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Be A Believer -- 2 John 9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of water, some cups, and some cooking oil
The Key Ring That Unites Us -- Romans 6:2b-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a round key ring with a lot of keys and one large key
A Different Kind Of King -- Luke 23:35-43 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a cup of vinegar
Just The Right Time -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ears of corn
Treasures You Can Share -- 1 Corinthians 14:12b-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a piece of modern art and a piece of traditional art
Share Your Crayons -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: If we give our life to God, he will give life back to us.
What Is Your Treasure? -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pocket knife, a baseball glove, and a doll
Make A List For God -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a shopping list
The Constitution Of Our Faith -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a constitution (United States, state, or local government) and slips of paper for eac
Sunday's Special Breakfast -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some orange juice, toast, and cereal
Are You Who You Say You Are? -- John 20:19-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a driver's license, Social Security card, or an identification bracelet
Walking The Walk -- 2 John 6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some exercise equipment like a jump rope or a barbell
Missing The Bull's Eye -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some darts and a dart board
Who Cleans You Up? -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a mop, a bucket, and a silver candlestick
A Man Who Changed His Mind -- Mark 3:13-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
No Energy Crisis With God -- 1 Corinthians 12:3-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a can of oil, a can of gasoline, a plastic hairbrush
Travel Light -- Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Christian missionaries should travel light, free of excess items.
What Do You Do With The Leftover Jelly Beans? -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large bag of jelly beans
God Is Like A One--A--Day -- Philippians 4:10-13, 19-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some vitamins
Grow Like A Fruit Tree -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an ax
A Bolt, A Nut, And A Washer -- Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Good morning, boys and girls.
An Empty Box -- John 20:1-2, 11-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a new, empty crayon box
Doing What God Wants -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a list of chores, like doing the dishes, setting the table, caring for the pets, clea
Target Practice -- Romans 3:21-25a, 27-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some rubber bands, candy to pass out to the children
Jesus Is Coming -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use in Advent)

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SermonStudio

How Vulgar Can We Be? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What are the limits of acceptable vulgarity for the Christian?
Oh, One More Thing -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: A sermon summarizing the overview of Christian theology or the pastor's key co
I Am Christ's Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
I Am Christ's Body 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Why Hasn't Jesus Offended You? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Do we understand and agree with all of Jesus' teachings?
Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Kings 5:1-14 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Mark 1:40-45
When Christianity Becomes A Waste Of Time -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Good Christian stewardship demands an efficient use of our time and talents.
The Signal -- Ephesians 3:7-12 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The Signal Ephesians 3:7-12
Superhero: Sort Of A Sequel -- Hebrews 12:1-2 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Superhero: Sort Of A Sequel Hebrews 12:1-2
If It Isn't In The Bible, It Should Be -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We need a method of drawing answers from scripture to address a wide variety o
Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 43:18-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Mark 2:1-12
When Worlds Collide: Sacred And Secular -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How does our faith relate to the rest of our lives, including the interaction
Real Faith And Fictional Worlds -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
(An edited version of this essay was published as "Religion in Science Fiction" in Forum Letter 27.5
Reasons Not To Go To Church -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: If we are to be evangelists and help others find a meaningful life within our
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day
Imagine That! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Allow some exciting creativity into your faith world.
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 64:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37
The Matrix And The Gospel -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
(This is a modified version of an essay that was originally published as part of The Immediate Wo
Religion In A Disposable Culture -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Has the over-indulgent nature of our rich and abundant culture carried over in
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38
You Thought It Couldn't Get Any Worse -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How to deal with depression.
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 40:1-11 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8
Did Jesus Really Yell At A Tree? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: As Christians are we the worker bees or the drones?
Too Heavenly Minded To Be Any Earthly Good -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is it possible to be too religious?
Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Hosea 2:14-20 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 Mark 2:13-22
Some Things You Don't Want To Know -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Knowledge brings responsibility.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Vision Of Hope -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2007
Difficult times not only try a person's soul but frequently force a person to step up to a new chall
In The Balance -- Romans 5:12-19 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
"He started it." You've probably heard that from the backseat or from a distant bedroom.
Reasons For Rejoicing -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
We Christians can disagree over some of the smallest, most ordinary things.
While It Was Still Dark -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
March 7, 1961, was by all appearances an ordinary day.
It's Not About You; It's All About God -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Jesus left the house (which one we are not sure).
Kingdoms In Conflict -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
When Vince Lombardi was hired as head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1958, the team was in dismal
Choosing A Master -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
It was supposed to have been fun. No one was supposed to have gotten hurt.
Not All Of This Is Me -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2007
It was certainly a treat for four-year-old Tara to go shopping with her grandfather one day at the m
For Example -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
If you're going to study a subject or learn a profession, a good strategy is to investigate one of t
The World According To Paul -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Book clubs have become quite popular in recent years, largely due to Oprah Winfrey and her outstandi
The Best Send Off Ever -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
In the summer of 2004, I had the joy of traveling with Rosmarie Trapp on a five-day, whirlwind story
Life's Purpose Is Often Hidden! -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Life is a messy affair. Our purpose is often hidden.
Dressed For The Banquet -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
This is an ugly story -- and the better you understand it, the uglier it gets.
What Storms Blow Away -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- 2007
A friend once pastored a church with a beautiful building.
Spiritual Judo -- Romans 5:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Back in the old days, meaning before Computer Assisted Design (CAD), blueprints for a house were dra
Leaders Worthy Of Imitation -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
"Repent! Be saved!
Pentecost Diaries -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
The last time I spoke to Ken was on the phone a few weeks before he died.
Ecological Politics -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
One of the greatest military campaigns ever conducted was the Persian invasion of Greece in 480 BC.
In Whose Likeness? -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Okay, teacher, you think you're so smart — is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor?
Sneak Preview -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
How much do we miss when we don't really look?
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot
Who Will Go? -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Ken had not realized there was a shoplifter in the supermarket.
A Breadbasket Full Of Goodies -- John 6:25-35 -- John W. Clarke -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
In this the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus begins to withdraw to the east side of the Sea of
What A Deal: Investing In Hope -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
What is the most ludicrous business deal you ever got into (or out of) just in time?
What Was Broken Is Healed -- 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young woman killed by a drunk driver

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

The Debate Over Paying Social Security -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
A group of farmers refused to pay taxes.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Ego
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A man never sees all that his mother has been to him until it's too late to let her know that he se
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit will fortify the soul for everyday spiritual battles.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The standard by which we test God is how Holy He is.
The Reluctant Follower -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
I wonder what Matthew felt like when Jesus said, "Follow me." Was it suprising? Was it scary?
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Nation
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Most mothers resemble what Robert Louis Stevenson says about quiet minds, that they "cannot be perpl
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Today's prepared spirit determines tomorrow's achievement in life.
A Great Prophet And A Great Dad -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
John the Baptist was the real thing, a great prophet.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Commitment
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While the title to eternal life is given to us in our justification, the Lord leads us into the pos
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Heaven is at the feet of mothers." (Roebuck)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Create good memories for your children along with good habits.
Being Neighborly -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Bea is 81, but you would never know it looking at her.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Encouragement
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Serving
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"If you would reform the world from its errors and vices, begin by enlisting the mothers." (C.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smile "All people smile in the same language." (Anonymous)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
There is no sweeter name than -- Mother.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A holy person finds God at the center of the storm.
Their Vow Of Poverty -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
I grew up in a predominately Catholic town, and I have three friends who are priests.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Palm Sunday -- John 12:12-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe welcome Jesus to Jerusalem - and into our sanctuary.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
HymnsIn Egypt Under Pharaoh (NCH574)
My Get Up And Go Just Got Up And Went -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 33:12)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
HymnsChild Of Blessing, Child Of Promise (PH498, UM611, NCH325, CBH620)
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-2, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-2
Dancing With God -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 11-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere is joy, joy, joy, joy ...
Peace -- John 14:23-29, 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod offers us peace as a gift.
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
HymnsWhen Israel Was In Egypt's Land (NCH572, UM448, CBH164, PH334)
Honest Abe And Sarai -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2004
Call To Worship
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Hymns
Just Due Charity -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-1, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Deafness/Hearing -- Mark 7:31-37, Isaiah 35:4-7a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipLet us open our eyes -
Power -- John 6:56-69 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod of power and might,God of love and mercy,
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
HymnsWake, Awake, For Night Is Flying (UM720, NCH112, PH17)
Desert Story -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 86:16-17)
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
HymnsThine (Yours) Is the Glory (NCH253, PH122, CBH269)
A String On God's Finger -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 49:13-16a)
Depth Of Devotion -- Mark 7:1-9, 14-15, 21-23 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe are not here for show.
Pruning -- John 15:1-8 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to worship Jesus the Christ.
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord, Speak To Me (UM463, NCH531, PH426)
Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 22:1-14 Theme: Letting GoCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsI Danced In The Morning (UM261, PH 302)
The Light Is Still Shining -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 60:1)
Dwelling Place -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14, 17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Responsibility -- James 1:23-25, Luke 10:25-37 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod as Creator provides order and abundance.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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34 – Commentary / Exegesis
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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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