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Readiness For The Lord -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this.
First Sunday After Christmas/Holy Family -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7-9 (C)
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 14:19-31 (C)
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 7:55-60 (C)
Advent 2 -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Enter John the Baptist. Matthew doesn't introduce this desert prophet until now.
God's Gifts Are For All -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them;
Advent 4 -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew.
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 16:2-15 (C)
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 17:22-31 (C, E)
Baptism Of The Lord; Epiphany 1 -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's assigned Gospel story is a continuation of the story assigned for the Second Sunday in A
Serving Christ Through Others -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne
Proper 6 -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The appointed Gospel reading for this week begins with the words: "Then Jesus went about all the cit
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1-7 (C)
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week has allusions to many, many stories throughout the Bible.
The Gate Of Life -- John 10:1-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by anothe
Proper 7 -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel assigned for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost comes out of the heart of Matthew 10.
Proper 27 Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:1-13, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We have chosen to discuss two texts together in one chapter.
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 (C)
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 60:1-6 (C, RC); Isaiah 60:1-6, 9 (E)
Epiphany 3 -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's Matthew text takes us from Part I to Part II in the outline of Matthew that we proposed
Anchoring Your Life In The Lord -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who d
Proper 8 -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come now to the final passage in the section of Matthew's Gospel which Robert Smith has called:
Christ The King -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come to the end of the Church Year.
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 32:1-14 (C)

Sacrament

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Look To Jesus -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
I never shall forget the time when I first donned the colors of the Purple and Gold.
God Restores Us To Life -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
The New Man For Our Time -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
This is the time of the year when new cars are unveiled.
Whether You'll Weather The Weather -- Luke 6:39-49 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Every so often, toward the end of a hot, still, muggy day here in the Midwest, we'll have a televisi
In Betwixt And Between -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
It was a calm and lazy summer evening, almost dark.
Supporting Others As God Supports Us -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
In 1921 Lewis Lawes became the warden at New York's infamous Sing Sing Penitentiary.
Committed To The Committed One? -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Try this experiment. Turn your radio on. Now dial it to your favorite station.
Pilate Pops The Question -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Do The Do's! -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
It was just unthinkable! The unbelievable had to be believed because it had just happened!
Through Cross-colored Glasses -- Steven E. Albertin, Charles D. Reeb, Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2003
Introduction
Contemporary Prophets -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
On March 24, 1980, Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, was saying Mass at a cancer hospital op
How Good News Spreads! -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
In 1971 I made a trip to Russia.
On Defeating The Devil -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
At every baptism in the Lutheran church an old question is asked.
Waging Peace -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
The old man is about to retire for the evening.
The Power Of The Future -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Steven E. Albertin -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
We have all had them. We all hate them. You know what I am talking about: boring history teachers.
Living For Others -- 1 Kings 17:8-24 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland, in 1821.
How To Break A Bad Habit For Good! -- John 8:31-36 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
After helping his child with homework, a man said to his wife, "I wish we still had those kinds of p
Jesus, Desirous -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
In the powerful movie, Ulee's Gold, Peter Fonda plays a tired man who is a beekeeper by day.
Giving The Best To The Worst -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
J.
Be Careful What You Ask For! -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
It is a piece of worldly wisdom we often hear in the course of our daily conversations: "Be careful
Living The Life God Gives Us -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
There once was a businessman who, after a long hard day at the office, cried out loudly to God with
Let's Talk Turkey -- John 6:25-35 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Let's talk turkey!
Headlines And Holiness -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Imagine for a moment that Jesus is watching television with his twelve disciples.
All! -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
"I pray that we will not become too introverted."
Why Rejoice? -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
I recently saw a survey conducted by the Muzak Holiday Channel concerning the most popular Christmas

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Proper 10 -- Luke 10:25-37 -- John Steward -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
The story is told of the fourth wise man who had followed the Star announcing the birth of Jesus.
Blessed At The Core -- John 13:1-17, 31-35a -- John E. Sumwalt, Manda R. Stack -- Maundy Thursday - B
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.
Proper 11 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- John Steward -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C
When Charles Dickens was a little boy he was unhappy and neglected, for he was working in a factory.
A Plea For Help -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Christal Bindrich
My mother died of breast cancer in 1976.
Proper 12 -- Colossians 2:6-15 -- John Steward -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Two men were high up in a hot air balloon.
My Encounter With God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Robert L. Gossett -- Day of Pentecost - B
A United Methodist pastor, lying on a Lutheran gymnasium floor, struggling with God about speaking i
Proper 13 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- John Steward -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
One of the great struggles in our lives is the one that we have with materialism.
Kathy's Caterpillar -- Titus 2:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Diana Lampsa -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
On a recent August morning, I raced into the drive of a retreat center, late for my morning appointm
No One Is Lost -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Keith R. Eytcheson, Sr. -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
A few years ago, one of my nephews went through an emotional break-up with a girlfriend.
Proper 14 -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- John Steward -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
My good friend and former professor Dr.
Visions Of The Nativity -- Luke 2:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rochelle M. Pennington
Christmas EveLuke 2:1-20Visions Of The Nativity
Waiting For God -- Psalm 19 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
I begin my prayer time some mornings with the following meditation.
Proper 15 -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- John Steward -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
In Plato's Symposium there is an allegory that imagines the beginning of human beings.
Consolation -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lori Hetzel -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
My mother died on January 20, 2001. I am her only daughter, and we were very close.
Advent 1 -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- John Steward -- First Sunday of Advent - C
What is love?
My Labyrinth Prayer -- Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Ann Watson Peterson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
On a cold, snowy evening, I climbed the stairs of Calvary Presbyterian Church to walk the Labyrinth
Proper 16 -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- John Steward -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
During World War II the Red Cross would provide blood for wounded soldiers.
Born Of The Spirit -- John 3:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Earl Kammerud -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Do not be astonished that I said to you, "You must be born from above." The wind blows where it choo
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
While Khrushchev was Premier of the Soviet Union, he came out against his predecessor Joseph Stalin
Then A Voice Came -- John 12:20-33 -- John E. Sumwalt, Loxley Ann Schlosser -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified [my name], and I will glorify it again." The crowd
A Life Redeemed -- Psalm 103:1-13, 22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Vickie Eckoldt -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
At age 42, I was faced with two major surgeries within six weeks.
Proper 17 -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- John Steward -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
One summer a farmer named Worthy Taylor hired a young man by the name of Jim to work the farm.
Three Days Of Meditation -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Von Bergen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Day One
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- John Steward -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
When the Gettysburg Cemetery was being dedicated, those doing the planning wanted to have a speaker
The Power Of The Cross -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Wendy Wosoba -- Good Friday - B
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

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The Authority of Jesus Questioned -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 13 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Creator And Inhabiter Of The Universe:
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 32:1-14Theme: I Love YouCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 7:55-60Theme: ValorCall To Worship
Physical and Spiritual Blindness -- John 9:1-41 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Clothed For Salvation -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11Theme: Clothed For Salvation
Prayer 14 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Wonderful Provider:
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 33:12-23Theme: InvisibleCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 17:22-31Theme: To A Known GodCall To Worship
Lazarus' Death and Resurrection -- John 11:1-45 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
The Question about Paying Taxes -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
In A Few Things -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30Theme: In A Few ThingsCall To Worship
Prayer 15 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Lord:
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Theme: Growing UpCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 1:6-14Theme: Angels?Call To Worship
Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet, and the New Commandment -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
For this worship, use a small room for closeness that can be expanded easily to accommodate those wh
The Greatest Commandment; the Question about David's Son -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Prayer 16 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Concerned And Loving One:
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joshua 3:7-17Theme: Miracles of Leadership Call To Worship
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-7Theme: From Your BeginningCall To Worship
Palm Sunday and Jesus' Passion -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
Rivers of Living Water -- John 7:37-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pre-preparations for Pentecost
Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration

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.

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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