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Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 9 / Ordinary Time 14 / Pentecost 4 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2009
A sacred teaching must be examined from at least three points of view:
Easter 7 -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, John 17:20-26, Psalm 97 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
The Easter story is about the triumph of creativity.
Proper 8 / Ordinary Time 13 / Pentecost 6 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Advent 2 -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The truth, Dumbledore sighed. It is a beautiful and terrible thing and
Lent 4 -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Psalm 32 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
Proper 11 / Ordinary Time 16 / Pentecost 6 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 52 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 27 / Ordinary Time 32 / Pentecost 25 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2009
I am an adventure-er on a voyage of discovery,
Creator God, We Praise Your Name -- Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
1. Creator God, we praise your name. How awesome are the works you do!
Give Blessing To God -- Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
1. Give blessing to God, the star of creation.

Drama

SermonStudio

The Christmas Stranger -- Bill Thomas -- 2007
Summary
Welcome The Spirit Of Christmas -- Janet Burton -- 2007
Preparation
Is It Still Wonderful? -- Louis H. Valbracht -- 2007
Somehow, somebody always does it before each holiday, and so the man in the restaurant asked me the
Recalling Our Blessings -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 2007
Props Yellow poster board Green poster board Red poster board
Thanksgiving For Our Day -- Judy Gattis Smith -- 2007
Instructions
What Are You Thankful For? -- 2007
Characters
Come! See What God Has Done -- Jeanne Mueller, Judith Hale Wood -- 2007
Introduction
What's In Your Backpack?: How Could In-School Suspension Be A Good Thing? -- Pam Speights -- 2007
Theme
Be A Blessing: The Preacher's Challenge -- Pam Speights -- 2007
Theme
Miracles? No Problem! -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Elizabeth Mary Gabriel

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Peaceable Kingdom -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
What difference does my life make for others around me? What difference does anyone's life make?
Uncertain Certainties -- John 20:19-31 -- John Jamison -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
It was Sunday evening.
Does Prayer Make Any Difference? -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2015
I want to address a subject that many of us struggle with — prayer.
The Future Present -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Susan R. Andrews -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
We Protestants don’t know what to do with Mary.
Unstoppable Love -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2015
If I could only preach one sermon, my point would be Jesus loves us more than we could ever imagine
Prayer Changes Things -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2015
Dr.
Some Greeks -- John 12:20-33 -- John Jamison -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Jesus was back in Jerusalem for another Passover.
Wilderness Work -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
It was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.
A Cry in the Dark -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
"Screw your courage to the sticking-place," says Lady Macbeth to her doomed husband in Shakespeare's
The Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John Jamison -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
He woke up just as the sun was peeking over the top of the mountains to the east, just as he had don

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Superman! -- Philippians 4:13 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Philippians 4:13
The Power Of The Tongue -- Proverbs 18:21 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Proverbs 18:21
Together -- Matthew 6:19-20 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Matthew 6:19-20
Don't Get Weary Of Doing Good -- Galatians 6:9 -- Joy Gee -- 2007
Scripture: Galatians 6:9
Handmade By God -- Jeremiah 1:5a -- Marti Kramer Suddarth -- 2007
Scripture Reference Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.
Are You A Carrot, An Egg, Or Coffee Grounds? -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 -- 2006
Listen, I will tell you a mystery!
We Are Waiting -- Psalm 130:5-6 -- 2006
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord, more than
The Bible Can Be A Map -- John 14:6 -- 2006
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Our Season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- 2006
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Don't Let The Clock Run Your Life -- Luke 12:25 -- 2006
And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 24 / Pentecost 21 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
All Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The saints in heaven glory in an eternal sabbath.
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The rear window shows us nothing worth looking at.
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2010
Theme For the Day It is not for us to judge the hearts of others.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Role-models are important to us in our life of faith.
Proper 23 / Pentecost 21 / Ordinary Time 28 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The only antidote to idolatry is proper worship.
Proper 27 / Ordinary Time 32 / Pentecost 24 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Thanksgiving is not about entitlement.

Worship Service

Stories

SermonStudio

God's Picture -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
An old story has it that a little boy was feeling very lonesome for his father.
Eyes Up! -- Luke 21:25-36 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
A bit of a contrast, isn't it? The sweet strains of "Away In A Manger" followed by "...
The Locust Years -- Joel 2:23-32 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
Do you like bugs? Yes, they are a part of God's good creation and they have a function within it.
Watch Out For The Birds -- Tobit 1-12 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
He sat on a wobbly stool outside his small frame house, staring absentmindedly at the dusty road.
Sleeping Through The Sermon -- Acts 20 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
"Eutychus, you get in the house this very moment!" his spirited mother impatiently shouted to the el
Caught With His Pants Down -- 1 Samuel 24 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
The day King Saul granted young David permission to battle Goliath, David's popularity skyrocketed,
The Smart Ass -- Numbers 22 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
Nestled in the foothills of the Abarim Mountains, on the eastern side of the Dead Sea, there lived a
Prayers For The President -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for eve
A Religion That Shows -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
Some little girls went on a hike with their scout troop.
The Incomparable Christ -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
Life was difficult. It always was for prisoners. There were meager rations and hard labor.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Palm / Passion Sunday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Palm Sunday, heavenly Being, reminds us how quickly life can change.
Palm / Passion Sunday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We still gather along the streets, our Creator, to cheer our heroes -- be they military leaders, spo
Palm / Passion Sunday -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We wonder, O God, our King, what you felt on the day of your Son's triumphal entry.
Community Lenten Services -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We are grateful, God, for the opportunity of our community Lenten services.
Community Lenten Services -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O glorious God, how grateful we are, as Christian friends in __________ (name of community), that we
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Lord, you whose strength is unending, be with us when we falter in our faith.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We come before you, our heavenly King, grateful for the faith you've given us through your Son, Jesu
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator and Redeemer, we enter your presence humbly and gratefully.
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We suppose, our Creator, it is a great joy to be on stage and receive a standing ovation from hundre
Sundays in Lent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, nearly every evening we see the aftermath of violence on our television news.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2009
God, I thank you that I am not like other people.... -- Luke 18:11b
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart....
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Psalm 119:137-144 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
Your decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepa
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
By your endurance you will gain your souls. -- Luke 21:19
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch....
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself! -- Luke 23:37

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 26 -- Mark 12:28-37 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1990
Love God and love your neighbor.'How simple it would seem
Proper 27 -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1990
Of the people who came to the temple, there were many whose vesture was grand.
Pentecost 26 -- Mark 13:1-13 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
The time of God and that of manare very different things,
Proper 28 -- Mark 13:24-32 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1990
Who knows when it will happenthat the end of time will come?
Proper 5 -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1990
Jesus said, 'A house dividedcannot stand. It soon must fall.
Proper 6 -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
Did you ever notice, as I think I have,how the great, important sounding words
Proper 7 -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1990
Jesus, come and take my tiller,for my boat is very small.
Proper 8 -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1990
Jairus was a proud man,Not just one in a crowd man.He had a lot of power.
Ascension Day -- Mark 16:15-20 -- Andrew Daughters -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
Only twelve were called,only twelve.Fishermen, a tax collector and such,
Proper 9 -- Mark 6:1-6 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
‘We knew him when,' the people cried.'We saw him grow to manhood.

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

The Bread Of Life -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them.
From Attractive Distractions To Singing God's Steadfast Love -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfuln
When The World Oppresses You -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
My Protector -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say t
Sing To The Lord A New Song -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm ha
Your Word Is A Lamp For My Feet -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
I Will Lift Up My Eyes To The Hills -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?
I Wait For The Lord -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the LORD more than
When God Seems Far Away -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Lord, you have searched me out and known me. -- Psalm 139:1, RSV
Fearfully And Wonderfully Made -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Tragedy Redeemed -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
It was sheer tragedy!
Redemption Is For Dedicated Buildings, Too! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
In the 1950s, Graham Local School District came into being in rural Champaign County, Ohio.
The Erector Set -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The late United Methodist Bishop, F.
The County Extension Agent -- He's For Change -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Because of our years in the ministry in town and rural communities we became well acquainted with th
The Backhoe Operator -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
You may have seen a backhoe in operation.
Masada -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
King Herod I of Israel was a fearful man.
Something That Doesn't Like A Wall -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
An outstanding Christian layman, Branch Rickey, once owned a major league baseball team.
Now Consider Seeds 3,000 Years Old! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Scientists were given seeds discovered when tombs of ancient kings of Egypt were opened.
Ode To Joy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the truly great musicians of all time.
The Light Of The World -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
While on a tour of Westminster Abbey in London, England, I turned a corner of a sun-lighted hallway,

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

The Future! -- Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 139 -- Steven Molin -- 2005
"Jesus Christ is the same; yesterday, today, and forever." With those words of the Apostle Paul, we
I Believe; Help My Unbelief -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Immediately after his transfiguration, Jesus came down from the mountain and was faced with a proble
Hebrew Thinking And The Question Of The Trinity -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
As a parish pastor, one of the questions I was frequently asked was, "How can God be one and yet thr
I Believe In God The Father Almighty -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Is the world really ruled by a loving Father as we confess in the Apostles' Creed or is this notion
I Believe In God The Father Almighty, Creator Of Heaven And Earth -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
In the last chapter we looked at the amazing personal relationship we have with the heavenly Father.
I Believe In Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Imagine that you are a first-century Christian.
He Was Conceived By The Power Of The Holy Spirit And Born Of The Virgin Mary -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
The emphasis on the tension between the divinity and the humanity of Jesus continues as we look at t
He Suffered Under Pontius Pilate -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Let me begin this chapter on Jesus, the Suffering Servant, with the story of a French Bishop.
He Was Crucified, Died, And Was Buried -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
In this short phrase from the second article of the Apostles' Creed, we enter into the heart of dark
He Descended Into Hell -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
In this phrase we meet a tough challenge. What does the descent into hell mean?

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

Land o' Goshen -- Genesis 46:28 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Land o' Goshen Location: Genesis 46:28
The land of milk and honey -- Deuteronomy 6:3 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The land of milk and honey Location: Deuteronomy 6:3
The last will be first, and the first will be last -- Luke 13:30 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The last will be first, and the first will be last
Let go and let God -- Proverbs 20:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Let go and let God Location: Proverbs 20:24
Let not your left hand know what your right hand does -- Matthew 6:3 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Let not your left hand know what your right hand does
Like mother, like daughter -- Ezekiel 16:44 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Like mother, like daughter
Live by the sword, die by the sword -- Matthew 26:52 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Live by the sword, die by the sword
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away -- Job 1:21 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away
Made light of it -- Matthew 22:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Made light of it Location: Matthew 22:5
Many are called, but few are chosen -- Matthew 22:14 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Many are called, but few are chosen

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

Church Growth

Sacrament

Healing

Death

Funeral

Memorial

Observance

Christian

African-American History

Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

Wedding Vow

Home Blessing

Church Anniversary

Women's Day

Men's Day

Church Leaders

Mother's Day

Gathering Prayer

Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

Intercession

Fellowship

Christian Faith

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 8, 2026:

SermonStudio

David G. Rogne
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, "Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him." Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
The eschatological teachings of scripture are meant to instill comfort, not fear.

Old Testament Lesson
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve
William E. Keeney
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6But at midnight there was a shout, 'Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' 7Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps.
James L. Killen, Jr.
Today we are going to talk about one of the biggest puzzles in the study of the Bible. What can we believe about the end of time? For Paul and the early Christians in Thessalonica that was no puzzle at all. They knew exactly what they believed about the end of time. "The Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever" (vv.
Argile Smith
Do you remember the generation gap that existed between you and your parents when you were a teenager? Do you sense the same kind of gap widening between you and your children?
George S. Johnson
What is one of the most foolish things you have ever done? Pay good money for a suit or dress that you never wore? Buy a car that turned out to be a lemon? Invest your savings based on good advice, but end up losing it all? Have an affair that you thought would be brief and secret, but turned out to bring havoc on everything?

But who likes to be reminded of one's foolishness? What is one of the wisest things you have ever done?
John R. Brokhoff
Today's parable is commonly known as the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. Some years ago a minister asked a mountaineer of Virginia if he knew the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. After thinking a while, he replied, "I didn't know there were five foolish Virginians in the whole state."

The word, "virgin," is used by the King James Version. Since there are not that many virgins in today's society, later translations wisely use "bridesmaids," "maidens," or "girls." In today's culture unmarried women are not necessarily virgins.
Richard C. Brand
As best I can remember it, the comment came as part of a discussion about the media frenzy immediately following the capture of the two suspected snipers in the Washington, D.C. area. It had troubled some of the participants in the discussion that before these suspects had even gotten charged, before these presumed innocent until proven guilty people had even had a jury trial, there was this zeal on the part of every talk show to get the trial in the place where the death penalty was most severe.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: If we will but listen,
All: God will speak to us in parables;
God will tell us stories lived out by our grandparents.
One: If we will but remember,
All: we will discover all we have heard and known;
all the wonders God has in store for us.
One: If we will but share,
All: we can tell our children and grandchildren --
even those not yet born --
the glorious stories of our God.

Prayer Of The Day
We stand at the crossing,
Holy God,
arms, hearts, souls,
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
Begin with a choir anthem this morning, as an element of surprise, creating a sense that things will not always be the same. If possible, have the choir sing from a different place in the sanctuary.

Prayer Of The Day
P: O God of mercy, our hope is in you. Open our ears, that the proclamation of your coming kingdom may rouse us from our complacency, so that we would be ready to greet you when you come in glory, our Savior and our Lord.
C: Amen.

Offertory Prayer
A: Let your gifts be gifts of love;

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One thing about live theatre which you don't get with television, is the hush of expectancy when the lights are dimmed. As the theatre moves from light into darkness, the audience settles back and prepares for entertainment and enjoyment. But the entertainment only starts when the curtain rises on a lit stage. Because the audience remains in darkness, it is able to see the stage perfectly no matter how gloomy the lighting, so the atmosphere can be suggested right from the beginning of the show by the relative brightness of the lighting.

StoryShare

Keith Hewitt
Craig Kelly
Contents
"The Bubble" by Keith Hewitt
"Tell Me a Story" by Craig Kelly


* * * * * * * *


The Bubble
by Keith Hewitt
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"Keep Your Eyes Open" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * *


Keep Your Eyes Open
by Frank Ramirez
Matthew 25:1-13

Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
-- Matthew 25:13

On July 6, 1054, an awe-inspiring sight appeared around the world, an overwhelming light burst into the night sky.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
If the pitcher spends too much time fingering the rosin bag or peddling the dirt on the mound or looking in at the catcher and shaking off signs, the batter is likely to ask the umpire for a timeout. Some of that is just gamesmanship, of course. At the same time, however, the batter may genuinely need to step out of the batter's box for a moment. It is, after all, a difficult thing to maintain for a long time the intensity of waiting for a pitch.

CSSPlus

Good morning! This morning I brought a medicine bottle with me. Probably all of you have these medicine bottles at home and they are probably in a place that is hard to reach. That is on purpose. Why do you suppose parents put things like medicine bottles in hard-to-reach places? (Let them answer.) To keep them out of reach of very young children. Very young children sometimes put anything in their mouths, and many medicines can be very harmful and dangerous to people who don't know what the medicine is or how much to take or who can take it.
Note: This craft uses candles and is probably best suited for older children.

Materials
Clean glass jars (medium-sized like mayonnaise or pickle jars)
Tissue paper in a variety of colors
Water
Glue
Markers
Baby food jar lid and votive candle or tea light candle
Small paintbrushes
Margarine tubs

Instructions
1. God always wants us to be ready for him, to be a "light for Jesus." Let's make a candle holder to help us keep that in mind.
Leah Thompson
Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (v. 13)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you this morning? (allow answers) Today we are going to talk about the Boy Scouts. How many of you have heard of the Boy Scouts? (allow answers) The Boy Scouts of America is an organization for boys that started in the year 1910. That's over one hundred years ago! Wow -- that's old! Boys who are in the Boy Scouts learn how to do things like start campfires, cook outdoors, tie ropes, and do other outdoor and camping activities.
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