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Cynthia E. Cowen

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Children's program

SermonStudio

All Clear At Midnight -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2000
BulletinAll Clear At Midnight A Children's Christmas Program
Women Of The Light -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsLeaderWomen of the Light:
A Mother's Heart: A Celebration Of Women -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsLeaderFive women:
A Journey With Prayer -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsBulletin:Participants
A Lenten Holy Week Journey -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsNarratorSix Readers:
No Fooling! A Look At The Month Of April -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsOptional Opening Devotion: A Dose Of Fun!
God's Flower Garden -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipants Greta Gardener (narrator) Dandy Lion
Bloom Where You're Planted -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's Helps
God's Pentecost Pantry -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's Helps
This Year's Most Distinguished Water Person Contest -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsMaster/Mistress of Ceremony Miriam
Celebrating God's Gift Of Hope -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsNarrator
Hats Off To Jesus! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsPreparation
Dem Bones -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's Helps
I Am The Vine: A Harvest Of Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipantsLeader (Gardener)
God's Advent Rainbow -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsParticipants Leader
The Gifts Of Blessing From Faith, Hope, And Love -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Worship ServiceLeader's HelpsParticipants
January -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
1. Women Of The Light

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

All Things Possible -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
“...for God all things are possible.” (v. 27b)
Wise People Still Look For Jesus -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2016
The Point: Seek Jesus with your wealth, your worship, and your life
Claimed A Child Of God -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2016
The Point: In our baptism God claims us as his children
Jesus Had Power -- John 2:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus came with power and authority
The Lord's Blessing -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus came to invite everyone into God’s loving family
Tell The Truth -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2016
The Point: Telling the truth doesn’t mean that it will be easy or fun
Your Greatest Treasurer -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2016
The Point: Your greatest treasure is not laid up on earth but in heaven
Jesus First -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: There are many options in life, choose to put Jesus first
God Gathers His Children -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: God gathers us in his grace to protect us
Repent And Trust In God's Grace -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: Bad things happen in life. Look to God and trust in his grace.
God Is Our Loving Father -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus wants us to know about God our Father
Jesus, Ruler Of The Universe -- John 12:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Point: this miracle reveals that Jesus has authority over the material world
Who Is Greatest? -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2016
The Point: in God’s kingdom the greatest is a servant of all
Love Each Other -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2016
The Point: if you care for the simplest needs of others, you are loving with a humb
The Truth -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Good Friday - C -- 2016
The Point: the truth is that we all need a Savior
The Empty Tomb -- John 20:1-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Easter Day - C -- 2016
The Point: the empty tomb was full of good news
Believing With Your Heart -- John 20:19-31 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: don’t just know about Jesus, believe in Jesus with your heart
Do You Love Jesus? -- John 21:1-19 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus wants us to love him not as a bother but as a Savior
True Security -- John 10:22-30 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: in the hands of Jesus we are secure for all eternity
A New Commandment -- John 13:31-35 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: love one another as Jesus has loved us
The Light Of The Holy Spirit -- John 14:23-29 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: in the light of the Holy Spirit we can grow in our understanding of the
Unity, Jesus Prayer For Us -- John 17:20-26 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus prays for unity among his followers
Dazzling White -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2016
The Point: Jesus makes us dazzling white
Witness To The Saving Work Of Jesus -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
The Point: as Jesus ascends to heaven we are left to be his witnesses in the world
The Promised Holy Spirit -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2016
The Point: the promised Holy Spirit has come to empower our faith and instruct our

Church Programs

SermonStudio

God's Messengers Of Faith, Hope, And Love -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
The Armor Of God -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Just Look At All Those Trees! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
In Pursuit Of The Right Spirit -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
The Exodus Murmurers -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Where Do I Belong? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Women Bearing Gifts -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Blessed By God In Friendship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
A Heart Filled With Love -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
From Slavery To Sainthood! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Lenten Hopes -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
Women Blessing Through Marriage -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
A Humorous Look At Some Hopeful Women -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
A Sundae Treat -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps
God's Picnic Basket -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1995
Leader's Helps

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2013) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Isaiah 60:1-6
Romance stories touch my heart... -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2013
Romance stories touch my heart, but give me a "mystery," one with good suspense. Great reading!
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (OT 3) Cycle C (2013) -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2013) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2013
Isaiah 43:1-7
One summer Beth discovered the joy of creation... -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2013
One summer Beth discovered the joy of creation.
Infant baptism is often remembered through a baby book picture... -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2013
Infant baptism is often remembered through a baby book picture, a baptismal napkin or candle, a sign
Listen up, Jared, or you will fail your final test... -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
"Listen up, Jared, or you will fail your final test," Ms. Borns warned.
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle... -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2013
The service was over and while the pastor walked up the aisle to put away his vestments, he could he
NULL -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
On Valentine's Day romantics old or young have the opportunity to declare their love.
NULL -- John 8:31-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2012
"Please give me your attention," the flight attendant announced.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2012) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Ruth 1:1-18
NULL -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Vera was a unique woman. During her marriage she birthed two natural sons.
NULL -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2012
Wherever Anne went, she ran each morning.
NULL -- Hebrews 9:24-28 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Mrs. Edwards had a passion for teaching.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2012) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
1 Samuel 1:4-20
NULL -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
"God's not answering my prayer. Why don't my children call me or visit?
NULL -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Question: What state records the greatest number of earthquakes along with volcanic eruptions
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2012) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2012
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King Sunday (Proper 29) (2012) -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | OT 23 (2012) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Ron Love, Bob Ove, Mark J. Molldrem, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2012
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
NULL -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Evan was graduating.
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2012) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Mark J. Molldrem, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2012
Proverbs 1:20-33
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2012) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Richard A. Hasler, Mark Ellingsen, Cynthia E. Cowen, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2012
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2012) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Mark Ellingsen, Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2012
Women! 4 Positions OpenPalms' Inn & Supper Club
NULL -- John 18:33-37 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2012
Three-year-old Benjamin pranced around wearing his Burger King crown.

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Note: This is a substitute for missing content from The Village Shepherd.

SermonStudio

The Coat Off Your Back -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Thanksgiving -- cornucopias, fall harvests, turkey and pumpkin pie, corn stalks, and scarecrows -- o
Tradition Can Be Changed -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2009
Tradition is defined as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought or action.
Jesus Makes All The Difference -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
Our gospel reading for this Epiphany Sunday is a marvelous story about confrontation.
Only The Best -- John 2:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2009
In areas where wine is made, there are places many go to sample the different varieties offered by e
Love Walked Across The Field -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2009
The ministry of Jesus was on a roll.
Fit The Picture -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2009
It was the History Day Parade at James T. Jones Elementary School.
The Ashes Of Our Lives -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
When she was a teenager, Cindy worked for her father.
Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
She stood peeking out from behind the curtains.
How Firm A Foundation -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2009
Every night after work and on weekends, Eric worked on building his cabin.
Bridge Builders -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2009
As the three cousins ran through the woods, jumping over fallen trees, zigzagging through knee-high
A Concert Of Praise -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
The Christmas concert was about to begin. The professional musicians were ready.
Don't Touch Me With That Water! -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2009
"Fill the glasses with water, honey. Daddy's guests will be here soon," Mother said.
Risk Takers -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
"Louise, can you and Pastor Hal come to Thanksgiving dinner at our house this Friday?
Go, Climb A Mountain! -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2009
The plane from Amsterdam to Africa was crowded.
Christmas Grass And Easter Tinsel -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2009
I think there are two items that seem never to disappear.
Don't Burn The Cookies! -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Today we enter the season of Advent.
Go, Johnny, Go, Go, Go! -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
Every Sunday, a church broadcasts a one-hour service over the waves of 1450 WMIQ, the local radio st
Fire! Fire! -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2009
After this second Sunday of Christmas, the church will enter the season of Epiphany.

Stories

SermonStudio

The Draw Of The Magnet -- John 12:20-33 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
A young child sat at the wooden picnic table in the back yard
The Lost Notebook -- James 5:13-20 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
They entered the house drained from the night. They had prayed
And The Wind Came Up -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
It was going to be a beautiful summer evening. The sun
Here Comes The Bride -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1993
David adjusted his cuff links and straightened his tie. He

StoryShare

Abiding In Christ -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Frank R. Fisher, B. Kathleen Fannin, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week
First -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank R. Fisher, Constance Berg, Cynthia E. Cowen, Gregory L. Tolle -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Contents What's Up This Week
Passing Over To The Other Side -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, Psalm 9:9-20 -- C. David Mckirachan, Cynthia E. Cowen, Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Miracle"

Worship

SermonStudio

Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2003
ContentsWorship BulletinChristmas ProgramLeader's Helps
O Come, Blessed Light Of The World! -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
LightsAdvent Devotions O Come, Blessed Light Of The World!
Celebrating The Advent Wreath -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
BulletinCelebrating The Advent Wreath A Special Advent Service
Christmas Symbols And Songs -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsChristmas Symbols And Songs Program Participants:
Angels Inspire Our Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsWorship Leader
Angels In The Outfield -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsAngels In The Outfield Worship Leader
A Christmas Worship Service -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
A Christmas CelebrationA Christmas Worship Service
Love, Love, Love - That's What It's All About -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Youth Service For Mother's DayCall To Worship:
God's Shining Lights -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Sunday Morning Holy CommunionCall To Worship:
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
Litany Of Freedom -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Memorial Day ObservanceIntroductory Comments:
Behold The Glory Of The Lord -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Nursing Home Service With Holy CommunionInvocation:
Healing Of Divisions -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Prayer ServiceHymn: ''What A Friend We Have In Jesus''Call To Prayer:
We Celebrate The Creator -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Opening To A Special MeetingCall To Worship
Baptism -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Introductory Comments
Lakeside Service With Communion -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
A Galilean Service
Showers Of Blessing -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Worship Service With A SkitLeader's Helps
Blessing Through Marriage -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Anniversary Of Marriage ServiceHymn: ''Blest Be The Tie That Binds''
The Blessing of Giving -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Post--Lenten Ingathering Service
A Feast Of Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Following Soup And Sandwich SupperWe Prepare Our Hearts
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
Installation Of Pastor -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Receiving A New LeaderWe Prepare For Worship(Name of Presider)
For All The Saints -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Call To Worship
Believing We Belong -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
A Celebration Service Of Holy CommunionWe Believe We Belong To A Merciful God
We Belong In God's Presence -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1994
Closing Night ServiceWe Belong In God's PresenceInvocation:
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
28 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 5
33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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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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