All these stories will touch the heart; some will evoke laughter and tears. Here is a collection of forty stories, each simple and to the point. They are based on lectionary cycle B. The stories examine basic theological and morale questions. Very often the story offers a surprise, an ironic twist or reversal as in the parables of Jesus. The collection will assist the lectionary preacher. Although created for adults, the stories appeal to children and youth. John Sumwalt's stories bring the gospel to life in the fullest sense of that phrase... As I have read them over the past several years I have grown to appreciate the way John's stories direct my eyes and open my ears to God's presense in the everyday occasions of life. Michael E. Williams Director of Preaching Ministries General Board of Discipleship The United Methodist Church John Sumwalt is pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He is a member of the T.A.L.E.S. storytelling guild and his stories appear quarterly in Season: Inter-Faith Family Journal.