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Worship

SermonStudio

God, My Judge, I Stand Before You -- Psalm 26 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2008
1. God, my judge, I stand before you, Trusting in your steadfast ways;
Christmas Candlelight Service -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
Christmas Candlelight Service The Entrance Rite
Cleanse Me, O Lord -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2008
1. Cleanse me, O Lord, free me from sin, O make my spirit pure within.
God, Hear My Plea -- Psalm 130 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
1. God, hear my plea as unto you I cry. From deep despair, Lord, hear my every sigh.
Oh, The Glory Of Our God -- Psalm 48 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
1. Oh, the glory of our God, Now, and evermore, adored. Beautiful, your holy hill,
To You, O God, I Come -- Psalm 111 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1. To you, O God, I come in great thanksgiving.
Creator God, We Praise Your Name -- Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
1. Creator God, we praise your name. How awesome are the works you do!
God Has Done Great Things -- Psalm 126 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
Refrain God has done great things for us, In which we all rejoice.
The Reign Of Christ Is Here -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
1. The reign of Christ is here! Good Christian friends, draw near.
Oh, To God Alone Be Glory -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1. Oh, to God alone be glory, for his tender, loving care.

Drama

SermonStudio

An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
John -- The Preparer
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
The Innkeeper
An Unlikely Cast: Dramatic Monologues for Advent -- Alan E. Siewert -- 2006
Meisha -- The Shepherd
Producing Christmas: A Humorous Children's Christmas Play -- Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth -- 2006
Characters Producer -- three speaking Mary -- five speaking
Jesus Enters Jerusalem -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Woman 1 Man 1 Man 2 Woman 2
Jesus In The Upper Room -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter John Matthew Jesus
Jesus Predicts Things To Come -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator James John Peter Jesus
Jesus Anointed By Mary -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Judas Jesus Mary
Jesus Cleanses The Temple -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter Jesus Money Changer Merchant 1
Jesus And Blind Bartimaeus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Man 1 Bartimaeus Man 2 Man 3

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Peaceable Kingdom -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
What difference does my life make for others around me? What difference does anyone's life make?
Always Ready -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2014
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this.
The Real Thing -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses'
Talented People -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them
Paying What's Due -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2014
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.
The Wind -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Charles D. Reeb -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2014
John the Baptist says something interesting in Mark, “He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spir
Hallelujah! Come On, Get Happy -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- David G. Rogne -- All Saints Day - A -- 2014
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to
Who Cares? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- David G. Rogne -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2014
When Vince Lombardi, the eminently successful professional football coach in the 1960s, was asked ho
Thanks-Giving Is Good for Everyone -- Luke 17:11-19 -- David G. Rogne -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2014
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee.
Being a True Disciple -- John 8:31-36 -- David G. Rogne -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly m

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Love -- 1 Corinthians 13:13, John 15:12 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Jesus tells us to love one another.
A New Year -- Psalm 121:2-5, Psalm 139:1-2 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God is awake, loving, and caring.
Everyone Is Special -- Psalm 139:14 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God is a wonderful Creator. Scripture: Psalm 139:14
Easter Sunday -- John 11:25-26, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 15:52 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We will be changed and live forever.
We Are Waiting -- Psalm 130:5-6 -- 2006
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord, more than
After The Resurrection -- Luke 24:36-39 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Blessed are those who believe.
Don't Let The Clock Run Your Life -- Luke 12:25 -- 2006
And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?
Our Season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- 2006
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
God Is Our Headlight -- John 14:5 -- 2006
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
Nothing Separates Us From Jesus' Love -- Romans 8:35 -- 2006
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Role-models are important to us in our life of faith.
Proper 5 / Pentecost 3 / Ordinary Time 10 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 24 / Pentecost 22 / Ordinary Time 29 -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
All Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The saints in heaven glory in an eternal sabbath.
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany / Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord / Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Faith gives us power for living.
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day At its deepest level, God's judgment is all about love.

Stories

SermonStudio

God's Day Off -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- David E. Leininger -- 2008
We know the importance of taking breaks.
Handling Freedom -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- David E. Leininger -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Have you seen those billboards that have popped up next to major thoroughfares that say things like,
Sunday's Comin' -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- David E. Leininger -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
"Hope springs eternal in the human breast." "Where there's life, there's hope." You might have heard
Cross-Bearing -- Mark 8:31-38 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
While vacationing in Mexico sometime back, my wife and I attended worship in a church that is served
A Winsome Witness -- Acts 8:26-40 -- David E. Leininger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
He was an Ethiopian bigwig.
The Language Of The Heart -- Psalm 98 -- David E. Leininger -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things ...
Laugh, Thomas, Laugh! -- John 20:19-31 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
The first Sunday after Easter is Holy Humor Sunday, as it is celebrated in many places.
Look Up And Live -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- David E. Leininger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Do you like snakes? Not many do.
Fickle Folks -- Mark 11:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
Have you ever been called fickle? If you have, you probably did not like it.
Our Magnificent, Mysterious, Mischievous God -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2008
This is a fun story, one of many in scripture that is good for giggles if we allow ourselves that re

Prayer

SermonStudio

Third Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Strong name of gracious love, Be with us 'til the morrow!
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Lord of Hosts, we need thy presence:
Christmas Eve -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Everyone, come greet the day
Christmas Day -- Daniel J. Weitner -- 2000
Meditation Now lift up voices, sing his praise
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We're starting on a journey to reach Bethlehem, O God.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We wonder, O God, what we would have believed if we had lived in first century Israel.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, how grateful we are that you determined to visit us.
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
It is difficult for us, O God, to understand how the people of the first century didn't, or wouldn't
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Redeemer, 2000 years ago a series of unbelievable events took place that still stir our hearts a
Advent -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our heavenly Parent, you came to us as a helpless boy-child seeking to win our love and faithfulness

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
But my people have changed their glory for something that does not profit.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2009
Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
Let mutual love continue.
Proper 17 / Pentecost 15 / Ordinary Time 22 -- Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2009
I would feed you with the finest of wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2009
I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed!
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / Ordinary Time 21 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2009
... I appointed you a prophet to the nations. -- Jeremiah 1:5c

Poems

SermonStudio

Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Andrew Daughters -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
Temptation is a lot of different things to different folks.
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1989
O Lord, our hearts are openTo so many kinds of things,
Proper 19 -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 1989
Full seventy times seven, Lord?If I forgive another
Proper 28 -- Matthew 25:14-15, 19-29 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 1989
Two men sat in one end of a lifeboat,Sat quietly while others worked
Advent 1 -- Matthew 24:37-44 -- Andrew Daughters -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 1989
Many people try to tell usWhat our future holds,How we'll prosper, how we'll fail
The Baptism of Our Lord -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Andrew Daughters -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 1989
A child that I knew saw a baby baptizedAnd afterward said to her mother,
Lent 1 -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Andrew Daughters -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1989
Temptation is a lot of different things to different folks.
The Resurrection of Our Lord -- Matthew 28:1-10 -- Andrew Daughters -- Easter Day - A -- 1989
When I was young, they told meThat around this time of year,
The Day of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 1989
The atmospherewas full of fearthat awe-filled evening.The gath'ring room
Proper 10 -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 1989
O Lord, our hearts are openTo so many kinds of things,

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

Is He Really Coming? -- John 14:2-3 -- Rolf E. Aaseng -- 1995
Every Sunday we say we believe it: "I believe ...
Good News Or Bad News? -- Matthew 25:31-34, 41 -- Rolf E. Aaseng -- 1995
The thought of Jesus coming to earth again throws some people into a panic.
Mark 13:24-29, 32-33 -- Rolf E. Aaseng -- 1995
But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its li
Get Ready -- Luke 12:35-40 -- Rolf E. Aaseng -- 1995
If you somehow learned that Jesus would return tomorrow or next week, what would you do?
"We Believe!" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
A young curate once called on William Stubs, Bishop of Oxford,
"We Believe In One God, The Father, The Almighty!" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
Even the casual visitor to the Cathedral of St. Paul in
"We Believe In One Lord, Jesus Christ" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
One of the most widely read of the "popular lives of Jesus"
"We Believe For Us And Our Salvation He Came Down" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
"It's a hard-knock life for us!" is the opening line of a song
"We Believe In The Holy Spirit" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
In The King and I, Anna, the British teacher who has been
"We Believe In One Holy Catholic And Apostolic Church" -- Frank H. Seilhamer -- 1993
Recently I had come alive for me a part of our religious

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Warner Sallman's Head Of Christ -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Dr. Charles R.
From War To Peace -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
We go to a concert hall and listen to the sounds of different musical instruments as they tune up fo
God's Hitchhiker -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A woman had prayed for her uncommitted husband and believed that God would some day reach the man's
Chance Or Providence? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Mrs. Claude Douglas of Los Angeles, California, had been downtown and started for home.
Abe Lincoln's Serendipity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
History records that before he was a lawyer, Abraham Lincoln was a general store keeper in Illinois.
Balaam And His Talking Donkey -- Numbers 22:20-35 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
This story, in the midst of some rather dull reading in the Book of Numbers (Chapter 22:20-35), is a
Music And Warfare -- 1 Chronicles 20:21-29 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Why do we have Army, Navy, and Air Force bands at our military establishments, other than for public
Hymns And Gospel Songs -- Colossians 3:16 -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
There is a striking difference between the stately hymns of the church used in the past hundreds of
Who Was George Ames? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
A true pioneer of world missions was Adoniram Judson.
The Love Of God -- Don R. Yocom -- 2000
Years ago a mad man was reported to have written these words for a great hymn:

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

Where Is God When Bad Things Happen To Good People? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
It was late February in one of those long, cold northern Michigan winters.
How Do We Live With Our Differences? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
For those thinking about a career with significant employment possibilities, let me suggest training
What About The Trinity? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
In 1826, one of the great religious poets of England, Reginald Heber, penned a verse that still appe
For What Do We Pray? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
Of the many obvious observations that might be made about the life and ministry of Jesus is that the
What Are Christians Supposed To Do? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
Survivor has proven to be one of the most popular television shows in recent years.
What's Important About Going To Church? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
Imagine that you have out-of-town company.
Must Religion And Science Conflict? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
Must religion and science conflict? This question nags at people of faith.
If Christ Is The Answer, What Is The Question? -- R. Robert Cueni -- 2001
We live in a very secular age.
How To Read The Bible -- Luke 24:32 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
It is above all through the Bible, the book of the Word revealed and incarnate, that God speaks,
Was Jesus Really Divine? -- John 10:30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
He comes to us as one unknown, without a name, as of old by the lakeside He came to those who kne

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

O death, where is thy sting? -- 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: O death, where is thy sting?
O ye of little faith -- Matthew 6:30 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: O ye of little faith Location: Matthew 6:30
Offers an olive branch -- Genesis 8:11 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Offers an olive branch Location: Genesis 8:11
One day is as a thousand years -- 2 Peter 3:8 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: One day is as a thousand years Location: 2 Peter 3:8
One reaps what one sows -- Galatians 6:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: One reaps what one sows Location: Galatians 6:7
The parting of the way -- Ezekiel 21:21 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The parting of the way Location: Ezekiel 21:21
The patience of Job -- James 5:11 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The patience of Job Location: James 5:11
Out of the mouth of babes -- Matthew 21:16 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Out of the mouth of babes Location: Matthew 21:16
A person after one's own heart -- Acts 13:22 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A person after one's own heart Location: Acts 13:22
Potter's field -- Matthew 27:7 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Potter's field Location: Matthew 27:7

Christian Life

Easter

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Christian

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Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

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Church Leaders

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Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

Intercession

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Christian Faith

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Easter 2
30+ – Sermons
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
Nazish Naseem
For April 26, 2026:

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
During World War II, a number of British regiments from this part of East Anglia were sent to the Far East. Many young men were taken prisoner by the Japanese, and were incarcerated in Japanese prisoner of war camps.

Their treatment in these camps was brutal, and many lost their lives. Those who survived until the end of the War emerged emaciated, beaten, traumatised and often cowed.

StoryShare

David O. Bales
Larry Winebrenner
Contents
"These Christians and Their Money" by David O. Bales
"Shepherds and Thieves" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Cry and the Answer" by Larry Winebrenner


* * * * * * * *


These Christians and Their Money
by David O. Bales
Acts 2:42-47
C. David Mckirachan
Keith Hewitt
Contents
"Tea and Crumpets Committee" by C. David McKirachan
"Too Good to Be True" by Keith Hewitt


* * * * * * *


Tea and Crumpets Committee
by C. David McKirachan
Acts 2:42-47

SermonStudio

Carlos Wilton
(See Lent 4, Cycle A, and Easter 4, Cycles B and C, for alternative approaches.)

It is one of the best-known and best-loved passages of the Bible. Generations have memorized it, in Sunday school or at the knee of parents or grandparents. It is one of the first Bible passages we learn, and -- as common as it is at funerals -- it is among the last words said over us when we die. Psalm 23 has been a source of strength and comfort for many.
William E. Keeney
"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 2:42--47 (C); Acts 2:14, 36--41 (RC)
(Look at Lesson 1 for Easter 3)

Lesson 1: Acts 6:1--9; 7:2a, 51--60 (E, L)
Tony S. Everett
The week before classes began, Harold, a high school history teacher, fell off a step ladder and injured his back. For the next three months he was forced to wear a plaster cast around the entire upper part of his body. The cast fit so well underneath his shirt and sport coat that it was not at all noticeable.
David O. Bales
Last summer my wife and I enjoyed visiting our friends Dick and Mary in Montana. They have about 45 quarter horses and they were thrilled to show us the herd and take us along one evening to feed them. That evening we also helped get a three-month-old filly into the barn in order to medicate a cut on her face. The filly was a little skittish, but we got her into the barn and into a large stall and then Dick tried to get a halter on her head to hold her still in order to clean and medicate the cut.
Robert J. Elder
Now here is what I often think of as a passage of scripture with high potential for use as a brick--bat. At least it is often employed that way by folks who think the way the church moves ahead is by making people feel guilty and bad about things that are not their fault. Sometimes preachers read this and find it almost too tempting to stand before their congregations and extol the glories of the church in the New Testament version of the "good old days," so that everyone pretty much feels extra lousy that the good old days appear to be long--gone enough as to be well nigh unrecoverable.
Albert G. Butzer, III
I know a woman who says that her husband has a listening problem. Incidentally, this is not autobiographical. To be sure, he does have a hearing problem and wears hearing aids to compensate, but his real problem - at least according to his wife - is not a hearing problem but a listening problem. She says to him, "I'm going to the store, so would you please turn the oven to 350 degrees at 5:30 and put in the casserole." "Sure," he replies, "no problem." But when she comes home, the dinner is still cold. By the way, did I remember to tell you that this is not autobiographical!
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Once upon a time, a great and loving king ruled over a vast territory. There was something very strange about this kingdom, however. Everything was the same. The people ate the same food, drank the same drink, wore the same clothes, and lived in the same type of homes. The people even did all the same work. There was another oddity about this place. Everything was gray - the food, the drink, the clothes, the houses; there were no other colors.
Wayne H. Keller
A Celebration Of Resurrection

Invitation to the Easter Celebration
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Prayer Of The Day
P: Gracious Father, you sent your Son so that we might have life and have it abundantly. May we seek such goodness in our lives and desire it for others, so that gathered as one flock, all people would find their rest in our great shepherd, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
C: Amen.

Intercessory Prayers
Begin each new petition with:
Shepherd of our hearts ...
Shepherd of our communities ...
Shepherd of our nations ...
Shepherd of our churches ...

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
There are two themes that run through the passages for today. On the one hand there is the "Call of the Wild" (like Jack London's 1903 novel), in which we are commanded to follow our Shepherd Jesus through what might be trackless wastes and difficult places in responding to the great challenge of faith. On the other hand, there is the "Call of the Safe" (like Larry Crabb's great book on small groups, The Safest Place on Earth [Word, 1999]), which places us in the middle of a community of care and grace.
R. Craig Maccreary
People have all sorts of travel styles. I am constantly amazed at those who can just pick up and go on their journeys with minimal amounts of preparation and packing. For me, even the simplest of journeys requires hours of preparation. When recent security concerns required the average traveler to show up at the airport hours before their planned flight I remained largely unaffected. I had been doing that for years. You never know when a mix up might land you at the wrong place or the wrong time. It is best to allow time just in case.

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Good morning! Do you like stories? (get responses) Jesus told stories like this a lot. Sometimes when he wanted to teach people about things that were complicated, he would tell them a story about something they already knew about. Talking about something familiar to them helped them understand something unfamiliar.
When he has brought out all of his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. (v. 4)

Good morning, boys and girls. Jesus thought of himself as a shepherd. Do you know what a shepherd does? (let them answer) That's right, a shepherd watches and protects sheep. Jesus must have known a lot about shepherds because he taught us that sheep trust the shepherd with their lives. When a shepherd speaks, the sheep listen. The sheep know the shepherd's voice and follow him to safety.

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