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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
Benjy's Birthday Party -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny
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
The Friends From The Street Want To Swim -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said that whoever is not against us, is for us. Let us
Bushman's Acorn -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "What God has joined together, let no one separate."
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
Mr. Tweedie, The Organist -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Call to Worship: They said to the blind man, "Take heart; get up, he is calling
Lazy Linda -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "Keep awake, for you do not know either the day or the
Mo's Love For God -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus told us to love God and to love our neighbours as ourselves.
The New Boy -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Call to Worship:
Thin Ice -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Call to Worship: The Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus as he worshipped in the
Oh Dear, Roly! -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: In Jesus, the kingdom of God has come near. Let us turn to him and
Honesty Really Is The Best Policy -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - C
Call to Worship: Jesus refused to answer Pilate or any of his accusers, even
The Dove's Tale -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Call to Worship: God said, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well

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
The Search For Kingship -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - A
This is a story about a royal prince, who was sent by
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
Mary Louise And Her Silent Companions -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
In this story, Mary Louise's dolls come to life on
Awkward Jennifer -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
Nobody liked Jennifer.
'i'm Not Afraid.....' -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Andrew was hanging about on the age of the group, as usual.
Simon's Shoes -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
For his tenth birthday, Simon's uncle George gave him a pair of shoes. Simon was quite excited.
The Sad Tale Of Nutman -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Nutman was very excited.
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.
Perry's Little Arrangements -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Perry skipped and sang as he danced his way to the Elf King's palace.
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 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
The Prayer Diary -- John 17:6-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Sandy wasn't very good at prayer.

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:
Inclusive God... -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
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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:
Foolish God... -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - C
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:
Matthew 6:25-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - 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
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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:
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:
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:
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:
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's Family Christmas -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - A, The Nativity of our Lord - B, The Nativity of our Lord - C
Christmas Eve Candlelight CommunionCall to Worship
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
God Of Surprises -- Easter Day -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - 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:
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:
Courageous God... -- John 14:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
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:

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
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.
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
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
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
George Reed
Bethany Peerbolte
For May 9, 2021:
  • One Nation Under God? by Tom Willadsen — What would the United States look like if we truly were “one nation under God?” What would it be like to live in a place where everyone was treated as one who has been “born of God?”
  • Dying Is Easy by Dean Feldmeyer — Dying is easy; living the gospel is hard.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
“Waking Up to Racism” by John Sumwalt
“Twists and Turns” by Frank Ramirez

 
Waking Up to Racism
by John Sumwalt
Psalm 98

Let the floods clap their hands;
    let the hills sing together for joy
 at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with equity. (vv. 8-9)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the mid-1960s, a popular song declared, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of.”1 It was an era of both national and international unrest. And the American landscape was reeling from the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, and opposition to both. Amidst headlines so marked by unrest and division, therefore, the sentiment of the song struck a chord with an American audience. 
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 10:44-48
Prejudice is always wrong. Nat King Cole is a well-known artist who was the first African American to host his own national television program. In 1948, he purchased a beautiful home in an exclusive Los Angeles neighborhood. When the local neighborhood association confronted him and informed him it didn’t want any undesirables to move in, Cole responded, “Neither do I. If I see any coming in here, I’ll be the first to complain.” He lived in that house until his death in 1965.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (vv. 9-12)

Hi, everyone! (Let them respond.)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus gave up his life for us. In our worship today let us explore how to love one another as he has loved us.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our love for each other is thin and pale.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we pretend to love but fail to care.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we don't know how to love.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jo Perry-sumwalt
One evening, when I was 26 years old, beleagered by guilt for acknowledged sins, I was deep into an hour-long prayer of repentance. In despair, I grieved that I had broken the commandments and that I was not worthy of God's love.

Near me lay the Bible, unused and unfamiliar. I had never, ever read from the Bible. Yet my hands reached out and took the Bible to open it. I knew not where, nor why. But my hands knew the way. They opened to John 15:9-11 and as my eyes began to read, my mind knew the meaning with clarity. My eyes read verse 10 first:
Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
God's love brings us together.

Collect of the Day
It is noted that God has prepared great joy for those who love Him. Petitions are then offered that such love may be poured into the hearts of the faithful so that they may obtain these promises. Justification as a reward for our deeds (love) is communicated by this prayer.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 98
Stan Purdum
(See Christmas Day, Cycles A and B, for alternative approaches.)

Richard E. Gribble
Once upon a time a great and powerful 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.

Special Occasion