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God Sees Right Through -- Hebrews 4:9-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big piece of clear plastic used to cover many or all of the children
It Really Happened Once Upon A Time -- 2 Peter 1:16-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a story book
Give Someone A Jesus-Hug -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a hug
The Man Who Brought People To Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pocket knife with many parts, such as a Swiss Army knife
You Are Jesus' Magnifying Glass -- John 17:20-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a magnifying glass
Jesus Is A Ladder To Us -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a ladder
Hoe Jesus' Row -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a garden hoe
Jesus Clears The Clutter -- Philippians 3:8-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a lot of clutter: some books, puzzles, toys, balls and bat, a radio, and the funny pa
Goldie Belongs To Me -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pet dog, cat, or even a goldfish
Lazarus In A Box -- John 11:1-45 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Teach the power of God to raise the dead.
We Are The Church -- Hebrews 3:1-6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some bricks, wood, a miniature tent
A Daze Of Days -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Advent)
Your Name Is Important -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baby book with a list of names
Follow Me -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: fishing equipment
Of Backs And Cracks -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a string that could look like a crack in the sidewalk
Stick Together For God -- John 17:11b-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sticks or pencils held together with some string or rubber band
Jesus And The Beggar -- Luke 18:31-43 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a cup or bag or something that a beggar might use for begging
What A Change! -- Luke 9:28-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a very dusty mirror and some glass cleaner
The Secret Of Wally Wheelbarrow -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a wheelbarrow
Cold Water And Kindness -- Matthew 10:34-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: cups of cold water to be shared with all of the children
A Chocolate Disaster -- John 9:1-41 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Sometimes we can't see what we are doing wrong.
Jesus Was A Pioneer -- Hebrews 2:9-11 (12-18) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an antique that would be representative of the pioneer period of our country, such a
God Became Human -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach the incarnation.
Let God's Light Shine -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb, washable black paint, a small paintbrush, and a bucket of water to wash
Saved In The Nick Of Time -- Matthew 2:13-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some stones, clubs, swords, and knives

Christian

Christian Faith

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Preaching

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
Our text for this day is about forgetting and remembering.
Consistently Persistent -- Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Jesus set an example of prayer that the disciples wanted to imitate and understand.
Music, A God-given Grace -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Have you ever thought what life would be like without music?
Say, "Who Do You Love?" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Youth Fellowship of the Epworth United Methodist Church of Lima, Ohio, used to have an interesti
Like Swell-heads -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Two purebred dogs were walking daintily down the street. They met a big alley dog.
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
Four Things A Man Must Do -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Four things a man must learn to doIf he would make his record true:
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, 1 Kings 19:9-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Here begins the collection of Joseph stories with which the rest of Genesis will be concerned.
Preaching From Matthew's Gospel -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
1. Matthew Is Featured In Cycle A Of The New Lectionary
Dimensions For Growth -- Luke 2:51-52 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Just as the details about Mary were sparse, the details about Jesus' growing up years are also very
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
Isaiah 60-62 represents a sharp contrast with what has gone before in the preceding chapters of Thir
Resurrection -- John 20:1-18 -- Jeff Wedge -- 2004
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and
Freddie, The Flying Frog -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Freddie, the frog, had a bright idea.
The Story Of Ben Hur -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Two friends met at the Union Train Terminal in Indianapolis, Indiana, years ago.
Who Am I? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At a nice old folks home it was reported that the President of the United States had entered to visi
Second Sunday after Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
Jeremiah 31 is a part of what has been known as the Little Book of Comfort that is made up of chapte
Count The Cost -- Luke 14:25-32 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
We see half-finished projects all the time.
Of What Kingdom Are You? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A Sunday school teacher in the classroom asked the children this question: "Of what kingdom is a dog
Second Springs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the 1930s, I lived in Sugar Grove, Fairfield County, Ohio.
Most Madly In Love? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was reported that a famous football star, class of 2002, had fallen in love with a beautiful girl
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8--21 (C)
Give Them Christ -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In a letter from the publicity office of Tennessee Ernie Ford, shortly before he passed to eternal l
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
In Sunday schools and Bible studies, the Joseph stories are frequently used as moral lessons, and Jo
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
As You Are Going -- Matthew 28:18-20 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Choosing A Master -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
It was supposed to have been fun. No one was supposed to have gotten hurt.
In The Balance -- Romans 5:12-19 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
"He started it." You've probably heard that from the backseat or from a distant bedroom.
Reasons For Rejoicing -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
We Christians can disagree over some of the smallest, most ordinary things.
It's Not About You; It's All About God -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Jesus left the house (which one we are not sure).
The Best Send Off Ever -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
In the summer of 2004, I had the joy of traveling with Rosmarie Trapp on a five-day, whirlwind story
Dressed For The Banquet -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
This is an ugly story -- and the better you understand it, the uglier it gets.
What Storms Blow Away -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- 2007
A friend once pastored a church with a beautiful building.
For Example -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
If you're going to study a subject or learn a profession, a good strategy is to investigate one of t
The World According To Paul -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Book clubs have become quite popular in recent years, largely due to Oprah Winfrey and her outstandi
Life's Purpose Is Often Hidden! -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Life is a messy affair. Our purpose is often hidden.
Pentecost Diaries -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
The last time I spoke to Ken was on the phone a few weeks before he died.
In Whose Likeness? -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Okay, teacher, you think you're so smart — is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor?
Sneak Preview -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
How much do we miss when we don't really look?
Spiritual Judo -- Romans 5:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Back in the old days, meaning before Computer Assisted Design (CAD), blueprints for a house were dra
Leaders Worthy Of Imitation -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
"Repent! Be saved!
Ecological Politics -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
One of the greatest military campaigns ever conducted was the Persian invasion of Greece in 480 BC.
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot
How To Stretch A Meal -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
My mother's people, the Longs of Longfield House, County Tipperary, came from Ireland to southwest W
Test ... Test ... -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
Sometimes things happen that push us back to our deepest questions and force us to answer.
Return To The Lord, Your God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Lee Griess -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
Every once in a while a whimsical story makes the news.
Lighting Up Lent -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Can you recall a significant event that changed many things about you: maybe a natural disaster like
A Spiritual Re-formation -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Elizabeth Strout's novel, Abide with Me, is set in a small town in Maine in the 1950s,
Religious Balkanization -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
As a seminary intern in St. Louis, Missouri, I was part of a Jewish-Christian Dialogue group.
Lent 1 -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to posses
Call To Oneness -- John 17:20-26 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
When, dear God, shall Christians all be one? It is a first-century inquiry.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
It must have been a wise mother who said, "When we die, we leave behind us all we have and take with
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not a place to linger, but a pathway to walk.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Lie "A lie stands on one leg, truth on two." (Benjamin Franklin)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I think it must somewhere be written that the virtues of mothers shall occasionally be visited on t
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
No mother is so old as those who have outlived their enthusiasm for children.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Jesus put a great emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit and the necessary power and presence He of
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Life
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A virtuous woman will have "her children arise and call her blessed." (Proverbs 31:28 NIV)
A Prayer And A Blessing -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Pastor Wallace was loved by many, many people.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's People
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Life
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Congress
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Envy
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Obedience "Partial obedience is total rebellion." (Anonymous)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian, Wind-sped flame and hovering Dove, Breath of life and voice of
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Spirit-filled Christian's theme is "ready to go, ready to stay, ready my place to fill."
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Accountability
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A mother's love is indeed the golden link that binds youth to age; and he is still a child, however
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The power of the resurrection of Christ is the resident power of the Spirit.
Growing Up - It's A Scary Thought -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
My parents sacrificed so that my sister and I could go to college.
Burying Or Multiplying Riches -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
In Jesus' day, it was rabbinical law that if you had a sure treasure, you could bury it for safekeep
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christian mothers realize that faith is the belief that we are loved by God.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit was not given to you to make you rich, famous, or spectacular, but to equip you for
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Life
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A beautiful stained-glass window in New York state has the inscription, "To a sainted mother." Let t

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Listen! -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 99)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Romans 10:14-18, John 20:19-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThis is the second Sunday of Easter.
Get A Map, Ask For Directions -- 1 Samuel 16:1-12, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Friend -- John 15:9-17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
HymnsO God, Our Help In Ages Past (CBH328, NCH25, UM117, LBW320, PH210)
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
HymnsJesus, Priceless Treasure (LBW457, 458, PH365, NCH480, UM532, CBH595)
All Our Ducks In A Row -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
A Servant Cleansing -- John 13:1-9, Matthew 27:15-26 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThough he was in the form of God ...
Believe! -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Garments -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to be clothed as children of God.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
HymnsAsk Me What Great Things I Know (NCH49, UM163, CBH337)
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
HymnsCanticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
A Great Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)
Sharing -- Luke 16:19-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipAs we gather, we acknowledge that we have indeed been blessed.
Fast Food -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Giving/Greed -- Mark 12:41-44, Matthew 27:3-10 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe worship the one God, Creator and Sustainer of all:
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5 Theme: Swords Into Plowshares
The Greatest Gift -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8Theme: The Greatest Gift
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
HymnsHark! The Herald Angels Sing (NCH144, CBH201, UM240, PH31, 32)
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
HymnsWhat Does The Lord Require (UM441, CBH409, PH405)
Fire And Hail, Snow And Frost -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 63:7)
Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Undoing Babel -- Acts 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 2:21, Louis Segond 1910,
God's Family -- Ephesians 3:14-19, John 17:6-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIn worship this morning we are homing.
Will We Let Little Children Lead Us? -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 11:6)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
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...

New & Featured This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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