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SermonStudio

Proper 25, Pentecost 23, Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The ministry and teaching of Jesus the Christ.
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.
Sunday Of The Passion -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme We head toward the passion and cross of Christ.
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
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
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 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 27, Pentecost 25, Ordinary Time 32 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
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
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Easter Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Resurrection and new life in the risen Christ.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The Passion of Jesus leading up to Easter.
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Proper 28, Pentecost 26, Ordinary Time 33 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
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.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Rebuilding On Secure Foundations -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
I live in Northern California where we frequently experience earthquakes and mud slides.
The Baptism of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme See theme for this day.Theme For The Day
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
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
A Story For The Discouraged -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
The response was terrific!
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
All Saints Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- All Saints Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme See theme for this day, below.Theme For The Day
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.
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
Small Beginnings Which Produce Large Results -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2001
There is a small Franconian village in the rolling hills of Bavaria, Germany, which never ceases to

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Shaking Of The Foundations -- Jeremiah 4:23-26 -- 2004
It is a good thing to stop from time to time in the presence of God and to look back and to look aro
Where Are The Clowns? -- 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 -- 2004
Many of us are familiar with Stephen Sondheim's wonderful musical, A Little Night Music, and,
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.
Easter And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Road Rage -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
When our children were small, a nice church lady named Chris made them a child--friendly creche.
Three Cheers For Leviticus -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
A once--popular book, The Varieties Of New Testament Religion, by E. F.
Always? -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
Now there is a greeting that will knock you back a moment.
King Of The Mountain -- 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
In a large stone cathedral in Europe there was a grand, magnificent pipe organ.
The Strangeness Of God's Care -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Religion is a mutual relationship. We pledge loyalty and devotion to God and God blesses us.
Brokenhearted People -- Matthew 5:4 -- E. Dale Click -- 2004
Those who followed Jesus up the mountain were eager to hear his teachings.
Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Good-bye, Columbus? -- Isaiah 61:1-3 -- 2004
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue,Columbus sailed the ocean blue,
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
Discovering That It's Not About You -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
"It's not about you." Did anyone ever say that to you? Something is going on.
Pentecost And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
Disappointed In Jesus -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
It was a painful experience for both of us. Jane was a young mother about my age.
God's Tattoos -- Isaiah 49:8-16a -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Have you noticed that tattoos are in?
The Cloak -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
If you can't refute the argument, then you can attack the person, and the best way to attack a perso
A Holy--wood Ending -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Richard W. Ferris -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to thaw out during one particu
Put the Whole World In Our Hands -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- 2004
One of the Apollo 17 astronauts said that, as he looked back upon the earth from the moon, th
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 Way To Happy Endings -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Genesis 24 is like a short novel that is set into the end of the story of Abraham.
Thanksgiving And Communion -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Call To Worship:
The Power Of Positive Dreaming -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Susan R. Andrews -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
According to tradition, Joseph was the strong, silent type - an older carpenter who willingly submit

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Compensation -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"That's my medicine," Louie said.
Persisting In Integrity -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
Susan breathed in deeply in another effort at self-control.
Blind In One Eye ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Downtown Club was an old and well-established bastion for the shakers and movers in Dallas, Texa
What Can't You Let Go Of? -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
The flames were licking higher, close to his feet, and the
Perfect In Every Way -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Karl Schmidt loved to sing, and for good reason.
The Unseen Leader -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Mark Thomas and his wife, Susan, were excited by the
Summer Rain -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
All in all, Thornberry was a pretty quiet place, where big news usually referred to something like a
Workers In The Revolution -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
Dr. Jack Rosen waited in the bushes by the side of the road,
A Question Of Identity -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Ginger Jorgenson was an eager young Lutheran pastor just six years out of seminary.
Mazuza Consciousness -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Peter C. Garrison -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 1993
Jim brought in the last of the boxes from the moving van.
Goya's People -- John 10:11-18 -- Peter C. Garrison -- 1993
Goya squinted at the brass and steel. The polished metal of
The Back of the House -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
The attractive young lady sitting opposite me was a puzzle.
Why Bother? -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Pete Richards was a lonely and bitter man. His life had
Role Model Ignored -- Matthew 18:23-35 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
What is it that leads a person to lie or cheat or steal in order to accumulate more -- more of anyth
Breakthrough! -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
CRACK! Suddenly the universe went into slow motion. She was
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
Cow 27 -- Stan Purdum -- 1993
"I really could use the help, Reverend," Wesley said, "and with your baby coming and all, you could
A Need To Remember -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
The wind whistled menacingly through the broken windowpane of the old house in which she had taken r
The Contractor's Choice -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
George Gustafson had been a builder in central Texas nearly 40 years.
An Idea Wearing Bib Overalls -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
He had stumbled over the words many times. He'd even practiced
Blind In One Eye ... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Downtown Club was an old and well-established bastion for the shakers and movers in Dallas, Texa
An Answer To Prayer -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
"Mom, why am I called Samuel?" The boy asked the question one
The Bishop And The Lady -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
''Say, that's quite an enterprise so near to your church,'' the bishop kidded his host pastor.
Opening The Door -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
John drove in a leisurely fashion to the Amtrak station. The
Impatient Planter -- Matthew 13:1-23 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 13:1-23The Sower

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

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
First Place In Everything -- Colossians 1:11-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:11-20Theme: First Place In Everything
Unless A Grain Of Wheat ... -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Convincing -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany Day/The Baptism Of The Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Limping Without Answer -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Dates Of Maundy Thursday Love Feasts -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
The Lord's Supper is most often celebrated on Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, and on Wo
The Season Of The Nativity -- Wayne H. Keller -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
ChristmasThe Season Of The NativityLiturgical Color: White
Withered Love-Songs -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 22, Pentecost 20, Ordinary Time 27 -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 17:5-10
Collecting The Pieces -- Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 23:1-6 Theme: Collecting The Pieces Call To Worship
Jesus, The Servant -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
Come With Your Heart -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany 2 -- John 2:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: John 2:1-11
Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-24, Galatians 1:11-24, Luke 7:11-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Additional Sermons For Examination Services And Preparation For The Love Feast -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Examination Service Sermon
Going Where God Sends You -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 23, Pentecost 21, Ordinary Time 28 -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 17:11-19
The Lord Has Need Of It -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Call to Worship
When God Calls You By Name -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7Theme: When God Calls You By NameCall To Worship
Epiphany 3 -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 4:14-21
Short-changing Life -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Some Ancient Christian References To Feetwashing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2000
Our feast explains itself by its name. The Greeks call it agape, i.e. affection.
Cracked Cisterns -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Proper 24, Pentecost 22, Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 18:1-8

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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