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Proper 25, Pentecost 23, Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The ministry and teaching of Jesus the Christ.
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Proper 25, Reformation Sunday -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2001
After the Lord's long interrogation of Job in chapters 38-41, in which Job learns humility before th
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2001
Despite the multitudinous variety of possible preaching texts in the Old Testament, the lectionary s
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2001
A portion of this passage, namely verses 16--21, is also treated on the Fifth Sunday in Lent in Cycl
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Resurrection and new life in the risen Christ.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The Passion of Jesus leading up to Easter.
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2001
Hosea could very well be called "the prophet of intimacy" - of intimacy with God.
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Rebuilding On Secure Foundations -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
I live in Northern California where we frequently experience earthquakes and mud slides.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Good Friday - B -- 2001
We might call this reading from Second Isaiah "The Great Reversal," because that is what it is about
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme See theme for this day.Theme For The Day
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
The Baptism of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
A Story For The Discouraged -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
The response was terrific!
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
This passage contains what is known as the Noachic Covenant - God's covenant with Noah.
All Saints Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme See theme for this day, below.Theme For The Day
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

Kingdom People -- Matthew 5:3 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Years ago when Richard Shepard, pastor of St.
The Interruption Of Advent Somberness -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
On many Advent altars Christians often place a wreath holding four candles.
The Church That Jesus Built -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
In the Old Testament, kings believed that God gave them direction in their dreams.
The Shaking Of The Foundations -- Jeremiah 4:23-26 -- 2004
It is a good thing to stop from time to time in the presence of God and to look back and to look aro
Things To Come! -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
I'd quit the ministry were it not for what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 13!
Where Are The Clowns? -- 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 -- 2004
Many of us are familiar with Stephen Sondheim's wonderful musical, A Little Night Music, and,
Some Things Ought Not To Happen -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Some things that happen in our world just ought not to happen.
Road Rage -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
When our children were small, a nice church lady named Chris made them a child--friendly creche.
God's Tattoos -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Have you noticed that tattoos are in?
The Cloak -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
If you can't refute the argument, then you can attack the person, and the best way to attack a perso
Pentecost And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Brokenhearted People -- Matthew 5:4 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Those who followed Jesus up the mountain were eager to hear his teachings.
The Strangeness Of God's Care -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us.
King Of The Mountain -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
In a large stone cathedral in Europe there was a grand, magnificent pipe organ.
Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Will You Give Christ Your Supper? -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
The world scene today is as frightening and desperate, as needy and inexplicable as I've ever seen i
Good-bye, Columbus? -- Isaiah 61:1-3 -- 2004
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue,Columbus sailed the ocean blue,
Discovering That It's Not About You -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
"It's not about you." Did anyone ever say that to you? Something is going on.
Disappointed In Jesus -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
It was a painful experience for both of us. Jane was a young mother about my age.
The Power Of Positive Dreaming -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submit
Death: A Way Of Life -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Bill Mosley -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
In 1933 Bishop Fulton J. Sheen published a little book on the seven words of Jesus from the cross.
Thanksgiving And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
A Holy--wood Ending -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to thaw out during one particu
Deep Water! -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
I don't know anyone who's not in over his or her head today ...
Put the Whole World In Our Hands -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- 2004
One of the Apollo 17 astronauts said that, as he looked back upon the earth from the moon, th

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

To Any In Need -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
White Boy shuffled down the street. His run-over loafers
Blind In One Eye ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Downtown Club was an old and well-established bastion for the shakers and movers in Dallas, Texa
Compensation -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"That's my medicine," Louie said.
What Can't You Let Go Of? -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
The flames were licking higher, close to his feet, and the
The Unseen Leader -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Mark Thomas and his wife, Susan, were excited by the
Perfect In Every Way -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Karl Schmidt loved to sing, and for good reason.
Summer Rain -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
All in all, Thornberry was a pretty quiet place, where big news usually referred to something like a
Workers In The Revolution -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
Dr. Jack Rosen waited in the bushes by the side of the road,
Goya's People -- John 10:11-18 -- Peter C. Garrison -- 1993
Goya squinted at the brass and steel. The polished metal of
A Question Of Identity -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Ginger Jorgenson was an eager young Lutheran pastor just six years out of seminary.
The Back of the House -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
The attractive young lady sitting opposite me was a puzzle.
Mazuza Consciousness -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Peter C. Garrison -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1993
Jim brought in the last of the boxes from the moving van.
Why Bother? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Pete Richards was a lonely and bitter man. His life had
Breakthrough! -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
CRACK! Suddenly the universe went into slow motion. She was
Role Model Ignored -- Matthew 18:23-35 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
What is it that leads a person to lie or cheat or steal in order to accumulate more -- more of anyth
Cow 27 -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"I really could use the help, Reverend," Wesley said, "and with your baby coming and all, you could
A Woman Had Two Daughters ... -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Erick Nielson became acquainted firsthand with the Great Depression of the 1930s on a farm in North
A Need To Remember -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
The wind whistled menacingly through the broken windowpane of the old house in which she had taken r
An Idea Wearing Bib Overalls -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
He had stumbled over the words many times. He'd even practiced
The Contractor's Choice -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
George Gustafson had been a builder in central Texas nearly 40 years.
Blind In One Eye ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Downtown Club was an old and well-established bastion for the shakers and movers in Dallas, Texa
An Answer To Prayer -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
"Mom, why am I called Samuel?" The boy asked the question one
Opening The Door -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
John drove in a leisurely fashion to the Amtrak station. The
The Bishop And The Lady -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
''Say, that's quite an enterprise so near to your church,'' the bishop kidded his host pastor.
Impatient Planter -- Matthew 13:1-23 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 13:1-23The Sower

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Convincing -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany Day/The Baptism Of The Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
First Place In Everything -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:11-20Theme: First Place In Everything
Limping Without Answer -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Dates Of Maundy Thursday Love Feasts -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
The Lord's Supper is most often celebrated on Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, and on Wo
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20Theme: Required: Willingness And Obedience
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 16:19-31
Additional Sermons For Examination Services And Preparation For The Love Feast -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Examination Service Sermon
Withered Love-Songs -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27 -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 17:5-10
Jesus, The Servant -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
The Season Of The Nativity -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
ChristmasThe Season Of The NativityLiturgical Color: White
Come With Your Heart -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany 2 -- John 2:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: John 2:1-11
Collecting The Pieces -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 23:1-6 Theme: Collecting The Pieces Call To Worship
Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Some Ancient Christian References To Feetwashing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Our feast explains itself by its name. The Greeks call it agape, i.e. affection.
Going Where God Sends You -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 23, Pentecost 21, Ordinary Time 28 -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 17:11-19
The Lord Has Need Of It -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
When God Calls You By Name -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7Theme: When God Calls You By NameCall To Worship
Epiphany 3 -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 4:14-21
Short-changing Life -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Cracked Cisterns -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 24, Pentecost 22, Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 18:1-8

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – 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
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.
  • Second Thoughts: Resisting The Storms of Winter by Chris Keating. Jesus does not offer a cheery optimism to those enduring the cold blasts of injustice. More than an insulating blanket of hope, the Beatitudes create communities of resistance.

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 E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

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