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Worship

SermonStudio

Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Joy Of The Lord Is Your StrengthCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Call Of JeremiahCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Theme: Who Will Be The Lord's Messenger?Call To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Searches The HeartCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Theme: Joseph Reconciled With His BrothersCall To Worship
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Word Of The Lord Lasts ForeverCall To Worship
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Theme: The Suffering ServantCall To Worship
First Sunday In Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: Expressing Our GratitudeCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: Abram Put His Trust In The LordCall To Worship
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: God's MercyCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Israelites Celebrated Passover Before Entering The Promised Land
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Theme: Do Not Cling To The PastCall To Worship
Holy/Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2003
Theme: The PassoverCall To Worship
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord's Servant Is ObedientCall To Worship
Day Of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Theme: The Coming Of The Holy SpiritCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Man With A PlumblineCall To Worship
Proper 11 -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Price Of SinCall To WorshipLeader: God's faithfulness is eternal.
Proper 12 -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Hosea 1:2-10 Theme: Children Of The Living GodCall To Worship
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Theme: God's Love For His PeopleCall To Worship
Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
Theme: How Paul Became An ApostleCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Luke 12:49-56 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Price Of Evil DeedsCall To Worship
I Am Too Young -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Theme: "I Am Too Young"
Listen To God -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Call To Worship
Healing On The Sabbath -- Luke 13:10-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:10-17Theme: Healing On The Sabbath
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

Pages

Drama

Sermon

SermonStudio

Death Saddens Us -- John 3:16, Psalm 90 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly shut-in Death Saddens Us
God's Promises, Promises! -- John 14:2-3 -- John R. Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A funeral meditation God's Promises, Promises!
The Wonder Of Immortality -- 1 Thessalonians 4, Revelation 21 -- W. Norman Macfarlane, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A sermon on death preached at a regular Sunday service
Fade To Black -- James 1:10-11 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A thought piece Fade To Black
Restless Realism -- James 4:9 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A thought piece Restless Realism
Shoots Of Tomorrow -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
In the parable of The Giving Tree, a young boy would gather his favorite tree's leaves on mil
Preparing The Way -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Preparing the way can become an all-consuming endeavor.
An Invitation To Joy -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Stan Freberg has written a musical farce parodying the commercialization of the Advent season, appro
A Little Town Of Great Renown -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
The name Johann Sebastian Bach has been familiar in church music circles for many years.
The Light Of Christ -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Isn't it wonderful to be part of a candlelight Christmas Eve worship service?
The Boy Grows Up -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2006
Each of us faces the choice of who and what we will become.
Walking In The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Walking in the dark is difficult, even in the familiarity of your own home.
What's In A Name? -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
"What's in a name? A rose by any other name smells as sweet."Or does it?
Called By A New Name -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
Two or three generations ago, the only women who did not take their husbands' names after marrying w
Home At Last -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
One of the more colorful eras of our country's past is the old Wild West.
Risky Business -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- 2006
Su Xueling (pronounced ZOO-ling) is a different breed of entrepreneur, delivering instant noodles on
Who Will Go? -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Ken had not realized there was a shoplifter in the supermarket.
Like A Tree Planted -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
You have probably never thought seriously about tiptoeing through the treetops, but there is a place
The Possible Dream -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Sibling rivalry. It's the pits. It has been around as long as there have been siblings around.
Sowing Eternal Seeds -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
Who among us has not been stunned by the splendor of a summer sunset, the sparkling spring waters of
Shine, Moses, Shine -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Have you ever had a "mountaintop" experience?
Advent: The Call To Holiness -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Anytime we center on First Thessalonians in our devotional reading or in a study group or read a pas
Advent: A Wider Context -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
The congregation at the Macedonian city of Philippi was the first church established by Paul in Euro
Advent: An Irrational Sense Of Peace -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
We are always touched by newspaper or media stories of people who have come through some terrible ex
Advent: Jesus, The Suffering Savior -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
This is our final Sunday in Advent.

Pages

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

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
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
How Refreshing! -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of lemonade and some glasses
Ouch! Those Thistles! -- Matthew 13:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: weeds, some with thorns and thistles
The Man Who Brought People To Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pocket knife with many parts, such as a Swiss Army knife
Of Backs And Cracks -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a string that could look like a crack in the sidewalk
How Special You Are! -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a brand--new dress, suit, or some very special piece of clothing
Time Is Running Out -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a new bar of soap and a very used bar of soap
Believing In Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a carpenter's sawhorse
The Greatest Secret Ever Told -- Romans 16:25-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)
What Taxes Do -- Romans 13:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a street sign, some school books, and a fascimile of a food stamp voucher
Really Living! -- Romans 14:7-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a beach ball and a grave marker (stone) possibly made out of cardboard and painted gr
Every Letter Is Important -- Romans 12:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a computer keyboard
Gifts For God -- Romans 11:33-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box of candy, some flowers, a piece of jewelry
Jesus' Job Description -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a blackboard, some chalk, and some ideas on the job description of a mother
Your Lifetime Teeth -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baby tooth or a drawing of a baby tooth
Throw Your Worries To The Lord -- Romans 8:31-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use in Lent)
Bill And Bert Bell -- Romans 8:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two bells, only one of them having a clapper
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
Missing The Bull's Eye -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some darts and a dart board
Target Practice -- Romans 3:21-25a, 27-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some rubber bands, candy to pass out to the children
Jumping With Help -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: string or rope
You're Worth A Million -- Romans 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a make--believe check for $1,000,000 (be sure to void the check!) and an old rag
Goldie Belongs To Me -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pet dog, cat, or even a goldfish
Cold Water And Kindness -- Matthew 10:34-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: cups of cold water to be shared with all of the children

Pages

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

On A New Year's Day -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
This passage was spoken by the King of England in World War II several times on the British radio br
An Irish Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Pat and Brigette dated a long time ...
On Saying Thanks -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A boy's imagination knows few limits.
One American Dollar -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
While we were on a trip to Israel with a Christian tour group, we were amused by the peddlers of var
Our Total Trust In God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr.
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.
Pocketbook Protection -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A pastor preached a sermon on that text in Ephesians 6:13-18 (NRSV), where there is a listing of the
Poor/Rich Boy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The late Albert Schweitzer was a famous medical missionary to Africa, as well as a musician and theo
Practical Christianity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I simply argue that the cross be raised again at the center of the marketplace as well as on the ste
Puppies Can Share, Too! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A doctor found a little dog with a broken leg by the roadside.
Redemption -- A Drop Of Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Do you remember in your childhood looking up and trying to understand the clouds?
Ring Those Bells! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was springtime in 1799, when Napoleon laid siege on the city of Feldkirk, Austria.
Another Mystery Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A night watchman heard that his boss was going away on a long trip.
Romans 8:28 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
If there was ever a time when this Bible verse had tremendous significance, it has been during the t
Say It With Flowers -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Henry Penn, the man who coined the phrase, "Say it with flowers,"told Dr.
Say, "Who Do You Love?" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Youth Fellowship of the Epworth United Methodist Church of Lima, Ohio, used to have an interesti
Second Springs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the 1930s, I lived in Sugar Grove, Fairfield County, Ohio.
Seed Investments -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr.
Selah -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Question: In the book of Psalms in the Bible, what does the word Selah mean?
Some Good Things Take Time -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
About the middle of the nineteenth century, a noted English traveler, Lord Sandys, was served a fine
Stab Us Awake -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Louis Stevenson, a sufferer himself, wrote:If I have faltered more or less
Strangers? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A young married woman had been quarreling with her mother-in-law, to the extent that the elderly one
Teamwork -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church met in Columbus, Ohio.
Bad Chemistry -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Here's to the memory of Willie.Willie is no more:
Thanks For The Boll Weevil -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At Enterprise, Alabama, there is a most unusual monument worthy of consideration.

Pages

Stories

SermonStudio

Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness behavior conforms to the character of Christ.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Our assurance, comfort, hope, and joy is in the complete holiness of the Father.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God cannot help but act in a consistent manner with His holy character.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not like the light bulb -- on again -- off again.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God hates sin because of His sinlessness.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit has come to make peace for us.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Effective service to God is accomplished through a holiness lifestyle.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service to God cannot be offered in a dirty container.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit makes us more aware of our lack of holiness to stimulate us to deeper yearning and
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The world needs true examples of holiness.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God does not force holiness on you ... He offers it to you free of charge.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The heartbeat of holiness is the pulse of God.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Being alive unto God comes through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The moral cesspools of life are removed by the whirlpools of the Spirit.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness removes the selfish sin.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness wipes away the moral and ethical evil that has accumulated in life.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness harmonizes us with the character of God.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness makes us morally fit for heaven.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness dwells on the almightiness of God.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is like the engine that is fired up with a full head of steam and rolling towards heaven.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is a bargain at any cost.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spirit-filled prayer is the best safeguard against backsliding.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit will fortify the soul for everyday spiritual battles.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The standard by which we test God is how Holy He is.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A holy person finds God at the center of the storm.

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
For March 15, 2026:
  • Defenders or Warriors? by Dean Feldmeyer. “We are not defenders anymore; we are warriors.” — Secretary of War, Peter Hegseth, March 2, 2026

The Village Shepherd

Kit

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
The man born blind told the Pharisees, "One thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." In our worship today let us ask Jesus to help us see.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I prefer not to see.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I pretend not to see.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I am not brave enough to see.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:
John 9:1-41 (NRSV)

StoryShare

Sandra Herrmann
C. David Mckirachan
Contents
"The Christian Liar" by Sandra Herrmann
"But We Smell" by C. David McKirachan


* * * * * * * *


The Christian Liar
by Sandra Herrmann
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Keith Wagner
Contents
"Miracles of Sight" by Keith Wagner
"Trusting God in the Darkness" by Keith Wagner


* * * * * * *


Miracles of Sight
by Keith Wagner
John 9:1-41

SermonStudio

David O. Bales
Josiah Harlan was the first American to enter Afghanistan. He did so as a doctor with British Forces. We're not talking about the 1990s, but the 1830s. Harlan was a brilliant, self-absorbed adventurer who'd read a few medical books and passed a cursory exam to be an army surgeon. He later attempted to become an Afghan prince, leading his own army.
Frank Luchsinger
Pleasing the teacher. Paul writes to the Ephesians, "Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord." Try to learn what is pleasing to the Good Shepherd, the Savior King, the Holy One, the Son of David, the Good Teacher/Rabbi. Sprinkled throughout the Gospels nearly seventy times, Jesus is referred to as rabbi or teacher. It is striking that in the garden as Mary encounters the risen Lord and he speaks her name, she responds, "Rab-eo'ni!" which means teacher. So Jesus, for many, was the good teacher, the good rabbi. And most of us gathered here know what it is to have a good teacher.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Once upon a time in a far-off land there lived a wise but old king. This monarch was very much beloved by his people, but alas he had no children, no heir to the throne. Because he did not want his kingdom to fall into the wrong hands after his death, the king decided to choose his own successor before he died. He had lived a long life and had done much reflection. He thought he knew what had gotten him to where he was and more importantly what would get his kingdom where it needed to be in the future.
Robert J. Elder
Not all the water in the rough rude sea
Can wash the balm from an anointed king.

- Richard II, William Shakespeare

How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out.

Harry N. Huxhold
Sidney Sheldon repeatedly has given us evidence of his remarkable gift for weaving tales of the bizarre behavior of humanity bent on satisfying the self. His novel Tell Me Your Dreams involves a reach into what creates serious complications within the human mind and heart. David Singer, a young lawyer, is in conversation with Dr. Royce Salem, a psychiatrist. The case they are discussing is the person of a suspected serial killer, a client whom the lawyer is defending. Dr.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Anne Mansfield Sullivan was a miracle worker who overcame obstacles in seeking to assist others. Partially blind from birth, she managed to overcome this handicap and graduated from the prestigious Perkins School for the Blind in Boston. The miracle of Anne Sullivan's life, however, had very little to do with her own handicap, but it had everything to do with the multiple handicaps of a young girl. The miracle began to be manifest on March 2, 1887, when twenty--year--old Anne Mansfield Sullivan met six--year--old Helen Keller.
Dallas A. Brauninger
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Theme: Looking On The Heart

Call To Worship
Leader: What would happen if we looked not only at the professional stature, economic standing, or physical being of those we meet?
People: What would happen if we were to greet others by looking on the heart?
Leader: If we did not look at the outward appearance, past history, or patterns of shortcoming?
People: If we were to weigh the threads of promise beginning to shape the fabric of a person?
All: Let us focus on the signs the heart offers.

Collect
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
God Of The Prophets (NCH358)
Gentle Shepherd (CBH352)
The Lord's My Shepherd (PH170, UM136, CBH578)
The King Of Love (PH171, UM138, CBH170)
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (PH172, CBH589)
Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us (PH387, CBH355, UM381)
He Leadeth Me (UM128, CBH599)
Shepherd Me, O God (CBH519)
This Little Light Of Mine (CBH401, UM585)
Amazing Grace (PH280, UM378)
All Who Love And Serve Your City (PH413, UM433)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The connection between sight and belief in Christianity is as old as the insistence of Thomas to see and touch Jesus' wounds in order to believe the wild story of his colleagues. Yet sight and faith might even be diametrically opposed to each other.
David Coffin
A group of younger workers are seated next to one another at a workplace where they have to deal with the public both person-to-person and over the telephone. They are having difficulty dealing with clients and customers who are older than they are in terms of communication skills, etiquette, and basic manners. These workers console one another once the older clients leave the office by criticizing the older people and trying to avoid them the next time. In the next office sits an older worker who is of the generation these younger workers are trying to avoid.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. I brought with me a very beautiful flower in a flowerpot. (have the can covering the flower) Unfortunately, my flower is having a hard time growing. When I checked it last night it wasn't looking very healthy. Each night I remove the can and give the flower a good drink but it seems to be getting worse. I brought the flower with me this morning so that you could help me. Do you have any ideas for ways to make my flower grow again? (let them answer)
Good morning, boys and girls. Is there anyone here who is perfect? (let them answer) I have a friend who uses this cane. Do you know why he uses this kind of cane? (let them answer) That's right, he's blind. Do you think he is perfect? (let them answer)

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