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Christ Confronts Satan -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Russell F. Anderson -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Windows Of Wonder - Choosing Illustrations That Set Ideas Dancing -- James W. Angell -- 1995
I feel life is so small unless it has windows into other worlds.- Bertrand Russell
Service And Reward -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1995
"For The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers
The costs and the awards of following Jesus -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 22:1--14 (C)
Come, O Blessed Of My Father -- John 5:24-27 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Christ The King SundayAnthem: Christ Is Risen
Christ Confronts Nicodemus - The new birth -- Genesis 12:1-4, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Make Way For Poets Of The Heart -- James W. Angell -- 1995
One of the dividends of the ministry is coming to know and enjoy different people - all ages and all
Two Sons -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1995
When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was
Freedom from oppression -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, Romans 7:15-25a -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 24:34--38, 42--49, 58--67 (C)
Death In The Midst Of Birth -- 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 35-38, 42-44, 53-58 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For ChristmasCanticle: Nunc Dimittis
Christ Confronts A Samaritan Woman -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
To See Your Face Is Like Seeing The Face Of God -- James W. Angell -- 1995
If you could deliver one sermon, what would you speak about?
Wicked Tenants -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1995
"Listen to another parable.
Reformation Day -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:31--34
Yet I Will Rejoice -- Habakkuk 3:17-19a -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For Thanksgiving
Christ confronts a blind man and heals him -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Assists From Broadway -- James W. Angell -- 1995
Authors regularly use what they refer to as a "hook" to engage the attention of readers quickly.
The King's Wedding Feast -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1995
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a k
The Lord's victory over the powers of sin and death -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Easter Day - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Changed From Glory Into Glory -- Isaiah 61:1-3 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For EpiphanyCanticle: Nunc Dimittis
Christ confronts Lazarus and raises him from death to life -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Aim Of Preaching: To Bestow The Kiss Of Life -- James W. Angell -- 1995
The Los Angeles summer of 1965 produced the frustration-generated Watts riots - or Watts "revolt" as
Prepared Or Not? -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- William E. Keeney -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1995
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this.
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
You Now Have Set Your Servant Free -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For The Feast Of The PresentationCanticle: Nunc Dimittis

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When God Is Not "User Friendly" -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Someone has suggested that if we simply posted the Ten Commandments on the wall in every school buil
Must I Forgive? -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Introduction
Suicidal Situation Ethics -- Exodus 20:13 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
When people think about Dr.
The Outcome Of Faith -- 1 Peter 1:3-9 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
The United States of America has earned the reputation of being the most violent culture in the worl
A Living Sacrifice -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
I had always assumed I understood the word "sacrifice." A recent trip to Mexico City, however, washe
You Want Me To Do What? -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
There's an old Charles Schulz Peanuts cartoon that has Lucy chasing Charlie Brown around the
Feeling Tired -- Matthew 11:25-30 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"Come to me, all you who are weary ..."
Christopher Columbus Speaks! -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Five hundred years ago a man dreamed of reaching the east by sailing west.
Reflections On A Prayer For All Seasons -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
A Sermon for the One Hundred and Fortieth Anniversary Year Let us pray:
How A Faithful Leader Deals With Faithless Followers -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
The ranchers of the 1800s would round up thousands of wild horses to tame as good riding animals for
The Real Miracle -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
All of you have heard stories of miracles. Some of you have experienced a miracle.
Is God Fair? -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Introduction
Torn Between Two Lovers -- Exodus 20:14 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
As a pastor and husband, I'm acutely aware every day isn't a hot fudge sundae for married folks.
Genuine Mutual Love -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
A rather insightful novel about the problem of Christian missions to Africa is Barbara Kingsolver's
Victims? -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2001
After watching Gandhi, the acclaimed movie about the nonviolent leader of India, for the sixt
Why Worry? -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Linda Schiphorst Mccoy -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2001
We were told that one of the major trends of the latter part of the twentieth century was anxiety.
Rejection -- Matthew 21:33-43 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
"... the stone which the builders rejected ..."
Try This On For Size! -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
I have a friend who is a millionaire.
Looking Back GratefullyAnd Then Striding Onward Faithfully -- Richard E. Boye -- 2001
An Address at a 125th Anniversary Banquet
Where Are We Without God? -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Moses stood in the presence of Almighty God on Mount Sinai.
It Doesn't Pay -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard E. Zajac -- 2001
Withholding forgiveness can be detrimental to our character and well-being.
Noah And The God Of Impossible Possibilities -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Floods are terrible things. The destruction is unstoppable.
What Do You Think? -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Marilyn Saure Breckenridge -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Operation Bootstrap Africa is making a difference.
Some Folks Are Just Like The IRS -- Exodus 20:15 -- Robert R. Kopp -- 2001
Just like the United States Golf Association says, "I really, really, really love golf." It's fun, g
Credit For Suffering -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
The Second Reading for today is a continuation of readings from the Petrine epistles appointed for t

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The Wonderful Mystery Of The Christian Religion -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationThe Call To Worship:
Helpers -- George A. Nye -- 1994
The biblical story of human creation is rich with meaning and
Believing We Belong -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
A Celebration Service Of Holy CommunionWe Believe We Belong To A Merciful God
Benedictions for Lent -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
M: Brothers and Sisters, go now to work in and for Jesus Christ alone.
For Goodness Sake -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationSomething Worth Thinking About:
Choices -- George A. Nye -- 1994
Compared to my miniature poodle, I'm a giant. But size doesn't
We Belong In God's Presence -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Closing Night ServiceWe Belong In God's PresenceInvocation:
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with
The Virtue Of Self-Management -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation from Isaiah 55:6-7
Generations -- George A. Nye -- 1994
I'm in one of those transition states -- "passages" as one
When The Heart Is Right Before God -- Clement E. Lewis -- 1994
Instrumental MeditationWords Of Preparation: Psalm 51:10-12 (NRSV)
Burglars -- George A. Nye -- 1994
What angers me more than losing keepsakes when my home is
How Blessed To Work In Unity -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Morning Devotional ServiceInvocation:
Easter -- Luke 24:1-2 -- Craig M. Sweet -- 1994
Reader 1: But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they
Number 27 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Come to worship. Come to pray and to praise.
Number 30 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: "Good" and "goodness" are not melodic sounds, but connected to God, they are made rich in me
PROPER 16 -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPCome to Christ whose words are words of eternal life.
Jairus' Daughter and The Woman Who Touched Jesus' Cloak -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
A Prayer For Guidance And Protection -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use before the pastoral prayer.
Number 68 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: As the acorns fall from the trees, some will be lost to the streets and the predators.
Number 60 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: There he was, running across the Valley of Armageddon, heading for the hills as if his life
Good Friday's Silence -- Stephen P Cowen, Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
Invocation *P: Standing in the darkness of this day, we feel the pain
Number 69 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: Are you pleased with the way your life has gone, so far?
Number 61 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
Pastor: "Words! Words! Words!" cried Eliza Doolittle. She said she was "sick of words!"
Number 28 -- George A. Nye -- 1993
People: (To be sung) "How Great Thou Art" (Copy in refrain only using your CCLI#)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 8 | OT 13 | Pentecost 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 9 | OT 14 | Pentecost 4
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity for the children.

Note: You will need an older volunteer to help with this activity. One option would be to find a teenager with some physical ability. If a teen is not available, an adult could be used instead. For simplicity here, I will refer to my older volunteer as “TOM”. You will also need to select three of your younger children to serve as volunteers in the story.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
2 Kings 5:1-14
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30
Naaman seeks healing. He travels hoping healing will come to him when he visits the king of Israel. Yet, healing does not come in that way. Rather healing comes through Elishah. Healing comes from believing and being cleansed in the River Jordan. Healing comes through Naaman’s faithfulness and through God’s grace. Psalm 30 also reminds us to seek healing; to seek God and God will heal and restore us. Do we believe that? Do we believe that God can bring healing?

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ (vv. 10-11)

When I visit your church for the first time, consider the possibility that I might be looking for a church home. I am a good-looking old guy, but I have gray hair and I dress down in the summer, so don’t be put off by my cargo shorts and tank top. Talk to me!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Damien and Ora grinned at each other in excitement. The time had come - at last! They'd been with the Leader for months and months, waiting for this moment. Not that it had felt much like training. They'd simply lived with the Leader, listening to his stories, hearing about the Kingdom, learning to get along really well with all the other people at Mission Headquarters. Now all seventy of them were ready, the spaceship had docked, and the Mission was about to begin. Ora was glad she'd been paired up with Damien again.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B, and Easter 3, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

Anyone who has ever had the experience of losing a friend because of some conflict or dispute, and then has had the friendship restored because of love and forgiveness, has a unique insight into the meaning of this psalm. Although the poem begins and ends with praise, there is in the middle of the poem a brief moment of confession and contrition that puts the praise portions of the psalm in an entirely different light.

April Yamasaki
A word of encouragement came from an unlikely source the other day in a television interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The former football player, wrestler, and now actor was asked about a low time in his life when he was very discouraged about his career and future.

"How did you make your way back from that?" he was asked.

The Rock replied, "You have to put yourself out there. You have to get out there and fail, and learn from your failures."

Larry D. Powell
In the summer of 1983, I participated in a ministerial exchange program sponsored by my denomination. My assignment was to a circuit of churches on the Isle of Man, a tiny island located in the Irish Sea. The months preceding the exchange included considerable correspondence with the minister on the island with whom I would exchange pastoral duties for six weeks.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time. He strolled by a park. There he purchased a hot dog and a soft drink. As he walked through the park two different "street people" approached him one by one. Each asked, "Can you help me? I am hungry." Each time the businessman looked straight ahead and kept walking. After finishing his lunch, he stopped and bought a chocolate eclair for dessert. As he was about to take the first bite, he was forced to jump out of the way as a young boy raced by on his skateboard. The eclair went flying and landed on the ground.

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