Second Sunday after Christmas - A
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt
* * * * * * * *
A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Henry didn't like Jack.
Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.
Like now. He said it was time to go. Go? They'd wait in that cold auditorium for from three quarters of an hour to a whole hour.
In enemy territory.
Alone.
The whole school was boycotting the game. Last time not only was Northwood High unsportsman like. They also egged several of Beall High's cars. Who in their right mind would go back?
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt
* * * * * * * *
A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Henry didn't like Jack.
Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.
Like now. He said it was time to go. Go? They'd wait in that cold auditorium for from three quarters of an hour to a whole hour.
In enemy territory.
Alone.
The whole school was boycotting the game. Last time not only was Northwood High unsportsman like. They also egged several of Beall High's cars. Who in their right mind would go back?
Peter Andrew Smith
Joan cleared her throat. “I went to church this Christmas when I was home,”
Sylvia looked up from chopping vegetables. “Did your parents make you?”
“No but they went of course.”
Sylvia frowned. “So why did you go?”
“Leo dropped by for a few days before going home and he wanted to go so we all went together.”
“Wow. You must really be serious about this guy to go to church with him.”
“I do like him.” Joan reached into the cupboard and selected some spices. “But you know what? I found myself enjoying the service.”
Sylvia smiled. “The music is great this time of year. I love singing the familiar carols and seeing all the decorations. There is nothing better than lights in the dark and gloomy time of year.”
“The tree at the church was beautiful and the choir was spectacular but that isn’t the only reason I enjoyed the service,” Joan said. “I found myself thinking and considering God.”
Sylvia looked up from chopping vegetables. “Did your parents make you?”
“No but they went of course.”
Sylvia frowned. “So why did you go?”
“Leo dropped by for a few days before going home and he wanted to go so we all went together.”
“Wow. You must really be serious about this guy to go to church with him.”
“I do like him.” Joan reached into the cupboard and selected some spices. “But you know what? I found myself enjoying the service.”
Sylvia smiled. “The music is great this time of year. I love singing the familiar carols and seeing all the decorations. There is nothing better than lights in the dark and gloomy time of year.”
“The tree at the church was beautiful and the choir was spectacular but that isn’t the only reason I enjoyed the service,” Joan said. “I found myself thinking and considering God.”
Keith Hewitt
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
"The Return" by Keith Hewitt
"Shining in the Darkness" by Peter Andrew Smith
* * * * * * *
The Return
by Keith Hewitt
Jeremiah 31:7-14
"I am third generation," Benjamin said, as his party stood on a windswept plain, staring toward the city. The sun was bright, but the air was cold, and the strong, steady wind made it colder. Funny, he thought, I always pictured this place much warmer. It was, he supposed, the inevitable effect of stories passed down over generations, of times and places dimly remembered. Wars and famine, rebellion and social collapse there may have been, but the homeland was still the homeland, and it was still warmer, sweeter, and more hospitable than any other land.
He looked to his right, at the younger man standing beside him, and asked quietly, "And you?"
"The Return" by Keith Hewitt
"Shining in the Darkness" by Peter Andrew Smith
* * * * * * *
The Return
by Keith Hewitt
Jeremiah 31:7-14
"I am third generation," Benjamin said, as his party stood on a windswept plain, staring toward the city. The sun was bright, but the air was cold, and the strong, steady wind made it colder. Funny, he thought, I always pictured this place much warmer. It was, he supposed, the inevitable effect of stories passed down over generations, of times and places dimly remembered. Wars and famine, rebellion and social collapse there may have been, but the homeland was still the homeland, and it was still warmer, sweeter, and more hospitable than any other land.
He looked to his right, at the younger man standing beside him, and asked quietly, "And you?"
New Year's Day - A
Peter Andrew Smith
Keith Wagner
Contents
"A New Season" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Magnificence of God" by Keith Wagner
"Grateful and Gracious" by Keith Wagner
A New Season
by Peter Andrew Smith
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Peter dealt out the playing cards and sorted his hand. He waited patiently as his grandfather adjusted his oxygen mask and picked up the cards in front of him.
“Everything okay?” Peter asked.
His grandfather nodded. “The mask is just irritating at times.”
“I can imagine.”
Peter played his first card. His grandfather put a card down and soon they were underway. It didn’t take long for his grandfather to win the game. The next game and the one following had the same result.
“Are you feeling okay?” His grandfather asked as he shuffled the cards.
“Just distracted I guess.”
"A New Season" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Magnificence of God" by Keith Wagner
"Grateful and Gracious" by Keith Wagner
A New Season
by Peter Andrew Smith
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Peter dealt out the playing cards and sorted his hand. He waited patiently as his grandfather adjusted his oxygen mask and picked up the cards in front of him.
“Everything okay?” Peter asked.
His grandfather nodded. “The mask is just irritating at times.”
“I can imagine.”
Peter played his first card. His grandfather put a card down and soon they were underway. It didn’t take long for his grandfather to win the game. The next game and the one following had the same result.
“Are you feeling okay?” His grandfather asked as he shuffled the cards.
“Just distracted I guess.”
Peter Andrew Smith
Keith Wagner
Contents
"A New Season" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Magnificence of God" by Keith Wagner
"Grateful and Gracious" by Keith Wagner
A New Season
by Peter Andrew Smith
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Peter dealt out the playing cards and sorted his hand. He waited patiently as his grandfather adjusted his oxygen mask and picked up the cards in front of him.
“Everything okay?” Peter asked.
His grandfather nodded. “The mask is just irritating at times.”
“I can imagine.”
Peter played his first card. His grandfather put a card down and soon they were underway. It didn’t take long for his grandfather to win the game. The next game and the one following had the same result.
“Are you feeling okay?” His grandfather asked as he shuffled the cards.
“Just distracted I guess.”
"A New Season" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Magnificence of God" by Keith Wagner
"Grateful and Gracious" by Keith Wagner
A New Season
by Peter Andrew Smith
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Peter dealt out the playing cards and sorted his hand. He waited patiently as his grandfather adjusted his oxygen mask and picked up the cards in front of him.
“Everything okay?” Peter asked.
His grandfather nodded. “The mask is just irritating at times.”
“I can imagine.”
Peter played his first card. His grandfather put a card down and soon they were underway. It didn’t take long for his grandfather to win the game. The next game and the one following had the same result.
“Are you feeling okay?” His grandfather asked as he shuffled the cards.
“Just distracted I guess.”
John Fitzgerald
Contents
"The Right Season" by John Fitzgerald
* * * * * * *
The Right Season
by John Fitzgerald
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
As we enter a New Year and wonder how God can use us. Remember this biblical list:
God used Noah a drunk.
Abraham was too old and Jacob a liar.
Leah was ugly, Joseph abused.
Gideon was afraid and Samson had long hair.
Rahab was a prostitute, Timothy very young.
Isaiah preached naked, Jonah ran from God.
Peter denied Christ, the disciples feel asleep while praying.
Lazarus was dead when Christ used him.
The Holy Spirit can take this frail, mortal flesh and make it fit for his glory in 2015. However, a lot of it comes down to living in a time and place where the Lord can reach us. The scriptures teach that much of God's call is living in a right season.
"The Right Season" by John Fitzgerald
* * * * * * *
The Right Season
by John Fitzgerald
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
As we enter a New Year and wonder how God can use us. Remember this biblical list:
God used Noah a drunk.
Abraham was too old and Jacob a liar.
Leah was ugly, Joseph abused.
Gideon was afraid and Samson had long hair.
Rahab was a prostitute, Timothy very young.
Isaiah preached naked, Jonah ran from God.
Peter denied Christ, the disciples feel asleep while praying.
Lazarus was dead when Christ used him.
The Holy Spirit can take this frail, mortal flesh and make it fit for his glory in 2015. However, a lot of it comes down to living in a time and place where the Lord can reach us. The scriptures teach that much of God's call is living in a right season.
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"Who's that Comin' 'Round that Mountain?" by Frank Ramirez
* * * * * * *
Who's that Comin' 'Round that Mountain?
by Frank Ramirez
Matthew 25:31-46
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory.
-- Matthew 25:31
(This story involves the history of a song and it wouldn't hurt to have someone sing it. The minister should trust her or his own voice and sing out, but if that person considers it unwise then get the choir or a soloist involved, or project the lyrics and get the whole congregation singing. They will anyway, once you get started.)
"Who's that Comin' 'Round that Mountain?" by Frank Ramirez
* * * * * * *
Who's that Comin' 'Round that Mountain?
by Frank Ramirez
Matthew 25:31-46
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory.
-- Matthew 25:31
(This story involves the history of a song and it wouldn't hurt to have someone sing it. The minister should trust her or his own voice and sing out, but if that person considers it unwise then get the choir or a soloist involved, or project the lyrics and get the whole congregation singing. They will anyway, once you get started.)
Peter Andrew Smith
Contents
"God's Perspective" by Peter Andrew Smith
* * * * * * * *
God's Perspective
by Peter Andrew Smith
Psalm 8
There once was a man who lived a quiet life doing things that were neither noteworthy nor important. He was not a great man who changed the course of history or a terrible one that people reviled. No one looked at him as a role model or an example but at the same time no one hated or despised him either. Most people actually never noticed him. He was not overly attractive or particularly ugly. He was simply a plain, ordinary man living a plain, ordinary life.
"God's Perspective" by Peter Andrew Smith
* * * * * * * *
God's Perspective
by Peter Andrew Smith
Psalm 8
There once was a man who lived a quiet life doing things that were neither noteworthy nor important. He was not a great man who changed the course of history or a terrible one that people reviled. No one looked at him as a role model or an example but at the same time no one hated or despised him either. Most people actually never noticed him. He was not overly attractive or particularly ugly. He was simply a plain, ordinary man living a plain, ordinary life.
C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
David O. Bales
Contents
"I'll Be the One in Black" by C. David McKirachan
"The Prophet Anna" by Sandra Herrmann
"A Joyful or Disturbing Glimpse of the New" by David O. Bales
* * * * * * * *
I'll Be the One in Black
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 61:10-11
George O. Wilson said that "People need the sacred narrative... they will find a way to keep the ancestral spirits alive." This time of year we do a lot of things to reiterate our sacred narrative. Manger scenes, carols, decking the halls, mementoes from the past all reach with tentative wonder toward the story that makes us who we are. It's a great story. Why shouldn't we use it?
"I'll Be the One in Black" by C. David McKirachan
"The Prophet Anna" by Sandra Herrmann
"A Joyful or Disturbing Glimpse of the New" by David O. Bales
* * * * * * * *
I'll Be the One in Black
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 61:10-11
George O. Wilson said that "People need the sacred narrative... they will find a way to keep the ancestral spirits alive." This time of year we do a lot of things to reiterate our sacred narrative. Manger scenes, carols, decking the halls, mementoes from the past all reach with tentative wonder toward the story that makes us who we are. It's a great story. Why shouldn't we use it?
Larry Winebrenner
C. David Mckirachan
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt
* * * * * * * *
A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Henry didn't like Jack.
Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.
Like now. He said it was time to go. Go? They'd wait in that cold auditorium for from three quarters of an hour to a whole hour.
In enemy territory.
Alone.
The whole school was boycotting the game. Last time not only was Northwood High unsportsman like. They also egged several of Beall High's cars. Who in their right mind would go back?
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt
* * * * * * * *
A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Henry didn't like Jack.
Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.
Like now. He said it was time to go. Go? They'd wait in that cold auditorium for from three quarters of an hour to a whole hour.
In enemy territory.
Alone.
The whole school was boycotting the game. Last time not only was Northwood High unsportsman like. They also egged several of Beall High's cars. Who in their right mind would go back?
David O. Bales
Terry Cain
Wayne Brouwer
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "New Beginnings for a New Year"
Good Stories: "Is Any Year a Good One for a Prophet?" by David Bales
"Making Man Out of Monkey?" by Terry Cain
Sermon Starters: "Recognizing Jesus in Disguise" by Terry Cain
"Anti-Venom Serum" by Wayne Brouwer
Scrap Pile: "Bleak Midwinter: An R-Rated Christmas Story" by John Sumwalt
What's Up This Week
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "New Beginnings for a New Year"
Good Stories: "Is Any Year a Good One for a Prophet?" by David Bales
"Making Man Out of Monkey?" by Terry Cain
Sermon Starters: "Recognizing Jesus in Disguise" by Terry Cain
"Anti-Venom Serum" by Wayne Brouwer
Scrap Pile: "Bleak Midwinter: An R-Rated Christmas Story" by John Sumwalt
What's Up This Week
Epiphany of the Lord - A
David O. Bales
Frank Ramirez
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill
What's Up This Week
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill
What's Up This Week
Peter Andrew Smith
Tom sat on the porch looking out over the snow covering the front yard. Marg always loved this time of year and the quiet of winter. He used to tease her because she loved the snow and the long nights of winter. She would always give that quirky smile of hers and say, “The long night makes the dawn that much more glorious.”
Tom wiped away the tear from his cheek. He missed Marg with all his heart. He wished she was here beside him but knew that she was in a better place. The cancer had been so painful and difficult that he was relieved when she went to sleep and never woke up. He was glad she wasn’t suffering any more but that didn’t change the fact that his heart was broken.
Tom wiped away the tear from his cheek. He missed Marg with all his heart. He wished she was here beside him but knew that she was in a better place. The cancer had been so painful and difficult that he was relieved when she went to sleep and never woke up. He was glad she wasn’t suffering any more but that didn’t change the fact that his heart was broken.
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
“Reflections” by C. David McKirachan
“Job Description” by C. David McKirachan
Reflections
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 60:1-6
Christmas has been weird this year, and I don’t mean in the usual way. In late September we were refugees from a hurricane. But that was just the beginning. Bouncing back and forth between my part-time interim job and our home has created a bifurcated reality for us. There’s family with issues at a distance, in two different directions, and a good friend’s death. Then there was an unplanned stay in the hospital that further messed up the flow of Advent. But the straw that put the camel on its knees was our crèche.
“Reflections” by C. David McKirachan
“Job Description” by C. David McKirachan
Reflections
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 60:1-6
Christmas has been weird this year, and I don’t mean in the usual way. In late September we were refugees from a hurricane. But that was just the beginning. Bouncing back and forth between my part-time interim job and our home has created a bifurcated reality for us. There’s family with issues at a distance, in two different directions, and a good friend’s death. Then there was an unplanned stay in the hospital that further messed up the flow of Advent. But the straw that put the camel on its knees was our crèche.
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
"A Pile of Camels" by C. David McKirachan
A Pile of Camels
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 60: 1-6
What do we hope for? Having come to this pinnacle of wisdom, I wonder sometimes. The clarity of youth’s simplistic vision has been swamped by making it through. What seemed so clear, now is full of issues of practicality and that pesky worm of compassion nagging me each time I slip into judgement. It’s been said that survival is a noble endeavor, but I want more than that. We all need more than that unless we are willing to limit our gaze to small horizons. In the midst of all the confusion of life, there is glory. It’s hard to bottle, but I yearn and reach for it.
"A Pile of Camels" by C. David McKirachan
A Pile of Camels
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 60: 1-6
What do we hope for? Having come to this pinnacle of wisdom, I wonder sometimes. The clarity of youth’s simplistic vision has been swamped by making it through. What seemed so clear, now is full of issues of practicality and that pesky worm of compassion nagging me each time I slip into judgement. It’s been said that survival is a noble endeavor, but I want more than that. We all need more than that unless we are willing to limit our gaze to small horizons. In the midst of all the confusion of life, there is glory. It’s hard to bottle, but I yearn and reach for it.
John Fitzgerald
Contents
"Light for the New Year" by John Fitzgerald
Light for the New Year
by John Fitzgerald
Here is a poem you might find interesting:
LIFE LOOKED BETTER IN BLACK AND WHITE
You could hardly see all the snow.
Spread the rabbit ears as far as they go.
Pull up a chair on the TV set,
“Good night, David; Good night, Chet.”
Depending on the channel you tuned
You got Rob and Laura or Ward and June.
It felt so good, felt so right.
Life looked better in black and white.
I Love Lucy, The Real McCoys
Dennis the Menace, the Cleaver boys
Rawhide, Gunsmoke, Wagon Train
Superman, Jimmy & Lois Lane.
Father Knows Best, Patty Duke
Rin Tin Tin and Lassie too,
Donna Reed on Thursday night
Life looked better in black and white.
I want to go back to black and white.
"Light for the New Year" by John Fitzgerald
Light for the New Year
by John Fitzgerald
Here is a poem you might find interesting:
LIFE LOOKED BETTER IN BLACK AND WHITE
You could hardly see all the snow.
Spread the rabbit ears as far as they go.
Pull up a chair on the TV set,
“Good night, David; Good night, Chet.”
Depending on the channel you tuned
You got Rob and Laura or Ward and June.
It felt so good, felt so right.
Life looked better in black and white.
I Love Lucy, The Real McCoys
Dennis the Menace, the Cleaver boys
Rawhide, Gunsmoke, Wagon Train
Superman, Jimmy & Lois Lane.
Father Knows Best, Patty Duke
Rin Tin Tin and Lassie too,
Donna Reed on Thursday night
Life looked better in black and white.
I want to go back to black and white.
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Conversation on a Winter's Night" by Keith Hewitt
* * * * * * *
Conversation on a Winter's Night
by Keith Hewitt
Matthew 2:1-12
The sky was black, the air was crisp, and the stars were close enough to touch -- or so it seemed. Occasionally, a speck of dust or a pebble -- remnants of a comet that had long ago lost the tug of war between Jupiter and the Sun -- would enter the atmosphere and streak across the sky, leaving behind a thread of light that flashed into brilliance, then grew dim until it had faded into the darkness. Very occasionally, a bigger brother of those specks and pebbles would burn bright enough to cast a fleeting shadow on the snow, like a glimpse of something spectral seen out of the corner of the eye.
"Conversation on a Winter's Night" by Keith Hewitt
* * * * * * *
Conversation on a Winter's Night
by Keith Hewitt
Matthew 2:1-12
The sky was black, the air was crisp, and the stars were close enough to touch -- or so it seemed. Occasionally, a speck of dust or a pebble -- remnants of a comet that had long ago lost the tug of war between Jupiter and the Sun -- would enter the atmosphere and streak across the sky, leaving behind a thread of light that flashed into brilliance, then grew dim until it had faded into the darkness. Very occasionally, a bigger brother of those specks and pebbles would burn bright enough to cast a fleeting shadow on the snow, like a glimpse of something spectral seen out of the corner of the eye.
Keith Wagner
Contents
"Get Up and Get Moving!" by Keith Wagner
"Where Everyone Counts" by Keith Wagner
* * * * * * *
Get Up and Get Moving!
by Keith Wagner
Isaiah 60:1-7
I will never forget my first morning in boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. I was exhausted from traveling the day before and standing in lines until late in the evening. About 5 a.m. the lights came on in the barracks and our Chief Petty Officer stood in the middle of the barracks and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Get out of bed you landlubbers it's time to get moving." We all crawled out of our racks and stood at attention. You could hear the moans but complaining was not an option. At that point I was having second thoughts about the next four years serving in the US Navy.
"Get Up and Get Moving!" by Keith Wagner
"Where Everyone Counts" by Keith Wagner
* * * * * * *
Get Up and Get Moving!
by Keith Wagner
Isaiah 60:1-7
I will never forget my first morning in boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. I was exhausted from traveling the day before and standing in lines until late in the evening. About 5 a.m. the lights came on in the barracks and our Chief Petty Officer stood in the middle of the barracks and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Get out of bed you landlubbers it's time to get moving." We all crawled out of our racks and stood at attention. You could hear the moans but complaining was not an option. At that point I was having second thoughts about the next four years serving in the US Navy.
C. David Mckirachan
Lamar Massingill
Contents
"Pile of Camels" by C. David McKirachan
"Epiphany, the Wise Men, and the Answer" by Lamar Massingill
* * * * * * * *
Pile of Camels
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 60:1-6
"Pile of Camels" by C. David McKirachan
"Epiphany, the Wise Men, and the Answer" by Lamar Massingill
* * * * * * * *
Pile of Camels
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 60:1-6
Keith Hewitt
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
"The Visitor" by Keith Hewitt
"It Takes All Kinds" by C. David McKirachan
"The Plunge" by Craig Kelly
* * * * * * * *
The Visitor
by Keith Hewitt
Isaiah 60:1-6
Was it chance?
A trio of giant planets swept along their orbits as though they followed well-worn grooves in the fabric of space-time, leaving chaos in their wake with each revolution, their ever-shifting position relative to each other and the sun making for a confusing game of tug-of-war with four players instead of two. Farther out -- much farther out, a quarter of the way to the next star -- the tendrils of the giants' gravity dragged through the halo of gas and ice that enveloped the solar system, pulling here, pushing there until they managed to lure a rock out of its age-old path and start bending it toward the inner solar system.
"The Visitor" by Keith Hewitt
"It Takes All Kinds" by C. David McKirachan
"The Plunge" by Craig Kelly
* * * * * * * *
The Visitor
by Keith Hewitt
Isaiah 60:1-6
Was it chance?
A trio of giant planets swept along their orbits as though they followed well-worn grooves in the fabric of space-time, leaving chaos in their wake with each revolution, their ever-shifting position relative to each other and the sun making for a confusing game of tug-of-war with four players instead of two. Farther out -- much farther out, a quarter of the way to the next star -- the tendrils of the giants' gravity dragged through the halo of gas and ice that enveloped the solar system, pulling here, pushing there until they managed to lure a rock out of its age-old path and start bending it toward the inner solar system.
David E. Leininger
David O. Bales
Terry Cain
Rick McCracken-Bennett
Frank R. Fisher
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Follow The Star" by David Leininger
"The Chief Magi's Son" by David O. Bales
"Getting A Second Opinion" by Terry Cain
"God's Secret Plan" by Terry Cain
"Willy The Preacher" by Rick McCracken-Bennett
"It Would Make A Great Movie" by Rick McCracken-Bennett
"Into The Jordan" by Frank Fisher
What's Up This Week
What do the wise men see that we do not? What epiphany are we missing? Are we paying attention to what's happening around us? Let's begin the new year furthering the kingdom of God. Let's pay attention to our church, others that need help, and our family and friends. Put yourself out there. Help those in need. God is always ready to lend a helping hand to us. Why shouldn't we help those that need it? Let's share the good news. Good news? The best news of all ... God loves everyone. God wants to invite everyone into heaven.
Follow The Star
What's Up This Week
"Follow The Star" by David Leininger
"The Chief Magi's Son" by David O. Bales
"Getting A Second Opinion" by Terry Cain
"God's Secret Plan" by Terry Cain
"Willy The Preacher" by Rick McCracken-Bennett
"It Would Make A Great Movie" by Rick McCracken-Bennett
"Into The Jordan" by Frank Fisher
What's Up This Week
What do the wise men see that we do not? What epiphany are we missing? Are we paying attention to what's happening around us? Let's begin the new year furthering the kingdom of God. Let's pay attention to our church, others that need help, and our family and friends. Put yourself out there. Help those in need. God is always ready to lend a helping hand to us. Why shouldn't we help those that need it? Let's share the good news. Good news? The best news of all ... God loves everyone. God wants to invite everyone into heaven.
Follow The Star
Betty Lynn Schwab
Constance Berg
Charles Cammarata
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Finishing Together"
Good Stories: "Father and Son" by Betty Lynn Schwab
"Little Lola Marie's Baptism" by Constance Berg
Sermon Starters: "The Creative Power of God" by Chuck Cammarata
Scrap Pile: "A Different Celebration" by Constance Berg
"Tipping Etiquette" by Timothy Merrill
What's Up This Week
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Finishing Together"
Good Stories: "Father and Son" by Betty Lynn Schwab
"Little Lola Marie's Baptism" by Constance Berg
Sermon Starters: "The Creative Power of God" by Chuck Cammarata
Scrap Pile: "A Different Celebration" by Constance Berg
"Tipping Etiquette" by Timothy Merrill
What's Up This Week
Alex A. Gondola, Jr.
What's Up This Week
"A Light In The Darkness" by Alex Gondola
"A Light That Shines Around The World" by Alex Gondola
"Vacation of a Lifetime" by Timothy Smith "The Bethlehem Conundrum" by Scott Dalgarno
What's Up This Week
"A Light In The Darkness" by Alex Gondola
"A Light That Shines Around The World" by Alex Gondola
"Vacation of a Lifetime" by Timothy Smith "The Bethlehem Conundrum" by Scott Dalgarno
What's Up This Week
John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
StoryShare
Edited by John Sumwalt and Jo Perry-Sumwalt
Epiphany Sunday (Cycle A), January 2, 2005
Based on Revised Common Lectionary Texts:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "We Shall Meet Again!"
Shining Moments: "Metacosmic Light" by Gail Ingle
Good Stories: "Treasure"
Scrap Pile: "A Dog Gone Good Year" by John Sumwalt
What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt
Edited by John Sumwalt and Jo Perry-Sumwalt
Epiphany Sunday (Cycle A), January 2, 2005
Based on Revised Common Lectionary Texts:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "We Shall Meet Again!"
Shining Moments: "Metacosmic Light" by Gail Ingle
Good Stories: "Treasure"
Scrap Pile: "A Dog Gone Good Year" by John Sumwalt
What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt
What is StoryShare?
StoryShare is a treasure house with hundreds of good stories to share, stories which relate authentic, life-changing experiences that demonstrate the Lord's power and presence. Many are intensely personal accounts that concern visions, healing, or answers to prayers, but all bear witness to the indescribable joy, comfort and peace that come from a personal encounter with the divine. Our "Good Stories" section includes short fiction, parables much like those Jesus told.
Can I share stories that I have?
Yes, you can. You have good stories to share too, probably more than you know: personal stories, and stories from others that you have used over the years. StoryShare is always looking for stories involving personal experiences of the presence of God. Have you or someone you know heard the voice of God or been healed as a direct answer to prayer? If you have a story that you can share send it to StoryShare for review. Simply click here (storyshare@sermonsuite.com) and email your story to us.
