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SermonStudio

Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Our text for the morning sets us down in the middle of what many have called Paul's second missionar
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
We are a whoring nation, are we not?
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 7:1-10Proper 4Pentecost 2Ordinary Time 9Miracle Seven
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Second Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
For those who like to preach from all three lectionary texts, the stated readings for this Sunday co
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Few passages in the Old Testament are more important than this one, because it sets forth central un
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 7:11-17Proper 5Pentecost 3Ordinary Time 10
Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 8 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday after Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
We live in a society in which right and wrong have become largely a matter of personal opinion.
Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
In the popular piety that so dominates American religious life, there is the saying that "God hears
John W. Wurster -- 2003
Luke 9:28-36Transfiguration Of The LordMiracle Five
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Luke 12:49-56 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Corpus Christi -- Genesis 14:18-20, Luke 9:11-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2003
Theme For The Day
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
We modern-day Christians are not called to be prophets in the Old Testament sense of the term.
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
This passage is famously known as Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard." It begins with the prophet singin
Proper 16 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
Theme For The Day
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Theme For The DayChrist is our king and calls us to a loyal citizenship in his kingdom.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
We use the word "holy" a lot.
Proper 16 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
You and I and all persons in our day are not prophets in the Old Testament sense of the word.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Caring For The "Little Ones" -- Mark 5:21-43 -- George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2005
This Gospel Reading from Mark is two stories entwined together.
The Thick Darkness -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Eric Marshall and Stuart Hample have made a practice of visiting elementary schools and asking child
Perceiving The Presence Of God -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Three sisters lived in the forest.
Breaking Down The Barriers -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
Every year during Black History Month, Stroupe gives a series of sermons on the struggle of Afric
On Being Safe And Sound -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
The season is all about being ready when somebody comes.
Getting It Straight -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
What a colorful figure Paul must have been in flesh and blood!
Anywhere But Home -- Mark 6:1-13 -- George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
The Gospel of Mark is filled with action.
April Love -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
It's a bit odd that the lectionary committee placed this reading from the Song of Solomon in late su
Showing Up -- John 11:32-44 -- Stan Purdum -- All Saints Day - B -- 2005
No less a commentator on the human condition than Woody Allen has said, "Eighty percent of success i
To Whom Do We Belong? -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
The claim that we belong to God, a God who decisively determines our true identity amidst the compet
Trusting God's Promises -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Luke 1:26-38 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Unfortunately, in our culture we have been conditioned to expect people to break their promises.
Being Single-minded -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
The Second Coming of Christ was much in the thoughts of the ancient church.
The Cost Of Being A Prophet -- Mark 6:14-29 -- George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
John the Baptist is one of the heroes of the Christian faith.
The Spiritual Gateway -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Picture this: You are on your way to the airport to catch a flight to a wedding where you are in the
Using Scripture And Other Sources To Understand Jesus -- Luke 24:44-53 -- David T. Ball -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
One of most interesting places in our public libraries is the biography section.
Nice Guys Finish First -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
One day, a Sunday school teacher asked her class of children about their favorite Bible verses.
Beware: Hypocrites On Premises -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David T. Ball -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Whenever I happen to be in a conversation with someone about why they don't go to church, it seems l
Listening To The Dreams -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
These two sermons constitute the heart of Stroupe's homiletic response to the events of 9/11.
Watch! -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
Mark 13 speaks to those who expect too much and to those who expect too little.
Looking Out For Others -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Being able to synthesize in such a way that harmony can be the outcome is among the many things the
Coming Apart So We Don't Come Apart -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading from Mark is a clear picture of the Christian life.
Mrs. Proverbs -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2005
It's a question you've probably not thought much about, but were any parts of the Bible written by w
Baptism: The Common Call To Holiness -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
Once upon a time long ago a young man decided to become a saint.
Benediction -- Nibs Stroupe -- 2005
This sermon, on the confrontation between the prophet Nathan and King David, and the sermon on Mary'
Repent! -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
A new beginning is a valuable thing. A fresh start is a great relief.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Can't Help It! -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Leon, what drives me down here to my study at five o'clock in the morning?
Encouragement -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Constance Berg -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1999
Words are important. They start wars, create unions, and touch our emotions.
What Limits? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
We humans possess an aggressive instinct. We are killer apes. Man is a promiscuous creature.
Parables -- 1999
January 21, 1991: Helicopters and fighter planes left the security of their air bases to fly into en
Hymn -- 1999
I was in our car, stopped at a traffic light in Berkeley.
Cross -- 1999
With the neighbor's financial help, we were able to cut down two huge eucalyptus trees which had die
Seeking -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Truth sought and found. Truth elusive. Truth is relative. Truth is an illusion. Truth monopolies.
Dance Of Gratitude -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1999
Anna dances. Ever since she was cured of a childhood disease, she has danced.
Flawed Humans? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
I'm a far more suggestible individual, Leon, than I would like to admit.
Parenthood -- 1999
Letty Cottin Pogrebia in Growing Up: "Don't be the man you think you should be, be the father
Illusion -- 1999
One time Carol Jarrett of Tiffin, Ohio, had a surprise birthday party for her husband, John.
Danger -- 1999
At a very busy intersection today someone had hit the barricades where road work was being done.
"The Mysterium Tremendum"? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Early on, Leon, selecting sociology as a major area of study presented me with indications that my i
Bartolome de las Casas, Missionary -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
Professor Bob Corbett celebrates and laments the work of Bartolomé de las Casas.
Questioning -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
A plaque showing a young boy curiously, questioningly bent over examining an object on a beach with
Pastor -- 1999
In my childhood my pastor, Christian Wessel, was like a father to me. I adored him.
Impersonation -- 1999
The Ledger-Dispatch of Antioch, California, told a fascinating story of deception and imperso
Destruction -- 1999
A market sign over a shopping mall all boarded up: "This construction killed us." A new four-lane hi
Alive In Christ -- 1999
Dave Carlson of Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines tells of importing live fish by plane.
Miracles -- John 6:1-21 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
Some people have spent countless hours trying to explain how Jesus could possibly have fed 5,000 men
A Tragic Species? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Financial advisors caution people about putting all their investments in one source and many individ
Peace -- 1999
At the Augustana-Hochschule (Seminary) in Neuendettelsau, Germany, I was told that the facilities no
Incarnation -- 1999
"Mama Ganna" (Amanda Gardner), the Bible Woman of Liberia, West Africa, said of the missionary nurse
Devil -- 1999
I preached in Wozi, Liberia, one night through an interpreter into the Loma language.
Advent -- 1999
At a church meal after a funeral a man told me they were expecting a baby any time now, so each nigh

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Tenebrae For Modern Times -- Marie A. Asner -- 2001
Welcome The CongregationChoral Introit(Suggestions)
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Of Comfort And CompassionCall To Worship
I Am The True Vine -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
The Holy Trinity -- Psalm 8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 24 -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Theme: An Example To OthersCall To Worship
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus, The Light Of The WorldCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 16:5-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 16 -- Romans 12:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Theme: Unity In DiversityCall To Worship
First Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Second Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 121 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 8 -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Theme: RewardsCall To Worship
Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Theme: Spirit Of WisdomCall To Worship
Closing The Distance -- Luke 15:20b -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
When my daughter Emma was two years old, she was observing me getting robed up for Sunday worship.
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Theme: Stewards Of GodCall To Worship
Child Of God, Heir To The Kingdom -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Theme: FaithCall To Worship
Proper 24 -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Theme: Give God His DueCall To Worship Leader: We are God's people.
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ For The WorldCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Call To RepentanceCall To Worship
Proper 16 -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Theme: On This RockCall To Worship
What a dramatic God we serve! -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Drama is all about us. Human history is the great drama of God, carried out on a planet-size stage.
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Peaceful KingdomCall To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Is God With Us?Call To Worship
Proper 8 -- Psalm 13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Ministering To The King -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Theme: Ministering To The KingCall To Worship

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.

Special Occasion

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