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Matthew 4:1-11

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Reading the Jesus Files -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Nazish Naseem, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2026
For February 22, 2026:
Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For February 26, 2023:
Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:

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Tempting! -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- John Jamison -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Object:  A cookie, a trophy or award of some kind, and a pair of socks.
Temptation Challenge -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Jesus sets the bar high by resisting temptation even from the imagination of the devil.
Goals For Jesus -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
How many of you like to play soccer?  How many of you like to be on the winning team?  Our lives are

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Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For February 26, 2023:
Tempting! -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- John Jamison -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Object:  A cookie, a trophy or award of some kind, and a pair of socks.
Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Temptation Challenge -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Jesus sets the bar high by resisting temptation even from the imagination of the devil.

Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Repentance -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Leah Thompson -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Just say, "No!" -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Weak and strong -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A
It is time for the season of Lent.
Fighting temptation -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Teachers and Parents: Teaching our children the difference
Jesus measured up -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Teachers or Parents: The whole concept of fasting is difficult for us to understand in this consume
A Real Temptation -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Teachers: Today you may teach your students about dealing with temptation by making a game of it.
Jesus' forty-day fast in the wilderness -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Materials: Blank calendar pages (two per child) Markers Crayons

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Relationships Tested -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19 -- David Coffin -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Imagine a young couple about to be married who have just processed up the aisle of a traditional Chr
Calling New Disciples -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
The scriptures for today bind together the beginning of sin in the world, our salvation from sin, an
Being Sinners -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
It’s the beginning of Lent, and having worshiped on Ash Wednesday, we have declared that we are sepa
Tough beginnings -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Ancient Israel's calendar of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly markers was not so much a schedule o
The rise and fall of sin -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 32 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Lent is traditionally a season of spiritual contemplation.
Telling the whole story -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 32 -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Oscar Wilde penned a powerful story about justice called The Picture of Dorian Gray.
The wedges driven into life -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 32 -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
As a teenager I split a great deal of firewood.
If you are the children of God -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1999
Some stories from the Bible sound strange, disconnected from our lives and our frames of reference.
A direction to follow -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1996

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Relationships Tested -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19 -- David Coffin -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Imagine a young couple about to be married who have just processed up the aisle of a traditional Chr

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Reading the Jesus Files -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Nazish Naseem, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2026
For February 22, 2026:
Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For February 26, 2023:
Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2023) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2020) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 32
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2017) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

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Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2023) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For February 26, 2023:
Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2020) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 32

Worship

The Immediate Word

Reading the Jesus Files -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Nazish Naseem, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2026
For February 22, 2026:
Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For February 26, 2023:
Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Walls And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus faces a time in the wilderness where he is repeatedl
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about temptation...
Power In The Wilderness -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
As we enter into Lent, the focus for many of our people will turn inward as they engage in small act
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation

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Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For February 26, 2023:
Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:

SermonStudio

Lent 1 -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Litany For Lent One: O Christ, as you head to Jerusalem, you lead us

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Reading the Jesus Files -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Nazish Naseem, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2026
For February 22, 2026:
Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For February 26, 2023:
Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Walls And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus faces a time in the wilderness where he is repeatedl
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about temptation...
Power In The Wilderness -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
As we enter into Lent, the focus for many of our people will turn inward as they engage in small act

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Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For February 26, 2023:
Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:

SermonStudio

Don't Give In -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
A colleague in ministry, nearing retirement, said something startling to me.
Jesus Tempted in Us -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
It's good to be here with you.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Reading the Jesus Files -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Nazish Naseem, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2026
For February 22, 2026:
Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For February 26, 2023:
Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:
Walls And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary gospel reading, Jesus faces a time in the wilderness where he is repeatedl
Tacos And Temptations -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-27; 3:1-7 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The lectionary texts for the First Sunday in Lent are all about temptation...
Power In The Wilderness -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
As we enter into Lent, the focus for many of our people will turn inward as they engage in small act
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation

Free Access

Lead Us Not into Relevance -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For February 26, 2023:
Right, Wrong, Whatever -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 1, 2020:

SermonStudio

First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day

Poems

SermonStudio

Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Andrew Daughters -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
Temptation is a lot of different things to different folks.
Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Andrew Daughters -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
Temptation is a lot of different things to different folks.

Stories

StoryShare

Thorough Temptation Of The Thoroughly Human -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents "Thorough Temptation Of The Thoroughly Human" by David O. Bales
A Little Soul Searching -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Keith Wagner, Keith Hewitt -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Contents "A Little Soul Searching" by Keith Wagner
How The Snake Fooled The Woman -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Contents "How the Snake Fooled the Woman" by Sandra Herrmann
Your Choice -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Frank Ramirez, Craig Kelly -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Contents "Your Choice" by Frank Ramirez "The Trial" by Craig Kelly
It's Not My Fault -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- C. David Mckirachan, Charles D. Reeb -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "It's Not My Fault" by C. David McKirachan
Still Learning Not To Wobble -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Contents What's Up This Week

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Thorough Temptation Of The Thoroughly Human -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents "Thorough Temptation Of The Thoroughly Human" by David O. Bales

SermonStudio

Temptation -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Temptation.
Stealing Candy -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Mark was one of those teens that other kids wanted to be with; at the same time parents strongly enc

Drama

SermonStudio

Fasting -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Robert F. Crowley -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Theme

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Stella Martin's 'second Sight' -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Stella Martin first became aware of her unusual gifts when she was quite small.

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Meets Blue Squirrel -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Call to Worship:

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Praxis Meets Blue Squirrel -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Call to Worship:

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Understanding God, Temptation Is Nasty... -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

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:

CSSPlus

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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