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Share Your Life -- James 4:7-12 (13-5:6) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two buckets of water, some powdered household cleaner like Spic And Span, and some di
Try For A Good Life -- James 3:16-4:6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: bricks and raisins
Using The Name Of Jesus -- Acts 19:13-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Gifts For God -- Romans 11:33-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box of candy, some flowers, a piece of jewelry
Who Ends Up Happiest? -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: very pretty ribbon and some plain old string
The Humble Teddy -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a tire jack
The Great Picnic -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a basketful of pieces of broken bread
A Good Custom -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: praying hands and bowed head
Coal, Frankenstein, And Merv -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: An explanation of the important gifts of the Magi.
It's Mine! -- 2 Timothy 2:8-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: your watch, your billfold, your comb, a handkerchief with your initial on it
Heart, Mind, Soul, And Strength -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: A working understanding of the Greatest Commandment.
Jesus Is No Joke -- John 12:20-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some grains of wheat
Faith Needs Work -- James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a calculator
Teaching Trust -- Acts 16:28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Jesus' Job Description -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a blackboard, some chalk, and some ideas on the job description of a mother
An Invitation -- Matthew 22:1-10 (11-14) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an impressive invitation (try to plan at least part of your service, if not the whole
What's In A Name? -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two brands of soda crackers like "Krispy" and "Zesta"
Don't Ignore The Signs -- Galatians 6:1-10, 14-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs, such as "Stop," "Keep Off The Grass," or "Beware Of Dog"
It's Tempting -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a television schedule
Zip--lock Protection -- John 17:1-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: We are protected from the corruption of the world. Key verse: 11.
Fizz! -- 2 Timothy 1:3-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an Alka--Seltzer tablet and a glass of water
Tricky People -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
Exegetical Aim: Beware of people who try to trick you.
One Flower Or Many? -- John 11:1-53 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a flower with some seeds that will shake out when the petals are removed
Anger Doesn't Work! -- James 1:17-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of water, a strainer, and an empty bucket
What Is God Made Of? -- Acts 17:29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a picture of a marble or bronze statue depicting a god, a rock, a rabbit's foot, a fo

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SermonStudio

Strangers? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young married woman had been quarreling with her mother-in-law, to the extent that the elderly one
Noah's Ark -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Remember: Noah's Ark was built by amateurs,The Titanic was built by professionals.
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 29:15--28 (C)
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
The Prayer In Gethsemane -- Mark 14:32-42 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The scene in Gethsemane is one of those places that I find extremely significant for my own personal
One American Dollar -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
While we were on a trip to Israel with a Christian tour group, we were amused by the peddlers of var
Holy Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I asked a Roman Catholic priest in Delphos, Ohio, how they make "Holy Water."
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
The traditions that we find in the Old Testament concerning Israel's wandering in the wilderness aft
Ground Zero -- One Year Later -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Listening to and watching television on September 11, 2002, as that long list of over 2,800 names wa
True Brotherhood 2 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It is interesting to know that the New Testament of the Bible has taught the equality of all humanki
A Connectional Religion -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It is a well-known fact that a shoe store salesman won Dwight L. Moody to Christ.
Salt And Light -- Matthew 5:13-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
Sometime between 500 and 350 B.C., post-exilic Israel experienced a devastating locust plague, follo
Recognizing True Authority -- Matthew 8:5-13 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Like the account of the paralytic and his four friends, here is another miracle where the faith of a
Teamwork -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church met in Columbus, Ohio.
.A Kentucky Story (in fun, of course) -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A visitor in a sixth grade classroom listened to the children answer questions from their teacher.
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22--31 (C)
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14a, 36--41 (RC)
Dismiss Me In Peace -- Luke 2:25-35 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
In their evangelism materials, Evangelism Explosion, Dr.
Our Total Trust In God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr.
Hot Dog, This Is It! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Someone asked an ex-alcoholic what the word "hallelujah" meant.
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
Our story of Israel has brought us to Mount Sinai, where Israel has heard that she is God's elected
Growth -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One little inch won't make you tall,You've got to keep on growing;
True Friendship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person: having neither to weigh
A Gift Of God's Grace -- Laughter -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Humankind is never so expressive of the goodness of God as when a person is laughing.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The True Source Of Thanksgiving -- Matthew 25 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
It has been said that you cannot know where you are going until you know where you have come from.
Tough Guy No Longer -- Luke 2:8-20, Psalm 121 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hard-working, family-oriented personTough Guy No Longer
The Journey Of Life -- Luke 24:13-35, Psalm 122 -- Tom O. Miller, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person without church affiliationThe Journey Of Life
Our Task: Acceptance And Challenge -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Tom M. Garrison -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
What do our children need of us really, as adults, as parents, and as the community of faith called
Fruit With Feet -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There has rarely been a transformation from sinner to saint as dramatic as that of Paul, former pers
Be Real -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- John Jamison -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
The old story is told about two painters; two artists.
Speechless, But Not Embarrassed -- Matthew 25:31-33 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a resident philosopherSpeechless, But Not Embarrassed
Advent: Jesus, The Suffering Savior -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This is our final Sunday in Advent.
Sharing God's Love -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
There once was a king who ruled over a vast empire, but alas, he was rather old and thus decided tha
The Sacrifice Of Love -- Psalm 23 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a grandmother in comparison to a young girl's death
Reactions To Rejection -- Luke 9:51-62 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
Jesus knew what rejection felt like.
Preaching God's Reformation -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- John W. Clarke -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
On this Reformation Sunday, it is useful to look back in time and remember one of the most important
The Grand Ball -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a loving, Christian husbandThe Grand Ball
A Family Member -- 2 Corinthians 4:16--5:1, Isaiah 40:28-31 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a family memberA Family Member
What Gift Do You Bring? -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
I remember watching a football game between Kansas State and Ohio State.
God's Call For All -- Acts 9:35-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
A church in Pennsylvania reported the death of one of their members recently.
Claiming Our New Life In Christ -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- John Jamison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
I heard a story about a man who decided that he wanted to live a good life.
What A Clown -- 2 Thessalonians 2:16 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a stubborn, unreasonable character who loved people
Christmas Eve/Day In A Minor Key -- Titus 2:11-14 -- John T. Ball -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
One of the best things in the modern church is the creation of our Common Lectionary.
Repairing Our Lives -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Once upon a time, there was a king who ruled over a small kingdom that wasn't powerful nor was it kn
Nothing Can Separate Us -- Romans 8:35-39 -- Paul F. Hegele, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful church member who suffered a long illness
Ministering When You're Not Welcome -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
Jesus knew what to do all the time, and he knew how to go about it.
Saintly Visions! -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- John W. Clarke -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
On All Saints, we are visited through the Hebrew Scripture by Daniel.
The Gardener Came -- 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For someone who lived a long, full lifeThe Gardener Came
He Celebrated Easter With His Life -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an inactive memberHe Celebrated Easter With His Life

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
On May 7, 1914, Thomas J.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Christ's church does not move by pushing itself harder, but simply opening itself to the full potent
The Reason For The Season -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Aunt Carla is adamant about her celebration of Christmas. It can only be one way.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fairness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Teamwork
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no heartbeat like the heartbeat of a mother.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Our assurance, comfort, hope, and joy is in the complete holiness of the Father.
The Importance Of Sheep -- John 10:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
In Palestine, the shepherd figure was a familiar one: shepherds were part of the scenery, part of th
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Attitude
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gratitude
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Beauty
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; a mother's secret hope outlives them all."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"I do not find in the Old Testament or in the New Testament, neither in Christian biography, in chur
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Thought
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
No language can express a mother's hope.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God cannot help but act in a consistent manner with His holy character.
What Good Can Come Of This? -- John 14:1-14 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Their hearts were troubled. They couldn't believe it.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Becoming
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"One lamp, thy mother's love amid the stars shall lift its pure flame changeless, and before the thr
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is a life of Christ-centered choices, evidenced by a life-centered obedience.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Sunday Of The Passion -- Matthew 26:14--27:66, Matthew 21:1-11, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
HymnsAt The Name Of Jesus (PH148, UM168, CBH342)
Our Place At The Table -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers around tables in a fellowship room for an enactment of
Ten Words -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:7-10)
Eyes On The Prize -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 31:15-16)
Blessedness/Trust -- Luke 6:17-26, Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIt is not what we have but who we are that counts.
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
HymnsHoly Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, PH321)
A Passover To Remember -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers around tables in a fellowship room on Thursday evening
Short Attention Span -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
One Degree As God's Relation -- Acts 17:22-3, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Based on Acts 17:24-31)
Blindness/Seeing -- Mark 10:46-52 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod sees all - and understands.
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Hymns
A Growing Darkness -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: The congregation gathers on Friday in the late afternoon or evening, in a candle
Love. Serve God. See God. Live. -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 99)
Waiting Together -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts: 1:7-8)
Bread -- John 6:24-35 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come here today to choose.
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Hymns
Seven Words To Die By -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Late on Good Friday worshipers gather by candlelight to remember the death of th
The Greatest -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 34:1-12Theme: The GreatestCall To Worship
Before I Was Born -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Second Sunday After Epiphany First Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-7
Challenge -- 1 Samuel 17:32-46a, 48-50a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe gather in worship to still our souls.
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
HymnsSing Praise To God (NCH6, UM126, PH483)
Surprise At Sunrise -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: Worshipers gather at first dawn light on Easter morning to re-live the joy.
Taking The Plunge (What's An Ebenezer?) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
On The Day Of Midian -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Third Sunday After Epiphany First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4
Choosing -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come because God has called us.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

Special Occasion

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