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How To Be A Christian -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some boards, nails and hammers, and screws and screwdrivers
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
What About Heaven? -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some cutouts from construction paper of clouds, angels, harps, and a throne
Advice From Gamaliel -- Acts 5:17-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
In The Power Of His Name -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bottle of shampoo
Preparing The Tree -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Making preparations in our personal lives for Christ's coming.
Share What You Have -- 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an ice cube tray with removable dividers and a pitcher of water
Walking On Water -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: When we are scared, we should have faith in God.
Piggyback Riders -- 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: have children choose partners to give each other piggyback rides; sweeper, dust rags,
The Woman At The Well -- John 4:4-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
I Am The Beginning And The End -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a stepladder
God's Good Worker -- Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-2a, 51-60 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some big stones
Beloved Of God -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a hidden tape recording that can be played, telling the children how much they are lo
Children, Get Ready! -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Christmas reminds us to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance."
Changing In The Spirit -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a heating pad
We Divide; He Multiplies -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To convey the compassion and power of Christ.
The Certificate And The Gift -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a gift certificate and an actual present
School -- John 5:39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a sign resembling a road sign with "School" printed on it
Important Keys -- Revelation 1:9-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large keyring with two keys
Healing The Lame Man -- Acts 4:1-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a glass of water, a flat surface, and a sponge to mop it up
Lose Your Life In God -- Mark 8:30-38 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: instant cocoa powder and a spoon; also a container for the children to dump the powde
Can You Tie Your Own Shoes? -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Our dependence upon God. Key verses: 37--41.
The Treasure Inside -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coffee can filled with jewelry and money
The Big Influence Of Small Things -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach that even though the Kingdom seems inconsequential it has ultimate i
The Sponge -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Easter)

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SermonStudio

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.
Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
1. Text
The Dog Knew Best -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man who was an alcoholic had a dog which he loved very much.
Six Pieces Or Eight Pieces? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A guy was ordering a pizza by telephone, when the man on the phone asked: "How shall we cut the pizz
One-liners From Notable People -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
C1. "He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose." J
Overview: In A Nutshell -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Preaching without a net involves the mastery of the five acts of traditional rhetoric (see Ch
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
As we approach the story of our Lord's suffering during what we call this Holy Week, and especially
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 14:19--31 (C)
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)
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 30:15--20 (C)
Is God Left-handed? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"God is left-handed," the little child told her preacher.
Redemption -- A Drop Of Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Do you remember in your childhood looking up and trying to understand the clouds?
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
"O that thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down" (Isaiah 64:1).
What If The Christian Faith Was Gone? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There is a vital principle presented to us in a book by Henry Rogers; years ago he wrote The Ecli
Statue Honoring A Prison Convict -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yes, it is in Crestline, California, and it is a composite figure with eyes of an Oriental, nose of
How Did The Apostles Of Jesus Die? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Matthew -- slain by the sword in a city of Ethiopia.
Green Wood And Dry Trees -- Luke 23:26-31 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
They led Jesus out to be crucified, down the road now known as the Via Dolorosa.
Hours And Wages -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
1. Text
The First Sunday School -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Raikes was no fatalist.
Super Religious -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The story is being told that Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, and Bob Schuller were to be received into h
Town Called Knockemstiff -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yes, it's a little town in the southwestern part of Ross County, Ohio.
Sample Sermon Manuscripts -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Preaching cannot be taught in the abstract, but only in the doing.
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
The Gospels tell us that on the night that he was betrayed, our Lord first celebrated the Passover w
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 16:2--15 (C)
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 35:1-10 (C, E), Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (RC)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The God Of Infinite Reach -- Psalm 139 -- Phil Barnhart, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a warm, compassionate personThe God Of Infinite Reach
You Can't Undo Appomattox -- So Let's Get On With It! -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
There are some things that once begun, cannot be undone.
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Luke 2:20 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hearing-impaired personDo You Hear What I Hear?
The Prodigal Father -- Romans 8:14-17 -- John Jamison -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
It wasn't their first fight. Like most fathers and sons they had their disagreements.
A Simple But Profound Faith -- Matthew 11:25-30, 2 Timothy 2:8-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a quiet, faithful personA Simple But Profound Faith
Only The Lonely -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
There are three words I hope you will take home from church today.
When Desire Goes Bad -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Nathan, a boy I read about recently, is seven years old.
God's Promises, Promises! -- John 14:2-3 -- John R. Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A funeral meditationGod's Promises, Promises!
Back To The Future -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Gary L. Carver -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
The experience in the ninth chapter of Luke is called "The Transfiguration Experience of our Lord Je
Developing A Glad Attitude -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money.
The Hard Sell -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Our blessed Lord presses the issue. Do you or do you not want to be my disciple?
The Promise That Won't Be Broken -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Paul was sitting in prison with every reason to be discouraged.
A Conquered Enemy -- 1 Corinthians 15:26 -- W. George Easson, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 62-year-old manA Conquered Enemy
When Arlington National Cemetery Is Full -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
The honored dead from our fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq have created a problem for Arlington Nati
There With Jesus -- 2 Peter 1:16-18 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person crippled in mind and bodyThere With Jesus
Boast Of That! -- Romans 5:1-5 -- John Jamison -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
He had been looking forward to Sunday afternoon all week.
Faithful To The End -- John 14:1-6 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a good and caring manFaithful To The End
Counting The Cost Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
The best thing to say to a pastor after you hear a sermon that moves you is not, "That was a good se
As Seen From The Solitary Broom Tree -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
I'm not sure when the term "burn out" ceased being only a description of what happened to a campfire
The Wonder Of Immortality -- 1 Thessalonians 4, Revelation 21 -- W. Norman Macfarlane, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A sermon on death preached at a regular Sunday service
Testing Time -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
To live the Christian life is to be tested.
The Gospel Is Unchained ... -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
I went to the store to buy a new pair of blue jeans.
God's Love Is Deep -- John 14:2-7 -- Alan R. Lindberg, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young motherGod's Love Is Deep
When Truth Comes Via An Invalid Argument -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
Sometimes truth comes to us by way of an invalid argument or perspective.
Heimgang -- John 14:1-4 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who died from cancerHeimgang

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

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.
Expect Nothing In Return -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
Regina Jennings worked as a custodian at West Virginia University College of Law for fifteen years.
Linny -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Myra started nursing school at the tender age of 33.
Twice Forgiven -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Robby was changing the channel on the radio when he came to the intersection.
Martha's Incredible (In)Sight -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
My dear friend, Martha, is blind. She wasn't always blind.
Even In Death, Life Is Celebrated -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
Our son, Andrew, was born on November 1, All Saints' Day.
Don't Thank Me, Thank God! -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
When Jill was five, she began to have headaches. The headaches were so severe she would throw up.
A Prayer For Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Constance Berg -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Our Father:We listen to the crossUpon which your Son did die for us.
Open Our Minds, Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Mr.
Be Slaves To One Another -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
Roberta's mother looked like she was going to have a heart attack as she listened.
God Will Be With Us -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Cindy was on the brink of despair. Her hours at work were getting longer and longer.
Mrs. Smedes' Prayer Chair -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
The Reverend Dr.
Never Underestimate A Dishwasher -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
My back was killing me. I must have been standing there for hours. I checked the clock on the wall.
There Is Still Time -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Karen hates church. She feels it's a place where people are brainwashed.
Baptism -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Constance Berg -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
Andrew was just a little baby when he was baptized.
Set Free Through Grace -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2000
A seal, known as Martin Luther's Seal, is a world-wide symbol for many Lutherans.
A Word About Fig Trees -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Fig trees are one of the most important plants in the Bible as they are mentioned over sixty times.
Follow The Leader -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Constance Berg -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
I admit I like it when people are articulate.
Giving And Taking Thanks -- John 6:25-35 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Carla's back ached, her wedding ring wouldn't go on her finger, and her baby was kicking like crazy.
The Dead Tree -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Constance Berg -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
That tree seemed out of place.
Food Is Love -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
My mother is a very caring person who loves to feed people.
Easter Cookies? -- John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Usually we celebrate Easter with chocolate bunnies and sugared chicks, dyed eggs or flower crosses.
Adagio -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
He could barely lift his head from his chest. Oh, but how the music moved him. Adagio. Slow.
Fragrant Plant Water -- John 12:1-8 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
When Peter was four years old, his mother received a very special present: a costly bottle of perfum
Heartfelt Prayers And A Doubting Doctor -- John 20:19-31 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Timmy's heart had a small hole in it.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: The AscensionCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Luke 12:49-56 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Price Of Evil DeedsCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Theme: A Call To RepentanceCall To Worship
I Am Too Young -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Theme: "I Am Too Young"
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
Theme: "Do Not Be Afraid, I Am With You"Call To Worship
Listen To God -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Call To Worship
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us praise the Lord, our God!
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
Theme: Celebrate The Lord's VictoryCall To Worship
Healing On The Sabbath -- Luke 13:10-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:10-17Theme: Healing On The Sabbath
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (John 1:1-14)
God's Dynasty Continues Forever -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe come with many fears and anxieties.
Proper 15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 146)All: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Advent Wreath
The Holy Spirit Is Available To All -- Acts 10:44-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;
The Spirit Brings Life -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: O Lord, how manifold are your works.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe bring our fears into your revealing light.
Proper 17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipAll: Lord, we come together, restless in our pews.
First Sunday After Christmas -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Good News About Jesus Brings Joy -- Acts 8:26-40 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
People: The Lord is king and he rules the nations.
Passion Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9a Theme: Trusting The Lord Call To Worship
The Lord Gathers All His People -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
Proper 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (from Psalm 78:23-29)
Proper 9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
No Other Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Trust in the Lord and seek his presence.

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

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.
  • Second Thoughts: Resisting The Storms of Winter by Chris Keating. Jesus does not offer a cheery optimism to those enduring the cold blasts of injustice. More than an insulating blanket of hope, the Beatitudes create communities of resistance.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

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Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

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