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Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Third Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
This passage forms the middle chapter of an announcement of salvation that is found in Isaiah 60--62
Proper 28 -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2001
Let us first give an historical accounting of the text.
Language tools in reference to the role of Jesus Christ as our Savior -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. The birth of Jesus, Christmas, and the mystery of the incarnation
Proper 8, Pentecost 6, Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2001
We have here the account of how David was made king over all the tribes of Israel, after ruling for
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2001
There are three decisive times in the Old Testament when God breaks into Israel's history with a new
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2001
I wonder if you remember one of the characters in the popular television series, M*A*S*H.
Language tools in reference to the process of redemption -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. Our human predicament
Proper 9, Pentecost 7, Ordinary Time 14 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 10 -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2001
The lectionary has a way of eliminating from a passage those sections that are considered distastefu
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
All Saints' Sunday -- Isaiah 25:6-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - B -- 2001
One of the best ways to uncover the principal themes of an Old Testament text is to note its repetit
Trinity Sunday -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2001
Who is Jesus Christ?
Language tools in reference to the life of the Christian -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
A. Prayer and our relationship with God
Proper 10, Pentecost 8, Ordinary Time 15 -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 11 -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2001
This text forms one of the most important theological passages in the Old Testament.
The Nativity Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2001
This passage is the stated Old Testament Lesson for Ascension Sunday also in Cycle A.
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2001
This is the same Old Testament text that will be specified for Christmas Day in Cycles A and C.
Language Skills For A Prophetic Ministry -- Douglas B. Bailey -- 2001
I hope this book's "clips and quips" not only will provide resources you find useful, but also will
Proper 12, Pentecost 10, Ordinary Time 17 -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 12 -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2001
In all likelihood, our text for the morning comes to us from an eye--witness in the court of King Da

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Thanks Be To God -- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 -- Richard C. Brand -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
It is at this point that so many of us feel the temptation to tune out.
Remember -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:Come, let us remember and worship God who calls us.
Blinders -- Acts 17:22-31 -- Bill Mosley -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Loggerhead turtles lay eggs among the sand dunes on beaches.
Pure-In-Heart People -- Matthew 5:8 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Time elapsed between Jesus' transfiguration on a mountain and his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Heaping Coals And Virtues -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
A French writer and historian once wrote, "We owe to the Middle Ages the two worst inventions of hum
Visions And Voices -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
I don't know about you, but I envy Moses and Peter and James and John.
Someone Is Trying To Get Through -- Acts 10:34-43 -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
Someone is trying to get through to you.
A Leper In Our Path -- Matthew 8:1-4 -- 2004
Everyone must have been on a spiritual high as they followed Jesus down the path that day.
Jesus Cures Our Spiritual Blindness -- John 9:1-41 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Anne Mansfield Sullivan was a miracle worker who overcame obstacles in seeking to assist others.
In The Darkness Of Suffering, There Is The Light Of Life -- John 1:1-13 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
Several years ago, I read Sidney Sheldon's Novel, The Windmills Of The Gods.
Filling Moses' Shoes -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
What will they do now? Moses has died, and nobody even knows where he has been buried.
Remembering Jesus -- 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
Christians share a memory - and a belief - that gives us a place to stand, a way of getting things i
Healing And Forgiveness -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Commencement Address -- Acts 1:6-14 -- Bill Mosley -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Sam "Golden Rule" Jones had "quittin' meetings" for those converted at his revivals.
Peacemaker People -- Matthew 5:9 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Indexes of books have always fascinated me.
Doing Well And Doing Good -- Romans 13:8-14 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
There is a cliche thrown around the business world that states that people should do well by doing g
His Last Command ... Our First Concern! -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
In the fall of 1971, I visited Leo Tolstoy's home in Moscow.
The Power Of God -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Richard C. Brand -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
The professional observers and media pundits suggest that now Bill Clinton has only his place in his
War Against Hate -- 1 John 3:11-24 -- 2004
A short time ago, the evening news on television reported that a man had gone on a shooting binge.
Jesus Breaks Our Chains -- John 11:1-45 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
He was chained, held bound in a life of torment and blasphemy.
In The Darkness Of Oppression, There Is The Light Of Salvation -- Luke 2:1-5 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
I was staying at a hotel in a small town, near a large city.
Preaching To A Stone -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
I'm going to confess a trade secret.
A Name Not Taken In Vain -- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 -- William G. Carter -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
In the middle of March, 1961, a minister named Duffy splashed water on my head in the middle of a Su
Sharing The Bread -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship: Come, let us break bread together as we worship God.
Theology Two Sizes Too Small -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
One of the legacies of children's writer Dr.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Gospel Grandmothers -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 1994
United Church has a tradition. They were known for supporting their pastors very well.
A Modern Day Job -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
American culture is a culture of fixing blame -- fixing blame on others.
God Is Faithful To Godself -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 1994
His hands were surely trembling as he lifted his hammer to nail his theses to the door of the Castle
The Lost Is Found -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
It was the biggest tragedy in Pastor Dave's life.
A New Heart -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 1994
It was the religious program she had heard on the radio a few weeks back that sent Shawn Rose on a m
A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
"I'm telling you it's just not possible that he is the Messiah. If anything he's an imposter.
Ready For Worship -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 1994
Ernie, Madge and Todd Applegate always took their place in a front pew just as the bell was ringing.
When I Saw Your Face -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1994
The New Year's Eve party at the Campbells' was always a highlight of the year for Tom Stone.
''Who Can Be Saved?'' -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 1994
"Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he...." Many people have learned that song in
A Promise On The Way To Fulfillment -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Passion Sunday - C -- 1994
It had been the night of his life. He would never forget it as long as he lived.
You Are God -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 1994
Out On A Limb, Shirley MacLaine's spiritual odyssey, was first published in 1983.
Let Us Make A Name For Ourselves -- Genesis 11:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 1994
"When you're No. 1 in the world...
A Vision For The Future -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 1994
A few years back a west coast bishop returned home from a meeting of his denomination's bishops in K
A Model For The Good Life -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 1994
We all remember Desert Storm.
''Only Speak The Word'' -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 1994
Luke is fond of telling stories of faith.
Choices -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 1994
She was elected to high office some time ago. Let's call her Beverly Washington.
''A Great Prophet Has Arisen Among Us'' -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 1994
"Shunem: Site of the Prophet Elisha's Resurrection Miracle." If they had had road signs in the days
Disarming Evil -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 1994
People Of The Lie: The Hope For Healing Human Evil is one of Dr. M.
Forgiven Much! -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 1994
The life of a prostitute is a hateful way of life.
Great Reversals -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1994
The theme of poverty, riches, possessions and the realm of God is a constant theme of Luke.
The Collapsing Circle -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 1994
Allan Nelson is a consultant to business operations throughout the world.
The Laughter Of Faith -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 1994
God called Sarah, too!
Glenda Finds An Advent Prayer -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
It had been a tough week for Glenda Kruse.
He Set His Face -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 1994
He had just finished feeding the 5,000 men plus women and children when he asked them the question (
The Faithful Harlot -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 1994
What's a bad girl like you doing in a list like this?

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

A Little Dishonesty Goes A Long Way -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 16:1-13Theme: A Little Dishonesty Goes A Long Way
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: White/GreenGospel: Luke 7:1-10
Ho! -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: "Ho!" God surprises us.
Proper 11, Pentecost 9, Ordinary Time 16 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 10:38-42
Bright Monday -- Wayne H. Keller -- 2000
Bright Monday, also called Easter Monday, acknowledges the fact that God has the last laugh over sin
First Sunday In Lent -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Can Redemption Be Bought? -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 5, Pentecost 3, Ordinary Time 10 -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 7:11-17
Supplies -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 12, Pentecost 10, Ordinary Time 17 -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 11:1-13
Christ The King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 23:33-43
New Year's Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Isolation Of Struggle -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 6, Pentecost 4, Ordinary Time 11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 7:36--8:3
God, Who Makes A Way -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 13, Pentecost 11, Ordinary Time 18 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 12:13-21
Easter Day -- Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 24:1-12 or John 20:1-18
Pentecost Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Theme: Feed And Flower
Proper 7, Pentecost 5, Ordinary Time 12 -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 8:26-39
Food -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 14, Pentecost 12, Ordinary Time 19 -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 12:32-40
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 20:19-31
Prayers For Special Occasions -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2000
Youth
Covenant Contact -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - 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
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Epiphany 3 | OT 3
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
31 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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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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