Login / Signup

The Village Shepherd

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

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
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
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 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:
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:
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
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
Jordan's Story -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
Call to Worship:
David's Grandma -- Luke 2:1-7 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Call to Worship:
The Friday Club -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Call to Worship:

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
Baby Genie's New Home -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
BG was very frightened.
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.
The Sad Tale Of Nutman -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Nutman was very excited.
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
I Want To Be -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - C
Casper's aunt was visiting.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Alice's Ambition -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Alice loved ballet.
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.
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.
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.
The Prayer Diary -- John 17:6-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Sandy wasn't very good at prayer.
When Jodie Was Lost -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
It was Jodie's first holiday at the seaside, and she loved it.
Alice And The Angel -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Alice was lying on her back on the grass gazing up at clouds meandering gently overhead when she

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:
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 God... -- John 17:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh 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:
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:
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:
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 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... -- John 14:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Servant King... -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
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
Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
When Jane left school she
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
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...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
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

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL