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Persistence Along The Road Of Life -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.
The Sermon On The Mount -- Matthew 5:1--7:27 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Our outline of Matthew's Gospel presented Matthew 1:1--4:16 as Part One which introduces Jesus of Na
Advent 3 -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's Gospel text is our first big jump in Matthean order for this church year.
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 33:12-23 (C)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 42:1-9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (RC)
Seeking Greater Tolerance And Patience -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good
Proper 5 -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week comes from Matthew 9.
Proper 9 -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The text appointed for this week omits 11:20-24.
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (C)
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 49:1-7 (C, E); Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 (RC)
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:1-4 (C); Isaiah 8:23--9:3 (RC)
Finding Christ: The Treasure Of A Lifetime -- Matthew 13:44-52 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his
Advent 2 -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Enter John the Baptist. Matthew doesn't introduce this desert prophet until now.
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come to our text for this week noting that the lectionary has entirely omitted Matthew 12.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Micah 6:1-8 (C, E)
Sharing God's Unlimited Forgiveness With Others -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord if another member of the church sins against me, how often sh
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
Proper 11 -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Matthew 13 contains the parabolic ministry of Jesus as Matthew tells the story.
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 (C)
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) (C), Isaiah 58:7-10 (RC)
It's Never Too Late -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers fo
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.
Proper 12 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The whole of Jesus' discourse in parables in Matthew 13 demonstrates for us that Jesus did much of h
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1-7 (C)

Sacrament

Self Help

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SermonStudio

Greed And Graciousness -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
In July, 1975, the Nashville Banner ran an article about David Burroughs.
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
God Has Plans For Us -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contributi
Awake To Glory -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Today we celebrate one of the most neglected passages in the Bible.
Costly Extravagance -- John 12:1-8 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
"Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" Well, it'
Fan The Flame -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
You may have noticed that I read earlier from the King James Version of the Bible and not the New In
The Regenerating Power Of A Little One -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Steven E. Albertin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Regardless of the size of a town, it is important for the residents to have a sense of civic pride.
Completing The Master's Work -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Classical music provides some significant examples of great musical compositions that were never fin
You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet! -- John 16:12-15 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Before Christopher Columbus, the Spanish flag bore the motto, "No More Beyond." Spain was a mighty e
Salvation At The Skull -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
I remember pulling into a gas station once when I was sixteen years old and just learning to drive i
Half-truths And Almost Bible -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
The first time that I noticed the book Salvation on Sand Mountain was when I was leaving the Andover
Sainthood Means Overcoming Obstacles -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
In 1989 an 8.2 magnitude earthquake flattened much of the state of Armenia and killed over 30,000 pe
Strength Through Diversity -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time.
God's Sneak Attack -- Luke 2:1-20 -- David Kalas -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
I think I was eight years old the first time I got to be in a Christmas pageant.
The Power Of Confession -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
A man wrote to Dear Abby admitting an affair with another woman that cost him dearly.
Calling A Halt To The Angel Craze -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Some stout claims are made in today's lesson.
Together, But Not Enmeshed -- John 15:1-8 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Jesus describes the community gathered in his name -- and that would be all of us -- using the image
Making Friends With Money -- Luke 16:9 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
A magazine cartoon showed a scene of yesteryear as two men watched a wealthy man ride by in his eleg
Before It's Too Late -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Actress Melanie Griffith candidly writes of her painful experiences while growing up.
The Achilles' Heel Of The Church -- James 5:13-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Have you ever noticed how prevalent is the number 3 in religious history?
A Tireless And Timeless Image -- John 10:11-18 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Images are highly influential.
Maximum Marriage -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
A fifth grade teacher asked the children in her art class to draw pictures of what they want to be w
Stop The Offerings! -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Good Friday - B -- 2002
Go with me to the year 1968, to the basement of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Silver Spri
Christianity As A Materialistic Religion -- Matthew 25:21 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Archbishop William Temple of the Church of England has become famous for his oft--quoted statement t
God Knows -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
It's the sort of thing that yields high ratings on television and high volume of sales of supermarke

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

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
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- John Steward -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
My friend, Pastor Ray Christenson in Las Vegas, once told about a pastor who would regularly visit a
Grounded In Love -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kai M. Mcclinton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in
Proper 19 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- John Steward -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
From time to time I have, as most pastors do, a conversation with someone about his or her relations
A Dog With Soul -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, John Zingaro -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you a
All Saints' Day -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- John Steward -- All Saints Day - C
"...
Reaping Joy -- Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - B
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
Proper 20 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- John Steward -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
One Sunday morning on a subway car in New York City people were traveling in relative peace and calm
God's Faithfulness -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Edgar A. Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
As I look back over my relationship with God, two events, which I believe were miracles, stand out t
Ascension Sunday -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John Steward -- Ascension of the Lord - C
This is a story about two young men I once encountered.
Transfigured -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Theonia Amenda -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth
Proper 21 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- John Steward -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
We are often afraid to speak of money in the church.
Still Hope -- Psalm 41 -- John E. Sumwalt, John W. Doll -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
My brother has a daughter who is as beautiful as any woman could ever hope to be.
Baptism Of The Lord -- Acts 8:14-17 -- John Steward -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Many years ago the founder and president of the National Cash Register Company of Dayton, Ohio, used
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
And I know that such a person -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows --
The Mystery Of His Will -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marcia Lee -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
...
Proper 22 -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- John Steward -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
A pastor was preaching one of his first sermons in the new church to which he had been called.
A Healing Presence -- Mark 1:29-39 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lynette E. Metz -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons.
Easter -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- John Steward -- Easter Day - C
There was a little boy who would always come home late from school.
Someone To Watch Over Me -- Psalm 89:20-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia M. Thaker -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
In February of 2000, my grandfather, Lloyd Dings, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Luke 17:11-19 -- John Steward -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
I have noticed that at Thanksgiving time it is difficult for people to give God thanks and praise.
The Call Of God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- John E. Sumwalt, Bill Dow -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
On Ash Wednesday of 2000, I had a very powerful worship experience.
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
A young couple fell in love in a very unique way.
Eagerly Waiting -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Eileen Fink -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
In my dream, I was in my bed trying to get to sleep when I heard someone coming.
Proper 24 -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- John Steward -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
In 1899 four Denver journalists encountered one another in the Denver railway station.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

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
Rivers of Living Water -- John 7:37-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pre-preparations for Pentecost
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25Theme: As For Me And My Household
Prayer 17 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Patient, Present, And Self-Revealing One:
Promise -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's PromiseInvitation to the Celebration
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Micah 6:1-8Theme: Do JusticeCall To Worship
The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Destruction of the Temple Foretold -- Matthew 24:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Judge -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Judges 4:1-7Theme: JudgeCall To Worship
Prayer 18 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Author Of Great Mysteries:
Wonder -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's Wonder That Became Reality
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)Theme: Draw NearCall To Worship
The Parable of the Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Pentecost -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pentecost (formerly Kingdomtide [Trinity] -- Season of the Kingdom of God on Earth), meaning "fiftie
Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24Theme: ShepherdCall To Worship
Prayer 19 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Love Entity:
Fulfillment -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's Promise Of Fulfillment
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-20Theme: Choose LifeCall To Worship
Self-deception; Hearers and Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
Prayer 20 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Supreme Scientist Of The Universe:
The Communion of the Saints with the Beatitudes -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
The Source Of Our SainthoodInvitation to the Celebration
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18Theme: Not Just On SundayCall To Worship
The Call of Matthew and Several Healings -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
Prayer 21 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Loving Communicator:
The Ascension of Christ -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter 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

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

Special Occasion

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