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Do You Know His Voice? -- John 10:22-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Objects: some blindfolds
A Warm, Steamy Bath -- Galatians 3:26-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big bath towel
Charley Becomes Happy -- Luke 13:22-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a folding chair
Save The Good Part -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a banana
What Is God Made Of? -- Acts 17:29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a picture of a marble or bronze statue depicting a god, a rock, a rabbit's foot, a fo
New Leaves -- 1 Timothy 6:11-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a leaf or leaves of color that depict the changing of seasons
The Prize -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Exegetical Aim: Faithfulness to the end.
Love is ... -- John 14:15-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Obedience is the most appropriate expression of our love.
Going To A Wedding -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: We must be appropriately prepared for the great Kingdom party.
Anger Doesn't Work! -- James 1:17-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of water, a strainer, and an empty bucket
Plan For Heaven -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pup tent
Throw Your Worries To The Lord -- Romans 8:31-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use in Lent)
Jesus Is A And Z -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a package of film, a camera, and some snapshots
Give Your Life To The Lord -- John 10:11-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a doll or teddy bear
Is It Time Yet? -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an egg timer
Bearing Fruit For God -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some fertilizer
Soft Blankets For A Baby -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use at Christmas)Object: receiving blankets for a baby
Counting Fish, Birds, And Hair -- Matthew 10:26-33 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an aquarium with many fish (minnows or guppies can be purchased at bait shops, pet st
Is Jesus Like A Stapler? -- 1 Timothy 2:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a stapler and some pieces of paper
Christ Our Rescuer -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
Exegetical Aim: To show that Jesus Christ rescues us from sin.
A Home To Call Your Own -- John 14:1-14 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The comfort in knowing that Christ is building a room for us in his Father's house.
Wants And Needs -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Exegetical Aim: Rejection of that which is essential.
Say One Thing And Do Another -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The difference between saying and doing.
A Place Of Light -- Revelation 21:9-11, 22-27 (22:1-5) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a night light
Prissy Plant -- John 9:1-41 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an attractive artificial plant

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Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Lesson 1: Acts 7:55--60 (C)
True Friendship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person: having neither to weigh
A Gift Of God's Grace -- Laughter -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Humankind is never so expressive of the goodness of God as when a person is laughing.
Why Couldn't We Cast It Out? -- Mark 9:14-29 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John, are away on a trip up the mountain.
Bad Chemistry -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Here's to the memory of Willie.Willie is no more:
Not Couch Potatoes -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Recently, people who watch television most of the time have been called "Couch Potatoes." Have you h
Shepherds And Sheep -- John 10:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
1. Text
Watch And Pray -- Matthew 26:37-46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
In the last chapter we considered the Gethsemane experience from Jesus' personal perspective.
Parable Of The Ten-inch Skillet -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some men went on a fishing trip. An old bachelor went along and caught fish also.
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Our text, which is from the Yahwist, connects with Exodus 24:18, where we are told that Moses is on
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 45:1-15 (C)
Don R. Yocom -- 2004
34.How Many Children?
He Drives Like Jehu -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Someone has said that the modern American man's love for his automobile may yet be his downfall.
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
In order to understand this scripture lesson, it is of utmost importance that we put it in its conte
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 17:22--31 (C, E)
Cremation, And An Old Saying -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Bill and Jake, from the rural countryside, went into the big city for their very first time.
A Good Horse: The General -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The tenth President of the United States was John Tyler.
What To Do On Sunday -- Matthew 12:9-14 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there
Thanks For The Boll Weevil -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At Enterprise, Alabama, there is a most unusual monument worthy of consideration.
On Playing Hookey -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A little boy was crying, and someone asked him what was the matter.
Self--Deception, Hearers, And Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Israel's Most Wanted -- Matthew 26:47-56 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
(Author's note: The format of this sermon is a role play, imitating America's Most Wanted.)
Pocketbook Protection -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A pastor preached a sermon on that text in Ephesians 6:13-18 (NRSV), where there is a listing of the
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Our text for the morning brings three burning questions about human existence into focus for us.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

He Celebrated Easter With His Life -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an inactive memberHe Celebrated Easter With His Life
The Baptism Of The Lord -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Tom M. Garrison -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
This text invites us to listen as John the Baptist tells the people that there is one who is coming
Saintly Visions! -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- John W. Clarke -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
On All Saints, we are visited through the Hebrew Scripture by Daniel.
What Church Looks Like -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There's the story of the man who was lost on a desert island for a decade.
Grace Personified -- John 15:9-13 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For someone who challenged one to be a better minister
Our Christmas Gift -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Since the 1600s, in a historical period called the "Enlightenment," scholars have been studying the
Jesus Brings Hope -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
The International Government of the World, or IGW, made its announcement with joy: the last Christia
Where Have All The Heroes Gone? -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
I want to talk about heroes today. We all have them.
Channels Of God's Love -- Luke 5:12-26, Romans 8:31-39, Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1-6 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For one who openly acknowledged suffering from AIDS
A Samaritan Took Care Of Him -- Luke 10:25-37 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
The situation was this: A young Jewish lawyer wanted to reassure himself that he was doing the right
A Farmer's Dependence On God -- Matthew 6:19-34 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man whose wife died before him
Flock With A Future -- Psalm 23 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing the Lord as our shepherdFlock With A Future
Wedding Day -- John 2:1-11 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
It had been a standard practice, in years past, that the most popular month for weddings was June.
The Shepherd King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- John W. Clarke -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Although we are going to concentrate on Jeremiah 23:1-6, it is important to note that these verses a
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
One of the most obvious things about the night sky is the moon, especially the full moon.
A New Tenor In The Choir -- Revelation 5:13 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man who loved to singA New Tenor In The Choir
Two For The Price Of One -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Today is an important day in the life of the world and the life of the church.
Death To Glory -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Once in a far-off land, there was a great king whose dominion extended far and wide.
Unlocking The Power Of God -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
What can faith do? It can part a raging sea and allow a nation to walk through. What can faith do?
The Promised Land -- Luke 9:28-36, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 86:1-13 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a Christian who has suffered in faithThe Promised Land
How Not To Become Distracted -- Luke 10:38-42 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
We live in what has been called the "Information Age." We have more information at our disposal than
Death, Our Teacher -- Psalm 90 -- Allen Puffenberger, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a beloved parishionerDeath, Our Teacher
God Can Change The Past -- Luke 24:1-9, Isaiah 42:1-4, Revelation 7:13-17, Psalm 22:1-8, 14-31 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing that God can turn the past around
Prophet Or Profit? -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
I shall never forget the night that Mae June came to church.
Thanks For Receiving Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- John W. Clarke -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
This wonderful chapter of Deuteronomy speaks to us on this Thanksgiving Day of the forms for the pre

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Men are what their mothers make them." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not like the light bulb -- on again -- off again.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"One lamp, thy mother's love amid the stars shall lift its pure flame changeless, and before the thr
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is a life of Christ-centered choices, evidenced by a life-centered obedience.
The Advocate -- John 14:15-21 -- Constance Berg -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
A new baby boy: Jonathan Richard.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Bible
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Training
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
To lead the world to reformation one begins by enlisting the mothers.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God hates sin because of His sinlessness.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
In Speaker's Treasury of Stories for All Occasions, Herbert Prochnow tells: Aunt Betty came up the w
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A holiness lifestyle does not dissolve personality conflicts, but it definitely helps to cope with t
The Sewage Pit -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Constance Berg -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
I was at a Michael Card concert many years ago, enjoying the message and the music of this fine musi
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"God could not be everywhere, and so He made mothers." (Jewish proverb)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While holiness does not make it impossible for you to sin, the experience does make it impossible n
Epiphany: A Wonderful Holiday -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
I have lived in two different countries where Epiphany is a very important holiday: The Netherlands
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Blessing
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Trials "Great hearts can only be made by great troubles." (G. H. Spurgeon)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
No touch is like a mother's touch.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit has come to make peace for us.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Choosing -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come because God has called us.
On The Day Of Midian -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Third Sunday After Epiphany First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
HymnsBreak Now The Bread Of Life (NCH321, CBH360, UM599, PH329)
Might As Well Be You And Me -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Chosen -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Luke 5:1-11 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe gather to worship -That we might scatter to serve.
The Best Offering -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Micah 6:6-8)
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
HymnsSing Praise To God (NCH6, CBH59, UM126, PH483)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Witnesses To God's PowerCall To Worship
Proper 17 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Price Of Forsaking GodCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: The Conversion Of SaulCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: 1 Kings 21:1-21a Theme: Evil Deeds Lead To Destruction
Proper 18 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Theme: Clay In The Potter's HandCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Peter Heals DorcasCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
Theme: What Are You Doing Here?Call To Worship
Proper 19 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
Theme: Stupid PeopleCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Salvation Is Available To EveryoneCall To Worship
Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Proper 8/Ordinary Time 13 Sunday between June 26 and July 2 inclusive
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
Theme: Sorrow For Those Who Do Not Obey GodCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: God's Call To Preach The Good NewsCall To Worship
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
Theme: By Faith We Are HealedCall To Worship
Riches Blind Us To The Will Of God -- Luke 16:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:19-31Theme: Riches Blind Us To The Will Of God
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: What Must I Do To Be Saved?Call To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
Theme: The New CovenantCall To Worship
True Riches -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:6-19Theme: True Riches
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: Tell The Good News Of What The Lord Has DoneCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 8 | OT 13 | Pentecost 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 9 | OT 14 | Pentecost 4
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

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For July 6, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity for the children.

Note: You will need an older volunteer to help with this activity. One option would be to find a teenager with some physical ability. If a teen is not available, an adult could be used instead. For simplicity here, I will refer to my older volunteer as “TOM”. You will also need to select three of your younger children to serve as volunteers in the story.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
2 Kings 5:1-14
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30
Naaman seeks healing. He travels hoping healing will come to him when he visits the king of Israel. Yet, healing does not come in that way. Rather healing comes through Elishah. Healing comes from believing and being cleansed in the River Jordan. Healing comes through Naaman’s faithfulness and through God’s grace. Psalm 30 also reminds us to seek healing; to seek God and God will heal and restore us. Do we believe that? Do we believe that God can bring healing?

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ (vv. 10-11)

When I visit your church for the first time, consider the possibility that I might be looking for a church home. I am a good-looking old guy, but I have gray hair and I dress down in the summer, so don’t be put off by my cargo shorts and tank top. Talk to me!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Damien and Ora grinned at each other in excitement. The time had come - at last! They'd been with the Leader for months and months, waiting for this moment. Not that it had felt much like training. They'd simply lived with the Leader, listening to his stories, hearing about the Kingdom, learning to get along really well with all the other people at Mission Headquarters. Now all seventy of them were ready, the spaceship had docked, and the Mission was about to begin. Ora was glad she'd been paired up with Damien again.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B, and Easter 3, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

Anyone who has ever had the experience of losing a friend because of some conflict or dispute, and then has had the friendship restored because of love and forgiveness, has a unique insight into the meaning of this psalm. Although the poem begins and ends with praise, there is in the middle of the poem a brief moment of confession and contrition that puts the praise portions of the psalm in an entirely different light.

April Yamasaki
A word of encouragement came from an unlikely source the other day in a television interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The former football player, wrestler, and now actor was asked about a low time in his life when he was very discouraged about his career and future.

"How did you make your way back from that?" he was asked.

The Rock replied, "You have to put yourself out there. You have to get out there and fail, and learn from your failures."

Larry D. Powell
In the summer of 1983, I participated in a ministerial exchange program sponsored by my denomination. My assignment was to a circuit of churches on the Isle of Man, a tiny island located in the Irish Sea. The months preceding the exchange included considerable correspondence with the minister on the island with whom I would exchange pastoral duties for six weeks.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time. He strolled by a park. There he purchased a hot dog and a soft drink. As he walked through the park two different "street people" approached him one by one. Each asked, "Can you help me? I am hungry." Each time the businessman looked straight ahead and kept walking. After finishing his lunch, he stopped and bought a chocolate eclair for dessert. As he was about to take the first bite, he was forced to jump out of the way as a young boy raced by on his skateboard. The eclair went flying and landed on the ground.

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