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How To Settle An Argument -- Acts 15:22a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
He Makes The Bad Good -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a good example, such as a picture that shows a person before and after he has lost we
A Place Of Light -- Revelation 21:9-11, 22-27 (22:1-5) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a night light
Say One Thing And Do Another -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The difference between saying and doing.
His Name Is John -- Luke 1:57-67 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baptismal certificate and a birth certificate
The Doctor For Sin -- Matthew 9:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer, a heating pad, and a bad cough
Where Is God? -- Galatians 2:20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a walnut or any nut that has an outer shell that comes off easily
They Recognized Him -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach that we need God's assistance to truly see.
Sticking Up For God -- Acts 13:8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Be A Good Thermometer -- 2 Thessalonians 1:9-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer
Hosanna! -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
It Isn't Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Acceptance of the inequities in life.
Watch Out! He's Coming! -- Mark 13:33-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: the pose of someone on a sheep--keeping watch, with binoculars
Happy Easter! -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a gravestone marker (or a picture of one)
Combination Locks And Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a combination lock
God Can Even Use Garbage -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sacks of garbage and some clip clothespins
Erasers Are For Mistakes -- John 20:19-31 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: After the resurrection, pronouncing forgiveness on others is the first responsibilit
God's Hero -- Acts 11:27-12:3a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a sword
People Who Are Like Popcorn -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bowl or bag of popcorn
Railroad Crossing -- Revelation 21:6a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a railroad crossing sign
How Many Times? -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: There is no limit to forgiveness.
Signs Of The Kingdom -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs that note only one mile from your town like "Boston, 1 Mile" and a sign th
Who Can Fill You Up? Jesus! -- John 7:37-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bucket of cold water, a dipper, and some small cups
Look To The Lord -- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two different kinds of medicine and a heavy pan
Do Not Be Afraid -- John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Easter transformation: The disciples and the women went from the fear of an empty to

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Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Lesson 1: Acts 1:6--14 (C); Acts 1:12--14 (RC); Acts 1:(1--7) 8--14 (E)
He Gave His Lunch -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One of the great stories of the Holy Bible is the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.
Twentieth-Century Evaluation -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"They were very decent people, their only monument being a concrete road and 1,000 lost golf balls."
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Our text for the morning brings three burning questions about human existence into focus for us.
A Bright Question -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
What kind of lights were used on Noah's Ark?
That Sunday School Class Teacher -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Pastor," he had said, "I think I should be teaching that Sunday school class."
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Israel is underway in this story, as the church is underway. Israel's story is our story.
A Kiss Of Mercy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The well-known outstanding Christian layman and U.S.
The Sower -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Israel's Most Wanted -- Matthew 26:47-56 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
(Author's note: The format of this sermon is a role play, imitating America's Most Wanted.)
Do You Know Him? -- Matthew 26:69-75 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me." Such is the rhyme we learned in
Patience, Dear! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Husband shouting at wife: "For the last time, are you ready to go?"
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 3:1-15 (C)
Poor/Rich Boy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The late Albert Schweitzer was a famous medical missionary to Africa, as well as a musician and theo
Humility -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A French monk bemoaned the fact that his monastic order was not as famous as the Jesuits for their s
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
We sometimes wonder what the world is coming to these days, and when we look at present conditions,
The Meaning Of Advent -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Advent, a season of four Sundays, opens the church year.
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:1--4 (C); Isaiah 8:23-9:3 (RC)
Highways To Happiness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A self respect that bears an honest name;A mind content, a conscience free from blame:
Wahlstrom's Wonder -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some yeas ago, a man by the name of Wahlstrom made a machine that got news media attention.
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
It is somewhat of a mystery as to why this one text from Judges is inserted into the lectionary at t
A $10,000 Reward! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago in Los Angeles, California, a Brinks armored truck used to transport money dropped a
That Wedding Ring -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The wedding party had proceeded down the center aisle of Epworth United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
This story forms the beginning of the narrative of David's rise to power that is found in 1 Samuel 1
A Lesson In Mediocrity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man had a bushel of early apples, the kind that spoil easily.

Sacrament

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Getting The Complete Understanding Experience -- Acts 8:14-17 -- John T. Ball -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
Many times we settle for lives and experiences that are limited and incomplete.
Book Bound, Free Spirit -- Isaiah 43:1-4 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a librarian with a free-spirit life
Enduring The Trials Of Faith -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
"In the seventh year of his reign, two days before his 65th birthday, in the presence of a full cons
To Die Is Gain -- Philippians 1:18-23 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an older person who lived past many of her family and friends
Abba, Your Kingdom Come -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
The provoking incident for Jesus teaching his followers what to pray and how to pray is that the apo
Jailhouse Rock -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Do you remember the old folk tune that went something like this? (sing or recite)
True Wisdom -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Proverbs 2:1-8, Psalm 111 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing true wisdomTrue Wisdom
As A Child -- Isaiah 40 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a great church memberAs A Child
The Bible: Head And Heart -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
"With Jesus in your heart, you just can't hate anybody." That is our destination, but sometimes the
God Is Rock Solid -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
The phone rang in the pastor's office.
You Can't Whistle The Finale From Beethoven's Fifth Symphony! -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
Halford Luccock, onetime professor of homiletics at Yale Divinity School, told of going to a childre
The Stonecutter -- Revelation 21:1-5 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an eighty-year-old skilled craftsmanThe Stonecutter
New Creations In Christ -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There once was a very unhappy old man.
Jesus Called To Her -- Luke 13:12 -- T.a. Kantonen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a forty-year-old woman who died a lingering death from cancer
You Fool! -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
The incident stirring up this text is the request of someone in the crowd who asked Jesus to judge b
The Undoing Of Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
Several years ago, my wife and I took a vacation where we drove to Mexico City in an old Volkswagen
The Room Named Heaven -- John 14:2-3 -- W. George Easson, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an adult with Down's syndromeThe Room Named Heaven
All Things Are Possible -- Mark 10:23-27 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a rich manAll Things Are Possible
Leaving Before The Invitation -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
John and Mary have been married for about twenty years.
The Cost Of A Priceless Gift -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Sacrifice is not valued very highly by society.
Who's Going To Play Second Horn? -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
I know someone who achieved a modest excellence in playing the French horn in his high school days.
We Were Blessed By His Talent -- 1 Samuel 16:14-23, Revelation 7:9-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an openly gay musicianWe Were Blessed By His Talent
Jesus, The Light Of The World -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
In the beginning when the Great Spirit created all that exists, he gave great gifts to all the anima
I'll Give You A Daisy A Day -- Romans 8:38-39, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 -- Victor A. Myers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who died following a lengthy battle with the ravages of cancer
Ready Or Not, Here I Come -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
When you were a child, did you play the game, "Hide and Go Seek"?

Spirituality

Stories

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Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While holiness does not make it impossible for you to sin, the experience does make it impossible n
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Caution
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness "Holiness apart from Christlikeness is hollowness." (E. Stanley Jones)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Trials "Afflictions color your life, but you choose the color." (John Maxwell)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
I believe that the angels speak in soft tones when they speak the name of "Mother."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Effective service to God is accomplished through a holiness lifestyle.
The Love Of Being A Christian -- John 1:29-42 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Bob Bohn was serving in Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1971.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children." (William Makepeace Thackeray
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The distinctives of holiness include: a separation from sin, a dedication to God, a call to service.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Celebrate
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holy Spirit
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Family Love
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Triumph
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smiles break out when mother comes.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service to God cannot be offered in a dirty container.
A Time To Rest, A Time For Renewal -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Stan needed rest, but there was no letting up.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The sweetest face in all the world to me, Set in a frame of shining golden hair, With eyes whose la
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Pardon is not enough; we want sanctification.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Change
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Homemaker
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
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True Riches -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:6-19Theme: True Riches
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
Theme: God Does Not Forsake His PeopleCall To Worship
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 1:46-48, The Message
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Exodus 34:29-35 Theme: Moses Speaks With The Lord
Proper 22 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
Theme: Sin Causes SufferingCall To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Joy Of The Lord Is Your StrengthCall To Worship
Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Theme: In Praise Of WisdomCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Theme: Beware Of False ProphetsCall To Worship
Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: The Kingdom ComesCall To WorshipLeader: A Child is born to us!
The New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Theme: The New CovenantCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Call Of JeremiahCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas/The Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Theme: The Boy SamuelCall To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord, all peoples.
Teach With All Patience -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5Theme: Teach With All Patience
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Theme: Who Will Be The Lord's Messenger?Call To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Has Saved His PeopleCall To Worship
God Hears Our Prayers -- Luke 18:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:1-8Theme: God Hears Our PrayersCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Searches The HeartCall To Worship
Litany For Advent And Christmas Candle Lighting -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
LitanyFirst Sunday Of Advent(Light the first candle)
Proper 25 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Is Among UsCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Theme: Joseph Reconciled With His BrothersCall To Worship
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2003
ContentsWorship BulletinChristmas ProgramLeader's Helps
Proper 26 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Theme: Why Doesn't God Intervene Now?Call To Worship
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Word Of The Lord Lasts ForeverCall To Worship
Christmas Wonder -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionFirst Sunday Of Advent: New Friends
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Theme: Do Not Be Discouraged -- The Lord Is With YouCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
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

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For September 28, 2025:
  • Money! Money! Money! by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. “This is the even-handed dealing of the world! There is nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it professes to condemn with such severity as the pursuit of wealth!” — Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
The president of the college I attended was the kind of man who always said what was on his mind. He had a very healthy self-image and wasn’t concerned about how people might take him. At one of the graduation ceremonies, he stood at the podium, looked out over the huge crowd of people, shook his head, and said to himself (right into the microphone, of course), “All these Christians in one place, and no one’s taking an offering!”
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
The lesson makes clear that God is present in the world of business, in our daily work.  John Wesley offered thoughtful reflections on the nature of work; he noted:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. (vv. 14-15)

One morning last October, Bruce Klemm got up and sang a song to his wife, Virginia, as he has done every morning of the 42 years they have been married. Little did he know that within a few hours, he would be calling her to say goodbye.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told a story about a rich man and a beggar to illustrate the way in which we fail to notice those who are poor. In our worship today let us remember the poor and ask God to teach us a real concern for them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we fail notice some people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we deliberately leave people out.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we care only about ourselves.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Lent 1, Cycle C, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-2 and 9-16.)

The writer of this psalm deftly employs a striking image, that at once offers us hope in times of trouble -- but at the same time, redefines for us what it means to be a human being in the world.

Schuyler Rhodes
Many Christians can be heard in or out of worship these days as they lift up their voices and say, "Praise the Lord!" The phrases are familiar, almost rote. Mouths open and words emerge. Pastors and liturgists remind the faithful that this God is not only worthy of our praise; this God sort of requires it of us. This God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who brooks no competition from other gods we might pursue. Yes, God is worthy of praise. Right?
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money. With salaries that are often in the millions, they feel underpaid unless they are at the next level. I heard one player say to a reporter on Sports Center, "It's not about the money. It is about respect." A few moments later, the host of the show made the comment, "When they say it isn't about the money, it's always about the money."

Chrysanne Timm
As we conclude several weeks of readings in the book of the prophet Jeremiah and next week look at the companion text from the book of Lamentations, a common thread begins to emerge. It is the thread of grief. Jeremiah has been called by God to a truly thankless job -- that of accompanying the people of his homeland into a time of loss and grief. Because of decades of idolatry and treaties with neighboring nations, the people of Judah will lose the land God once graciously gave to their ancestors.
R. Robert Cueni
The lesson for today continues the discussion on the proper use of material possessions by describing what happens when a person tries to "serve both God and wealth" (Luke 16:13). Today's Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus leaves us repulsed by the gory details, puzzled by the literal description of eternal life, and hopeful that the Lord didn't really mean all those terrible things about the punishment due us "Haves" for our treatment of the "Have Nots."

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. I brought some coins with me this morning. (Show the coins.) How many of these coins would it take to be rich? (Let them respond.) I think it would take millions of these coins before you would really be rich. How many of you would like to be rich? (Wait for show of hands.) I think most of us would like to be rich. What would you think if you had a wish that everything you touched turned to gold? (Let them respond.) You would soon have lots and lots of gold and you would quickly be very, very rich. There's a famous story about a man who had

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