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Standing Ovation -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a standing round of applause (use a sign that reads "Give a standing round of applaus
Who Can Fill You Up? Jesus! -- John 7:37-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bucket of cold water, a dipper, and some small cups
He Cares For Our Hurts -- Revelation 7:9-1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box of tissues
God Is Fair -- Acts 10:34-38 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a referee's shirt and whistle
Does That Make You A Christian? -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: We must be baptized to be effective disciples for Christ.
Keep Your Promise -- Mark 11:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: something that you could borrow, like a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread
Jesus Rescued Us -- Galatians 1:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some rescue equipment like a firefighter's net or a big rope
How Much Is It Worth? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Life is more valuable than material things.
What It's Like -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a fluffy bed pillow
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:51-58 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an unsliced loaf of bread
A Brand New World -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a used piece of furniture like a chair; some paint, sandpaper, some fresh wood, and h
Fighting Fear -- Acts 9:13-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
The Man From Ethiopia -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a shoe without shoelaces and some shoelaces, a screwdriver and a screw, a coloring bo
Clothed With Power -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The need to have God's power in our life.
The Eye Of The Needle -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a needle and your pet dog or cat
Bad Mixed With Good -- Matthew 13:24-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some wheat seeds and some weed seeds
Who Is He? -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The identity of Jesus.
Jesus' Public Opinion Poll -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a public opinion poll
What's Your Prize? -- John 6:24-35 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bag of garbage
Counting Sand -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a handful of sand and a piece of paper
Open Ears -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ear muffs, cotton, ear plugs
God With Us -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Jesus is God "with us."
Have A Good Marriage -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a clock
God's Guarantee -- 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: A Good Housekeeping seal, a guarantee
A Clean Heart -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: What makes a heart clean.

Christian

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Preaching

SermonStudio

A $10,000 Reward! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago in Los Angeles, California, a Brinks armored truck used to transport money dropped a
Playing The Numbers -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A woman entered a guessing game at a store to win a new refrigerator.
Humor At A Funeral -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At the funeral of famous Senator Barry Goldwater, broadcast live on the PBS public television, the b
Second Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
This passage is part of the larger section of Isaiah 10:5--11:16, that portrays the defeat of Assyri
Christ the King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
The temptation of the preacher in using these passages from Ezekiel is to lapse into a sentimental d
Treasure And Trash -- Matthew 13:44-52 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Was It Luck Or Pluck? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago, a famous Canadian ice skater, Barbara Ann Scott, won the highest honor a skater can
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
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
This famous vision of the Valley of Dry Bones is given to the prophet Ezekiel in Babylonia shortly a
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 12:1--14 (C)
The Cleansing Fire -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
An impressive moment came, in the lives of many youth, on the night at church camp when they would g
The Trial Of The Century -- Matthew 26:57-68 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
(Author's note: This sermon should be read as a role play based on Court TV.)
His Very Simple Credo -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"To believe that there is nothing more beautiful, more profound, more sympathetic, more reasonable,
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E)
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Fourth Sunday After The EpiphanyFourth Sunday In Ordinary Time
A Living Soul -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"The social being without the personal being is a body without a soul;
Compose -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
One who preaches without a net must have something memorable to say.
The Eastern Gate -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I will meet you in the morning,Just inside the Eastern Gate;
Six Pieces Or Eight Pieces? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A guy was ordering a pizza by telephone, when the man on the phone asked: "How shall we cut the pizz
Ignition Blinds -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The fellow was a school dropout who worked as a mechanic in a garage.
Third Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
This passage has many affinities with the prophecies of Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55), and it has oft
Forgiveness -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
1. Text
What A Dream! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Camp Wesley, located six miles north of Bellefontaine, Ohio, was originally the site of a government
Puppies Can Share, Too! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A doctor found a little dog with a broken leg by the roadside.
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
As we approach the story of our Lord's suffering during what we call this Holy Week, and especially

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Woe To The Blessed -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
One of my all-time favorite television programs was M*A*S*H.
We Are One In Christ -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
Someone once said that action speaks louder than words and that is true.
Who's Going To Play Second Horn? -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
I know someone who achieved a modest excellence in playing the French horn in his high school days.
We Were Blessed By His Talent -- 1 Samuel 16:14-23, Revelation 7:9-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an openly gay musicianWe Were Blessed By His Talent
I'll Give You A Daisy A Day -- Romans 8:38-39, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 -- Victor A. Myers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who died following a lengthy battle with the ravages of cancer
When The Boat Keeps Rocking -- Psalm 46 -- Robert A. Noblett, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a congregation experiencing several deaths in a brief period
Caring For Others: The Christian Vocation In The World -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
When Bobby Smith was a youngster, his family lived near Mrs.
The Dancing Farmer -- 2 Samuel 6:14 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a ninety-year-old who had led a full life
Family Ties And Good-byes -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
If ever we needed to strengthen the institution of family, it's today.
Choosing To Believe -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Perhaps you recall recently when a burial box from the first century A.D.
Taking The First Step -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Create in your minds, if you will, a scene where the people are gathering at a small church for wors
Thank God We Can Change -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Someone once said that the only constant in life is change.
When They Are Gathered At The Chancel -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
We have all witnessed this scene: the bride and groom are standing at the altar of the church surrou
Tour Guide -- Proverbs 3:5-6 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful woman who was a tour guideTour Guide
Hope! -- John 14:1-6, Revelation 7:9-17 -- A. Donald Main, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a woman who died following the painful ordeal of bone cancer
Death Saddens Us -- John 3:16, Psalm 90 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly shut-inDeath Saddens Us
Jesus Rewards The Just -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Imagine picking up the Sunday paper, opening it and reading in giant letters, Jesus Christ Will R
Touching Jesus -- Luke 24:36-40 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a country womanTouching Jesus
Cured Cripples And Crabby Critics -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Have you ever been crippled by something that happened to you?
The Kindness Of Strangers -- 1 Kings 17:8-24 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
In 1994, a 37-year-old man by the name of Mike McIntyre decided to confront his fears and the shaky
Building A Victorious Life -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
J.
It All Begins With Prayer -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Imagine you only have a short time to prepare your successor in ministry.
The Good News Of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news....
A Real Test Of Faith -- Romans 3:21-26; 5:1-11, Isaiah 53:2-6, Job 19:23-27 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a Christian suicideA Real Test Of Faith
A Gift For A Friend -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Stanley C. Sneeringer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a church member who died following a lengthy illness

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Change
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Unity
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
An old-timer is one who can remember when a baby-sitter was called mother.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Fasting
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit makes us more aware of our lack of holiness to stimulate us to deeper yearning and
Slavery And Gratitude -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
Jenica has a ring and a photograph that are more precious to her than gold.
The Curse Of Leprosy -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
Leprosy is a horrendous mycobacterial disease.
The Holy Spirit, Our Guide -- John 14:23-29 -- Constance Berg -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
With God, all things are possible.
The Breath Of The Spirit -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
A retired chemist and university professor asked me to re-write a book he co-authored with his wife.
Singing Praises To God -- John 17:20-26 -- Constance Berg -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
A group of twenty men meet in a home in Pakistan.
Two Doctors: Two Deductions -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2000
Dr. Tom was a young internist.
One Tiny Light -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
It's a strange phenomenon that scientists are surely able to explain.
Zacchaeus -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
"Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he." So the nursery song goes.
The Wedding In Tuxtla -- John 2:1-11 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
Rebeca Ruiz had met Carlos Marin at a church convention.
An Angelic Child -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Margo works in Pediatric Intensive Care in a large children's hospital.
The Scroll Of Wisdom -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
David led us the two blocks from our church to his place of worship: a synagogue.
Not One Stone Will Be Left -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2000
Life is fragile; life is powerful. Life can be long; life can be short-lived.
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not ... -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2000
Wow! First they love Jesus just from what he has to say.
He Knew -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
He knew. From the moment I saw his eyes looking at me -- at my body -- I knew he knew.
The Centurion -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
A centurion was a Roman soldier in charge of 100 men; thus the name "centurion." These Roman soldier
Good Enough To Be With You? -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
They had been pen pals of a sort for only ten months but their letters came more and more frequently
And You Shall Have A Baby -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
It was their first year in seminary. They were eager; they were anxious.
Don't Cry -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Peter sat on the step, crying. His knee was skinned, his pants torn, and his pride hurt.
Strength From Adversity -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
When Beth was a student nurse during World War II, she was chubby.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

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
Reading The Christmas Eve Scriptures -- Stan Purdum -- 2003
Introduction
Stand Firm In The Time Of Trial -- Luke 21:5-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 21:5-19Theme: Stand Firm In The Time Of Trial
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
Lazy Christians -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13Theme: Lazy ChristiansCall 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
The New Creation -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25 Theme: The New CreationCall 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
Proper 4 -- 1 Kings 18:20-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Luke 7:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Alone Is GoodCall 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
Proper 5 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Speaks Through People Of GodCall To Worship
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
First Sunday Of Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Promise Of A Kingdom Of Justice And RighteousnessCall 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
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Coming MessengerCall 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.
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Theme: The Time Is ComingCall To Worship
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
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Theme: God Promises A Ruler From BethlehemCall 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
All Saints' Sunday -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
Theme: God's People Will Receive PowerCall 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

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.

Special Occasion

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