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Matthew 20:1-16

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Heard It On The Grape Vine -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16, Jonah 3:10--4:11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2026
For September 20, 2026:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Did I Get to the Vineyard Too Late? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Mary Austin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a parable that at first glance seems antitheti
Stuck In The Fear-Filled Wilderness / Are We Scared Yet? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
A pair of topics have dominated the news headlines this past week.
Polls, Parables, And Complaints -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary offers a pair of texts in which we discover how God provides unimaginable b

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Two Kingdoms -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- John Jamison -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2023
Object: A cut-out Roman denarius.
It’s Not Fair! -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- John Jamison -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
So the last will be first, and the first will be last. (v. 16)
Math – Jesus' Style -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
...I chose to give to this last the same as I give to you...so the last will be first and th
How Sweet Is Grace -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
The Point: God's gift of grace makes heaven available to all.
Doin' time -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. (v.

Children's Activity

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Doin' time -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
God's best friends -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2008
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME Materials:
God loves us all -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Materials
"That's not fair!" -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Teachers or Parents: Many adults have trouble understanding
Kingdom of heaven clock -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Teachers: Jesus tells a parable, which involves different times of the day.
Not fair! -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Teachers or Parents: Young children especially have an acute sense of what's fair and what is not f

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 20:1-16 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 20:1-16 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 20:1-16 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Matthew 20:1-16 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Belonging Grace -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- David Coffin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2023
At first glance, one common thread that ties all three of these texts together is that of God’s grac
Complaint Department -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
A woman who works at Weight Watchers said that a new client had begun her diet.
Who's On First? -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- David Kalas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
I heard a story once of a custodian who worked at a certain university.
Getting what we (don't) deserve -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
God is not just by our human ways of accounting.
Are you satisfied? -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
When my wife was younger, her father typically ended meal times by declaring loudly that he was "suf
So who will you be voting for? -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 -- R. Craig Maccreary -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2008
Needless to say, I suspect that I have captured your attention at this point.
The trouble with grace -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1999
Let's face it. Not everyone is happy about God's generosity.
Of grease and squeaky wheels -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- David Kalas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Conventional wisdom says that it's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Heard It On The Grape Vine -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16, Jonah 3:10--4:11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2026
For September 20, 2026:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Did I Get to the Vineyard Too Late? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Mary Austin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a parable that at first glance seems antitheti

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2023) -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2023
Exodus 16:2-15
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2020) -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
Exodus 16:2-15
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2017) -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
Exodus 16:2-15
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
Exodus 16:2-15
Bebe has been called the... -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
Bebe has been called the "Father of English History." At the age of seven he entered monastic life.
A 2006 Barna Group poll found... -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
A 2006 Barna Group poll found that Americans have a good opinion of themselves.

StoryShare

Coming to Jesus -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
Helen’s picked up her phone to look at the new message.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Heard It On The Grape Vine -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16, Jonah 3:10--4:11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2026
For September 20, 2026:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Did I Get to the Vineyard Too Late? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Mary Austin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a parable that at first glance seems antitheti
Stuck In The Fear-Filled Wilderness / Are We Scared Yet? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
A pair of topics have dominated the news headlines this past week.
Polls, Parables, And Complaints -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary offers a pair of texts in which we discover how God provides unimaginable b

SermonStudio

Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: Here, we gather in preparation
Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25 -- Matthew 20:1-16, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
What Is It? -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipOne: What is this?
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
HymnsEat This Bread (CBH471, UM628)
Proper 20 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Theme: Workers For God Call To Worship

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Heard It On The Grape Vine -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16, Jonah 3:10--4:11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2026
For September 20, 2026:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Did I Get to the Vineyard Too Late? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Mary Austin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a parable that at first glance seems antitheti
Stuck In The Fear-Filled Wilderness / Are We Scared Yet? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
A pair of topics have dominated the news headlines this past week.
Polls, Parables, And Complaints -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary offers a pair of texts in which we discover how God provides unimaginable b

SermonStudio

Why Is God Unfair? -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
One of my favorite courses to teach is "Introduction to Biblical Literature." It is a 200-level cour
Radically Unfair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In a Walker Percy novel, a white physician is arrested for illegally selling drugs to truck drivers
As Long As It Is Day! -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
The greatest sorrow is to have no cause, no work, no sacrifice for which to live.
Is God Fair? -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Introduction

Free Access

Why Is God Unfair? -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
One of my favorite courses to teach is "Introduction to Biblical Literature." It is a 200-level cour

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Heard It On The Grape Vine -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16, Jonah 3:10--4:11 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Nazish Naseem, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2026
For September 20, 2026:
But That’s Not Fair -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
For September 20, 2020:
Did I Get to the Vineyard Too Late? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Mary Austin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel passage, Jesus tells a parable that at first glance seems antitheti
Stuck In The Fear-Filled Wilderness / Are We Scared Yet? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
A pair of topics have dominated the news headlines this past week.
Polls, Parables, And Complaints -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
This week the lectionary offers a pair of texts in which we discover how God provides unimaginable b

SermonStudio

Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The rear window shows us nothing worth looking at.
More Than Fair! -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
I ran across a website a while back that said something that we all know, intuitively: "A roll of th
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 16:2--15 (C)
Hours And Wages -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Equally Saved -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
To understand this parable, it is necessary to review the passage before this parable.

Stories

StoryShare

Coming to Jesus -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2020
Helen’s picked up her phone to look at the new message.
Redefining Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2017
Contents "Redefining Fair" by Peter Andrew Smith
The Nature Of Grace -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2014
Contents "The Nature of Grace" by Peter Andrew Smith
So What Is It Anyway? -- Matthew 20:1-16, Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2011
Contents "So What Is It Anyway?" by Frank Ramirez

SermonStudio

Erring On The Side Of Compassion -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
When I worked as an emergency assistance coordinator for Lutheran Social Services, I made many error
Ed's Vacation -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
Ed and Darlene were looking forward to their summer vacation.
The Contractor"s Choice -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 20:1-16The Laborers In The Vineyard
The Contractor's Choice -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
George Gustafson had been a builder in central Texas nearly 40 years.

Drama

SermonStudio

Payday -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
ThemeGod's generosity to all.Summary

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / OT 25 -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
... Or are you envious because I am generous? -- Matthew 20:15

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Living Like Animals -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Timmy and Angela glared at each other.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Overwhelmingly Generous God... -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Henry's Hurdle -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - 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
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