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Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Thanksgiving is a response to what God has done.
Counting The Cost -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
This is the fourth and final Servant Song in Second Isaiah, and because of its content, it has been
Proper 19 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and his teaching ministry.
Third Sunday in Advent -- Zephaniah 2:14-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Can we believe that God is carrying on a war against all sinners?
First Sunday In Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Transfiguration Sunday -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Perhaps some of you have seen Michelangelo's great marble statue of Moses.
Lost And Found -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
1. Text
First Sunday in Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Our biblical, Christian faith is basically a response to a story, to the story of what God has done
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme Jesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
In the prophecies of Second Isaiah, the Lord God declares, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neith
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Trinity Sunday -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Perhaps no doctrine of the Christian Church is more obscure in the minds of church-goers than is the
The Clever Crook -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
The preacher who confronts the three stated texts for this Sunday once again faces the confusing sit
Proper 21 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and his teaching ministry.
All Saints' Sunday -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
Do you ever feel like giving up on your Christian faith?
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
First Sunday after Christmas -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
There are times in the life of the world or of a nation when one individual changes the whole course
Rich Man, Poor Man -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Third Sunday in Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
On this third Sunday in Lent, all three of our lessons have to do with repentance, but we will look
Proper 22 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
As we all know, the book of the Acts of the Apostles forms the second volume, as it were, of Luke's
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus and his disciples move toward Jerusalem and the cross.
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
In biblical times, when a king was crowned in Israel, two acts took place.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Lilies Of The Field -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
In 1635, the Puritan clergyman, Roger Williams, was banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony for promo
God's Surprises -- Acts 10:44-48 -- Ron Lavin -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
God's Surprises
All That Goes Down Must Go Up -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- John T. Ball -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2005
We are now almost fifty days after Easter, days that were filled with the immediate presence of the
Unacceptable -- Mark 8:31-38 -- David T. Ball -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Going off to college can be an unsettling experience for Christian students.
Being What We Are -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Being What We Are
Looking In All The Wrong Places -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2005
Author's Note: a fun way to animate this sermon might be to play sections of the several hit
Modeling A Necessary Future -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2005
It was the custom in my friend's church for many years to have a week of family camp in the summer.
Letting Go And New Beginnings -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
It had been an exhausting climb up the mountain.
Man Proposes; God Disposes -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Ron Lavin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Man Proposes; God Disposes
Selling Sin In A Celebrative Age -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- John T. Ball -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2005
Dialing the number of a large, well-known metropolitan church, the caller asked, "What time is your
No Substitute -- John 2:13-22 -- David T. Ball -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Jesus in the temple -- oh, didn't he show those money-changers who were desecrating the temple groun
Misled By Beauty -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
It seems to me that the so-called "reality" television shows that have proliferated on the airwaves
Our Prayers Are Our Thanksgiving -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2005
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it
Let God Do The Rest -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2005
Once there was a boy who loved to look at the birds of the air, the flowers of the field, and the cl
Water And Spirit -- John 3:1-17 -- George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
The story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus by night is familiar to most folks who have spent any time at
Lord Of All! -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Ron Lavin -- Easter Day - B -- 2005
A post-resurrection story is told about Lazarus, the man Jesus brought back from the dead.
Taking A Necessary Step -- Acts 19:1-7 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2005
The closeness between John the Baptist and Jesus can hardly be overemphasized.
It's About God -- John 3:14-21 -- David T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
I don't know how many foreign films you've seen -- subtitled in English, so that you hear the foreig
The God Of War And Peace -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2005
The United Methodists came out with their most recent hymnbook in 1989.
Proclaiming Jesus Christ -- 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
It is not easy to promote someone else. Human nature rises up against it.
Finding Unity Through Christ -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Nature is filled with examples of how the world functions better when things come together and act a
Discipleship: The Beauty And The Cross -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
Once upon a time a bowl was born.
It's Good To Know Who Is Calling -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
When I was a boy, our family used to have a parakeet.
Grace To You, And Peace -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
The weeklong pastor's training event was about halfway through its course and the pastor coordinatin
Seeing And Not Being Seen -- John 12:20-33 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Toward the end of the last presidential campaign, I heard an amusing report on one of the cable news

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

I'm Right! -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Leon, for how many individuals might the following soliloquy represent their thoughts and feelings?
Maturity -- 1999
In the television sitcom Cheers, his girlfriend says to Sam Malone, who tries to keep everyon
Homeless -- 1999
On December 28, 1984, National Public Radio reported that Jesse Carpenter was buried in Arlington Na
Tradition -- 1999
Reverend Richard Perry told the Iowa Synod in assembly about a man cutting off the end of a ham befo
Sucker! -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Not often, Leon, do I recall overtly referring to other people as gullible individuals, but I know I
Giftedness -- 1999
On 60 Minutes there was a special about "Savant Syndrome." People who seem mentally challenge
New Hope -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
Chiapas is one of the two poorest states in Mexico.
Calming The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
The Lake of Galilee is on the northern end of the rift valley.
Church -- 1999
The church of the New Testament is no longer a territorial church but a church of all people, a chur
Revenge -- 1999
In an expose on television about Sobibor (sic), an Eastern Poland death camp, a Jew commented
A Different Celebration -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1999
In Mexico, it's not Santa Claus who delivers gifts. And it's not December 25 that is so important.
Provincial Revelry -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Leon, when I meet individuals who have traveled widely, people who have met and known others of many
Mercy -- 1999
After a day of doing calls, counseling, meetings, and so forth, I removed my black suit coat only to
Honor -- 1999
In Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Evita, which was made into a movie starring the infamous Mad
Treasure -- 1999
A thief cut out of an alarmed frame a $175,000 Monet painting from Fisher Community Center in Marsha
Disillusionment -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Would it not be a much better world in which to live if the world actually was more like we picture
Gifts -- 1999
Carolyn Rocco, daughter of the first president of our seminary, lost her stole at a restaurant and d
Treasures -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
A man bought a house.
How We Are God's Tea Cups -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
The tea cup was stained.
Comfort -- 1999
Our maintenance man at the seminary fastened the large organ to the wall of the chapel with strong a
Revival -- 1999
The Lutherans had a revival. The first night they even tried an altar call.
An Hour To Think -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Constance Berg -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
Tim wanted to get home. It would be so good to see Meg and the children again.
Innocence Regained? -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Sometimes, Leon, my thoughts wander back to my childhood days when our family lived in a northern Il
Ministry -- 1999
There is a Mexican gardener at the Lutheran Center in Mexico City named Isidro Santiago who catechiz
Hope -- 1999
Amy Grant, interviewed on CNN, was asked what the purpose of Christian music is.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Second Sunday After Christmas -- Psalm 27 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Good Friday -- Psalm 22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 14 -- Romans 10:5-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Theme: Salvation Is For AllCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 6 -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Proclaim The Good NewsCall To Worship
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Theme: We Will Serve The LordCall To Worship
Our Wounds Are Healed -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Theme: Working Together For GodCall To Worship
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: The Coming Of The Holy SpiritCall To Worship
Proper 22 -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Theme: Unfaithful StewardsCall To Worship
Easter Day (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus Christ -- Lord Of All or Everlasting LoveCall To Worship
Proper 14 -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Theme: When The Storms Overtake UsCall To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: TemptationCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 27 -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Theme: Encourage One AnotherCall To Worship
The Lord Is My Shepherd -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Theme: Importance Of Personal RelationshipsCall To Worship
The Day Of Pentecost -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Theme: The Gift Of The SpiritCall To Worship
Proper 22 -- Psalm 19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Easter Day (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Theme: New Life In ChristCall To Worship
Proper 14 -- Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
First Sunday In Lent -- Romans 5:12-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: New BeginningsCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Theme: Even In Our Distress, God Is ThereCall To Worship
Proper 27 -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Theme: Be PreparedCall To Worship
You Are A New Creation -- Gail Gaymer Martin -- 2001
(Family and friends are called to silence for the opening of the prayer service.)

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.

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