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Children's Activity

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Transfigured -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Caring for others -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Welcome home -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Something special -- John 12:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
No more ugly faces -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Important time -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
How to pray -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
The last supper -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Just say, "No!" -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Sharing gifts -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Feet washing -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
The wind -- John 3:1-17 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Time for Jesus -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Jesus' hangout -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Good Friday - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Teamwork -- John 4:5-42 -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Be alert to the signs -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
In the tomb -- John 20:1-18 -- Easter Day - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
The best time -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Retainers -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEMEAT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Secret meeting -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Breakfast with Jesus -- John 21:1-19 -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Favorites -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
A loving voice -- John 10:22-30 -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
Back home -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:
What labels tell us -- John 13:31-35 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2007
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:

Children's sermon

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Starting Over! -- John 3:1-17 -- John Jamison -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2021
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again
God's Surprises! Part 5 -- Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 -- John Jamison -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2021
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
United -- Mark 3:20-35 -- John Jamison -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2021
So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan
God’s Seeds -- Mark 4:26-34 -- John Jamison -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to de
The Storm! -- Mark 4:35-41 -- John Jamison -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side
Another Wow! -- Mark 5:21-43 -- John Jamison -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2021
When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered
Freedom! -- Mark 6:1-13 -- John Jamison -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
Calling the twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over imp
Words! -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- John Jamison -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2021
Objects: Notecards with phrases written on them, big enough for everyone to see.
Who Is That? -- Mark 6:14-29 -- John Jamison -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2021
King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known.
Big Decisions! -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
Hi everyone!
Time Out! -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- John Jamison -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2021
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 
Where Is God? -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- John Jamison -- New Year's Day - B -- 2021
Hi everyone! Happy New Year! (Let them respond.)
Fish and Bread -- John 6:1-21 -- John Jamison -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2021
Object: A bag of croutons and a bag of goldfish crackers.
Appearances! -- Mark 1:4-11 -- John Jamison -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2021
And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the fo
What Must We Do? -- John 6:24-35 -- John Jamison -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2021
Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
What God Sees! -- John 1:43-51 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2021
And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the fo
A Different Kind of Bread -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- John Jamison -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2021
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.
Follow Me! -- Mark 1:14-20 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.
Eating Is Believing -- John 6:51-58 -- John Jamison -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
Amazed! -- Mark 1:21-28 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2021
Objects: There are two pieces for this message; a simple magic trick and a badge or
TWSWG! -- John 6:56-69 -- John Jamison -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2021
Object: A card, or button you create that has the letters “TWSWG” on it.
Free Refills! -- Mark 1:29-39 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2021
Can anyone tell me what I have here? (Show the cup and let them respond.) Yes!
Outside and Inside! -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- John Jamison -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2021
He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
What Difference Does It Make? -- Mark 9:2-9 -- John Jamison -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
Object: You have a choice!
Untouchable! -- Mark 7:24-37 -- John Jamison -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2021
Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into

Sermon

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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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