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He Makes The Bad Good -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a good example, such as a picture that shows a person before and after he has lost we
My Sheep Hear My Voice -- John 10:1-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Help the children discern the voice of God.
How To Settle An Argument -- Acts 15:22a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Say One Thing And Do Another -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The difference between saying and doing.
A Place Of Light -- Revelation 21:9-11, 22-27 (22:1-5) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a night light
Watch Out! He's Coming! -- Mark 13:33-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: the pose of someone on a sheep--keeping watch, with binoculars
Where Is God? -- Galatians 2:20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a walnut or any nut that has an outer shell that comes off easily
The Doctor For Sin -- Matthew 9:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer, a heating pad, and a bad cough
Be A Good Thermometer -- 2 Thessalonians 1:9-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer
They Recognized Him -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach that we need God's assistance to truly see.
Sticking Up For God -- Acts 13:8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
It Isn't Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Acceptance of the inequities in life.
Hosanna! -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Happy Easter! -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a gravestone marker (or a picture of one)
God Can Even Use Garbage -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sacks of garbage and some clip clothespins
Combination Locks And Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a combination lock
People Who Are Like Popcorn -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bowl or bag of popcorn
Erasers Are For Mistakes -- John 20:19-31 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: After the resurrection, pronouncing forgiveness on others is the first responsibilit
God's Hero -- Acts 11:27-12:3a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a sword
How Many Times? -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: There is no limit to forgiveness.
Railroad Crossing -- Revelation 21:6a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a railroad crossing sign
Signs Of The Kingdom -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs that note only one mile from your town like "Boston, 1 Mile" and a sign th
Look To The Lord -- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two different kinds of medicine and a heavy pan
Who Can Fill You Up? Jesus! -- John 7:37-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bucket of cold water, a dipper, and some small cups
Standing Ovation -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a standing round of applause (use a sign that reads "Give a standing round of applaus

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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.)
A Kiss Of Mercy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The well-known outstanding Christian layman and U.S.
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Our text for the morning brings three burning questions about human existence into focus for us.
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)
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
How The Hot Dog Got Its Name -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A little dog followed its owner to his bakery, and got inside the place.
Pastor On Skates -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A wealthy woman entered Heaven, and Saint Peter produced a bicycle for her to ride on the golden str
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Israel is underway in this story, as the church is underway. Israel's story is our story.
He Gave His Lunch -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One of the great stories of the Holy Bible is the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.
Twentieth-Century Evaluation -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"They were very decent people, their only monument being a concrete road and 1,000 lost golf balls."
A $10,000 Reward! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago in Los Angeles, California, a Brinks armored truck used to transport money dropped a
That Wedding Ring -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The wedding party had proceeded down the center aisle of Epworth United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio
Weeds And Wheat -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
1. Text
The Meaning Of Advent -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Advent, a season of four Sundays, opens the church year.
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
We sometimes wonder what the world is coming to these days, and when we look at present conditions,
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 3:1-15 (C)
Do You Know Him? -- Matthew 26:69-75 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me." Such is the rhyme we learned in
A Lesson In Mediocrity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man had a bushel of early apples, the kind that spoil easily.
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
It is somewhat of a mystery as to why this one text from Judges is inserted into the lectionary at t
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:1--4 (C); Isaiah 8:23-9:3 (RC)
Poor/Rich Boy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The late Albert Schweitzer was a famous medical missionary to Africa, as well as a musician and theo
Humility -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A French monk bemoaned the fact that his monastic order was not as famous as the Jesuits for their s
Patience, Dear! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Husband shouting at wife: "For the last time, are you ready to go?"
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
This story forms the beginning of the narrative of David's rise to power that is found in 1 Samuel 1
Highways To Happiness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A self respect that bears an honest name;A mind content, a conscience free from blame:

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A Real Test Of Faith -- Romans 3:21-26; 5:1-11, Isaiah 53:2-6, Job 19:23-27 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a Christian suicideA Real Test Of Faith
Jesus Rewards The Just -- Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Imagine picking up the Sunday paper, opening it and reading in giant letters, Jesus Christ Will R
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
Cured Cripples And Crabby Critics -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Have you ever been crippled by something that happened to you?
The Kindness Of Strangers -- 1 Kings 17:8-24 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
In 1994, a 37-year-old man by the name of Mike McIntyre decided to confront his fears and the shaky
The Good News Of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news....
Touching Jesus -- Luke 24:36-40 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a country womanTouching Jesus
Building A Victorious Life -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
J.
It All Begins With Prayer -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Imagine you only have a short time to prepare your successor in ministry.
Back To The Future -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Gary L. Carver -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
The experience in the ninth chapter of Luke is called "The Transfiguration Experience of our Lord Je
Developing A Glad Attitude -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money.
God's Promises, Promises! -- John 14:2-3 -- John R. Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A funeral meditationGod's Promises, Promises!
The God Of Infinite Reach -- Psalm 139 -- Phil Barnhart, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a warm, compassionate personThe God Of Infinite Reach
The Prodigal Father -- Romans 8:14-17 -- John Jamison -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
It wasn't their first fight. Like most fathers and sons they had their disagreements.
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Luke 2:20 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hearing-impaired personDo You Hear What I Hear?
Only The Lonely -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
There are three words I hope you will take home from church today.
When Desire Goes Bad -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Nathan, a boy I read about recently, is seven years old.
You Can't Undo Appomattox -- So Let's Get On With It! -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
There are some things that once begun, cannot be undone.
A Simple But Profound Faith -- Matthew 11:25-30, 2 Timothy 2:8-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a quiet, faithful personA Simple But Profound Faith
The Hard Sell -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Our blessed Lord presses the issue. Do you or do you not want to be my disciple?
The Promise That Won't Be Broken -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Paul was sitting in prison with every reason to be discouraged.
The Wonder Of Immortality -- 1 Thessalonians 4, Revelation 21 -- W. Norman Macfarlane, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A sermon on death preached at a regular Sunday service
A Conquered Enemy -- 1 Corinthians 15:26 -- W. George Easson, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 62-year-old manA Conquered Enemy
Boast Of That! -- Romans 5:1-5 -- John Jamison -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
He had been looking forward to Sunday afternoon all week.
There With Jesus -- 2 Peter 1:16-18 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person crippled in mind and bodyThere With Jesus

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Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
I believe that the angels speak in soft tones when they speak the name of "Mother."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Effective service to God is accomplished through a holiness lifestyle.
The Love Of Being A Christian -- John 1:29-42 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Bob Bohn was serving in Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1971.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children." (William Makepeace Thackeray
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The distinctives of holiness include: a separation from sin, a dedication to God, a call to service.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness "Holiness apart from Christlikeness is hollowness." (E. Stanley Jones)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Trials "Afflictions color your life, but you choose the color." (John Maxwell)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Caution
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smiles break out when mother comes.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service to God cannot be offered in a dirty container.
A Time To Rest, A Time For Renewal -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Stan needed rest, but there was no letting up.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The sweetest face in all the world to me, Set in a frame of shining golden hair, With eyes whose la
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Pardon is not enough; we want sanctification.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holy Spirit
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Triumph
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Celebrate
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Family Love
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Some children were asked if they knew anyone who was always good.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit makes us more aware of our lack of holiness to stimulate us to deeper yearning and
An Open Letter To Congressional Delegation And The U.S. Secretary Of Agriculture -- Micah 6:1-8 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2001
Dear Sirs:
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
An old-timer is one who can remember when a baby-sitter was called mother.

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Women's Day

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SermonStudio

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
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Exodus 34:29-35 Theme: Moses Speaks With The Lord
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 1:46-48, The Message
Proper 22 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
Theme: Sin Causes SufferingCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
Theme: God Does Not Forsake His PeopleCall To Worship
Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Theme: In Praise Of WisdomCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Theme: Beware Of False ProphetsCall To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Joy Of The Lord Is Your StrengthCall To Worship
Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: The Kingdom ComesCall To WorshipLeader: A Child is born to us!
The New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Theme: The New CovenantCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Call Of JeremiahCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas/The Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Theme: The Boy SamuelCall To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord, all peoples.
Teach With All Patience -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5Theme: Teach With All Patience
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Theme: Who Will Be The Lord's Messenger?Call To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Has Saved His PeopleCall To Worship
God Hears Our Prayers -- Luke 18:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:1-8Theme: God Hears Our PrayersCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Searches The HeartCall To Worship
Litany For Advent And Christmas Candle Lighting -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
LitanyFirst Sunday Of Advent(Light the first candle)
Proper 25 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Is Among UsCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Theme: Joseph Reconciled With His BrothersCall To Worship
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2003
ContentsWorship BulletinChristmas ProgramLeader's Helps
Proper 26 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Theme: Why Doesn't God Intervene Now?Call To Worship
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Word Of The Lord Lasts ForeverCall To Worship
Christmas Wonder -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionFirst Sunday Of Advent: New Friends
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Theme: Do Not Be Discouraged -- The Lord Is With YouCall To Worship

Worship Service

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Easter 4
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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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