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The Key Ring That Unites Us -- Romans 6:2b-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a round key ring with a lot of keys and one large key
Share Your Crayons -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: If we give our life to God, he will give life back to us.
Things Change -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a series of school pictures of the same child (or children) showing the change in the
What Is Your Treasure? -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pocket knife, a baseball glove, and a doll
A Time For Giving -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)
Turn Around! -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a framed picture with the back showing
Be A Believer -- 2 John 9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of water, some cups, and some cooking oil
Walking The Walk -- 2 John 6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some exercise equipment like a jump rope or a barbell
Are You Who You Say You Are? -- John 20:19-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a driver's license, Social Security card, or an identification bracelet
Who Cleans You Up? -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a mop, a bucket, and a silver candlestick
No Energy Crisis With God -- 1 Corinthians 12:3-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a can of oil, a can of gasoline, a plastic hairbrush
A Man Who Changed His Mind -- Mark 3:13-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Missing The Bull's Eye -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some darts and a dart board
Travel Light -- Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Christian missionaries should travel light, free of excess items.
Make A List For God -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a shopping list
What Do You Do With The Leftover Jelly Beans? -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large bag of jelly beans
Sunday's Special Breakfast -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some orange juice, toast, and cereal
The Constitution Of Our Faith -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a constitution (United States, state, or local government) and slips of paper for eac
Doing What God Wants -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a list of chores, like doing the dishes, setting the table, caring for the pets, clea
An Empty Box -- John 20:1-2, 11-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a new, empty crayon box
Jesus Is Coming -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use in Advent)
Stumbling Blocks -- 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: things that might be on the floor in a typical child's room before it is cleaned: clo
Why Is Sunday Special? -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some aspirin or some other kind of pill or capsule
Target Practice -- Romans 3:21-25a, 27-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some rubber bands, candy to pass out to the children
Follow Me -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: What it means to follow Christ.Props: None.

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SermonStudio

I Am Christ's Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
I Am Christ's Body 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Oh, One More Thing -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: A sermon summarizing the overview of Christian theology or the pastor's key co
How Vulgar Can We Be? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What are the limits of acceptable vulgarity for the Christian?
Why Hasn't Jesus Offended You? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Do we understand and agree with all of Jesus' teachings?
Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Kings 5:1-14 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Mark 1:40-45
The Signal -- Ephesians 3:7-12 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The Signal Ephesians 3:7-12
When Christianity Becomes A Waste Of Time -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Good Christian stewardship demands an efficient use of our time and talents.
When Worlds Collide: Sacred And Secular -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How does our faith relate to the rest of our lives, including the interaction
If It Isn't In The Bible, It Should Be -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We need a method of drawing answers from scripture to address a wide variety o
Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 43:18-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Mark 2:1-12
Superhero: Sort Of A Sequel -- Hebrews 12:1-2 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Superhero: Sort Of A Sequel Hebrews 12:1-2
Imagine That! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Allow some exciting creativity into your faith world.
Reasons Not To Go To Church -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: If we are to be evangelists and help others find a meaningful life within our
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day
Real Faith And Fictional Worlds -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
(An edited version of this essay was published as "Religion in Science Fiction" in Forum Letter 27.5
You Thought It Couldn't Get Any Worse -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How to deal with depression.
Religion In A Disposable Culture -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Has the over-indulgent nature of our rich and abundant culture carried over in
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 64:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37
The Matrix And The Gospel -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
(This is a modified version of an essay that was originally published as part of The Immediate Wo
Some Things You Don't Want To Know -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Knowledge brings responsibility.
Too Heavenly Minded To Be Any Earthly Good -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is it possible to be too religious?
Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Hosea 2:14-20 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 Mark 2:13-22
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 40:1-11 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8
Did Jesus Really Yell At A Tree? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: As Christians are we the worker bees or the drones?

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Fido's Dilemma -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Fido is in the dirt gnawing on a bone. It is dry, brittle, depleted of marrow and moisture.
A Strange Way In And A New Way Out -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2007
The heroes of this little narrative certainly seem familiar to us.
Choosing To Love -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
The popular notion in our society is that the best way to choose a marriage partner is to wait until
Living On The Edge -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
The long journey was finally nearing its conclusion.
When You're Free (In Christ), Sacrifice Is No Burden! -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
It takes a lot to be a Christian; you have to make your share of sacrifices.
Hidden In Plain Sight -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
I had a much-loved professor in seminary who confessed to some of us over coffee one day that he fre
Freedom And Slavery -- Romans 6:12-23 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Freedom is the defining value of American culture.
John The (Reluctant) Baptizer -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
Many pastors and church boards have a policy against flash photography during any worship service, e
A Man Of The Moment -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Do you remember the movie 1988 movie, Twins?
Hearts On Fire -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Writer, Anne Lamott, tells of her struggle in getting her teenage son, Sam, to go to church with her
If Your Sense Of Purpose Ever Becomes A Burden, Remember Your Value -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Do you ever wish you counted for something, that you had value?
A Disconcerting Sight -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
I once had a student whose dad was a pilot for a major airline who told me this true story.
Seeing God Work For Good -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
A wicked wind tore through our coats.
Who's Who? -- John 1:29-42 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
The first chapter of John bears some similarity to the pilot episode of a television series.
Letting Go Of Our Nets -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
Did they have any idea what they were getting themselves into?
The Ladder From Our House -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
There is a wonderful story about a city mayor.
The Victory Is Ours -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
All Saints provides an opportunity to remember and give thanks for all the believers who have lived
Why We Need The Pledge Of Allegiance -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
When I was in high school, a new music teacher came to town.
Will It Last? -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
A quarter-century ago, the little college at which I worked offered a scholarship for one year of st
Righting Wrong -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
To Jim it seemed like an opportunity to right decades of wrongs.
Those Who Most Need A Blessing -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Can a child pass up a tasty marshmallow? A researcher who wanted to know set up an experiment.
Captive Free! -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Have you ever felt "trapped between a rock and a hard place"?
Forward March -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
It was truly a day of new beginnings as the people prepared to make the long-anticipated entry into
Hunger And Politics -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
Yogi Berra, the great baseball player of an earlier age, was known for his unusual and creative use
By Whose Standards? -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
As the current century dawned, Time magazine placed Einstein on the front cover as the Person

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Ego
The Viking Bachelor -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
In 1948 there lived a group of bachelors in the small Minnesota town of Viking.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
We may not be able to direct the wind of the Spirit, but we can adjust the sails to catch the wind.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Worship
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's prayers will help diminish a child's cares.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While the title to eternal life is given to us in our justification, the Lord leads us into the pos
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Serving
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"If you would reform the world from its errors and vices, begin by enlisting the mothers." (C.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Commitment
Being Neighborly -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Bea is 81, but you would never know it looking at her.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Nation
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Most mothers resemble what Robert Louis Stevenson says about quiet minds, that they "cannot be perpl
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God
The Reluctant Follower -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
I wonder what Matthew felt like when Jesus said, "Follow me." Was it suprising? Was it scary?
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The standard by which we test God is how Holy He is.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Encouragement
A Great Prophet And A Great Dad -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
John the Baptist was the real thing, a great prophet.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Today's prepared spirit determines tomorrow's achievement in life.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Heaven is at the feet of mothers." (Roebuck)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Create good memories for your children along with good habits.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The first priority of my life is to be holy, and the second goal of my life is to be a scholar." (J
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smile "All people smile in the same language." (Anonymous)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no sweeter name than -- Mother.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Competition

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-2, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-2
Costly Grace -- Luke 14:25-35, Philemon 1:1-21 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod's love is a costly love.
Palm Sunday -- John 12:12-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe welcome Jesus to Jerusalem - and into our sanctuary.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
HymnsIn Egypt Under Pharaoh (NCH574)
My Get Up And Go Just Got Up And Went -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 33:12)
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Hymns
Just Due Charity -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-1, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Dancing With God -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 11-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere is joy, joy, joy, joy ...
Peace -- John 14:23-29, 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod offers us peace as a gift.
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
HymnsWhen Israel Was In Egypt's Land (NCH572, UM448, CBH164, PH334)
Honest Abe And Sarai -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2004
Call To Worship
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
HymnsThine (Yours) Is the Glory (NCH253, PH122, CBH269)
A String On God's Finger -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 49:13-16a)
Deafness/Hearing -- Mark 7:31-37, Isaiah 35:4-7a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipLet us open our eyes -
Power -- John 6:56-69 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod of power and might,God of love and mercy,
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
HymnsWake, Awake, For Night Is Flying (UM720, NCH112, PH17)
Desert Story -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 86:16-17)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsI Danced In The Morning (UM261, PH 302)
The Light Is Still Shining -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 60:1)
Depth Of Devotion -- Mark 7:1-9, 14-15, 21-23 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe are not here for show.
Pruning -- John 15:1-8 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to worship Jesus the Christ.
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord, Speak To Me (UM463, NCH531, PH426)
Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 22:1-14 Theme: Letting GoCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsI Want To Be Ready (NCH616)
The Triumph Of The Lamb -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 53: 4-5)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
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170+ – Illustrations / Stories
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20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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26 – Worship Resources
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30 – Sermons
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John Jamison
Object: An orange and a lemon that are about the same size and shape, a knife, a cutting board, orange and yellow paint, and some paper towels. Prepare the fruit by painting the lemon orange, and the orange, yellow. The more alike they look, the better.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started!

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 11, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
Tinkerbell is the delightful sprite in Peter Pan who drifts between the world of senses and the world of magic. She sprinkles “fairy dust” to make children fly; she sparkles around Peter Pan as a comrade adventurer.

Once, in one episode of a televised version of Peter Pan, Tin­kerbell ingested some poison. There was nothing to be seen of her, tiny thing that she was, other than the brightness of her little light. But with the poison, her light began to fade. Before our very eyes she grew dimmer, pulsing with a weakening glow.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 9:36-43
Cryonics is an interesting and, if I’m honest, disturbing practice. You might be wondering, what is cryonics? The aim of cryonics, according to Dennis Kowalski, the president of the Cryonics Institute in Michigan, is to “keep bodies in a stable, preserved state until the necessary medical technology arrives.” As of June 1, 2024, there were about five hundred people who have tried to keep themselves preserved for future medical advances to revive.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hello, Peter. Come on in to the office,” Pastor Carl held open the door for him. “Oh, don’t worry about your shoes.”

“They’re muddy and I really should take them off,” Peter said. “Besides if I don’t, I’ll be hearing my mother’s voice telling me to take them off before coming into your office.”

Pastor Carl smiled. “Fair enough.”

After a few moments, Peter took the offered seat across from Pastor Carl.

“So how are you finding our church?” Pastor Carl asked. “I know you mentioned we’re a bit more casual and smaller than you are used to.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus said that he gives eternal life to those who follow him. As we worship God today, let us believe in his words so that we too may enjoy the Life that he offers.



Invitation to Confession:

 Jesus, sometimes we leave you out of our lives.
Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we are disappointed because you don't answer prayers in the way that we wish.
Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we refuse to believe that you still act in our lives today.

SermonStudio

David E. Leininger
Women have always been uniquely important in the life of the church, whether or not men want to admit it. It started with Mary. Women were accorded special status during Jesus' ministry; in fact, it was probably women who were major financial supporters of the itinerant rabbi and his friends. Women were the first witnesses to the resurrection. This is not a feminist statement but a factual statement: from the first day to this day, if it were not for the women, there would be no church. It is that simple.

Donald Charles Lacy
History shows that people are invariably looking for Messiahs or Christs. There is that special person who is to come among them and, in a sense, do for them what they cannot do for themselves. Even for years after our Lord arose from the dead and ascended -- yes, and still at this moment -- people are looking.

Henry F. Woodruff
Now you can't even trust the police. When I was a child growing up in Texas, everyone knew how to spot the police cars: they were big old Ford Crown Victorias, painted black with white doors, sporting black wall tires with little moon hubcaps -- or, if they really wanted to be sneaky and fool you, they were big old Ford Crown Victorias painted gray, with whip antennas and license plates that read "City" on them. You could bet the farm on it. Now all that has changed. Police cars are all different makes and models and colors.
Clyde W. Wentzell
1. O my Good Shepherd, O Lord of my soul,
Keep me forever beneath your control.
In right paths lead me for your name’s sake.
All the best choices, Lord, help me to make.

2. When through dark valleys my walk is severe,
Keep me from evil, Lord, ever be near.
Your rod and staff, my discipline be,
O my Good Shepherd, keep watch over me.

3. You spread a table of bountiful store.
Rich are your mercies and love evermore.
Oil on the head, anointing most pure,
Flows in abundance as your love is sure.

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