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First Sunday after Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2001
This text continues with the passage that we read from Isaiah 61 on the Third Sunday in Advent.
The First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 12, Pentecost 10, Ordinary Time 17 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
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
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Baptism of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2001
Unfortunately, this text from Genesis has often been connected with baptism, and therefore the lecti
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2001
If we look at the context of the passage, the words that immediately precede and follow it announce
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 13, Pentecost 11, Ordinary Time 18 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
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.
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Christ the King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2001
This is the Sunday of Christ the King, the last Sunday in the church year, before we enter the Adven
Proper 14, Ordinary Time 19 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
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
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, John 3:1-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Easter Day - B -- 2001
There are many people here this morning who do not normally come to Sunday services.
Proper 15, Pentecost 13, Ordinary Time 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
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
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 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We must now head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2001
This text for the Sunday after Easter really shakes us up, doesn't it?
Proper 16, Pentecost 14, Ordinary Time 21 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
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
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- 2001
I know a woman whose husband was an alcoholic - I say "was" because the husband is dead now; he dran

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Preaching To A Stone -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
I'm going to confess a trade secret.
A Name Not Taken In Vain -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- William G. Carter -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
In the middle of March, 1961, a minister named Duffy splashed water on my head in the middle of a Su
Theology Two Sizes Too Small -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
One of the legacies of children's writer Dr.
Take The Bread -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Struggles, Death, And Christ -- Philippians 1:21-30 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
Many people cling very tightly to life.
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
Taking You Up With Him -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
"If I go down, I'm taking you down with me." We've all heard that line.
Breaking Down Walls -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- 2004
Through Christ, God has solved the problem of conflict between races.
Honor -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The Fourth Commandment: "Honor your father and your mother."
Sharing The Pain Of Others -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
"Rags, rags!
In The Darkness Of Fear, There Is The Light Of Joy -- Luke 2:6-11 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
One cold Sunday afternoon in December, the congregation of a little Baptist church went over to the
Strong Medicine -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
We get only a sip from the book of Judges.
The Incarnation: What And Why? -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
We have just remembered again the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus.
Salvation - Worldly, Corporate, And Dynamic -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
All religions offer salvation.
Enough For All -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
(Place a sheaf of wheat and a small bunch of purple grapes in a basket on the altar to represent
Complete Joy -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
There was once a man who decided he was dead.
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.
Living Hope -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
A middle--aged man was on a Caribbean cruise enjoying his first real vacation in years.
Landsberg -- John 12:27-33 -- 2004
On Memorial Day we remember the sacrificial service of people who have fought and died in our countr
Chastity And Fairness -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The Sixth Commandment: "You shall not commit adultery."
Pentecost! Slow ... And Sure! -- John 20:19-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Have you ever noticed how we preachers often promote the early church as if it were the ideal?
In The Darkness Of Suspicion, There Is The Light Of Devotion -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
It was a few days after Christmas.
The Subject Is Salvation -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
A pastor was talking one day with some men whom he knew were not actively involved in any religion.
With A Song In Your Heart -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
What kind of a song does your heart sing as you go through your days?
A Time To Quit Asking Questions -- Micah 6:1-8 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
We Christians should be very careful about putting a limit on serious questions concerning human and

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

''God's Gonna Trouble The Water'' -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 (15-19) -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 1994
"What difference is a little water going to make anyway?" Ken Taufler thundered at his friend Jim Ka
A Hostage Repents -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
Terry Anderson is probably the best known of the American hostages kept in Lebanon.
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 Glory And The Pain -- Richard A. Jensen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 1994
His given name was Leslie Leonard but everyone just called him "Pete." Pete was the son of very devo
The Case Of A Grocery Store Fix -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
It happened just about every time she went shopping for groceries.
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
Shy Alice -- John 16:12-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 1994
Alice Hawks was one of the most important members of Christ's Church in Dallas.
The Wretched Of The Earth -- Luke 1:47-55 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
"Look down and see the beggars at your feet. Look down and show some mercy if you can.
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.
A Baby Wrapped In Diapers -- John 1:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 1994
HBO hit the jackpot! The ratings they achieved for their special on Michael Jackson were awesome.
True Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
"Today we're going to talk about Lent," Tanya announced at the beginning of the adult class she had
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.
To You Is Born -- Luke 2:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1994
It was to be her first starring role.
Jesus Must Be A Real Person! -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Richard A. Jensen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1994
A missionary worked some years ago among a very primitive group of people in Papua New Guinea.
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.
Jesus, Remember Me -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1994
Sheila Stone had had the respect of everyone in her community.
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.
A Shroud Unto Life -- Luke 24:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Easter Day - C -- 1994
Who will ever forget those first pictures?
''This Is My Body'' -- John 20:19-31 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Tommy Russo tried and tried to go to church with his wife.
When The Light From Heaven Does Not Flash -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Richard A. Jensen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Dawn Hetland didn't move a muscle. The worship service was over. The choir had filed out.
From All Nations, Tribes, Peoples, Languages -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Mina lived in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
No More Tears -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Can you imagine a four-year-old boy falling to his death from the 53rd floor of a New York City apar
Paths Of Desperation -- John 5:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Where do you go when you feel hopeless? Dick learned something about that when he was 13.
God's Evangelism Plans -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
The fall of Haile Selassie in 1974 did not bring the kind of peace that the Ethiopians had hoped mig
The Holy Spirit Doesn't Have A Copy Machine -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1994
The wind of the Spirit blew through St.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

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SermonStudio

Proper 14, Pentecost 12, Ordinary Time 19 -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 12:32-40
Proper 9, Pentecost 7, Ordinary Time 14 -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Easter 3 -- John 21:1-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 21:1-19
Abundant Rain -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Joel 2:23-32Theme: Abundant Rain
Proper 28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Underpinning -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 15, Pentecost 13, Ordinary Time 20 -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 12:49-56
Standing On The Shore -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Thanksgiving Eve/Day -- Thessalonians 5:12-22, Psalm 95 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: White/RedEpistle: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
The Advent-ure Of Love -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Easter 4 -- John 10:22-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 10:22-30
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
Christmas -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
First Lesson: (Acts 2:1-21 or) Genesis 11:1-9 Theme: Jibberish
Proper 16, Pentecost 14, Ordinary Time 21 -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 13:10-17
Crumbs From The Cross -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
The Season Of Sacred Stories -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
The Transfiguration Of The Lord -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)
The Advent-ure Of Hope -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Easter 5 -- John 13:31-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 13:31-35
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?
Preparations For The Lord's Supper -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Some time before the Lord's Supper the group assigned to organize the event should meet to delegate
I Am No Prophet -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 17, Pentecost 15, Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14
Let It Go! -- Elaine M. Ward -- 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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