Stories to help the preacher touch the hearts of adults... children... to evoke laughter and tears with an ironic twist or a surprise ending... John Sumwalt's stories are a treat -- the gospel comes alive in common life and in regular people, and suddenly we are enchanted by grace. Donald F. Chatfield Professor of Preaching Garret-Evangelical Theological Seminary John Sumwalt's stories bring the gospel to life in the fullest sense of that phrase... I have grown to appreciate the way John's stories direct my eyes and open my ears to God's presence in the everyday occasions of life. Michael E. Williams Director of Preaching Ministries General Board of Discipleship The United Methodist Church John Sumwalt is a popular storyteller in churches, schools, for civic groups and on radio and television throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. He leads storytelling workshops for pastors, Sunday school teachers, and camp counselors. His wife, Jo Perry-Sumwalt, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, collaborates with her husband in the creations of these lectionary tales.