12, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 119:129-136, Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2026
For July 26, 2026:

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

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Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
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