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A Bolt, A Nut, And A Washer -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Good morning, boys and girls.
Why Is Sunday Special? -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some aspirin or some other kind of pill or capsule
Jesus Is Coming -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use in Advent)
Grow Like A Fruit Tree -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an ax
Do You Choose Marge Or Chris? -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a candy bar and a glass of milk
Shower The People -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The experience of the coming of the Holy Spirit.
The Spear -- John 19:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a spear
How Refreshing! -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of lemonade and some glasses
Jumping With Help -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: string or rope
The Clean Plate Club -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: bread crumbs
God Is Love -- 1 John 4:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ice and some rubber balls
Suffering ... A Good Teacher -- Hebrews 5:7-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a speeding ticket
Standing Room Only -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs ("Standing Room Only," "Full," or "Sold Out")
More Important Than We Thought -- Luke 20:9-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a garage sale item such as a picture or a lamp
Look What Water Does! -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: water at the baptismal font
Those Tempting Crayons -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some crayons and scissors
You Need All The Pieces -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a jigsaw puzzle
A Reflection Of God's Love -- Matthew 27:11-54 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Teach the children how God views them.
Christ The King -- John 18:33-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a crown and a map of the world or a globe
Ouch! Those Thistles! -- Matthew 13:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: weeds, some with thorns and thistles
You're Worth A Million -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a make--believe check for $1,000,000 (be sure to void the check!) and an old rag
A Lesson From Lettuce -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a good head of lettuce and a spoiled head of lettuce (or some other produce)
Heaven Will Wait -- 1 John 3:1-2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two exact kinds of packages that do not have the picture of the product on the outsid
God Sees Right Through -- Hebrews 4:9-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big piece of clear plastic used to cover many or all of the children
A Treasure Hunt -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a jewelry box hidden somewhere in the chancel

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

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Church Leaders

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Death

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Fellowship

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Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

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Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

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Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Lions And Cows Dining Together: Seeing Is Believing -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We must have a vision that peace is realistically attainable.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Carlos Wilton -- Good Friday - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 52:13--53:12 Hebrews 10:16-25 John 18:1--19:42
Plays Well With Others: B+ -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: If nothing else, the Christian should be congenial, amicable, and much better
Pearly Gates Entrance Exam -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What does it take to get into heaven?
Interrupting The Interruption -- John 11:1-44 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
Miracle Eleven Interrupting The InterruptionThe Text
Analysis Of A Saloon -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Do churches and taverns offer the same services, and does our church do a bett
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Exodus 20:1-17 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22
Let Me Tell You What You Believe -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: So many Christians are ignorant concerning the beliefs and doctrines of their
Can Compassion Be Turned On Like A Faucet? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we get motivated to actually love others?
Jesus Meets The Official Spokesdemon -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Miracle One Jesus Meets The Official SpokesdemonThe Text
Get Over It! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We have to learn how to really forgive and accept forgiveness.
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day We look to the cross of Jesus for salvation.
No Yellow Flags! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Christians should be concerned about avoiding making mistakes.
I Embarrassed God Again Yesterday -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Each day we find a variety of ways to offend God and others and must be remind
Enabling And Receiving Hospitality -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
The Text
Forgiveness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
To return evil for good is devil-like,To return evil for evil is animal-like,
Reformation Sunday -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Israel has been encamped at Shittim in the territory of Moab on the Eastern side of the Jordan River
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, 1 Kings 3:5-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
We find before us a very worldly story of love and deceit on the part of two very worldly men.
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 12:1--9 (C)
Eve And The Snake -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the story of Adam and Eve, Eve ate the wrong thing; she should have eaten the snake!
Great Windows One-liners -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
B1. The best computer you'll ever know is the one between your ears.
Howdy, Neighbor! -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Ever notice how those who come wishing to test Jesus get tested themselves?
Most Unusual -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The church is the only institution on earth that will let you in free, and then trust your honor to
The Seed Store -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man once dreamed he had entered a different kind of store.
What Moses Said -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
This story came from a tour guide in Israel:

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Hunger And Politics -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Yogi Berra, the great baseball player of an earlier age, was known for his unusual and creative use
Scaring The Church, So It Will Be The Church -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
Sometimes when we read a passage of scripture, we may need to pay careful attention to who in the te
A Question Of Loyalty -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2007
Lookout Mountain is a popular tourist destination located in the northwest corner of Georgia, just s
Getting Off The Merry-Go-Round -- Romans 8:1-11 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Have you ever been stuck on a playground merry-go-round? You know how it goes.
All About Me? -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- John N. Brittain -- 2007
Since we all know that one of life's cardinal rules in the twenty-first century is that "it's all ab
God's Doing -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
Don had not worked like a dog for nothing.
Dreaming Joseph -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.
Political Pardon -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
My parents were married in the wave of weddings that followed World War II.
Becoming Good Trees -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
Most pastors have seen the damage caused when a purple-faced preacher has sought to scare a person i
Reversal And Victory -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2007
"When God is going to do something wonderful," author Anne Lamott claims, "God always starts with a
Children Of The Heavenly Father -- Romans 8:12-25 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Some consider it a secret. Others consider it almost a badge of honor.
With Our Own Eyes -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- John N. Brittain -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Leslie D.
Just A Crazy Story -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
Zack had seen the movie.
Now I See -- John 9:1-41 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth.
Why Is God Unfair? -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2007
One of my favorite courses to teach is "Introduction to Biblical Literature." It is a 200-level cour
God's Weather Report -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
In the 1985 movie, Witness, Harrison Ford plays a tough Philadelphia detective who uncovers c
A Vision Of Hope -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Difficult times not only try a person's soul but frequently force a person to step up to a new chall
How Jesus' Friendship Makes Your Burdens Light -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Jesus was teaching about the kind of authority he has.
Dust And Ashes Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
The Passion of the Christ, is a helpful movie to consider for Ash Wednesday and Lent.
A Vision Vanished -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
Arnold Toivonen was headed to work at 5:06 a.m.
Healing Tears -- John 11:1-45 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
When we came up out of the tomb of Lazarus, the other half of our touring group, who were waiting th
A Career In The Kingdom -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
When Sadie and Bessie, the famed "Delany Sisters," were in the early years of their second centuries
Choosing A Master -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
It was supposed to have been fun. No one was supposed to have gotten hurt.
Not All Of This Is Me -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
It was certainly a treat for four-year-old Tara to go shopping with her grandfather one day at the m
It's Not About You; It's All About God -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Jesus left the house (which one we are not sure).

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no sweeter name than -- Mother.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the Holy Spirit.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Heaven is at the feet of mothers." (Roebuck)
Should He Or Shouldn't He? -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Gilbert was about to graduate from seminary.
Angels Among Us -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Books and magazines are filled with people's encounters with "angels": people who give selflessly, p
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mothers know that the best medicine chest for ailing families is the Bible.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The first priority of my life is to be holy, and the second goal of my life is to be a scholar." (J
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smile "All people smile in the same language." (Anonymous)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Enthusiasm
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
New Year
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother should never make differences between her children, but love them all.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit is the divine energy that produces the spiritual life." (Bertha Munro)
Cuts That Heal -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Sally was excited to see her uncle again.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Conflict
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"No language can express the power and beauty and heroism and majesty of a mother's love.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is practical living.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Lie "A lie stands on one leg, truth on two." (Benjamin Franklin)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I think it must somewhere be written that the virtues of mothers shall occasionally be visited on t
The Wise And The Foolish Bridesmaids -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Jacopo Tintoretto paints a stunning portrayal of The Parable of The Wise and The Foolish Virgins.
The Fullness Of Life -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Some in our generation grew up hearing about World War II.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Acceptance
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
It must have been a wise mother who said, "When we die, we leave behind us all we have and take with
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not a place to linger, but a pathway to walk.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

An Arranged Marriage -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
Responsibility -- James 1:23-25, Luke 10:25-37 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod as Creator provides order and abundance.
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
HymnsEat This Bread (CBH471, UM628)
The Triumph Of The Lamb -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 53: 4-5)
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsLet Us Break Bread Together (NCH330, CBH618)
Easter -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to share and to shout good news.
The New Covenant In The Old -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
The Risen Christ -- John 21:1-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod is never far from any of us.
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
HymnsAt The Name Of Jesus (UM168, CBH342, PH148)
Gradually Slipping Away -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16, John 14:1-14 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsIn You, Lord, I Have Put My Trust (PH183)
Father -- Ephesians 6:1-4 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere is a vastness and wonder to God that we can in no way describe.
Consecration Service For Choirs -- Frank Ramirez -- 2004
Special ServicesConsecration Service For Choirs
Sabbath -- Isaiah 58:9b-14, Luke 13:10-17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIndeed, this is a day of rest and gladness.
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
HymnsCantemos al Senor (O Sing To The Lord) (UM149, CBH55, NCH39, PH472)
All The Families Of The Earth Shall Be Blessed -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Psalm 66:8-20, John 14:15-21 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsOur Cities Cry To You, O God (PH437)
Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipO God, we enter your gates with thanksgiving;
Not By Our Own Strength -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Saints -- John 6:20-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
HymnsRejoice, Ye Pure In Heart (UM160, 16l, NCH55, 71, PH145, 146, LBW553)
Massah And Meribah -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsHail, O Festal Day (NCH262, UM324)
Freedom -- James 1:25 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe praise the God who made us -
Listen! -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 99)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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