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SermonStudio

A Word About Change -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The big word today is change. It is both the most used word and the most emotional word.
Proper 25 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Hebrews 4:12--16)
God Wants Our Attention -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Jim Cymbala, in his book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, quotes a devotional writer who said, "The m
Epiphany 2 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Pastor's Spiritual Life -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
One of the great resources overlooked in some church growth materials is the personal and spiritual
Twenty--fifth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Epiphany 3 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Thoughts On Leadership -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
It was interesting to read an article in Strategy & Business magazine (Booz--Allen, Inc.
Preaching Resurrection In Acts -- William H. Shepherd, Jr. -- 2002
To turn to the Book of Acts from the Gospel of Luke is to experience deja vu.
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
Twenty--sixth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Epiphany 4 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Do We Complicate Leadership? -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
With so much material on the market regarding leadership and pastoring, one wonders what could ever
Palm Sunday / Passion Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
Twenty--seventh Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
They Are Our Music -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
I read the story of a Mr. Holland who had written a symphony for his high school orchestra.
The Challenge Of Disbelief -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Every pastor knows the challenge: at the door after what you thought was a biblical message, someone
Maundy Thursday / Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
Pentecost Sunday -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
First Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Basics For Ministry -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
In an age of professionalism, church growth strategies, demographics, and other somewhat technical m
Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
Upside Down Christmas -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2002
We spent much of the summer of 1994 "Down Under" in Australia and New Zealand.
Second Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Soul Conditioning -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
William Barclay tells the story of a busy Glasgow pastor who attended a service of a noted pastor.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Hope For Peace -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
We will soon be singing Christmas songs full of joy and goodwill and love and peace.
God, The Enemy -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Do you remember when Timothy McVeigh, the man responsible for the bombing of the federal building in
Advent And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:O come, all ye faithful, and worship the Lord.
Those Parentheses -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Bill Mosley -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Your name is very important.
The Offense Of Grace -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Victor Hugo begins Les Miserables with the story of Jean Valjean.
Still Sinners, Still Forgiven -- Romans 5:1-8 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
I have an announcement to make. Today's sermon is not for everybody.
Thinking About Suicide -- Psalm 130 -- 2004
One day several years ago, a pastor was called by a church member and asked to visit one of his neig
Families In Christ -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Aren't families fun, at times?
Free Living Water For All -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
Travelers near the Badlands of South Dakota were surprised and intrigued in 1936 to see a sign which
Look Who Is Standing At The Door -- James 5:7-10 -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Imagine a happening with me. The scene is a fine restaurant all decorated for the holidays.
In Our Pastor's Success, So Is Our Own! -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Did you hear about the farm boy who always wondered what would happen if he twisted the tail on the
Easter And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship: God is the resurrection. Come, let us worship God.
Fire In The Hold -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Bill Mosley -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
The great luxury liner was on fire, but no one knew it.
Worry And Wonder -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Well, the orange alert has finally been lowered to yellow.
Thank God, We're Already Dead -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
If you ever find yourself on the corner of 56th Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City, stop i
The Radicalizing Of Charlie -- Amos 5:14-15 -- 2004
(A sermon in the form of a chancel drama.)
Beautiful Feet -- Romans 10:5-15 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
There are some things which are not often associated with the word "beautiful." Our lesson today end
Ten Friends Drive Us To The Promise -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
"One day last spring, something memorable happened at Carleton University (in Ottawa, Ontario, Canad
A Gift For You -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Christmas is almost here.
Try This On For Size! -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
One church has an organ that many sweated, sacrificed, and slaved to buy. Its cost was astounding!
Monotheism -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
No matter how many people teach you to go contrary to this first commandment, dismiss them and sa
Communion: The Sacrament Of Word And Table -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
In the 1930s I grew up feeding on words.
My Laughin' Place -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Bill Mosley -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
There's an old Uncle Remus story about Br'er Rabbit.
The Price Of God's Glory -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
Long ago, on a high mountaintop, three trees were speaking about their future dreams.
Slaves Of A Different Master -- Romans 6:12-23 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Earlier this week somebody asked what the sermon was about.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Jesus Loves Rocky Dumar, Too -- Acts 19:1-7 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
The new young pastor of Lake Bluff Christian Church had seen the man on the streets of the town freq
The Fear Of The Lord -- Psalm 34:9-14, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
There was no warning.
Greta's Glorious Body -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Greta Schmidt huffed and puffed her way through the church hallways toward the Parish Nurse's office
The Wiles Of The Devil -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1996
Sandy Wright felt betrayed.
Sutton's Folly -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Ed Weeks couldn't believe his bad luck.
Unstained By The World -- James 1:17-27 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1996
A good friend of mine lives just two blocks from the Saint Croix Casino in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.
Casting Out Demons -- Mark 1:21-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
There was once a deeply troubled church that could not keep any pastor for more than a year or two.
Keeping Watch -- Psalm 146 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1996
A little boy named Jacob was getting ready for bed.
A Seat On Bill -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
My friend Bill Benson was a successful small town businessman.
Cross Foolishness -- Mark 8:27-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1996
Emma stomped up the church steps and unlocked the front door.
Who Is The Greatest? -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
A holy woman from India was traveling through the United States on a speaking tour to raise money fo
One Of These Little Ones -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
The patrolman heard three shots fired in rapid succession and started running toward the sound as fa
What God Has Joined Together -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
Laurie reached for the telephone for the third time in ten minutes, but, once again, her hand recoil
Clergy -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
1. A preacher, looking for a discount, said, "I'm only a poor preacher."
Father Good -- Mark 10:17-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
They called him Father Good, though he was not ordained and he had no natural children.
God, Bible, And Eternity -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
158. Saint Peter showed the new arrival around.
Frog Song -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
"We will hear citizens' comments now," the Mayor announced.
The People In The Pew -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
241. Thank God daily for the plurality of the Christian church in America.
Will Work For Food -- Mark 10:46-52 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
A well-known politician came into a large American city one day to speak at a political rally.
Stewardship -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
394. At church we often hear, "O don't tell me. They want money again? What's it for this time?
Laying Down The Law -- Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Awards Sunday was the biggest annual event at Calvary Church.
Giving All -- Mark 12:38-44 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Gerald Fitzgerald was the biggest giver at First Redeemer Church.
The Lord Always Before Me: Lavinda's Christmas Letter -- Psalm 16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Christmas, 1979Dear Ones:
Now, That's A Miracle! -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
Of all the miracles I've knownthe greatest one must be
Painful Waiting -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The pain was unbearable!

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Light Has ComeCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Order Of WorshipAsh Wednesday
Christmas Eve / Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: The Coming King -- Prince Of PeaceCall To Worship
Day Of Thanksgiving -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Thanks-By-GivingCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Unknown God Made KnownCall To Worship
Proper 19 -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Theme: ForgivenessCall To Worship
A Time To Speak Up -- Esther 4, 5, and 7 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Queen Esther Breaks Her Silence
Sunday Of The Passion (Sixth Sunday In Lent/Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: Turning The Other CheekCall To Worship
Proper 11 -- Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christian UnityCall To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus Begins His MinistryCall To Worship
A Sleeping Disciple -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA Sleeping DiscipleThe Opening Speech
Christmas Eve / Day -- Titus 2:11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ Our Hope And RedeemerCall To Worship
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Luke 17:11-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Theme: GratitudeCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Witness To The Hope That Is In YouCall To Worship
Proper 19 -- Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Rally Day -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Welcome and AnnouncementsPreludeCall to Worship
What's A Mother To Do? -- Luke 1-2 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Mary's Mother Contemplates Jesus' Birth
Sunday Of The Passion (Sixth Sunday In Lent/Palm Sunday) -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Humility Of JesusCall To Worship
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Theme: Paying The PriceCall To Worship
Holy Thursday/Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Life Preservers -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: We are life preservers for God
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 3:1-6
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Luke 19:28-40, Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 23:1-49 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple
Thinking Tall -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
Call 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.
  • 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.

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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