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It's Not On Any Map -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large map of the world, any map of Israel, or a globe of the world
Do Not Open! -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The value of patience.
The Right Side -- Acts 24:1-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: things with two sides but only one of them is usable, such as a dinner plate, an umbr
Warning! -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a warning device, like a siren or buzzer
Hermon, The Camel Who Was Humbled -- Matthew 19:24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Believing In Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a carpenter's sawhorse
A House Is Not A Home -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Life does not consist of bread alone.
Sharing With Others -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an item of canned food that might be given to a food pantry
Sing A Song To Each Other -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sentences with which you greet the children, reading them to a melody which you
Bad Apples -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Separation of the good and bad.
A Dog Named Sport -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an invisible dog named Sport
In Training -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a whistle and a leash
Stay Close To The Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ivy in a pot
Sleeping In Church -- Acts 20:8-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: nodding - have the children practice nodding
A Candle With Two Wicks -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a candle with the wick exposed at both ends
Troubled Carrie And Clear Connie -- 1 Peter 3:15-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two jars of water, one clear and one filled with particles
The Greatest Secret Ever Told -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)
The World Needs Salt -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The church intercedes on behalf of God for the salvation of the world.
Reuben, The Rooster With A Reminder -- Matthew 26:34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Made For Something Good -- Ephesians 2:4-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: something handcrafted, like a dress, a piece of woodworking, or some pottery
God-given Talent -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Talents and gifts are from God and are to be used in service to the church.
Jesus The Healer -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some chicken noodle soup
Fresh Starts -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a check with your name written on it and a gift that you received from someone who lo
Do You Believe What He Said? -- John 14:23-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some nut cups, some wet cotton for each cup, and a package of dry lima beans
Chosen By God -- Acts 21:27-22:29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: straws of different lengths for drawing straws; have more straws than children

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God Knows -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
David, the famous sculpture by Michelangelo, is now located in a museum in Florence, Italy.
They Cooked The Books -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The new expression of what has been happening in some of the top business corporations of America we
Third Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Isaiah 9:1-4 is the first part of the lesson that is the stated Old Testament text for a Sunday on C
Wedding Banquet -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
1. Text
We Are Witnesses -- Luke 24:44 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
As we examined the Great Commissions in Matthew and Mark, we noted how each version matches the styl
Selah -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Question: In the book of Psalms in the Bible, what does the word Selah mean?
Wise Men's Red Hats -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A visitor to a certain town noticed many homes had Christmas nativity scenes in front of them.
Feeding The 5,000 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, Romans 7:15-25a -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Proper 9 (C, E)14th Sunday In Ordinary Time (RC)Seventh Sunday After Pentecost
Give To God -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Let's take an informal, random survey. How many of you like paying taxes? No one?
My Precinct -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When they were giving out flu shots one year, a poor lady had tried to get hers at the Red Cross bui
The Resurrection Of Our Lord -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18, Jeremiah 31:1-6 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 10:34--43 (C, E); Acts 10:34, 37--43 (RC)
On A New Year's Day -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
This passage was spoken by the King of England in World War II several times on the British radio br
He Really Squeezed Them -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A side show at the traveling circus which came to town featured a guy who squeezed a lemon very hard
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
This particular text, which tells of the institution of the Jewish Passover feast, is to mark the be
Abstract Or Concrete -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man had said he adored children and would do whatever he could for them.
Those Two Cents -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was during the 1950s and the young couple came to their pastor for premarital counseling.
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
The important thing to remember about this text from Micah is that it represents a court case betwee
The Wise And The Foolish -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
1. Text
That Is How I Send You -- John 20:21-23 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
In my third year at seminary, as I was doing my morning devotions and Bible reading, I came to John
Some Good Things Take Time -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
About the middle of the nineteenth century, a noted English traveler, Lord Sandys, was served a fine
Without One Flea -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Another little girl was singing at church, "Just as I am, without one flea."
Walking On Water -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he d
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 25:19--34 (C)
Take Up Your Cross -- Matthew 10:38-39 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
We come to one of those hard sayings of Jesus about discipleship, "Take up your cross." In chapter 2

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Bethlehem: Where Extremes Meet -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Tom M. Garrison -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Every year at this particular season, I am amazed all over again at the impact that the old, old sto
Something To Whistle About -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- John Jamison -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
It was back in the days when the railroad was the most common mode of transportation.
God Wants Her Back Home -- Mark 5:21-23, 35-42 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a child who died at the hand of her mother
Tough Guy No Longer -- Luke 2:8-20, Psalm 121 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hard-working, family-oriented personTough Guy No Longer
The Journey Of Life -- Luke 24:13-35, Psalm 122 -- Tom O. Miller, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person without church affiliationThe Journey Of Life
Advent: An Irrational Sense Of Peace -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
We are always touched by newspaper or media stories of people who have come through some terrible ex
Carrying The Burdens Of Others -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
There was a man named Sundar, a convert to Christianity who decided to go to India to be a missionar
Isaiah -- The Prophet Of Gloom And Glory -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2006
Of all the writing prophets of Israel, Isaiah stands out above them all.
The True Source Of Thanksgiving -- Matthew 25 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
It has been said that you cannot know where you are going until you know where you have come from.
What Happens When You're Not Prepared For What Happens -- Luke 8:26-39 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
How do you handle what happens when you're not prepared for what happens?
Fruit With Feet -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There has rarely been a transformation from sinner to saint as dramatic as that of Paul, former pers
More Than Meets The Eye -- Job 38-41 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a daring characterMore Than Meets The Eye
Our Task: Acceptance And Challenge -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Tom M. Garrison -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
What do our children need of us really, as adults, as parents, and as the community of faith called
Be Real -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- John Jamison -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
The old story is told about two painters; two artists.
All Life Is A Gift -- Mark 10:13-16 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For hours-old twin girlsAll Life Is A Gift
The Grand Ball -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a loving, Christian husbandThe Grand Ball
A Family Member -- 2 Corinthians 4:16--5:1, Isaiah 40:28-31 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a family memberA Family Member
Advent: Jesus, The Suffering Savior -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This is our final Sunday in Advent.
Sharing God's Love -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
There once was a king who ruled over a vast empire, but alas, he was rather old and thus decided tha
Preaching God's Reformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- John W. Clarke -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
On this Reformation Sunday, it is useful to look back in time and remember one of the most important
Reactions To Rejection -- Luke 9:51-62 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
Jesus knew what rejection felt like.
God's Call For All -- Acts 9:35-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
A church in Pennsylvania reported the death of one of their members recently.
Speechless, But Not Embarrassed -- Matthew 25:31-33 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a resident philosopherSpeechless, But Not Embarrassed
What Gift Do You Bring? -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
I remember watching a football game between Kansas State and Ohio State.
Claiming Our New Life In Christ -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- John Jamison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
I heard a story about a man who decided that he wanted to live a good life.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Leprosy -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Leprosy is a horrendous skin condition, a mycobacterial disease.
Baptism By Spit -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Constance Berg -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
"Jan wasn't baptized by the spirit, she was baptized by spit," went the joke.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual truth is conveyed with the Holy Spirit's help to anyone willing to listen.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Parenthood
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Patience "Since God is eternal and I am immortal, I can wait." (J. B. Chapman)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Methods, plans, and human efforts are futile without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Progress Slow progress is always better than no progress at all.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Evangelism
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no stare like a mother's stare.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A mother's heart is the precious porcelain of human clay."
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress -- Good And Bad
A Defining Moment -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Sue went with her three most trusted friends on a retreat.
Fred's Team -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Constance Berg -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Every day newspapers, magazines, and radio stations report how "bad" things are getting.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit turns chickens into lions.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Peace
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"If a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, his witness will not be optional or mandatory -- it wil
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Government
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Association
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Example
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Motherhood holds the keys to the soul.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's love is never afraid of giving too much.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Success
From Chaos To Harmony -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
The children - aged nine through thirteen - were milling around waiting for the old school bell that

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
HymnsJesus, Priceless Treasure (LBW457, 458, PH365, CBH595, NCH480, UM532)
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Out Of Joint
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 47)
Mother/Family -- John 13:31-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe gather as the family of God to worship.
Storms -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship We worship God, whose creation is good.
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
HymnsGreat Is Thy Faithfulness (NCH423, PH276, UM140)
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsO Come, O Come, Emmanuel (UM211, PH9, LBW34, CBH172, NCH116)
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
HymnsArise, Your Light Is Come (NCH164, PH411)
God Walks With Us Through Darkness -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 105:1-4)
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Joel 2:12-13Theme: It's Not Too Late
New Year/New Beginnings -- Isaiah 43:15-21, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere are times for new beginnings,And for renewing ministries.
Deuteronomy 26:1-11, John 6:25-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThanksgiving - a day or an attitude?
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Proper 8Ordinary Time 13Pentecost 6Genesis 22:1-14 Psalm 13
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 34:1-10, 22, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
HymnsCrown Him With Many Crowns (NCH301, UM327, CBH116, PH151)
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, Psalm 22, John 18:1-19:42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
HymnsDeep Were His Wounds And Red (PH78)
God Has Sent Me Before You -- Genesis 45:1-5, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
The Light Still Shines -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 42:6-7)
Open Hands -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipAn open hand, bestowing the bounty of creation.
Things Of First Importance -- Mark 12:28-34, Hosea 6:1-6 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Hymns
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH 508, UM465)
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
The Lenten Season
God Remembers The People -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Seek Out The Lost -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
This Earthly Life -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Romans 14:7-9 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipOn this earth, what is but one short life?It is a gift from God.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Elena Delhagen
For May 19, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Pentecost accents the belief that the Christian church is a Spirit movement, not another world institution. Imagine a pastor who is on the denomination committee for examining pastoral candidates that are on various points along their journey toward ordination either before, during or just after completion of seminary/Bible college training. All the pastoral candidates are excited about their future of making a positive change and impression on the churches they serve.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 2:1-21
Martin Luther viewed Pentecost as a day of celebration, as on a sermon in the topic he noted “it was on this present Pentecost Day that the joyful blessed and lovely kingdom of Christ was established, a kingdom filled with joy, courage, and certainty.”  Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.152) Awareness of the Holy Spirit is a big part of the joy and certainty Pentecost brings.  John Wesley, then, offers a timely warning about how not to lose a sense of the Spirit and the joy and confidence this insight offers.  He wrote:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand. He unpacked his guitar and played a few chords to make sure that it was in tune. “The acoustics are better in the church building.”

“They may be,” Todd said raising his voice over the sounds of the busy park. “Going to be a noisy afternoon from the sounds of it.”

“Huh?” Ollie looked over at his smiling friend. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“You’re just saying what we’re all thinking, isn’t he Wendy?’

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Today’s message will include a role-play. You will need one child to play the role of the shepherd and the rest of the children will be the people from town. I usually pick an outgoing child for my shepherd so they will act out a bit. Encourage everyone to have fun and ham it up a bit.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As I recall, there was a mighty, rushing wind at the last Bank Holiday weekend. It didn't herald the coming of God quite as much as the coming of a mighty, rushing rain, and for many unfortunate people, substantial flooding. And it was accompanied by considerable power, for it uprooted and destroyed one of our laburnum trees.

SermonStudio

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
The Holy Spirit gets around. Historically the church has also commemorated its origins on this festival. In some traditions, confirmation is celebrated.

Collect of the Day
Petitions are offered that the Spirit come and transform the faithful to give them language to proclaim the word. The Holy Spirit, Justification (by Grace), Sanctification, and Evangelism are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
* Hymn to God the creator; praise for God's providential interventions.
James Evans
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Elizabeth Achtemeier
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to remain in Jerusalem until he sends the Holy Spirit upon them. That will enable them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Having promised that, he ascended into heaven, to rule over all at the right hand of the Father. That promise was spoken during the forty days that the Lord was with the apostles and disciples after his resurrection.
Arthur H. Kolsti
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord to the breath, prophesy mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
-- Ezekiel 37:4-10
Ron Lavin
The Holy Spirit is called "your Advocate" in the New English Bible translation of John 15:26. Other translations may be helpful in understanding the meaning of the Holy Spirit. The King James Version uses the term "The Comforter." The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version use the term "The Counselor." The Phillips translation and the Barclay translation call the Holy Spirit "The Helper." I like the title "The Advocate" best of all. This term "The Adovcate" includes comforting, counseling, and helping.

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