Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Advent Sale - Save $131!
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Thanksgiving Day, USA -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
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.
Grace Isn't Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2001
So this fellow up in Sonoma County, not far from wine-growing Napa County, anxiously watched the wea
Christ The King Sunday -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The ministry and teachings of Jesus the Christ.
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
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
Some Tenants Are Better Than Other Tenants -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Some tenants are a lot better than other tenants.
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
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
Joy, Grace, And Living Together -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Chirpy was a parakeet.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, John 17:1-11 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.
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
In Celebration Of The One-Talent Person -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
Some parables of Jesus are really upsetting. This is one of those.
Pentecost Day -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2001
The scene in our text takes place shortly before Israel's redemption from her slavery in Egypt.
Safer Roads And Real Life -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2001
Maybe the priest and the Levite were the smartest after all.
Trinity Sunday -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
New Year's Day -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2001
The lectionary specifies the same Old Testament text for New Year's Day also in Cycles A and C.
The Never Lost Ninety-Nine -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2001
The homemade sign hanging on a large construction crane outside Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Io
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-9, Matthew 7:21-29 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

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
Writing The Law On Our Hearts -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2004
In his wonderful book, Open Secrets, Richard Lischer tells of a retired Lutheran pastor who c
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
Family Tree -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Bill Mosley, Bill Mosley -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
The fence between Heaven and Hell was falling apart. It was badly in need of repair.
Faith's Curious Dynamic -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"?
Thank God For The Church -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
Try to visualize yourself on the way to church. Not too difficult? Let's make it a little harder.
Children And The Sacraments -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
Communion And Children
Help Wanted: Fathers -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, Ephesians 6:1-4 -- 2004
A few years ago Mass Mutual Life Insurance conducted a survey on Americans' views of their fathers.
Passing And Failing -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
School might be tolerable if we could do away with tests.
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.
Honest Abe -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Bill Mosley -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
There's an oft--told story about someone going to church to hear the new young preacher give his fir
Completing The Master's Work -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Classical music provides some significant examples of great musical compositions that were never fin
Removing Obstacles -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Our church has an important mission.
Sacrament Poems -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2004
The Gift Of BaptismAt baptism I was given a gift,
What's So Grand About Grandparents? -- 1 Corinthians 13 -- 2004
The title of this sermon is: "What's So Grand About Grandparents?" Many of you already knew that tod
Getting More Of God Than We Really Want -- Exodus 24:15-18 -- John T. Ball -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2004
There is an old story about a Sunday school teacher who asked a young girl in her class why her litt
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
Pass The Pigweed -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Bill Mosley -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
They tell a story about a hurricane blowing through Galveston, LaMarque, and Texas City heading stra
Building Our Foundation On God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
"I'd sell my soul to play for the Washington Senators." Joe Hardy, the protagonist in the popular Br
Different -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
The Christian faith is supposed to make a difference in our lives.
The Letter To Ephesus -- Revelation 2:1-7 -- Bill Mosley -- 2004
In the season of Lent we prepare for Easter.
We Need A Good Priest -- Always -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- 2004
The purpose of this sermon is first to present Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest, as described i
The Witness Of Being -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
Things are. The world is. The universe, whatever that is, is. I am. You are.
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
The Seeing Eye -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Bill Mosley -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
An airplane flying from San Francisco to Los Angeles had a 45-minute delay and everybody on board wa

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Neighbor To The Man -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Minneapolis is a cool city to live in. In more than one sense is it cool.
Father And Son -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
The little group of doctors and interns burst out laughing at
A Question Of Identity -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The Weeds Among The Wheat
Connecting -- 1 Samuel 3:10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1993
It's not the connections you have, Kara thought, but the
Midas -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The spirit of the 1980's had penetrated far deeper into the life style of Americans than even most e
Answering The Call -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
It was in the days of sail, long before electricity, when oil
Role Model Ignored -- Matthew 18:23-35 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 18:23-35The Unforgiving Servant
Eden -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11, 16-20 -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1993
The small country of Gardenia had been a democracy for more
I've Heard That Song Before -- Luke 14:16-24 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
''I suppose you're aware of the fact that Uncle Henry's annual bash is coming up soon,'' Chad said t
Getting Up The Courage -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Sandra Herrmann -- 1993
Julie hadn't been able to think of anything for a month but a
The Contractor"s Choice -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Matthew 20:1-16The Laborers In The Vineyard
Believing Is Seeing -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Paul Lintern -- 1993
"Oh great!" Al was not excited about being at this workshop on team-
Which Ones Were Lost? -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
The first time I set eyes on that grand old church building was in the cool of a January evening.
What's Appropriate? -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1993
Mary and Jack had really begun to feel at home in their new
The Bishop And The Lady -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Passage: Luke 7:36-50A Sinful Woman Forgiven
And The Wind Came Up -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
It was going to be a beautiful summer evening. The sun
Casting Out A Demon -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Peter C. Garrison -- 1993
The name "Gabby" does not invoke terror. Maybe sheer gabbiness
Midas -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Luke 12:13-21The Rich Fool
Touching Cloaks -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Betty Lynn Schwab -- 1993
Beth found herself humming. It was always like this for her as
Time To See The Moon -- Mark 1:40-45 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
Her life was a suffocating mess, totally out of control.
I've Heard That Song Before -- Luke 14:16-24 -- Merle G. Franke -- 1993
Parallel Parable: Luke 14:16-24The Great Dinner
Hometown Prophets Don't Get No Respect -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Steven E. Burt -- 1993
Caroline grew up in Phillipsville and spent all her life there
Remember Not The Former Things ... -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- James E. Sargent -- 1993
The old man sat down, picked up his pen and tried to write.
Life In The Light Of Eternity -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1993
Emilio Lopez received a surprise phone call from his bishop
Calling For You And For Me -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Susan K. Hedahl -- 1993
Karenza smiled as she hung up the phone. The principal's

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Did You Know? -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2000
Did you knowDust creates the snow?Common, useless, nuisance dust
Paradox -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 23:33-43Theme: ParadoxCall To Worship
Epiphany 4 -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 4:21-30
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (First Reading) -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: 1 Kings 19:1-15a Theme: The Sound Of Silence
Fully Alive -- Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany 5 -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 5:1-11
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (Second Reading) -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Second Lesson: Galatians 3:23-29Theme: Before Faith Comes
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4-8, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 5:27-32 Theme: Authority From BeyondCall To Worship
Epiphany 6 -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 6:17-26
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 | Pentecost 5 (Gospel Reading) -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 8:26-39Theme: Tell All
Third Sunday of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)Theme: Straight-Away Call To Worship
Epiphany 7 -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 6:27-38
A Double Share -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
It's Up To You -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: It is up to usPeople: To take the first step.
To Be Continued -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: After Jesus' death, many wondered if the healing had ended.
Epiphany 8 -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: GreenGospel: Luke 6:39-49
All Shall Know God -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: From the least to the greatest among us, all will know God.
No Distinction -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Epiphany -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Green(January 6 to the Beginning of Lent)
Cornucopia -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Call To Worship Leader: Come, let us give thanks to God.
Lydia -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: Purple/Black; White in some culturesGospel: John 18:1--19:42
Mask -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday of Easter -- John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Acts 16:16-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Acts 16:16-34 Theme: Do Not Harm Yourself Call To Worship
Lent 1 -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: PurpleGospel: Luke 4:1-13

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.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL