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Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B

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Children's Activity

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Sabbath for humankind -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Teachers or Parents: Jesus and his disciples had a meal of
The right tool -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Teachers or Parents: Most people and perhaps the children think of the commandments as prohibition

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Note: This is a replacement for a missing Gospel Grams 2 activity bulletin.

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

God Is Present, No Matter What You Think. -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
What does it look like when God is present with us? What do God's emissaries look like?
Dreams and visions -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2000
Ever since Freud, dreams have taken on new, but very important functions.
Ordinary people with an extraordinary word -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1997
Beginning today and continuing for the next ten Sundays the first lesson will be from the books of
What role for law? -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
From one point of view in his time, Jesus played fast and loose with the law.

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God Is Present, No Matter What You Think -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
What does it look like when God is present with us? What do God's emissaries look like?

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Note: This is a replacement for a missing Gospel Grams 2 activity bulletin.

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B

Children's sermon

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Sabbath Refreshment -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
“The sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the sabbath (v.
Fragile -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
I love things made out of clay. I especially like the
Let your light shine -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a flashlight with me
When Jesus broke the rules -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a pillow with me this
The right tool -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
I brought my tool chest this morning to show how the tools are used for different things.

The Immediate Word

Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018

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

Free Access

Sabbath Refreshment -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
“The sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the sabbath (v.
Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2008
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)

Drama

SermonStudio

What Say? -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
ThemeGrace is the basis for keeping the Sabbath day holy.Summary

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Illustrations for Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 (2018) -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
1 Samuel 3:1-10
When the Lord's Day, or... -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1997
When the Lord's Day, or any other gift from God, becomes an occasion for idolatry, we succeed in mis
Saint Paul uses the example... -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1997
Saint Paul uses the example of common pottery in 2 Corinthians 4:7.
As a fund raiser the... -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
As a fund raiser the dunk tank at local carnivals is particularly popular, especially when a publicl
The shape of a grasshopper... -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
The shape of a grasshopper is carved in the marble of an Exchange Building in London.
There was once a woman... -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
There was once a woman who was very critical of her neighbors. Nothing they ever did was right.
Here are a couple of... -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
Here are a couple of statements about legalism from Lazarus, the last of Morris West's papacy trilog
The pulpits in some European... -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
The pulpits in some European cathedrals are very ornate.
Henry Van Dyke in his... -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
Henry Van Dyke in his story "The Keeper of the Light" tells about a lighthouse keeper who died, leav
During the First World War... -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
During the First World War, the great German armies were making what they hoped would be a final ass
Paul in verse 8 speaks... -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
Paul in verse 8 speaks to virtually everyone who is a teenager or above.
A New England university biology... -- Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
A New England university biology professor studying horseshoe crabs discovered something very intere
In many parts of the... -- Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
In many parts of the country there used to be blue laws.
You shall remember ... This is... -- Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
"You shall remember ..." This is the big word to be remembered here: remember.
Holy Scripture features again and... -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
Holy Scripture features again and again an emphasis upon the inner life.
As Christians we must learn... -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
As Christians we must learn to see things from God's perspective. Take Thelma Thompson for example.
A young man in North... -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
A young man in North Carolina had been in a respiratory machine, or "iron lung" for many years, yet
Dr. Mouzon Biggs, pastor of... -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1991
Dr.

The Immediate Word

Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018

Free Access

Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Illustrations for Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 (2018) -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
1 Samuel 3:1-10

Poems

SermonStudio

Proper 4 -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Andrew Daughters -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
So many laws, ancient and modern,All are important, someone is sure.

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

SermonStudio

Restrictive religion versus redemptive righteousness -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: In the two incidents recorded here, both related to Sabbath-

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018

Free Access

Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to

SermonStudio

Proper 4/Pentecost 2/Ordinary Time 9 -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2006
(See Epiphany 2/Ordinary Time 2, Cycle B. For an alternative approach to vv.
Breaking The Law To Fulfill It -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Miracle Five Breaking The Law To Fulfill ItThe Text
Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to
Proper 4 (C, E) -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 (C)
The Lord sends his spokesmen to speak words of judgment against religious authorities -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The Lord sends his spokesmen to speak words of judgment against religious author
Proper 4 -- Psalm 81:1-10 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob.
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Samuel was a special gift of Yahweh to his mother, Hannah, who
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
The cycle/season of Pentecost is the time in the church during which God consolidates in the faithfu
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
The cycle/season of Pentecost is the time in the church during which God consolidates in the faithfu
Proper 4, Pentecost 2, Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Seasonal Theme
The Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6, Matthew 12:9-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
1. Text

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 Immediate Word

Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018

Free Access

Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Can Christians Dance? -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
A few years ago, I was asked to serve as the worship leader at a regional church conference for teen

SermonStudio

Having Trouble Sleeping Through The Night -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2008
Having trouble sleeping through the night? You're not alone. Samuel did, too.
Living Upside Down -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Kristin Borsgard Wee -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2008
In any list of unusual animals, you are likely to find the sloth.
Bothered And Bewildered -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2008
Whatever one wants to say about the apostle Paul, we must at least say this: He took Christianity ou
Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Here's a fact about life: things change.
Parades And Crosses -- The Challenge Of Ministry -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
He had grown up in a fashionable suburb of a large American city, a cosmopolitan area of considerab
Lord Of The Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading shows Jesus in a position of conflict with the religious leaders of his day, a po
God Calling You! -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
One Friday I had kind of a rough morning.
Keeping Sunday -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
One of the churches where I served was located next to a Jewish synagogue.
Grace In The Midst Of Weakness -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Over the centuries rank and file church members have grown up in the presence of stained glass saint
Heed The Call! -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
The old preacher was retiring for the evening.
Here Is Where It Happens -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Arthur H. Kolsti -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Here is where it happens. Where is here? Here is right here, among us.
Can Christians Dance? -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- William G. Carter -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
A few years ago, I was asked to serve as the worship leader at a regional church conference for teen
The M And M Factor -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Leonard H. Budd -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Caleb was probably the laziest boy in the whole village.
Listen -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Charles Curley -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
It was a time of distrust and disillusionment in the land of Israel.
In Search of a Leader -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Robert A. Noblett -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
Anyone who has served on a nominating committee knows how crucial talented leadership is to any grou
Called in From Off-stage -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Donald Zelle -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1987
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." We read that from As You Like I
Even God Called Time Out -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- James Weekley -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1987
Like a devouring machine, our society is fed by laws and regulations.
The Open Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Whenever you consider the meaning of a Bible text, it is always good to look at the context.

The Village Shepherd

Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Parades And Crosses -- The Challenge Of Ministry -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher

Stories

StoryShare

Keeping the Sabbath Holy -- Mark 2:23--3:6, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Contents “Keeping the Sabbath Holy” by Peter Andrew Smith

SermonStudio

Never, Never, Never, Never Give Up! -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2008
"Never give up. Never give up.
Diamonds In The Rough -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Diamonds In The Rough
Keeping The Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
Take a day to nourish your soul. Keeping the Sabbath isn't about rules and restrictions.
Memorial Day Preacher -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
I walked through the cemetery one evening, late in May.
Just Let Go -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bonny J. Bailey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018

Free Access

Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018

SermonStudio

Theme: It's For You -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on 2 Corinthians 6:8-13)
Speak, Lord, I'm Listening -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Calling Your Name? -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Who is calling your name?
Proper 4 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Mark 2:23--3:6 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Search Me, O God, And Know Me -- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use before the pastoral prayer.
Jesus' eating and healing on the Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationConsider this:
Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Celebration Through PraisePastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
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34 – Commentary / Exegesis
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140+ – Illustrations / Stories
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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