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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
Readiness For The Lord -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this.
First Sunday After Christmas/Holy Family -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 63:7-9 (C)
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 16:2-15 (C)
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 7:55-60 (C)
Advent 2 -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Enter John the Baptist. Matthew doesn't introduce this desert prophet until now.
God's Gifts Are For All -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them;
Advent 4 -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Our Matthew text for this week comes from the first chapter of Matthew.
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1-7 (C)
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 17:22-31 (C, E)
Baptism Of The Lord; Epiphany 1 -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's assigned Gospel story is a continuation of the story assigned for the Second Sunday in A
Serving Christ Through Others -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne
Proper 6 -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The appointed Gospel reading for this week begins with the words: "Then Jesus went about all the cit
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 (C)
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
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.
Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week has allusions to many, many stories throughout the Bible.
The Gate Of Life -- John 10:1-10 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by anothe
Proper 7 -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel assigned for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost comes out of the heart of Matthew 10.
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 32:1-14 (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 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 60:1-6 (C, RC); Isaiah 60:1-6, 9 (E)
Christ The King -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come to the end of the Church Year.
Epiphany 3 -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's Matthew text takes us from Part I to Part II in the outline of Matthew that we proposed
Anchoring Your Life In The Lord -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who d
Proper 8 -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come now to the final passage in the section of Matthew's Gospel which Robert Smith has called:

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Look To Jesus -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
I never shall forget the time when I first donned the colors of the Purple and Gold.
God Restores Us To Life -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
The New Man For Our Time -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
This is the time of the year when new cars are unveiled.
Whether You'll Weather The Weather -- Luke 6:39-49 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Every so often, toward the end of a hot, still, muggy day here in the Midwest, we'll have a televisi
In Betwixt And Between -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
It was a calm and lazy summer evening, almost dark.
Supporting Others As God Supports Us -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
In 1921 Lewis Lawes became the warden at New York's infamous Sing Sing Penitentiary.
Committed To The Committed One? -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Try this experiment. Turn your radio on. Now dial it to your favorite station.
Pilate Pops The Question -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Do The Do's! -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
It was just unthinkable! The unbelievable had to be believed because it had just happened!
Contemporary Prophets -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
On March 24, 1980, Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, was saying Mass at a cancer hospital op
How Good News Spreads! -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
In 1971 I made a trip to Russia.
On Defeating The Devil -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
At every baptism in the Lutheran church an old question is asked.
Waging Peace -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
The old man is about to retire for the evening.
Through Cross-colored Glasses -- Steven E. Albertin, Charles D. Reeb, Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2003
Introduction
Living For Others -- 1 Kings 17:8-24 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland, in 1821.
How To Break A Bad Habit For Good! -- John 8:31-36 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
After helping his child with homework, a man said to his wife, "I wish we still had those kinds of p
Jesus, Desirous -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
In the powerful movie, Ulee's Gold, Peter Fonda plays a tired man who is a beekeeper by day.
Giving The Best To The Worst -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
J.
The Power Of The Future -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Steven E. Albertin -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
We have all had them. We all hate them. You know what I am talking about: boring history teachers.
Living The Life God Gives Us -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
There once was a businessman who, after a long hard day at the office, cried out loudly to God with
Let's Talk Turkey -- John 6:25-35 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Let's talk turkey!
Headlines And Holiness -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Imagine for a moment that Jesus is watching television with his twelve disciples.
All! -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
"I pray that we will not become too introverted."
Be Careful What You Ask For! -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
It is a piece of worldly wisdom we often hear in the course of our daily conversations: "Be careful
God Has Plans For Us -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contributi

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Proper 10 -- Luke 10:25-37 -- John Steward -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
The story is told of the fourth wise man who had followed the Star announcing the birth of Jesus.
Blessed At The Core -- John 13:1-17, 31-35a -- John E. Sumwalt, Manda R. Stack -- Maundy Thursday - B
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.
Proper 11 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- John Steward -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C
When Charles Dickens was a little boy he was unhappy and neglected, for he was working in a factory.
A Plea For Help -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Christal Bindrich
My mother died of breast cancer in 1976.
Proper 12 -- Colossians 2:6-15 -- John Steward -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Two men were high up in a hot air balloon.
My Encounter With God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Robert L. Gossett -- Day of Pentecost - B
A United Methodist pastor, lying on a Lutheran gymnasium floor, struggling with God about speaking i
Proper 13 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- John Steward -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
One of the great struggles in our lives is the one that we have with materialism.
No One Is Lost -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Keith R. Eytcheson, Sr. -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
A few years ago, one of my nephews went through an emotional break-up with a girlfriend.
Kathy's Caterpillar -- Titus 2:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Diana Lampsa -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
On a recent August morning, I raced into the drive of a retreat center, late for my morning appointm
Proper 14 -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- John Steward -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
My good friend and former professor Dr.
Waiting For God -- Psalm 19 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
I begin my prayer time some mornings with the following meditation.
Visions Of The Nativity -- Luke 2:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rochelle M. Pennington
Christmas EveLuke 2:1-20Visions Of The Nativity
Proper 15 -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- John Steward -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
In Plato's Symposium there is an allegory that imagines the beginning of human beings.
Advent 1 -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- John Steward -- First Sunday of Advent - C
What is love?
My Labyrinth Prayer -- Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Ann Watson Peterson -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
On a cold, snowy evening, I climbed the stairs of Calvary Presbyterian Church to walk the Labyrinth
Consolation -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lori Hetzel -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
My mother died on January 20, 2001. I am her only daughter, and we were very close.
Proper 16 -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- John Steward -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
During World War II the Red Cross would provide blood for wounded soldiers.
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
While Khrushchev was Premier of the Soviet Union, he came out against his predecessor Joseph Stalin
Then A Voice Came -- John 12:20-33 -- John E. Sumwalt, Loxley Ann Schlosser -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified [my name], and I will glorify it again." The crowd
Born Of The Spirit -- John 3:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Earl Kammerud -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Do not be astonished that I said to you, "You must be born from above." The wind blows where it choo
Proper 17 -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- John Steward -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
One summer a farmer named Worthy Taylor hired a young man by the name of Jim to work the farm.
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- John Steward -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
When the Gettysburg Cemetery was being dedicated, those doing the planning wanted to have a speaker
A Life Redeemed -- Psalm 103:1-13, 22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Vickie Eckoldt -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
At age 42, I was faced with two major surgeries within six weeks.
Three Days Of Meditation -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Von Bergen -- The Nativity of our Lord - B
Day One
Proper 18 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- John Steward -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
A man was once put in a dark cave.

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The Authority of Jesus Questioned -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Physical and Spiritual Blindness -- John 9:1-41 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 32:1-14Theme: I Love YouCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 7:55-60Theme: ValorCall To Worship
Prayer 13 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Creator And Inhabiter Of The Universe:
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Lazarus' Death and Resurrection -- John 11:1-45 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 33:12-23Theme: InvisibleCall To Worship
Clothed For Salvation -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11Theme: Clothed For Salvation
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 17:22-31Theme: To A Known GodCall To Worship
Prayer 14 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Wonderful Provider:
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
The Question about Paying Taxes -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet, and the New Commandment -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
For this worship, use a small room for closeness that can be expanded easily to accommodate those wh
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Theme: Growing UpCall To Worship
In A Few Things -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30Theme: In A Few ThingsCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 1:6-14Theme: Angels?Call To Worship
Prayer 15 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Lord:
The Greatest Commandment; the Question about David's Son -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Palm Sunday and Jesus' Passion -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joshua 3:7-17Theme: Miracles of Leadership Call To Worship
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-7Theme: From Your BeginningCall To Worship
Prayer 16 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Concerned And Loving One:
Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Rivers of Living Water -- John 7:37-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pre-preparations for Pentecost

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In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
New Year's Eve/Day
13 – Sermons
40+ – Illustrations / Stories
16 – Children's Sermons / Resources
6 – Worship Resources
6 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
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Christmas 2
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60+ – Illustrations / Stories
12 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
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Epiphany of the Lord
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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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.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Frank Ramirez
Timothy F. Merrill
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Sons from Far Away, Daughters in Nurses' Arms" by David O. Bales
"Tenting Among Us" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Resolutions" by Timothy F. Merrill


What's Up This Week
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"A Time for Everything" by Larry Winebrenner
"A Word of Hope" by Larry Winebrenner
"You Were Adopted" by C. David McKirachan
"Behold the Man" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * * *


A Time for Everything
Larry Winebrenner
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Henry didn't like Jack.

Oh, he loved him like a brother. He would die for his friend. But oh, the arrogance. He always thought he was right. And he would always use authority, authority of some kind, to support his claims.

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

When to accommodate and when not to accommodate? That's the question we face today. Most likely, the minds and hearts of our congregations will be focused on the new year. They will have just celebrated the advent not only of a new year but in this case a new millennium. With all the hype about the year 2000, our attention will doubtless be engrossed in the calendar. On the other hand, today is also an important liturgical celebration of the naming of Jesus. It provides us opportunity to acknowledge the importance of that name which has become sacred in our tradition.
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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Teachers: Most youngsters (and many adults) have a misconception of the wise men. The Bible does not state that the wise men visited Jesus at the manger. Even so, our tradition of gift giving at Christmas may relate to the wise men's gifts. The church celebrates the arrival of the wise men's visit to Jesus 12 days after Christmas. This event is called "Epiphany."

Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and
Today we are going to be like the wise men from the East who looked for baby Jesus. They were told the wonderful story about a promised Messiah who would save the world. He was the "king of the Jews" and would be king of all people. They traveled a great distance. They wanted to see the baby. They had to see the baby! So they left and ended up in Jerusalem. There they asked about the promised king.

The man who was king became very jealous. Even though they were looking for a spiritual king -- a king of our hearts, minds,
Teachers or Parents: Have an Epiphany pageant to close off the Christmas season and the twelve days of Christmas with the children of your church. Have people stationed in various parts of the home or church building where you might go to ask the question, "Are you the Messiah?" They will, of course, say, "No." The first group might add, "Look for the star." Involve as many children as possible. Let them ask the question. Let them get into the role of wise men from the East. Help them relive the story and see that Jesus is more than king of the Jews or king of

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