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Persistence Along The Road Of Life -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1998
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.
Advent 3 -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's Gospel text is our first big jump in Matthean order for this church year.
Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 33:12-23 (C)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 42:1-9 (C, E); Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 (RC)
The Sermon On The Mount -- Matthew 5:1--7:27 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Our outline of Matthew's Gospel presented Matthew 1:1--4:16 as Part One which introduces Jesus of Na
Seeking Greater Tolerance And Patience -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 1998
He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good
Proper 9 -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The text appointed for this week omits 11:20-24.
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (C)
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 49:1-7 (C, E); Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 (RC)
Proper 5 -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week comes from Matthew 9.
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:1-4 (C); Isaiah 8:23--9:3 (RC)
Advent 2 -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Enter John the Baptist. Matthew doesn't introduce this desert prophet until now.
Finding Christ: The Treasure Of A Lifetime -- Matthew 13:44-52 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 1998
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We come to our text for this week noting that the lectionary has entirely omitted Matthew 12.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Micah 6:1-8 (C, E)
Baptism Of The Lord; Epiphany 1 -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's assigned Gospel story is a continuation of the story assigned for the Second Sunday in A
Sharing God's Unlimited Forgiveness With Others -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1998
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord if another member of the church sins against me, how often sh
Proper 11 -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Matthew 13 contains the parabolic ministry of Jesus as Matthew tells the story.
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 (C)
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) (C), Isaiah 58:7-10 (RC)
Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week has allusions to many, many stories throughout the Bible.
It's Never Too Late -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 1998
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers fo
Proper 12 -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The whole of Jesus' discourse in parables in Matthew 13 demonstrates for us that Jesus did much of h
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Judges 4:1-7 (C)

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Greed And Graciousness -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
In July, 1975, the Nashville Banner ran an article about David Burroughs.
Why Rejoice? -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
I recently saw a survey conducted by the Muzak Holiday Channel concerning the most popular Christmas
God Has Plans For Us -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
The name Robert Stroud is not one commonly heard in ordinary conversation, but this man's contributi
Awake To Glory -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
Today we celebrate one of the most neglected passages in the Bible.
Costly Extravagance -- John 12:1-8 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
"Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" Well, it'
Fan The Flame -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
You may have noticed that I read earlier from the King James Version of the Bible and not the New In
The Regenerating Power Of A Little One -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Steven E. Albertin -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Regardless of the size of a town, it is important for the residents to have a sense of civic pride.
Completing The Master's Work -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Classical music provides some significant examples of great musical compositions that were never fin
You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet! -- John 16:12-15 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Before Christopher Columbus, the Spanish flag bore the motto, "No More Beyond." Spain was a mighty e
Salvation At The Skull -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2003
I remember pulling into a gas station once when I was sixteen years old and just learning to drive i
Half-truths And Almost Bible -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
The first time that I noticed the book Salvation on Sand Mountain was when I was leaving the Andover
Sainthood Means Overcoming Obstacles -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
In 1989 an 8.2 magnitude earthquake flattened much of the state of Armenia and killed over 30,000 pe
Strength Through Diversity -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time.
God's Sneak Attack -- Luke 2:1-20 -- David Kalas -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
I think I was eight years old the first time I got to be in a Christmas pageant.
Making Friends With Money -- Luke 16:9 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
A magazine cartoon showed a scene of yesteryear as two men watched a wealthy man ride by in his eleg
Calling A Halt To The Angel Craze -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
Some stout claims are made in today's lesson.
The Power Of Confession -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
A man wrote to Dear Abby admitting an affair with another woman that cost him dearly.
Together, But Not Enmeshed -- John 15:1-8 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Jesus describes the community gathered in his name -- and that would be all of us -- using the image
Stop The Offerings! -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Good Friday - B -- 2002
Go with me to the year 1968, to the basement of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Silver Spri
Christianity As A Materialistic Religion -- Matthew 25:21 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- 2002
Archbishop William Temple of the Church of England has become famous for his oft--quoted statement t
The Achilles' Heel Of The Church -- James 5:13-20 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2002
Have you ever noticed how prevalent is the number 3 in religious history?
Before It's Too Late -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Actress Melanie Griffith candidly writes of her painful experiences while growing up.
A Tireless And Timeless Image -- John 10:11-18 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Images are highly influential.
Maximum Marriage -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2002
A fifth grade teacher asked the children in her art class to draw pictures of what they want to be w
What A Resume! -- 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2002
If you were to visit the Library of Congress and look up Jesus of Nazareth in the card catalog of au

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Proper 18 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- John Steward -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
A man was once put in a dark cave.
Grounded In Love -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kai M. Mcclinton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in
Advent 4 -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- John Steward -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
My friend, Pastor Ray Christenson in Las Vegas, once told about a pastor who would regularly visit a
A Dog With Soul -- Genesis 9:8-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, John Zingaro -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you a
Proper 19 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- John Steward -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
From time to time I have, as most pastors do, a conversation with someone about his or her relations
Reaping Joy -- Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Thanksgiving Day - B
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
All Saints' Day -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- John Steward -- All Saints Day - C
"...
God's Faithfulness -- Psalm 30 -- John E. Sumwalt, Edgar A. Evans -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
As I look back over my relationship with God, two events, which I believe were miracles, stand out t
Proper 20 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- John Steward -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
One Sunday morning on a subway car in New York City people were traveling in relative peace and calm
Transfigured -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Theonia Amenda -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth
Ascension Sunday -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John Steward -- Ascension of the Lord - C
This is a story about two young men I once encountered.
Still Hope -- Psalm 41 -- John E. Sumwalt, John W. Doll -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
My brother has a daughter who is as beautiful as any woman could ever hope to be.
Proper 21 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- John Steward -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
We are often afraid to speak of money in the church.
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
And I know that such a person -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows --
Baptism Of The Lord -- Acts 8:14-17 -- John Steward -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Many years ago the founder and president of the National Cash Register Company of Dayton, Ohio, used
A Healing Presence -- Mark 1:29-39 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lynette E. Metz -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons.
Proper 22 -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- John Steward -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
A pastor was preaching one of his first sermons in the new church to which he had been called.
The Mystery Of His Will -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marcia Lee -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
...
Easter -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- John Steward -- Easter Day - C
There was a little boy who would always come home late from school.
The Call Of God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- John E. Sumwalt, Bill Dow -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
On Ash Wednesday of 2000, I had a very powerful worship experience.
Luke 17:11-19 -- John Steward -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
I have noticed that at Thanksgiving time it is difficult for people to give God thanks and praise.
Someone To Watch Over Me -- Psalm 89:20-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Patricia M. Thaker -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
In February of 2000, my grandfather, Lloyd Dings, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Easter 2 -- John 20:19-31 -- John Steward -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
A young couple fell in love in a very unique way.
Letting Go Of All The Junk -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay L. Bandle -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who ha
Proper 24 -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- John Steward -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
In 1899 four Denver journalists encountered one another in the Denver railway station.

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Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25Theme: As For Me And My Household
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4Theme: Out Of DarknessCall To Worship
Jesus Denounces Scribes and Pharisees -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Rivers of Living Water -- John 7:37-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pre-preparations for Pentecost
Promise -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's PromiseInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 18 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Author Of Great Mysteries:
Judge -- Judges 4:1-7 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Judges 4:1-7Theme: JudgeCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Micah 6:1-8Theme: Do JusticeCall To Worship
The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Destruction of the Temple Foretold -- Matthew 24:1-14 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Wonder -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's Wonder That Became Reality
Prayer 19 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Love Entity:
Proper 29 (Christ The King) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24Theme: ShepherdCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)Theme: Draw NearCall To Worship
The Parable of the Talents -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Pentecost -- Wayne H. Keller -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1998
Pentecost (formerly Kingdomtide [Trinity] -- Season of the Kingdom of God on Earth), meaning "fiftie
Fulfillment -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate God's Promise Of Fulfillment
Prayer 20 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Supreme Scientist Of The Universe:
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-20Theme: Choose LifeCall To Worship
Self-deception; Hearers and Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
The Communion of the Saints with the Beatitudes -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- All Saints Day - A -- 1998
The Source Of Our SainthoodInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 21 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Loving Communicator:
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18Theme: Not Just On SundayCall To Worship
The Call of Matthew and Several Healings -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
The Ascension of Christ -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration

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UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
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Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
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New & Featured This Week

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John Jamison
Object: This message is a role play. You can do this with only two children playing the parts of the two women, but if you have more children, you could have two more playing the parts of the children, another playing the part of the synagogue leader, and another playing the part of the country’s leader. You can also add any other roles you might want to add to make it interesting. Also, I have created places for your characters to speak, but you can add more of those to make it all more fun and memorable.

* * *

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For August 24, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
C. Knight Aldrich, a medical doctor and the first chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago (1955-1964), was a keen analyst of the motivations for our behaviors. He worked with the social services agencies of Chicago for a time, particularly spending hours with teenagers who had been arrested for shoplifting or other theft. Aldrich interviewed them to find out how they had come to this. He also talked with the parents, attempting to discover how they had handled the problem from the first time they knew about it.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Psalm 77:1-6

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“We have questions about your conduct as our pastor,” Carl announced as soon as Pastor John sat down at the hastily called board meeting. “We have received complaints about you from the congregation.”

“Complaints?” Pastor John frowned. “From whom and about what?”

“Mrs. Finnigan saw you coming out of what she politely described as ‘A Gentleman’s Club’ last Thursday night when she was driving downtown.” Bruce scowled. “Do you deny this?”

“Not at all,” Pastor John said. “I did have to go to that place on Thursday evening.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus was aware of people's deepest needs and what prompted their actions. In our worship today let us consider how we can discover people's deepest needs and the motives for their actions.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we see only the surface and condemn without real understanding.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are afraid to get sufficiently close to other people to see their inner needs.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Epiphany 4/Ordinary Time 4, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

The old saying, "experience is the best teacher," could serve as a subtitle for this psalm. Written as a prayer for help in a time of distress or oppression, the psalm subtly hints at a recognition and awareness that only comes with time. There is a track record, so to speak, that the psalmist is aware of: God's record of dependability. Based on God's proven record of saving power and grace, the psalmist is able to pray for salvation, but at the same time celebrate the certainty of its arrival.
Lee Ann Dunlap
Carrie's1 high school guidance counselor noticed she had been acting out a bit in school recently. She had appeared depressed and had been having some authority issues over rules and such. The guidance counselor set Carrie up with a local pastor who had been volunteering a few hours each Friday after a teen suicide a few months before. Most of the other students who came to see the pastor just needed someone to listen to their usual teen issues and heartaches. But, shortly into their time together, Carrie began to open up about some real grown-up problems.
Kirk R. Webster
It's a typical Sunday morning at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. The people file in and sit down in plush pews. Their attention is drawn to the chancel where they see choir members calmly seated, robed in dark blue and white. The mahogany altar table is draped with a silk parament. Two bronze candleholders stand guard at the table edges.
R. Robert Cueni
As was his custom, Jesus went that Sabbath morning to the synagogue for worship. As he was preaching and teaching, he happened to glance toward the fringe of the crowd where he saw a very crippled woman. She was bent over and was unable to stand up straight. When he inquired, Jesus was told the woman had been that way for eighteen years.
John H. Will
Call to Worship
Indeed, this is a day of rest and gladness.
This is God's Sabbath, created for our reflection and renewal.
Let us then not profane it, but keep it holy.
We do this as we honor God and commit ourselves to the well--being of God's creation.
Each of us individually needs a personal rejuvenation of spirit.
Together we seek a strengthening of community, a community that continues to build itself in love.
So do we come as one people to worship God, our Maker and our Sustainer.

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