Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Proper 13 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We move this week from the parables of Jesus (last week's text was Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52) to Jesus
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (C)
Actions Speak Louder Than Words -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 1998
"What do you think?
Epiphany 3 -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
This week's Matthew text takes us from Part I to Part II in the outline of Matthew that we proposed
Proper 14 -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Jesus is busy and active in this week's appointed text.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Nativity -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
1. Text
The Sermon On The Mount -- Matthew 5:1--7:27 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
Our outline of Matthew's Gospel presented Matthew 1:1--4:16 as Part One which introduces Jesus of Na
The Epiphany Of The Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The focus in Matthew 1 was on names. Name after name after name culminating in THE Name: Jesus!
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
The Man Born Blind -- John 9-41 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
1. Text
Proper 5 -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The Gospel text appointed for this week comes from Matthew 9.
Proper 15 -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
The assigned Gospel text for this week skips over a couple of sections in Matthew's story.
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 18:1--19:42 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 52:13--53:12 (C, RC, E)
Raising Lazarus -- John 11:1-45 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
1. Text
Proper 16 -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
With the text appointed for this week we come to the climax of Part Two of Matthew's Gospel.
Miracle 1 Nativity -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 1998
1. Text Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Resurrection -- John 20:1-18 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
1. Text
Proper 17 -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
With this week's text we enter Part Three of Matthew's story.
Miracle 5 Ascension -- Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
1. Text
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 12:1-4a (C, RC); Genesis 12:1-8 (E)
Ascension -- Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
1. Text
Transfiguration -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Richard A. Jensen -- 1998
We need to say at the outset of our comments for this pericope that the transfiguration text contain
Miracle 4 Resurrection -- John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
1. Text

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Turn On The Lights -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Many people don't realize the extent of the preparations involved when the President of the United S
A Landmark Event! -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
During World War II allied armies marched into Germany on their way to Berlin.
The Healing Touch -- Mark 5:21-43 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Recently, when I renewed my driver's license, I was presented with the opportunity to renew the acco
What Goes On When He Comes In? -- 2 Timothy 1:6, 7, Acts 19:1-7 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2002
As we grapple with the meaning of our first text for today, Acts chapter 19, how appropriate is the
Going, Going, Gone -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Curtis Lewis -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Recently, a friend of mine went to Wrigley Field in Chicago to watch an afternoon baseball game.
The Highest Bidder -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
An auction is a fun event, especially when you are the highest bidder for an item you really want to
Promises, Promises, Promises -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
This morning's Gospel from Luke recounts God's announcement to Mary that she was to become the Mothe
The Dark Didn't Catch Me! -- John 6:24-35 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
Remember how it was in grade school when your class went out on the playground during recess?
When The Boat Begins To Sink -- Mark 4:35-41 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
In the Gardener Museum in Boston hangs Rembrandt's painting of The Storm on the Sea of Galilee.
The World's Still Point -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Just this past week I received an e-mail from a gentleman I do not know.
Covenant Of The Heart; Sacred Signature -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Alan Stewart -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Marriage is a covenant.
Grace In The Midst Of Dividing Walls -- Ephesians 2:11-22 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
According to those whose job it is to know such things, it only takes three weeks to become blind to
Reverse Direction -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
It's human nature to be excited about meeting a celebrity in person.
Making Compassion A Verb -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
The Superintendent of Schools was having a bad year.
It's Happening! -- Mark 4:26-34 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
In an effort to stimulate their thoughts about the nature of God, I invited a group of teenagers to
Easy To Say; Hard To Do -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and ag
By What Power Did You Do This? -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
When I was growing up, my family belonged to St.
Grace In The Midst Of Guilt And Shame -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
At the begining of his ministry Jesus had a chance to impress the people he grew up with.
Preparing For Something Big -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Paul E. Flesner -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
How are you getting ready for Christmas? Have you gotten out your Christmas tapes or CDs yet?
The Hillside And The Basket -- John 6:1-21 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
There is a certain rock known as a geode. From the outside it is but a dull-looking stone.
Is Anything Unforgivable? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David G. Rogne -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
One morning I was roused from sleep around 3 a.m. by the ringing of the telephone.
Learning From The Spider -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
I've always been amazed by spiders. I love to watch them spin their webs and catch their prey.
The Light Shines In The Darkness, And The Darkness Cannot Overcome It -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Linda R. Forsberg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2002
Lament. What a powerful biblical word. Lament.
Grace In The Midst Of Hopelessness -- Romans 8:22-27 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Submarine accidents are rare. Successful submarine rescues, unfortunately, are rarer still.
A New Look For The New Year -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Just a few days ago we greeted loved ones and friends with a cheery, "Happy New Year." And we sincer

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Easter 3 -- John 21:1-19 -- John Steward -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Since many of the followers of Jesus were fishermen, it made sense for Jesus to use fishing as an ex
Letting Go Of All The Junk -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- John E. Sumwalt, Kay L. Bandle -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who ha
A Deep Peace -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jodie And Georgia N. Hunt -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
My father died suddenly, at the age of 58, while he was on business in Canada.
Proper 25 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- John Steward -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Norman Cousins wrote a book several years ago titled Head First: the Biology of Hope.
Easter 4 -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- John Steward -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Violet Asquith was once sitting next to Winston Churchill at a dinner party.
Reasons To Live -- Mark 1:21-28 -- John E. Sumwalt, Rebecca Henderleiter -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
And the unclean spirit convulsed him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
Just Let Go -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Bonny J. Bailey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.
Proper 27 -- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 -- John Steward -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
One day late in the afternoon a missionary in Africa had a surprise visit.
Easter 5 -- John 13:31-35 -- John Steward -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
There is a special hospital in London for those whom other hospitals consider a lost cause.
Dorothy's Story -- John 15:9-17 -- John E. Sumwalt, Dorothy Kraemer -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.
Overcome With Amazement -- Mark 5:21-43 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
... he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep?
Proper 28 -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- John Steward -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
Sometimes people do not think that their work is very important or significant.
Easter 6 -- John 14:23-29 -- John Steward -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Henry Ford had a very important relationship with a man by the name of Charlie Steinmetz.
Revelation -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Iris Ninis -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
...
Shared Power -- Acts 8:26-40 -- John E. Sumwalt, Robert Maeglin -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
It had been a long day of meetings, and a group of scientists were returning from Manila to Los Bano
A Sign Of God's Love -- Psalm 22:1-15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Marie Regine Redig -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Proper 6 -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- John Steward -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
College students are notorious for their laundry problems while away at college.
Epiphany Of The Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- John Steward -- Epiphany of the Lord - C
Many years ago there was a play named Eagerheart.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Prayer 22 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Father Of Us All:
The Ascension of Christ -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 49:8-16aTheme: I Will Not Forget YouCall To Worship
Whom to Fear; Not Peace, But a Sword -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 1998
The Community Gathers To Celebrate The Season Of The Holy Spirit
Prayer 23 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Ever-Present, Helping God:
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:16-21 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 1998
Prior to worship, ask the congregation to bring some writings about the beginning of Lent which they
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:13--53:12Theme: Out Of AnguishCall To Worship
Rewards -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 24 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Merciful Judge And Loving Father:
Bright Monday -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
Bright Monday, also called Easter Monday, acknowledges the fact that God has the last laugh over sin
First Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7Theme: Open Your EyesCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Genesis 12:1-4aTheme: ObedienceCall To Worship
Comparison between Jesus and John the Baptist; Jesus' Thanks to the Father; Jesus' Invitation to Us -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Wayne H. Keller -- 1998
Celebrating The Presence Of GodInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 25 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Source Of All Good Things:
The Judgment of the Nations -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 1998
Alleluia! Alleluia!Invitation to the Celebration
Third Sunday In Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7Theme: With Us Or Not?Call To Worship
Ten Healed of Leprosy -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 1998
Celebrating God's Presence And PowerInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 26 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Compassionate Judge:
Resurrection of the Christ -- John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Easter Day - A -- 1998
A Return To Good Friday For Those Who Want Life Without Death
Fourth Sunday In Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 16:1-13Theme: Looking On The HeartCall To Worship
The Transfiguration of Our Lord -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 1998
Adoration And PraiseInvitation to the Celebration
Prayer 27 -- Haskell M. Miller -- 1998
Dear Grantor Of Responsibility:
Jesus' Appearance to the Disciples -- John 20:19-31 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Jesus' Walk to Emmaus -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 1998
A Celebration Of ResurrectionInvitation to the Easter Celebration
Fifth Sunday In Lent -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Ezekiel 37:1-14Theme: You Shall LiveCall To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
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
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

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.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL