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Proper 17 -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2001
By this text we begin expositions of some of the Writings of the Old Testament, with which we will d
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
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 18, Pentecost 16, Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 18 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2001
In both Mesopotamia and Egypt, but also in Israel, Wisdom teaching and theology held a respected pos
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
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 19, Pentecost 17, Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 19 -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2001
In chapters 1--9 of the Book of Proverbs, the figure of Wisdom is personified as a woman.
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
Proper 20, Pentecost 18, Ordinary Time 25 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 20 -- Proverbs 31:10-31 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2001
We live in a society in which the role of women has become very ambiguous.
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
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2001
As referred to in 9:20--22 in our text, Esther is a book that celebrates Jewish deliverance from per
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
Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 22 -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2001
God trusts Job.
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
Proper 23, Pentecost 21, Ordinary Time 28 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 23 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2001
The story of Job is presented to us primarily through a series of dialogues that Job carries on with
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.
Proper 24, Pentecost 22, Ordinary Time 29 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 24 -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41) -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2001
Our sometimes sentimental, always lenient religious faith bumps up against this text for the morning
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.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Voice From Beyond -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
Down through the centuries, philosophers and theologians have come up with a number of classical "pr
In The Darkness Of Uncertainty,There Is The Light Of Wonder -- Luke 2:17-20 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
William Sloane Coffin, Jr., was, for several years, the pastor at Riverside Church in New York City.
Grace Has Appeared -- Titus 2:11-14 -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
A little baby was born nearly 2,000 years ago under very unimpressive circumstances.
The Healing Power Of Doing Good -- Isaiah 58:3-9a (9b-12) -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
When pastors retire they have a chance to check out some of the Sunday morning religious television
World Communion Sunday -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
(Place a variety of breads, representing different parts of the world, on the altar.
Truthfulness -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The Eighth Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
Bragging Rights -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
A mouse was once riding on the back of an elephant, and the pair went across a rickety bridge.
Isaiah, Advent, And Human Hopefulness -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
In Jill St.
Message From Medjugorje -- John 15:12-17 -- 2004
A number of years ago, a certain young man was going from church to church telling about an experien
Because -- 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
A group of kindergarten children visited the local police station and were given a tour by one of th
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?
Sheep That Count -- 1 Peter 2:19-25 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
Once upon a time there was a lamb named Edgar.
Two Harvests -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
All of the Bible is inspired.
The Problem With Promises -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
The problem with promises is that you have to trust them.
In The Darkness Of Anxiety, There Is The Light Of Peace -- Luke 2:12-17 -- Thomas A. Pilgrim -- 2004
On a recent Sunday night, my wife and I went to a nearby church for their "Bethlehem Walk." Each yea
Swept Away! -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Susan R. Andrews -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
It's the same year after year.
What God Will Not Do For Us -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
The book of Deuteronomy revises the traditions of God's people after they left the desert and settle
Advent And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Neighborliness -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
The Ninth Commandment: "You shall not covet your neighbor's house."
No Idea -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
"I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord." We have no idea what in the world th
First Comes An Everyday Hope -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Today's great spiritual priority may be for a grounded everyday hope.
Overcoming Evil -- Romans 12:17-21 -- 2004
Evil is a reality. We have to cope with it. The Bible tells us what to do about evil.
The Church That Jesus Built -- 1 Peter 2:2-10 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
In the Old Testament, kings believed that God gave them direction in their dreams.
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!
Some Things Ought Not To Happen -- Genesis 21:8-21 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Some things that happen in our world just ought not to happen.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

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.
For Pete's Sake -- John 6:56-69 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1993
"My name is Peter and I'm an alcoholic." That's how you always
Still Standing -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"What I need," said the man who'd come to my door, "is for a pastor to offer a prayer and then do no
Board Action -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Charlie Redgate shook his head and said, "Your mistake was asking in the first place."
The Voice Of The Turtledove -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Henry Scholberg -- 1993
Mark came home from work that day and didn't bother to kiss
Coloring A Faint Spirit Red -- Isaiah 61:3 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
Strain and the absence of hope walled any smile from Karen
Resurrection -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Up until this incident, Lucille Brennan would have said that the day she was approved to be a foster
At The Gate -- Proverbs 22:8-9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
When Carla learned about the forest fires in Montana later
The Decision -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
The decision was a difficult one to make. Joe and Marilyn had
Pioneers -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Susie and I had both grown up in cities, so our move to Thornberry, a township 30 miles from the nea
The Rumors Of Green Valley -- James 3:1-12 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
Green Valley Church had served the rural area of Claiborne County for more than 100 years.
The Lady In Blue -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1993
She had been a charter member of Trinity Church when it was
Neighbors -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
Like many small rural townships, Thornberry had some problems because it had no zoning laws.
But This Is Kids' Stuff! -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Paul Lintern -- 1993
Pastor Evans gave a slight smile as she met Roy, who would be
The Weaver -- John 18:33-37 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
It had started as one play, produced by the high school
Impatient Planter -- Matthew 13:1-23 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
''I guess I wanted to be a preacher from the time I was a little kid.'' It was the newly-ordained Ca
Freed by the Word -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"I was afraid," the old man said.
The Lost Notebook -- James 5:13-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 1993
They entered the house drained from the night.
The Power Of The Resurrection Over Death -- John 20:1-18 -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
Todd was two months into pastoring his first church. He'd
A Woman Had Two Daughters ... -- Luke 15:11-32 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Erick Nielson became acquainted firsthand with the Great Depression of the 1930s on a farm in North
Compensation -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"That's my medicine," Louie said.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

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,
Easter 6 -- John 14:23-29 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 14:23-29
Bulletins For The Examination Service And The Love Feast (Agape Meal) -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
The texts for two bulletins are provided.
Let It Go! -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
The Advent-ure Of Peace -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Theme: The Advent-ure Of Peace Call To Worship
Futility? -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Trinity Sunday -- John 16:12-15 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 16:12-15
Proper 19, Pentecost 17, Ordinary Time 24 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 15:1-10
My People -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Easter 7 -- John 17:20-26 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: John 17:20-26
A Simple Service For The Lord's Supper -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
A: The Examination Service Call To Worship
The Word Jesus Spoke -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Fourth Sunday of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Micah 5:2-5a Theme: The Advent-ure Of Joy
Take Courage And Work -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Take courage and work.
Christmas Eve/Day -- Luke 2:1-10, John 1:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 2:1-10 or John 1:1-14
Proper 20, Pentecost 18, Ordinary Time 25 -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 16:1-13
Bent On Healing -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Easter -- Wayne H. Keller -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
EasterThe Season Of The ResurrectionLiturgical Color: White
Additional Hymn Suggestions -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Examination Service:"We Gather Together"
All-Surrounding Grace -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to WorshipProcessional Hymn
Forever And Ever -- Luke 6:20-31, Ephesians 1:11-23, Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 Theme: Forever And Ever Call To Worship
Proper 28 | OT 33 -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25 Theme: A Joy And A Delight
Christmas 1 -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 2:41-52
Proper 21, Pentecost 19, Ordinary Time 26 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 16:19-31
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

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

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For February 1, 2026:
  • What the Lord Requires by Dean Feldmeyer. The world’s requirements are often complex and difficult. God’s requirements are simple and easy. Kinda.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt
Contents
What's Up This Week
Stories to Live By: "You Fool"/ "Us Who Are Being Saved"
Shining Moments: "A Comforting Dream" by Harold Klug
Good Stories: "Mercy, Mercy" by John Sumwalt
Scrap Pile: "The Souper Bowl of Caring" by Jo Perry-Sumwalt


What's Up This Week
by John Sumwalt

Sandra Herrmann
John Jamison
Contents
"Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
"Ka-Chang" by John B. Jamison (Matthew 5:1-12)


* * * * * * * *


Child Sacrifice
Sandra Herrmann
Micah 6:1-8

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles....
-- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Micah 6:1--8 (C, E, L)
John N. Brittain
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weaving). The archaeologist described the process of identifying the probable location of an underwater wreck site, the grueling work involved in beginning the process, and the same kind of methodical work that characterizes all scientific archaeology. But then her eyes twinkled as she described the joy of uncovering the first artifact, or recognizing a significant discovery. And that of course is what it is all about, the final product of discovery.
Tony S. Everett
Late one night, Pastor Bill was driving home after spending the past 23 hours in the hospital with his wife, celebrating the birth of their son. It had been a glorious day. His wife was peacefully resting. His extended family was ecstatic. His son was healthy. Surely God was in heaven and all was right with the world.

Linda Schiphorst Mccoy
When I'm teaching a class, and want to get a discussion going, I often begin with something that's called a sentence stem. I start a sentence and let the participants complete it. This morning, if I were to ask you to complete this sentence, what would you say? "Happy are those who...." What would you use to complete the thought?
Dallas A. Brauninger
E-mail
From: KDM
To: God
Subject: Demands On God
Message: All these demands don't make sense, God. Lauds, KDM
R. Glen Miles
What does God want from us? The answer is simple, but it is not easy to put into practice. What God wants is you. What God wants is me. God wants our whole selves. The prophet Micah makes it fairly clear that ultimately God does not care too much about religion and the things that come with it. Religion isn't a bad enterprise. It is okay as a way of reminding us about what God wants, but in the long run being good at religion is not what God desires. What God requires is us. It is simple to understand but not necessarily the thing we would offer to God first.
John B. Jamison
It was a strange sound. Some said it was a kind of "clanging" sound, while others said it was more of a "ka-ching," or more accurately, a "ka-chang!" It sounded like the result of metal hitting metal, which is exactly what it was.

In the valley off to the west from the hillside is a steep cliff rising up the face of Mount Arbel. The face of the cliff is covered with hundreds of caves, with no good way to get to them without climbing straight up the cliff. That's why the Zealots liked them. They were safe.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of Dedication/Gathering
P: Our Lord Jesus calls each of us to a life of justice, kindness, and humility. We pray that in this hour before us our defenses would fall and your love would be set free within us.
Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, your mercy knows no end.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
We have a prejudice in favor of things complex. Not that we necessarily desire complexity, but somehow we trust it more. We figure that complexity is the prevailing reality in our world, and so we feel obliged to be in touch with it. We would love to hear that this thing or that is really quite simple, but doctors, politicians, futurists, ethicists, economists -- and even some preachers -- keep discouraging us. It's actually quite complicated, we are told, and there is no simple answer.
People tend to say in times of personal or community disaster, "God works in mysterious ways." The point they are making is that when we can't figure out any logical answer to a situation, it must be the work of God. It is one way of making sense out of an inexplicable event.
Schuyler Rhodes
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley Fool. Dressed in their trademark court jester hats, the motley fools can be seen and heard offering their advice and warnings concerning the stock market on a variety of talk shows and financial news channels.

CSSPlus

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have spent time around babies? (let them answer) Babies are so cute when they are happy but hard to please when they are upset. Babies can't talk, can they? (let them answer) So when they don't get what they want they cry. When they are hungry they cry. When they are sleepy they cry. When a stranger tries to hold them they cry. How do we know if babies are sick, hungry, or tired? (let them answer) Most of the time a baby's mom can figure out what's wrong even when we can't.
Teachers or Parents: Have the children sit on the floor and pretend that they are on a mountaintop and learning at Jesus' feet. Ask: "How is this classroom different from classrooms you have seen?" "How is it like them?" Read various portions of the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7) that they might understand (such as Matthew 7:7-11 -- prayer; 7:12 -- the Golden Rule; 7:15 -- being true). Be careful -- many parts of the Sermon on the Mount are difficult for children to understand and may lead to great misunderstanding and perhaps fear.

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