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Proper 26 -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
There is much material that is unique to Matthew in the final chapters of his Gospel.
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 (C)
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
Lesson 1: Genesis 22:1-14 (C)
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Advent 1 -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
As we indicated in the Preface we have chosen to arrange the chapters of this work in their Matthean
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 45:1-15 (C)
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 (C)
Corpus Christi -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
Proper 27, Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:1-13, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We have chosen to discuss two texts together in one chapter.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8--2:10 (C)
The Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:7-18 (C)
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6, John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 10:34-43 (C, E); Acts 10:34, 37-43 (RC)
Illuminating God's Message To The World -- Matthew 5:13-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
Images of salt and light hold center stage in this short pericope at the outset of the Sermon on the
Christ The King; Proper 29 -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come to the end of the Church Year.
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 3:1-15 (C)
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 (C, E)
Caring For The Gifts Of God -- Matthew 21:33-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
"Listen to another parable.
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Resurrection is the heart and climax of Matthew's story.
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-4, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 12:1-4 (C)
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 1:1--2:4a (C); Genesis 1:1--2:3 (E)
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Perseverance Brings Us Home -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king
The Holy Trinity -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The closing verses of Matthew's Gospel include the Trinitarian formula in the call to go to all the
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 14:19-31 (C)

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Why Rejoice? -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
I recently saw a survey conducted by the Muzak Holiday Channel concerning the most popular Christmas
Completing The Master's Work -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Classical music provides some significant examples of great musical compositions that were never fin
You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet! -- John 16:12-15 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Before Christopher Columbus, the Spanish flag bore the motto, "No More Beyond." Spain was a mighty e
Costly Extravagance -- John 12:1-8 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
"Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" Well, it'
Fan The Flame -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
You may have noticed that I read earlier from the King James Version of the Bible and not the New In
The Regenerating Power Of A Little One -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Steven E. Albertin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Regardless of the size of a town, it is important for the residents to have a sense of civic pride.
Strength Through Diversity -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time.
God's Sneak Attack -- Luke 2:1-20 -- David Kalas -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
I think I was eight years old the first time I got to be in a Christmas pageant.
Salvation At The Skull -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
I remember pulling into a gas station once when I was sixteen years old and just learning to drive i
Half-truths And Almost Bible -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
The first time that I noticed the book Salvation on Sand Mountain was when I was leaving the Andover
Sainthood Means Overcoming Obstacles -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
In 1989 an 8.2 magnitude earthquake flattened much of the state of Armenia and killed over 30,000 pe
Making Friends With Money -- Luke 16:9 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
A magazine cartoon showed a scene of yesteryear as two men watched a wealthy man ride by in his eleg
The Power Of Confession -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
A man wrote to Dear Abby admitting an affair with another woman that cost him dearly.
Calling A Halt To The Angel Craze -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Some stout claims are made in today's lesson.
Together, But Not Enmeshed -- John 15:1-8 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Jesus describes the community gathered in his name -- and that would be all of us -- using the image
Stop The Offerings! -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Good Friday - B -- 2002
Go with me to the year 1968, to the basement of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Silver Spri
Christianity As A Materialistic Religion -- Matthew 25:21 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Archbishop William Temple of the Church of England has become famous for his oft--quoted statement t
Maximum Marriage -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
A fifth grade teacher asked the children in her art class to draw pictures of what they want to be w
Before It's Too Late -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Actress Melanie Griffith candidly writes of her painful experiences while growing up.
The Achilles' Heel Of The Church -- James 5:13-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Have you ever noticed how prevalent is the number 3 in religious history?
A Tireless And Timeless Image -- John 10:11-18 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Images are highly influential.
What A Resume! -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
If you were to visit the Library of Congress and look up Jesus of Nazareth in the card catalog of au
Squeezing Camels Through The Eye Of A Needle -- Luke 18:25 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
America is awash in money - big money.
No Salt In The City? -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Last fall the phone rang in my study.
God Knows -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
It's the sort of thing that yields high ratings on television and high volume of sales of supermarke

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A Tire Of A Different Dimension -- Psalm 26 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay Boone Stewart -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wave
Christmas 1 -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- John Steward -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
A farmer was being questioned by a lawyer during a trial concerning an accident on a highway.
Christ The King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- John Steward -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
In Toledo, Spain, there is an old cathedral.
My Dad, Marlie -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia Gallagher Marchant -- Easter Day - B
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our
My Beloved -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judie M. Jacobson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Beth and David are a young couple in my congregation who have a wonderful relationship and a tremend
Lent 1 -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- John Steward -- First Sunday in Lent - C
In a Danish village there was a Lutheran Church where each Sunday the people would walk into the chu
Convincing Proof -- Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Margaret Nyland-brown -- Ascension of the Lord - B
I was born in 1970. My brother, Randy, was five years older than I. He died on February 28, 1982.
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha -- Mark 7:24-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Allan Mccauley, As Told To Rebecca Henderleiter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." And immedia
Lent 2 -- Luke 13:31-35 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
In a small Swiss town there was a cathedral. It was called the Mountain Valley Cathedral.
Ronny's Gift -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rebecca Henderleiter -- Ash Wednesday - B
In recovery circles, many tight-knit relationships are formed.
Easter In September -- Psalm 19 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
The call came from the doctor that Dad had only a short time to live.
Lent 3 -- Luke 13:1-9 -- John Steward -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Most people think of AIDS as being transmitted sexually or through intravenous drug use.
What Is God Saying? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Susan D. Jamison -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
In May of 1996, I attended an event at Kirkridge, located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
What Dreams Have Come -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
After my father died, in September of 1998, I had several vivid dreams that felt very much like his
Lent 4 -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John Steward -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Walter Elias was born in the city; now his parents had just moved to the country.
Our Family In Heaven -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt, Jeff Veenhuis -- All Saints Day - B
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals.
A Heavenly Voice -- Psalm 84 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rosmarie Trapp -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
When I was growing up, in our large family which performed all over Europe and the U.S., I was the r
Lent 5 -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- John Steward -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
There was a Scotsman whose wife became ill. At first it did not seem like anything serious.
Cameron's Story -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Todd Chrisler, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
I met Todd and Dawn at wedding reception in the fall of 1999.
That Which Comes From Heaven -- John 6:24-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Janet Angel -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- John Steward -- Passion Sunday - C
Several years ago I had the occasion to meet A.C. Lyles. A.C.
To Bind Up The Broken Hearted -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Roy H. Nelson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good ne
Do Not Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marjorie K. Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger ...
Day Of Pentecost -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- John Steward -- Day of Pentecost - C
Four centuries ago there was an incident that can serve as an example of the power of fear.
A Safe Place To Tell Visions -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Late on Maundy Thursday evening, in the year 2000, as I lay in bed, meditating on the format of this

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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
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 1:1--2:4aTheme: Trinity -- In The Beginning
The Last Hours of Jesus' Life and his Burial -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
Print these statements at the beginning of the order of worship: We are here to discover the meaning
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 14:19-31Theme: TrustCall To Worship
Prayer 9 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Lord Of Life:
Easter (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 10:34-43Theme: The Whole StoryCall To Worship
Reproving Another Who Sins -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
First Sunday After Christmas (Holy Family) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 63:7-9Theme: Saving PresenceCall To Worship
The Temptations of Jesus -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 16:2-15Theme: ProvideCall To Worship
Prayer 10 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear God, By Whatever Name You Are Known:
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:14a, 22-32Theme: But God IsCall To Worship
Forgiveness and the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:7-14Theme: Like A Watered GardenCall To Worship
Nicodemus and Jesus -- John 3:1-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7 Theme: Are You Here, God?Call To Worship
Prayer 11 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Watchful And Caring Mother-Father God:
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:14, 36-41Theme: The Promise Is For YouCall To Worship
The Laborers in the Vineyard -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7 Theme: See The LightCall To Worship
Jesus and the Woman of Samaria -- John 4:5-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20Theme: Ten Commandments
Prayer 12 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Loving, Merciful God:
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:42-47Theme: TogetherCall To Worship

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The Immediate Word

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

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

StoryShare

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

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

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

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

CSSPlus

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

* * *

The Village Shepherd

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

SermonStudio

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

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

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

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

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