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Open Ears -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ear muffs, cotton, ear plugs
God's Guarantee -- 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: A Good Housekeeping seal, a guarantee
How To Be A Christian -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some boards, nails and hammers, and screws and screwdrivers
Preparing The Tree -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Making preparations in our personal lives for Christ's coming.
I Am The Beginning And The End -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a stepladder
The Woman At The Well -- John 4:4-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Walking On Water -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: When we are scared, we should have faith in God.
In The Power Of His Name -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bottle of shampoo
Advice From Gamaliel -- Acts 5:17-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Share What You Have -- 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an ice cube tray with removable dividers and a pitcher of water
Piggyback Riders -- 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: have children choose partners to give each other piggyback rides; sweeper, dust rags,
The Certificate And The Gift -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a gift certificate and an actual present
Children, Get Ready! -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Christmas reminds us to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance."
Important Keys -- Revelation 1:9-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large keyring with two keys
School -- John 5:39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a sign resembling a road sign with "School" printed on it
We Divide; He Multiplies -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To convey the compassion and power of Christ.
Beloved Of God -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a hidden tape recording that can be played, telling the children how much they are lo
God's Good Worker -- Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-2a, 51-60 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some big stones
Changing In The Spirit -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a heating pad
The Sponge -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Easter)
Can You Tie Your Own Shoes? -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Our dependence upon God. Key verses: 37--41.
Never Divided -- Jude 19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a piece of fence
Live In The Light -- John 3:14-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a burglar's disguise and a sack for "loot"
The Big Influence Of Small Things -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach that even though the Kingdom seems inconsequential it has ultimate i
Lose Your Life In God -- Mark 8:30-38 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: instant cocoa powder and a spoon; also a container for the children to dump the powde

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SermonStudio

What A Dream! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Camp Wesley, located six miles north of Bellefontaine, Ohio, was originally the site of a government
A Pertinent Observation -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote:Earth crammed with Heaven,
Third Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
This passage has many affinities with the prophecies of Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55), and it has oft
One-liners From Notable People -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
C1. "He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose." J
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
As we approach the story of our Lord's suffering during what we call this Holy Week, and especially
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 11:1--10 (C, RC, E)
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 58:1--9a (9b--12) (C); Isaiah 58:7--10 (RC)
The Dog Knew Best -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man who was an alcoholic had a dog which he loved very much.
Six Pieces Or Eight Pieces? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A guy was ordering a pizza by telephone, when the man on the phone asked: "How shall we cut the pizz
Green Wood And Dry Trees -- Luke 23:26-31 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
They led Jesus out to be crucified, down the road now known as the Via Dolorosa.
Redemption -- A Drop Of Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Do you remember in your childhood looking up and trying to understand the clouds?
Hours And Wages -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Is God Left-handed? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"God is left-handed," the little child told her preacher.
Sample Sermon Manuscripts -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Preaching cannot be taught in the abstract, but only in the doing.
How Did The Apostles Of Jesus Die? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Matthew -- slain by the sword in a city of Ethiopia.
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 16:2--15 (C)
What If The Christian Faith Was Gone? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There is a vital principle presented to us in a book by Henry Rogers; years ago he wrote The Ecli
Statue Honoring A Prison Convict -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yes, it is in Crestline, California, and it is a composite figure with eyes of an Oriental, nose of
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
"O that thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down" (Isaiah 64:1).
Town Called Knockemstiff -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yes, it's a little town in the southwestern part of Ross County, Ohio.
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
The Gospels tell us that on the night that he was betrayed, our Lord first celebrated the Passover w
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 35:1-10 (C, E), Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (RC)
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 30:15--20 (C)
The First Sunday School -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Raikes was no fatalist.
Super Religious -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The story is being told that Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, and Bob Schuller were to be received into h

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Last Piece Of The Puzzle -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2006
Advent is the time of waiting, of wishing, and of wanting an intervention.
Welcome, Rich And Poor -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Can you name some disillusioned people you've met in life?
The Sign Of God -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Most of us have wrestled with questions like these at one time or another:
Teacher Wit A Pen -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 57-year-old who died shortly after the birth of her first grandson
Shoots Of Tomorrow -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
In the parable of The Giving Tree, a young boy would gather his favorite tree's leaves on mil
More Time -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Who can speak of "justice" in any long-standing and helpful way?
Flying Coach To Nirvana -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
A good friend of mine, Bob Frederickson, is writing a travel book called Flying Coach To Nirvana.
Easter Sunday -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
The six Sundays in Lent have been a precursor for the coming of Easter.
A Life Of Service To Others -- Matthew 25:31-46, Daniel 12:1-3 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a very giving personA Life Of Service To Others
Mother Teresa And The Messianic Life -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
"On that day," promised wild Isaiah, "on that day when things are finally set right, the wolf sha
Faithquakes -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
A woman who went through her first earthquake in California said, as it was happening, "I think a tr
When Nothing More Can Be Done -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Colleen was a good woman with a bad heart.
Pins, Patterns, Peace -- John 16:22 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an 81-year-old woman whose strong faith guided her decision to refuse dialysis
Preparing The Way -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Preparing the way can become an all-consuming endeavor.
The Two Prodigals -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
The relationship between and among siblings is a study both intriguing and challenging.
Boasting And Praying For You -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Recently, I was asked to give a prayer at the area chamber of commerce meeting, with these instructi
Good Friday -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
The climax for examining the areas of our lives where we may be wounded individually as well as corp
Holy Extravagance -- John 12:1-8 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
In our spiritual voyages, surprises -- sometimes outlandishly -- come to us.
Do Not Be Quickly Shaken -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Several years ago, Lyle Schaller made the observation that ministry, once a "high status, low stress
Wounded In Our Thoughts -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, James 3:1-12 -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
Sermon NotesCausesBad tapes (bad programs)Poor self-image
A House Even Better Than "Buurma-Built" -- Romans 8:28, 31, 36, 37-39 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly, faithful man
John The Baptist And Jewel Cave -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Prepare ye the
Gratitude -- A State Of Mind -- Luke 17:11-19 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Today's Gospel Reading reminds us once again that Jesus' journey has a destination.
A "Somebody Done Somebody Wrong" Song -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
A Vision Of Heaven -- Isaiah, Psalm 23 -- David A. Davis, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young person who suffered a cruel disease

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Don't Cry -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Peter sat on the step, crying. His knee was skinned, his pants torn, and his pride hurt.
Expect Nothing In Return -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
Regina Jennings worked as a custodian at West Virginia University College of Law for fifteen years.
Linny -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Myra started nursing school at the tender age of 33.
Twice Forgiven -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Robby was changing the channel on the radio when he came to the intersection.
Martha's Incredible (In)Sight -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
My dear friend, Martha, is blind. She wasn't always blind.
Even In Death, Life Is Celebrated -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
Our son, Andrew, was born on November 1, All Saints' Day.
Don't Thank Me, Thank God! -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
When Jill was five, she began to have headaches. The headaches were so severe she would throw up.
A Prayer For Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Constance Berg -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Our Father:We listen to the crossUpon which your Son did die for us.
Open Our Minds, Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Mr.
Be Slaves One To Another -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
Roberta's mother looked like she was going to have a heart attack as she listened.
God Will Be With Us -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Cindy was on the brink of despair. Her hours at work were getting longer and longer.
Mrs. Smedes' Prayer Chair -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
The Reverend Dr.
Never Underestimate A Dishwasher -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
My back was killing me. I must have been standing there for hours. I checked the clock on the wall.
There Is Still Time -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Karen hates church. She feels it's a place where people are brainwashed.
Baptism -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Constance Berg -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
Andrew was just a little baby when he was baptized.
Set Free Through Grace -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2000
A seal, known as Martin Luther's Seal, is a world-wide symbol for many Lutherans.
A Word About Fig Trees -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Fig trees are one of the most important plants in the Bible as they are mentioned over sixty times.
Follow The Leader -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Constance Berg -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
I admit I like it when people are articulate.
Giving And Taking Thanks -- John 6:25-35 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Carla's back ached, her wedding ring wouldn't go on her finger, and her baby was kicking like crazy.
Food Is Love -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
My mother is a very caring person who loves to feed people.
Easter Cookies? -- John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Usually we celebrate Easter with chocolate bunnies and sugared chicks, dyed eggs or flower crosses.
The Dead Tree -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Constance Berg -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
That tree seemed out of place.
Fragrant Plant Water -- John 12:1-8 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
When Peter was four years old, his mother received a very special present: a costly bottle of perfum
Heartfelt Prayers And A Doubting Doctor -- John 20:19-31 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Timmy's heart had a small hole in it.
Adagio -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
He could barely lift his head from his chest. Oh, but how the music moved him. Adagio. Slow.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
Theme: How Paul Became An ApostleCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Theme: A Call To RepentanceCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Luke 12:49-56 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Price Of Evil DeedsCall To Worship
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
Theme: "Do Not Be Afraid, I Am With You"Call To Worship
I Am Too Young -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Theme: "I Am Too Young"
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us praise the Lord, our God!
Listen To God -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Call To Worship
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
Theme: Celebrate The Lord's VictoryCall To Worship
Healing On The Sabbath -- Luke 13:10-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:10-17Theme: Healing On The Sabbath
God's Dynasty Continues Forever -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (John 1:1-14)
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe come with many fears and anxieties.
The Spirit Brings Life -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: O Lord, how manifold are your works.
The Holy Spirit Is Available To All -- Acts 10:44-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Advent Wreath
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe bring our fears into your revealing light.
Proper 15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 146)All: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Passion Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9a Theme: Trusting The Lord Call To Worship
Good News About Jesus Brings Joy -- Acts 8:26-40 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
People: The Lord is king and he rules the nations.
First Sunday After Christmas -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Lord Gathers All His People -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
Proper 17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipAll: Lord, we come together, restless in our pews.
A Day Of Remembrance -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
No Other Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Trust in the Lord and seek his presence.
Proper 9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Elena Delhagen
For May 19, 2024:
  • Dry Bones or Dancing Bones by Dean Feldmeyer based on Ezekiel 37:1-14. “Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness.”  Henri J.M. Nouwen

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Pentecost accents the belief that the Christian church is a Spirit movement, not another world institution. Imagine a pastor who is on the denomination committee for examining pastoral candidates that are on various points along their journey toward ordination either before, during or just after completion of seminary/Bible college training. All the pastoral candidates are excited about their future of making a positive change and impression on the churches they serve.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 2:1-21
Martin Luther viewed Pentecost as a day of celebration, as on a sermon in the topic he noted “it was on this present Pentecost Day that the joyful blessed and lovely kingdom of Christ was established, a kingdom filled with joy, courage, and certainty.”  Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.152) Awareness of the Holy Spirit is a big part of the joy and certainty Pentecost brings.  John Wesley, then, offers a timely warning about how not to lose a sense of the Spirit and the joy and confidence this insight offers.  He wrote:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand. He unpacked his guitar and played a few chords to make sure that it was in tune. “The acoustics are better in the church building.”

“They may be,” Todd said raising his voice over the sounds of the busy park. “Going to be a noisy afternoon from the sounds of it.”

“Huh?” Ollie looked over at his smiling friend. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“You’re just saying what we’re all thinking, isn’t he Wendy?’

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Today’s message will include a role-play. You will need one child to play the role of the shepherd and the rest of the children will be the people from town. I usually pick an outgoing child for my shepherd so they will act out a bit. Encourage everyone to have fun and ham it up a bit.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As I recall, there was a mighty, rushing wind at the last Bank Holiday weekend. It didn't herald the coming of God quite as much as the coming of a mighty, rushing rain, and for many unfortunate people, substantial flooding. And it was accompanied by considerable power, for it uprooted and destroyed one of our laburnum trees.

SermonStudio

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
The Holy Spirit gets around. Historically the church has also commemorated its origins on this festival. In some traditions, confirmation is celebrated.

Collect of the Day
Petitions are offered that the Spirit come and transform the faithful to give them language to proclaim the word. The Holy Spirit, Justification (by Grace), Sanctification, and Evangelism are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
* Hymn to God the creator; praise for God's providential interventions.
James Evans
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Elizabeth Achtemeier
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to remain in Jerusalem until he sends the Holy Spirit upon them. That will enable them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Having promised that, he ascended into heaven, to rule over all at the right hand of the Father. That promise was spoken during the forty days that the Lord was with the apostles and disciples after his resurrection.
Arthur H. Kolsti
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord to the breath, prophesy mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
-- Ezekiel 37:4-10
Ron Lavin
The Holy Spirit is called "your Advocate" in the New English Bible translation of John 15:26. Other translations may be helpful in understanding the meaning of the Holy Spirit. The King James Version uses the term "The Comforter." The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version use the term "The Counselor." The Phillips translation and the Barclay translation call the Holy Spirit "The Helper." I like the title "The Advocate" best of all. This term "The Adovcate" includes comforting, counseling, and helping.

Special Occasion

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