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Worship

SermonStudio

God's Wonders In Creation -- Psalm 19 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2008
1. God’s wonders in creation, revealed from day to day,
God, My Judge, I Stand Before You -- Psalm 26 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2008
1. God, my judge, I stand before you, Trusting in your steadfast ways;
The Reign Of Christ Is Here -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
1. The reign of Christ is here! Good Christian friends, draw near.
Give Blessing To God -- Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
1. Give blessing to God, the star of creation.
O God, I Cry To You -- Psalm 22:1-15 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2008
1. O God, I cry to you, beset with anguish. Groaning I make my plea, in great distress.
Oh, To God Alone Be Glory -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1. Oh, to God alone be glory, for his tender, loving care.
Creator God, We Praise Your Name -- Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
1. Creator God, we praise your name. How awesome are the works you do!
Christmas Candlelight Service -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
Christmas Candlelight Service The Entrance Rite
Creation's God Reigning In Splendour -- Psalm 24 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- All Saints Day - B -- 2008
1. Creation’s God, reigning in splendour, Oh, what a glorious sight to behold.
Shattering Christmas To Find Christmas -- Rod Tkach -- 2008
Introduction

Drama

SermonStudio

Who Is Your King? -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Characters Emperor Guard Advisor Narrator Drummer
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
John -- The Preparer
The Christmas Hedgehog -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Characters Older Julie Jerry Elaine Deena Julie
The Magi -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?
Even The Least Among You -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them
Sampson's First Christmas -- Carlene Morton -- 2006
Sampson's First Christmas Act 1
Angels We Have Heard -- Doris Wells Miller -- 2006
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
Joseph -- The Stepfather
Producing Christmas: A Humorous Children's Christmas Play -- Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth -- 2006
Characters Producer -- three speaking Mary -- five speaking
Home By Another Way -- Lois Anne Delong, Barbara Anne Antonucci -- 2006
Characters (in order of appearance) Narrator Wise Man 1 Wise Man 2

Sermon

SermonStudio

What a Friend -- John 15:9-17 -- John Jamison -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
In your mind, I’d like you to picture a good friend.
Out of Control -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John Jamison -- Good Friday - B -- 2015
Note to the preacher:
The Peaceable Kingdom -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
What difference does my life make for others around me? What difference does anyone's life make?
Crisis Management -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Susan R. Andrews -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
It is a newspaper image I will never forget. And for me it is an image of Advent.
Rebirth -- John 3:14-21 -- John Jamison -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
The city of Jerusalem was packed with strangers during the Passover feast, so you could walk a long
Where It Ends -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John Jamison -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2015
All of the plans and preparation had been completed and they were all gathering together in the room
A Cry in the Dark -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wayne Brouwer -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
"Screw your courage to the sticking-place," says Lady Macbeth to her doomed husband in Shakespeare's
The Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John Jamison -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
He woke up just as the sun was peeking over the top of the mountains to the east, just as he had don
Telling the Truth -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Of the four gospel accounts in the New Testament, Luke is my favorite.
Fish Tales -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John Jamison -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Have you ever had to sell an idea or a concept or a belief?

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

A New Year -- Psalm 121:2-5, Psalm 139:1-2 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God is awake, loving, and caring.
God Is Our Headlight -- John 14:5 -- 2006
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
New Life -- Mark 4:31-32 -- 2006
It is like a mustard seed, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,
The Bible Can Be A Map -- John 14:6 -- 2006
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.
We Are Waiting -- Psalm 130:5-6 -- 2006
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord, more than
Inside The Gate -- John 10:9 -- 2006
I am the gate.
Nothing Separates Us From Jesus' Love -- Romans 8:35 -- 2006
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand -- 1 -- John 6:5-13 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We are partners with God. Scripture: John 6:5-13
Don't Let The Clock Run Your Life -- Luke 12:25 -- 2006
And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand -- 2 -- John 6:5-13 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We are partners with God. Scripture: John 6:5-13

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 8 / Pentecost 6 / Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day God's grace is a precious gift.
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Christ calls us to be faithful in deeds as well as words.
All Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The saints in heaven glory in an eternal sabbath.
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Talents are meant to be used.
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day At its deepest level, God's judgment is all about love.
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The rear window shows us nothing worth looking at.
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 10 / Ordinary Time 15 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day

Worship Service

Stories

SermonStudio

Watch Out For The Birds -- Tobit 1-12 -- James Mckarns -- 2009
He sat on a wobbly stool outside his small frame house, staring absentmindedly at the dusty road.
Giving It Up For Lent -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Lent is not normally thought of as an occasion for levity, but ...
Hope -- John 12:20-33 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Word had begun to spread about Jesus.
Look Up And Live -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Do you like snakes? Not many do.
Handling Freedom -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Have you seen those billboards that have popped up next to major thoroughfares that say things like,
The Forgiveness Factor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
This is probably one of the best-known vignettes in all of scripture, this wonderfully appealing sto
He Descended Into Hell -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- David E. Leininger -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
"I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son
Transitions -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2008
This is one of those passages that has its roots deep in the mythology of ancient Israel.
Cross-Bearing -- Mark 8:31-38 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
While vacationing in Mexico sometime back, my wife and I attended worship in a church that is served
Our Magnificent, Mysterious, Mischievous God -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
This is a fun story, one of many in scripture that is good for giggles if we allow ourselves that re

Prayer

SermonStudio

Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When we were younger, O God, we could easily tell the difference between right and wrong.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Redeemer, how we need you. There's something unfinished within us that only you can complete.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It isn't easy, Good Shepherd, to see ourselves as we truly are.
Sundays after Epiphany -- John 15:15 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Creator, we thank you for our friends. How precious they are.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Your Son on the cross is a strange sight for the people of our day, heavenly Parent.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Psalm 46:10 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
What, O God, should we make of Sunday?
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, we bow before you this day in praise of your generosity.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We wonder, O God, what we would have believed if we had lived in first century Israel.
Christmas Day -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Now lift up voices, sing his praise
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We're starting on a journey to reach Bethlehem, O God.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch....
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
By your endurance you will gain your souls. -- Luke 21:19
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work.
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him....
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2009
Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
My spirit abides among you; do not fear. -- Haggai 2:5b
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever. -- Psalm 145:2
Proper 22 / Pentecost 20 / Ordinary Time 27 -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2009
So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, "We are worthless slaves; w
Proper 27 / Pentecost 25 / Ordinary Time 32 -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2009
In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be?
Proper 28 / Pentecost 26 / Ordinary Time 33 -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2009
For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered o

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 10 -- Mark 6:7-13 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1990
When Jesus called a dozenfrom the field and shop and shore,
Proper 11 -- Mark 6:30-34 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1990
The sheep has been domesticatedfor so many years,that a sheep without a shepherd
Pentecost -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1990
Come, Holy Spirit.Come, Holy Guide.Teach me to follow and turn not aside.
Thanksgiving Day -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Andrew Daughters -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 1990
It’s a very nice thing to be thank-full.When you’re full, thanks is easy to say.
Transfiguration -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Andrew Daughters -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1990
From out the cloud that wrapped them roundthere came to them an awesome sound
Trinity Sunday -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Andrew Daughters -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1990
If I should tell you, 'In the airabove the western hills,
Ascension Day -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Andrew Daughters -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1990
'How poor we are,' said Matthew,'In this world where richness counts.'
Christ the King -- John 18:33-37 -- Andrew Daughters -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1990
What kind of a Kingdom has Jesus?No castle nor palace has he.
Trinity Sunday -- John 3:1-17 -- Andrew Daughters -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1990
Nicodemus said to Jesus,'How can such things ever be?How can I be born again
Advent 1 -- Matthew 24:37-44 -- Andrew Daughters -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1989
Many people try to tell usWhat our future holds,How we'll prosper, how we'll fail

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

The High And The Holy One Delivers Help And Hope -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
A Fistful Of Nothing -- Ron Lavin -- 2000
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
The Approach: Does Thinking About Evil Help? -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
No statement, theological or otherwise, should be made that would not be credible in the presence of
Definitions And Distinctions: Being Clear About What We Mean -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
He died all alone in a little cabin far removed from his family.
The Meaning Of Freedom: Could We Do Better If Only We Would? -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
She was only sixteen years old when the court sentenced her to death for her crime.
The Meaning Of Sin: The Mystery Of Iniquity -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
Shortly after 9:00 a.m.
Injustice And The Demonic: Dealing With Unfairness And Getting Free From Bondage -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
"I don't care what the Bible says." He spoke in anger and exasperation.
The Tragic And The Ambiguous: Unavoidable Suffering, Irredeemable Loss, And Good Inseparable From Evil -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
The words stabbed me in the heart. They come back to me again and again.
God, Evil, And Hope: Opportunistic Love Overcoming Evil -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
I knew when I saw him coming that something was wrong. I didn't know the news was that bad.
It's Okay, Life Must Go On! -- Kenneth Cauthen -- 1997
Here is a letter a father wrote to his children on the first anniversary of their mother's death.

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

The Power Of A Name -- Philippians 2:10-11 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
The name Cadbury in England is as well known there as Hershey is in America, or Nestle in Switzerlan
The Love Point Ferry -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
It was a trip never to be forgotten.
The Light Of The World -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
While on a tour of Westminster Abbey in London, England, I turned a corner of a sun-lighted hallway,
Ode To Joy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the truly great musicians of all time.
That Sinking Feeling -- 1 Corinthians 10:12 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
At dusk, a delivery truck driver was on a lonely road in Eastern Indiana when it appeared to him tha
Children Playing "Automobile" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Before television, when children had to be creative in their play, some children decided to play "au
So Help Me God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
George Washington, America's first president, has been called by various descriptions, like "The Fat
The Towel Company -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
In Neil B.
Mount Rushmore -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
It is a great sight to see for the first time the faces of four presidents of our country carved int
Did Hell Freeze Over? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A popular announcer told the story on a radio broadcast about a little girl who told her parents she

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

On The Third Day He Rose Again From The Dead -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
In the last chapter we looked at the descent to the place of the dead based on two obscure Bible ver
He Ascended Into Heaven, And Is Seated At The Right Hand Of The Father -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
When he had led them out of the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
He Will Come Again To Judge The Living And The Dead -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father
I Believe In The Holy Spirit -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
In a conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus told him (and us) about the work of the mysterious Holy Spir
The Holy Catholic Church, The Communion Of Saints -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
To say, "I believe in the Holy Spirit," means that you believe in the work that this Spirit of God d
The Forgiveness Of Sins -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Some years ago a Ball State University student told me that she did not believe in the Apostles' Cre
The Resurrection Of The Body And The Life Everlasting -- Ron Lavin -- 2001
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.
How Can We Be Certain? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
As people of faith, how can we be certain that what we believe is true?
Why Do Good People Do Bad Things? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
Recently, in a small city in the Midwest, three teenage boys molested and then murdered an itinerant
What About Evangelism? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
The doorbell rang late one Saturday afternoon. I was not expecting visitors.

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

The meek shall inherit the earth -- Psalm 37:11 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The meek shall inherit the earth Location: Psalm 37:11
A merry heart is good medicine -- Proverbs 17:22 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A merry heart is good medicine Location: Proverbs 17:22
A millstone around one's neck -- Mark 9:42 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A millstone around one's neck Location: Mark 9:42
Money is the root of all evil -- 1 Timothy 6:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Money is the root of all evil Location: 1 Timothy 6:10
A multitude of sins -- James 5:20 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A multitude of sins Location: James 5:20
My cup runneth over -- Psalm 23:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: My cup runneth over Location: Psalm 23:5
No honor in one's own country -- John 4:44 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: No honor in one's own country Location: John 4:44
No one can serve two masters -- Matthew 6:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: No one can serve two masters Location: Matthew 6:24
No place to lay one's head -- Matthew 8:20 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: No place to lay one's head Location: Matthew 8:20
No room in the inn -- Luke 2:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: No room in the inn Location: Luke 2:7

Christian Life

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Christian

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Unison Prayer

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Christian Faith

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Christopher Keating
For August 16, 2026:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
This is one of those weeks where all three of the scripture readings weave intricately together. Taken as a whole, there is a clear theme: the grace of God is for us. We have no need to impress God. We can do nothing to earn the gift of God. God simply reaches down, into the hearts of those who struggle to keep pace with God and God’s plans for us, and lifts us up, fills us with joy, sustains us when we are afraid. Which is a good deal of the time.
David Kalas
I was an Arminian in a Calvinist seminary. It was not a hostile relationship, and I was not in constant arguments. From time to time the underlying difference in outlook would percolate to the surface of some conversations, and I usually found the resulting dialogue most fruitful.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Bushman was busy grooming his bushy, luxuriant tail. His tail was his best feature, and the envy of all the other squirrels. But Bushman wished he was good at something else too. His friend Cobbler was the best collector of nuts the squirrels had ever seen, and his other friend Tricky had a brilliant brain and could always work out the best way of reaching those nuts which always seemed to remain tantalisingly out of range.

StoryShare

Keith Hewitt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"The Prisoner" by Keith Hewitt
"Heavenly Talkback" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * * *


The Prisoner
by Keith Hewitt
Genesis 45:1-15

SermonStudio

Elizabeth Achtemeier
In Sunday schools and Bible studies, the Joseph stories are frequently used as moral lessons, and Joseph is often held up as a moral example. As Joseph learned humility, goes the teaching, so should we. As Joseph forgave his brothers, so should we.
Schuyler Rhodes
"How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!" The words that open this powerful psalm are nearly universal in their ability to inspire. However, the dream somehow seems to rarely find itself materialized in our common life. Our nation is polarized to the point of being paralyzed. Our churches are at war among themselves, striking out at one another in internecine struggle. And globally, we are descending into a frenzy of greed and intolerance.

Where, one has to ask, is this unity?
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
The United States has historically been called a "melting pot" society where peoples from all lands, ethnicities, creeds, and religions have been "melted" or assimilated into one people. While the words of Emma Lazarus' famous poem etched into the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore," have been the solace of many immigrants, the unfortunate yet more accurate picture of American history has been one of intolerance.
Tempe Fussell
Curtis Fussell
This is it. The moment we've all been waiting for. The moment when all the people who thought you'd never amount to anything watch you come out on the stage. The spotlight hits you. The audience stands and the entire hall reverberates with their applause. This is that moment when a man dressed in the finery of the Egyptian court makes himself known to his impoverished brothers. "It's me, Joseph! It's me! Remember me? The brother you threw into a pit? Don't you remember me, Judah? You suggested that you could get some money by selling me into slavery."
Stan Purdum
In the Gospel of Mark, the woman in our story is called a "Syrophoenician." Matthew, however, calls her a "Canaanite." That's easier to say than "Syrophoenician" but there's something more important going on with that change. The Canaanites are not just Gentiles but enemies. They are the people who were to be driven out of the promised land by the Israelites and who fought against God's covenant people. There could be peace with other people of the Near East, but not with the nations of Canaan.
Wayne H. Keller
Remembering Whose We Are

Invitation to the Celebration

I invite us to celebrate the Presence and Power of the Living God, who is revealed as Father/Mother -- Creator, as Son/Child -- Redeemer, as Fire/Wind --ÊEmpowerer. We hear and experience and know of God in many ways. Throughout this worship, you will have many opportunities to hear, experience, know of God in those ways. You are invited to respond at any time.
P: The world which God loves needs a sense of community and family.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
O Christ, The Healer, We Have Come (NCH175, CBH379, UM265, PH380)
Now Thank We All Our God (NCH419, CBH86, UM102, PH555)
How Good A Thing It Is (CBH310)
Behold The Goodness Of Our Lord (PH241)
All People That On Earth Do Dwell (LBW245, NCH7, PH220, 221, UM75, CBH42)
Help Us Accept Each Other (NCH388, PH358, UM560)
Where Charity And Love Prevail (LBW126, NCH396, UM549, CBH305)
In Christ There Is No East Or West (LBW359, NCH394, 395, PH439, 440, UM548, CBH306)

CSSPlus

She [the Canaanite woman] said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." (Matthew 15:27)

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you like bread? (let them answer) Do you have a favorite kind of bread? (let them answer) My favorite kind of bread is French bread. I really like it when it is warm and I can eat it with good olive oil. Have you ever had that kind of bread? (let them answer)
Leah Thompson
For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all. (v. 32)

Good morning, boys and girls! How are you this morning? (allow answers) Today we are going to talk about forgiveness. Who can tell me what forgiveness is? (allow answers) When we forgive someone, we decide not to be angry at them for something they have done.

Special Occasion

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