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Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
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Gluttony: Living By Bread And The Word Of God -- 1 Timothy 4:4-10 -- R. Curtis Fussell -- 1997
Every day at about 10:30 in the morning and then about 3:30 in the afternoon, I need a little snack
Love In Action -- 1 John 3:16-24 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
One of the enduring images of both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures is that of the goo
The Mathematics of Marriage -- William Mckee Aber -- 1997
(Written for the wedding of two college students.
Let It Shine! -- John 1:1-14 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
The Gospel of John makes one of the most powerful observations in all scripture: "In the beginning
Love And Friendship -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A boy was asked about his family, when he enrolled for church school.
The Need to Believe that Life Is Meaningful and Has Purpose -- Luke 18:18-30 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
Leeches Or Lovers -- Leslie F. Brandt -- 1997
We can make grandiose statements about our willingness to forgive or to tolerate the atrocities of o
Paradoxes Of The Christian Faith -- Matthew 10:34-39 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
There is something strange and paradoxical about the faith of Christians, and many people struggle t
The Victory Of Faith -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Planes drop out of the sky, killing all passengers.
The Need for a Sense of Community and Deeper Relationships -- John 15:13-17 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue -- Kenneth H. Sauer -- 1997
(A general wedding homily built around the traditions)
Take Off The Grave Clothes! -- John 11:38-44 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
Today our lesson paints a poignant picture of one of the most famous of Jesus' acts: raising Lazarus
Life In His Name -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
In 1922, a marvelous treasure was unearthed in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
The Need to Be Appreciated and Respected -- Mark 1:10-11 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
Marriage As Crisis -- Leslie F. Brandt -- 1997
The time of marriage is a time of crisis.
The African Foundations Of Christianity -- Exodus 4:1-7 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
In surveying the vast and rich history of African--American people, we must go beyond the shores of
Friday -- The Good One -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A youngster in Sunday School asked the pastor, "If Jesus died on Friday, why do we call it good?"
The Need to Be Listened to and Heard -- Luke 8:8b -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
We Belong To Each Other -- Kenneth H. Sauer -- 1997
This is a great day for John and Susan, for their families, for friends.
African--American Spirituality: The African's Gift To America -- Exodus 3:1-10 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
As we commence celebrations of Black History this month, I want to say what a wonderful thing that w
Adoption Into God's Family -- 1 Peter 3:18-22 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
Any parent who has adopted a child knows the joy of bringing a new member into the family.
The Need to Feel that One Is Growing in Faith -- John 8:31-36 -- Arley K. Fadness -- 1997
Worship Aid
Let God Be The Go-Between -- Paul L. Winemiller Jr. -- 1997
Text: Mark 10:7-9: For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined t
Joy Songs, Trumpet Blasts, And Hallelujah Shouts! -- Joshua 6:1-21 -- Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III -- 1997
The Israelites have come to the end of a long, long journey.
The Gospel Of Our Calling -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A friend related to me how, when he was a youngster, he spent a lot of time on the other side of the

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PROPER 26 -- Ruth 4:7-17, Psalm 127 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1986
We shall begin with the Roman Catholic selections and with the Common Lectionary variations from the
Always under God's care -- Exodus 2:11-22 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
EPIPHANY 2 -- Psalm 40:1-1, Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-34 -- Norman A. Beck -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1986
There is an interesting tension in these four texts between whether the salvation that God provides
PROPER 27 -- Psalm 50:7-15, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1986
Since the Lutheran Lectionary texts for Pentecost 24, with the single substitution of Amos 5:18-24 f
EPIPHANY 4 -- Psalm 37:1-11, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Norman A. Beck -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1986
With selections from Psalms 1, 37, and 146 as the leadoff texts and the Beatitudes of Matthew 5 as t
God is with his people -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7 -- Heth H. Corl -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
The resurrection of the dead -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Proper 3 | Ordinary Time 8 -- Matthew 6:24-34, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Isaiah 49:8-16a -- Norman A. Beck -- 1986
For this occasion, we have one text (Isaiah 49:13-18) that is primarily assurance or "gospel," one t
God's revelation, a call to service -- Exodus 3:1-12, Romans 8:18-25 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
EPIPHANY 5 -- Psalm 112:4-9, Isaiah 58:3-9a, Matthew 5:13-16 -- Norman A. Beck -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1986
Within three of the four texts appointed for next Sunday, the central, unifying theme is "the righte
PROPER 4 -- Psalm 33:12-22, Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 3:21-28, Matthew 7:21-29 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1986
Perhaps the best unifying theme in these six texts is the gracious goodness of God.
EPIPHANY 6 -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8, Matthew 5:17-26 -- Norman A. Beck -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1986
Within the texts selected for next Sunday, Psalm 119 and Deuteronomy 30:15-20 depict the significant
Eternal reward of the faithful -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3 -- Heth H. Corl -- All Saints Day - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:Blessed are those who are faithful to Christ in this life!
God's wrath on man's sin -- Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipLeader:
PROPER 5 -- Psalm 13, Genesis 22:1-8, Matthew 9:9-13 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1986
All six of the texts selected for this occasion place emphasis on the importance of close personal r
God, the Deliverer -- Exodus 3:13-20, Romans 8:26-30 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
EPIPHANY -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Norman A. Beck -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1986
We have a responsibility in our ministry to observe and to preserve the festival of the Epiphany in
PROPER 6 -- Psalm 46, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 5:6-11, Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 1986
The texts selected for this occasion include the basic elements of worship of God and of the life an
God is a shepherd to his people -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 -- Heth H. Corl -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 7 -- Psalm 91:1-10, Genesis 28:10-17, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 10:24-33 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1986
Through the words of these texts God calls us to be inspired individuals in the time and place where
GOOD FRIDAY -- Psalm 22:1-18, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42 -- Norman A. Beck -- Good Friday - A -- 1986
It is not likely that the followers of Jesus had much direct information about what the Roman milita
The ascension of Jesus -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Heth H. Corl -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
PROPER 8 -- Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Genesis 32:22-32, Matthew 10:34-42 -- Norman A. Beck -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1986
We are called in these texts to lives of commitment to God and to service as People of God, serving
Celebrate God's redemptive acts in history -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 8:31-39 -- Heth H. Corl -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 1986
Call to WorshipPastor:
Holy Name of Jesus -- Psalm 67, Numbers 6:22-27, Philippians 2:9-13, Luke 2:15-21 -- Norman A. Beck -- 1986
For some people there is great joy in the selection of the name for their child.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

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

The Village Shepherd

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

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

StoryShare

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


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

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


* * * * * * *


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

SermonStudio

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

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

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

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

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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

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

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