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Worship

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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;
Christmas Candlelight Service -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
Christmas Candlelight Service The Entrance Rite
Cleanse Me, O Lord -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2008
1. Cleanse me, O Lord, free me from sin, O make my spirit pure within.
God, Hear My Plea -- Psalm 130 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
1. God, hear my plea as unto you I cry. From deep despair, Lord, hear my every sigh.
Oh, The Glory Of Our God -- Psalm 48 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
1. Oh, the glory of our God, Now, and evermore, adored. Beautiful, your holy hill,
To You, O God, I Come -- Psalm 111 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1. To you, O God, I come in great thanksgiving.
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!
God Has Done Great Things -- Psalm 126 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
Refrain God has done great things for us, In which we all rejoice.
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.
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.

Drama

SermonStudio

An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
John -- The Preparer
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
The Innkeeper
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
Meisha -- The Shepherd
Producing Christmas: A Humorous Children's Christmas Play -- Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth -- 2006
Characters Producer -- three speaking Mary -- five speaking
Jesus Enters Jerusalem -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Woman 1 Man 1 Man 2 Woman 2
Jesus In The Upper Room -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Matthew Jesus
Jesus Predicts Things To Come -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator James John Peter Jesus
Jesus Anointed By Mary -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Judas Jesus Mary
Jesus Cleanses The Temple -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter Jesus Money Changer Merchant 1
Jesus And Blind Bartimaeus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Man 1 Bartimaeus Man 2 Man 3

Sermon

SermonStudio

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?
Always Ready -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this.
The Real Thing -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses'
Talented People -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them
Paying What's Due -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2014
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.
The Wind -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Charles D. Reeb -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2014
John the Baptist says something interesting in Mark, “He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spir
Hallelujah! Come On, Get Happy -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- David G. Rogne -- All Saints Day - A -- 2014
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to
Who Cares? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- David G. Rogne -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
When Vince Lombardi, the eminently successful professional football coach in the 1960s, was asked ho
Thanks-Giving Is Good for Everyone -- Luke 17:11-19 -- David G. Rogne -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee.
Being a True Disciple -- John 8:31-36 -- David G. Rogne -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly m

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Love -- 1 Corinthians 13:13, John 15:12 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Jesus tells us to love one another.
A New Year -- Psalm 121:2-5, Psalm 139:1-2 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God is awake, loving, and caring.
Everyone Is Special -- Psalm 139:14 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God is a wonderful Creator. Scripture: Psalm 139:14
Easter Sunday -- John 11:25-26, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 15:52 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We will be changed and live forever.
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
After The Resurrection -- Luke 24:36-39 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Blessed are those who believe.
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?
Our Season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- 2006
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
God Is Our Headlight -- John 14:5 -- 2006
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
Nothing Separates Us From Jesus' Love -- Romans 8:35 -- 2006
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2010
Theme For the Day It is not for us to judge the hearts of others.
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - 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 24 / Pentecost 21 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany / Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 14 / Ordinary Time 19 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Faith always involves an element of risk.
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 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Role-models are important to us in our life of faith.
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.

Worship Service

Stories

SermonStudio

God's Day Off -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
We know the importance of taking breaks.
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,
Sunday's Comin' -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
"Hope springs eternal in the human breast." "Where there's life, there's hope." You might have heard
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
A Winsome Witness -- Acts 8:26-40 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
He was an Ethiopian bigwig.
The Language Of The Heart -- Psalm 98 -- David E. Leininger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things ...
Laugh, Thomas, Laugh! -- John 20:19-31 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
The first Sunday after Easter is Holy Humor Sunday, as it is celebrated in many places.
Look Up And Live -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Do you like snakes? Not many do.
Fickle Folks -- Mark 11:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
Have you ever been called fickle? If you have, you probably did not like it.
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

Third Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Strong name of gracious love, Be with us 'til the morrow!
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Lord of Hosts, we need thy presence:
Christmas Eve -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Everyone, come greet the day
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.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We wonder, O God, what we would have believed if we had lived in first century Israel.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, how grateful we are that you determined to visit us.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It is difficult for us, O God, to understand how the people of the first century didn't, or wouldn't
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Redeemer, 2000 years ago a series of unbelievable events took place that still stir our hearts a
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our heavenly Parent, you came to us as a helpless boy-child seeking to win our love and faithfulness

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
But my people have changed their glory for something that does not profit.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
Let mutual love continue.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
I would feed you with the finest of wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed!
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / Ordinary Time 21 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2009
... I appointed you a prophet to the nations. -- Jeremiah 1:5c

Poems

SermonStudio

Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Andrew Daughters -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
Temptation is a lot of different things to different folks.
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1989
O Lord, our hearts are openTo so many kinds of things,
Proper 19 -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1989
Full seventy times seven, Lord?If I forgive another
Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1989
Two men sat in one end of a lifeboat,Sat quietly while others worked
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
The Baptism of Our Lord -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Andrew Daughters -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1989
A child that I knew saw a baby baptizedAnd afterward said to her mother,
Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Andrew Daughters -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
Temptation is a lot of different things to different folks.
The Resurrection of Our Lord -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Andrew Daughters -- Easter Day - A -- 1989
When I was young, they told meThat around this time of year,
The Day of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1989
The atmospherewas full of fearthat awe-filled evening.The gath'ring room
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1989
O Lord, our hearts are openTo so many kinds of things,

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

Is He Really Coming? -- John 14:2-3 -- Rolf E. Aaseng -- 1995
Every Sunday we say we believe it: "I believe ...
Good News Or Bad News? -- Matthew 25:31-34, 41 -- Rolf E. Aaseng -- 1995
The thought of Jesus coming to earth again throws some people into a panic.
Mark 13:24-29, 32-33 -- Rolf E. Aaseng -- 1995
But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its li
Get Ready -- Luke 12:35-40 -- Rolf E. Aaseng -- 1995
If you somehow learned that Jesus would return tomorrow or next week, what would you do?
"We Believe!" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
A young curate once called on William Stubs, Bishop of Oxford,
"We Believe In One God, The Father, The Almighty!" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
Even the casual visitor to the Cathedral of St. Paul in
"We Believe In One Lord, Jesus Christ" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
One of the most widely read of the "popular lives of Jesus"
"We Believe For Us And Our Salvation He Came Down" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
"It's a hard-knock life for us!" is the opening line of a song
"We Believe In The Holy Spirit" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
In The King and I, Anna, the British teacher who has been
"We Believe In One Holy Catholic And Apostolic Church" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
Recently I had come alive for me a part of our religious

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Warner Sallman's Head Of Christ -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Dr. Charles R.
From War To Peace -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
We go to a concert hall and listen to the sounds of different musical instruments as they tune up fo
God's Hitchhiker -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A woman had prayed for her uncommitted husband and believed that God would some day reach the man's
Chance Or Providence? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Mrs. Claude Douglas of Los Angeles, California, had been downtown and started for home.
Abe Lincoln's Serendipity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
History records that before he was a lawyer, Abraham Lincoln was a general store keeper in Illinois.
Balaam And His Talking Donkey -- Numbers 22:20-35 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
This story, in the midst of some rather dull reading in the Book of Numbers (Chapter 22:20-35), is a
Music And Warfare -- 1 Chronicles 20:21-29 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Why do we have Army, Navy, and Air Force bands at our military establishments, other than for public
Hymns And Gospel Songs -- Colossians 3:16 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
There is a striking difference between the stately hymns of the church used in the past hundreds of
Who Was George Ames? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A true pioneer of world missions was Adoniram Judson.
The Love Of God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Years ago a mad man was reported to have written these words for a great hymn:

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

Where Is God When Bad Things Happen To Good People? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
It was late February in one of those long, cold northern Michigan winters.
How Do We Live With Our Differences? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
For those thinking about a career with significant employment possibilities, let me suggest training
What About The Trinity? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
In 1826, one of the great religious poets of England, Reginald Heber, penned a verse that still appe
For What Do We Pray? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
Of the many obvious observations that might be made about the life and ministry of Jesus is that the
What Are Christians Supposed To Do? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
Survivor has proven to be one of the most popular television shows in recent years.
What's Important About Going To Church? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
Imagine that you have out-of-town company.
Must Religion And Science Conflict? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
Must religion and science conflict? This question nags at people of faith.
If Christ Is The Answer, What Is The Question? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
We live in a very secular age.
How To Read The Bible -- Luke 24:32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
It is above all through the Bible, the book of the Word revealed and incarnate, that God speaks,
Was Jesus Really Divine? -- John 10:30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
He comes to us as one unknown, without a name, as of old by the lakeside He came to those who kne

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

O death, where is thy sting? -- 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: O death, where is thy sting?
O ye of little faith -- Matthew 6:30 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: O ye of little faith Location: Matthew 6:30
Offers an olive branch -- Genesis 8:11 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Offers an olive branch Location: Genesis 8:11
One day is as a thousand years -- 2 Peter 3:8 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: One day is as a thousand years Location: 2 Peter 3:8
One reaps what one sows -- Galatians 6:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: One reaps what one sows Location: Galatians 6:7
The parting of the way -- Ezekiel 21:21 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The parting of the way Location: Ezekiel 21:21
The patience of Job -- James 5:11 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The patience of Job Location: James 5:11
Out of the mouth of babes -- Matthew 21:16 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Out of the mouth of babes Location: Matthew 21:16
A person after one's own heart -- Acts 13:22 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A person after one's own heart Location: Acts 13:22
Potter's field -- Matthew 27:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Potter's field Location: Matthew 27:7

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

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Thanksgiving Day

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Wedding Vow

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Church Leaders

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Gathering Prayer

Unison Prayer

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Intercession

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Christian Faith

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Alyssa Spradlin
Nazish Naseem
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Dean Feldmeyer
For November 15, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Jack had a huge plastic bag full of conkers. He spent the whole of one evening with a skewer boring a hole in the conkers and threading each one on a piece of string. When he went to school next day he spent every spare minute in the playground playing conkers with his friends. He lost quite a few to start with, but he soon became very proficient, and watched with delight as his opponents' conkers gradually smashed and disappeared.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
Gregory L. Tolle
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Inspiring Courage" by Argile Smith
"Investing Talents" by Gregory L. Tolle
"Monster Dandruff" by C. David McKirachan


What's Up This Week
David O. Bales
John E. Sumwalt
Contents
"The End of What?" by David O. Bales
"The Aqueduct" by John Sumwalt


* * * * * * * *


The End of What?
by David O. Bales
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

SermonStudio

Richard L. Sheffield
I have a little book titled, You Are What You Believe in my library. In today's world, where belief translates so easily into violence, that title says more, I think, than John Killinger had in mind when he wrote his little book by that title on the "Apostles' Creed."
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.
George M. Bass
The church year theological clue
Derl G. Keefer
C. Neil Strait
WORSHIP HELPS

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: God claims the earth and all who occupy it.
People: God claims the people and all who will be pure--hearted.
Leader: God is on the side of all who seek Him
People: And of those who quest for sainthood.
Leader: God's saints are those who claim His salvation,
People: The salvation bought with the blood of Jesus.
Leader: God claims the heavens and all who will occupy it.
All: We claim the land for eternity.
Joseph M. Freeman
My family and I enjoy watching professional as well as Final Four collegiate basketball. The display of talent in many players is exciting to watch. However, what I wish to offer is a mixed review on the public behavior of some coaches before referees and players. I get this sense that some coaches are freed up enough to use and to enjoy their coaching skills, because they don't have to take credit for them: a John Wooden of the great UCLA days, for instance.
Robert F. Sims
There was no doubt in Zephaniah's mind that God had had enough. His people bowed down to other gods and no longer turned to the Lord in prayer nor did they seek his help. They blindly walked their own selfish and greedy path and in their arrogance thought God would sit quietly by and do nothing. They were wrong! "Listen, the cry on the day of the Lord will be bitter… that day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish… (Zephaniah 1:14-15)." Our Lord Jesus in similar fashion spoke to the world of his day, "I did not come to bring peace but a sword (Matthew 10:34)."
Derl G. Keefer
The great emancipator Moses and his general Joshua, who became Commander-in-Chief of Israel, both had died. Quality leadership had nearly vanished. These were unsettled, disturbed, and reckless times. Kings and kingdoms jockey for political position ... dominating one race over another. Fierce, aggressive men struggle for possession of land caring nothing for the people they rule with an iron hand. Desperate times call for heroes who can bring calm and peace in trouble.
George L. Murphy
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. How does one know anything? How can I know what is true?

One means of knowledge is reason. Two plus two equals four is an equation of reasonability. The Bible says, "The wisdom from above is ... open to reason" (James 3:17). The discipline of apologetics is the use of reason to defend the faith.
Richard C. Brand
For a man who claims that he does not know much about the coming day of the Lord, Paul has certainly written us a vivid description of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Paul speaks with authority when he says that when the day of the Lord comes, those who are dead and in the grave will be awakened by the trumpets of the angels and they will rise up and meet the Lord first. Those who are still alive when this happens will have to wait until all the dead are welcomed before they get to enter into the joy of the victorious kingdom of God.
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Awake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve (NCH491, CBH609)
Battle Hymn Of The Republic (NCH610, UM717)
O Day Of God, Draw Near (NCH611, CBH370, UM730, PH452)
God Of Grace And God Of Glory (NCH436, CBH366, UM577, PH420)
We Who Would Valiant Be (NCH494)
O God, Our Help In Ages Past (NCH25, CBH328, UM117)
When I Had Not Yet Learned Of Jesus/Yee Jun Ae Joo Nim Eul Nae Ka Mol La (PH410)
Come, Labor On (PH415, NCH532)
This Little Light Of Mine (CBH401, NCH524, 525, UM585)
Frank Ramirez
Call To Worship
 Surely the Lord is working out his will, around the world and in this place. Boldly step forward in faith as we gather to praise God for his works in history and in our story.


Collect
 Lord, you raise up the lowly and least likely. Surprise us today as you call forth leadership in our midst. Grant us the wisdom to follow your prophets wherever they might be found. Amen.


Prayer Of Confession

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
At the college where I teach in the religion department, we are just past midterm exams. I enjoy the excitement of my students each fall as they seem energized for another year of college life. By late September, however, absenteeism climbs, and some students drag themselves to class for a little nap.
The tradition of "fire and brimstone" preaching runs deep. With his famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Jonathan Edwards was not the first nor the last of those who passionately develop graphic themes of judgment in preaching. Fear is a pretty strong motivating factor. I have often thought that discovering a relationship with God because of the fear of eternal damnation is the epitome of spiritual selfishness. No doubt folks turn to God in fearful circumstances all of the time.

CSSPlus

Good morning! This morning I want to retell a story Jesus once told to teach us the importance of being faithful users of what God gives us. A boy named Freddy Faithful got ten dollars as a gift. He wanted to use his money very wisely so the first thing he did was set one dollar aside to give to church that next Sunday. This, the first dollar, he wanted to go to God. Then he took the second dollar and put it aside in his savings. This dollar was for a new bicycle he wanted to purchase someday. That only left him with eight dollars to spend -- not ten. But Freddy Faithful was happy.
UPCOMING WEEKS
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