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Sandra Herrmann

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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Easter 4
28 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 5
33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture -the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response – to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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