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Share Your Life -- James 4:7-12 (13-5:6) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two buckets of water, some powdered household cleaner like Spic And Span, and some di
Gifts For God -- Romans 11:33-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box of candy, some flowers, a piece of jewelry
Who Ends Up Happiest? -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: very pretty ribbon and some plain old string
The Humble Teddy -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a tire jack
The Great Picnic -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a basketful of pieces of broken bread
A Good Custom -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: praying hands and bowed head
Jesus Is No Joke -- John 12:20-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some grains of wheat
Coal, Frankenstein, And Merv -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: An explanation of the important gifts of the Magi.
It's Mine! -- 2 Timothy 2:8-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: your watch, your billfold, your comb, a handkerchief with your initial on it
Using The Name Of Jesus -- Acts 19:13-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Heart, Mind, Soul, And Strength -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: A working understanding of the Greatest Commandment.
Try For A Good Life -- James 3:16-4:6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: bricks and raisins
Jesus' Job Description -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a blackboard, some chalk, and some ideas on the job description of a mother
An Invitation -- Matthew 22:1-10 (11-14) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an impressive invitation (try to plan at least part of your service, if not the whole
What's In A Name? -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two brands of soda crackers like "Krispy" and "Zesta"
Don't Ignore The Signs -- Galatians 6:1-10, 14-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs, such as "Stop," "Keep Off The Grass," or "Beware Of Dog"
It's Tempting -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a television schedule
One Flower Or Many? -- John 11:1-53 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a flower with some seeds that will shake out when the petals are removed
Zip--lock Protection -- John 17:1-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: We are protected from the corruption of the world. Key verse: 11.
Fizz! -- 2 Timothy 1:3-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an Alka--Seltzer tablet and a glass of water
Teaching Trust -- Acts 16:28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Tricky People -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
Exegetical Aim: Beware of people who try to trick you.
Faith Needs Work -- James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a calculator
Your Lifetime Teeth -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baby tooth or a drawing of a baby tooth
Who'll Do The Dishes? -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Wesley T. Runk
"What do you think?

Christian

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SermonStudio

You Make The Call -- Mark 5:1-20 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The old-timers probably knew the story of the demoniac in detail. Let's call him Caliphys.
Transfiguration Sunday -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
It seems clear that we have a different source beginning in verse 12 than that found in 24:1-11, bec
The Sheep And The Goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
1. Text
Hit It With The Hammer -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Devere Allen used to tell this story.
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22--31 (C)
True Brotherhood 2 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It is interesting to know that the New Testament of the Bible has taught the equality of all humanki
A Connectional Religion -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It is a well-known fact that a shoe store salesman won Dwight L. Moody to Christ.
The Prayer In Gethsemane -- Mark 14:32-42 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The scene in Gethsemane is one of those places that I find extremely significant for my own personal
One American Dollar -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
While we were on a trip to Israel with a Christian tour group, we were amused by the peddlers of var
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14a, 36--41 (RC)
Teamwork -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church met in Columbus, Ohio.
.A Kentucky Story (in fun, of course) -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A visitor in a sixth grade classroom listened to the children answer questions from their teacher.
Ground Zero -- One Year Later -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Listening to and watching television on September 11, 2002, as that long list of over 2,800 names wa
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
The traditions that we find in the Old Testament concerning Israel's wandering in the wilderness aft
Recognizing True Authority -- Matthew 8:5-13 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Like the account of the paralytic and his four friends, here is another miracle where the faith of a
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
Sometime between 500 and 350 B.C., post-exilic Israel experienced a devastating locust plague, follo
Salt And Light -- Matthew 5:13-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Holy Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I asked a Roman Catholic priest in Delphos, Ohio, how they make "Holy Water."
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: 37:1--4, 12--18 (C)
True Friendship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person: having neither to weigh
A Gift Of God's Grace -- Laughter -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Humankind is never so expressive of the goodness of God as when a person is laughing.
Dismiss Me In Peace -- Luke 2:25-35 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
In their evangelism materials, Evangelism Explosion, Dr.
Our Total Trust In God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr.
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Lesson 1: Acts 7:55--60 (C)
Bad Chemistry -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Here's to the memory of Willie.Willie is no more:

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Fruit With Feet -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There has rarely been a transformation from sinner to saint as dramatic as that of Paul, former pers
Advent: An Irrational Sense Of Peace -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
We are always touched by newspaper or media stories of people who have come through some terrible ex
Our Task: Acceptance And Challenge -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Tom M. Garrison -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
What do our children need of us really, as adults, as parents, and as the community of faith called
Be Real -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- John Jamison -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
The old story is told about two painters; two artists.
More Than Meets The Eye -- Job 38-41 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a daring characterMore Than Meets The Eye
All Life Is A Gift -- Mark 10:13-16 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For hours-old twin girlsAll Life Is A Gift
A Family Member -- 2 Corinthians 4:16--5:1, Isaiah 40:28-31 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a family memberA Family Member
The Grand Ball -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a loving, Christian husbandThe Grand Ball
Sharing God's Love -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
There once was a king who ruled over a vast empire, but alas, he was rather old and thus decided tha
Preaching God's Reformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- John W. Clarke -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
On this Reformation Sunday, it is useful to look back in time and remember one of the most important
Reactions To Rejection -- Luke 9:51-62 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
Jesus knew what rejection felt like.
God's Call For All -- Acts 9:35-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
A church in Pennsylvania reported the death of one of their members recently.
Advent: Jesus, The Suffering Savior -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This is our final Sunday in Advent.
What Gift Do You Bring? -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
I remember watching a football game between Kansas State and Ohio State.
Claiming Our New Life In Christ -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- John Jamison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
I heard a story about a man who decided that he wanted to live a good life.
Speechless, But Not Embarrassed -- Matthew 25:31-33 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a resident philosopherSpeechless, But Not Embarrassed
The Sacrifice Of Love -- Psalm 23 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a grandmother in comparison to a young girl's death
He Celebrated Easter With His Life -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an inactive memberHe Celebrated Easter With His Life
The Gardener Came -- 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For someone who lived a long, full lifeThe Gardener Came
Repairing Our Lives -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Once upon a time, there was a king who ruled over a small kingdom that wasn't powerful nor was it kn
Saintly Visions! -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- John W. Clarke -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
On All Saints, we are visited through the Hebrew Scripture by Daniel.
Ministering When You're Not Welcome -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
Jesus knew what to do all the time, and he knew how to go about it.
Jumping Through Hoops -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a place where the old ways matter.
Christmas Eve/Day In A Minor Key -- Titus 2:11-14 -- John T. Ball -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
One of the best things in the modern church is the creation of our Common Lectionary.
The Baptism Of The Lord -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Tom M. Garrison -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
This text invites us to listen as John the Baptist tells the people that there is one who is coming

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
On May 7, 1914, Thomas J.
The Reason For The Season -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Aunt Carla is adamant about her celebration of Christmas. It can only be one way.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gratitude
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fairness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Teamwork
The Importance Of Sheep -- John 10:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
In Palestine, the shepherd figure was a familiar one: shepherds were part of the scenery, part of th
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Attitude
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Our assurance, comfort, hope, and joy is in the complete holiness of the Father.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no heartbeat like the heartbeat of a mother.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I do not find in the Old Testament or in the New Testament, neither in Christian biography, in chur
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; a mother's secret hope outlives them all."
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Thought
What Good Can Come Of This? -- John 14:1-14 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Their hearts were troubled. They couldn't believe it.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Beauty
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God cannot help but act in a consistent manner with His holy character.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
No language can express a mother's hope.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is a life of Christ-centered choices, evidenced by a life-centered obedience.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"One lamp, thy mother's love amid the stars shall lift its pure flame changeless, and before the thr
Will It Bear Fruit? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Melinda's heart ached. Her seventeen-year-old daughter had just gotten her nose pierced.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith Faith honors God; God honors faith.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Teaching, Fellowship Is Bread, And Prayer -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Fourth Sunday Of Easter First Lesson: Acts 2:42-47
Sunday Of The Passion -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Matthew 21:1-11, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
HymnsAt The Name Of Jesus (PH148, UM168, CBH342)
Our Place At The Table -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers around tables in a fellowship room for an enactment of
Short Attention Span -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Blessedness/Trust -- Luke 6:17-26, Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIt is not what we have but who we are that counts.
Eyes On The Prize -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 31:15-16)
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, PH321)
A Passover To Remember -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers around tables in a fellowship room on Thursday evening
Love. Serve God. See God. Live. -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 99)
Blindness/Seeing -- Mark 10:46-52 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod sees all - and understands.
One Degree As God's Relation -- Acts 17:22-3, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Based on Acts 17:24-31)
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Hymns
A Growing Darkness -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers on Friday in the late afternoon or evening, in a candle
Seven Words To Die By -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Late on Good Friday worshipers gather by candlelight to remember the death of th
The Greatest -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 34:1-12Theme: The GreatestCall To Worship
Bread -- John 6:24-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come here today to choose.
Waiting Together -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts: 1:7-8)
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Hymns
Surprise At Sunrise -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Worshipers gather at first dawn light on Easter morning to re-live the joy.
Taking The Plunge (What's An Ebenezer?) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Challenge -- 1 Samuel 17:32-46a, 48-50a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe gather in worship to still our souls.
Before I Was Born -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Second Sunday After Epiphany First Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-7
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
HymnsSing Praise To God (NCH6, UM126, PH483)
The Week Of Weeks -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: For each of the seven Sundays between Easter and Pentecost, find here a scriptur
Choose One -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 70)

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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