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SermonStudio

Have You Considered The Price Tag? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Stephen Covey, author of First Things First and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Peopl
The Gordian Knot -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2002
A Man Possessed By An Evil Spirit
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 30:4--5, 12)
The Doorkeeper -- Mark 13:32-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
ContextContext Of Advent 1 In The Church Year
Purity In An Impure Age -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Someone has said that if sin were not in the vocabulary, it would have to be invented.
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 85)
Preaching The Parables -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2002
In Mark we read that Jesus "did not speak to them without a parable" (Mark 4:34), while the Lectiona
Men And Women Of God -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
The late Henri Nouwen had a unique insight into the shepherding skills of a pastor, and in one of hi
Our Work, Our Mission Field -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Tony Campolo tells the story of an English professor who suddenly quit his job.
The Good Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
John 10 is generally considered the "Good Shepherd" chapter in a manner similar to the way that Hebr
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Praise!
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Hear us, God; answer us.
The True Vine -- John 15:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
A number of years ago, PBS presented a television series, The Great Search, which examined wo
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPSpeaker 1: God loves the world.
Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God is so good!
A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
"Why is this man so popular?" This question appeared on the cover of Time magazine beside a s
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP (Unison)
The Miracle Seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Today's Gospel presents two parables for preaching.
Epiphany 1 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPMen: Praise the Lord.
What Do We Have To Offer? -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
A pastor was asked by a visitor to his church, "What do you have to offer?" The wise pastor answered
Bread To Eat -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
"Oh, no, not for five Sundays!" a preacher may exclaim when he/she looks at the Gospel for Propers 1
The Christian Alternative To Materialism -- 1 Timothy 6:6-9 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
In one sense, the Christian faith is the most materialistic of all the world's great religions.
Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Don't Be A Turkey! -- Luke 17:11-19 -- 2004
There is little question that the commercially grown turkey is, pound for pound, one of nature's les
Disciplined People -- Matthew 5:5 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
A television quiz show would flash a word before a contestant and the contestant was expected to say
The Letter To Pergamum -- Revelation 2:12-17 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
You remember the famous story of Balaam and his talking ass?
Adam And Evie -- Genesis 2:15-17 -- 2004
(A story sermon with dialogical parts that can be read by a pastor and two or more church members.)
Another Door -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Intergenerational ServiceCall To Worship:
Forgiveness And Reconciliation At Last! -- Genesis 45:1-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
It happened to a rural Lake County, South Dakota, Lutheran church in August of 2000.
What If The End Is Near? -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
Someone handed me a note at the door of the church building a few Sundays ago.
Bear Love -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Bill Mosley -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Do you remember everything your mother told you?
Kairos Commitments -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
One snowy day a few years ago, after I had declared the church a "nonessential" business and closed
Temptation Of The Palms -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
Further On Up The Road -- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
As best I can remember it, the comment came as part of a discussion about the media frenzy immediate
Valentines -- 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:8a, 13 -- 2004
Back in February of 1848, Esther Howland, a student at Mount Holyoke Seminary for Females (now Mount
The Letter To Thyatira -- Revelation 2:18-29 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Kurt Vonnegut is a famous author of surreal novels.
Creative Management Of The Earth -- Genesis 2:4-9, 15 -- 2004
God created the earth and the earth was like a beautiful garden full of all of the good things neede
Be Bold In The Spirit -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
A Deliverer Is Born -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
The River Nile is the longest river in the world, snaking 4,160 miles from Burundi, Africa, to the M
God, The Venture Capitalist? -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. How does one know anything?
Loch Ness, Locusts, And Bread -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Bill Mosley -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing on Loch Ness when suddenly his boat was attacked by the
Rejoicing In Reality -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Our text says that Jesus "went up to the mountain" and, oh, what a beautiful mountain it is!
The Gifted -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- William G. Carter -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
If you ask me, a sermon should say only one thing.
The Day Of The Lord -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
For a man who claims that he does not know much about the coming day of the Lord, Paul has certainly
One Nation, Under God -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- 2004
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it
The Letter To Sardis -- Revelation 3:1-6 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Pat and Mike were somberly looking over the casket that held their late good friend Liam.
On Sharing Leadership -- Judges 4:1-10 -- 2004
Some of the most far--reaching and conspicuous changes that have occurred in our culture in recent y
Pentecost And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Larry's Boat -- John 3:1-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
It wasn't as though Larry was a bad person -- he certainly was not.
Set Free -- John 4:5-42 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Ken grew up thinking he was no good at anything.
I Left My Heart In Philadelphia -- John 9:1-41 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
When Barbara and Charlie joined the church they spoke of it as being a homecoming.
Henry's New Life -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
Henry hit bottom. Perhaps what made the situation worse was that he knew he hit bottom.
Love At The Library -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Timothy J. Smith -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 1998
On New Year's Day Jay had an opportunity to reflect on his life's journey.
Herman's Stand -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Passion Sunday - A -- 1998
Herman is a courageous Christian who is not afraid to take a stand even if others might perceive it
A Gift Is Only A Gift When It Is Shared -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Beth cannot remember a time when she did not attend church, probably because she never had a choice.
Seventh Grade Sunday School Class -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
Hank and Charlene were gifted Sunday School teachers.
And Then There Was Eve -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
Eve was one of those kids who, no matter how hard anyone tried, no one could reach.
Alice's Hindsight -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
Alice would be the first to admit that she was too young when she got married.
Out Of The Whirlwind -- Job 38:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 1996
Frank Marshall had never felt so confused or helpless in his entire life.
Favor With God -- Luke 1:26-38, 47-55 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Introduction
It's Not In The Bible -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
"The Lord helps those who help themselves."That sounds all right to me.
If I Live To Be A Hundred -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 1996
Sam Duncan lay in the semi-darkness of his nursing home room performing the only two activities of w
A Wolf In Shepherd's Clothing -- John 10:11-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Jason Drexler was good with sheep. He enjoyed caring for the sheep on his father's farm.
The Lord Willing ... -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
"Do not boast about tomorrow;you don't know what it may bring."
One In Need Of Healing: Naaman's Story -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 1996
We would all be well advised to be careful where and how we tell this story.
A Prophet Without Honor -- Mark 6:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
There was once a young man who grew up in a small farming community.
Sheep Without A Shepherd -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Christ Community Church was without a pastor for the third time within four years. Dr.
A Child's Faith -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
We're happy that our little grandson Grayenjoys the times he spends the night with us.
The Aqueduct -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Years ago there was an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the center of the village, all the way
Dor's Vision -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 1996
As I lay in St. Luke's Hospital, being prepared for an aortagram, I felt quite apprehensive.
Anniversary -- Psalm 15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
Harry and Herman had lived in the big brick house on the hill in Willow Bluff for almost half a cent
Fearless Freddie -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Once upon a time there was a boy known as Fearless Freddie.
Love In Action -- John 3:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 1996
Long ago, in the time before time, God was alone.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Reformation Sunday -- Psalm 124 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
The Prodigal Son: "Sunrise Or Sunset?" -- Luke 15:11ff: -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in Middle Eastern attire.
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Psalm 29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Trusted Friend -- Romans 16 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Phoebe Delivers Paul's Letter To Rome
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- John 10:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Good ShepherdCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Community Of FaithCall To Worship
Come Quickly, Lord Jesus! -- Revelation 1, 4, and 5 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
John The Baptist On The Isle Of Patmos
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 18 -- Romans 13:8-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: Love One AnotherCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Theme: Parable Of The SowerCall To Worship
All Saints Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: SalvationCall To Worship
The Elder Son: "The Coat Says It All" -- Luke 15:25ff -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in farming clothing, well-dressed, clean, wearing a jacket/vest/robe that is n
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Theme: A Light To The NationsCall To Worship
It Was A Very Long Year -- Genesis 6-9 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Noah's Sojourn On The Ark
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: In The Face Of PersecutionCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Theme: Two Or Three TogetherCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: ImmanuelCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: We Live When God's Spirit Is Within UsCall To Worship
Proper 10 -- Psalm 25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
All Saints Sunday -- 1 John 3:1-3 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of GodCall To Worship
The Father: "Not Your Typical Parent" -- Luke 15:20-24 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: man dressed in first century, Middle Eastern attire.
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Theme: God Is FaithfulCall To Worship
Journey Into Faith -- Genesis 22 and Hebrews 11:17-19 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Isaac's Test On Mount Moriah

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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