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Worship

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Lead On -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
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
Thinking Tall -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Look Around, See The Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Look around, see the light.
All Have Strayed -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
When You Have Come -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18Theme: What Will You Give Me?
Ho! -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: "Ho!" God surprises us.
Supplies -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
God, Who Makes A Way -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Food -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Underpinning -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Day of Pentecost -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
First Lesson: (Acts 2:1-21 or) Genesis 11:1-9 Theme: Jibberish
I Am No Prophet -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Divine Retaliation -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: To you who trample on the world's lesser children,
My People -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Bent On Healing -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20Theme: Required: Willingness And Obedience
Withered Love-Songs -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Going Where God Sends You -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Cracked Cisterns -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
God's Malleability -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 19 | OT 24 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Theme: Partial Ruin Call To Worship
Heartsick -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1Theme: Heartsick
Everyone Is Saved -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-7Theme: Everyone Is Saved

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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.
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.
God, Or The World? -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
He was a man of mystery and charm; he was a man of brokenness and faith.
Transformed In Christ -- John 3:1-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
"Hoke, you are my best friend." It took Daisy Werthan almost twenty years to make that statement; it
Through The Lens Of Go -- John 4:5-42 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
One day a man told a story which touched the hearts of all.
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.
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.
Sharing The Pain Of Others -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2004
"Rags, rags!
Pentecost! Slow ... And Sure! -- John 20:19-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Have you ever noticed how we preachers often promote the early church as if it were the ideal?
The Garden Is Doing Fine? -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Remember the nursery rhyme about little contrary Mary?
Two Harvests -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
All of the Bible is inspired.
Things To Come! -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
I'd quit the ministry were it not for what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 13!
Will You Give Christ Your Supper? -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
The world scene today is as frightening and desperate, as needy and inexplicable as I've ever seen i
Deep Water! -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
I don't know anyone who's not in over his or her head today ...
The Cry For Help -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
In the Gospel of Mark, the woman in our story is called a "Syrophoenician." Matthew, however, calls
The Incomparable Christ -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
While sightseeing in Boston last fall, I entered the narthex of a church building.
Do You Get It? -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
"Is that really necessary?" It's a question that we may ask when something unpleasant or disturbing
Church Discipline: A Cure For What Ails The Body -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
When a sixteen-year-old stays out all night drinking, then drives home, a father disciplines him wit
A Severe Mercy! -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
French author Victor Hugo has a short story titled, "93." In the midst of this tale a ship at sea is
As Long As It Is Day! -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
The greatest sorrow is to have no cause, no work, no sacrifice for which to live.
A Guide To Christmas -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
If you talk about the blind and guides you are talking about seeing--eye dogs.
History: His Story -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
There have been many who have sought to write a history of the world.
Supper's Ready! -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Let's pretend!
Do Politics And Religion Mix? -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
It was a trap. The Pharisees set it.
How To Love God -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
In the rock opera Jesus Christ: Superstar, Mary Magdalene sings, "I don't know how to love hi

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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
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.
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- 2001
There are many other texts in the Old Testament that call for the repentance appropriate to Ash Wedn
Baptism of Our Lord -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2001
Unfortunately, this text from Genesis has often been connected with baptism, and therefore the lecti
Christ the King -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2001
This is the Sunday of Christ the King, the last Sunday in the church year, before we enter the Adven
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Easter Day - B -- 2001
There are many people here this morning who do not normally come to Sunday services.
Second Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:32-35 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2001
This text for the Sunday after Easter really shakes us up, doesn't it?
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 3:12-19 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- 2001
I know a woman whose husband was an alcoholic - I say "was" because the husband is dead now; he dran
Fourth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 4:5-12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2001
We continue in our text this morning with the events surrounding Peter's healing of the lame man at
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2001
Luke, the author of Acts, intends his story in the Acts of the Apostles to show how the gospel rapid
Sixth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2001
This text forms the tag-end of Acts 10:34-43 which is the stated Old Testament lesson for Easter Sun
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2001
The first strophe or stanza of this passage actually ends with verse 7, but the lectionary has ended
Second Sunday after Epiphany -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2001
In the days of Eli and Samuel, before the beginning of the kingship of Saul, and from about 1220 --1
Third Sunday after Epiphany -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2001
In preaching on this text from Jonah, we must never forget that it is set within a narrative context
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2001
We do not usually think of Moses as a prophet.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2001
This passage makes up three stanzas of the longer poem of Isaiah 40:12--31.
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2001
Despite the multitudinous variety of possible preaching texts in the Old Testament, the lectionary s
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2001
A portion of this passage, namely verses 16--21, is also treated on the Fifth Sunday in Lent in Cycl
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2001
Hosea could very well be called "the prophet of intimacy" - of intimacy with God.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Good Friday - B -- 2001
We might call this reading from Second Isaiah "The Great Reversal," because that is what it is about
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
This passage contains what is known as the Noachic Covenant - God's covenant with Noah.
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
We come in this passage to the Priestly version of God's promise to Abraham of a son.
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
In this season of Lent, we are Sunday by Sunday approaching the foot of that executioner's cross on
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
In today's Gospel lesson from John 3:14--21, Jesus says to Nicodemus, "As Moses lifted up the serpen
Fifth Sunday in Lent -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2001
Few accounts are more instructive of the ways of God with his people Israel and with us than is the

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SermonStudio

The Case Of A Grocery Store Fix -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
It happened just about every time she went shopping for groceries.
The Wretched Of The Earth -- Luke 1:47-55 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 1994
"Look down and see the beggars at your feet. Look down and show some mercy if you can.
True Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 1994
"Today we're going to talk about Lent," Tanya announced at the beginning of the adult class she had
Jesus Must Be A Real Person! -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Richard A. Jensen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 1994
A missionary worked some years ago among a very primitive group of people in Papua New Guinea.
Jesus, Remember Me -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1994
Sheila Stone had had the respect of everyone in her community.
A Shroud Unto Life -- Luke 24:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Easter Day - C -- 1994
Who will ever forget those first pictures?
''This Is My Body'' -- John 20:19-31 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Tommy Russo tried and tried to go to church with his wife.
When The Light From Heaven Does Not Flash -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Richard A. Jensen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Dawn Hetland didn't move a muscle. The worship service was over. The choir had filed out.
From All Nations, Tribes, Peoples, Languages -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Mina lived in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
No More Tears -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Can you imagine a four-year-old boy falling to his death from the 53rd floor of a New York City apar
Paths Of Desperation -- John 5:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
Where do you go when you feel hopeless? Dick learned something about that when he was 13.
God's Evangelism Plans -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 1994
The fall of Haile Selassie in 1974 did not bring the kind of peace that the Ethiopians had hoped mig
The Holy Spirit Doesn't Have A Copy Machine -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 1994
The wind of the Spirit blew through St.
The Greater Honor -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 1994
It was to be "Spiritual Gift" Sunday in Corinth of old.
The Greatest Of These -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 1994
In the midwest the summer of 1993 was the summer of the "great flood." The rains, it seemed, would n
How The Mighty Have Fallen! -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 1994
"How the mighty have fallen." King David of old once spoke those words concerning the death of King
With Fire In His Eyes -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 1994
There was fire in his eyes as Dr. Yacob spoke. Dr.
Exchanging A Smile -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 1994
He smiled when we would have expected him to cry. He smiled when we expected him to hate.
A Man Who Would Be God -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Richard A. Jensen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
It was to be his first trip back to China. He was born in China to missionary parents in the 1930s.
A Mother's Tears -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 1994
Gertrude Schmidt loved being a mother.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 5
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Palm/Passion Sunday
30+ – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
30+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Maundy Thursday
15+ – Sermons
70+ – Illustrations / Stories
20+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
15+ – Worship Resources
10 – Commentary / Exegesis
and more...
Good Friday
16+ – Sermons
70+ – Illustrations / Stories
20+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
15+ – Worship Resources
10 – Commentary / Exegesis
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Thomas Willadsen
For March 22, 2026:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Usually we emphasize the spirit around the season of Pentecost. However, this same spirit is present for all believers even during times of trials, testing, and journey though life’s difficulties. All three of this week’s lessons serve to remind us that the outcome of the Lenten journey is intended to point toward new life. While Christians are reminded all year that we might see and experience the shadow of the cross, the spirit of life is also ever present.
From The Washington Post, November 25, 2001: "Scientists in Massachusetts said today they had succeeded in creating the first cloned human embryos, a controversial advance intended to speed the development of new medical therapies but which could also hasten the arrival of the world's first cloned baby."
David Kalas
Schuyler Rhodes
As I look out on my congregation on any given Sunday, I recognize that a significant percentage of the folks gathered here are involved in matters of life and death.

For some, it comes with their profession. Doctors, fire fighters, police officers, members of the military -- these are folks in our flocks who deal with matters of life and death every week. They don't have to look very far from any given Sunday to find a high-stakes experience in their work.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Death is difficult for anyone to understand and accept, and particularly difficult for children who usually have little concept of time. In this story Anita is angry with God, because her beloved Grandma has died.

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Argile Smith
Keith Hewitt
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Bones" by John Smylie
"Waiting" by Argile Smith
"Do You Suppose Job Flew Coach?" by Keith Hewitt


What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

David O. Bales
For the last few years our family has visited The Dalles, Oregon, for Memorial Day to be with my wife's relatives and to decorate graves in the cemetery. One thing I notice as we visit that cemetery: When you're in the western, older side of the cemetery, visitors are chattier, even happy, carrying on humorous conversations as they stand next to gravestones of people who died a hundred years ago. But, as you enter the newer portion of the cemetery where people have recently been buried, you feel the emotion around.
Richard L. Sheffield
In the Orthodox Church, Easter worship includes the singing of a hymn that goes:

Christ is risen from the dead,
trampling down death by death,
and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.1
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
He was chained, held bound in a life of torment and blasphemy. In the end, however, God would set him free. John Newton, a name probably not familiar to many people, was born in July 1725 to a pious English woman and her seafaring husband. From his earliest days, young Newton was attracted to his father's side of the family and to the life at sea. Thus, when he was only eleven years old he became an apprentice aboard his father's vessel, a cargo ship, which ferried products throughout the major ports of the Mediterranean region.
Mark Ellingsen
We have all lived through the death of a loved one. We have all ached when someone we dearly love has passed away. We have all wondered about what comes next, and fretted about our own death. In our gospel story for today we find Jesus dealing with those experiences. And together with Lazarus, Jesus (along with our other Bible lessons) shows us what comes next after sin and death. He does not just show it; he gives it. What he gives is freedom given through love. That is what comes next when the new life is given, when death and sin are conquered.
Robert J. Elder
Several years ago a psychologist conducted a survey in which he asked 3,000 people the question, "What are you living for?" He was not at all ready for the results. He discovered that ninety percent of his respondents were - as he put it - "simply putting up with the present while they waited for the future." We are all familiar with the feeling. We spend today thinking about what will happen tomorrow: young couples wait for their wedding day; children wait for Christmas; at 64 we wait for retirement; at 34 we wait for success.
Richard W. Ferris
Some of us can remember the days before interstate highways and massive traffic slowdowns when a leisurely drive to a relative's house was as much about scenery as it was about getting places. Who cared if the highway weaved around curves and some hills were steeper than others? It was fun to see fields with cattle and sheep, and sometimes even a white hillside where turkeys and chickens roamed freely behind a fence.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Litany: A Conversation With The Psalmist
L: The abyss, the unknown, the feared:
C: Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice;
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
L: Shouting, running, searing pain:
C: If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss,
O Lord, who could stand?
L: Sinking down, deeper, losing oneself,
C: for there is forgiveness with you;
therefore you shall be feared.
L: Will it come? Will it be over? When? When?
C: I wait for the Lord;

CSSPlus

Good morning. If I want to get a particular radio program, I have to use a radio. Setting a CB radio or computer won't help me get my radio program. It doesn't help to use the television. If I want the radio show, I have to set the dial at the right place on the radio. I can put the radio dial anywhere I want, but to get the show I want, I have to put it at just the right place.
... after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was ... When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days ... Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days." (vv. 6, 17, 39)

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