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SermonStudio

Christ The King -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God! We come to thank and enjoy You.
Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Eat to live or live to eat? We can eat to our salvation or damnation.
There Are Demons In The Sea -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
"The Stilling Of The Storm"
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Easter Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Independence Day: We pray for our country's leaders. -- 1 Timothy 2:1-4 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2002
Visual Aids: A U.S. flagHandouts: Activity sheets
Life Before And After Death -- Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8:40-56 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
The Raising Of Jairus' Daughter
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Model For Ministry -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Who is your model for ministry? Your mentor? Your inspiration? Try Jesus.
Baby Talk -- Hebrews 1:1-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Luther said it: When God speaks to humanity, God always speaks in baby talk.
An Exile Of Silence Set Free -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Deaf Mute
Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Come, blessed Jesus.
Where Is Your Heart? -- Mark 3:1-6 -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
We live in a very crazy world. Did you know
The Man Who Shouted So Loudly The Kingdom Came To Him -- Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
Bartimaeus, Blind Beggar Of Jericho
Restoring Pastoral Energies -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
That pastoral energies ebb low is not debatable.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Object: A blindfold and a member of the choir with a loud speaking voice.
Twenty--first Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Evangelism In The Local Church -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The church battles constantly to keep the main thing, the main thing.
Twenty--second Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Soul Health -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Marva Dawn and Eugene Peterson, in their book, The Unnecessary Pastor, wrote: "The constant d
The Battle Of Discouragement -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Everyone, at one time or another, faces discouragement. It can be devastating to one's ministry.
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Hebrews 4:12--16)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Day Of The Lord -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
For a man who claims that he does not know much about the coming day of the Lord, Paul has certainly
Can You Hear Me Now? -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
A cell phone commercial asks, "Can you hear me now?" The assumption is that one can hear any place,
When Personal Concerns Are Swallowed Up In Wonder -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- John T. Ball -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
We are a culture awash in personal problems.
How To Motivate People -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
A few years ago a fellow took me on a tour of his sock manufacturing plant.
The Letter To Philadelphia -- Revelation 3:7-13 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? Everyone knows this. At the bottom!
No Longer Damned -- Romans 8:1-11 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
The text for today is Romans, chapter 8, verse 1: "Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who
Lite -- Or Light? -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
There is, in this congregation, a running conversation as to what to call this structural wonder tha
Living Water -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Don't Forget The Child! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- 2004
Most of us are familiar with the blockbuster movies, Home Alone and Lost in New York: Home
Weep For The Children -- Matthew 2:13-18 -- 2004
Our scripture lesson tells a horror story, innocent children being massacred because of the paranoia
No Shame -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- William G. Carter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
I am very taken by what Paul says.
Bloody Lintels -- Broken Bread -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Two Russian surgeons and an anesthetist took turns lying on an operating table beside a critically-i
Healing The Pain From The Past -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
A pastor friend and his wife once adopted a young cat that bounced up to his parsonage looking hungr
Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
"Heal the sick," Jesus commanded (Matthew 10:8).
The Letter To Laodicea -- Revelation 3:14-22 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
I was reading a murder mystery the other day, a really complex novel, layered with meaning.
Speaking Of The Spirit -- Romans 8:12-25 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
There's something you might not know about the Apostle Paul.
The Embassy At 66011 -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
The year was 1967. Vietnam was exploding. The Nuclear Arms Race was escalating.
"Who Stands With This Child?" -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:Come, let us stand and worship our God.
Expectancy -- Romans 13:11-14 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Christmas decorations are beginning to appear everywhere and the children are getting excited.
What Will You Do With Your Freedom? -- 1 Corinthians 8 -- 2004
Once upon a time, there was a happy, moderate church with a friendly, moderate pastor that lived a h
Uncle Abraham -- Romans 4:13-25 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
I have good news for you this morning. None of you are good enough to be here.
Saved (Again)! -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
Lawrence Henry was 88 years of age when he shared with his family the only sermon he ever preached.
Those Parentheses -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Bill Mosley -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Your name is very important.
God, The Enemy -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Do you remember when Timothy McVeigh, the man responsible for the bombing of the federal building in
Effective Suffering -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
Many people have heard a part of this lesson before.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Afflicted -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a little boy whose most prized possession was a light blue cat's-eye crystal marble.
Belonging To The Truth -- John 18:33-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
I had a lot of time to think on the long plane ride to Miami.
Praise The Lord! -- Psalm 148 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
The Board of Bethlehem Community Church gathered for its monthly meeting with solemn resolve.
You Shall Not Murder -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a man who was an active proponent of capital punishment.
Witnesses -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1996
There was a young couple in a small country church who had a very beautiful little daughter who was
Flesh -- John 1:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
Uncle Patrick came to live with us after Gram died, in the fall of my senior year.
Dog Days Of The Soul -- John 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Introduction
Old Granddad -- Psalm 51:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Charlie Johnson was up at 5:30, had all of his gear in the trunk of the car, and was drinking coffee
Waiting For Christmas -- Luke 2:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
There was once a little girl named Lucinda who couldn't wait for Christmas to come.
The Conversion -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
She hadn't intended to speak.
The Trial Of Gilbert Gunderson -- John 18:33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1996
Gilbert Gunderson has been the editor of the Willow Bluff weekly newspaper for as long as I, and eve
The Anointing -- John 12:12-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Marilyn came slowly down the long stairs of her sister Margaret's big brick house in the suburbs of
Resurrection -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Easter Day - B -- 1996
The first time I saw Maggie she was selling herself on the street like hundreds of other runaway tee
Prejudice, Once Removed: The Larry Wasson Story -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
The gray-haired man cleared his throat and stood before the circle of his peers, gathered to share t
Friends -- Psalm 133, John 20:19-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Marty pulled into the crowded hospital parking lot and began her daily ritual search for a parking s
Heads Will Roll -- Mark 6:14-29, Amos 7:7-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
Both management and union leaders were angry with Amos Dresser.
The Pine Lake Creaker -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
I am going to tell you one of the little-known stories in the history of Pine Lake Camp.
No Longer Strangers -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1996
Milenko and Eldina Sunjic came to the United States as refugees from Bosnia in July of 1994.
Surely Goodness And Mercy -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
As a child psychologist, I have the privilege of meeting and speaking with a great many people.
The Feeding Of The Fifty -- John 6:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1996
Nancy Baker's cooking had become something of a legend at Our Savior's Church.
Summer Fruit -- John 15:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
There was once a pastor who served a very active congregation; that is to say, they were active most
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:24-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1996
When the INNS shelter program for the homeless started in Kenosha, I signed up for the training to b
Dorothy's Story -- John 15:9-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
One evening, when I was 26 years old, beleagered by guilt for acknowledged sins, I was deep into an
The Unknown Camper -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1996
One summer at Lake Lucerne, in the Hillcrest area, there appeared in every week-long elementary camp
A Mother's Prayer -- John 17:6-19 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
It was the same every night when Ruth Kristmon got into her bed.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: A Chosen PeopleCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Romans 1:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Called To Belong To Jesus Christ -- Son Of GodCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Romans 8:6-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Spirit Is LifeCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Psalm 149 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Journey Into Faith -- Genesis 22 and Hebrews 11:17-19 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Isaac's Test On Mount Moriah
The Mother: "Where's Mom? -- Luke 15:22-23 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: woman dressed in Middle Eastern attire, perhaps in black, suggesting mourning.
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Theme: How Awesome!Call To Worship
All Saints Sunday -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: The Cost Of BlessingsCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- John 14:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus, The WayCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Birth Of JesusCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- John 11:1-45 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus, The Resurrection And The LifeCall To Worship
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Theme: TrustCall To Worship
Free In Pharaoh's Jail -- Genesis 37, 39-40 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Joseph's Integrity Is Tested
The Servant: "Can I Get A Witness?" -- Luke 15:22ff -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: person dressed in Middle Eastern attire, perhaps with a notepad, reporting, like a news re
Proper 11 -- Romans 8:12-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of GodCall To Worship
All Saints Sunday -- Psalm 34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Light Has ComeCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 31:1-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 130 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 19 -- Romans 14:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Theme: Judge NotCall To Worship
The Secret Of His Power -- Exodus 33 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Joshua Remembers Moses
Good Friday Tenebrae -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Order Of WorshipGood Friday Tenebrae
Proper 11 -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Theme: Parable Of The Weeds And The WheatCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Ascension of the Lord
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Pentecost
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
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For June 1, 2025:
  • That They All May Be One by Tom Willadsen based on Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26, Psalm 97.
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For June 1, 2025:
  • That They All May Be One by Tom Willadsen based on Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26, Psalm 97.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Tickets to give the children. You may use the ones I have included, print your own, or just use simple tickets you might buy on a roll.

Note: Be sure to have enough tickets to be able to give one to each child during the message. Also, if you have very young children in the group, I find it best to include them in the first group receiving tickets, as they sometimes don’t really understand why they are left out of the group in the beginning.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: This message includes movements to reinforce the lesson. Based on your group, have them be as active as you dare in joining you with the movements.

* * *

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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
Our family watched a movie together recently that left us feeling a bit mixed. The movie was great, mind you. Very well done. But the ending left us feeling frustrated, sad. We had expected a happy ending, but what we got was bittersweet, instead. 
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 16:16-34
Mark Ellingsen
Acts 1:1-11
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 1:1-11
The American middle class is still being squeezed. And there are too many Americans forever mired in poverty. A University of California at Davis study found that one-third to one-half of children who are poor for a substantial part of their childhood will be poor as adults. All this leads to despair, which the famed French existentialist Albert Camus defined as accepting your condition in life even when you can’t stand it (The Rebel, p.14).  

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Patrick rubbed his forehead and scrolled back on his laptop screen. He tried to ignore the other students in the study lounge who were working on projects and papers for their classes. He took a deep breath and started reading again.

“You okay?”

“Huh?” Patrick looked up and noticed Tim from his Monday morning class sitting just down from him. “Yeah, sorry just reading and having a hard time making sense of it.”

“Well, I’m bored of what I’m doing.” Tim closed the text book in front of him. “Mind if I have a look?”
John E. Sumwalt
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love[a] toward all the saints, and for this reason  I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers…(vv. 15-16)

Every church has at least one soul who embodies the Christ light like no other. If you cannot imagine who that might be in your congregation, maybe it’s you.

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
This reading from the book of Revelation, the vision of John, reminds us that Jesus is the beginning and the end, Jesus is the first and the last, the alpha and the omega. But even more than that, this reading reminds us to come to the Christ, to come to Jesus, to come to the water of life. Jesus poured his very self out to us and invited us to be a part of the work of the faith: a disciple. We are as invited to come with Jesus on a faith journey as Peter, Andrew, James, John, and all the others who followed Jesus were invited. The question is - what will we do with this invitation?
Carlos Wilton
(See Christmas Day, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

A genre of movies that's become popular in recent years is disaster films. Whether it is invaders from another galaxy, a catastrophic global climate change, or a falling asteroid, Hollywood loves to fill the nation's big screens with images of destruction.

Schuyler Rhodes
"Clap your hands, all you people! Shout to God with loud shouts of joy!" What images of fun and frolic this paints in the imagination. Behind the shouting and the clapping is an old New-Orleans-style jazz band. All around the band are daisy chains of people wrapped arm and arm, caught in the throes of dance and song. It is exuberance and wonder, joy and clarity, all bound up in one powerful package.
Frank Ramirez
One of the most obvious things about the night sky is the moon, especially the full moon. The full moon transforms not only the sky, but the earth, creating a dimmer, second kind of day, casting long shadows, and providing some guidance to those who find themselves outdoors.

Certainly, it is one of the things that children first notice about the sky. They can point to the moon, ask what it is, stare at it in wonder.

And then, a few days later, the child can wonder -- where did it go?
Steven E. Albertin
Today I want you to participate in the proclamation of today's message. Perhaps it will help you to remember the spectacular event and its significance that we are commemorating today.

John N. Brittain
Have you ever noticed that some constellations are named for animals that they don't really resemble? If you have ever been in the Scouts or taken a course in astronomy or just looked up into the sky at night, you know what I am talking about. As an undergraduate astronomy minor at Brown University, many years ago, I would give tours at the Ladd Observatory and on clear nights point out constellations from the outdoor gallery. But people often were not satisfied. For example, the stars in the constellation Ursa Major, The Great Bear, do not look the part.
Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III
The prisoners and the jailers had their world rocked one midnight 2,000 years ago. The report includes the following details:

1:00: Paul and Silas while on their way to a place of prayer see a slave girl who was popular for telling the fortunes of others. She made much money from this enterprise and a fortune for her owners. Each day she would go to the town square and as people passed by she would shout out her readings of their future. Some revered the slave girl for the accuracy of her predictions. Others feared her for the same reason.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus prayed to God asking that Jesus might be within us just as God was within Jesus, so that we may become completely one with God. In our worship today let us meet with the God within us, who is waiting to welcome us.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we act as though you are not within us. Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we refuse to look deep within ourselves and so can't find you. Christ, have mercy.

Special Occasion

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