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He Cares For Our Hurts -- Revelation 7:9-1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box of tissues
Do Not Be Afraid -- John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Easter transformation: The disciples and the women went from the fear of an empty to
Signs Of The Kingdom -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs that note only one mile from your town like "Boston, 1 Mile" and a sign th
Sin Is An Ugly Matter -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Sin marks us.
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:51-58 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an unsliced loaf of bread
Jesus Rescued Us -- Galatians 1:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some rescue equipment like a firefighter's net or a big rope
Fighting Fear -- Acts 9:13-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
What It's Like -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a fluffy bed pillow
A Brand New World -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a used piece of furniture like a chair; some paint, sandpaper, some fresh wood, and h
Does That Make You A Christian? -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: We must be baptized to be effective disciples for Christ.
Keep Your Promise -- Mark 11:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: something that you could borrow, like a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread
How Much Is It Worth? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Life is more valuable than material things.
What's Your Prize? -- John 6:24-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bag of garbage
Bad Mixed With Good -- Matthew 13:24-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some wheat seeds and some weed seeds
The Man From Ethiopia -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a shoe without shoelaces and some shoelaces, a screwdriver and a screw, a coloring bo
Jesus' Public Opinion Poll -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a public opinion poll
Counting Sand -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a handful of sand and a piece of paper
Clothed With Power -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The need to have God's power in our life.
The Eye Of The Needle -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a needle and your pet dog or cat
Who Is He? -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The identity of Jesus.
A Little Black Dot -- John 6:1-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large white piece of paper or poster board with a black dot on it
God's Guarantee -- 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: A Good Housekeeping seal, a guarantee
Open Ears -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ear muffs, cotton, ear plugs
How To Be A Christian -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some boards, nails and hammers, and screws and screwdrivers
What About Heaven? -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some cutouts from construction paper of clouds, angels, harps, and a throne

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SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday in Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
This story forms the beginning of the narrative of David's rise to power that is found in 1 Samuel 1
The Trial Of The Century -- Matthew 26:57-68 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
(Author's note: This sermon should be read as a role play based on Court TV.)
Practical Christianity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I simply argue that the cross be raised again at the center of the marketplace as well as on the ste
Humor At A Funeral -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At the funeral of famous Senator Barry Goldwater, broadcast live on the PBS public television, the b
Compose -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
One who preaches without a net must have something memorable to say.
Treasure And Trash -- Matthew 13:44-52 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
1. Text
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E)
A Living Soul -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"The social being without the personal being is a body without a soul;
Second Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
This passage is part of the larger section of Isaiah 10:5--11:16, that portrays the defeat of Assyri
His Very Simple Credo -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"To believe that there is nothing more beautiful, more profound, more sympathetic, more reasonable,
Was It Luck Or Pluck? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago, a famous Canadian ice skater, Barbara Ann Scott, won the highest honor a skater can
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 12:1--14 (C)
Playing The Numbers -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A woman entered a guessing game at a store to win a new refrigerator.
Christ the King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
The temptation of the preacher in using these passages from Ezekiel is to lapse into a sentimental d
The Eastern Gate -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I will meet you in the morning,Just inside the Eastern Gate;
The Cleansing Fire -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
An impressive moment came, in the lives of many youth, on the night at church camp when they would g
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Fourth Sunday After The EpiphanyFourth Sunday In Ordinary Time
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
This famous vision of the Valley of Dry Bones is given to the prophet Ezekiel in Babylonia shortly a
Guilt And Responsibility -- John 18:28-38 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Who killed Jesus? You may think the answer is relatively easy, but there are some complications.
Puppies Can Share, Too! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A doctor found a little dog with a broken leg by the roadside.
Ignition Blinds -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The fellow was a school dropout who worked as a mechanic in a garage.
Overview: In A Nutshell -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Preaching without a net involves the mastery of the five acts of traditional rhetoric (see Ch
Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 11:1--10 (C, RC, E)
A Pertinent Observation -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote:Earth crammed with Heaven,

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Wisdom's Delight -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
I have a question for you, but let me tell you right up front that it is a trick question.
Going Home -- John 14:1-14 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly, faithful manGoing Home
God Suffers With Us -- Romans 14:8b -- Michael L. Sherer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For the untimely death of someone youngGod Suffers With Us
Woe To The Blessed -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
One of my all-time favorite television programs was M*A*S*H.
We Are One In Christ -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
Someone once said that action speaks louder than words and that is true.
Tour Guide -- Proverbs 3:5-6 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful woman who was a tour guideTour Guide
When They Are Gathered At The Chancel -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
We have all witnessed this scene: the bride and groom are standing at the altar of the church surrou
Caring For Others: The Christian Vocation In The World -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
When Bobby Smith was a youngster, his family lived near Mrs.
Hope! -- John 14:1-6, Revelation 7:9-17 -- A. Donald Main, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a woman who died following the painful ordeal of bone cancer
Family Ties And Good-byes -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
If ever we needed to strengthen the institution of family, it's today.
Choosing To Believe -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Perhaps you recall recently when a burial box from the first century A.D.
The Dancing Farmer -- 2 Samuel 6:14 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a ninety-year-old who had led a full life
When The Boat Keeps Rocking -- Psalm 46 -- Robert A. Noblett, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a congregation experiencing several deaths in a brief period
Taking The First Step -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Create in your minds, if you will, a scene where the people are gathering at a small church for wors
Thank God We Can Change -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Someone once said that the only constant in life is change.
A Real Test Of Faith -- Romans 3:21-26; 5:1-11, Isaiah 53:2-6, Job 19:23-27 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a Christian suicideA Real Test Of Faith
The Good News Of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news....
Jesus Rewards The Just -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Imagine picking up the Sunday paper, opening it and reading in giant letters, Jesus Christ Will R
A Gift For A Friend -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Stanley C. Sneeringer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a church member who died following a lengthy illness
Cured Cripples And Crabby Critics -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Have you ever been crippled by something that happened to you?
The Kindness Of Strangers -- 1 Kings 17:8-24 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
In 1994, a 37-year-old man by the name of Mike McIntyre decided to confront his fears and the shaky
Touching Jesus -- Luke 24:36-40 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a country womanTouching Jesus
Death Saddens Us -- John 3:16, Psalm 90 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly shut-inDeath Saddens Us
Building A Victorious Life -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
J.
It All Begins With Prayer -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Imagine you only have a short time to prepare your successor in ministry.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Some children were asked if they knew anyone who was always good.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit makes us more aware of our lack of holiness to stimulate us to deeper yearning and
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Homemaker
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
An old-timer is one who can remember when a baby-sitter was called mother.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting
Slavery And Gratitude -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
Jenica has a ring and a photograph that are more precious to her than gold.
The Curse Of Leprosy -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
Leprosy is a horrendous mycobacterial disease.
The Holy Spirit, Our Guide -- John 14:23-29 -- Constance Berg -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
With God, all things are possible.
The Breath Of The Spirit -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
A retired chemist and university professor asked me to re-write a book he co-authored with his wife.
Singing Praises To God -- John 17:20-26 -- Constance Berg -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
A group of twenty men meet in a home in Pakistan.
Two Doctors: Two Deductions -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Dr. Tom was a young internist.
One Tiny Light -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
It's a strange phenomenon that scientists are surely able to explain.
Zacchaeus -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
"Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he." So the nursery song goes.
The Wedding In Tuxtla -- John 2:1-11 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
Rebeca Ruiz had met Carlos Marin at a church convention.
An Angelic Child -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Margo works in Pediatric Intensive Care in a large children's hospital.
The Scroll Of Wisdom -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
David led us the two blocks from our church to his place of worship: a synagogue.
He Knew -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
He knew. From the moment I saw his eyes looking at me -- at my body -- I knew he knew.
Not One Stone Will Be Left -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2000
Life is fragile; life is powerful. Life can be long; life can be short-lived.
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not ... -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2000
Wow! First they love Jesus just from what he has to say.
And You Shall Have A Baby -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
It was their first year in seminary. They were eager; they were anxious.
The Centurion -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
A centurion was a Roman soldier in charge of 100 men; thus the name "centurion." These Roman soldier
Good Enough To Be With You? -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
They had been pen pals of a sort for only ten months but their letters came more and more frequently
Enough To Share -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Keith and Lois volunteer in the hospital thrift shop.
Don't Cry -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Peter sat on the step, crying. His knee was skinned, his pants torn, and his pride hurt.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Christmas Wonder -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionFirst Sunday Of Advent: New Friends
Stand Firm In The Time Of Trial -- Luke 21:5-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 21:5-19Theme: Stand Firm In The Time Of Trial
First Sunday In Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: Expressing Our GratitudeCall To Worship
Reading The Christmas Eve Scriptures -- Stan Purdum -- 2003
Introduction
Lazy Christians -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13Theme: Lazy ChristiansCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: Abram Put His Trust In The LordCall To Worship
The New Creation -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25 Theme: The New CreationCall To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: God's MercyCall To Worship
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Alone Is GoodCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Israelites Celebrated Passover Before Entering The Promised Land
Proper 5 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Speaks Through People Of GodCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: Do Not Cling To The PastCall To Worship
Holy/Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
Theme: The PassoverCall To Worship
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord's Servant Is ObedientCall To Worship
Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Theme: The Coming Of The Holy SpiritCall To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Promise Of A Kingdom Of Justice And RighteousnessCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Man With A PlumblineCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Coming MessengerCall To Worship
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Price Of SinCall To WorshipLeader: God's faithfulness is eternal.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Time Is ComingCall To Worship
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Hosea 1:2-10 Theme: Children Of The Living GodCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Theme: God Promises A Ruler From BethlehemCall To Worship
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Theme: God's Love For His PeopleCall To Worship
All Saints' Sunday -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
Theme: God's People Will Receive PowerCall To Worship
Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
Theme: How Paul Became An ApostleCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great!

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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