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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)
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
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)
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 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)
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 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)
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 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)
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.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Taxes To Caesar - What To God? -- Matthew 22:21 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
A young politician running for office asked a veteran politician for advice on how to assure victory
The Dangerous Truth -- John 18:33-37 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2002
I'd rather hear Saint Matthew talk about Christ the King. His story of the Last Judgment is vivid.
Joy To The World -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Curtis Lewis -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Open the hymnals. Pull out the stops on the organ, for we are going to sing a song.
King Forever! -- John 6:56-69 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Norman Rockwell has a painting titled Lift Up Thine Eyes.
Who Can Ask For Anything More? -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
Those who have read Charles Dickens' famous story, Oliver Twist, will recall that little Oliver, sti
Anxious Thanks -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
On Thanksgiving, isn't it odd to hear a Gospel that talks about anxiety and worry and not about, wel
Caution And Opportunity -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
A university president, as was his custom, attended the mid-week worship service in his institution'
The More -- Ezekiel 37:1-14; Acts 2:1-21 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
In seminary there was a very popular saying.
Stocks, Bonds, And Petty Cash -- 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
The Christian Faith owes a great deal to sailors on the seas.
A Friend In High Places -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2002
What we want to talk about is not, I am extremely sure, a theme that dominated your breakfast conver
First Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Curtis Lewis -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Have you ever seen the aurora borealis?
The Dangers Of Being Religious -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
Jeff Foxworthy has made a career of telling "redneck" jokes.
Everybody Loves A Parade! -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2002
This is the season for parades.
Heart Transplant -- John 8:31-36 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Imagine the scene: you are in the doctor's office, an array of EKGs, echocardiograms, and other test
Security Concerns -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Security has become big business in our world.
2001: A Faith Odyssey -- Luke 12:15 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
It made the headlines when it was first released. Magazines and newspapers were raving about it.
The Making Of A Saint -- John 11:32-44 -- Cathy A. Ammlung -- All Saints Day - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel is difficult to preach on All Saints' Sunday.
The Trinity -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
Today we celebrate the Festival of the Holy Trinity. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
To A Life Beyond -- John 6:51-58 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
The torches burned long into the night in the banquet hall.
Don't Fence Me In! -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2002
Goodspeed translates our text: "I may do anything I please but not everything I do is good for me.
You Are Free To Fail -- Mark 6:1-13 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Following his service as Prime Minister of Great Britain during the dark days of World War II, Winst
Gifted People -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
You and I are "gifted" people. We live in a "gifted" country. We gather in a "gifted" institution.
Turn On The Lights -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Many people don't realize the extent of the preparations involved when the President of the United S
The God Who Never Lets Go Of Us -- Joel 2:21-27 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2002
The prophets of antiquity faced problems no different from the soothsayers of today: what language c
A Landmark Event! -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
During World War II allied armies marched into Germany on their way to Berlin.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

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
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
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 your
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
All Saints' Day -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- John Steward -- All Saints Day - C
"...
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
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
Ascension Sunday -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John Steward -- Ascension of the Lord - C
This is a story about two young men I once encountered.
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
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.
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
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.
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 --
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.
Easter -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- John Steward -- Easter Day - C
There was a little boy who would always come home late from school.
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.
The Mystery Of His Will -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marcia Lee -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
...
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.
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
A young couple fell in love in a very unique way.
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.
Someone To Watch Over Me -- Psalm 89:20-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia M. Thaker -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
In February of 2000, my grandfather, Lloyd Dings, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
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.
Easter 3 -- John 21:1-19 -- John Steward -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Since many of the followers of Jesus were fishermen, it made sense for Jesus to use fishing as an ex

Thanksgiving Day

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Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

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Rivers of Living Water -- John 7:37-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pre-preparations for Pentecost
Watchfulness -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate Its ExpectationsInvitation to the Celebration
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
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4Theme: Out Of DarknessCall 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
Prayer 18 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Author Of Great Mysteries:
Destruction of the Temple Foretold -- Matthew 24:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
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
Judge -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Judges 4:1-7Theme: JudgeCall To Worship
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 Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Prayer 19 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Love Entity:
Pentecost -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pentecost (formerly Kingdomtide [Trinity] -- Season of the Kingdom of God on Earth), meaning "fiftie
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
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
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
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:
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
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 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
Few Laborers and the Disciples' Mission -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit

Worship Service

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UPCOMING WEEKS
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Ascension of the Lord
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
Elena Delhagen
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For May 12, 2024:
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
Elena Delhagen
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For May 12, 2024:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A sheet large enough for your children to stand around it. A dozen or so golf balls, or other small unbreakable balls. If you have a large number of children you could use two sheets to make room, or just ask for volunteers to play the game.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! But we’re not starting with the story today. I have something else I would like you to try. (Lay the sheet on the floor and put the balls in the middle of it.)
John Jamison
Object: A piece of clothing that a superhero might wear. I used a simple cape made from a sheet, but you could also use a belt, a ring, or anything else your favorite superhero might wear.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Over the Christmas season, I saw a picture of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes with his wife Brittany and their two young children. Like many people, the Mahomes’ took their kids to see Santa Claus. Patrick, Brittany, and Santa are all smiles, however, two-year-old daughter Sterling and one-year-old Bronze looked just like thousands of other kids, scared, and wanting to be somewhere else. It reminded me of how alike people are.
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 1:1-11
As I write this, world events have inspired any number of Christians in my area to speculate that these are clear signs of the end. By the time you read this those great events will be history, but don’t worry, stuff is happening as you read this that is causing some to speculate those current events are clear signs of the end.
Frank Ramirez
Today’s scriptures call upon us to listen carefully — to Jesus, through his words in the New Testament, and to the Spirit helping us to interpret that word and speaking directly in our hearts. And sometimes God is also speaking to us in the created universe. But make sure it is God we are listening to, and not ourselves.

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Mark Ellingsen
The lessons for this Festival of Ascension all testify to the heavenly power and cosmic presence of Christ. 

Acts 1:1-11

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
…God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son. (v. 11b)

Have you ever experienced the presence of God? Have you felt, seen, heard, smelled, tasted or known in some way that the Creator was near?

My colleague Becky Ardell Downs, pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church in Houston, tells of a time forty years ago when she was attending the funeral of her uncle in the Chicago suburbs. He had died of multiple sclerosis at a relatively young age.
Frank Ramirez
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9)

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51)

Defying gravity! What a concept? Is there anyone here who has not dreamt at one time or another that you were actually flying? Or floating? Or in some way defying gravity?

SermonStudio

John Jamison
Have you ever come across a piece of scripture that you really just didn’t know what to do with? Everything you read before it makes sense, and everything after it, but that one passage just sits there staring at you, almost defying you to understand why it is there and what it means.
Stan Purdum
Both Psalms 47 and 93 (the alternative psalm for this day) are enthronement psalms, praise hymns celebrating God's rule over the nations. They were most likely used on festal occasions when Israel again declared that God was its king.

While Psalm 47 was for Israel's celebration, verses 1-2 call all the nations of earth to recognize God as their monarch as well. Verses 3-4, however, return to the specific relationship between God and Israel.

David H. Webb
Today is Ascension Sunday.

Today we commemorate the day when Jesus bid farewell to his followers and friends and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.

In some ways it's an anxious day. "How will we go on without him?" they surely whispered among themselves. "How can we possibly maintain the strength and perspective -- the motivation to live according to his teachings and promises? How can we live with determination and purpose if he is not here to sustain us?"

John T. Ball
One of the blessings of God is the gift of writing, of putting our thoughts and observations on clay tablets or jars, on parchment, or on paper. Scholars are not certain when humans first began to write. Many think it happened in Samaria, the civilization between the Tigris and Euphrates, now modern-day Iraq. It may have happened about 3000 B.C.E. Nor is there a consensus on how writing was first used. It may have come from Shamans using it to pass on their skills and secrets. Or writing could have originated as a means to inventory the goods of merchants.
Mark J. Molldrem
Mark -- warlike

Shirley -- bright meadow

Jennifer -- fair lady

Jeffrey -- God's peace

Jesus -- God saves

What's in a name? Ever since God gave Adam the privilege of naming all the creatures, humankind has had a fascination with names. Names are important. Parents take great care when they select a name for their baby. They know the name will be with this new person for a lifetime and will identify him or her to other people.
Jerry L. Schmalenberger
It simply was unthinkable that the appearances of Jesus should grow fewer and fewer after Easter until they finally 'petered out' and melted away. That would have effectively weakened the faith of all people who had seen him. There had to come a day of dividing -- when Jesus of earth became Christ of heaven.
Richard E. Gribble
Many years ago one of the most popular shows on weekly television was Mission Impossible. Each episode of the show opened in a similar way. The head of the Impossible Missions Force, or IMF for short, would be found alone in some isolated office, home, or similar space. He would find a large manilla envelope, generally hidden in a desk drawer or possibly in a safe. Inside the envelope he would find materials that described the next mission of his IMF team. There would be lots of printed material, photographs of the principal people involved, and often maps to show various locations.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Sandy wasn't very good at prayer. Privately he thought it was probably a waste of time, although when things went really wrong he always found himself praying. He wasn't sure that God ever heard his prayers.

Special Occasion

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