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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Illustrations For May 1 -4, 2008 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
In our space age mentality, when talking about the ascension, it is important to pay attention to th
Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.
Taking Vs. Receiving -- Matthew 6:24-34, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131 -- Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- 2008
Happiness in today's world is a very fickle thing.
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Is There A Doctor In The House? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2008
Health is a very fashionable topic these days.
Illustrations For June 15, 2008 From Tiw -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
In this week's program, Protestant theologian Don Saliers observes that churches sometimes transm
Who's Hungry? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
We are all too familiar with the commercials and TV spots depicting starving children halfway around
Baptism: A Matter Of Life And Death -- Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2008
Sometimes faith is only welcome in certain circles, and even if it is welcome, it may only be allowe
A Christian Response To Fear -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Argile Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2008
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith.
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Faith In A Sea Of Violence -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Violence is all around us.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2008
One of the wonders of creation is the coexistence of opposites.
What Are You Looking For? -- John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2008
The political process is heating up as America works to choose its next president.
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
What The Church Can Teach The Nations -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2008
Power can lead to great good or great evil, depending on who wields that power.
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
As Others See Us -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2007
It's easy to throw stones at distant targets.
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and
Which Armor Will We Wear? -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In Romans, Paul admonishes us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Ro

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Baptism: A Matter Of Life And Death -- Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2008
Sometimes faith is only welcome in certain circles, and even if it is welcome, it may only be allowe
A Christian Response To Fear -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Argile Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2008
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith.
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Faith In A Sea Of Violence -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Violence is all around us.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2008
One of the wonders of creation is the coexistence of opposites.
What Are You Looking For? -- John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2008
The political process is heating up as America works to choose its next president.
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
What The Church Can Teach The Nations -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2008
Power can lead to great good or great evil, depending on who wields that power.
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
As Others See Us -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2007
It's easy to throw stones at distant targets.
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and
Which Armor Will We Wear? -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In Romans, Paul admonishes us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Ro
Illustrations For December 9, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
The process of metamorphosis changes the whole being into something entirely new.
An Unlikely Time -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
Advent is a time of waiting, of expectation. But what are we waiting for?
Same Old, Same Old -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- Thom M. Shuman, Paul Bresnahan -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
So often in life, we are temped to "delegate" or "pass the buck." We don't want to do something, so
Illustrations For December 30, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Did you notice that on this first Sunday of Christmas-well, in reality the only Sunday of Chr
Free Sermon Illustrations For August 8, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2007
This week's text from the book of Hebrews speaks of Abraham and Sarah as people of strong faith, peo
The Good Fight -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2007
We find so few people who are able to declare that they have fought the good fight for the sake of t
A Lucky Marriage -- Luke 10:25-37, Colossians 1:1-14, Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2007
This past Saturday -- 7/7/07 -- was an especially busy day for those in the wedding
An Unlikely Place -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In any drama, the right setting for a scene can be key.

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Humanness Vs. Godliness -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
The events of Holy Week, from the triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the Last
Naboth's Vineyard -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a, Luke 7:36--8:3, Galatians 2:15-21, Psalm 5:1-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament text tells the striking story of Naboth's vineyard -- a story that raises
Free Sermon Illustrations For April 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
Make this day, Lord, a step closer to heaven.
What Have You Done For Me Lately? -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament lesson addresses a problem that seems endemic to modern life -- burnout.
An Anti-Easter World -- John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
When Mary Magdalene and the other women discovered the empty tomb, it completely changed everything
Transitions -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2010
As we journey through life, it seems we find ourselves in a series of transitions.
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the
Free Sermon Illustrations For July 4, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30 -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2010
Edith Shain recently died.
Conquering Fear -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's lectionary texts, particularly Psalm 23 and the Revelations passage, are often used at f
Who's Number One? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Psalm 30 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2010
American culture seems to thrive on an individualistic, can-do spirit -- exemplified by our deeply h
Is America A Christian Nation? -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8, Revelation 21:1-6, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The volcano in Iceland that disrupted travel and commerce throughout Europe has not been the only er
God's Plumb Line -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament passage offers us the striking imagery of one of the oldest and most vener
Do We Really Want To Be Made Well? -- John 5:1-9, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
In the alternate gospel text (John 5:1-9) for this Sunday, Jesus heals a man "who had been ill for 3
Free Sermon Illustrations For July 18, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2010
In a recent Los Angeles Times
Free Sermon Illustrations For May 16, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Acts 16:16-34, Psalm 97 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
'her Piece Is Bigger Than Mine' And Other Family Quarrels -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2010
In this week's gospel text Jesus visits the home of the sisters Mary and Martha, where he finds hims
Who Do You Trust? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The news has recently been dominated by stories that are quite disturbing, from the attempt to set o
Jesus, Prayer, And Mtv's 'my Super Sweet Sixteen' -- Luke 11:1-13, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 85 -- Kate Murphy, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2010
This week's Old Testament and gospel texts suggest that our relationship with God is like that of ch
Understanding In A World Of Many Languages -- Acts 2:1-21, Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2010
One of the most fascinating aspects of Luke's account of the first Pentecost is the wide variety of
The Bucket List Vs. The Gutter List -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
This week's texts from Colossians and Luke call us to live in a Christ-like manner -- and both Paul
Will We Suffer? -- Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2010
In this week's epistle text, Paul notes that "since we are justified by faith, we have peace with Go
The Unnamed 72 -- Luke 12:32-40, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2010
This week's texts all have a common theme -- a call to a life of faith, and a forthright discussion
Pick Your Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary epistle passage, the author of Hebrews takes us on a mini-tour of the Old
Quitters -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2010
In this week's Old Testament readings, the Lord calls a reluctant Jeremiah to the difficult and ofte
Hey, Grinch -- Bring Back Christmas! -- Matthew 1:18-25, Romans 1:1-7, Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
On this final Sunday before Christmas, the collision between the secular Christmas season and the sa

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Illustrations For May 1 -4, 2008 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
In our space age mentality, when talking about the ascension, it is important to pay attention to th
Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.
Taking Vs. Receiving -- Matthew 6:24-34, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131 -- Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- 2008
Happiness in today's world is a very fickle thing.
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Is There A Doctor In The House? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2008
Health is a very fashionable topic these days.
Illustrations For June 15, 2008 From Tiw -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
In this week's program, Protestant theologian Don Saliers observes that churches sometimes transm
Who's Hungry? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
We are all too familiar with the commercials and TV spots depicting starving children halfway around
Baptism: A Matter Of Life And Death -- Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2008
Sometimes faith is only welcome in certain circles, and even if it is welcome, it may only be allowe
A Christian Response To Fear -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Argile Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2008
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith.
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Faith In A Sea Of Violence -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Violence is all around us.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2008
One of the wonders of creation is the coexistence of opposites.
What Are You Looking For? -- John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2008
The political process is heating up as America works to choose its next president.
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
What The Church Can Teach The Nations -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2008
Power can lead to great good or great evil, depending on who wields that power.
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
As Others See Us -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2007
It's easy to throw stones at distant targets.
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and
Which Armor Will We Wear? -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In Romans, Paul admonishes us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Ro

Worship

The Immediate Word

Illustrations For May 1 -4, 2008 From The Immediate Word -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
In our space age mentality, when talking about the ascension, it is important to pay attention to th
Way Beyond The Blue -- John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 -- Carlos Wilton, Barbara Jurgensen -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Our worldview has changed dramatically throughout history.
Becoming One In A Divided World -- John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
When the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, it was a time of great unity.
Taking Vs. Receiving -- Matthew 6:24-34, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131 -- Scott Suskovic, Carlos Wilton -- 2008
Happiness in today's world is a very fickle thing.
Bad News, Good News In An Uncertain Life -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Bad news is unavoidable.
Is There A Doctor In The House? -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2008
Health is a very fashionable topic these days.
Illustrations For June 15, 2008 From Tiw -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
In this week's program, Protestant theologian Don Saliers observes that churches sometimes transm
Who's Hungry? -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2008
We are all too familiar with the commercials and TV spots depicting starving children halfway around
Baptism: A Matter Of Life And Death -- Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2008
Sometimes faith is only welcome in certain circles, and even if it is welcome, it may only be allowe
A Christian Response To Fear -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Romans 8:12-25, Genesis 28:10-19a, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Argile Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2008
It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith.
It's Decision Time: God Or The World? -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2008
Every day in our lives is a series of decisions.
Faith In A Sea Of Violence -- John 9:1-41, Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Violence is all around us.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them -- Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 -- Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2008
One of the wonders of creation is the coexistence of opposites.
What Are You Looking For? -- John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2008
The political process is heating up as America works to choose its next president.
Who Will You Follow? -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Paul Bresnahan, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Every four years, the people of the United States are called upon to make their voices heard and cho
The View From The Mountaintop -- Matthew 17:1-9, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2008
We have all had what we call "mountaintop" experiences in our lives -- times when we feel we have ov
You Will Be Like God -- Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Humanity as a whole has shown a tendency for desiring power, whether it is power to conquer a nation
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
What The Church Can Teach The Nations -- Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Genesis 1:1--2:4a, Psalm 8 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Paul Bresnahan, Carlos Wilton -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2008
Power can lead to great good or great evil, depending on who wields that power.
Our True Name -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George Reed, Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2008
(Originally published for December 28, 2008)
As Common As A Samaritan Woman With Five Husbands -- John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Sometimes the most amazing things in life are right in front of your face.
Hey, Charlie Brown! -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2007
Barbara Jurgensen is writing on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 this week: eternal comfort.
As Others See Us -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 98 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2007
It's easy to throw stones at distant targets.
Border Crossing -- Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 -- Carlos Wilton, Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2007
Carlos Wilton writes on the Colossians 1:13 text, "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and
Which Armor Will We Wear? -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
In Romans, Paul admonishes us to "lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Ro
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The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
For September 7, 2025:

StoryShare

Frank Ramirez
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?  Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him…. (vv. 28-29)

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A pair of heavy gloves you might use to protect your hands when you are working or gardening.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! But I need to warn you that this story can be really tough to understand, so let’s see if we can figure it out.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Jeremiah 18:1-11
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 18:1-11 and Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that we must be utterly committed to him, even to facing danger and pain, if we want to follow him. In our worship today, let us ask him for help in this formidable task.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we are scared to stand up for you.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we love other things more than you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we are more concerned with our own image than with you.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
-- Psalm 139:1-2

Schuyler Rhodes
It would be an easy thing to read through this psalm and nod in assent before moving on to the next. It all seems pretty obvious. "Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread...." It is tantamount to what the young people refer to as a "no-brainer." Much of this bad advice could be avoided by turning off our televisions. And the sinner's well-worn walkways? They too seem fairly apparent. Yet somehow they continue to be well worn.
Paul E. Robinson
Another world, another day, another time. The bright sun cast its long dark shadows along streets filled with carts and animals, never once falling on automobile, trolley or McDonald's litter in the gutter.
Lee Ann Dunlap
What would you do if you opened your mailbox one day to find a letter from the city or county announcing that you have to move? That land your grandparents worked so hard to till, or for which you struggled so long to purchase is deemed the best land available for a new shopping mall. The appraisers will soon be checking out your home to determine its fair market value and you are expected to vacate.
Rick McCracken-Bennett
I remember as I was growing up, before gas became more precious than gold, that our family would go on buggy rides, as we called them, on Sunday afternoons after church and dinner. It was a great time for the entire family to be together, to wander back roads aimlessly, and to talk about just about anything you could imagine.
Gary L. Carver
The old man is about to retire for the evening. Closely he clutches a collection of correspondence as he replaces the worn letter he had read back into the bundle. It is the most treasured possession that he owns. As he hits his knees, he shakes his head in wonder and amazement at what God had done in his life. Only God could have taken him from where once he was to where he is now. And his prayer is one of gratitude.

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