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John S. Smylie

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The Elephant In The Living Room -- Mark 8:31-38 -- John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
There are times when we do everything we can to avoid the obvious.
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.
The Serpent -- John 3:14-21 -- John S. Smylie -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Growing up in the northeast, I didn't have a lot of exposure to snakes.
We Wish To See Jesus -- John 12:20-33 -- John S. Smylie -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
"Sir, we wish to see Jesus" (v. 21).
Disintegration And Reintegration -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- John S. Smylie -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2008
Today's reading is the longest assigned reading that we have the entire year.
For The Life Of Betsy D. I. Smylie -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John S. Smylie -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2008
For many thousands of years, men and women of myriad tongues and races have gathered underneath the
Looking For Jesus? -- John 20:1-18 -- John S. Smylie -- Easter Day - B -- 2008
The Lord is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!
Speaking Peace -- John 20:19-31 -- John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
On the evening of that day, that first Easter Day, the disciples were gathered together, but as yet
The Five Senses -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
In the gospel text there is an opportunity to meet Jesus, using every one of our senses.
Fred And Barney -- John 10:11-18 -- John S. Smylie -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
I grew up in the suburbs, in a community outside of lower Manhattan.
The Little Golf Club -- John 15:9-17 -- John S. Smylie -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Our Lord's new commandment, to love one another as he has loved us, is easier said than done.
The Logical Conclusion -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John S. Smylie -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
For several years, I had the privilege of serving a congregation in upstate New York.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words -- John 17:6-19 -- John S. Smylie -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Actions and words are both important, but sometimes actions do speak louder than words.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! -- Mark 1:9-15 -- John S. Smylie -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
Mark doesn't waste any time getting us involved in the beginning of our Lord's ministry.
Clearing Out The Pipes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- John S. Smylie -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2008
Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent, is a time when we have an opportunity to squarely fa
Silence And Darkness -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John S. Smylie -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Weed And Feed -- John 15:1-8 -- John S. Smylie -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
I think some people are natural-born gardeners.

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Silence And Darkness -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John S. Smylie -- Good Friday - B -- 2008
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
The Perfect Blemish -- John 2:13-22 -- John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2008
When we think of the Lord Jesus, we tend to think of what he has done for us.

Stories

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Where Have All The Churches Gone? -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- John S. Smylie, David O. Bales -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2022
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
X Games -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- John S. Smylie, David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally posted in 2007.Contents
A Sacrifice Of Thanksgiving -- Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- John S. Smylie, John E. Sumwalt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving" by John Smylie
Reasons For Rules -- John 2:13-22, Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Psalm 19 -- Larry Winebrenner, Craig Kelly, John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Reasons for Rules" by Larry Winebrenner
The Roots Of Love -- John 15:9-17, Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, Psalm 98 -- Larry Winebrenner, John S. Smylie, Keith Hewitt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Roots of Love" by Larry Winebrenner
Five Days Old -- Mark 9:30-37, Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Psalm 1 -- John S. Smylie, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Five Days Old" by John Smylie
Housing Crisis -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Psalm 89:20-37 -- John S. Smylie, Larry Winebrenner, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Housing Crisis" by John Smylie
Get Up And Go -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Frank Ramirez, John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Get Up and Go" by Frank Ramirez
Bones -- John 11:1-45, Romans 8:6-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130 -- John S. Smylie, Argile Smith, Keith Hewitt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Bones" by John Smylie
Speak The Truth In Love -- Luke 24:13-35, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- John S. Smylie, Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Speak the Truth in Love" by John Smylie
Wayne's Deployment -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Argile Smith, Charles D. Reeb, John S. Smylie -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Wayne's Deployment" by Argile Smith
Wayne's Deployment -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- John S. Smylie, Argile Smith, Charles D. Reeb -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Wayne's Deployment" by Argile Smith
Be Joyful -- Luke 17:11-19, Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- John S. Smylie, Craig Kelly, David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Be Joyful" by John Smylie
Be Joyful -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 100 -- John S. Smylie, Craig Kelly, David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Be Joyful" by John Smylie
The Gift Of A John The Baptist -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- David O. Bales, John S. Smylie -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week
The Fifth Gospel -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- John S. Smylie, Keith Hewitt, Bryan Meadows, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
Artist At Work -- John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Craig Kelly, John S. Smylie -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Artist at Work" by Craig Kelly
Housewarming Warning -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- David O. Bales, John S. Smylie -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2007
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Housewarming Warning" by David O. Bales
The Boy Who Always Told The Truth -- Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, John S. Smylie -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
And Jesus Will Be Our Friend -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank R. Fisher, John S. Smylie, Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
The Inexplicable Molly -- John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- Scott Dalgarno, Argile Smith, David O. Bales, John S. Smylie -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
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The Inexplicable Molly -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Scott Dalgarno, Argile Smith, David O. Bales, John S. Smylie -- Ascension of the Lord - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Inexplicable Molly" by Scott Dalgarno
E-Mails To Home: What If Paul Had An E-Mail Account? -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24), Psalm 146 -- Rick McCracken-Bennett, John S. Smylie -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Comfortable Clothes -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- John S. Smylie, Frank R. Fisher, Ron Lavin -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Transforming Light" by John Smylie
Ashes For Remembering -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99 -- John S. Smylie, Frank R. Fisher, Ron Lavin -- Ash Wednesday - C
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Transforming Light" by John Smylie
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
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...

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For August 10, 2025:

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John Jamison
Object: A treasure chest containing photos of some of your family members and friends, and a small, worn-out bag or purse. The treasure chest could be as simple as a small, metal lockbox, or you could have some fun with a larger box that actually looks like a treasure chest.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! But before I tell you the story, I have something that I want to show you. (Show the treasure chest.)

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Personal rant here — since childhood I’ve been annoyed that the winners of the 100-meter dash at the Olympics are hailed as the world’s fastest humans. To me it’s been obvious that the greatest, and fastest, athletes are the women and men who endure the trials and tribulations throughout the 26.2-mile marathons, and who then somehow find it within themselves to sprint to the finish line.
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Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 and Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23

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Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return… (Luke 12:35-36)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus calls us to be ready for him, for we shall encounter him at unexpected times and in unexpected ways. In our worship today, let us prepare to meet with Jesus.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we don't bother to make ourselves ready for you.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes it doesn't occur to us that we might meet with you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we miss you because we haven't expected you.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God.
-- Psalm 50:23

Clayton A. Lord Jr.
I want to talk about heroes today. We all have them. Our heroes are men and women that we look up to. Our heroes are those individuals that inspire us and help us to strive to be our very best.

There is a cute story about a Texan who was trying to impress on a Bostonian, the valor of the heroes of the Alamo. After finishing his story about Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, and countless others, he says "I'll bet you never had anyone so brave around Boston."

"Did you ever hear of Paul Revere?" asked the Bostonian.

Thomas A. Renquist
Jesus tells us, "Don't be afraid," but it seems to me there is a lot to be afraid of. "Sell your possessions," he says, "give alms ... risk ... be dressed for action ... have your lamps lit ... be prepared ... be alert." Sounds very ominous, quite scary to me.

Christopher Reeves, the actor, knows what it is to be afraid. On Memorial Day weekend, 1995, in a tragic fall from his horse, he was instantly paralyzed from the neck down and fighting for his every breath.
John W. Wurster
"Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom. Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah" (1:10; cf. Genesis 19).

Sodom. Gomorrah. Remember? Places of wickedness, of violence, of perversity. Do you know any place like that? Places where sexuality is twisted and relationships are corrupted and social order is breaking down? Places where people seek to gratify personal desires at the expense of others, where individual pursuits take precedence over common well-being, where anything goes as long as it feels good?

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