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The Village Shepherd

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

You Can Do It, Emily! -- John 5:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Call to Worship: Jesus said to the paralysed man, "Stand up, take your mat and
Maisie's Game -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Through our worship today, let us join the band of disciples and
When Mrs Round Was Sick -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Jesus came, took Peter's mother-in-law by the hand, and lifted her
What's The Plan? -- John 3:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Here's an astonishing thought - God loves us as much as he loves
The Weekend Away -- John 6:56-69 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
This is a story which tries to explain how Jesus can be the Holy
The Video Game -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: The rich man asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal
Paddy's Prayer -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "What is it you want me to do for you?" In our
Bleat The Black Sheep -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship: Life isn't always smooth. Jesus calls us to difficult and painful
Prettybush And The Ugly Place -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
Call to Worship:
Beth's Gift -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Call to Worship:
Kit -- John 9:1-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Call to Worship:
Boris In The Forest -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
Call to Worship: Jesus calls us to welcome everyone in his name. In our worship
Mr. Skillett And Mrs. Round Make Changes -- Luke 2:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Call to Worship: In our worship today, let us praise and glorify God for all we
The Quiz -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." In
Joe's New School -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Call to Worship: A leper said to Jesus, "If you choose, you can make me clean." As
James' Trumpet -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Call to Worship: The madman cried out to Jesus, "What have you to do with me,
Zog And Ergerol -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Call to Worship: Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for
The Black Cave -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Call to Worship: John the Baptist came as a witness to the light. In our worship
Josie Runs Away -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Call to Worship:
Praxis Decides To Be Himself -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Call to Worship: In our worship today let us open our hearts to Jesus, asking him
The Grain Of Faith -- Matthew 13:31-33, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Call to Worship:
Praxis And The Wandering Minstrel -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Call to Worship: The Angel Gabriel called Mary to special work for God. In our
David's Grandma -- Luke 2:1-7 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Call to Worship:
Jordan's Story -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
Call to Worship:
He's Not One Of Us -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Call to Worship: When Jesus entered a house, he didn't want anyone to know he was

Children's sermon

The Village Shepherd

Sabbath Refreshment -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
All brothers and sisters -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Just The Right Time -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe
Who gave the most? -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
Note: This children's sermon fills a slot that is not currently filled by The Village Shepherd.
Raised in glory -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Sees The Light -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the pixie whose skin changes colour according to his mood, was bright, bright blue.
Praxis Feels Angry -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the little pixie whose skin changes colour according to his moods, was a dull, ugly red.
Praxis Hits Back -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
"We got them!" Praxis was proudly relating his story to the Wise Old Pixie, who was listening with a
Holly's Worry -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A
Jesus tells us not to be anxious about trivial things, for God
I Want To Be? -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
We tend to think of Saints as special holy people who are perhaps not quite real.
Simon And The Holy Spirit -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - B
When he grew up, Simon was going to be a great football player.
Baby Genie's New Home -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
BG was very frightened.
The Sad Tale Of Nutman -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Nutman was very excited.
I Want To Be -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - C
Casper's aunt was visiting.
Oscar's Courage -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
When Jesus chose that particular passage from Isaiah, he went to the heart of his gospel - an op
Roly's First Christmas -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Roly the dachshund puppy was feeling rather bewildered.
Anna's Story -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
The story of the presentation of Jesus in the temple is strong on two 'bit-part' characters, Sim
The Reluctant Bridesmaid -- John 2:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
When Jesus visited a wedding at Cana in Galilee, he showed that human disappointments matter to
I Don't Know How To Love... -- John 14:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"I love chocolate," mumbled Paul as he stuffed the last fragment of Mars bar into his mouth.
Oh Bobby! -- John 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
God loves us way beyond anything we can imagine, and Jesus instructs us to love each other uncon
Roly Shows The Way -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
The three children were racing through the woods, and Roly was keeping up as best he could with
Amanda's Special Party -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
Amanda Squirrel hummed as she put the finishing touches to the icing on the huge cake she had ma
The Refugees -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Joe shivered and cuddled up against his young wife, now sleeping at last with the baby held secu
I Believe... -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Michael was both excited and scared all at the same time.
Mr Skillett And Mrs Round -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
Mr Skillett was as tall as a bus, and as thin as two pieces of paper stuck together.
Roly Makes A Straight Path -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Roly lay down with his head on his paws and felt lonely.
Alice's Ambition -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Alice loved ballet.
The Prayer Diary -- John 17:6-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Sandy wasn't very good at prayer.
The Parable Of Bamboo -- John 20:1-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - C
Once upon a time in the heart of a certain kingdom, lay a beautiful garden.
Holly's Worry -- Matthew 6:25-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A
Holly stared at her face in the mirror. She couldn't believe it!

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Suffering God... -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Creation, Your Church Is The Body Of Christ... -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding God... -- John 17:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Foolish God... -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Joyful God, It's Your Birthday... -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Matthew 6:25-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding And Loving God... -- John 14:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Unexpected God -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Courageous And Long-Suffering God -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Heart As Well As The Mind... -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Father God... -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Healing God, Nothing Is Too Small For You... -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Our Shepherd... -- John 10:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God's Family Christmas -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Christmas Eve Candlelight CommunionCall to Worship
Outgoing And Self-Emptying God... -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Ever-Present God -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Advent God, As Christmas Frenetically Approaches... -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Gentle And Self-Effacing God... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Courageous God... -- John 14:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Surprises -- Easter Day -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Loving And Forgiving God -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding And Forgiving God... -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Christmas Babe, Born In A Cowshed... -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Transcendent God... -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Courageous God, You Took Such A Huge Risk... -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

The Village Shepherd

Restrictive religion versus redemptive righteousness -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Self-serving versus self-giving -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 1993
Note: This prayer fills a slot that is not currently filled by The Village Shepherd.

Preaching

The Village Shepherd

Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

The Earth Is A House For All People -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
In this familiar and well-loved story of the Prodigal Son, I often wonder what happened to the mot
A Life Worthy Of The Calling -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2018
Some years ago, I was privileged to spend a long time talking to and listening to a young man wh
Profound Experiences -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2018
The highlight of the famous Alpha course is the Holy Spirit weekend, although it has to be said that
Will The Meek Inherit The Earth? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - A -- 2017
Every so often in our national press, there's a call for a return to the Ten Commandments, a cal
Consequences -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
As Newton's Third Law of
God The Creator -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
According to some research undertaken in 2000, in the last twenty years or so there has been a
Hold To God's Ways -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
Life is unfair. It seems especially unfair when something which has been denied one person is
Do You Need To Go To Church To Be A Christian? -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Many churches in England in small country parishes are struggling.
Judgment Day -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
I was watching yet another television programme on near-death
God's Justice -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
One thing which perhaps separates humans from other animals, is
Consequences -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2012
As Newton's Third Law of Motion tells us, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Symbols And Idolatry -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Present day icons
No Strings Attached -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
I remember, as a child, the loathsome task of writing thank you letters after every birthday and Chr
All Things Work Together ... -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
Perhaps one of the harder lessons which Christians have to learn is that bad things happen
Does Anybody Tell the Truth Anymore? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2011
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
When The Oil Runs Dry -- Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
When we first discovered that there was oil beneath the North Sea in 1965, it was a cause for
Being Christian -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
An abiding memory of my childhood is of my father in the garden.
The Great Antitheses -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Jane had marriage problems.
Grow Up! -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
The best way to jump-start your spiritual life, according to a recent survey, is to serve others in
Formula For Eternal Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.
Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.
Unexpected God -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Back in the early seventies when divorce was still regarded with shock and horror, Melanie fell in l
God Never Gives Up On Us -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
When Jane left school she
I've Got A Home In That Kingdom -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Nibs Stroupe -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe

Worship

The Village Shepherd

Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord Jesus, Think On Me (LBW309, PH301, CBH526)
Proper 5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Parables of the Kingdom -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Ascension of the Lord
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Pentecost
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
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For June 1, 2025:
  • That They All May Be One by Tom Willadsen based on Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26, Psalm 97.
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For June 1, 2025:
  • That They All May Be One by Tom Willadsen based on Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26, Psalm 97.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Tickets to give the children. You may use the ones I have included, print your own, or just use simple tickets you might buy on a roll.

Note: Be sure to have enough tickets to be able to give one to each child during the message. Also, if you have very young children in the group, I find it best to include them in the first group receiving tickets, as they sometimes don’t really understand why they are left out of the group in the beginning.

* * *
John Jamison
Object: This message includes movements to reinforce the lesson. Based on your group, have them be as active as you dare in joining you with the movements.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started!

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
Our family watched a movie together recently that left us feeling a bit mixed. The movie was great, mind you. Very well done. But the ending left us feeling frustrated, sad. We had expected a happy ending, but what we got was bittersweet, instead. 
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 16:16-34
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 1:1-11
The American middle class is still being squeezed. And there are too many Americans forever mired in poverty. A University of California at Davis study found that one-third to one-half of children who are poor for a substantial part of their childhood will be poor as adults. All this leads to despair, which the famed French existentialist Albert Camus defined as accepting your condition in life even when you can’t stand it (The Rebel, p.14).  

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Patrick rubbed his forehead and scrolled back on his laptop screen. He tried to ignore the other students in the study lounge who were working on projects and papers for their classes. He took a deep breath and started reading again.

“You okay?”

“Huh?” Patrick looked up and noticed Tim from his Monday morning class sitting just down from him. “Yeah, sorry just reading and having a hard time making sense of it.”

“Well, I’m bored of what I’m doing.” Tim closed the text book in front of him. “Mind if I have a look?”
John E. Sumwalt
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love[a] toward all the saints, and for this reason  I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers…(vv. 15-16)

Every church has at least one soul who embodies the Christ light like no other. If you cannot imagine who that might be in your congregation, maybe it’s you.

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
This reading from the book of Revelation, the vision of John, reminds us that Jesus is the beginning and the end, Jesus is the first and the last, the alpha and the omega. But even more than that, this reading reminds us to come to the Christ, to come to Jesus, to come to the water of life. Jesus poured his very self out to us and invited us to be a part of the work of the faith: a disciple. We are as invited to come with Jesus on a faith journey as Peter, Andrew, James, John, and all the others who followed Jesus were invited. The question is - what will we do with this invitation?
Carlos Wilton
(See Christmas Day, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

A genre of movies that's become popular in recent years is disaster films. Whether it is invaders from another galaxy, a catastrophic global climate change, or a falling asteroid, Hollywood loves to fill the nation's big screens with images of destruction.

Schuyler Rhodes
"Clap your hands, all you people! Shout to God with loud shouts of joy!" What images of fun and frolic this paints in the imagination. Behind the shouting and the clapping is an old New-Orleans-style jazz band. All around the band are daisy chains of people wrapped arm and arm, caught in the throes of dance and song. It is exuberance and wonder, joy and clarity, all bound up in one powerful package.
Frank Ramirez
One of the most obvious things about the night sky is the moon, especially the full moon. The full moon transforms not only the sky, but the earth, creating a dimmer, second kind of day, casting long shadows, and providing some guidance to those who find themselves outdoors.

Certainly, it is one of the things that children first notice about the sky. They can point to the moon, ask what it is, stare at it in wonder.

And then, a few days later, the child can wonder -- where did it go?
Steven E. Albertin
Today I want you to participate in the proclamation of today's message. Perhaps it will help you to remember the spectacular event and its significance that we are commemorating today.

John N. Brittain
Have you ever noticed that some constellations are named for animals that they don't really resemble? If you have ever been in the Scouts or taken a course in astronomy or just looked up into the sky at night, you know what I am talking about. As an undergraduate astronomy minor at Brown University, many years ago, I would give tours at the Ladd Observatory and on clear nights point out constellations from the outdoor gallery. But people often were not satisfied. For example, the stars in the constellation Ursa Major, The Great Bear, do not look the part.
Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III
The prisoners and the jailers had their world rocked one midnight 2,000 years ago. The report includes the following details:

1:00: Paul and Silas while on their way to a place of prayer see a slave girl who was popular for telling the fortunes of others. She made much money from this enterprise and a fortune for her owners. Each day she would go to the town square and as people passed by she would shout out her readings of their future. Some revered the slave girl for the accuracy of her predictions. Others feared her for the same reason.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus prayed to God asking that Jesus might be within us just as God was within Jesus, so that we may become completely one with God. In our worship today let us meet with the God within us, who is waiting to welcome us.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we act as though you are not within us. Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we refuse to look deep within ourselves and so can't find you. Christ, have mercy.

Special Occasion

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