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Luke 23:33-43

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Children's Activity

CSSPlus

King of the Jews -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Remembering -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Jesus, the forgiving teacher -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Today we celebrate Christ the King.
Christ the King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Teachers or Parents: On this last Sunday in the church year,
Jesus our king -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Teachers or Parents: The first lesson talks about the
Names and titles -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Materials:White potatoesAcrylic paint or stamp pads

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Ages 8-10 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Ages 5-8 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

These Thrones Are No Game -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79 -- David Kalas -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
We don't think much in terms of kings and kingdoms anymore.
Christ Already Reigns! -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
It is appropriate that the celebration of Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the church year
'Tis all my business here below -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- David Kalas -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
One day, Paul tells us, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
The kingliness of Christ -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The year is 1925.
Politics and religion -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
Once King George and Queen Elizabeth went to a London theater to see a Noel Coward/Gertrude Lawrence
A week to preach up -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79 -- David Kalas -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
I was still just a boy when I felt my call to the ministry. At the time, my father gave me a
King for a day -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2001
Each year, in communities across the country, high school students are given the opportunity to beco
The today show -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1998
Every morning as I prepare to leave the house, I have one eye keyed in on what I need to get done in
Disputed election -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Now that election day is behind us again, we can get on with business as usual.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Ages 8-10 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin -- Ages 5-8 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Silas The Thief -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Call to Worship:

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

What We Say! -- Luke 23:33-43 -- John Jamison -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
Object: This message includes a role-play.
A Different Kind Of King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
“Then he (thief on the cross) said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Generous Love -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
We want to make a list today and so I've brought a white board to help us remember it all.
Focusing on Christ -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Anna Shirey -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
First Thoughts
King of the Jews -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." (v. 38)
Remembering -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (v. 42)
Jesus, the forgiving teacher -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
We've spent the last few weeks talking about Jesus the teacher.
Christ the King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Good morning! Can anybody tell me what we call this Sunday
Jesus our king -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
We don't have very many kings today. Many years ago most of
Names and titles -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
...

The Immediate Word

Is Anyone Listening? -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
For November 20, 2022:
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and

Free Access

A Different Kind Of King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
“Then he (thief on the cross) said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

SermonStudio

How Much? -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- 2000
Exegetical Aim: The extent of God's love for us expressed in the actions of Christ.

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

King Agadir -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
King Agadir was a good and wise King.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!-- Luke 23:37

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King (Proper 29) (2022) -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King (Proper 29) (2019) -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2019
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King / Proper 29 (2016) -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- R. Robert Cueni, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King / Proper 29 (2013) -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
Jeremiah 23:1-6
We need to expand... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
We need to expand our horizon beyond that of Paris Hilton, whose life's philosophy never transcends
How can we say... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
How can we say Christ is King in view of the natural catastrophes that befall our nation, in view of
NULL -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
Jeremiah 23:1-6
NULL -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Ron Love -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
Mark Twain understood the beauty of a benevolent attitude when he said, "Forgiveness is the fragranc
NULL -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Leah Thompson -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
One simple comma is the difference between heaven and purgatory, and it makes that decision in today
In 1915, the Turkish army... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
In 1915, the Turkish army slaughtered over a million Armenians. E. Stanley Jones tells of
Truly I tell you, today... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." I've heard this verse applied in
Though badly hurt at times... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed. The cross demonstrates for all, the best
Though badly hurt at times... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.
In 1633, John Donne penned... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2001
In 1633, John Donne penned his famous sonnet on Death.
A Sunday school teacher was... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2001
A Sunday school teacher was doing a lesson about the crucifixion.
In the movie Anna... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2001
In the movie Anna and the King, one of the king of Siam's favorite wives leaves him to join a
The Gospels are often spiced... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1998
The Gospels are often spiced with bits of irony to enhance their message.
During the torture of his... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1998
During the torture of his crucifixion Jesus prayed for forgiveness for his enemies.
The International WildlifeI... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1998
The International Wildlife magazine for March/April 1997 had a spread on yaks.
Jesus taught some hard lessons... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1998
Jesus taught some hard lessons on forgiveness.

The Immediate Word

Is Anyone Listening? -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
For November 20, 2022:
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and

StoryShare

Paradise Today -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
George took a deep breath and stepped into the cafeteria. He hated this part of the day.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

God Of The Heart As Well As The Mind... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Is Anyone Listening? -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
For November 20, 2022:
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and

SermonStudio

Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Theme For The DayChrist is our king and calls us to a loyal citizenship in his kingdom.
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 23:1-6 (C, E)
Proper 29 -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1997
This week's appointed text from Luke is a fitting text for what is often called "Christ the King" Su

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Is Anyone Listening? -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
For November 20, 2022:
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and

SermonStudio

Knowing Who's In Charge -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the crimina
Father, Forgive Them! -- Luke 23:33-43 -- John W. Clarke -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Each of the gospel accounts of the crucifixion has its own peculiarity.
The Crowd That Watched God Die -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Have you ever noticed how people are attracted to the scene of tragedy?
The Throne Of The Cross -- Luke 23:33-43 -- John E. Berger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Kings are not what they used to be. In Bible days there were kings of Israel and caesars of Rome.

Free Access

Father, Forgive Them! -- Luke 23:33-43 -- John W. Clarke -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Each of the gospel accounts of the crucifixion has its own peculiarity.

The Village Shepherd

The Qualities Of Kingship -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
A week or two ago, there was a brief clip in the news about children of courage.

Stories

StoryShare

Paradise Today -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
George took a deep breath and stepped into the cafeteria. He hated this part of the day.
Who's The Boss? -- Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Wagner -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2016
Contents "Who's the Boss?" by C. David McKirachan
Growing Beyond Success -- Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
Contents"Growing Beyond Success" by C. David McKirachan
Of Shepherds And Kings -- Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79 -- Larry Winebrenner -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
Contents "Of Shepherds and Kings" by Larry Winebrenner
What's The Stick For? -- Luke 23:33-43, Colossians 1:11-20, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- C. David Mckirachan, Timothy F. Merrill -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Contents What's Up This Week "What's the Stick for?" by C. David McKirachan

SermonStudio

The Greathearted Monkey King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let
Follow The Leader -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Constance Berg -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
I admit I like it when people are articulate.
Jesus, Remember Me -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Richard A. Jensen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 1994
Sheila Stone had had the respect of everyone in her community.
Christ The King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- John Steward -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
In Toledo, Spain, there is an old cathedral.

Worship

The Immediate Word

Is Anyone Listening? -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79, Psalm 46 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
For November 20, 2022:
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and

SermonStudio

Christ The King (Proper 29) / Ordinary Time 34 -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Luke 1:68-79 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2009
If we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds, and strength,
Christ The King (Proper 29/Ordinary Time 34) -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 23:33-43Theme: Anguish And Resolve
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us praise the Lord, our God!
Paradox -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Gospel: Luke 23:33-43Theme: ParadoxCall To Worship
Christ The King -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
Liturgical Color: WhiteGospel: Luke 23:33-43
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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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