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SermonStudio

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.
A Word About Change -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
The big word today is change. It is both the most used word and the most emotional word.
God Wants Our Attention -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
Jim Cymbala, in his book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, quotes a devotional writer who said, "The m
Epiphany 2 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Pastor's Spiritual Life -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
One of the great resources overlooked in some church growth materials is the personal and spiritual
First Sunday After Christmas -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
Twenty--fifth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Preaching Resurrection In Acts -- William H. Shepherd, Jr. -- 2002
To turn to the Book of Acts from the Gospel of Luke is to experience deja vu.
Epiphany 3 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Thoughts On Leadership -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
It was interesting to read an article in Strategy & Business magazine (Booz--Allen, Inc.
Do We Complicate Leadership? -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
With so much material on the market regarding leadership and pastoring, one wonders what could ever
Palm Sunday / Passion Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
Twenty--sixth Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Epiphany 4 -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
The Challenge Of Disbelief -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
Every pastor knows the challenge: at the door after what you thought was a biblical message, someone
Maundy Thursday / Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
Twenty--seventh Sunday After Pentecost -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
They Are Our Music -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- 2002
I read the story of a Mr. Holland who had written a symphony for his high school orchestra.
The Basics For Ministry -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
In an age of professionalism, church growth strategies, demographics, and other somewhat technical m
Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme
Pentecost Sunday -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
First Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Second Sunday In Lent -- Derl G. Keefer, C. Neil Strait -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2002
WORSHIP HELPSCALL TO WORSHIP
Soul Conditioning -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2002
William Barclay tells the story of a busy Glasgow pastor who attended a service of a noted pastor.
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-11, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27, John 16:4b-15 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Seasonal Theme

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Offense Of Grace -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Victor Hugo begins Les Miserables with the story of Jean Valjean.
A Hope For Peace -- Romans 15:4-13 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
We will soon be singing Christmas songs full of joy and goodwill and love and peace.
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.
Advent And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:O come, all ye faithful, and worship the Lord.
Feeding God's Sheep -- John 21:15-17 -- 2004
"If you love me, feed my sheep." These words that Jesus spoke to Peter, and to us, make it clear tha
Grace For A Complaining People -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
Bob Hope died in 2003 at age 100.
In Our Pastor's Success, So Is Our Own! -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Did you hear about the farm boy who always wondered what would happen if he twisted the tail on the
Fire In The Hold -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32 -- Bill Mosley -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
The great luxury liner was on fire, but no one knew it.
Families In Christ -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Aren't families fun, at times?
Worry And Wonder -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Well, the orange alert has finally been lowered to yellow.
Look Who Is Standing At The Door -- James 5:7-10 -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Imagine a happening with me. The scene is a fine restaurant all decorated for the holidays.
Thank God, We're Already Dead -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
If you ever find yourself on the corner of 56th Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City, stop i
Easter And Baptism -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship: God is the resurrection. Come, let us worship God.
Thinking About Suicide -- Psalm 130 -- 2004
One day several years ago, a pastor was called by a church member and asked to visit one of his neig
Free Living Water For All -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
Travelers near the Badlands of South Dakota were surprised and intrigued in 1936 to see a sign which
Try This On For Size! -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
One church has an organ that many sweated, sacrificed, and slaved to buy. Its cost was astounding!
My Laughin' Place -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41 -- Bill Mosley -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
There's an old Uncle Remus story about Br'er Rabbit.
Beautiful Feet -- Romans 10:5-15 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
There are some things which are not often associated with the word "beautiful." Our lesson today end
Monotheism -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
No matter how many people teach you to go contrary to this first commandment, dismiss them and sa
The Price Of God's Glory -- John 18:1-19:42 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
Long ago, on a high mountaintop, three trees were speaking about their future dreams.
A Gift For You -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Christmas is almost here.
Slaves Of A Different Master -- Romans 6:12-23 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
Earlier this week somebody asked what the sermon was about.
Communion: The Sacrament Of Word And Table -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
In the 1930s I grew up feeding on words.
The Radicalizing Of Charlie -- Amos 5:14-15 -- 2004
(A sermon in the form of a chancel drama.)
Ten Friends Drive Us To The Promise -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
"One day last spring, something memorable happened at Carleton University (in Ottawa, Ontario, Canad

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

The Fear Of The Lord -- Psalm 34:9-14, Ephesians 5:15-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1996
There was no warning.
Jesus Loves Rocky Dumar, Too -- Acts 19:1-7 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1996
The new young pastor of Lake Bluff Christian Church had seen the man on the streets of the town freq
The Wiles Of The Devil -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 1996
Sandy Wright felt betrayed.
Greta's Glorious Body -- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 1996
Greta Schmidt huffed and puffed her way through the church hallways toward the Parish Nurse's office
Unstained By The World -- James 1:17-27 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1996
A good friend of mine lives just two blocks from the Saint Croix Casino in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.
Sutton's Folly -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 1996
Ed Weeks couldn't believe his bad luck.
Keeping Watch -- Psalm 146 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 1996
A little boy named Jacob was getting ready for bed.
Casting Out Demons -- Mark 1:21-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 1996
There was once a deeply troubled church that could not keep any pastor for more than a year or two.
Cross Foolishness -- Mark 8:27-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 1996
Emma stomped up the church steps and unlocked the front door.
A Seat On Bill -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 1996
My friend Bill Benson was a successful small town businessman.
Who Is The Greatest? -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 1996
A holy woman from India was traveling through the United States on a speaking tour to raise money fo
One Of These Little Ones -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1996
The patrolman heard three shots fired in rapid succession and started running toward the sound as fa
What God Has Joined Together -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 1996
Laurie reached for the telephone for the third time in ten minutes, but, once again, her hand recoil
Clergy -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
1. A preacher, looking for a discount, said, "I'm only a poor preacher."
Father Good -- Mark 10:17-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 1996
They called him Father Good, though he was not ordained and he had no natural children.
God, Bible, And Eternity -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
158. Saint Peter showed the new arrival around.
Frog Song -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 1996
"We will hear citizens' comments now," the Mayor announced.
Will Work For Food -- Mark 10:46-52 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 1996
A well-known politician came into a large American city one day to speak at a political rally.
The People In The Pew -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
241. Thank God daily for the plurality of the Christian church in America.
Laying Down The Law -- Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1996
Awards Sunday was the biggest annual event at Calvary Church.
Stewardship -- Walter M. Buescher -- 1996
394. At church we often hear, "O don't tell me. They want money again? What's it for this time?
Giving All -- Mark 12:38-44 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1996
Gerald Fitzgerald was the biggest giver at First Redeemer Church.
The Lord Always Before Me: Lavinda's Christmas Letter -- Psalm 16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 1996
Christmas, 1979Dear Ones:
Painful Waiting -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 1996
The pain was unbearable!
Now, That's A Miracle! -- Richard Stoll Armstrong -- 1996
Of all the miracles I've knownthe greatest one must be

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Secret Of His Power -- Exodus 33 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Joshua Remembers Moses
Day Of Thanksgiving -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Theme: Thanks-By-GivingCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- David R. Mattson -- 2001
Order Of WorshipAsh Wednesday
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Theme: Christian UnityCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Unknown God Made KnownCall To Worship
Proper 19 -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Theme: ForgivenessCall To Worship
Christmas Eve / Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: The Coming King -- Prince Of PeaceCall To Worship
Sunday Of The Passion (Sixth Sunday In Lent/Palm Sunday) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: Turning The Other CheekCall To Worship
Proper 11 -- Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
A Time To Speak Up -- Esther 4, 5, and 7 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Queen Esther Breaks Her Silence
What's A Mother To Do? -- Luke 1-2 -- Janet Burton -- 2001
Mary's Mother Contemplates Jesus' Birth
Rally Day -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Welcome and AnnouncementsPreludeCall to Worship
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Luke 17:11-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Theme: GratitudeCall To Worship
A Sleeping Disciple -- Beth Huener -- 2001
Life On The Edge Of FaithA Sleeping DiscipleThe Opening Speech
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Theme: Jesus Begins His MinistryCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Witness To The Hope That Is In YouCall To Worship
Proper 19 -- Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Christmas Eve / Day -- Titus 2:11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Theme: Christ Our Hope And RedeemerCall To Worship
Sunday Of The Passion (Sixth Sunday In Lent/Palm Sunday) -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Humility Of JesusCall To Worship
Proper 12 -- Genesis 29:15-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Theme: Paying The PriceCall To Worship
Advent 2 -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 3:1-6
Life Preservers -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: We are life preservers for God
Holy Thursday/Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Advent 3 -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/BlueGospel: Luke 3:7-18
God's Malleability -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Baptism of Our Lord
29 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
40 – Children's Sermons / Resources
25 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 2 | OT 2
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
39 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For January 25, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus called Simon and Andrew, James and John, to follow him. They immediately made their decision and dropped everything, for they knew the importance of their call. When Jesus calls us, do we hear him and do we respond?

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when I'm busy I find it difficult to hear you.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy, I find it difficult to respond to you.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when I'm busy I'm not sure whether I want to follow you.
Lord, have mercy.
Janice B. Scott
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun who was the heroine of the story had all sorts of difficulties in relationships with the other nuns. The problem was that she was super-intelligent, and the other nuns resented her. In the end the young nun went to the Mother Superior for advice, and was told that as a sign of humility she should fail her coming exams!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
A Story to Live By: "Angel of Mercy"
Shining Moments: "A Dog's Life" by David Michael Smith
Good Stories: "God's Call" by Stephen Groves
Scrap Pile: "The Way Less Taken" by Garry Deverell


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

C. David Mckirachan
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
"Who's the Fool?" by C. David McKirachan
"Sharing the Light" by Sandra Herrmann


* * * * * * *


Ordinary Time
by C. David McKirachan
Isaiah 9:1-4

SermonStudio

John N. Brittain
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound! Chloe's people had reported quarreling among the believers. Imagine that -- disagreements in a church! There were rivalries and backstabbing even in the very earliest days of the Christian community.
Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
A few years ago, I was on a retreat in northern Michigan, and I knew that some of our friends from home were sailing in the vicinity. One evening I went to the local boat dock, and walked through the lines of boats calling out the names of our friends, hopeful that they might be there. I remember the joy I felt when I yelled their names, and they answered! They were actually there, and they responded to my call!
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: In Christ's Name
Message: What on earth will bring us together, God? Lauds, KDM

How long must we wait, God,
for people to stop fighting
nations and nations
buyers and sellers
big ones and little ones
in-laws and relatives
husbands and wives
sisters and brothers
for me to stop fighting with me?
How long must we wait, God,
before we let the Christ Child come here?1
William B. Kincaid, III
In some parts of the country it doesn't matter, but in many areas the snow which falls during this time of the year can bring things to a decisive halt. Schools close. Events are canceled. Travel becomes tricky. If the conditions become severe enough, the decision may be made that not everybody should try to get to work. Only those who are absolutely necessary should report.
R. Glen Miles
"There will be no more gloom." That is how our text begins today. For the ones who were in anguish, glory will replace the gloom. Light will shine in darkness. Celebration will replace oppression. A new day will dawn.

In one sense these verses offer a summary of the overall message of the scriptures, "The darkness will pass. The light of a new day is dawning and there will be joy once again." At the end of the Bible, almost as if the original collectors of these sacred texts intended to remind us again of this word of hope, the Revelation of John tells us:
Robert A. Beringer
After a service of ordination to the Christian ministry, a sad-faced woman came up to the newly-ordained pastor and said, "It's a grand thing you are doing as a young man - giving up the joys of life to serve the Lord." That woman's attitude reflects a commonly held belief that to be serious about our faith means that we expect all joy to be taken out of living. For many, Christianity appears to be a depressing faith, with unwelcome disciplines, that cramps our lifestyle and crushes our spirits.
John T. Ball
All religions offer salvation. Eastern religions offer salvation from the illusion of being separated from ultimate reality - as in Hinduism, or from the pains of desire, as in Buddhism. Nature religions preach a salvation by calling us to realize we are linked to the natural world. Humanistic religions offer a salvation tied to the call to live in dignity and justice without divine aid. The biblical religions - Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - describe salvation in somewhat different ways. Judaism sees salvation primarily as an earthly and corporate affair.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany Of Confession
P: Discord, dissention, strife,
C: anger, violence, hatred;
P: we confess to you, O God,
C: our schemes, our willful rebellion,
our hidden hostilities toward your children.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our lack of trust in your presence,
our need to control, our insatiable appetite for praise.
P: We confess to you, O God,
C: our fear of speaking the truth in love,
our self-hatred, our moments of utter despair
when we no longer believe you are at work in us.
Wayne H. Keller
Adoration And Praise

Invitation to the Celebration
Beverly S. Bailey
Hymns
Canticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born (CBH189)
God Of Our Strength (CBH36)
Beneath The Cross Of Jesus (CBH250, UM297, NCH190, PH92)
In The Cross Of Christ I Glory (CBH566, UM295, NCH193--194, PH84)
Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore (CBH229, NCH173, PH377, UM344)
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life (PH408, CBH405, UM42, NCH543)
Jesus Calls Us, O'er The Tumult (UM398, NCH171--172, CBH398)

Anthems

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
In 1882 George MacDonald wrote a fascinating story that powerfully illumines the thought behind today's lectionary passages. MacDonald called his tale "The Day Boy and the Night Girl: the Romance of Photogen and Nycteris" (it is available online at http://www.ccel.org/m/macdonald/daynight/daynight.html). In MacDonald's fable a witch steals a newborn girl and raises her in the total darkness of a cave. The witch experiences both light and darkness, but not the girl. She is completely immersed in the black world.
Wayne Brouwer
"Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous!" said Winston Churchill. "In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times."

In one of his essays, Albert Camus describes a powerful scene. John Huss, the great Czech reformer of the church, is on trial. His accusers twist all his ideas out of shape. They refuse to give him a hearing. They maneuver the political machine against him and incite popular passion to a lynch-mob frenzy. Finally, Huss is condemned to be burned at
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait. The picture had been taken on the occasion of a fiftieth wedding anniversary, and the entire family had gathered for the occasion. The celebrating husband and wife were seated in the center of the picture, flanked by their adult children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It was a magnificent full-color illustration of God's design.

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