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A Treasure Hunt -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a jewelry box hidden somewhere in the chancel
Hoe Jesus' Row -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a garden hoe
The Man Who Brought People To Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pocket knife with many parts, such as a Swiss Army knife
Jesus Is A Ladder To Us -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a ladder
Jesus Clears The Clutter -- Philippians 3:8-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a lot of clutter: some books, puzzles, toys, balls and bat, a radio, and the funny pa
Lazarus In A Box -- John 11:1-45 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Teach the power of God to raise the dead.
You Are Jesus' Magnifying Glass -- John 17:20-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a magnifying glass
It Really Happened Once Upon A Time -- 2 Peter 1:16-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a story book
We Are The Church -- Hebrews 3:1-6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some bricks, wood, a miniature tent
Goldie Belongs To Me -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pet dog, cat, or even a goldfish
Give Someone A Jesus-Hug -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a hug
What A Change! -- Luke 9:28-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a very dusty mirror and some glass cleaner
Of Backs And Cracks -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a string that could look like a crack in the sidewalk
Jesus And The Beggar -- Luke 18:31-43 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a cup or bag or something that a beggar might use for begging
Your Name Is Important -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baby book with a list of names
The Secret Of Wally Wheelbarrow -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a wheelbarrow
A Chocolate Disaster -- John 9:1-41 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Sometimes we can't see what we are doing wrong.
Stick Together For God -- John 17:11b-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sticks or pencils held together with some string or rubber band
A Daze Of Days -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Advent)
Jesus Was A Pioneer -- Hebrews 2:9-11 (12-18) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an antique that would be representative of the pioneer period of our country, such a
Cold Water And Kindness -- Matthew 10:34-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: cups of cold water to be shared with all of the children
Follow Me -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: fishing equipment
Eric Eraser -- Luke 9:18-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a well--worn rubber eraser
How Special You Are! -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a brand--new dress, suit, or some very special piece of clothing
Ten Broken Pencils -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: ten pencils with broken points and one pencil sharpener

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

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Church Leaders

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Death

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Drama

Easter

Faith Development

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Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

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Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

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Meditations

Memorial

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Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
Dimensions For Growth -- Luke 2:51-52 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Just as the details about Mary were sparse, the details about Jesus' growing up years are also very
Say, "Who Do You Love?" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Youth Fellowship of the Epworth United Methodist Church of Lima, Ohio, used to have an interesti
Like Swell-heads -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Two purebred dogs were walking daintily down the street. They met a big alley dog.
Preaching From Matthew's Gospel -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
1. Matthew Is Featured In Cycle A Of The New Lectionary
Resurrection -- John 20:1-18 -- Jeff Wedge -- 2004
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, 1 Kings 19:9-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Here begins the collection of Joseph stories with which the rest of Genesis will be concerned.
Consistently Persistent -- Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Jesus set an example of prayer that the disciples wanted to imitate and understand.
Music, A God-given Grace -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Have you ever thought what life would be like without music?
Freddie, The Flying Frog -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Freddie, the frog, had a bright idea.
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
Our text for this day is about forgetting and remembering.
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
Isaiah 60-62 represents a sharp contrast with what has gone before in the preceding chapters of Thir
Four Things A Man Must Do -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Four things a man must learn to doIf he would make his record true:
The Story Of Ben Hur -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Two friends met at the Union Train Terminal in Indianapolis, Indiana, years ago.
Who Am I? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At a nice old folks home it was reported that the President of the United States had entered to visi
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8--21 (C)
As You Are Going -- Matthew 28:18-20 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Second Springs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the 1930s, I lived in Sugar Grove, Fairfield County, Ohio.
Most Madly In Love? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was reported that a famous football star, class of 2002, had fallen in love with a beautiful girl
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Ascension -- Jeff Wedge -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Share
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
In Sunday schools and Bible studies, the Joseph stories are frequently used as moral lessons, and Jo
Count The Cost -- Luke 14:25-32 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
We see half-finished projects all the time.
Of What Kingdom Are You? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A Sunday school teacher in the classroom asked the children this question: "Of what kingdom is a dog
Funeral Customs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
An American and his Chinese friend were visiting a cemetery together.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Not All Of This Is Me -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
It was certainly a treat for four-year-old Tara to go shopping with her grandfather one day at the m
Reasons For Rejoicing -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
We Christians can disagree over some of the smallest, most ordinary things.
While It Was Still Dark -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
March 7, 1961, was by all appearances an ordinary day.
Kingdoms In Conflict -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
When Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1958, the team was in dismal
Life's Purpose Is Often Hidden! -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Life is a messy affair. Our purpose is often hidden.
What Storms Blow Away -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- 2007
A friend once pastored a church with a beautiful building.
For Example -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
If you're going to study a subject or learn a profession, a good strategy is to investigate one of t
The World According To Paul -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Book clubs have become quite popular in recent years, largely due to Oprah Winfrey and her outstandi
The Best Send Off Ever -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
In the summer of 2004, I had the joy of traveling with Rosmarie Trapp on a five-day, whirlwind story
Dressed For The Banquet -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
This is an ugly story -- and the better you understand it, the uglier it gets.
Ecological Politics -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
One of the greatest military campaigns ever conducted was the Persian invasion of Greece in 480 BC.
Sneak Preview -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
How much do we miss when we don't really look?
Spiritual Judo -- Romans 5:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Back in the old days, meaning before Computer Assisted Design (CAD), blueprints for a house were dra
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot
Leaders Worthy Of Imitation -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
"Repent! Be saved!
Pentecost Diaries -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
The last time I spoke to Ken was on the phone a few weeks before he died.
In Whose Likeness? -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Okay, teacher, you think you're so smart — is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor?
Religious Balkanization -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
As a seminary intern in St. Louis, Missouri, I was part of a Jewish-Christian Dialogue group.
Return To The Lord, Your God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Lee Griess -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
Every once in a while a whimsical story makes the news.
Lighting Up Lent -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Can you recall a significant event that changed many things about you: maybe a natural disaster like
Lent 1 -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to posses
A Spiritual Re-formation -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Elizabeth Strout's novel, Abide with Me, is set in a small town in Maine in the 1950s,
How To Stretch A Meal -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
My mother's people, the Longs of Longfield House, County Tipperary, came from Ireland to southwest W
Test ... Test ... -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
Sometimes things happen that push us back to our deepest questions and force us to answer.
Gateway To Grace -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
When you visit a church camp you're aware that you're separated from civilization.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

The Wise And The Foolish Bridesmaids -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Jacopo Tintoretto paints a stunning portrayal of The Parable of The Wise and The Foolish Virgins.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Irresponsibility
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"No language can express the power and beauty and heroism and majesty of a mother's love.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit is the divine energy that produces the spiritual life." (Bertha Munro)
Burying Or Multiplying Riches -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
In Jesus' day, it was rabbinical law that if you had a sure treasure, you could bury it for safekeep
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Life
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A mother's love is indeed the golden link that binds youth to age; and he is still a child, however
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Spirit-filled Christian's theme is "ready to go, ready to stay, ready my place to fill."
Growing Up - It's A Scary Thought -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
My parents sacrificed so that my sister and I could go to college.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Obedience "Partial obedience is total rebellion." (Anonymous)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
No mother is so old as those who have outlived their enthusiasm for children.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The power of the resurrection of Christ is the resident power of the Spirit.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Congress
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Life
A Prayer And A Blessing -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Pastor Wallace was loved by many, many people.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Jesus put a great emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit and the necessary power and presence He of
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Accountability
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's People
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A virtuous woman will have "her children arise and call her blessed." (Proverbs 31:28 NIV)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian, Wind-sped flame and hovering Dove, Breath of life and voice of
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Envy
Reformed Thinking -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Tom doesn't like black people.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stewardship
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's love is the steadfast devotion to her children.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is the positive presence of Jesus.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsHail, O Festal Day (NCH262, UM324)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Romans 10:14-18, John 20:19-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThis is the second Sunday of Easter.
Listen! -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 99)
Friend -- John 15:9-17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Believe! -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
HymnsO God, Our Help In Ages Past (CBH328, NCH25, UM117, LBW320, PH210)
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
HymnsJesus, Priceless Treasure (LBW457, 458, PH365, NCH480, UM532, CBH595)
A Servant Cleansing -- John 13:1-9, Matthew 27:15-26 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThough he was in the form of God ...
All Our Ducks In A Row -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
A Great Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)
Garments -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to be clothed as children of God.
Fast Food -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
HymnsAsk Me What Great Things I Know (NCH49, UM163, CBH337)
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
HymnsCanticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
Sharing -- Luke 16:19-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipAs we gather, we acknowledge that we have indeed been blessed.
Fire And Hail, Snow And Frost -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 63:7)
Giving/Greed -- Mark 12:41-44, Matthew 27:3-10 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe worship the one God, Creator and Sustainer of all:
Undoing Babel -- Acts 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 2:21, Louis Segond 1910,
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
HymnsHark! The Herald Angels Sing (NCH144, CBH201, UM240, PH31, 32)
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5 Theme: Swords Into Plowshares
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
HymnsWhat Does The Lord Require (UM441, CBH409, PH405)
Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
The Greatest Gift -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8Theme: The Greatest Gift
Rejoice And Be Merry! -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 117)
God's Family -- Ephesians 3:14-19, John 17:6-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIn worship this morning we are homing.

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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