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SermonStudio

Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPSpeaker 1: Seek God's kingdom.
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)
God Wants Our Attention -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Jim Cymbala, in his book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, quotes a devotional writer who said, "The m
The Pastor's Spiritual Life -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
One of the great resources overlooked in some church growth materials is the personal and spiritual
Epiphany 2 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--fifth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Thoughts On Leadership -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
It was interesting to read an article in Strategy & Business magazine (Booz--Allen, Inc.
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
Epiphany 3 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Preaching Resurrection In Acts -- William H. Shepherd, Jr. -- 2002
To turn to the Book of Acts from the Gospel of Luke is to experience deja vu.
Twenty--sixth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Do We Complicate Leadership? -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
With so much material on the market regarding leadership and pastoring, one wonders what could ever
Palm Sunday / Passion Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
Epiphany 4 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Twenty--seventh Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Challenge Of Disbelief -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Every pastor knows the challenge: at the door after what you thought was a biblical message, someone
Maundy Thursday / Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
They Are Our Music -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
I read the story of a Mr. Holland who had written a symphony for his high school orchestra.
Pentecost Sunday -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Basics For Ministry -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
In an age of professionalism, church growth strategies, demographics, and other somewhat technical m
Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
First Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Upside Down Christmas -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2002
We spent much of the summer of 1994 "Down Under" in Australia and New Zealand.
Soul Conditioning -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
William Barclay tells the story of a busy Glasgow pastor who attended a service of a noted pastor.
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-11, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27, John 16:4b-15 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

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.
Still Sinners, Still Forgiven -- Romans 5:1-8 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
I have an announcement to make. Today's sermon is not for everybody.
Grace For A Complaining People -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
Bob Hope died in 2003 at age 100.
A Hope For Peace -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
We will soon be singing Christmas songs full of joy and goodwill and love and peace.
Advent And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:O come, all ye faithful, and worship the Lord.
Those Parentheses -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Bill Mosley -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Your name is very important.
In Our Pastor's Success, So Is Our Own! -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Did you hear about the farm boy who always wondered what would happen if he twisted the tail on the
Worry And Wonder -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Well, the orange alert has finally been lowered to yellow.
Thinking About Suicide -- Psalm 130 -- 2004
One day several years ago, a pastor was called by a church member and asked to visit one of his neig
Families In Christ -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Aren't families fun, at times?
Thank God, We're Already Dead -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
If you ever find yourself on the corner of 56th Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City, stop i
Free Living Water For All -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
Travelers near the Badlands of South Dakota were surprised and intrigued in 1936 to see a sign which
Look Who Is Standing At The Door -- James 5:7-10 -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Imagine a happening with me. The scene is a fine restaurant all decorated for the holidays.
Easter And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship: God is the resurrection. Come, let us worship God.
Fire In The Hold -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Bill Mosley -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
The great luxury liner was on fire, but no one knew it.
Try This On For Size! -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
One church has an organ that many sweated, sacrificed, and slaved to buy. Its cost was astounding!
The Price Of God's Glory -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
Long ago, on a high mountaintop, three trees were speaking about their future dreams.
The Radicalizing Of Charlie -- Amos 5:14-15 -- 2004
(A sermon in the form of a chancel drama.)
Beautiful Feet -- Romans 10:5-15 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
There are some things which are not often associated with the word "beautiful." Our lesson today end
Slaves Of A Different Master -- Romans 6:12-23 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Earlier this week somebody asked what the sermon was about.
Ten Friends Drive Us To The Promise -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
"One day last spring, something memorable happened at Carleton University (in Ottawa, Ontario, Canad
A Gift For You -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Christmas is almost here.
Communion: The Sacrament Of Word And Table -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
In the 1930s I grew up feeding on words.
My Laughin' Place -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Bill Mosley -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
There's an old Uncle Remus story about Br'er Rabbit.
Monotheism -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
No matter how many people teach you to go contrary to this first commandment, dismiss them and sa

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Jesus Loves Rocky Dumar, Too -- Acts 19:1-7 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
The new young pastor of Lake Bluff Christian Church had seen the man on the streets of the town freq
The Fear Of The Lord -- Psalm 34:9-14, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
There was no warning.
Greta's Glorious Body -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Greta Schmidt huffed and puffed her way through the church hallways toward the Parish Nurse's office
The Wiles Of The Devil -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1996
Sandy Wright felt betrayed.
Sutton's Folly -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Ed Weeks couldn't believe his bad luck.
Unstained By The World -- James 1:17-27 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1996
A good friend of mine lives just two blocks from the Saint Croix Casino in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.
Casting Out Demons -- Mark 1:21-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
There was once a deeply troubled church that could not keep any pastor for more than a year or two.
Keeping Watch -- Psalm 146 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1996
A little boy named Jacob was getting ready for bed.
A Seat On Bill -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
My friend Bill Benson was a successful small town businessman.
Cross Foolishness -- Mark 8:27-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1996
Emma stomped up the church steps and unlocked the front door.
Who Is The Greatest? -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
A holy woman from India was traveling through the United States on a speaking tour to raise money fo
One Of These Little Ones -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
The patrolman heard three shots fired in rapid succession and started running toward the sound as fa
What God Has Joined Together -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
Laurie reached for the telephone for the third time in ten minutes, but, once again, her hand recoil
Father Good -- Mark 10:17-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
They called him Father Good, though he was not ordained and he had no natural children.
Clergy -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
1. A preacher, looking for a discount, said, "I'm only a poor preacher."
Frog Song -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
"We will hear citizens' comments now," the Mayor announced.
God, Bible, And Eternity -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
158. Saint Peter showed the new arrival around.
The People In The Pew -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
241. Thank God daily for the plurality of the Christian church in America.
Will Work For Food -- Mark 10:46-52 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
A well-known politician came into a large American city one day to speak at a political rally.
Stewardship -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
394. At church we often hear, "O don't tell me. They want money again? What's it for this time?
Laying Down The Law -- Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Awards Sunday was the biggest annual event at Calvary Church.
Giving All -- Mark 12:38-44 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Gerald Fitzgerald was the biggest giver at First Redeemer Church.
Painful Waiting -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The pain was unbearable!
The Lord Always Before Me: Lavinda's Christmas Letter -- Psalm 16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Christmas, 1979Dear Ones:
Now, That's A Miracle! -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
Of all the miracles I've knownthe greatest one must be

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 19 -- Romans 14:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Theme: Judge NotCall To Worship
Proper 11 -- Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Day Of Thanksgiving -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Thanks-By-GivingCall To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christian UnityCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Unknown God Made KnownCall To Worship
Christmas Eve / Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: The Coming King -- Prince Of PeaceCall To Worship
Sunday Of The Passion (Sixth Sunday In Lent/Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: Turning The Other CheekCall To Worship
A Time To Speak Up -- Esther 4, 5, and 7 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Queen Esther Breaks Her Silence
Ash Wednesday -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Order Of WorshipAsh Wednesday
Proper 19 -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Theme: ForgivenessCall To Worship
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Theme: Paying The PriceCall To Worship
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Luke 17:11-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Theme: GratitudeCall To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus Begins His MinistryCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Witness To The Hope That Is In YouCall To Worship
Rally Day -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Welcome and AnnouncementsPreludeCall to Worship
Christmas Eve / Day -- Titus 2:11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ Our Hope And RedeemerCall To Worship
Sunday Of The Passion (Sixth Sunday In Lent/Palm Sunday) -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Humility Of JesusCall To Worship
What's A Mother To Do? -- Luke 1-2 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Mary's Mother Contemplates Jesus' Birth
A Sleeping Disciple -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA Sleeping DiscipleThe Opening Speech
Proper 19 -- Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Life Preservers -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: We are life preservers for God
Holy Thursday/Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 3:1-6
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 3:7-18
God's Malleability -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
Call 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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