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Sandra Herrmann

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Sandra Herrmann is pastor of Memorial United Methodist Church in Greenfield, Wisconsin. In 1980, she was in the first class ordained by Bishop Marjorie Matthews (the first female United Methodist bishop). Herrmann is the author of Ambassadors of Hope (CSS); her articles and sermons have also appeared in Emphasis and The Circuit Rider, and her poetry has been published in Alive Now and So's Your Old Lady. She has trained lay speakers and led workshops and Bible studies throughout Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana. Sandra's favorite pastime is reading with her two dogs piled on her.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Becoming Children of God -- Genesis 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 -- Sandra Herrmann -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2021
In following Jesus, there are many choices that must be made.
Planning for the Future One Day at a Time -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2021
Have a good Lent.
God Will Use Our Changes -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2021
This is a difficult Sunday for many in our congregations.
Peace -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
Note: This was originally published in 2012.
How to Arrive -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2020
Welcome to the end of the Christian year.
A Whole New Way -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Do we believe in one God, or many?
Long Term Change -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2020
An epiphany is a moment of clarity.
Calling New Disciples -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
The scriptures for today bind together the beginning of sin in the world, our salvation from sin, an
Just Love One Another -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
If your congregation(s) are typical for these United States, you’re possibly combining the Last Supp
Do We Have The Courage of Christ? -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
It is hard for us, living after the resurrection, to understand how Jesus, who was clearly a mortal
God Has Come To Us -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
Here is the good news: God loves us.
What Do We Keep? -- Genesis 29:15-28, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Romans 8:26-39 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2020
Our three selections for today have not much in the way of similarities.
Putting In The Time -- Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-14 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2020
Exodus 12:1-14
If We Ask, God Will Lead Us -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2020
E.
Having the Tools to Finish the Job -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2019
The word epiphany is from the Greek and refers to the experience of a sudden and amazing realization
Who is This? -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Sandra Herrmann -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
Poet Marriane Williamson has written a poem that has been widely reprinted:
Moving Forward in God's Love -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
We are moving rapidly toward the end of Jesus’ earthly life.
Give Yourself Away -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
After the Resurrection, Jesus met with his disciples in many places and situations.
If We Can Learn To Listen To That Voice -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Sandra Herrmann -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2019
Pentecost is the birthday of the Church.
Giving Our Full Allegiance To God -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
Today’s scriptures talk about what it means to love God and follow Christ.
Discomforting Words -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2019
Note: This installment was originally published in 2013.
Safely Home -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2019
I have a notecard in my collection that has a powerful painting on the front.
Winter is Coming -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2019
The end of the Christian year is at hand. In the natural world, autumn is fading into winter.
What a Vision! -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14 -- Sandra Herrmann -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2019
Merry Christmas!

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God Has Come To Us -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23), Romans 5:1-8, Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2020
Here is the good news: God loves us.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | OT 15 (2015) -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2015
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2015) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2015
Job 1:1; 2:1-10

StoryShare

Child Sacrifice -- Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 15 -- Sandra Herrmann, John Jamison -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2011
Contents "Child Sacrifice" by Sandra Herrmann (Micah 6:1-8)
The Jigsaw Puzzle -- Luke 1:26-38, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:47-55 -- Argile Smith, Craig Kelly, Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B, The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2008
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Jigsaw Puzzle" by Argile Smith
Joelito's Legacy -- Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Sandra Herrmann, Jo Perry-Sumwalt, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2006
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "Joelito's Legacy"

Sermon

SermonStudio

Two Are Better Than One -- Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 -- Sandra Herrmann, Anthology -- 1994
Well, here we are - despite whatever trepidation you may have felt over the last few weeks or days,

Stories

StoryShare

Searching For God, Finding Oneself -- Luke 12:13-21, Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Sandra Herrmann, Argile Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2022
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
The Biggest Sinner -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10, Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, Psalm 14 -- John E. Sumwalt, Sandra Herrmann, Fanny Lee Seville -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2022
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Biggest Sinner" by John Sumwalt
When I Fall In Love -- Luke 8:26-39, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2022
Contents"When I Fall in Love…" by C. David McKirachan
Roots -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 -- C. David Mckirachan, John E. Sumwalt, Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2007. Contents
Practice Makes Perfect -- Luke 6:25-35, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2022
Contents"Practice Makes Perfect" by Sandra Herrmann
Paul And Silas, Bound In Jail -- John 17:20-26, Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- Sandra Herrmann, Peter Andrew Smith -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "Paul and Silas, Bound in Jail" by Sandra Herrmann
Making The Choice -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Acts 8:14-17, Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29 -- Sandra Herrmann -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2016
Contents "Making the Choice" by Sandra Herrmann
In The Wilderness -- Luke 4:1-13, Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Contents "In the Wilderness" by Peter Andrew Smith
Petrified Forest -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Contents "Petrified Forest" by Frank Ramirez
Following Jesus -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
Contents "Following Jesus" by Peter Andrew Smith
Too Good To Be True -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2016
Contents "Too Good To Be True" by Frank Ramirez
What More Could I Have Done? -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Sandra Herrmann, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2016
Contents "What More Could I Have Done?" by Sandra Herrmann
A Holy Birth -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Psalm 96 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2016
Contents "A Holy Birth" by Sandra Herrmann
Who Are You? -- Mark 10:35-45, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Keith Hewitt, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2015
Contents "Who Are You?" by Keith Hewitt
Thank You, God, With My Whole Heart! -- Psalm 111, Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2015
Contents "Personal Demon" by Sandra Herrmann
Pruning -- John 15:1-8, Acts 8:26-40 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Contents "Pruning" by C. David McKirachan
The Inquirer -- John 3:1-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, Psalm 29 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2015
Contents "The Inquirer" by Sandra Herrmann
The Joy Of Giving -- Mark 5:21-43, 1 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Psalm 130 -- Keith Wagner, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2015
Contents "The Joy of Giving" by Keith Wagner
Give Us This Bread -- John 6:24-35, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2015
Contents "Give Us This Bread" by Sandra Herrmann
Beyond The Fence -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Keith Wagner, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2015
Contents "Beyond the Fence" by Keith Wagner
He Descended Into Hell -- Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Contents "He Descended Into Hell" by Sandra Herrmann
The Royal Hostage -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2015
Contents "Changing Our Focus" by Keith Wagner
The Pastor's Past -- John 20:1-18, Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Easter Day - B -- 2015
Contents "The Pastor's Past" by Sandra Herrmann* * * * * * *
Pay Attention! -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Sandra Herrmann, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2015
Contents "Pay Attention!" by Sandra Herrmann
Devotion -- Mark 12:28-34, Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Psalm 146 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2015
Contents "Devotion" by Sandra HerrmannDevotion
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Christ the King
24 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
14 – Sermons
90+ – Illustrations / Stories
20 – Children's Sermons / Resources
12 – Worship Resources
17 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 1 (Cycle B)
31 – Sermons
130+ – Illustrations / Stories
36 – Children's Sermons / Resources
31 – Worship Resources
33 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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For December 10, 2023:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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Amidst this season of Advent, where can mainline church leaders find hope amidst headlines in many churches’ magazines reporting the steady decline of church attendance and membership? In one study, church American membership has dipped below 50% in contrast to close to 70-75% in previous decades.
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Isaiah 40:1-11

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Peter Andrew Smith
“I think that was probably the best dinner we’ve ever had with your parents.” Stephen finished wiping the counter and then turned the dishwasher on. “It was really great to have them over.”

“They certainly seemed to enjoy themselves and even Dad was talkative,” Molly gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for cooking.”

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CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: You need pieces of clothing to dress two children. One is to be dressed in nice clothes, and the other in ‘not-so-nice’ clothes. You could either dress them like they were in Jesus’ day or as they might look today. For Jesus’ day, you might dress one child in a nice robe, with a fancy hat and staff, like a king, and the other just wrapped in something like burlap with a rope belt, like John the Baptist. For today, you might dress one child in a jacket or nice suit, and the other in old, torn jeans and a baggy, ragged shirt, or sweatshirt.

The Village Shepherd

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Call to Worship:

With John the Baptist, in our worship today let us prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, we are not worthy to undo the strap of your sandals.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, we repent. Forgive our sins.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, baptise us with your Holy Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)

Richard E. Gribble, CSC
The voyage of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his 28 men aboard the Endurance bound for Antarctica, which began in 1914, is a story too few know but all should hear. The Imperial Trans-Atlantic Expedition, under Shackleton's command, was the first British Antarctic expedition after Norwegian Ronald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole in December 1911.
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Bright Lights, Big City is Jay McInerney's searingly-witty, emotion-ripping novel of one man's perilous drift down an alcohol and white-powder-polluted stream of delayed adolescence. The young man is bright, creative, and desperately lonely. His language is marked by the kind of sarcasm which forms at the intersection of keen intelligence, comic conceit, and human desolation.
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Somewhere today a woman picks up another dirty shirt and tosses it into the laundry basket. She shakes her head and thinks, "I've got to get out of this marriage! He treats me like dirt! I deserve someone better, someone who really loves me! God knows I've put up with more than anyone needs to."

But she sees the picture of their wedding day on the dresser and stops. She remembers the promise she made that day: "...for better, for worse...." And she decides to stay and see if she can make this thing work.

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