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Matthew 16:21-28

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

It's Hard to Say No -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Nazish Naseem, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2026
For August 30, 2026:
The Authentic Me -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
For September 3, 2023:
When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
For August 30, 2020:
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their
Losing And Finding -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2014
The grisly video -- especially for those who could actually bring themselves to watch the “

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Decisions! -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- John Jamison -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
Object: One of those “Magic Eight Balls”, or a simple coin to toss.
A different kind of hero -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
Good morning, boys and girls. Do any of you have heroes?
How Much is Your Soul Worth? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Jesus' Team -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2014
The Point: Jesus wants us to follow him and not just say we believe.
Take up your cross -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake wil

Children's Activity

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Take up your cross -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Stumbling blocks -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2008
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Finding life -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Materials Small, smooth rocks, 1 for each child Craft paint
Following isn't easy -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Teachers or Parents: Children need to be taught early that
Getting in God's way -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Teachers or Parents: It is a fact of church life that some of the church's greatest supporters are
Building blocks - not stumbling blocks -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Note: The teacher should bring Legos to class, or each student bring some of her own.
Let's save Jesus! -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Materials: Colored yarn or string

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 16:21-28 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 16:21-28 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 16:21-28 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 16:21-28 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Road Less Traveled -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
Robert Frost wrote a poem titled “The Road Less Traveled,” about making a choice between one turn in
Things Look Better Up Ahead -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
Exodus 3:1-15
Encountering the holy -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s three scriptures we encounter the holy in different yet related ways, a reminder that
Coming off the sidelines -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- David Coffin -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2014
A certain congregation has many problems as they survey the community where they exist grows more se
Expecting the unexpected -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
I have a confession to make -- I am a member of Packrats Anonymous.
Choose your weapon -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2008
Weapon: "1) something (as a club, knife, or gun) used to injure, defeat, or destroy; 2) a means of
Expecting the unexpected -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2002
I have a confession to make -- I am a member of Packrats Anonymous.
When losers become winners -- Jeremiah 15:15-21, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1999
Our society is like most other societies in the history of the world.
God wants you -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1996
(To the reader: You will note that the format changes for these articles with this September/Octo

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Encountering the holy -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s three scriptures we encounter the holy in different yet related ways, a reminder that

Illustration

The Immediate Word

It's Hard to Say No -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Nazish Naseem, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2026
For August 30, 2026:
The Authentic Me -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
For September 3, 2023:
When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
For August 30, 2020:
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2023) -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
Exodus 3:1-15
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2020) -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
Exodus 3:1-15
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2017) -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
Exodus 3:1-15
How hard it must have been... -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2014
How hard it must have been for our Lord to know the horrible agony that awaited him.
William Barclay writes that... -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2014
William Barclay writes that one of the early interpretations of this section is from the Christian t

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Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2017) -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
Exodus 3:1-15

Worship

The Immediate Word

It's Hard to Say No -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Nazish Naseem, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2026
For August 30, 2026:
The Authentic Me -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
For September 3, 2023:
When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
For August 30, 2020:
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their
Losing And Finding -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2014
The grisly video -- especially for those who could actually bring themselves to watch the “
The Gospel According To Warren Buffett -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary pericope from Matthew, Jesus begins the difficult process of preparing his

SermonStudio

Proper 17 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Matthew 16:21-28, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Romans 12:9-21 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We are told that our love toward others
The God With A History -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipOne: God spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
HymnsWhen Israel Was In Egypt's Land (NCH572, UM448, CBH164, PH334)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

It's Hard to Say No -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Nazish Naseem, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2026
For August 30, 2026:
The Authentic Me -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
For September 3, 2023:
When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
For August 30, 2020:
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their
Losing And Finding -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2014
The grisly video -- especially for those who could actually bring themselves to watch the “
The Gospel According To Warren Buffett -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary pericope from Matthew, Jesus begins the difficult process of preparing his

SermonStudio

The Road No One Wants To Travel -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Some time ago, I was riding a train through central England and a man boarded at one of the stops.
Do You Get It? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
"Is that really necessary?" It's a question that we may ask when something unpleasant or disturbing
What Is The Good Life? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Introduction

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The Road No One Wants To Travel -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
Some time ago, I was riding a train through central England and a man boarded at one of the stops.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

It's Hard to Say No -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Nazish Naseem, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2026
For August 30, 2026:
The Authentic Me -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
For September 3, 2023:
When You Are Still Called -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2020
For August 30, 2020:
Stale Bread and Sour Wine -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Beth Herrinton-Hodge, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel text, Jesus tells the disciples that “those who want to save their
Losing And Finding -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2014
The grisly video -- especially for those who could actually bring themselves to watch the “
The Gospel According To Warren Buffett -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Mary Austin, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
In this week's lectionary pericope from Matthew, Jesus begins the difficult process of preparing his

SermonStudio

Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 3:1-15 (C)
Proper 17, Pentecost 15, Ordinary Time 22 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 3:1-15 (C)

Stories

StoryShare

Take Off Your Shoes -- Matthew 16:21-28, Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2014
Contents "Take Off Your Shoes" by C. David McKirachan
Verbs And Nouns -- Matthew 16:21-28, Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- C. David Mckirachan, Larry Winebrenner, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
Contents "Verbs and Nouns" by C. David McKirachan
Cross Foolishness -- Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21, Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Why Does This Have To Happen? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Mae is Chris' best friend.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / OT 22 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2007
For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?

Monologues

SermonStudio

Through Gates Of Splendor -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- David G. Rogne -- 2001
The Aucas have been on my heart since the first time I heard about them at a missionary conference w

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Tim Takes Up His Cross -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Tim was never allowed to go anywhere with his big brother, Fred.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

God Of Life, It's Difficult To Be Grateful... -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Mel's Trouble -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Call to Worship:

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
Gathering
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