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Worship

SermonStudio

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
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
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!
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.
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
Litany For Advent And Christmas Candle Lighting -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
LitanyFirst Sunday Of Advent(Light the first candle)
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2003
ContentsWorship BulletinChristmas ProgramLeader's Helps
Christmas Wonder -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionFirst Sunday Of Advent: New Friends
Reading The Christmas Eve Scriptures -- Stan Purdum -- 2003
Introduction
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (John 1:1-14)
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Advent Wreath
First Sunday After Christmas -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Proper 9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipRight: The Light has been shining.
Holy Trinity Sunday -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 6:1-8)
Proper 5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Lamentations 3:19-26)
Proper 6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 123)
Proper 7 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 1:3-14)
Proper 8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 2:11-22)
Proper 25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 16)One: Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
Proper 26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Revelation 1:8)
Proper 4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on 2 Corinthians 6:8-13)
Proper 22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 34:1-8)
Proper 23 -- Psalm 146 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (Psalm 146)One: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Proper 24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (Psalm 127:1-2)

Pages

Drama

Sermon

SermonStudio

Taking The First Step -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Create in your minds, if you will, a scene where the people are gathering at a small church for wors
Building A Victorious Life -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
J.
Back To The Future -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Gary L. Carver -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
The experience in the ninth chapter of Luke is called "The Transfiguration Experience of our Lord Je
The Hard Sell -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Our blessed Lord presses the issue. Do you or do you not want to be my disciple?
Testing Time -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
To live the Christian life is to be tested.
No Intimidation -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Boldness is necessary to accomplish ministry, especially that which is prophetic and points to judgm
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?
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.
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.
History Hangs In The Balance -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
One would be hard pressed to find a historical event with so many ramifications equal to these words
A Frightening Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
So much happening in so little time! We are left gasping for breath.
Mary Magdalene's Day -- John 20:1-18 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Mary Magdalene may very well be the most enigmatic and controversial figure in the resurrection stor
Those Who Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Christianity has always had its doubters. Sometimes it comes in open and public terms.
Fish And Sheep -- John 21:1-19 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Don't you find this passage filled to overflowing with delightful descriptions?
So, Are You The Messiah? -- John 10:22-30 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
History shows that people are invariably looking for Messiahs or Christs.
Recognizing His Disciples -- John 13:31-35 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Recognition of people, places, and things is a fundamental prerequisite of successful living.
Keeping His Word -- John 14:23-29 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Keeping our word has a long and positive history in our nation.
A Good-bye Topping All Others -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Those bidding good-bye are around us all of our lives.
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.
A New Continuing -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- David R. Cartwright -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
That first Pentecost was a grand and glorious day. It was a new beginning.
Guided By The Spirit -- John 16:12-15 -- David R. Cartwright -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
There are two main ways to go about teaching someone something.
What Outsiders Can Teach Us -- Luke 7:1-10 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Those of us ministers actively engaged in congregational worship don't get many opportunities to vis
Compassion Can Do More Than You May Think -- Luke 7:11-17 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
A teacher was fond of asking students in his counseling classes this question: "What can you know ab
The Extravagance Of Love -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
If there was anything Jesus despised, it was stinginess, especially the holding back of oneself.
What Happens When You're Not Prepared For What Happens -- Luke 8:26-39 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
How do you handle what happens when you're not prepared for what happens?

Pages

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

The Day Jesus Cooked -- John 21:1-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some charcoal and a loaf of bread
Are You Who You Say You Are? -- John 20:19-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a driver's license, Social Security card, or an identification bracelet
An Empty Box -- John 20:1-2, 11-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a new, empty crayon box
The Spear -- John 19:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a spear
Christ The King -- John 18:33-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a crown and a map of the world or a globe
You Are Jesus' Magnifying Glass -- John 17:20-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a magnifying glass
Stick Together For God -- John 17:11b-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sticks or pencils held together with some string or rubber band
Better Than A Million--Dollar Policy -- Matthew 9:35-10:7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a life insurance policy
The Funnel Of God -- John 16:12-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a funnel
It's Not On Any Map -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large map of the world, any map of Israel, or a globe of the world
Stay Close To The Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ivy in a pot
Do You Believe What He Said? -- John 14:23-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some nut cups, some wet cotton for each cup, and a package of dry lima beans
Jesus Is Our Map -- John 14:1-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a map with the location of some surprises for the children.
A Light Bulb And God -- John 13:31-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb inside of a light globe
Jesus Is No Joke -- John 12:20-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some grains of wheat
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
Do You Know His Voice? -- John 10:22-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Objects: some blindfolds
Give Your Life To The Lord -- John 10:11-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a doll or teddy bear
Prissy Plant -- John 9:1-41 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an attractive artificial plant
The Doctor For Sin -- Matthew 9:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer, a heating pad, and a bad cough
Combination Locks And Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a combination lock
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
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:51-58 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an unsliced loaf of bread
What's Your Prize? -- John 6:24-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bag of garbage
A Little Black Dot -- John 6:1-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large white piece of paper or poster board with a black dot on it

Pages

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

They Cooked The Books -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The new expression of what has been happening in some of the top business corporations of America we
Those Two Cents -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was during the 1950s and the young couple came to their pastor for premarital counseling.
Three Philosophies Of Life In The Story Of The Good Samaritan -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
1.What's yours is mine; I'll take it! -- the thief
True Brotherhood -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young black man was carrying two suitcases on a wintry day in New York City.
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
True Friendship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person: having neither to weigh
Cremation, And An Old Saying -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Bill and Jake, from the rural countryside, went into the big city for their very first time.
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."
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.
Was It Luck Or Pluck? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago, a famous Canadian ice skater, Barbara Ann Scott, won the highest honor a skater can
What A Dream! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Camp Wesley, located six miles north of Bellefontaine, Ohio, was originally the site of a government
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
What One Man Can Do -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Roman Catholic monk, Polemicus, dared to oppose gladiatorial death in the Coliseum of Rome.
What's Missing? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The newspaper reported that a new post office was built in a certain town, and the day was set for i
When Henry Ford Gave A Dime -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Years ago Martha Berry, founder of the Berry Schools in the mountains of Georgia, visited Henry Ford
Where Is God? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr. E. Stanley Jones used to tell of a five-year-old child who was asked, "Where is God?"
Where Is Your Goal? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the Arabian Nights collection of stories, there is this one:
Do You Need It? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Sign in a Vermont country store:"If we haven't got it, you don't need it!"
W(h)ite Out -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Every author knows the value of this modern substance which can be used when we have typed the wrong
Who Is The Architect? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The day after a fire had destroyed a wing of the British House of Commons, many letters poured into
Who Made God? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Children often ask profound questions over which we all stumble.
Who Really Pays The Tax? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One excuse for the sale of alcoholic beverages is that those who produce the drinks pay taxes.
Wisdom -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
On President Calvin Coolidge's desk these words were displayed:
With God At Antarctica -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the famous explorer Shackleton reported on his explorations in Antarctica he said, "When I look
W.W.J.D. -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Have you seen the initials W.W.J.D.

Pages

Stories

SermonStudio

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not ... -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2000
Wow! First they love Jesus just from what he has to say.
Good Enough To Be With You? -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
They had been pen pals of a sort for only ten months but their letters came more and more frequently
Strength From Adversity -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
When Beth was a student nurse during World War II, she was chubby.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Cleansing Feet; Cleansing Soul -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Matthew and Mary Beth were at a trade show.
The Bread Of Life -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 23:1-49 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
Belinda and Karen were on the altar guild the day before Palm Sunday.
A Fire Of Change -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Constance Berg -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
The Panorama Fire in Southern California burned out of control.
Terry's Taxi -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Terry is a taxi driver in Dallas, Texas.
Sabbath At Mt. Carmel -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
The cabins at Mt. Carmel Bible Retreat are small.
Newspaper Prayers -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
I was at a Bible study on prayer when the leader handed each of us a section of the newspaper.
Success -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
She didn't want to go to the reunion.
Merle's Treasure -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
Merle Kvamme called three times before I could return her call the next day.
Jesus, The Messiah; Jesus, The Crisis -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Cecilia knew she was having trouble with her pregnancy when the doctor called and asked her and her
The Business Of Healing -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
The temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed but every city still had a synagogue.
A Place Of Honor -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Stan's grandfather started a machine repair business that became successful: it had a steady stream
The Cost Of The Kingdom -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
"Brooke, are you aware of the demands that will be placed on you? Can you handle them?
The Wedding Ring -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
I was in great pain.
Too Old To Work? -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Carol was too old to be out of work and too young to be on Social Security.

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

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
For March 1, 2026:

SermonStudio

Marian R. Plant
David G. Plant
Nicodemus came by night. Why by night? Why in darkness?

In her book Learning to Walk in the Dark,1 Barbara Brown Taylor describes numerous biblical images in which darkness — night’s most obvious quality — is “bad news.” Taylor notes that in the New Testament darkness stands for ignorance and, in the case of John’s gospel, darkness stands for spiritual blindness.
Robert F. Crowley
Theme

"Born Again" -- it's a cliché nowadays. But it isn't understood today anymore than when it was first mentioned.

Summary

Nick, the teacher, seeks Jesus, the teacher. He has some questions and Jesus has the answers and the time to explain them. This is a modernization of the Nicodemus-Jesus encounter.

Playing Time: 3 minutes

Place: Wherever Jesus spends the night

Props: None

Costumes: Contemporary, casual

Time: Last night

Cast: JESUS

NICK -- a teacher
Tony S. Everett
At first reading it seems as if today's text is all about Abram's journey from relative obscurity to universal fame; from being a childless husband in a tiny and insignificant family to becoming the founding father of a great multitude of nations. Now what would it look like if we read this story with God as the main character? What would it look like if we examined the text from the perspective of God's initiating action instead of Abram's immediate faithful response?
David O. Bales
If you're going to study a subject or learn a profession, a good strategy is to investigate one of the earliest theoreticians or practitioners. If you study physics, you might start with Albert Einstein. There were others, but he's a good beginning. If you're interested in drama, you could turn to William Shakespeare. Other playwrights are around, but he'll give you a good start. If you're considering nursing, you could read up on Florence Nightingale. The work of other early nurses would benefit you, but she's a helpful start.
Lee Griess
How much faith does it take to follow? How much trust in God must we have? What does it mean to be part of the kingdom? How can we be born again? That's the question that Nicodemus asked. That's the theme for our time together this morning. How much faith does it take to follow? I came across an interesting idea this past week. I read an article about businesses that reward their employees when they make a mistake. Have you heard about this new trend?
Mark Ellingsen
It was late, almost bedtime, when the Jewish leader came to Jesus' residence. Into Jesus' presence came Nicodemus, one of the best-known Jewish professors in all of Israel (a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin). Nicodemus finally reached the short ruddy-faced leader of the disciples, and he said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him (John 3:2)."
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Confession And Absolution
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
P: Gracious God, you call into existence the things that do not exist.
You give life to the dead and new life to the living.
C: Break open our hearts, that what is in us might be poured out before you.
You have come into the world, O Lord, not to condemn us,
but that we might be saved through you.

Silence to recall our struggles with sin and the power of evil
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-4a
Theme: Obedience

Call To Worship

If Abram could have faith in God, trust God in his heart, and be unafraid -- Abram, who was of an older age when God sent him on a journey to leave his own country and go to another land that God was yet to show him -- then so might we follow God's call to embark upon a new birth, a journey of faith. Come, for God is calling.

Collect

When you send us on a mission, O God, we also choose to obey you. We will try to be brave and to trust you in our hearts. Amen.
Thom M. Shuman
Call To Worship
One: Like Abraham and Sarah,
God calls us out of our comfort zones to new adventures.
All: In this season of discipleship,
may we respond with the trust and faith they model.
One: Like Nicodemus, we seek answers for our questions
from Jesus, especially the ones that awaken us at night.
All: In this season of questioning Jesus,
may we commit ourselves to listening
to what he has to say to us.
One: Like Paul, we affirm that our faith
is based on what God does for us,

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. In our worship today let us explore how different people respond to that love.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I hide my love for you because I am afraid of what people might think.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I find it difficult to understand your words and your stories.
Christ, have mercy.

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
John S. Smylie
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Get Up and Go" by Frank Ramirez
"Three Field Goals and a Touchdown" by John Smylie


What's Up This Week
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"Words, Words, Words" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * *


Words, Words, Words!
by Frank Ramirez
John 3:1-17

Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above."
-- John 3:3 NRSV

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
-- John 3:3 KJV

Let me tell you a story about a word.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

In the three texts today hearers meet three classic figures: Abraham, who receives a call of God and gets to respond; Paul, who comments on those who get called and who respond, in the hope that those who read him might find themselves called and in need of response: and Nicodemus, a shadowy figure who never fully emerges from the shadows in the Fourth Gospel text.
Jules Verne wrote some fascinating books about journeys. They were spectacular journeys like into the center of the earth or to the moon or to no particular destination at all. Those journeys so captivate the human imagination that they became movies, movies renewed for each generation. Other authors, too, have captivated our attention with journeys -- up rivers or through jungles or to impressive mountain peaks.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. I remember a big wind about a week ago and it was really something! I was just walking along when a hat flew right into me. It was a hat like this. The man it belonged to was running down the street, trying to catch it.

Other strange things happened that windy day. It started to rain so I put up my umbrella. I thought it would protect me against the rain, but the wind turned my umbrella inside-out. Instead of protecting me, it was leading me, pulling me faster and faster.
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you know what the word love means? (let them answer) Love is a word with many different meanings. When you love someone you trust him, you honor him, you care for him, you share with him, you are honest with him, and you know that he shares his love with you. Do you get paid to love someone? (let them answer) At the end of the day, does anyone say to you, "Here is the dollar I owe you for loving me today?" (let them answer) Love is so precious we could never put a dollar amount on it.
Good morning, boys and girls. Can any of you remember what it was like being a very tiny baby? (Let them answer.) Do you remember wearing clothes like this? (Hold baby clothing up as you ask the question.) Can any of you fit into this? (Let them answer.) Each of us was small enough once in our life to fit into this. Why can't we fit into it now? (Let them answer.) We've all grown bigger. We aren't babies any more. Do you think any of us will ever be able to fit into this piece of clothing again? (Let them answer.) Will we ever become a tiny baby again? (Let them answer.)

Special Occasion

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