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SermonStudio

Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (C, RC)
Breaking Down The Barriers To Jesus -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life.
Proper 26 (C, E) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ruth 1:1-18 (C)
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (C, RC, E)
Sharing With Others In Imitation Of Christ -- John 6:51-58 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven.
Proper 27 (C, E) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 (C)
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 40:21-31 (C)
Jesus: The Victor Over Evil -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
The crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat.
Proper 28 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 (C)
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (C); 2 Kings 5:1-15 (E)
Awaiting The Kingdom Of God -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
He also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep
Proper 4 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 (C)
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Healing A Demoniac -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1999
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught.
Proper 5 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15), 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 8:4-20 (11:14-15) (C)
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Lesson 1: Hosea 2:14-20 (C); Hosea 2:16-17, 21-22 (RC); Hosea 2:14-23 (E)
Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law -- Mark 1:29-31 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1999
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
Proper 6 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 15:34„16:13 (C)
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 60:1-6 (C, RC); Isaiah 60:1-6, 9 (E)
Healing A Leper -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, "If you choose, you can make me clean.
Proper 7 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49 (C)
Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 52:13„53:12 (C, RC, E)
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 9:8-17 (C, E); Genesis 9:8-15 (RC)
Healing A Paralytic -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
Proper 8 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 (C)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

More Beyond -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Centuries ago, Portugal adopted a national motto.
Epiphany: Glory Beyond Our Expecting -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
In 1986 a relatively unknown basketball team from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock defeated
Knowing What IsTruly Important In Life -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
When she was a little girl her parents bought a cottage by the lake.
What Does A Christian Look Like? -- Galatians 5:1, 13-23 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
One of my favorite stories about Abraham Lincoln emerges from the Lincoln-Douglas Debates.
Crossing Borders And Breaking Down Boundaries -- Acts 8:14-17 -- Robert S. Crilley -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
Luke reports this story in such an understated and matter-of-fact style that one could easily miss t
"Thy Kingdom Come" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
Many of us are familiar with Stephen Covey's 1989 bestseller, The Seven Habits of Highly Effectiv
Moment By Moment -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
The Christmas-Easter-only people do have a point.
Warning To The Clueless Enthusiasts -- Luke 14:25-33 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Jesus said, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brother
Love For Herbert And Dorothy -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
The miracle that Jesus performed at the wedding at Cana in today's Gospel is recalled in the prayer
The Crowd That Watched God Die -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Have you ever noticed how people are attracted to the scene of tragedy?
Know Yourself And Know God -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Is the life you lead one for which you want to be remembered?
Choosing Your Future -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
It was many years ago now, right after I had first started in the ministry that Sharlon and I travel
The Power Of A Song -- Gary L. Carver -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Paul Duke tells the story of a white man who during the racial turmoil of the 1960s visited the area
"Thy Will Be Done" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
All of us are familiar with word association.
Salvation's From And For -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Despite the zest to adapt when things go amiss with the human body or the mind, a self-alienation an
Jesus Encounters The Religion Police -- Luke 15:1-10 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
Back before the ways of the Taliban became common knowledge, there was a fascinating little article
The Good News And The Bad News -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Have you ever had someone come up to you with a message and then introduces it by saying, "I've got
Resurrection And Remembrance -- Luke 24:1-12 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
Down through the centuries there have been various and sundry attempts to try to discredit the resur
Conversion To The Lord -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
"I'd sell my soul to play for the Washington Senators." Joe Hardy, the protagonist in the popular Br
Targets And U-turns -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
His father had once served as the pastor of the largest Baptist Church east of the Mississippi River
In Fact -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
On first reading of Paul's message to the Corinthians, two parts stand out: The first is a phrase, "
"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
Today marks the mid--point of a journey.
"Forgive Us Our DebtsÓ -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
"Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." I don't know about you, but I find the s
Season Of Beginnings -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Tangerine peelings and coffee grounds, Peanut shells and faded daffodils,
Jesus' Most Perplexing Parable -- Luke 16:1-13 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest empl

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Carpenter -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"I can't figure this out," complained a little boy.
Branded -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Once upon a time, two brothers were convicted of stealing sheep.
Jesus' Resurrection -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Imagine how early man must have stared in wonder at an egg. It looked like a stone.
Patience -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Where is God's home?" asked the church school teacher of the children seated in front of her.
Catharsis -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
The scientific study of human anatomy is a very recent development.
Breath -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Closer is He than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet," wrote Alfred Lord Tennyson about God.
Labor Day -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In 1882, a member of the Executive Council of The American Federation of Labor proposed one day in t
Pause -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When Leonardo da Vinci was painting the scene of Jesus' last supper, on a dining room wall in a cert
Christopher -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In a kingdom long ago and fan away, near the middle of the third century, there was a giant of a man
Pillars of Hercules -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Pillars of Hercules was the name ancient Greeks gave to two rocks on either side of the Strait of Gi
Consequences -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Of course, God will forgive me; that's his business!" Those flippant words were written by the nine
Poor -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," said Jesus.
Crazy -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A little boy was confined to his house one rainy Sunday afternoon.
Possibilities -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"You are a promise, you are a possibility," sang the children in our Vacation Church School last sum
Cross -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Jesus transformed the cross from a revolting sight to a beloved symbol.
Prepare -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Long ago and far away there lived a court jester named Giacomo.
Death and Resurrection -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A little boy went to a doctor for a throat checkup and noticed a religious medal hanging from the do
Problem -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"I'm the head of my house," announced one recently-married husband to another.
Defeat -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"In love's service, only the wounded can serve," wrote Thornton Wilder in a three-minute play inspir
Procrastinate -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When I was a boy, I met Connie Mack at old Shibe Park.
Disappointment -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Yes," said the old man, "I've had some terrible disappointments, but none stands out over the years
Pure -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When the English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson was in old age, he asked his son, who was to be the exec
Esprit de corps -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When Frank first went to college, the campus was unfamiliar to him.
Rainbow -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When people have been brought through the seriousness of a great illness and then reflect on their l
Esteem -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Born to lose" were the words tattooed on the back of the young man's hand. Dr.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

If Only ... -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
When Life Breaks Your Heart -- 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Little Ado -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
The Three Kings -- And The King Of Kings -- Isaiah 9:7, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim, Lisa Johnson Wrote The Beholders -- 1999
First Sunday After Christmas Isaiah 9:7; Matthew 2:1-12
Listen To Their Voice -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
The Blotter -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
The Shadow You Cast -- Acts 5:12-16 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
On The Heart -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
A Door Of Hope -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Prayer Is for Real! -- Matthew 6:5-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Lion's Paw -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Who is your Goliath?
Sonrise -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Amazing Grace -- Joshua 2:1-15 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Lion Friendship -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: By what qualities do we measure a friendship as strong as lions?
By A Perversion Of Justice -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, John 18:1-19:42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: He was wounded for our transgressions.
What's the Use of Worrying? -- Matthew 6:25-34 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Kin -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Never Again -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: When all seems hopeless, there God is.
The Gospel of the Second Chance -- Acts 15:36-41 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Prayer 32 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Demanding But Understanding One:
First Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5Theme: With JoyCall To Worship
Jesus Prays for his Disciples -- John 17:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 25:19-34Theme: Isaac and RebekahCall To Worship
Visit of the Magi to Jesus -- Matthew 2:1-12 (3:13-17) -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 28:10-19a Theme: Know ThisCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

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

The Village Shepherd

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

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

StoryShare

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


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

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


* * * * * * *


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

SermonStudio

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

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

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

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

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

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

Special Occasion

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