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Turn Around! -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a framed picture with the back showing
What Is Your Treasure? -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pocket knife, a baseball glove, and a doll
Things Change -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a series of school pictures of the same child (or children) showing the change in the
The Day Jesus Cooked -- John 21:1-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some charcoal and a loaf of bread
A Time For Giving -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)
The Key Ring That Unites Us -- Romans 6:2b-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a round key ring with a lot of keys and one large key
Be A Believer -- 2 John 9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of water, some cups, and some cooking oil
Walking The Walk -- 2 John 6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some exercise equipment like a jump rope or a barbell
Who Cleans You Up? -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a mop, a bucket, and a silver candlestick
A Man Who Changed His Mind -- Mark 3:13-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Travel Light -- Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Christian missionaries should travel light, free of excess items.
No Energy Crisis With God -- 1 Corinthians 12:3-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a can of oil, a can of gasoline, a plastic hairbrush
The Constitution Of Our Faith -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a constitution (United States, state, or local government) and slips of paper for eac
What Do You Do With The Leftover Jelly Beans? -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large bag of jelly beans
Make A List For God -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a shopping list
Are You Who You Say You Are? -- John 20:19-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a driver's license, Social Security card, or an identification bracelet
Sunday's Special Breakfast -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some orange juice, toast, and cereal
Missing The Bull's Eye -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some darts and a dart board
Doing What God Wants -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a list of chores, like doing the dishes, setting the table, caring for the pets, clea
Jesus Is Coming -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use in Advent)
Why Is Sunday Special? -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some aspirin or some other kind of pill or capsule
Follow Me -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: What it means to follow Christ.Props: None.
Stumbling Blocks -- 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: things that might be on the floor in a typical child's room before it is cleaned: clo
Grow Like A Fruit Tree -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an ax
Snakes On Your Plate -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a plastic or rubber snake and spider

Christian

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SermonStudio

How Vulgar Can We Be? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What are the limits of acceptable vulgarity for the Christian?
Life's Most Pressing Question -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: From all that Jesus said, it may be that nothing is as important as how we tre
I Am Christ's Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
I Am Christ's Body 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Kings 5:1-14 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Mark 1:40-45
When Christianity Becomes A Waste Of Time -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Good Christian stewardship demands an efficient use of our time and talents.
Why Hasn't Jesus Offended You? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Do we understand and agree with all of Jesus' teachings?
The Signal -- Ephesians 3:7-12 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The Signal Ephesians 3:7-12
Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 43:18-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Mark 2:1-12
When Worlds Collide: Sacred And Secular -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How does our faith relate to the rest of our lives, including the interaction
If It Isn't In The Bible, It Should Be -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We need a method of drawing answers from scripture to address a wide variety o
Superhero: Sort Of A Sequel -- Hebrews 12:1-2 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Superhero: Sort Of A Sequel Hebrews 12:1-2
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day
Imagine That! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Allow some exciting creativity into your faith world.
Reasons Not To Go To Church -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: If we are to be evangelists and help others find a meaningful life within our
Real Faith And Fictional Worlds -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
(An edited version of this essay was published as "Religion in Science Fiction" in Forum Letter 27.5
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 64:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37
You Thought It Couldn't Get Any Worse -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How to deal with depression.
Religion In A Disposable Culture -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Has the over-indulgent nature of our rich and abundant culture carried over in
The Matrix And The Gospel -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
(This is a modified version of an essay that was originally published as part of The Immediate Wo
Did Jesus Really Yell At A Tree? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: As Christians are we the worker bees or the drones?
Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Hosea 2:14-20 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 Mark 2:13-22
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 40:1-11 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8
Some Things You Don't Want To Know -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Knowledge brings responsibility.
Too Heavenly Minded To Be Any Earthly Good -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is it possible to be too religious?

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Way Things Are -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weav
Fido's Dilemma -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Fido is in the dirt gnawing on a bone. It is dry, brittle, depleted of marrow and moisture.
When You're Free (In Christ), Sacrifice Is No Burden! -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
It takes a lot to be a Christian; you have to make your share of sacrifices.
John The (Reluctant) Baptizer -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
Many pastors and church boards have a policy against flash photography during any worship service, e
Choosing To Love -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
The popular notion in our society is that the best way to choose a marriage partner is to wait until
Living On The Edge -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
The long journey was finally nearing its conclusion.
Hidden In Plain Sight -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
I had a much-loved professor in seminary who confessed to some of us over coffee one day that he fre
Freedom And Slavery -- Romans 6:12-23 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Freedom is the defining value of American culture.
If Your Sense Of Purpose Ever Becomes A Burden, Remember Your Value -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Do you ever wish you counted for something, that you had value?
Who's Who? -- John 1:29-42 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
The first chapter of John bears some similarity to the pilot episode of a television series.
A Man Of The Moment -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Do you remember the movie 1988 movie, Twins?
Hearts On Fire -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Writer, Anne Lamott, tells of her struggle in getting her teenage son, Sam, to go to church with her
A Disconcerting Sight -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
I once had a student whose dad was a pilot for a major airline who told me this true story.
Seeing God Work For Good -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
A wicked wind tore through our coats.
Will It Last? -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
A quarter-century ago, the little college at which I worked offered a scholarship for one year of st
Righting Wrong -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
To Jim it seemed like an opportunity to right decades of wrongs.
Why We Need The Pledge Of Allegiance -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
When I was in high school, a new music teacher came to town.
Letting Go Of Our Nets -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
Did they have any idea what they were getting themselves into?
The Ladder From Our House -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
There is a wonderful story about a city mayor.
The Victory Is Ours -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
All Saints provides an opportunity to remember and give thanks for all the believers who have lived
By Whose Standards? -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
As the current century dawned, Time magazine placed Einstein on the front cover as the Person
A Truly Universal Operating System -- Romans 14:1-12 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Once upon a time, in a garage in the ancient city of Rome, a man developed a computer operating syst
Hunger And Politics -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Yogi Berra, the great baseball player of an earlier age, was known for his unusual and creative use
Those Who Most Need A Blessing -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Can a child pass up a tasty marshmallow? A researcher who wanted to know set up an experiment.
Captive Free! -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Have you ever felt "trapped between a rock and a hard place"?

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's prayers will help diminish a child's cares.
The Debate Over Paying Social Security -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
A group of farmers refused to pay taxes.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Motivation
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Ego
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A man never sees all that his mother has been to him until it's too late to let her know that he se
The Reluctant Follower -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
I wonder what Matthew felt like when Jesus said, "Follow me." Was it suprising? Was it scary?
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Most mothers resemble what Robert Louis Stevenson says about quiet minds, that they "cannot be perpl
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The standard by which we test God is how Holy He is.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Heaven is at the feet of mothers." (Roebuck)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Commitment
A Great Prophet And A Great Dad -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
John the Baptist was the real thing, a great prophet.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Today's prepared spirit determines tomorrow's achievement in life.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Serving
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While the title to eternal life is given to us in our justification, the Lord leads us into the pos
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Create good memories for your children along with good habits.
Being Neighborly -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Bea is 81, but you would never know it looking at her.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Nation
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Encouragement
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"If you would reform the world from its errors and vices, begin by enlisting the mothers." (C.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Enthusiasm
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no sweeter name than -- Mother.
Their Vow Of Poverty -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
I grew up in a predominately Catholic town, and I have three friends who are priests.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mothers know that the best medicine chest for ailing families is the Bible.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Costly Grace -- Luke 14:25-35, Philemon 1:1-21 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod's love is a costly love.
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-2, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-2
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
HymnsIn Egypt Under Pharaoh (NCH574)
Palm Sunday -- John 12:12-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe welcome Jesus to Jerusalem - and into our sanctuary.
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
HymnsChild Of Blessing, Child Of Promise (PH498, UM611, NCH325, CBH620)
Honest Abe And Sarai -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2004
Call To Worship
Dancing With God -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 11-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere is joy, joy, joy, joy ...
Just Due Charity -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-1, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
HymnsWhen Israel Was In Egypt's Land (NCH572, UM448, CBH164, PH334)
Peace -- John 14:23-29, 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod offers us peace as a gift.
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Hymns
Desert Story -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 86:16-17)
Deafness/Hearing -- Mark 7:31-37, Isaiah 35:4-7a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipLet us open our eyes -
A String On God's Finger -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 49:13-16a)
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
HymnsWake, Awake, For Night Is Flying (UM720, NCH112, PH17)
Power -- John 6:56-69 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod of power and might,God of love and mercy,
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
HymnsThine (Yours) Is the Glory (NCH253, PH122, CBH269)
Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 22:1-14 Theme: Letting GoCall To Worship
Depth Of Devotion -- Mark 7:1-9, 14-15, 21-23 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe are not here for show.
The Light Is Still Shining -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 60:1)
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord, Speak To Me (UM463, NCH531, PH426)
Pruning -- John 15:1-8 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to worship Jesus the Christ.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsI Danced In The Morning (UM261, PH 302)
An Arranged Marriage -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
Dwelling Place -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14, 17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For September 28, 2025:
  • Money! Money! Money! by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. “This is the even-handed dealing of the world! There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity as the pursuit of wealth!” — Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
The president of the college I attended was the kind of man who always said what was on his mind. He had a very healthy self-image and wasn’t concerned about how people might take him. At one of the graduation ceremonies, he stood at the podium, looked out over the huge crowd of people, shook his head, and said to himself (right into the microphone, of course), “All these Christians in one place, and no one’s taking an offering!”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
The lesson makes clear that God is present in the world of business, in our daily work.  John Wesley offered thoughtful reflections on the nature of work; he noted:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. (vv. 14-15)

One morning last October, Bruce Klemm got up and sang a song to his wife, Virginia, as he has done every morning of the 42 years they have been married. Little did he know that within a few hours, he would be calling her to say goodbye.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told a story about a rich man and a beggar to illustrate the way in which we fail to notice those who are poor. In our worship today let us remember the poor and ask God to teach us a real concern for them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail notice some people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we deliberately leave people out.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we care only about ourselves.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Lent 1, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 9-16.)

The writer of this psalm deftly employs a striking image, that at once offers us hope in times of trouble -- but at the same time, redefines for us what it means to be a human being in the world.

Schuyler Rhodes
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "Praise the Lord!" The phrases are familiar, almost rote. Mouths open and words emerge. Pastors and liturgists remind the faithful that this God is not only worthy of our praise; this God sort of requires it of us. This God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who brooks no competition from other gods we might pursue. Yes, God is worthy of praise. Right?
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money. With salaries that are often in the millions, they feel underpaid unless they are at the next level. I heard one player say to a reporter on Sports Center, "It's not about the money. It is about respect." A few moments later, the host of the show made the comment, "When they say it isn't about the money, it's always about the money."

Chrysanne Timm
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at the companion text from the book of Lamentations, a common thread begins to emerge. It is the thread of grief. Jeremiah has been called by God to a truly thankless job -- that of accompanying the people of his homeland into a time of loss and grief. Because of decades of idolatry and treaties with neighboring nations, the people of Judah will lose the land God once graciously gave to their ancestors.
R. Robert Cueni
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describing what happens when a person tries to "serve both God and wealth" (Luke 16:13). Today's Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus leaves us repulsed by the gory details, puzzled by the literal description of eternal life, and hopeful that the Lord didn't really mean all those terrible things about the punishment due us "Haves" for our treatment of the "Have Nots."

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some coins with me this morning. (Show the coins.) How many of these coins would it take to be rich? (Let them respond.) I think it would take millions of these coins before you would really be rich. How many of you would like to be rich? (Wait for show of hands.) I think most of us would like to be rich. What would you think if you had a wish that everything you touched turned to gold? (Let them respond.) You would soon have lots and lots of gold and you would quickly be very, very rich. There's a famous story about a man who had

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