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Psalm 27:1, 4-9

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Group picture -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2010
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait.
Political religion -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill.
Full-contact life -- Isaiah 9:1-4, Matthew 4:12-23, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2002
Rachel Matthews, 48, a community manager for an Internet start-up company, started doing it because

Worship

The Immediate Word

Which Empire Are You Serving? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2026
For January 25, 2026: Which Empire Are You Serving?
At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov

Free Access

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:

SermonStudio

Epiphany 3/Ordinary Time 3 -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
Litany Of Confession P: Discord, dissention, strife,

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Which Empire Are You Serving? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2026
For January 25, 2026: Which Empire Are You Serving?
At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov

Free Access

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:

SermonStudio

Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
German playwright, Bertolt Brecht, writes in one of his immortal tunes that "magic fear puts the wor

Stories

StoryShare

Light For The Darkness -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Keith Wagner, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2017
Contents "Light for the Darkness" by Keith Wagner
Ordinary Time -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
Contents "Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
Found In Darkness -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
Contents "Found in Darkness" by John Sumwalt "Sold Out" by Craig Kelly
Glenda's Surprise -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Argile Smith, Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Glenda's Surprise" by Argile Smith
God Time -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "God Time" by Keith Hewitt
Angel Of Mercy -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"

SermonStudio

A Dog's Life -- Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, David Michael Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
The phone rang at precisely 9 p.m.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 3 / OT 3 -- Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? -- Psalm 27:1

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Which Empire Are You Serving? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2026
For January 25, 2026: Which Empire Are You Serving?
At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov

Free Access

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Which Empire Are You Serving? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2026
For January 25, 2026: Which Empire Are You Serving?
At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov

Free Access

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:

StoryShare

Found In Darkness -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Craig Kelly -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
Contents "Found in Darkness" by John Sumwalt "Sold Out" by Craig Kelly

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Which Empire Are You Serving? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2026
For January 25, 2026: Which Empire Are You Serving?
At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
United In Mind And Purpose -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
In this week’s lectionary text from First Corinthians, Paul highlights the divisions and quarrels
The Jesus Gang -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Roger Lovette, George Reed -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2011
In the wake of the recent Arizona shootings, a great deal of attention has been focused on the tone
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov

Free Access

At Home in Capernaum -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
For January 22, 2023:
The United Methodist Church And Paul’s Case For Bipartisan Baptism -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2020
For January 26, 2020:
UPCOMING WEEKS
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4 – Pastor's Devotions
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
As Jesus invites us to imagine the realm of God in these parables, no one is resting in the presence of God. There’s a remarkable amount of activity happening here. People are planting, baking, weeding, digging, selling, raising money and burying. The characters in the parables are all in motion. 

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
We may sometimes feel as though we are too inferior and too insignificant to be of any use to God. But God can make the tiniest of seeds grow into a huge bush. In our worship today let us offer to God all that we can and ask him to use us as yeast to enable his kingdom to grow.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm afraid of being too presumptuous or too proud.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I feel too small to be noticed by you.
Christ, have mercy.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Craig Kelly
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Never Again Separate" by David O. Bales
"Switching Treasures" by Craig Kelly


What's Up This Week
Hospital chaplains offer a different perspective on what it means to witness for Christ in desperate times. "Never Again Separate" shows us how reconciliation can help heal years of anger. "Switching Treasures" reminds us that there are things in life worth pursuing no matter what the cost -- but we have to be careful not to be dazzled by things that only look attractive on the surface.

C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Jerry Springer" by C. David McKirachan
"Circumstantial Evidence" by C. David McKirachan
"People and Sheep" by Larry Winebrenner
"Learning to Pray" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Wall" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


Jerry Springer
by C. David McKirachan
Genesis 29:15-28

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
This Psalm is difficult to preach in our modern culture, because of the central section (vv. 3-4) which addresses devout men exclusively, and which celebrates the gifts of a fertile wife and many children as a blessing from God. That portion of this psalm may preach in Amish country, but in any other part of the twenty-first-century Christian church, its message seems quaint at best and archaic at worst. In a world threatened by overpopulation, there are major ethical questions connected with the image of a large crop of children springing up "like olive shoots around your table."
James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Proper 14/Pentecost 12/Ordinary Time 19, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-6, 16-22, 45b; and see Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-6, 37-45.)
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
When she was a little girl her parents bought a cottage by the lake. It was a small and humble place, but it would soon be filled with many memories. Each summer the family would go to the lake. She and her brother and sisters went swimming almost every day. On special occasions her father would rent a boat and the whole family would paddle around the lake. She learned how to fish and even tried her hand at water skiing. Vacations were a constant source of joy because of the little cottage by the lake.
Tempe Fussell
Curtis Fussell
If you have ever made an in-depth investigation of your family history, a genealogy, then you probably came across some ancestors who would qualify as so-called "black sheep of the family." Among my own ancestors my father came across a family will dating back to shortly before the Civil War. In that will it speaks of my great-great-great-grandmother selling off slaves. In fact, the will indicates that the slave family she owned was to be divided up at her death. When I first heard about this I was shocked and horrified. I could not believe it was true until I read the will myself.
Tom M. Garrison
It was the July 22, 1999, CNN live coverage of the burial at sea of John F. Kennedy, Jr. All his family members were dressed in black, knowing that in a few minutes the remains of someone they loved would be forever committed to the sea. When the coverage from the first news of the plane crash began to air -- one of the main subjects was all the tragedy that this family has suffered, beginning with the little boy the press called John-John, standing with a salute for his fallen father, the President of the United States.
Stan Purdum
I'd quit the ministry were it not for what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 13! Here Jesus is brutally honest in telling his ministers both then and now what to expect. In the best of times ministry is difficult. In the worst of times it is downright intolerable. But there is hope! For in Jesus Christ, nothing is wasted!
Jeff Wedge
Many people have heard a part of this lesson before. Most particularly, the last two verses, the part about "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Genesis 29:15-28
Theme: Apprentice

Call To Worship
Leader: Remember that God still guides us today. God always finds new ways of shedding light on our paths. We rejoice in an ever-present, ever-creating, and ever-sustaining God.
People: Praise be to God.

Collect

God of purpose, God of design, God who knows the way: We come with open hearts ready to hear your word. We come as students of faith. We come as your disciples. Through Christ. Amen.

Prayer Of Confession
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Sing Praise To God (NCH6, UM126, PH483)
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (CBH582, NCH18, 19, UM127, PH281)
Like The Murmur Of The Dove's Song (NCH270, UM544, PH314)
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go (NCH485, UM480, PH342)
Jesus Priceless Treasure (CBH595, NCH480, UM532, PH365)
Thine Is The Glory (CBH269, NCH253, UM308, PH122)
By Gracious Powers (NCH412, UM517, PH342)
The Kingdom Of God (CBH224, UM275)

Anthems
The Love Of God, Natalie Sleeth, SATB

Emphasis Preaching Journal

William H. Shepherd
God works in hidden ways.

It's an oft-heard saying, perhaps a cliché, but there is a reason certain phrases become clichés. The Bible gives plenty of evidence of a God who works in hidden ways.
Wayne Brouwer
According to social researchers there are five basic reasons why people fail to make long- term commitments such as marriage. First, some are hurt by a past relationship that came undone in a nasty or painful way. "Once bitten, twice shy" is the way the modern proverb puts it. Troublesome difficulties in a passionate romance where we allowed ourselves to become vulnerable and then felt abused or misused by the object of our emotions can cause us to pull back from similar future possibilities.

CSSPlus

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field. (Matthew 13:31)

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever visited the kingdom of heaven? (let them answer) Where is the kingdom of heaven? (let them answer) None of you have ever been there, but I suppose all of you want to go there some day, don't you? (let them answer)
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Romans 8:35)

Good morning, boys and girls. Do you feel close to Jesus? (let them answer) When you are in church, can you feel Jesus all around you? (let them answer) Do you feel close to Jesus when you go home from church? (let them answer) When you go to school, or take a ride in your car, or shop in a store, do you feel close to Jesus? (let them answer)

Special Occasion

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