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Love And Money -- Mark 10:17-31 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
A seminary professor named Stanley Hauerwas has a novel idea about how churches should receive new m
You Are My Witness -- Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:44-53 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1996
The inauguration of Nelson Mandela as president of the Republic of South Africa goes down in the ann
Pain and Promise in the Heart of God -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1996
One of the amazing claims of the Judaeo-Christian heritage is that God takes on the attributes of hu
From Rejection To Redemption -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Gloria Steinem has written a book titled Marilyn.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
Many scholars view this narrative as one occasioned by the fear of an uncertain future followed by a
No Box Seats In The Kingdom -- Mark 10:35-45 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
Historically speaking, the church has usually painted a pretty picture of the twelve original disci
Beware Of Your Piety -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Whatever happened to Lent?
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
Many scholars view this narrative as one occasioned by the fear of an uncertain future followed by a
When The Odds Are Against Us -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
I recently had the privilege of introducing Maya Angelou who addressed a luncheon honoring Cecil Wil
All Dressed Up And Somewhere to Go! -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
In Tennessee Williams' play Sweet Bird of Youth, the heckler says to Miss Lucy, "I believe that the
Can You See Where We're Going? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
A cigar-chomping realtor was driving around a young couple to search for their first dream house.
Easter Jogging -- John 20:1-18 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Easter Day - B -- 1996
He is Risen. "He is Risen, indeed," we respond. We sound the trumpet.
When It's Hard To Give Thanks -- Joel 2:21-27 -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1996
Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) was the first black artist to acquire an international reputation in
A Little Book Of Comfort -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1996
The lectionary text for today is part of a larger unit that has sometimes been called "The Little Bo
What To Say When You Roll Out Of Bed -- Mark 12:28-34 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
A few years ago, a radio station ran a contest.
Easter Power -- John 20:19-31 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Storms that knock out electrical systems make us mindful of how dependent we are upon power.
Ready Or Not -- He Comes -- Mark 13:33-37 -- John A. Stroman -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
There is a passage in the old Jewish book of Zohar, that goes like this: "Whenever the Jews on earth
Light In The Land Of Shadows -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
On a trip to Munich, Germany, Samuel Miller had a chance to watch Karl Vallentin, the last of the gr
Commitment Beyond Calculation -- Mark 12:38-44 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Here she is again: the widow who goes up to the temple treasury to put in her two cents.
Easter Understanding -- Luke 24:35-48 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Edward Schillebeeckx, an outstanding Roman Catholic New Testament Scholar, some twenty years ago pub
He Abides In Us -- John 15:1-8 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
John Updike once more revealed his remarkably brilliant powers of description in the novel Brazil.
Have You Heard The Good News? -- Mark 1:1-8 -- John A. Stroman -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
Have you heard the good news?
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lor
Something To Do While The World Falls Apart -- Mark 13:1-8 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
A number of years ago, leaders in a church decided to track down the congregation's drop-outs.
He Shepherds Us! -- John 10:11-18 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Andrew Young, former delegate to the United Nations and former mayor of Atlanta, finally published t

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Jesus Predicted His Death -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living Christ
Passion Sunday -- Numbers 15:1-10 -- Betty Lynn Schwab
Minister: When the hour had come, Jesus sat at table, and the apostles with him.
Jesus Calms the Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Celebration Through PraisePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
He Spoke From the Cross -- Ralph E. Dessem
The Minister: As he gazed from the cross he said, "Forgive them, Father!
Jesus Clears the Temple -- John 2:13-22 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living Christ
A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
ADDITIONAL IDEAS FOR LENT -- Ralph E. Dessem
MY SINS NAILED TO THE CROSS
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus -- John 3:14-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living ChristPastoral Invitation
Jesus, a Prophet Without Honor Among His Own Friends -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
AdorationPastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
No Need to Worry -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Thanksgiving Day - B
Celebrating God's Presence And Power
AN 18-HOUR DEVOTIONAL VIGIL -- Ralph E. Dessem
(Many churches in recent years have observed a prayer vigil of 12 or 24 hours.
Jesus Predicts His Death -- John 12:20-33 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living ChristPastoral Invitation
Be Alert/Be Prepared -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
The Transfiguration of Jesus -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
We Begin On The MountainChoral Introit
SCRIPTURE READINGS -- Ralph E. Dessem
THE SCRIPTURE READINGThe Penitential Psalm (No. 32)
Lent -- Wayne H. Keller
LentThe Season Of RenewalLiturgical Color: Purple
Preparing the Way -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus about Birth and Second Birth -- John 3:1-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Celebration Through PraisePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
MAUNDY THURSDAY HOME COMMUNION SERVICE -- Ralph E. Dessem
INTRODUCTION:(Read by host or hostess to participants)
Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Maundy Thursday - B
Consider a silent communion with the worshipers focused on the Cross and communion table still cover
Witnessing and Previewing -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
The Triumphal Entry -- Mark 11:1-11; 14:1-15:47; or 15:1-39 (40-47) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Passion Sunday - B
We Offer Ourselves In The Spirit Of The Living ChristNote:
Announcing, to Mary, the birth of Jesus -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
The Community Readies Itself For The Coming MessiahChoral Invitation
Receiving the Holy Spirit, Who is the Present Tense of Christ in the World -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - B
Consider this:
The Season Of Expectancy -- Wayne H. Keller
AdventLiturgical Color: Purple/Blue

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

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

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