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The Fruitless Fig Tree -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
1. Text
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 25, Reformation Sunday -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
The lectionary sometimes begins a reading in the middle of one oracle and adds to it another.
The Prodigal Sons -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
1. Text
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
A cynic once remarked that Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God, and what he got was the church -
The Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 28 -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
This text forms the last portion of the long judgment-salvation oracle that is contained in Isaiah 6
A Midnight Friend -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Israel in the Old Testament and the Christian Church are both understood in the scriptures to be the
The Rich Fool -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Sunday Of The Passion -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
First Sunday After Christmas -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148 adapted)
What Do Your People Expect From You? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Every pastor is anxious to know what his/her people expect from him/her.
The Good Grocer -- Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-13 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
Most of us remember from our nursery rhyme days a little old lady by the name of Mother Hubbard.
Third Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Woman Who Attempted To Steal A Miracle -- Mark 5:21-43, Mark 5:25-34, Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8:40-56 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
The Woman With An Issue Of Blood
Fourth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Man Who Stormed The Kingdom Of God With Violence -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Leper
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Miracle Of Forgiveness -- Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Paralytic
Sixth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Does Jesus Live Here? -- Mark 1:29-34, Matthew 8:14-17 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of Peter's Mother-In-Law

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SermonStudio

Nothing But Plunging In -- John 15:1-8 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Commenting on our lection, John 15:1-8, a great American preacher wrote, "There is nothing for it bu
No More Camping Out -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
I wanted to see if we could get a show of hands today.
Listening To Minority Voices -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
The endurance of humanity and even the whole cosmos could depend upon giving a serious listening of
Time For A Minimalist Faith -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Some years ago, a San Francisco author who often worked as a stevedore on the city's docks, wrote,
From Silence To Sight -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2005
Playwright Neil Simon has written a comedy, God's Favorite, based on a contemporary Job, a ty
The Power Of Jesus' Death -- John 15:9-17 -- David T. Ball -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
There is an old saying that nothing is inevitable except death and taxes.
Claiming A Do-Over Faith -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
What do you think of when you hear the word "jubilee"?
Abraham: The Near Death Of God's Promise -- Romans 4:13-25 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Since Dr.
A Healing Ministry For The Modern Church -- Mark 7:24-37 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
The mission and ministry of Jesus was preaching, teaching, and healing.
Risking Relationships That Redeem -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- 2005
Fried green tomatoes were the house specialty at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama during the 1930s.
Heaven Can Wait -- John 17:6-19 -- David T. Ball -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In a popular Hollywood movie starring Warren Beatty, Beatty plays a quarterback destined to lead the
A Level Playing Field For God -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
A Level Playing Field For God
Finding Our Salvation In Today's World -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
One of Louis Armstrong's vocal hits went like this:
Generosity As The Clue To Life -- Mark 8:27-38 -- John T. Ball -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
All the great founders of our religious traditions offer secrets to the good life.
Reevaluating Our Mission For Christ -- John 17:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Once there was a village with a chief who had three sons, each of which possessed a special talent.
Shalom Shattered -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
It's art class.
The Letter To Smyrna -- Revelation 2:8-11 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
About 35 miles north of Ephesus is Smyrna. It's called Ismir, Turkey, today.
Light Is As Light Does -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
If you saw the movie, Forrest Gump a few years back, you will remember how Forrest always had
Influence! -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
If you think a mosquito is small and has little influence, try sleeping in a hot room at night with
Economic Justice, Facing The Issue -- Matthew 6:31-33 -- 2004
For years, they had all been hearing that our world's economic system is working in a way that makes
Going For The Goal In Football And Faith -- Hebrews 12:1-3, 12a -- 2004
I caught the title out of the corner of my eye while wandering through a bookstore.
Call Waiting -- John 1:29-42 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Chaim Potok was an intensely religious man; a Jew who explored the dimensions of faith in our lives.
Forgiveness And Reconciliation At Last! -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
It happened to a rural Lake County, South Dakota, Lutheran church in August of 2000.
Worthy Of God -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God
A Peek At The Resurrection -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Harry's Legacy -- John 20:19-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Harry was a quiet, gentle, kind-hearted man who daily demonstrated his concern for people.
Missed Out -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
Have you ever missed an opportunity that you were later sorry you neglected to act on?
Life From Death -- Rick's Discovery -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Rick asked the pastor if he could say a few words to the congregation on Sunday.
Not At My Church! -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
For years George had been complaining that the attendance was down at the church he had attended all
The Joy Of Bible Study -- Acts 2:42-47 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Patty longed to study and gain a better understanding of the Bible.
The Word From God -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
The initial impression persons have when meeting Kurt for the first time is of his positive outlook
Bruce's Integrity -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
No one was expecting the announcement that Bruce would retire after many years serving on the state
Broken Promises -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
Frank was fortunate.
If Only I Had Known! -- John 14:15-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Diane, by her own admission, was a difficult teenager who often gave her mother a tempestuous time.
Julie's Love Shines Through -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
One warm evening, within sight of her house, Julie found herself in a difficult position, a complete
The Cookout -- John 17:1-11 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
When Steve and Jan moved into their new home in a new neighborhood, it seemed like a dream come true
Angie's Grand Adventure -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
Eight-year-old Angie and her family were visiting friends in suburban Washington DC.
Vacation Of A Lifetime -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
Phil and Paula, along with their four young children, planned a two-week vacation in the western sta
Day On -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
Early in January the students in Ms.
Because We Care -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
The man sat in the waiting room of the doctor's office all by himself.
The Memorable Meeting -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
The church meeting erupted in contention over, of all things, a new piano.
"One Bodacious Party" -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
Doug enjoyed partying with his friends.
Send In The Clowns -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
It certainly was a risky thing to do -- to invite clowns to participate in the worship service.
The Visit -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
It was a "go nowhere" sort of a job. The job itself was fun, working part-time during high school.
TALK The Walk -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
A group of mothers has been meeting once a month to pray for their children, as well as for other st
Noelle's Summer Vacation -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
Noelle was an attractive strawberry blond who grew up in southern California.
Reconciled -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
No one could remember when the trouble between Mark and Sue began.
God's Direction -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
If it's true that our family of origin defines who we are from the moment of our birth, then Marvin
Trek Of The Cross -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
It was easy to miss the small town nestled between the mountains.
Stealing Candy -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Timothy J. Smith -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Mark was one of those teens that other kids wanted to be with; at the same time parents strongly enc

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

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Women's Day

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Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: A New CovenantCall To Worship
Wednesday Lent 3 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Welcome to worship this evening. Tonight, we will hear again from Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son.
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Theme: A Light To The NationsCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 116 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Pageant Of The Lord's ComingCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Lord Looks On The HeartCall To Worship
Proper 17 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Cross And Self-DenialCall To Worship
Rescue By Angels -- Acts 12 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Peter Escapes From Herod's Jail
Proper 9 -- Psalm 72:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance Jesus said: "Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away."
Reformation Sunday -- Romans 3:19-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: Justified By FaithCall To Worship
Wednesday Lent 4 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Welcome to worship this evening. Tonight, we will hear again from Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son.
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Acts 10:34-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Good News For EveryoneCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Life Among The BelieversCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Advent -- James 5:7-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Patience In SufferingCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Living As Children Of LightCall To Worship
Proper 17 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
A Night To Remember -- Acts 16 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Six Memories Of Philippi
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Theme: PatienceCall To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: True DisciplesCall To Worship
Wednesday Lent 5 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Welcome to worship this evening. Tonight, we will hear again from Jesus' story of the Prodigal Son.
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Baptism Of JesusCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: When We Suffer UnjustlyCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Prepare The WayCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- John 9:1-41 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Open Our Eyes That We May SeeCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Community Of FaithCall 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

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.

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.

CSSPlus

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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