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Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
Proper 14 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9,15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 (C)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 1:1-5 (C)
Proper 15 (C, E) -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 (C)
Christ The King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 (C)
Proper 22 -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's text has important narrative connections in Matthew's story.
Third Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 35:1-10 (C, E); Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (RC)
Miracle 9 Demon--Possessed Child -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
1. Text
The Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:1-21 (C); Acts 2:1-11 (RC, E)
Christmas 1 -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Matthean text assigned for the First Sunday after Christmas is very difficult to dislodge from i
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 (C)
Proper 10 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 25:19-34 (C)
Proper 23 -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
"Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables...." That's how this week's appointed text begins.
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 12:1-9 (C)
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 28:10-19a (C)
Proper 24 -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The opening words of this week's text indicate a change of venue and actor.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 18:1-15 (C)
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 29:15-28 (C)
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 32:22-31 (C)
Proper 25 -- Matthew 22:34-36 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's text includes the third and fourth controversies between Jesus and the religious leaders
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 (C, E); Joel 2:12-18 (RC)
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8-21 (C)

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Gift-wrapped In Swaddling Cloths -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
When I was a kid, Christmas Eve was always the longest night of the entire year.
Salvation -- It's Up To Us -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a piece of a jigsaw puzzle.
Search For Serendipity -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- 2003
Foreword
Vocabulary Building -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Just like that, everything changes.
The Living, Reliable Word -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
(Holding up a Bible) This is the most important book ever written.
Praying Through -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
No doubt you have heard about the postal service's "Dead Letter Department." That's the place where
Moving In -- John 14:23-29 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Philip Yancey, the best-selling author, once holed up in a mountain cabin for two weeks during a Col
"Amen" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
(Before preaching I reminded our congregation that - in some traditions - the preacher receives enco
Forgiveness -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- Robert S. Crilley -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
In his book What's So Amazing About Grace?
Actions Bring Consequences -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time an otter rushed before the king and cried out, "My lord, you are a king who loves j
Smiling In The Dark -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- 2003
There are those who give little of the much which they have -- and they give it for recognition and
Red Light, Green Light -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Only in a farming community would it happen ...
The Tantalizing "Come" -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
More than anything else, Edward wanted God to forgive Keith.
Wounded Healers -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
I once watched a television show which scared the daylights out of me.
Worship Wars! -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
We pastors call it The Worship Wars.
Listening In -- John 17:20-26 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Sometimes I think it would be so much easier to be a disciple if Jesus walked among us in the flesh.
God's Benefactors -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Robert S. Crilley, Dallas A. Brauninger, Gary L. Carver -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Once when I returned home for a quick visit with my parents, an old friend unexpectedly dropped by t
Be Compassionate As God Is Compassionate -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a great teacher, a guru, who had many followers.
A Slave To Mistaken Notions -- Romans 8:14-17 -- Gary L. Carver -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Sally is Johnny's older sister by two years. They are staying with their grandma for the summer.
The Multitasking Church -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
For the next six Sundays we will be looking at passages from the concluding chapters of the First Le
One Heaven Of A Party -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Charles D. Reeb -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Moses saw that look in their eyes. He saw that glimmer of hope on their faces.
The Process Of Love -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
In William Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, the actors roam the stage looking for a sc
Epiphany: A Faith To Work Miracles -- John 2:1-11 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
I consider it divine good fortune that we have a scripture lesson so early in the year which encoura
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Micah 5:2-5a -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceMicah 5:2, The Message
Compassion: Returning Home To God -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
During the reconstruction period following the great American Civil War, John Sommersby returned to

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HERMON: The Camel Who Was Humbled -- Matthew 19:24 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Do you know what it means to be humble?
BENJAMIN: The Little Peoples Friend -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many people here this morning wish that they were older than they are?
REUBEN:The Rooster With a Reminder -- Matthew 26:34 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many boys and girls know what I mean when I talk about reminders?
REHOBOAM: The Lion Who Learned About God -- Daniel 6:21-23 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
Who are you supposed to listen to?
ISHMAEL - The Lost Sheep -- Matthew 18:12-14 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1971
How many boys and girls have ever been lost? Were you afraid? It's awful to be lost and I know it.
Peace Be With You -- John 20:19-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kenneth Lyerly -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
When my mother called the last time to tell us that Dad was in the hospital again, and not doing wel
Proper 7 -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- John Steward -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Some time ago there was a documentary on television about wildlife in their natural environment.
An Honor Not Taken Lightly -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bruce Stunkard -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their be
Epiphany 2 -- John 2:1-11 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
When Theodore Roosevelt was an Assemblyman in the legislature of the state of New York, events devel
Startled -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John E. Sumwalt, Elaine H. Klemm-grau -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Jackie was gone.
Proper 8 -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- John Steward -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
In the introduction to his book Fruits of the Spirit, Charles Hembree remembers an ancient fable.
Stopped In Mid-Air -- John E. Sumwalt, Marjorie K. Evans
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.
Epiphany 3 -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- John Steward -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
There was a man who had a dream one night that he had died.
God Restores My Soul -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
A few weeks ago, I started reading a psalm a day as part of my daily devotions.
Proper 9 -- Galatians 6:7-16 -- John Steward -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
In India there is a tribe known as the Santals.
Christ Entered In -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia Lietzke -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater an
Epiphany 4 -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Andre Malraux, the French author, tells in his book Lazarus of being with the troops that liberated
Filled With The Spirit -- Acts 19:1-7 -- John E. Sumwalt, Eileen Fink -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
I had been reading books on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, trying to figure out the controversy bet
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- John Steward -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
A young man was visiting with his pastor one afternoon.
Wisdom From Above -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt, Martinus Cawley -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
About fifteen years ago, as I prepared for a big cider-pressing, I had to move the top-heavy hydraul
Epiphany 5 -- Luke 5:1-11 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
So often we read these words of Jesus and wonder why we do not see this taking place in our churches
Seeing Jesus -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
It was a nice summer day.
Trinity Sunday -- John 16:12-15 -- John Steward -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
Sometimes it is hard to determine just who is telling the truth.
A Narrow Escape -- Psalm 124 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Ziese -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
Epiphany 6 -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John Steward -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
When I was in college my professor and good friend Dr.

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Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28Theme: Peace At Home First
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11Theme: SonlightCall To Worship
Prayer 37 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Source Of Mystery:
Jesus Walking on Water -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 5 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Patient Overseer:
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 22:1-14 Theme: The Right CallCall To Worship
Salt, Light, Righteousness -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 45:1-15Theme: The Sound Of MercyCall To Worship
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 1:8--2:10Theme: Unique TalentsCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Theme: Return To MeCall To Worship
Prayer 38 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
An Easter PetitionCome, risen Jesus! Rise up again!
That Which Defiles -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 6 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Living Presence:
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67Theme: LifemateCall To Worship
Anger, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 3:1-15Theme: Holy Ground, Therefore ...
Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 42:1-9Theme: ChosenCall To Worship
Prayer 39 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Science And Faith
Peter's Declaration about Jesus -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 7 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Supreme Valuer:
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 24:12-18Theme: Into And Out Of The Clouds
Concerning Retaliation and Loving Enemies -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 12:1-14Theme: TogetherCall To Worship
Corpus Christi -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16Theme: By God's DesignCall To Worship
Jesus Foretells his Death and Resurrection -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Advent 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 4
32 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Christmas!
24 – Sermons
100+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 4-6, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for adventure. And by the time we returned to our own land after many years, I was older and wiser than my age might have you believe.

Don't get me wrong. I was happy in my home, living in the paddock with my brothers and sisters and the rest of the herd, for we were well looked after. We always had food and water, and the camel master almost never beat us, even when occasionally we'd spit at him, just for fun.

SermonStudio

Mark Wm. Radecke
This season, the boundaries of darkness are pushed back. A light shines in the darkness and the darkness is powerless to extinguish it.

Darkness has always been a potent metaphor for those things in life that oppress and enthrall us, frighten and intimidate us, cause us worry and anxiety and leech the joy from our lives.

We know darkness in our physical lives when illness is close at hand, when we lack the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and clothing.
Paul E. Robinson
Early in January in northern Canada the sun peeks above the horizon for the first time after six weeks of hiding. An important dawn for Canada. Imagine how the lives of people in the northern latitudes would be different if they got used to the darkness and never even expected that a dawn would ever lighten their horizon again.
John N. Brittain
We lived in Florida for a while in the 1980s and it was then that we learned about Tarpon Springs. Not a large city, it has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any place in the US. This dates back to the 1880s, when Greek immigrants moving into the area were hired as sponge divers, a trade they had plied back in the old country. Today Tarpon Springs' main claim to fame is the Greek Orthodox Church's Epiphany celebration, which is held every January 6, with the blessing of the waters and the boats.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
Early January always feels like a fresh start. The Christmas whirlwind has settled down. We still have a fighting chance to keep our resolutions for the new year. Cartoons always depict the New Year as a baby, full of possibilities and innocence. We hope that with a new year we can leave the baggage behind us, stretching toward a brighter future.

Stephen M. Crotts
Many things are written with all of the excitement of some fresh truth recently received. Other things are written from anger. And there is much these days in any pastorate to make one mad. Still other messages are delivered from depression. I'm convinced that the majority of preachers I know are over the edge into burnout. And what of this particular study? Where am I coming from? Today, I'm writing from a broken heart, a heart shattered by a fallen comrade.
William B. Kincaid, III
Did you notice that bad things did not stop happening through the holidays? And is any warning necessary that bad things will happen in every season of this year? Surely there is better news than that, but we ought to be honest about the bad news. Not even the holidays generate enough good will to stop people from blowing up airplanes and destroying people's reputations and abusing children and selling drugs to teenagers and gunning down their neighbors.
Robert A. Beringer
"So, what's new?" he asked. It happens all the time. You meet someone on the street you have not seen for awhile. "What's new?" "Oh, nothing much, really.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

(Myrna and Robert Kysar are the co-authors of "Charting The Course." Myrna is pastor of Christ Lutheran Church [ELCA], Oakwood, Georgia. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. She is the co-author with her husband of three books.
Mark J. Molldrem
Schuyler Rhodes
These are the longest hours of darkness. Although the winter solstice is passed, the darkness lingers for many more weeks. The season becomes a symbol for the longing of the human spirit to "see the light." It becomes difficult to catch sight of the light, however, when so many shadows lurk at every turn of a corner we make. We claim to be an enlightened people; yet settle for clap-trap on television and spend countless hours absorbing it like a sponge under a dripping faucet. We call athletes heroes for nothing more than being good at what they do.
Cathy Venkatesh
In many countries, January 6 is a public holiday with parades, parties, and festivities celebrating the visit of the wise men. For some Christian churches, the main celebration of Christ's incarnation occurs on this day. But in the United States, Monday, January 6, 2014, is nothing special in the public sphere. For most of us, this day marks the beginning of our first full week back at work or school after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

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