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A Little Dishonesty Goes A Long Way -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 16:1-13Theme: A Little Dishonesty Goes A Long Way
Can Redemption Be Bought? -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Isolation Of Struggle -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Theme: Feed And Flower
Covenant Contact -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Abundant Rain -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Joel 2:23-32Theme: Abundant Rain
Released From The Bear's Paw -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Theme: Released From The Bear's Paw
Haughty Or Humble? -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14Theme: Haughty Or Humble?
Futility? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Take Courage And Work -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Take courage and work.
Proper 28 | OT 33 -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25 Theme: A Joy And A Delight
Limping Without Answer -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Short-changing Life -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (First Reading) -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: 1 Kings 19:1-15a Theme: The Sound Of Silence
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (Second Reading) -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: Galatians 3:23-29Theme: Before Faith Comes
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (Gospel Reading) -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 8:26-39Theme: Tell All
A Double Share -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
It's Up To You -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: It is up to usPeople: To take the first step.
All Shall Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: From the least to the greatest among us, all will know God.
Cornucopia -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Come, let us give thanks to God.
Mask -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Wisdom -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Wisdom calls out to all who yearn to gain understanding.
Project Accomplished -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Finally, finally, all the plans have come together.
A Little Robe -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship

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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
What If The End Is Near? -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Someone handed me a note at the door of the church building a few Sundays ago.
God, The Venture Capitalist? -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. How does one know anything?
What Is Success? -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Erma Bombeck wrote, "I can't remember the name of the man who spoke at my high school commencement,
How To Motivate People -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
A few years ago a fellow took me on a tour of his sock manufacturing plant.
Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
"Heal the sick," Jesus commanded (Matthew 10:8).
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
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
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!
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- George L. Murphy -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
The key idea in this passage in the Fourth Gospel is truth.
Once More With Feeling! -- Luke 17:11-19 -- George L. Murphy -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
It's that holiday season again. Friends and loved ones are making plans for a visit.
Visions And Voices -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
I don't know about you, but I envy Moses and Peter and James and John.
His Last Command ... Our First Concern! -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
In the fall of 1971, I visited Leo Tolstoy's home in Moscow.
Vital Vulnerability -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Susan R. Andrews -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
At the risk of putting you to sleep, I'd like to ask each one of you to close your eyes.
The Rest Of The Story -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Susan R. Andrews -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Just five days later, the needles are falling, the poinsettias are drooping, and the cookies are sta
Demonstrating The Divine -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
For almost fifty years I have lived comfortably within the church.
Isaiah, Advent, And Human Hopefulness -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
In Jill St.
First Comes An Everyday Hope -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Today's great spiritual priority may be for a grounded everyday hope.
The Interruption Of Advent Somberness -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
On many Advent altars Christians often place a wreath holding four candles.
The Strangeness Of God's Care -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us.
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
Bear Love -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Bill Mosley -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Do you remember everything your mother told you?
Loch Ness, Locusts, And Bread -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Bill Mosley -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing on Loch Ness when suddenly his boat was attacked by the
When Personal Concerns Are Swallowed Up In Wonder -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- John T. Ball -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
We are a culture awash in personal problems.
Healing The Pain From The Past -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
A pastor friend and his wife once adopted a young cat that bounced up to his parsonage looking hungr

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Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2001
The scene in our text takes place shortly before Israel's redemption from her slavery in Egypt.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
The lectionary specifies the same Old Testament text for New Year's Day also in Cycles A and C.
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2001
As is well known, the text forms the third of the four Servant Songs that are found in the prophecie
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2001
The scene is familiar to us by this time.
Proper 7 -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2001
Every pupil in Sunday school knows - or used to know - this story of David and Goliath.
Proper 8 -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2001
During the reign of Saul (ca.1020--1000 B.C.), Israel's principal enemies were the Philistines, thos
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2001
We have here the account of how David was made king over all the tribes of Israel, after ruling for
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2001
The lectionary has a way of eliminating from a passage those sections that are considered distastefu
Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2001
This text forms one of the most important theological passages in the Old Testament.
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2001
In all likelihood, our text for the morning comes to us from an eye--witness in the court of King Da
Proper 13 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2001
Our eye--witness account of the reign of King David over all of Israel continues.
Proper 14 -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2001
"It's a long story." That familiar saying could be applied to our text for the morning, because the
Proper 15 -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2001
Between the notice of David's death in 1 Kings 2:10 and the succession of his son Solomon to the thr
Proper 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2001
When we dealt with the story of David, we learned that he was not permitted to build a temple to hou
Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2001
By this text we begin expositions of some of the Writings of the Old Testament, with which we will d
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2001
In both Mesopotamia and Egypt, but also in Israel, Wisdom teaching and theology held a respected pos
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2001
In chapters 1--9 of the Book of Proverbs, the figure of Wisdom is personified as a woman.
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2001
We live in a society in which the role of women has become very ambiguous.
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2001
As referred to in 9:20--22 in our text, Esther is a book that celebrates Jewish deliverance from per
Proper 22 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2001
God trusts Job.
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2001
The story of Job is presented to us primarily through a series of dialogues that Job carries on with
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2001
Our sometimes sentimental, always lenient religious faith bumps up against this text for the morning
Proper 25, Reformation Sunday -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2001
After the Lord's long interrogation of Job in chapters 38-41, in which Job learns humility before th
Proper 27 -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2001
Our text for the morning sets us immediately into the middle of a family drama.
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2001
Let us first give an historical accounting of the text.

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Let Us Make A Name For Ourselves -- Genesis 11:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1994
"When you're No. 1 in the world...
A Model For The Good Life -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1994
We all remember Desert Storm.
Choices -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 1994
She was elected to high office some time ago. Let's call her Beverly Washington.
Disarming Evil -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1994
People Of The Lie: The Hope For Healing Human Evil is one of Dr. M.
Great Reversals -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1994
The theme of poverty, riches, possessions and the realm of God is a constant theme of Luke.
The Laughter Of Faith -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1994
God called Sarah, too!
The Faithful Harlot -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1994
What's a bad girl like you doing in a list like this?
A Bent Over Woman -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 1994
The woman with the battered face.
The Uninvited -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 1994
"I was the guy that never got chosen by either side." The speaker of these words was a man by the na
Bearing The Cross -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 1994
At long last, Laura McDermott had fulfilled her lifelong dream.
The Joy Of God -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 1994
Dr. Yoshiro Ishida is an international church leader in the Lutheran Church.
Final Payment -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1994
The story of Mary Gordon's book, Final Payments begins with a funeral.
Hear No Evil ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 1994
Remains Of The Day is a powerful movie starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.
Gospel Grandmothers -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1994
United Church has a tradition. They were known for supporting their pastors very well.
God Is Faithful To Godself -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1994
His hands were surely trembling as he lifted his hammer to nail his theses to the door of the Castle
A New Heart -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1994
It was the religious program she had heard on the radio a few weeks back that sent Shawn Rose on a m
Ready For Worship -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1994
Ernie, Madge and Todd Applegate always took their place in a front pew just as the bell was ringing.
''Who Can Be Saved?'' -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1994
"Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he...." Many people have learned that song in
You Are God -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1994
Out On A Limb, Shirley MacLaine's spiritual odyssey, was first published in 1983.
A Vision For The Future -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 1994
A few years back a west coast bishop returned home from a meeting of his denomination's bishops in K
''Only Speak The Word'' -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1994
Luke is fond of telling stories of faith.
''A Great Prophet Has Arisen Among Us'' -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1994
"Shunem: Site of the Prophet Elisha's Resurrection Miracle." If they had had road signs in the days
Forgiven Much! -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1994
The life of a prostitute is a hateful way of life.
The Collapsing Circle -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1994
Allan Nelson is a consultant to business operations throughout the world.
He Set His Face -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 1994
He had just finished feeding the 5,000 men plus women and children when he asked them the question (

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 4
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
28 – Children's Sermons / Resources
27 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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29 – Sermons
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20 – Worship Resources
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26 – Commentary / Exegesis
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For March 22, 2026:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Usually we emphasize the spirit around the season of Pentecost. However, this same spirit is present for all believers even during times of trials, testing, and journey though life’s difficulties. All three of this week’s lessons serve to remind us that the outcome of the Lenten journey is intended to point toward new life. While Christians are reminded all year that we might see and experience the shadow of the cross, the spirit of life is also ever present.
From The Washington Post, November 25, 2001: "Scientists in Massachusetts said today they had succeeded in creating the first cloned human embryos, a controversial advance intended to speed the development of new medical therapies but which could also hasten the arrival of the world's first cloned baby."
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
As I look out on my congregation on any given Sunday, I recognize that a significant percentage of the folks gathered here are involved in matters of life and death.

For some, it comes with their profession. Doctors, fire fighters, police officers, members of the military -- these are folks in our flocks who deal with matters of life and death every week. They don't have to look very far from any given Sunday to find a high-stakes experience in their work.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Death is difficult for anyone to understand and accept, and particularly difficult for children who usually have little concept of time. In this story Anita is angry with God, because her beloved Grandma has died.

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Argile Smith
Keith Hewitt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Bones" by John Smylie
"Waiting" by Argile Smith
"Do You Suppose Job Flew Coach?" by Keith Hewitt


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

David O. Bales
For the last few years our family has visited The Dalles, Oregon, for Memorial Day to be with my wife's relatives and to decorate graves in the cemetery. One thing I notice as we visit that cemetery: When you're in the western, older side of the cemetery, visitors are chattier, even happy, carrying on humorous conversations as they stand next to gravestones of people who died a hundred years ago. But, as you enter the newer portion of the cemetery where people have recently been buried, you feel the emotion around.
Richard L. Sheffield
In the Orthodox Church, Easter worship includes the singing of a hymn that goes:

Christ is risen from the dead,
trampling down death by death,
and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.1
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
He was chained, held bound in a life of torment and blasphemy. In the end, however, God would set him free. John Newton, a name probably not familiar to many people, was born in July 1725 to a pious English woman and her seafaring husband. From his earliest days, young Newton was attracted to his father's side of the family and to the life at sea. Thus, when he was only eleven years old he became an apprentice aboard his father's vessel, a cargo ship, which ferried products throughout the major ports of the Mediterranean region.
Mark Ellingsen
We have all lived through the death of a loved one. We have all ached when someone we dearly love has passed away. We have all wondered about what comes next, and fretted about our own death. In our gospel story for today we find Jesus dealing with those experiences. And together with Lazarus, Jesus (along with our other Bible lessons) shows us what comes next after sin and death. He does not just show it; he gives it. What he gives is freedom given through love. That is what comes next when the new life is given, when death and sin are conquered.
Robert J. Elder
Several years ago a psychologist conducted a survey in which he asked 3,000 people the question, "What are you living for?" He was not at all ready for the results. He discovered that ninety percent of his respondents were - as he put it - "simply putting up with the present while they waited for the future." We are all familiar with the feeling. We spend today thinking about what will happen tomorrow: young couples wait for their wedding day; children wait for Christmas; at 64 we wait for retirement; at 34 we wait for success.
Richard W. Ferris
Some of us can remember the days before interstate highways and massive traffic slowdowns when a leisurely drive to a relative's house was as much about scenery as it was about getting places. Who cared if the highway weaved around curves and some hills were steeper than others? It was fun to see fields with cattle and sheep, and sometimes even a white hillside where turkeys and chickens roamed freely behind a fence.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany: A Conversation With The Psalmist
L: The abyss, the unknown, the feared:
C: Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice;
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
L: Shouting, running, searing pain:
C: If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss,
O Lord, who could stand?
L: Sinking down, deeper, losing oneself,
C: for there is forgiveness with you;
therefore you shall be feared.
L: Will it come? Will it be over? When? When?
C: I wait for the Lord;

CSSPlus

Good morning. If I want to get a particular radio program, I have to use a radio. Setting a CB radio or computer won't help me get my radio program. It doesn't help to use the television. If I want the radio show, I have to set the dial at the right place on the radio. I can put the radio dial anywhere I want, but to get the show I want, I have to put it at just the right place.
... after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was ... When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days ... Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days." (vv. 6, 17, 39)

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