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SermonStudio

Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (C)
Healing A Deaf-Mute -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1999
Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in th
Proper 9 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 (C)
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-17 (C, RC, E)
Healing A Blind Beggar -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1999
They came to Jericho.
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 2:1-12 (C)
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Numbers 21:4-9 (C)
Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (C, RC, E)
Stilling A Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leavi
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Healing An Issue Of Blood -- Healing The Ruler's Daughter -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and h
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
First Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 50:4-9a (C); Isaiah 50:4-7 (RC)
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 40:1-11 (C, E); Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 (RC)
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (C)
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 10 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 (C)
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 11 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a (C)
All Saints Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 25:6-9 (C)
Proper 12 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 (C)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Proper 13 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26„12:13a (C)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

"What If?" Or "Why Not?" -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Worry changes nothing but the worrier and most always in a negative way!
The Cure -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
"The land of the free and the home of the brave." So ends our national anthem sung today at many lar
Bearing The Scars -- John 20:19-31 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
I remember taking my first real high school date to see the movie Jaws -- that summer blockbuster fr
Season Of Beginnings -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Tangerine peelings and coffee grounds, Peanut shells and faded daffodils,
"Forgive Us Our DebtsÓ -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
"Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." I don't know about you, but I find the s
Dog Song -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
What is it about the inner song that sings us? Is it a connecting with the singing of angels?
Answering The Call Of The Lord -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
He was born to a pious German woman and her Lutheran pastor husband in 1875.
That Rich Man Made His Own Hell -- Luke 16:19-31 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describin
The Glory That Shines Within -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Several years ago, in an attempt to provide some shade for the house, my wife and I planted two tree
A Holy God And A Holy People -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Perhaps some of you saw the pictures in the newspaper or on television when officials in New York Ci
The Gotcha God -- John 21:1-19 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
There is the embarrassment of getting publicly caught.
In Tandem -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
Have you ever ridden a bicycle built for two?
"Lead Us Not Into Temptation" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
A mother was teaching her three--year--old daughter the Lord's Prayer.
Planted Paws -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Leader Dog Treasure, Dee's second dog guide, developed a unique method of winter guiding when the te
Be Thankful For What You Have -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a fisherman who lived with his wife in a tiny hut by the sea.
Monitor What's Growing Within -- Luke 17:5-10 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
As the seventeenth chapter of Luke opens, Jesus turns his attention away from his enemies, the scrib
The Soul Afraid Of Dying -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Gary L. Carver -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Fred Craddock tells a story set in the rural South during the Depression.
No Middle Ground -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
It was the dirty secret. We were never supposed to talk about it openly.
Believing And Belonging -- John 10:22-30 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Jesus is taking a walk today. It is winter, December, a little chilly.
Free To Choose -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- 2003
Foreword
"Deliver Us From Evil" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
Probably most of us are familiar with James Dickey's brilliant but disturbing novel, Deliverance
Vocabulary Building -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Just like that, everything changes.
Salvation -- It's Up To Us -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a piece of a jigsaw puzzle.
Thanksgiving When You Don't Feel Like It -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Have you ever had this experience?
Gift-wrapped In Swaddling Cloths -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
When I was a kid, Christmas Eve was always the longest night of the entire year.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Reckon -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Man of La Mancha" is the musical adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes' novel, Don Quixote, written bet
Excess Baggage -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the last century, a tourist from America paid a visit to a famous Polish rabbi named Hofetz Chaim
Repent -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A member of the Episcopal Church approached her priest and said, "Father, my dog died this morning a
Expectations -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A farmer was walking through his fields one day when he tripped over a one-gallon glass jug in his p
Resurrection -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In 1908, near La Chapelle-aux-Saints, France, a human body was discovered in a cave.
Failure -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Mrs.
Seeds -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A group of ministers and a salesmen's organization were holding conventions in the same hotel.
Fear -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"As night goes round the earth there are hundreds of thousands who should be sleeping, lying awake f
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. -- Luke 8:8 -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
There is an old "preacher story" about the traveling evangelist who had a flair for the dramatic.
A THEOLOGY OF A STORM -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
There was an elderly lady in the little hamlet where I grew up who lived just across the back yard f
IN QUEST OF A TREASURE -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon's obsession with discovering the fountain of eternal youth led hi
IN PRAISE OF DOERS -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
Following morning worship one Sunday, some good lady, whose name I do not know, handed me a newspape
Loving -- Larry D. Powell -- 1984
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging
PARABLE OF THE THREE CANDLES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
Three children carried their candles home from church.
PARABLE OF THE ELEVATOR AND THE STAIRWAY -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"I don't mind going to work," said Jane, "but climbing those five flights of stairs to the office ge
PARABLE OF THE WEIGHT OF HAPPINESS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"Let's get weighed and have our fortunes told," said Jean.
PARABLE OF THE INDIAN CHIEFS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
Said the great red one, "I am a mighty chief, and I want my son to follow in my footsteps and rule a
PARABLE OF STRINGED MUSIC AND SOUL WHISPERS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
There is a sense of finenessIn music of the strings
PARABLE OF TWO CAKES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
The first homemaker placed her cake in the oven and went about her duties.
PARABLE OF GRANTING YOUR WISHES -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
The old philosopher in a homespun setting was talking to his three nephews.
PARABLE OF THE ROAD SIGNS -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
They were heading down the highway of life and the story of where they were going was written on the
PARABLE OF THE CORRECTION FLUID -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"What is the little blue bottle? Ink?" the lady asked the secretary.
PARABLE OF THE HAND -- Paul R. Balliett -- 1971
"What did you do?" inquired the boss of his secretary, who was grimacing with pain.
EBENEEZER: The Satisfied Pig -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Have you ever felt greedy?
JASON: One of God's Signs -- Exodus 8:2 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many children like to keep the promises that they make?

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 28:10-19a Theme: Know ThisCall To Worship
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-12; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 6:11-12; 7:24; 8:14-19Theme: Arks Of Faith
Prayer 33 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear God Of Gods:
Second Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-10Theme: From Jesse's StumpCall To Worship
Prayer 1 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Creator And Sustainer:
Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
The Lamb of God and the Calling of Several Disciples -- John 1:29-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 29:15-28Theme: ApprenticeCall To Worship
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-9Theme: Go, Come, Be A BlessingCall To Worship
Prayer 34 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Almighty And All-Loving One:
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 35:1-10Theme: Set Aside SighingCall To Worship
Prayer 2 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Wise And Purposeful One:
Parables of the Mustard Seed, the Yeast, Hidden Treasure, Pearl of Great Price, the Fishing Net -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Jesus Begins His Ministry and Calls Some Disciples -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Bless Me?Call To Worship
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 18:1-15Theme: HospitableCall To Worship
Prayer 35 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Infinitely Patient One:
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-16Theme: A SignCall To Worship
Prayer 3 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Mysterious Presence:
Feeding the Five Thousand -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
The Beatitudes -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28Theme: Peace At Home First
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 21:8-21Theme: Even If ... God Is Present
Prayer 36 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Master Communicator:
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17Theme: Salvation. Amen.Call To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
For January 11, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
At Jesus' baptism God said, "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." Let us so order our lives that God may say about us, "This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased."

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I fail to please you,
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm sure I have pleased you, but have got it wrong,
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I neither know nor care whether I have pleased you,
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

Argile Smith
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Welcoming Mr. Forsythe" by Argile Smith
"The Question about the Dove" by Merle Franke


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Constance Berg
"Jan wasn't baptized by the spirit, she was baptized by spit," went the joke. Jan had heard it all before: the taunting and teasing from her aunts and uncles. Sure, they hadn't been there at her birth, but they loved to tell the story. They were telling Jan's friends about that fateful day when Jan was born - and baptized.


Elizabeth Achtemeier
The lectionary often begins a reading at the end of one poem and includes the beginning of another. Such is the case here. Isaiah 42:1-4 forms the climactic last stanza of the long poem concerning the trial with the nations that begins in 41:1. Isaiah 42:5-9 is the opening stanza of the poem that encompasses 42:5-17. Thus, we will initially deal with 42:1-4 and then 42:5-9.

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1--9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1--4, 6--7 (RC); Isaiah 42:1--7 (L)
Tony S. Everett
Jenny was employed as an emergency room nurse in a busy urban hospital. Often she worked many hours past the end of her shift, providing care to trauma victims and their families. Jenny was also a loving wife and mother, and an excellent cook. On the evening before starting her hectic work week, Jenny would prepare a huge pot of soup, a casserole, or stew; plentiful enough for her family to pop into the microwave or simmer on the stove in case she had to work overtime.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Bil Keane, the creator of the Family Circus cartoon, said he was drawing a cartoon one day when his little boy came in and asked, "Daddy, how do you know what to draw?" Keane replied, "God tells me." Then the boy asked, "Then why do you keep erasing parts of it?"1
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Being Inclusive
Message: Are you sure, God, that you show no partiality? Lauds, KDM

The haughty part of us would prefer that God be partial, that is, partial to you and to me. We want to reap the benefits of having been singled out. On the other hand, our decent side wants God to show no partiality. We do yield a little, however. It is fine for God to be impartial as long as we do not need to move over and lose our place.
William B. Kincaid, III
There are two very different ways to think about baptism. The first approach recognizes the time of baptism as a saving moment in which the person being baptized accepts the love and forgiveness of God. The person then considers herself "saved." She may grow in the faith through the years, but nothing which she will experience after her baptism will be as important as her baptism. She always will be able to recall her baptism as the time when her life changed.
R. Glen Miles
I delivered my very first sermon at the age of sixteen. It was presented to a congregation of my peers, a group of high school students. The service, specifically designed for teens, was held on a Wednesday night. There were about 125 people in attendance. I was scared to death at first, but once the sermon got started I felt okay and sort of got on a roll. My text was 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, as some refer to it. The audience that night was very responsive to the sermon. I do not know why they liked it.
Someone is trying to get through to you. Someone with an important message for you is trying to get in touch with you. It would be greatly to your advantage to make contact with the one who is trying to get through to you.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: When the floods and storms of the world threaten
to overwhelm us,
All: God's peace flows through us,
to calm our troubled lives.
One: When the thunder of the culture's claims on us
deafens us to hope,
All: God whispers to us
and soothes our souls.
One: When the wilderness begs us to come out and play,
All: God takes us by the hand
and we dance into the garden of grace.

Prayer Of The Day
Your voice whispers
over the waters of life,
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
A Service Of Renewal

Gathering (may also be used for Gathering on Epiphany 3)
A: Light shining in the darkness,
C: light never ending.
A: Through the mountains, beneath the sea,
C: light never ending.
A: In the stillness of our hearts,
C: light never ending.
A: In the water and the word,
C: light never ending. Amen.

Hymn Of Praise
Baptized In Water or Praise And Thanksgiving Be To God Our Maker

Prayer Of The Day

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. What am I wearing this morning? (Let them answer.) I'm wearing part of a uniform of the (name the team). Have any of you gone to a game where the (name the team) has played? (Let them answer.) I think one of the most exciting parts of a game is right before it starts. That's when all the players are introduced. Someone announces the player's name and number. That player then runs out on the court of playing field. Everyone cheers. Do you like that part of the game? (Let them answer.) Some people call that pre-game "hype." That's a funny term, isn't it?
Good morning! Let me show you this certificate. (Show the
baptism certificate.) Does anyone know what this is? (Let them
answer.) Yes, this is a baptism certificate. It shows the date
and place where a person is baptized. In addition to this
certificate, we also keep a record here at the church of all
baptisms so that if a certificate is lost we can issue a new one.
What do all of you think about baptism? Is it important? (Let
them answer.)

Let me tell you something about baptism. Before Jesus
Good morning! How many of you have played Monopoly? (Let
them answer.) In the game of Monopoly, sometimes you wind up in
jail. You can get out of jail by paying a fine or, if you have
one of these cards (show the card), you can get out free by
turning in the card.

Now, in the game of life, the real world where we all live,
we are also sometimes in jail. Most of us never have to go to a
real jail, but we are all in a kind of jail called "sin." The
Bible tells us that when we sin we become prisoners of sin, and

Special Occasion

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