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What Is God Made Of? -- Acts 17:29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a picture of a marble or bronze statue depicting a god, a rock, a rabbit's foot, a fo
A Warm, Steamy Bath -- Galatians 3:26-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big bath towel
New Leaves -- 1 Timothy 6:11-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a leaf or leaves of color that depict the changing of seasons
Anger Doesn't Work! -- James 1:17-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of water, a strainer, and an empty bucket
Charley Becomes Happy -- Luke 13:22-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a folding chair
The Prize -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Exegetical Aim: Faithfulness to the end.
Who'll Do The Dishes? -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Wesley T. Runk
"What do you think?
Love is ... -- John 14:15-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Obedience is the most appropriate expression of our love.
Do You Know His Voice? -- John 10:22-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Objects: some blindfolds
Your Lifetime Teeth -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baby tooth or a drawing of a baby tooth
Soft Blankets For A Baby -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use at Christmas)Object: receiving blankets for a baby
Wants And Needs -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Exegetical Aim: Rejection of that which is essential.
Counting Fish, Birds, And Hair -- Matthew 10:26-33 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an aquarium with many fish (minnows or guppies can be purchased at bait shops, pet st
Is It Time Yet? -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an egg timer
Is Jesus Like A Stapler? -- 1 Timothy 2:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a stapler and some pieces of paper
Plan For Heaven -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pup tent
Bearing Fruit For God -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some fertilizer
Christ Our Rescuer -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
Exegetical Aim: To show that Jesus Christ rescues us from sin.
Jesus Is A And Z -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a package of film, a camera, and some snapshots
A Home To Call Your Own -- John 14:1-14 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The comfort in knowing that Christ is building a room for us in his Father's house.
Give Your Life To The Lord -- John 10:11-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a doll or teddy bear
Throw Your Worries To The Lord -- Romans 8:31-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use in Lent)
Prissy Plant -- John 9:1-41 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an attractive artificial plant
His Name Is John -- Luke 1:57-67 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baptismal certificate and a birth certificate
Say One Thing And Do Another -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The difference between saying and doing.

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Hot Dog, This Is It! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Someone asked an ex-alcoholic what the word "hallelujah" meant.
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
The first thing we should realize about our texts from Genesis is that they are intended as depictio
Shepherds And Sheep -- John 10:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
1. Text
Not Couch Potatoes -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Recently, people who watch television most of the time have been called "Couch Potatoes." Have you h
Growth -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One little inch won't make you tall,You've got to keep on growing;
True Friendship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person: having neither to weigh
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: 37:1--4, 12--18 (C)
What To Do On Sunday -- Matthew 12:9-14 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there
Thanks For The Boll Weevil -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At Enterprise, Alabama, there is a most unusual monument worthy of consideration.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 17:22--31 (C, E)
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Our text, which is from the Yahwist, connects with Exodus 24:18, where we are told that Moses is on
A Good Horse: The General -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The tenth President of the United States was John Tyler.
Watch And Pray -- Matthew 26:37-46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
In the last chapter we considered the Gethsemane experience from Jesus' personal perspective.
Parable Of The Ten-inch Skillet -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some men went on a fishing trip. An old bachelor went along and caught fish also.
Don R. Yocom -- 2004
34.How Many Children?
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
In order to understand this scripture lesson, it is of utmost importance that we put it in its conte
Self--Deception, Hearers, And Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
1. Text
On Playing Hookey -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A little boy was crying, and someone asked him what was the matter.
He Drives Like Jehu -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Someone has said that the modern American man's love for his automobile may yet be his downfall.
Cremation, And An Old Saying -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Bill and Jake, from the rural countryside, went into the big city for their very first time.
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 45:1-15 (C)
A Bright Question -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
What kind of lights were used on Noah's Ark?
That Sunday School Class Teacher -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Pastor," he had said, "I think I should be teaching that Sunday school class."
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Lesson 1: Acts 1:6--14 (C); Acts 1:12--14 (RC); Acts 1:(1--7) 8--14 (E)
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Our text for the morning brings three burning questions about human existence into focus for us.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

He Celebrated Easter With His Life -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an inactive memberHe Celebrated Easter With His Life
The Baptism Of The Lord -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Tom M. Garrison -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
This text invites us to listen as John the Baptist tells the people that there is one who is coming
Wearing The King's Clothes -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
There is nothing like putting on a new shirt and pair of pants.
Grace Personified -- John 15:9-13 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For someone who challenged one to be a better minister
Our Christmas Gift -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Since the 1600s, in a historical period called the "Enlightenment," scholars have been studying the
Jesus Brings Hope -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
The International Government of the World, or IGW, made its announcement with joy: the last Christia
The Shepherd King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- John W. Clarke -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Although we are going to concentrate on Jeremiah 23:1-6, it is important to note that these verses a
Channels Of God's Love -- Luke 5:12-26, Romans 8:31-39, Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1-6 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For one who openly acknowledged suffering from AIDS
A Samaritan Took Care Of Him -- Luke 10:25-37 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
The situation was this: A young Jewish lawyer wanted to reassure himself that he was doing the right
What Church Looks Like -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There's the story of the man who was lost on a desert island for a decade.
A Farmer's Dependence On God -- Matthew 6:19-34 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man whose wife died before him
Flock With A Future -- Psalm 23 -- Richard F. Bansemer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing the Lord as our shepherdFlock With A Future
Wedding Day -- John 2:1-11 -- Tom M. Garrison -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
It had been a standard practice, in years past, that the most popular month for weddings was June.
Where Have All The Heroes Gone? -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
I want to talk about heroes today. We all have them.
A New Tenor In The Choir -- Revelation 5:13 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a man who loved to singA New Tenor In The Choir
Two For The Price Of One -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Today is an important day in the life of the world and the life of the church.
Death To Glory -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Once in a far-off land, there was a great king whose dominion extended far and wide.
Thanks For Receiving Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- John W. Clarke -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
This wonderful chapter of Deuteronomy speaks to us on this Thanksgiving Day of the forms for the pre
The Promised Land -- Luke 9:28-36, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 86:1-13 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a Christian who has suffered in faithThe Promised Land
How Not To Become Distracted -- Luke 10:38-42 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
We live in what has been called the "Information Age." We have more information at our disposal than
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
One of the most obvious things about the night sky is the moon, especially the full moon.
Death, Our Teacher -- Psalm 90 -- Allen Puffenberger, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a beloved parishionerDeath, Our Teacher
God Can Change The Past -- Luke 24:1-9, Isaiah 42:1-4, Revelation 7:13-17, Psalm 22:1-8, 14-31 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For recognizing that God can turn the past around
Prophet Or Profit? -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
I shall never forget the night that Mae June came to church.
Unlocking The Power Of God -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
What can faith do? It can part a raging sea and allow a nation to walk through. What can faith do?

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"One lamp, thy mother's love amid the stars shall lift its pure flame changeless, and before the thr
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is a life of Christ-centered choices, evidenced by a life-centered obedience.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Becoming
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith Faith honors God; God honors faith.
The Sewage Pit -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Constance Berg -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
I was at a Michael Card concert many years ago, enjoying the message and the music of this fine musi
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Training
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
To lead the world to reformation one begins by enlisting the mothers.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God hates sin because of His sinlessness.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
In Speaker's Treasury of Stories for All Occasions, Herbert Prochnow tells: Aunt Betty came up the w
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A holiness lifestyle does not dissolve personality conflicts, but it definitely helps to cope with t
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Bible
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Epiphany: A Wonderful Holiday -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
I have lived in two different countries where Epiphany is a very important holiday: The Netherlands
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Trials "Great hearts can only be made by great troubles." (G. H. Spurgeon)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
No touch is like a mother's touch.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit has come to make peace for us.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"God could not be everywhere, and so He made mothers." (Jewish proverb)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While holiness does not make it impossible for you to sin, the experience does make it impossible n
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Blessing
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

On The Day Of Midian -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Third Sunday After Epiphany First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4
Proper 13 -- Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
HymnsBreak Now The Bread Of Life (NCH321, CBH360, UM599, PH329)
The Week Of Weeks -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: For each of the seven Sundays between Easter and Pentecost, find here a scriptur
Might As Well Be You And Me -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Chosen -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Luke 5:1-11 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe gather to worship -That we might scatter to serve.
The Best Offering -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Micah 6:6-8)
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
HymnsSing Praise To God (NCH6, CBH59, UM126, PH483)
Proper 17 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Price Of Forsaking GodCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Witnesses To God's PowerCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Theme: Clay In The Potter's HandCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: 1 Kings 21:1-21a Theme: Evil Deeds Lead To Destruction
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: The Conversion Of SaulCall To Worship
Proper 19 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
Theme: Stupid PeopleCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
Theme: What Are You Doing Here?Call To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Peter Heals DorcasCall To Worship
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
Theme: Sorrow For Those Who Do Not Obey GodCall To Worship
Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Proper 8/Ordinary Time 13 Sunday between June 26 and July 2 inclusive
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Salvation Is Available To EveryoneCall To Worship
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
Theme: By Faith We Are HealedCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: God's Call To Preach The Good NewsCall To Worship
Riches Blind Us To The Will Of God -- Luke 16:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:19-31Theme: Riches Blind Us To The Will Of God
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
Theme: The New CovenantCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: What Must I Do To Be Saved?Call To Worship
True Riches -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:6-19Theme: True Riches
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Theme: Gratitude For All The Lord Has GivenCall To Worship

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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