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Do You Know His Voice? -- John 10:22-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Objects: some blindfolds
The Prize -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Exegetical Aim: Faithfulness to the end.
Charley Becomes Happy -- Luke 13:22-30 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a folding chair
Save The Good Part -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a banana
New Leaves -- 1 Timothy 6:11-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a leaf or leaves of color that depict the changing of seasons
What Is God Made Of? -- Acts 17:29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a picture of a marble or bronze statue depicting a god, a rock, a rabbit's foot, a fo
Love is ... -- John 14:15-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Obedience is the most appropriate expression of our love.
Going To A Wedding -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: We must be appropriately prepared for the great Kingdom party.
Anger Doesn't Work! -- James 1:17-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pitcher of water, a strainer, and an empty bucket
Your Lifetime Teeth -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baby tooth or a drawing of a baby tooth
Jesus Is A And Z -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a package of film, a camera, and some snapshots
Is It Time Yet? -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an egg timer
Give Your Life To The Lord -- John 10:11-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a doll or teddy bear
Christ Our Rescuer -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
Exegetical Aim: To show that Jesus Christ rescues us from sin.
Bearing Fruit For God -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some fertilizer
Soft Blankets For A Baby -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use at Christmas)Object: receiving blankets for a baby
Is Jesus Like A Stapler? -- 1 Timothy 2:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a stapler and some pieces of paper
Counting Fish, Birds, And Hair -- Matthew 10:26-33 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an aquarium with many fish (minnows or guppies can be purchased at bait shops, pet st
A Home To Call Your Own -- John 14:1-14 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The comfort in knowing that Christ is building a room for us in his Father's house.
Wants And Needs -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Exegetical Aim: Rejection of that which is essential.
Plan For Heaven -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pup tent
Throw Your Worries To The Lord -- Romans 8:31-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use in Lent)
A Place Of Light -- Revelation 21:9-11, 22-27 (22:1-5) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a night light
Getting Untwisted -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a necklace or chain or some string that easily twists and untwists
Prissy Plant -- John 9:1-41 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an attractive artificial plant

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

A Gift Of God's Grace -- Laughter -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Humankind is never so expressive of the goodness of God as when a person is laughing.
Why Couldn't We Cast It Out? -- Mark 9:14-29 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John, are away on a trip up the mountain.
True Friendship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person: having neither to weigh
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
The first thing we should realize about our texts from Genesis is that they are intended as depictio
Not Couch Potatoes -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Recently, people who watch television most of the time have been called "Couch Potatoes." Have you h
Shepherds And Sheep -- John 10:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
1. Text
Bad Chemistry -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Here's to the memory of Willie.Willie is no more:
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 45:1-15 (C)
Parable Of The Ten-inch Skillet -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some men went on a fishing trip. An old bachelor went along and caught fish also.
Watch And Pray -- Matthew 26:37-46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
In the last chapter we considered the Gethsemane experience from Jesus' personal perspective.
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 17:22--31 (C, E)
He Drives Like Jehu -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Someone has said that the modern American man's love for his automobile may yet be his downfall.
Don R. Yocom -- 2004
34.How Many Children?
Proper 23 -- Exodus 32:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
Our text, which is from the Yahwist, connects with Exodus 24:18, where we are told that Moses is on
A Good Horse: The General -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The tenth President of the United States was John Tyler.
What To Do On Sunday -- Matthew 12:9-14 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there
Cremation, And An Old Saying -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Bill and Jake, from the rural countryside, went into the big city for their very first time.
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
In order to understand this scripture lesson, it is of utmost importance that we put it in its conte
On Playing Hookey -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A little boy was crying, and someone asked him what was the matter.
Self--Deception, Hearers, And Doers -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Thanks For The Boll Weevil -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At Enterprise, Alabama, there is a most unusual monument worthy of consideration.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)
Pocketbook Protection -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A pastor preached a sermon on that text in Ephesians 6:13-18 (NRSV), where there is a listing of the
Israel's Most Wanted -- Matthew 26:47-56 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
(Author's note: The format of this sermon is a role play, imitating America's Most Wanted.)
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Lesson 1: Acts 1:6--14 (C); Acts 1:12--14 (RC); Acts 1:(1--7) 8--14 (E)

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Undoing Of Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Stan Purdum -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
Several years ago, my wife and I took a vacation where we drove to Mexico City in an old Volkswagen
The Stonecutter -- Revelation 21:1-5 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an eighty-year-old skilled craftsmanThe Stonecutter
Leaving Before The Invitation -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
John and Mary have been married for about twenty years.
The Cost Of A Priceless Gift -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
Sacrifice is not valued very highly by society.
I'll Give You A Daisy A Day -- Romans 8:38-39, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 -- Victor A. Myers, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who died following a lengthy battle with the ravages of cancer
Going Home -- John 14:1-14 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly, faithful manGoing Home
God Suffers With Us -- Romans 14:8b -- Michael L. Sherer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For the untimely death of someone youngGod Suffers With Us
Who's Going To Play Second Horn? -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
I know someone who achieved a modest excellence in playing the French horn in his high school days.
Jesus, The Light Of The World -- Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
In the beginning when the Great Spirit created all that exists, he gave great gifts to all the anima
Ready Or Not, Here I Come -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
When you were a child, did you play the game, "Hide and Go Seek"?
Wisdom's Delight -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Stan Purdum -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
I have a question for you, but let me tell you right up front that it is a trick question.
We Were Blessed By His Talent -- 1 Samuel 16:14-23, Revelation 7:9-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an openly gay musicianWe Were Blessed By His Talent
Woe To The Blessed -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
One of my all-time favorite television programs was M*A*S*H.
We Are One In Christ -- Philemon 1:1-21 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
Someone once said that action speaks louder than words and that is true.
Hope! -- John 14:1-6, Revelation 7:9-17 -- A. Donald Main, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a woman who died following the painful ordeal of bone cancer
The Dancing Farmer -- 2 Samuel 6:14 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a ninety-year-old who had led a full life
When The Boat Keeps Rocking -- Psalm 46 -- Robert A. Noblett, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a congregation experiencing several deaths in a brief period
When They Are Gathered At The Chancel -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
We have all witnessed this scene: the bride and groom are standing at the altar of the church surrou
Caring For Others: The Christian Vocation In The World -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
When Bobby Smith was a youngster, his family lived near Mrs.
Family Ties And Good-byes -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
If ever we needed to strengthen the institution of family, it's today.
Choosing To Believe -- 1 Kings 18:20-39 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Perhaps you recall recently when a burial box from the first century A.D.
Tour Guide -- Proverbs 3:5-6 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful woman who was a tour guideTour Guide
Taking The First Step -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Create in your minds, if you will, a scene where the people are gathering at a small church for wors
Thank God We Can Change -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Someone once said that the only constant in life is change.
A Gift For A Friend -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Stanley C. Sneeringer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a church member who died following a lengthy illness

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

The Advocate -- John 14:15-21 -- Constance Berg -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
A new baby boy: Jonathan Richard.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Becoming
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"One lamp, thy mother's love amid the stars shall lift its pure flame changeless, and before the thr
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not like the light bulb -- on again -- off again.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A holiness lifestyle does not dissolve personality conflicts, but it definitely helps to cope with t
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Training
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
To lead the world to reformation one begins by enlisting the mothers.
The Sewage Pit -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- Constance Berg -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
I was at a Michael Card concert many years ago, enjoying the message and the music of this fine musi
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Bible
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
In Speaker's Treasury of Stories for All Occasions, Herbert Prochnow tells: Aunt Betty came up the w
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God hates sin because of His sinlessness.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Happiness
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While holiness does not make it impossible for you to sin, the experience does make it impossible n
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Trials "Great hearts can only be made by great troubles." (G. H. Spurgeon)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
No touch is like a mother's touch.
Epiphany: A Wonderful Holiday -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2001
I have lived in two different countries where Epiphany is a very important holiday: The Netherlands
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Blessing
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"God could not be everywhere, and so He made mothers." (Jewish proverb)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit has come to make peace for us.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

The Week Of Weeks -- Janet Burton -- 2004
Description: For each of the seven Sundays between Easter and Pentecost, find here a scriptur
On The Day Of Midian -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
Third Sunday After Epiphany First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-4
Choosing -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come because God has called us.
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
HymnsSing Praise To God (NCH6, CBH59, UM126, PH483)
Might As Well Be You And Me -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
The Best Offering -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Micah 6:6-8)
Chosen -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Luke 5:1-11 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe gather to worship -That we might scatter to serve.
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Witnesses To God's PowerCall To Worship
Proper 17 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Price Of Forsaking GodCall To Worship
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: The Conversion Of SaulCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36--8:3 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: 1 Kings 21:1-21a Theme: Evil Deeds Lead To Destruction
Proper 18 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Theme: Clay In The Potter's HandCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Peter Heals DorcasCall To Worship
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
Theme: What Are You Doing Here?Call To Worship
Proper 19 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2003
Theme: Stupid PeopleCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: Salvation Is Available To EveryoneCall To Worship
Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
Proper 8/Ordinary Time 13 Sunday between June 26 and July 2 inclusive
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
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: God's Call To Preach The Good NewsCall To Worship
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
Theme: By Faith We Are HealedCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Theme: What Must I Do To Be Saved?Call To Worship
Reformation Sunday -- Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2003
Theme: The New CovenantCall To Worship
Riches Blind Us To The Will Of God -- Luke 16:19-31 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:19-31Theme: Riches Blind Us To The Will Of God
Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: Tell The Good News Of What The Lord Has DoneCall To Worship
Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Theme: Gratitude For All The Lord Has GivenCall To Worship

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
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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35 – 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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