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Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
Proper 14 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9,15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 (C)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 1:1-5 (C)
Proper 15 (C, E) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 (C)
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 (C)
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1-21 (C); Acts 2:1-11 (RC, E)
Proper 22 -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's text has important narrative connections in Matthew's story.
Miracle 9 Demon--Possessed Child -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
1. Text
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 35:1-10 (C, E); Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (RC)
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 25:19-34 (C)
Christmas 1 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Matthean text assigned for the First Sunday after Christmas is very difficult to dislodge from i
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 (C)
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 28:10-19a (C)
Proper 23 -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
"Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables...." That's how this week's appointed text begins.
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 12:1-9 (C)
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 29:15-28 (C)
Proper 24 -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The opening words of this week's text indicate a change of venue and actor.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 18:1-15 (C)
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22-31 (C)
Proper 25 -- Matthew 22:34-36 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's text includes the third and fourth controversies between Jesus and the religious leaders
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8-21 (C)

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"For Thine Is The Kingdom And The Power And The Glory, Forever" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
On a recent tour of Austria and beyond, one day our itinerary was titled "Two Churches and a Castle.
Salvation -- It's Up To Us -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a piece of a jigsaw puzzle.
Forgiving And Not Forgetting -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Someone has wronged you, betrayed you, stabbed you in the back.
Vocabulary Building -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Just like that, everything changes.
Praying Through -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
No doubt you have heard about the postal service's "Dead Letter Department." That's the place where
Forgiveness -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Robert S. Crilley -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
In his book What's So Amazing About Grace?
Moving In -- John 14:23-29 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Philip Yancey, the best-selling author, once holed up in a mountain cabin for two weeks during a Col
Smiling In The Dark -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- 2003
There are those who give little of the much which they have -- and they give it for recognition and
"Amen" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
(Before preaching I reminded our congregation that - in some traditions - the preacher receives enco
Actions Bring Consequences -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time an otter rushed before the king and cried out, "My lord, you are a king who loves j
The Living, Reliable Word -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
(Holding up a Bible) This is the most important book ever written.
Red Light, Green Light -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Only in a farming community would it happen ...
Worship Wars! -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
We pastors call it The Worship Wars.
God's Benefactors -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Once when I returned home for a quick visit with my parents, an old friend unexpectedly dropped by t
Listening In -- John 17:20-26 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Sometimes I think it would be so much easier to be a disciple if Jesus walked among us in the flesh.
A Slave To Mistaken Notions -- Romans 8:14-17 -- Gary L. Carver -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Sally is Johnny's older sister by two years. They are staying with their grandma for the summer.
Be Compassionate As God Is Compassionate -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a great teacher, a guru, who had many followers.
Wounded Healers -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
I once watched a television show which scared the daylights out of me.
The Tantalizing "Come" -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
More than anything else, Edward wanted God to forgive Keith.
The Process Of Love -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
In William Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, the actors roam the stage looking for a sc
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Micah 5:2-5a -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceMicah 5:2, The Message
Epiphany: A Faith To Work Miracles -- John 2:1-11 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
I consider it divine good fortune that we have a scripture lesson so early in the year which encoura
Praying With The Preacher -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Sharlon and I returned recently from a brief trip to Tuscumbia, Alabama, where we served from 1978-1
Compassion: Returning Home To God -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
During the reconstruction period following the great American Civil War, John Sommersby returned to
One Heaven Of A Party -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Charles D. Reeb -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Moses saw that look in their eyes. He saw that glimmer of hope on their faces.

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HERMON: The Camel Who Was Humbled -- Matthew 19:24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Do you know what it means to be humble?
BENJAMIN: The Little Peoples Friend -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many people here this morning wish that they were older than they are?
REUBEN:The Rooster With a Reminder -- Matthew 26:34 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many boys and girls know what I mean when I talk about reminders?
REHOBOAM: The Lion Who Learned About God -- Daniel 6:21-23 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Who are you supposed to listen to?
ISHMAEL - The Lost Sheep -- Matthew 18:12-14 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many boys and girls have ever been lost? Were you afraid? It's awful to be lost and I know it.
Peace Be With You -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kenneth Lyerly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
When my mother called the last time to tell us that Dad was in the hospital again, and not doing wel
Proper 7 -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- John Steward -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Some time ago there was a documentary on television about wildlife in their natural environment.
An Honor Not Taken Lightly -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bruce Stunkard -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their be
Epiphany 2 -- John 2:1-11 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
When Theodore Roosevelt was an Assemblyman in the legislature of the state of New York, events devel
Startled -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John E. Sumwalt, Elaine H. Klemm-grau -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Jackie was gone.
Proper 8 -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- John Steward -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
In the introduction to his book Fruits of the Spirit, Charles Hembree remembers an ancient fable.
Stopped In Mid-Air -- John E. Sumwalt, Marjorie K. Evans
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.
Epiphany 3 -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- John Steward -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
There was a man who had a dream one night that he had died.
God Restores My Soul -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
A few weeks ago, I started reading a psalm a day as part of my daily devotions.
Proper 9 -- Galatians 6:7-16 -- John Steward -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
In India there is a tribe known as the Santals.
Christ Entered In -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia Lietzke -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater an
Epiphany 4 -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Andre Malraux, the French author, tells in his book Lazarus of being with the troops that liberated
Filled With The Spirit -- Acts 19:1-7 -- John E. Sumwalt, Eileen Fink -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
I had been reading books on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, trying to figure out the controversy bet
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- John Steward -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
A young man was visiting with his pastor one afternoon.
Wisdom From Above -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt, Martinus Cawley -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
About fifteen years ago, as I prepared for a big cider-pressing, I had to move the top-heavy hydraul
Epiphany 5 -- Luke 5:1-11 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
So often we read these words of Jesus and wonder why we do not see this taking place in our churches
Seeing Jesus -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
It was a nice summer day.
Trinity Sunday -- John 16:12-15 -- John Steward -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
Sometimes it is hard to determine just who is telling the truth.
A Narrow Escape -- Psalm 124 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Ziese -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
Epiphany 6 -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
When I was in college my professor and good friend Dr.

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Prayer 36 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Master Communicator:
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11Theme: SonlightCall To Worship
Prayer 5 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Patient Overseer:
Jesus Walking on Water -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 22:1-14 Theme: The Right CallCall To Worship
Salt, Light, Righteousness -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 45:1-15Theme: The Sound Of MercyCall To Worship
Prayer 37 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Source Of Mystery:
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Theme: Return To MeCall To Worship
Prayer 6 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Living Presence:
That Which Defiles -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67Theme: LifemateCall To Worship
Anger, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 1:8--2:10Theme: Unique TalentsCall To Worship
Prayer 38 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
An Easter PetitionCome, risen Jesus! Rise up again!
Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 42:1-9Theme: ChosenCall To Worship
Prayer 7 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Supreme Valuer:
Peter's Declaration about Jesus -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 24:12-18Theme: Into And Out Of The Clouds
Concerning Retaliation and Loving Enemies -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 3:1-15Theme: Holy Ground, Therefore ...
Prayer 39 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Science And Faith
Corpus Christi -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16Theme: By God's DesignCall To Worship
Prayer 8 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Master Craftsman And Innovator:
Jesus Foretells his Death and Resurrection -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
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Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
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Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great!

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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