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Jeremiah 8:18--9:1

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

From Evil to Grace and Wisdom -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
What Do You Value? -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- David Coffin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
A pastor has been called to a certain congregation with one major mandate in mind: “Revitalize our y
Reality Check -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- David Coffin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2016
A church is located in either a small town or urban community where the leading economic indicators
Intercession -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
When our oldest daughter began driver's training she needed to spend fifty hours behind the wheel of
Is there a doctor in the house? -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
In the hymn "Grace Greater Than Our Sin," Julia Harriette Johnston expressed our circumstance in son
Word on the street -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Over the years, I have been impressed with how the back streets of our land as much as
From lamentation to larceny -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2001
Our texts today take us over a varied landscape.
God's word -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1998
Today's lessons are not necessarily connected by any particular theme, but as I read them I am moved
Act for tomorrow today! -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
In the parables of last Sunday Jesus presented two central characters who would discombobulate the s
Say it ain't so! -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
The year was 1919, and it was the beginning of the first World Series after the "War to end all wars

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Somehow It All Works Out -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
For September 18, 2022:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
Weeping Day And Night For The Slain -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Amos 8:4-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah describes God’s f
Sleepless In Syria -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Every day brings new twists and turns in the diplomatic negotiations over Syria.
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermons Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2022) -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2019) -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2016) -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, R. Robert Cueni, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2016
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2013) -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Scott A. Bryte, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
They are in Babylon... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
They are in Babylon, and Zion is vacant with the people gone.
Ann Weems writes in her... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Ann Weems writes in her Psalms of Lament how the stars fell from her sky on the day her son w
NULL -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Ron Love -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
We will never be sure of all the details. Separating fact from fiction may be nearly impossible.
NULL -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
We spend a lot of our time ignoring big problems. It is not a new phenomenon.
NULL -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
At 94, Father Pierre (Henri... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
At 94, Father Pierre (Henri Groues) died in France 1/22/07. His life and ministry in many
No one is immune to... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
No one is immune to the kind of dismay and discouragement that Jeremiah expressed --
Emma, by all standards, was... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Emma, by all standards, was a good mother. She raised her children with love, provided
Although the American Indians had... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Although the American Indians had no written language before the white man arrived
One pastor writes: Words are... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2001
One pastor writes: "Words are a major part of my ministry.
Urban Holmes, an Episcopalian priest... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2001
Urban Holmes, an Episcopalian priest, tells of a friend of his, a fellow priest, who, one summer aft
Novelist John Updike, after listening... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2001
Novelist John Updike, after listening to a United Methodist minister explain the pain of a difficult
Like Israel in captivity, African... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Like Israel in captivity, African-Americans felt crushed, a people crying out in a strange land.
No one is immune to... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
No one is immune to the kind of dismay and discouragement that Jeremiah expressed -- not even Mother
Emma by all standards was... -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Emma by all standards was a good mother.

The Immediate Word

Somehow It All Works Out -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
For September 18, 2022:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
Weeping Day And Night For The Slain -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Amos 8:4-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah describes God’s f
Sleepless In Syria -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Every day brings new twists and turns in the diplomatic negotiations over Syria.
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Somehow It All Works Out -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
For September 18, 2022:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
Weeping Day And Night For The Slain -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Amos 8:4-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah describes God’s f
Sleepless In Syria -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Every day brings new twists and turns in the diplomatic negotiations over Syria.
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so

SermonStudio

Proper 20/Pentecost 18/Ordinary Time 25 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
This moving elegy is the passage from which the Negro spiritual, "There is a balm in Gilead," is tak
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme Jesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Somehow It All Works Out -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
For September 18, 2022:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
Weeping Day And Night For The Slain -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Amos 8:4-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah describes God’s f
Sleepless In Syria -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Every day brings new twists and turns in the diplomatic negotiations over Syria.
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so

SermonStudio

When There's Nothing Left To Do But Mourn -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
When a person is diagnosed with a serious disorder, one that threatens their very existence, life as
Listening For The "Ching-ching" -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
When television producer, Dick Wolf, introduced a new "cop show" in the early 1990s, he could hardly
Be Compassionate As God Is Compassionate -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
Once upon a time there was a great teacher, a guru, who had many followers.
Changing Seasons, Constant Love -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- John W. Wurster -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled.

Stories

StoryShare

They're All Crooks -- Luke 16:1-13, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Psalm 79:1-9 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2016
Contents "They’re all crooks" by C. David McKirachan
A Balm In Gilead -- Luke 16:1-13, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Contents"A Balm in Gilead" by Sandra Herrmann
Balm In Gilead -- Luke 16:1-13, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Psalm 79:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
Contents"Balm in Gilead" by John Sumwalt
The Dishonest Woodcutter -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Contents What's Up This Week: "Balm in Viborg"

Worship

The Immediate Word

Somehow It All Works Out -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 113 -- Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
For September 18, 2022:
Dishonest to Some, Clever to Others -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2019
For September 22, 2019:
Weeping Day And Night For The Slain -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Amos 8:4-7 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2016
In this week’s lectionary passage from the Hebrew scriptures, the prophet Jeremiah describes God’s f
Sleepless In Syria -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Every day brings new twists and turns in the diplomatic negotiations over Syria.
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so

SermonStudio

Proper 20 / Ordinary Time 25 / Pentecost 18 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1Theme: Real Relief
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2003
Theme: Sorrow For Those Who Do Not Obey GodCall To Worship
Heartsick -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
First Lesson: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1Theme: Heartsick
The agony of God -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1997
Call To WorshipLeader: Come, let us celebrate God's wonderful redeeming love!
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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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