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SermonStudio

Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Christ The King -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: God! We come to thank and enjoy You.
Independence Day: We pray for our country's leaders. -- 1 Timothy 2:1-4 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2002
Visual Aids: A U.S. flagHandouts: Activity sheets
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
There Are Demons In The Sea -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
"The Stilling Of The Storm"
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Easter Day - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Baby Talk -- Hebrews 1:1-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Luther said it: When God speaks to humanity, God always speaks in baby talk.
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Life Before And After Death -- Mark 5:21-43, Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 8:40-56 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
The Raising Of Jairus' Daughter
Model For Ministry -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Who is your model for ministry? Your mentor? Your inspiration? Try Jesus.
Where Is Your Heart? -- Mark 3:1-6 -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
We live in a very crazy world. Did you know
Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
An Exile Of Silence Set Free -- Mark 7:31-37 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Deaf Mute
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Come, blessed Jesus.
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Object: A blindfold and a member of the choir with a loud speaking voice.
Restoring Pastoral Energies -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
That pastoral energies ebb low is not debatable.
The Man Who Shouted So Loudly The Kingdom Came To Him -- Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2002
Bartimaeus, Blind Beggar Of Jericho
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Evangelism In The Local Church -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The church battles constantly to keep the main thing, the main thing.
Twenty--first Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Soul Health -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Marva Dawn and Eugene Peterson, in their book, The Unnecessary Pastor, wrote: "The constant d
The Battle Of Discouragement -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Everyone, at one time or another, faces discouragement. It can be devastating to one's ministry.
Twenty--second Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIPSpeaker 1: Seek God's kingdom.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Pentecost And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
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
When Personal Concerns Are Swallowed Up In Wonder -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- John T. Ball -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
We are a culture awash in personal problems.
No Shame -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- William G. Carter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
I am very taken by what Paul says.
No Longer Damned -- Romans 8:1-11 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
The text for today is Romans, chapter 8, verse 1: "Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who
Weep For The Children -- Matthew 2:13-18 -- 2004
Our scripture lesson tells a horror story, innocent children being massacred because of the paranoia
Don't Forget The Child! -- Luke 1:46b-55, Micah 5:2-5a -- 2004
Most of us are familiar with the blockbuster movies, Home Alone and Lost in New York: Home
How To Motivate People -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
A few years ago a fellow took me on a tour of his sock manufacturing plant.
The Letter To Philadelphia -- Revelation 3:7-13 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? Everyone knows this. At the bottom!
Bloody Lintels -- Broken Bread -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
Two Russian surgeons and an anesthetist took turns lying on an operating table beside a critically-i
Lite -- Or Light? -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
There is, in this congregation, a running conversation as to what to call this structural wonder tha
Living Water -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Healing The Pain From The Past -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
A pastor friend and his wife once adopted a young cat that bounced up to his parsonage looking hungr
Uncle Abraham -- Romans 4:13-25 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
I have good news for you this morning. None of you are good enough to be here.
Speaking Of The Spirit -- Romans 8:12-25 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
There's something you might not know about the Apostle Paul.
What Will You Do With Your Freedom? -- 1 Corinthians 8 -- 2004
Once upon a time, there was a happy, moderate church with a friendly, moderate pastor that lived a h
Expectancy -- Romans 13:11-14 -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Christmas decorations are beginning to appear everywhere and the children are getting excited.
Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
"Heal the sick," Jesus commanded (Matthew 10:8).
The Letter To Laodicea -- Revelation 3:14-22 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
I was reading a murder mystery the other day, a really complex novel, layered with meaning.
Saved (Again)! -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
Lawrence Henry was 88 years of age when he shared with his family the only sermon he ever preached.
The Embassy At 66011 -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
The year was 1967. Vietnam was exploding. The Nuclear Arms Race was escalating.
"Who Stands With This Child?" -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:Come, let us stand and worship our God.
Those Parentheses -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Bill Mosley -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
Your name is very important.
Still Sinners, Still Forgiven -- Romans 5:1-8 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
I have an announcement to make. Today's sermon is not for everybody.
Effective Suffering -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
Many people have heard a part of this lesson before.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

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.
Afflicted -- Psalm 22:23-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a little boy whose most prized possession was a light blue cat's-eye crystal marble.
Witnesses -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1996
There was a young couple in a small country church who had a very beautiful little daughter who was
Praise The Lord! -- Psalm 148 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 1996
The Board of Bethlehem Community Church gathered for its monthly meeting with solemn resolve.
You Shall Not Murder -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
There was once a man who was an active proponent of capital punishment.
Old Granddad -- Psalm 51:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1996
Charlie Johnson was up at 5:30, had all of his gear in the trunk of the car, and was drinking coffee
Flesh -- John 1:1-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 1996
Uncle Patrick came to live with us after Gram died, in the fall of my senior year.
Dog Days Of The Soul -- John 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
Introduction
The Conversion -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 1996
She hadn't intended to speak.
The Trial Of Gilbert Gunderson -- John 18:33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 1996
Gilbert Gunderson has been the editor of the Willow Bluff weekly newspaper for as long as I, and eve
Waiting For Christmas -- Luke 2:1-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- 1996
There was once a little girl named Lucinda who couldn't wait for Christmas to come.
The Anointing -- John 12:12-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Passion Sunday - B -- 1996
Marilyn came slowly down the long stairs of her sister Margaret's big brick house in the suburbs of
Resurrection -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Easter Day - B -- 1996
The first time I saw Maggie she was selling herself on the street like hundreds of other runaway tee
Prejudice, Once Removed: The Larry Wasson Story -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 1996
The gray-haired man cleared his throat and stood before the circle of his peers, gathered to share t
Friends -- Psalm 133, John 20:19-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Marty pulled into the crowded hospital parking lot and began her daily ritual search for a parking s
Heads Will Roll -- Mark 6:14-29, Amos 7:7-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 1996
Both management and union leaders were angry with Amos Dresser.
The Pine Lake Creaker -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
I am going to tell you one of the little-known stories in the history of Pine Lake Camp.
No Longer Strangers -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1996
Milenko and Eldina Sunjic came to the United States as refugees from Bosnia in July of 1994.
Surely Goodness And Mercy -- Psalm 23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
As a child psychologist, I have the privilege of meeting and speaking with a great many people.
The Feeding Of The Fifty -- John 6:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1996
Nancy Baker's cooking had become something of a legend at Our Savior's Church.
Summer Fruit -- John 15:1-8 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
There was once a pastor who served a very active congregation; that is to say, they were active most
The Bread Of Life -- John 6:24-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1996
When the INNS shelter program for the homeless started in Kenosha, I signed up for the training to b
Dorothy's Story -- John 15:9-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
One evening, when I was 26 years old, beleagered by guilt for acknowledged sins, I was deep into an
The Unknown Camper -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1996
One summer at Lake Lucerne, in the Hillcrest area, there appeared in every week-long elementary camp
A Mother's Prayer -- John 17:6-19 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
It was the same every night when Ruth Kristmon got into her bed.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Second Sunday After Epiphany -- John 1:29-42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Lamb Of GodCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: A Chosen PeopleCall To Worship
Proper 18 -- Psalm 149 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
All Saints Sunday -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Theme: The Cost Of BlessingsCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Romans 1:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: Called To Belong To Jesus Christ -- Son Of GodCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Romans 8:6-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Spirit Is LifeCall To Worship
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Theme: How Awesome!Call To Worship
The Mother: "Where's Mom? -- Luke 15:22-23 -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: woman dressed in Middle Eastern attire, perhaps in black, suggesting mourning.
The Servant: "Can I Get A Witness?" -- Luke 15:22ff -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
(Setting: person dressed in Middle Eastern attire, perhaps with a notepad, reporting, like a news re
Free In Pharaoh's Jail -- Genesis 37, 39-40 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Joseph's Integrity Is Tested
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 40:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- John 14:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus, The WayCall To Worship
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Theme: TrustCall To Worship
All Saints Sunday -- Psalm 34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Theme: The Birth Of JesusCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- John 11:1-45 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus, The Resurrection And The LifeCall To Worship
Proper 11 -- Romans 8:12-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Theme: Children Of GodCall To Worship
Good Friday Tenebrae -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Order Of WorshipGood Friday Tenebrae
The Secret Of His Power -- Exodus 33 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Joshua Remembers Moses
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Light Has ComeCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Psalm 31:1-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 19 -- Romans 14:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Theme: Judge NotCall To Worship
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Theme: ThanksgivingCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 130 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Christ the King Sunday
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
14 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 1
30 – Sermons
90+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For November 30, 2025:
  • Time Change by Chris Keating. The First Sunday of Advent invites God’s people to tell time differently. While the secular Christmas machine keeps rolling, the church is called to a time of waiting and remaining alert.
  • Second Thoughts: What Time Is It? by Tom Willadsen based on Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
According to Martin Luther our thanksgiving is brought about only by justification by grace:

But bringing of tithes denotes that we are wholly given to the service of the neighbor through love…  This, however, does not happen unless, being first justified by faith. (Luther’s Works, Vol.9, p.255)

The Reformer also wants us to be happy, what with all the generous gifts we have been given.  He wrote:
Wayne Brouwer
A schoolteacher asked her students to make a list of the things for which they were thankful. Right at the top of Chad’s list was the word “glasses.” Some children resent having to wear glasses, but evidently not Chad! She asked him about it. Why was he thankful that he wore glasses?

“Well,” he said, “my glasses keep the boys from hitting me and the girls from kissing me.”

The philosopher Eric Hoffer says, “The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings!” That’s true, isn’t it?
William H. Shepherd
Christianity is, among other things, an intellectual quest. The curriculum to know God truly. The lesson plans interact creatively with other aspects of faith: worship is vain if not grounded in truth, while service is misguided if based on faulty premises. While faith certainly cannot be reduced to knowledge, it cannot be divorced from it, either.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (v. 6)

We just received word about the passing of our friend, Rosmarie Trapp. We had lost touch with her in recent years, so I was shocked when I stumbled onto her obituary in The New York Times from May 18, 2022.
David E. Leininger
John Jamison
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Reason for the Season" by David Leininger
"Time's Up" by John Jamison


What's Up This Week

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: The activity for this message is the Be Thank You! game.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Rosemary was 33 years old. She'd been married to James for four years and they had two children, Sam who was two and the baby, Elizabeth, who was just three weeks old. Apart from the baby blues and extreme fatigue, both of which got her down a bit when James was at work, Rosemary was happy. They had recently moved to the London suburbs and James commuted each day by train.

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
This brief psalm is among the most familiar in the psalter, but that is primarily because its verses have been excerpted in so many hymns and liturgical texts. There is something to be gained from looking at Psalm 100 in its entirety, and trying to recover its ancient liturgical context.

James Evans
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (v. 6). What better way could there be for us to begin the Advent season than by focusing our prayers on peace? The word, shalom, translated "peace," means much more than the mere absence of conflict. And of course, it is not only Jerusalem that is in need of peace; the whole world needs the shalom that the psalmist dreams about. So perhaps we should expand the breadth of this prayer, and deepen it with our awareness of the various meanings of the Hebrew idea of peace.

John R. Brokhoff
THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1--5 (C, RC, E)
Tony S. Everett
A popular skit at church camps involves about a dozen folks lined up side-by-side, looking anxious and frustrated facing the audience. Each person rests a left elbow on the right shoulder of their neighbor. Then, from left to right, each member asks, "Is it time yet?" When the question arrives at the end of the line, the last person looks at his/her wristwatch and responds, "No." This reply is passed, one-by-one each with bored sighs, back to the first questioner. After a few moments, the same question is passed down the line (left elbows remaining on the right shoulders).
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
Just a few days before writing this message, I conducted a memorial service for a 60-year-old man who was the picture of health until three months before his death. He was active, vibrant, only recently retired, and looking forward to years of good life with his wife and family and friends. Nonetheless, pancreatic cancer had done its work, and quickly, and he was gone. It was the general consensus that it was too soon for his life to end; he was too young to die.
John W. Clarke
In this the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus begins to withdraw to the east side of the Sea of Galilee. He has fed the 5,000, and he has walked on water. The press of the crowds had become all consuming and he needs some solitude to prepare himself for what lay ahead. Considering that the crowds that followed him more than likely knew of the feeding of the 5,000, and some may even have heard of the miraculous walking on water, it is difficult to explain why in these verses, they would doubt anything he had to say -- but they do.
Robert R. Kopp
My favorite eighth grader just confessed his aspiration for becoming President of the United States.

When I foolishly asked the inspiration of his lofty goal, he replied, "Bill Clinton." Then my hormone-raging adolescent proceeded to list perceived presidential perks that have nothing to do with God or country.

My prayer list has been altered.

And my attitude about prayer in public schools has changed too.

I used to be against prayer in public schools.
John E. Berger
Thanksgiving, according to one newspaper columnist, has kept its original meaning better than any other holiday. That original meaning, he wrote, was family reunions around large dinner tables.

In contrast, Christmas has changed into Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Easter has come to emphasize new spring clothes and the Easter bunny. Even our national holidays -- Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day -- have become cook-outs and summer travel get-aways.
Mark Ellingson
Thanksgiving: How do we say thanks authentically and not lapse into the platitudes so often associated with this holiday? There are several dangers associated with the holiday. Ever since it was instituted as a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln, and even before when various state governors instituted it in their states, Thanksgiving has not been a strictly Christian holiday. There has been a lot of nationalism and self-congratulations associated with this day. What is the distinctively Christian way to give thanks to God for all the good things that we have?

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