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Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 26 -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
There is much material that is unique to Matthew in the final chapters of his Gospel.
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
Lesson 1: Genesis 22:1-14 (C)
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 (C)
Corpus Christi -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
Advent 1 -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
As we indicated in the Preface we have chosen to arrange the chapters of this work in their Matthean
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 (C)
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 45:1-15 (C)
The Resurrection Of Our Lord (Easter Day) -- Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6, John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 10:34-43 (C, E); Acts 10:34, 37-43 (RC)
Illuminating God's Message To The World -- Matthew 5:13-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
Images of salt and light hold center stage in this short pericope at the outset of the Sermon on the
Proper 27, Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:1-13, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We have chosen to discuss two texts together in one chapter.
The Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:7-18 (C)
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8--2:10 (C)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 (C, E)
Caring For The Gifts Of God -- Matthew 21:33-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
"Listen to another parable.
Christ The King; Proper 29 -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come to the end of the Church Year.
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 3:1-15 (C)
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-4, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 12:1-4 (C)
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Perseverance Brings Us Home -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 1998
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king
Resurrection Of The Lord -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Resurrection is the heart and climax of Matthew's story.
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 1:1--2:4a (C); Genesis 1:1--2:3 (E)
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 14:19-31 (C)
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 2:42-47 (C); Acts 2:14, 36-41 (RC)

Sacrament

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Compassion: Returning Home To God -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
During the reconstruction period following the great American Civil War, John Sommersby returned to
Not Just Any Body, Christ's Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Robert S. Crilley -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Let me offer you a hypothetical situation.
O Perfect Love! (Where Are You?) -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Click here for
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 1:46-48, The Message
Epiphany: The Joy Of Fulfillment -- Luke 4:14-21 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
I've read some books where it seemed the author had no purpose in writing.
The One Or One Of Many -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
It is the year 50 A.D. Two individuals run into each other on the street corner.
Falling Into Faith -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Woody Allen once quipped, "If there is a God, he is the ultimate under-achiever." This statement is
The Justice Of God -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
During the dark and sullen of days of the Great Depression in New York City there was one man who br
What The Church Should Be Doing Until The Second Coming -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2003
In folklore and literature there are many famous deadlines.
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 2:15 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 2:15
Epiphany: The Tragedy Of Rejection -- Luke 4:21-30 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
In the church, most of us think of Epiphany simply as a season on the church calendar, and sometimes
Calendars And Checkbooks -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2003
In seeking to create that teachable moment, the motivational speaker presented to his gathered stude
Make The Most Of Your Life -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Once there was a wise king who died.
Whom Christ Commended -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2003
A new soldier, having just completed jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, stood proudly at attentio
The Festival Of The Holy Nativity -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Prelude Organ SuggestionsJoy To The World -- arr. Petker
From Empty Nets To Full Lives -- Luke 5:1-11 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
It's funny what experiences and phrases will stay with you from childhood.
The Reason For The Rules -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
When I was eleven years old I was a baseball player. Well, not really.
A Personal Commitment To God -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
One morning at a missionary church deep in the rain forest of South America, the Sunday worship serv
Grace Encounters -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2003
Several years ago at one of the Lausanne Missions Conferences, something remarkable was decided.
At The Corner Of Church And Main -- Luke 6:17-26 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Once there was a great intersection in the ancient city of Bethlehem.
Sustained By A Hope Unfulfilled -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
In his newest book, The Good Life, Peter Gomes tells of the two times he invited Billy Graham to spe
God Provides The Path To Life -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Today people throughout the world refer to the Hawaiian islands as "paradise." Visitors come to enjo
Incident At A Table -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
Many of the great events of history have taken place at tables.
Saints In Shorts -- Luke 6:27-38 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Seven years ago, our family moved from southern Virginia to northeast Wisconsin.
Look To Jesus -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
I never shall forget the time when I first donned the colors of the Purple and Gold.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

My Dad, Marlie -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia Gallagher Marchant -- Easter Day - B
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our
Christmas 1 -- Colossians 3:12-17 -- John Steward -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
A farmer was being questioned by a lawyer during a trial concerning an accident on a highway.
A Tire Of A Different Dimension -- Psalm 26 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay Boone Stewart -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wave
Christ The King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- John Steward -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
In Toledo, Spain, there is an old cathedral.
Convincing Proof -- Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Margaret Nyland-brown -- Ascension of the Lord - B
I was born in 1970. My brother, Randy, was five years older than I. He died on February 28, 1982.
My Beloved -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judie M. Jacobson -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Beth and David are a young couple in my congregation who have a wonderful relationship and a tremend
Lent 1 -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- John Steward -- First Sunday in Lent - C
In a Danish village there was a Lutheran Church where each Sunday the people would walk into the chu
Ronny's Gift -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rebecca Henderleiter -- Ash Wednesday - B
In recovery circles, many tight-knit relationships are formed.
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha -- Mark 7:24-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Allan Mccauley, As Told To Rebecca Henderleiter -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened." And immedia
Lent 2 -- Luke 13:31-35 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
In a small Swiss town there was a cathedral. It was called the Mountain Valley Cathedral.
What Is God Saying? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Susan D. Jamison -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
In May of 1996, I attended an event at Kirkridge, located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
Easter In September -- Psalm 19 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
The call came from the doctor that Dad had only a short time to live.
Lent 3 -- Luke 13:1-9 -- John Steward -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Most people think of AIDS as being transmitted sexually or through intravenous drug use.
Our Family In Heaven -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- John E. Sumwalt, Jeff Veenhuis -- All Saints Day - B
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals.
What Dreams Have Come -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
After my father died, in September of 1998, I had several vivid dreams that felt very much like his
Lent 4 -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- John Steward -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Walter Elias was born in the city; now his parents had just moved to the country.
Cameron's Story -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Todd Chrisler, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
I met Todd and Dawn at wedding reception in the fall of 1999.
A Heavenly Voice -- Psalm 84 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rosmarie Trapp -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
When I was growing up, in our large family which performed all over Europe and the U.S., I was the r
Lent 5 -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- John Steward -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
There was a Scotsman whose wife became ill. At first it did not seem like anything serious.
To Bind Up The Broken Hearted -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 -- John E. Sumwalt, Roy H. Nelson -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good ne
That Which Comes From Heaven -- John 6:24-35 -- John E. Sumwalt, Janet Angel -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to
Passion/Palm Sunday -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- John Steward -- Passion Sunday - C
Several years ago I had the occasion to meet A.C. Lyles. A.C.
A Safe Place To Tell Visions -- Isaiah 64:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, John E. Sumwalt -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Late on Maundy Thursday evening, in the year 2000, as I lay in bed, meditating on the format of this
Do Not Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marjorie K. Evans -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger ...
Day Of Pentecost -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- John Steward -- Day of Pentecost - C
Four centuries ago there was an incident that can serve as an example of the power of fear.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

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Women's Day

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Serving Two Masters with Anxiety -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
The Holy Trinity -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 1:1--2:4aTheme: Trinity -- In The Beginning
Jesus Foretells his Death and Resurrection -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 14:19-31Theme: TrustCall To Worship
Prayer 9 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Lord Of Life:
Easter (Resurrection Of Our Lord) -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 10:34-43Theme: The Whole StoryCall To Worship
The Last Hours of Jesus' Life and his Burial -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
Print these statements at the beginning of the order of worship: We are here to discover the meaning
First Sunday After Christmas (Holy Family) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 63:7-9Theme: Saving PresenceCall To Worship
Reproving Another Who Sins -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 16:2-15Theme: ProvideCall To Worship
Prayer 10 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear God, By Whatever Name You Are Known:
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:14a, 22-32Theme: But God IsCall To Worship
The Temptations of Jesus -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:7-14Theme: Like A Watered GardenCall To Worship
Forgiveness and the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7 Theme: Are You Here, God?Call To Worship
Prayer 11 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Watchful And Caring Mother-Father God:
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:14, 36-41Theme: The Promise Is For YouCall To Worship
Nicodemus and Jesus -- John 3:1-17 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration
Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7 Theme: See The LightCall To Worship
The Laborers in the Vineyard -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
Remembering Whose We AreInvitation to the Celebration
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20Theme: Ten Commandments
Prayer 12 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Loving, Merciful God:
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Acts 2:42-47Theme: TogetherCall To Worship
Jesus and the Woman of Samaria -- John 4:5-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
The Community GathersInvitation to the Celebration

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 8 | OT 13 | Pentecost 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 9 | OT 14 | Pentecost 4
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – 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
For July 6, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity for the children.

Note: You will need an older volunteer to help with this activity. One option would be to find a teenager with some physical ability. If a teen is not available, an adult could be used instead. For simplicity here, I will refer to my older volunteer as “TOM”. You will also need to select three of your younger children to serve as volunteers in the story.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
2 Kings 5:1-14
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30
Naaman seeks healing. He travels hoping healing will come to him when he visits the king of Israel. Yet, healing does not come in that way. Rather healing comes through Elishah. Healing comes from believing and being cleansed in the River Jordan. Healing comes through Naaman’s faithfulness and through God’s grace. Psalm 30 also reminds us to seek healing; to seek God and God will heal and restore us. Do we believe that? Do we believe that God can bring healing?

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ (vv. 10-11)

When I visit your church for the first time, consider the possibility that I might be looking for a church home. I am a good-looking old guy, but I have gray hair and I dress down in the summer, so don’t be put off by my cargo shorts and tank top. Talk to me!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Damien and Ora grinned at each other in excitement. The time had come - at last! They'd been with the Leader for months and months, waiting for this moment. Not that it had felt much like training. They'd simply lived with the Leader, listening to his stories, hearing about the Kingdom, learning to get along really well with all the other people at Mission Headquarters. Now all seventy of them were ready, the spaceship had docked, and the Mission was about to begin. Ora was glad she'd been paired up with Damien again.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B, and Easter 3, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

Anyone who has ever had the experience of losing a friend because of some conflict or dispute, and then has had the friendship restored because of love and forgiveness, has a unique insight into the meaning of this psalm. Although the poem begins and ends with praise, there is in the middle of the poem a brief moment of confession and contrition that puts the praise portions of the psalm in an entirely different light.

April Yamasaki
A word of encouragement came from an unlikely source the other day in a television interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The former football player, wrestler, and now actor was asked about a low time in his life when he was very discouraged about his career and future.

"How did you make your way back from that?" he was asked.

The Rock replied, "You have to put yourself out there. You have to get out there and fail, and learn from your failures."

Larry D. Powell
In the summer of 1983, I participated in a ministerial exchange program sponsored by my denomination. My assignment was to a circuit of churches on the Isle of Man, a tiny island located in the Irish Sea. The months preceding the exchange included considerable correspondence with the minister on the island with whom I would exchange pastoral duties for six weeks.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time. He strolled by a park. There he purchased a hot dog and a soft drink. As he walked through the park two different "street people" approached him one by one. Each asked, "Can you help me? I am hungry." Each time the businessman looked straight ahead and kept walking. After finishing his lunch, he stopped and bought a chocolate eclair for dessert. As he was about to take the first bite, he was forced to jump out of the way as a young boy raced by on his skateboard. The eclair went flying and landed on the ground.

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