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SermonStudio

More On "Accountability" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yehudi Menuhin, the famous concert violinist, was to perform in a New York concert hall.
For Thoughtful Worship -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
On the dossal cloth behind the central altar of the New Haven United Methodist Church in Indiana, ar
Entrance -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Bill Collins had a small, but thriving, general store in a city.
A Drink Of Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr. E.
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
In our Old Testament lesson last Sunday, we heard God promise to Abraham that he would be the forbea
Proper 11 -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Isaiah 44:6-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Jacob is on a journey from Hebron to Haran, Abraham's original home in northern Mesopotamia.
Cooties -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The college professor in an astronomy class liked to use objects we all know to illustrate his lesso
What Happened To Noah's Ark? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There has been a lot of speculation for some time. Read on ...
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28, Matthew 7:21-29 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 6:9--22; 7:24; 8:14--19 (C)
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 7 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
This story follows immediately on Elijah's victory over Jezebel's prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel,
Watching Servants -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2003
1. Text
First Sunday in Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Promises are so important!
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 8 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
This is one of those texts that remains almost totally incomprehensible to the congregation when it
Weather Signs -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
In many respects religious faith has become a rather casual affair in our society.
Proper 17 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Second Sunday in Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
If we read the Old Testament in tandem with the New Testament, we sometimes have to employ a double
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Seasonal Theme
Proper 9 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2003
This story forms part of the Elisha cycle that is found in 2 Kings 2-13, and that is interspersed wi
Places Of Honor -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
1. Text
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2003
This serves as the stated text for Epiphany in all three cycles of the lectionary.
Proper 18 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Third Sunday in Advent -- Zephaniah 2:14-20 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2003
Can we believe that God is carrying on a war against all sinners?

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

From Father Failure To Divine Father -- Romans 8:12-17 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
One of the most significant steps in our growth as human beings is the discovery that our earthly p
It's Good To Know Who Is Calling -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
When I was a boy, our family used to have a parakeet.
Finding Unity Through Christ -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2005
Nature is filled with examples of how the world functions better when things come together and act a
Discipleship: The Beauty And The Cross -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
Once upon a time a bowl was born.
Grace To You, And Peace -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2005
The weeklong pastor's training event was about halfway through its course and the pastor coordinatin
Seeing And Not Being Seen -- John 12:20-33 -- David T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Toward the end of the last presidential campaign, I heard an amusing report on one of the cable news
Momentous Moment -- Mark 14:1--15:47 -- David T. Ball -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2005
When visiting another church one time, a thought occurred to me as I waited in my pew for communion
A Sense Of Place -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
In one of his books, writer Scott Russell Sanders tells that whenever his father would come to new p
Precious And Privileged Children -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
The remarkable world of children has always fascinated me.
Following A God Who Flip Flops ... -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Following A God Who Flip Flops ...
Jesus Is The Recipe For Eternal Life -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
Scientists tell us that if you take six molecules of carbon dioxide and combine it with twelve molec
Accepting The Lord Once Again -- John 1:1-18 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2005
He came softly, unobserved and yet, strange to say, everyone knew him.
On Having A Good Church Fight -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Today's scripture from 1 John is one of the treasures of all the New Testament.
The Quiet Day Of Pentecost -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2005
Pentecost is a celebration of the church's beginning.
The View From Michal's Window -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 or Genesis 25:19-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2005
The View From Michal's Window
Deep Calling To Deep -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Wow, our text is not only challenging, it is a momentous portion of scripture that keeps spreading a
Anticipation -- Mark 13:32-27 -- Michael L. Ruffin -- 2005
To say that to live between the advents is to live in anticipation is really redundant.
False Prophets -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
False Prophets
Make The Most Of God's Gifts -- Ephesians 5:15-20 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
John Harding had it all; his credentials were impeccable. He had a wonderful family.
A Promise Fulfilled: A Gift Given -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
During the last years of the Roman Empire, in the city of Myra, the regional bishop died.
Salvation Is A Journey, Not An Arrival -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- John T. Ball -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
In this Information Age, we find summaries of the news helpful.
Faith As Alternating Current -- 1 John 3:16-20 -- John T. Ball -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Some troublesome things about the Christian life are its mood swings.
Lord Of The Sabbath -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
The Gospel Reading shows Jesus in a position of conflict with the religious leaders of his day, a po
The Maybe Moment -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Stan Purdum -- 2005
The Maybe Moment
Training For A Purpose -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Some years ago, many of us, like others before and after, went through basic training or boot camp.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Joseph, Our Brother -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Joseph Bernardin was the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Chicago.
Time-Weary Lives -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
More than I usually did with this part of the course, I was elaborating upon the concept of time and
Friendship -- 1999
"For the lonely man all the treasures of the world are no substitute for companionship.
Rest -- 1999
During a four-hour ordination service in the Batak Church in Medan, Sumatra, I saw the assistant to
Christian Family -- 1999
I like being a Christian because everywhere I travel I'm family at once.
Materialism -- 1999
On the CBS news with Dan Rather, Bill Moyers said regarding the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Peac
Sharing And Caring -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 1999
Henry hated Arnold.
Slow Learner -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
"Will you ever learn?" says one's spouse as one again engages in non-productive behavior.
Holy -- 1999
There were two places in Amsterdam where there were big crowds but it was hushed: In the Van Gogh mu
Thanksgiving -- 1999
Tom Brokaw, on the Thanksgiving evening news, said, "When we sing the dirges, we must also sing the
Memories -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Don sat at the edge of his chair and looked right past me. "I can't hear much anymore.
Receiving The News -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
I was sitting with my husband in a doctor's sterile office when I learned I was to become a mother f
Friendship Erosion -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Soil erosion is a condition with which many of us are familiar, but another kind of erosion is not a
Future -- 1999
The church sexton got the paper roll which plays the carillon bells in the church tower in the playe
Resurrection -- 1999
Sam Donaldson on the ABC news told of Yellowstone Park, which burned last summer.
Christian Life -- 1999
In the movie Back to the Future a young man goes back in time thirty years and sees his paren
Christmas -- 1999
A favorite story at Saint John's, Des Moines, is about the Christmas Eve that Pastor Louis Valbracht
Maturity -- 1999
In the television sitcom Cheers, his girlfriend says to Sam Malone, who tries to keep everyon
Made In The Image Of God -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1999
Darla had always suffered from bouts of depression and low self-esteem.
I'm Right! -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
Leon, for how many individuals might the following soliloquy represent their thoughts and feelings?
Holy Spirit -- 1999
A television commercial for John Hancock Insurance says: "We can help you here and now, not just her
Time -- 1999
The National Technical Information Service announced in 1997 that the average U.S.
Forgiven And Encouraged -- Mark 2:13-22 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 1999
Lee and JoAnn had foster children in their homes for years.
God's Presence In The Millennium -- Revelation 21:1-6a -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
The speaker was funny, interesting, engaging, and very knowledgeable.
Focus On Behavior -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
When it comes to people that I know, I must confess that I have my likes and dislikes.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: A Call To Prayer, Fasting, And RepentanceCall To Worship
Proper 5 -- Psalm 33:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance Jesus said: "Anyone who comes to me I will never drive away."
Proper 26 -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Work In UsCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- Matthew 23:1-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: Practice What You PreachCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Theme: DiscipleshipCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: The Power Of God To OvercomeCall To Worship
Proper 21 -- Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
An Angel Tidings -- Luke 2:8-14 -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
(Angel enters, humming or whistling "Angels We Have Heard On High." Stops center and begins to pu
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: Spiritual Blessings In ChristCall To Worship
Good Friday -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Theme: ForgivenessCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: Reconciliation With GodCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Be Hospitable To GodCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Psalm 112 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- John 17:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2001
Theme: Eternal Life Is To Know GodCall To Worship
Proper 22 -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2001
Theme: The Ten CommandmentsCall To Worship
Youth Sunday -- Stan Purdum, Pamela J. Abbey, Elaine M. Ward -- 2001
Introduction
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2001
Theme: The Word Became FleshCall To Worship
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Good Friday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Crucifixion Of JesusCall To Worship
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2001
Theme: JealousyCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Life Of RighteousnessCall To Worship
Proper 6 -- Romans 5:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Hope Does Not DisappointCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Proper 6 -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
Theme: Proclaim The Good NewsCall To Worship
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Theme: We Will Serve The LordCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Elena Delhagen
For May 19, 2024:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Pentecost accents the belief that the Christian church is a Spirit movement, not another world institution. Imagine a pastor who is on the denomination committee for examining pastoral candidates that are on various points along their journey toward ordination either before, during or just after completion of seminary/Bible college training. All the pastoral candidates are excited about their future of making a positive change and impression on the churches they serve.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 2:1-21
Martin Luther viewed Pentecost as a day of celebration, as on a sermon in the topic he noted “it was on this present Pentecost Day that the joyful blessed and lovely kingdom of Christ was established, a kingdom filled with joy, courage, and certainty.”  Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.152) Awareness of the Holy Spirit is a big part of the joy and certainty Pentecost brings.  John Wesley, then, offers a timely warning about how not to lose a sense of the Spirit and the joy and confidence this insight offers.  He wrote:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand. He unpacked his guitar and played a few chords to make sure that it was in tune. “The acoustics are better in the church building.”

“They may be,” Todd said raising his voice over the sounds of the busy park. “Going to be a noisy afternoon from the sounds of it.”

“Huh?” Ollie looked over at his smiling friend. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“You’re just saying what we’re all thinking, isn’t he Wendy?’

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Today’s message will include a role-play. You will need one child to play the role of the shepherd and the rest of the children will be the people from town. I usually pick an outgoing child for my shepherd so they will act out a bit. Encourage everyone to have fun and ham it up a bit.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As I recall, there was a mighty, rushing wind at the last Bank Holiday weekend. It didn't herald the coming of God quite as much as the coming of a mighty, rushing rain, and for many unfortunate people, substantial flooding. And it was accompanied by considerable power, for it uprooted and destroyed one of our laburnum trees.

SermonStudio

Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
The Holy Spirit gets around. Historically the church has also commemorated its origins on this festival. In some traditions, confirmation is celebrated.

Collect of the Day
Petitions are offered that the Spirit come and transform the faithful to give them language to proclaim the word. The Holy Spirit, Justification (by Grace), Sanctification, and Evangelism are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
* Hymn to God the creator; praise for God's providential interventions.
James Evans
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Elizabeth Achtemeier
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to remain in Jerusalem until he sends the Holy Spirit upon them. That will enable them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Having promised that, he ascended into heaven, to rule over all at the right hand of the Father. That promise was spoken during the forty days that the Lord was with the apostles and disciples after his resurrection.
Arthur H. Kolsti
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord to the breath, prophesy mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
-- Ezekiel 37:4-10
Ron Lavin
The Holy Spirit is called "your Advocate" in the New English Bible translation of John 15:26. Other translations may be helpful in understanding the meaning of the Holy Spirit. The King James Version uses the term "The Comforter." The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version use the term "The Counselor." The Phillips translation and the Barclay translation call the Holy Spirit "The Helper." I like the title "The Advocate" best of all. This term "The Adovcate" includes comforting, counseling, and helping.

Special Occasion

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