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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Uses and Abuses of Power -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
We cannot read much in the newspaper or watch the evening news without encountering some reference t
Carter Shelley
Carter Shelley is an ordained Presbyterian minister now serving as adjunct faculty at Wake Fo
Something To Get Excited About -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Zephaniah's exhortation to rejoice and exult in God's salvation gives us something to rejoice in.
The Cross At The Of The World -- Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Can we learn to live with ambiguity in the midst of personal loss and suffering?
Carlos Wilton
Carlos Wilton has been the pastor of Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Point Pleasant Beach
Back To Chaos? -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 14 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
This coming weekend is the third anniversary of one of the most traumatic events in the history of t
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Stephen Mccutchan
Stephen McCutchan graduated from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 1968.
You Are The Person Of The Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
The new year -- this is a good time for taking a few steps back seeking to discover our place in God
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
If your congregation is like most these days, you have people sitting in your pews who have been hur
George Reed
George Reed, OSL has served as a minister in the United Methodist church for over t

Illustration

The Immediate Word

You Are The Person Of The Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
The new year -- this is a good time for taking a few steps back seeking to discover our place in God
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
If your congregation is like most these days, you have people sitting in your pews who have been hur
George Reed
George Reed, OSL has served as a minister in the United Methodist church for over t

Liturgy

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 30 -- Psalm 30 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
One hears a lot these days about habits, good and bad. Most everyone has given up smoking.
Psalm 148 -- Psalm 148 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Into everyone's life comes a moment of complete abandonment of all the careful boundaries and filter
Psalm 78:1-7 -- Psalm 78:1-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
What are the things we teach our children?
Psalm 123 -- Psalm 123 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A wise preacher once said that original sin did not involve an apple or a big snake.
Psalm 25:1-10 -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Trusting is never easy. Even in the best of relationships, people step into trust slowly.
Psalm 1 -- Psalm 1 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It would be an easy thing to read through this psalm and nod in assent before moving on to the next.
Psalm 148 -- Psalm 148 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Enthusiasm is not in vogue these days.
Psalm 79:1-9 -- Psalm 79:1-9 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Asking for forgiveness is not usually the first order of business for someone, even if they are obvi
Psalm 124 -- Psalm 124 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The words to this psalm bring to mind the phrase imprinted on a huge monument to Germany's fallen in

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Psalm 32 -- Psalm 32 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Forgiveness is difficult. Oh, with little things it can be done.
Nothing, Some, Or All -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2009
The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.
Psalm 20 -- Psalm 20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2009
Everyone wants a protector.
The Antidote To Anger -- John 2:13-22 -- Mariann Edgar Budde -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

The Immediate Word

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
What Kind Of Sword, Jesus? -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Paul Bresnahan, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2008
Many of us can quote the sayings of Jesus by heart.
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.
Bringing Your Dreams On The Altar -- Matthew 10:40-42, Romans 6:12-23, Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
Everyone has a dream. That dream is, for them, the key to a better life.
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.
Illustrations For July 6, 2008 From The Immediate Word -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2008
His Dad's Recliner
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.
Upon Jesus' Shoulders -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Scott Suskovic, Barbara Jurgensen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2008
There is a misconception in today's world that Jesus' invitation to "all...
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.
Words That Count -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112 -- Argile Smith, Scott Suskovic -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2008
Freedom is a word that carries with it great power and emotion.
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.

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Refiner's Fire: From Failure To Forgiveness -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
In Advent, we live with a truth that is already here and not yet here.
Carter Shelley
Carter Shelley is an ordained Presbyterian minister now serving as adjunct faculty at Wake Fo
The Cross At The Of The World -- Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Can we learn to live with ambiguity in the midst of personal loss and suffering?
Something To Get Excited About -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Zephaniah's exhortation to rejoice and exult in God's salvation gives us something to rejoice in.
Carlos Wilton
Carlos Wilton has been the pastor of Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Point Pleasant Beach
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Back To Chaos? -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 14 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
This coming weekend is the third anniversary of one of the most traumatic events in the history of t
Stephen Mccutchan
Stephen McCutchan graduated from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 1968.
George Reed
George Reed, OSL has served as a minister in the United Methodist church for over t
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
If your congregation is like most these days, you have people sitting in your pews who have been hur
You Are The Person Of The Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
The new year -- this is a good time for taking a few steps back seeking to discover our place in God

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Refiner's Fire: From Failure To Forgiveness -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79 -- Scott Suskovic, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
In Advent, we live with a truth that is already here and not yet here.
Carter Shelley
Carter Shelley is an ordained Presbyterian minister now serving as adjunct faculty at Wake Fo
The Cross At The Of The World -- Mark 8:27-38, Psalm 19 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Can we learn to live with ambiguity in the midst of personal loss and suffering?
Something To Get Excited About -- Luke 3:7-18, Philippians 4:4-7, Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6 -- Scott Suskovic, Thom M. Shuman -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Zephaniah's exhortation to rejoice and exult in God's salvation gives us something to rejoice in.
Carlos Wilton
Carlos Wilton has been the pastor of Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Point Pleasant Beach
The Hope For Peace -- Luke 1:47-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Hope is all around us this time of year.
Back To Chaos? -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 14 -- George L. Murphy -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
This coming weekend is the third anniversary of one of the most traumatic events in the history of t
Stephen Mccutchan
Stephen McCutchan graduated from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 1968.
George Reed
George Reed, OSL has served as a minister in the United Methodist church for over t
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
If your congregation is like most these days, you have people sitting in your pews who have been hur
You Are The Person Of The Year -- Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148 -- Scott Suskovic, Paul Bresnahan, Thom M. Shuman -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
The new year -- this is a good time for taking a few steps back seeking to discover our place in God
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

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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