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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

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.
Economically, Politically, Or Faithfully? -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Scott Suskovic -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2007
This Sunday falls on Labor Day weekend, which seems to be as much an unofficial "last fling" of summ
Burning Bridges And Plows -- 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2007
This week many of the people in your pews may have their minds on the upcoming July 4th holiday.
How's Your Iq? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2007
According to Robert Fulghum's best-seller, everything we need to know we learned in kindergarten.
Jesus: The One Thing -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2007
For many in your congregation, the big story this week is certain to be the release this Saturday of
Sin: A Public And Private Affair! -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 85 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2007
As recent headlines about scandalous conduct have reminded us, sin is a constant in human endeavors.
The Cookie Tree -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2007
As the calendar turns to August, stores are featuring back-to-school sales -- which means that child
Enduring Purses -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2007
As you are no doubt aware if you read the business pages, there has been a bit of an ongoing soap op
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
A Far-Out Teacher -- Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
With summer winding down and back-to-school planning on the minds of the young people and teachers i
The Only Way To Make A Saint: Start With A Sinner -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
In this week's Old Testament passage (Jeremiah 18:1-11), the prophet Jeremiah offers a rich visual i
No One Left Behind -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2007
There have been several recent news stories about people being lost, toward whom costly rescue effor
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so
Any Lazaruses On Your Front Porch? -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word uses Luke 16:19-31 to tell how easy it is for most of us to think
A Lament For The City -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Psalm 137 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word concerns Jeremiah and his laments over Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:1
All Of Life's A Stage -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2007
How do you guide someone down a road you have never walked yourself?
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Economically, Politically, Or Faithfully? -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Scott Suskovic -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2007
This Sunday falls on Labor Day weekend, which seems to be as much an unofficial "last fling" of summ
Burning Bridges And Plows -- 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2007
This week many of the people in your pews may have their minds on the upcoming July 4th holiday.
How's Your Iq? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2007
According to Robert Fulghum's best-seller, everything we need to know we learned in kindergarten.
Jesus: The One Thing -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2007
For many in your congregation, the big story this week is certain to be the release this Saturday of
Sin: A Public And Private Affair! -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 85 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2007
As recent headlines about scandalous conduct have reminded us, sin is a constant in human endeavors.
The Cookie Tree -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2007
As the calendar turns to August, stores are featuring back-to-school sales -- which means that child
Enduring Purses -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2007
As you are no doubt aware if you read the business pages, there has been a bit of an ongoing soap op
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
A Far-Out Teacher -- Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
With summer winding down and back-to-school planning on the minds of the young people and teachers i
The Only Way To Make A Saint: Start With A Sinner -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
In this week's Old Testament passage (Jeremiah 18:1-11), the prophet Jeremiah offers a rich visual i
No One Left Behind -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2007
There have been several recent news stories about people being lost, toward whom costly rescue effor
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so
Any Lazaruses On Your Front Porch? -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word uses Luke 16:19-31 to tell how easy it is for most of us to think
A Lament For The City -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Psalm 137 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word concerns Jeremiah and his laments over Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:1
All Of Life's A Stage -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2007
How do you guide someone down a road you have never walked yourself?
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.
The Risk Of Being A Peacemaker -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman, Wesley T. Runk -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2006
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," Jesus tells us in the Beatit
Home For The Holidays? -- Mark 13:24-37, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Julia Ross Strope -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published November 27, 2005)
The Comfort Zone -- Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Carter Shelley, Stephen P. McCutchan, George L. Murphy, Chris Ewing, Carlos Wilton, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 4, 2005)
Marketing The Messiah -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 -- Chris Ewing, Stephen P. McCutchan, Carlos Wilton, George L. Murphy, Carter Shelley -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 11, 2005)
Stealing Christmas? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Carlos Wilton, George Reed, Carter Shelley -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Originally published December 18, 2005)
The Prince Of Peace In A World Of Violence -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), John 1:1-14, Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, George Reed -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
(Originally published for December 24-25, 2005)
You Are What You Say: The Word Incarnate And Human Words -- Ephesians 3:1-12, John 1:1-18 -- Carter Shelley, George L. Murphy, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton, Larry Hard -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2003
(Originally published for January 5, 2003)
The Two Towers And The Prince Of Peace And Light -- Luke 2:22-40, Galatians 4:4-7, Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- George L. Murphy, Carlos Wilton, Carter Shelley, Charles Cammarata -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
(Originally published for December 29, 2002)

Liturgy

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Jockeying And Jostling At The Table Of Prestige -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2010
In this week's lectionary gospel passage from Luke, Jesus offers some strong comments on the importa
Free Sermon Illustrations For September 5, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Pope Benedict XVI is often seen wearing his signature ruby red leather shoes.
Hating Enough To Love Completely -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Mary Austin, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2010
Jesus stuns us this week with some words that seem at first hearing to denigrate the role of the fam
Cogito Tute -- John 20:19-31, Revelation 1:4b-8, Acts 5:27-32, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text features the story of "doubting" Thomas, and it raises the whole issue of do
When Faithfulness Counts As Righteousness -- Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2010
Whether we look to the headlines or in the particulars of our own experiences, life is full of diffi
Free Sermon Illustrations For June 6, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:1-24, Psalm 146 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
As followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are sometimes -- or even often -- called to bear sorrow an
Fear Itself -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, Mary Austin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
At first glance, it seems like this week's lectionary texts are an exercise in class warfare -- ther
And God Turned My Wailing Into Dancing -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:1-24, Psalm 146 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2010
This week's texts feature a pair of stories involving widows (the 1 Kings account of Elijah assistin
Faith And Trust In A World Of Fractured Relationships -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Playing The Hand We're Dealt -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
As you well know, these are often challenging days for the church.
Free Illustrations For October 17, 2010 -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Click here fo
Spiritual Wanderlust -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
The Necessity Of Original Sin -- Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65 -- Kate Murphy, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text brings us the familiar parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector -- and
Who Gets To Be Mad? -- Luke 19:1-10, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
As if there weren't already enough reason to be outraged at the havoc the bad economy has wreaked on
A Different Plane Of Now -- Luke 20:27-38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Kate Murphy, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text assigned for Proper 27 brings us a curious scene, as some Sadducees attem
Free Illustrations For November 14, 2010 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 12 -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
One example of bullying behavior -- and the steep price that is often paid by those whose actions ar
Intimidation Or Imitation -- Luke 21:5-19, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
This week's Gospel text depicts a traumatic scene, as Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Of Kings And Kingdoms -- Luke 23:33-43, John 6:25-35, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2010
This week we observe Christ the King Sunday (or as some term it, the "Reign of Christ") -- and for t
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! -- Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
This week we enter the season of Advent, and while the world around us is ratcheting up into full-b
Responsibility -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2010
This week's gospel text can be a difficult one to approach -- while the final verse, in which Jesus
A Love-Hate Relationship -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 -- Kate Murphy, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
The figure of John the Baptist is one that seems oddly discordant in the middle of our "holiday" sea
Flight Into Faith -- Matthew 2:13-23, Hebrews 2:10-18, Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148 -- Mary Austin, George Reed -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2010
The lectionary gospel text for the first Sunday after Christmas offers quite a contrast from the tra

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Theme For The DaySometimes a good-enough Christmas is more than enough.
The Day Of Pentecost -- John 20:19-23, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Carlos Wilton -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day

Sermon

The Immediate Word

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
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.
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
Economically, Politically, Or Faithfully? -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Scott Suskovic -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2007
This Sunday falls on Labor Day weekend, which seems to be as much an unofficial "last fling" of summ
Burning Bridges And Plows -- 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2007
This week many of the people in your pews may have their minds on the upcoming July 4th holiday.
How's Your Iq? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2007
According to Robert Fulghum's best-seller, everything we need to know we learned in kindergarten.
Jesus: The One Thing -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2007
For many in your congregation, the big story this week is certain to be the release this Saturday of
Sin: A Public And Private Affair! -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 85 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2007
As recent headlines about scandalous conduct have reminded us, sin is a constant in human endeavors.
The Cookie Tree -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2007
As the calendar turns to August, stores are featuring back-to-school sales -- which means that child
Enduring Purses -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2007
As you are no doubt aware if you read the business pages, there has been a bit of an ongoing soap op
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
A Far-Out Teacher -- Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
With summer winding down and back-to-school planning on the minds of the young people and teachers i
The Only Way To Make A Saint: Start With A Sinner -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
In this week's Old Testament passage (Jeremiah 18:1-11), the prophet Jeremiah offers a rich visual i
No One Left Behind -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2007
There have been several recent news stories about people being lost, toward whom costly rescue effor
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so
Any Lazaruses On Your Front Porch? -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word uses Luke 16:19-31 to tell how easy it is for most of us to think
A Lament For The City -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Psalm 137 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word concerns Jeremiah and his laments over Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:1
All Of Life's A Stage -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2007
How do you guide someone down a road you have never walked yourself?
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.

Worship

The Immediate Word

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
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.
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
Economically, Politically, Or Faithfully? -- Luke 14:1, 7-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Scott Suskovic -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2007
This Sunday falls on Labor Day weekend, which seems to be as much an unofficial "last fling" of summ
Burning Bridges And Plows -- 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2007
This week many of the people in your pews may have their minds on the upcoming July 4th holiday.
How's Your Iq? -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2007
According to Robert Fulghum's best-seller, everything we need to know we learned in kindergarten.
Jesus: The One Thing -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2007
For many in your congregation, the big story this week is certain to be the release this Saturday of
Sin: A Public And Private Affair! -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13, Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 85 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2007
As recent headlines about scandalous conduct have reminded us, sin is a constant in human endeavors.
The Cookie Tree -- Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28, Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2007
As the calendar turns to August, stores are featuring back-to-school sales -- which means that child
Enduring Purses -- Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2007
As you are no doubt aware if you read the business pages, there has been a bit of an ongoing soap op
Signs Of The Times -- Luke 12:49-56, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2007
In the Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Luke 12:49-56), Jesus chides the disciples for focusing on imm
A Far-Out Teacher -- Luke 13:10-17, Hebrews 12:18-29, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Barbara Jurgensen, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2007
With summer winding down and back-to-school planning on the minds of the young people and teachers i
The Only Way To Make A Saint: Start With A Sinner -- Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:1-21, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2007
In this week's Old Testament passage (Jeremiah 18:1-11), the prophet Jeremiah offers a rich visual i
No One Left Behind -- Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2007
There have been several recent news stories about people being lost, toward whom costly rescue effor
The Sure Thing -- Luke 16:1-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2007
Understanding this difficult parable requires our people to follow along with Jesus as he turns a so
Any Lazaruses On Your Front Porch? -- Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Thom M. Shuman, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word uses Luke 16:19-31 to tell how easy it is for most of us to think
A Lament For The City -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Psalm 137 -- Paul Bresnahan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2007
This week's Immediate Word concerns Jeremiah and his laments over Jerusalem (Lamentations 1:1
All Of Life's A Stage -- Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Thom M. Shuman, Barbara Jurgensen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2007
How do you guide someone down a road you have never walked yourself?
Illustrations For November 4, 2007 From The Immediate Word -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
In Madeleine L'Engle's book, Camilla, Camila becomes upset about her mother's attempt at suic
The Illusion Of Human Power -- Luke 19:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 65 -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Barbara Jurgensen, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2007
The mystery of the randomness of nature... we have seen so much devastating weather lately.
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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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