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Second Sunday after Christmas - B

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Children's Activity

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Famous Jesus -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Materials Poster board Glue Scissors Magazines Crayons
Seeing God -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Materials Small dowel rods or craft sticks
The source of our knowledge -- John 1:10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Teachers or Parents: Jesus came into the world to save us
All those blessings -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Teachers: Paul launches this week's lesson with the statement

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 1:1-18 -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 1:1-18 -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Light Shines For All -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2021
Everyone wants to be in on the secret, and once we know a secret, we want to be the only ones who kn
Entering the mystery -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
It's a full ten days after Christmas; most of our world has moved on through New Year's celebrations
The glory of grace -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2003
How do you measure glory?
Celebrate the new year! -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1994
About the author R.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 1:1-18 -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: John 1:1-18 -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Words! -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- John Jamison -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2021
Objects: Notecards with phrases written on them, big enough for everyone to see.
Jesus Came to Save -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
The Point: The law reveals that we need a Savior.
The little hat -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Who do you think is the smartest person here this morning?
Famous Jesus -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know anyone famous?
Chosen -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are beginning another new year.
Seeing God -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning! Did any of you see God this morning when you came into church?
We're his! -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning! I brought this book to show you today. This is
The source of our knowledge -- John 1:10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning! Have any of you ever met _______________?
Count your blessings -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning, boys and girls. For many of you today is the
True light on the way -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have taken your

The Immediate Word

The Ingathering -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
For January 3, 2021:
The Emperor's Clothes -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2015
Many congregations will observe this coming Sunday as Epiphany Sunday -- so this installment of
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Michael's Snow -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
When Michael woke on New Year's Day, he gasped.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christmas 2 -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Christmas 2 -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- William W. Helland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
John 1:(1-9) 10-18

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2021) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2021
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2015) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
Jeremiah 31:7-14
How many times has that... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
How many times has that been sung by the Israelites?
The prophet Jeremiah tells... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
The prophet Jeremiah tells the people of Israel that their mourning will be turned to gladness and g
When a little girl's letter... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Ron Love -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
When a little girl's letter to Legos went viral asking why the company did not have a line of toys f
Predestination: This is nothing... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
Predestination: This is nothing more than saying that God's love is a little like that of a Father l
John tells us that Jesus... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
John tells us that Jesus is the word who became flesh. He is God incarnate.
The word was Jesus... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Bob Ove -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
The word was Jesus. He was with God in the beginning and he was God. There is only one God.
Jeremiah 31:7-14 br... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14, Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2009
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Henri J. M. Nouwen, examining... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
Henri J. M.
The scripture speaks of God... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
The scripture speaks of God returning a remnant of his people to the land of Israel.
In preparation for graduation, the... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
In preparation for graduation, the pastor who would deliver the baccalaureate message requested a me
After the US-lead invasion... -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
After the US-lead invasion of Iraq, thousands of doctors fled that country due to killings and kidna
In Stephen Harrigan's novel, The... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
In Stephen Harrigan's novel, The Gates of the Alamo, the character Edmund remembers his mothe
Paul proclaims a time of... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
Paul proclaims a time of thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus Christ.
Do not save me from... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
"Do not save me from death; save me from life!" the character Lilia cries to Joshua in Cecil DeMille
We are who we are... -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
We are who we are, not because of our own doing, but by the grace of God.
What would a Christmas pageant... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
What would a Christmas pageant based on the gospel of John look like?
There's a story about a... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
There's a story about a kindergarten teacher who asked a boy what he was drawing.
An outdoor billboard, near a... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
An outdoor billboard, near a busy interstate highway, has the message, "Jesus is Real" in large lett
Rachel worked hard to establish... -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
Rachel worked hard to establish a new support group.
(L, C)br... -- Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1982
(L, C)

The Immediate Word

The Ingathering -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
For January 3, 2021:
The Emperor's Clothes -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2015
Many congregations will observe this coming Sunday as Epiphany Sunday -- so this installment of

StoryShare

May You Have An Interesting Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2021
Contents “May You Have An Interesting Life” by C. David McKirachan

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

God Of Forever... -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Poems

SermonStudio

Christmas 2 -- John 1:1-18 -- Andrew Daughters -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1990
In the beginning,Before the beginning,Within all beginning,
Christmas 2 -- John 1:1-18 -- Andrew Daughters -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1990
In the beginning,Before the beginning,Within all beginning,
Christmas 2 -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Andrew Daughters -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1990
Through the night it shone afar,shone the strange and brilliant star.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Jesus is the incarnate Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Dennis Koch -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: The Word is God in his pre-Jesus existence and his coming

Preaching

The Immediate Word

The Ingathering -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
For January 3, 2021:
The Emperor's Clothes -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2015
Many congregations will observe this coming Sunday as Epiphany Sunday -- so this installment of
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2006
This psalm was likely written for the people of Jerusalem after their return from exile (see vv.
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 31:7-14 (C, E)
Christmas 2 -- Psalm 147:12-20 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
Yahweh promises to rebuild the nation of Israel. God's word is
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Second Sunday After ChristmasRevised CommonJeremiah 31:7-14

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Ingathering -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
For January 3, 2021:
The Emperor's Clothes -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2015
Many congregations will observe this coming Sunday as Epiphany Sunday -- so this installment of
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

God Is The Hound Of Heaven -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
Students of American history have always been fascinated by the life and career of the sixteenth pre
It's God's Will? -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Scott Suskovic -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
...
Just Say The Word -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Robert J. Elder -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
Up until the modern era, with the advent of two-way radios, when generals needed to communicate with
Time To Come Home -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Time To Come Home
Deep Calling To Deep -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Wow, our text is not only challenging, it is a momentous portion of scripture that keeps spreading a
Our Hope For Years To Come -- John 1:1-18 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
On January 1, 2001, our world marked the beginning of a new millennium in human history.
A Song, A Dance, A Savior -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Curtis Lewis -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Simon Wiesenthal in his book, The Sunflower, relates a discussion that took place at the Mauthausen
A New Look For The New Year -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Just a few days ago we greeted loved ones and friends with a cheery, "Happy New Year." And we sincer
When God Steps Out Of Shadows -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- William L. Self -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Our daughter-in-law designs stage sets for the German theatre.
Words, Words, Words -- And The Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
One of my favorite cartoons appeared in The New Yorker magazine.
Finding The Right Superlatives -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
When Bob Zuppke was football coach at the University of Illinois, the team thrived under his enthusi
A Little Book Of Comfort -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1996
The lectionary text for today is part of a larger unit that has sometimes been called "The Little Bo
God Is Down To Earth -- John 1:1-18 -- John A. Stroman -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1996
William Barclay is convinced that John wrote the fourth gospel for the sake of this fourteenth
A Little Book of Comfort -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1996
The lectionary text for today is part of a larger unit that has sometimes been called "The Little Bo
Getting Ready: Past, Present And Future -- John 1:1-18 -- Glenn Schoonover -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
Jesus was born 2,000 years ago and is yet to be born in the
You Can Go Home Again! -- Jeremiah 3:7-14 -- Frederick C. Edwards -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
In 1939, just as the world was teetering on the brink of a

The Village Shepherd

A New Year's Resolution? -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
So it's all over bar the shouting and we've survived!

Stories

StoryShare

May You Have An Interesting Life -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2021
Contents “May You Have An Interesting Life” by C. David McKirachan
Hope For The New Year -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- Keith Wagner, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2014
Contents"Hope for the New Year" by Keith Wagner
Sons From Far Away, Daughters In Nurses' Arms -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 147:12-20 -- David O. Bales, Frank Ramirez, Timothy F. Merrill -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Consolation -- Jeremiah 31:9a, John 1:14 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
ContentsSharing Visions, "Consolation" by Lori Hetzel

SermonStudio

Merry Xmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- David E. Leininger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
This is a glorious time of year.
Liar, Lunatic, Or Lord -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Liar, Lunatic, Or Lord
God's Precious Gift -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Paul and Rosa had tried and tried to have a baby.

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Ingathering -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B, Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
For January 3, 2021:
The Emperor's Clothes -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2015
Many congregations will observe this coming Sunday as Epiphany Sunday -- so this installment of
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Carter Shelley -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

SermonStudio

Come, Let Us Praise The Lord -- Psalm 147:13-21 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2008
1. Come, let us praise the Lord, In songs, with one accord,
Theme: News From Far As Far Away -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 147:16-18, 15) One: Praise the Lord!
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (John 1:1-14)
The Lord Gathers All His People -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
Firstborn -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- James R. Wilson -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
Israel's Return Home -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with scripture reading.
John's version of the Christmas story - The Word -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 1990
Pastoral Invitation to the CelebrationSuggestion:
The Sheep and the Goats -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Celebrating The Presence Of GodPastoral Invitation
UPCOMING WEEKS
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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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