Note on today's liturgy: November 25, 2018 is Christ the King (or Reign of Christ) Sunday. It concludes Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar, marking the end of the worship year (Year B in the Revised Common Lectionary). Next Sunday (December 2, 2018) we enter a new worship year (Year C) with Advent Season. Our focus today is the crucified and risen Jesus Christ, whom God exalted to rule over the whole universe. On this Sunday, we look back to Jesus' transfiguration, resurrection and ascension and forward to his appearing in glory as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Scripture Readings: Dan. 7:9-10, 13-14; Ps. 93;
Rev. 1:4-8; John 18:33-37
Sermon by Sheila Graham
(from John 18, Daniel 7 and Revelation 1, drawing on
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Kid's Korner this month is from GCI Equipper Editor Ted Johnston.
[caption id="attachment_340" align="alignright" width="150"] Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)[/caption]
We'll soon begin a new cycle in the Western Christian worship year, which begins with Advent Season (the period that includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas day). This year, December 2 is the first Sunday in Advent, so now is the time to prepare.
GCI strongly encourages its congregations to structure worship in accordance with the Christian worship calendar, following the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). To help congregations do that, we publish here in GCI... Read the article
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Scripture Readings: 1 Kings 17:8-16; Ps. 146;
Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44
Sermon by Ted Johnston
(From Mark 12 and 1 Kings 17, drawing on insights from
the New Bible Commentary and the Bible Knowledge Commentary)
Two Lessons About Generosity
Our Gospel and Old Testament readings today tell stories about generosity. Let's begin with the one in Mark's Gospel:
[Note to preacher: if today's passages in Mark and 1 Kings were read in the Scripture reading portion of the service, they need not be read again.]
The widow at the temple
As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the... Read the article
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Note on today’s liturgy: November 1 in the Western Christian liturgical calendar is All Saints Day---a day to remember and thank God for the lives of God's people down the centuries who have faithfully witnessed to Christ, often at great cost. Today's sermon picks up that theme, correcting a common misunderstanding concerning what a saint is.
Scripture Readings: Ruth 1:1-18; Ps. 119:1-8;
Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34
Sermon by Martin Manuel (from Mark 12)
True Devotion: True Sainthood
Introduction
When you hear the word saint, what comes to mind? For many, a saint is an extraordinary person---one with special devotion to God. A holy person. When someone says, “I’m no saint,” they typically mean that they are imperfect.... Read the article
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Here from the GCI Venue Resources is an infographic that shows how to use a connection card in you congregation as a tool for connecting with visitors and guests who attend your worship services and outreach events. The infographic provides a template to use in producing a locally branded connection card (click on the image below to download it in PDF).
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