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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

Growing Up Holy -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2018
The theme for this Sunday is holiness (dedication of one’s life to God).
Can We Forgive God? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47, Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) -- Sandra Herrmann -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2018
Welcome to Holy Week!
The tomb was sealed and the men went home -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Good Friday - B -- 2018
As we come to Good Friday, I am reminded of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
God's love pursues us relentlessly -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
The after-Easter scriptures are wonderful to preach.
Resting in the love of God -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2018
Pentecost is the Birthday of the Church. The descent and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
We Can Change the World -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Our three readings for this week hang together very well.
Reaching Out -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2018
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Christianity 101 -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2018
All three of our readings for this Sunday point in the direction of inclusion, rather than the exclu
What does Jesus' baptism mean? -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Sandra Herrmann -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Epiphany. A sudden realization. A new idea. A solution to a problem you’ve been struggling with.
Redemption In Christ -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
Many years ago, I was invited to the home of a parish family for Easter dinner.
The Work Of Salvation -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
The work of salvation is embodied in the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
Being Sinners -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
It’s the beginning of Lent, and having worshiped on Ash Wednesday, we have declared that we are sepa
The Expectations And Mercy Of God -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
Immanuel. God with Us. We have celebrated his birth.
The Coming Of The Holy Spirit -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2017
As far as the earliest church was concerned, the ability to speak in tongues was the definitive even
What Are We Looking For? -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2017
“Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” This week, we have the story of Abraham’s servant going “back h
Made Whole, By The Grace Of God -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
This is one of those weeks where all three of the scripture readings weave intricately together.
God has a plan -- Exodus 17:1-17, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:28-32 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2017
How many times are we told that “God has a plan”? A plan for your life. A plan for this earth.
"Making it" into heaven -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Sandra Herrmann -- All Saints Day - A -- 2017
What is a saint?
The light of God always comes to us -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Sandra Herrmann -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” says the song that plays endlessly in the nearly vacant
God is with us -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2017
I remember vividly the day when my Hebrew teacher said, “Pastor Sandra, do you recognize this word?”
Called and known and sent -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2016
Our readings this week are joined by a sense of calling.
Looking inward; acting outward -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
The Lenten season is a time for introspection.

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God's love pursues us relentlessly -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
The after-Easter scriptures are wonderful to preach.
We Can Change the World -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Our three readings for this week hang together very well.
Reaching Out -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2018
2 Samuel 11:1-15

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The Righteous Branch -- Luke 21:25-36, Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2015
Contents "The Righteous Branch" by Sandra Herrmann
When We Cannot Pray -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2014
Contents"When We Cannot Pray" by Sandra Herrmann* * * * * * *
Ordinary Time -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2014
Contents"Ordinary Time" by C. David McKirachan
Take Off Your Shoes -- Matthew 16:21-28, Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2014
Contents"Take Off Your Shoes" by C. David McKirachan
Testing And Quarreling -- Matthew 21:23-32, Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2014
Contents"Testing and Quarreling" by Sandra Herrmann
The Fortress -- John 8:31-36, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 3:19-28, Psalm 46 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2014
Contents"The Fortress" by Sandra Herrmann* * * * * * *
A Song Of Rejoicing -- Matthew 25:14-30, Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Psalm 123 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2014
Contents"A Song of Rejoicing" by Sandra Herrmann
Make It A Rule -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Psalm 126 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2014
Contents"Make It a Rule" by Frank Ramirez
To Any Of These Little Ones -- Matthew 10:40-42, Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Psalm 13 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2014
Contents"To Any of These Little Ones" by Sandra Herrmann
The Salt Tax And The Light Of The World -- Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Sandra Herrmann -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2014
Contents"The Salt Tax and the Light of the World" by Sandra Herrmann
How The Snake Fooled The Woman -- Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Psalm 32 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Contents"How the Snake Fooled the Woman" by Sandra Herrmann
Learning Humility -- 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 -- 2014
Contents"Learning Humility" by Sandra Herrmann
The Cornerstone -- Luke 14:1-14, Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
Contents"The Cornerstone" by Sandra Herrmann "The Wall" by Sandra Herrmann
World Saver -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Keith Hewitt, Sandra Herrmann -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
Contents"World Saver" by Keith Hewitt "Maybe" by Sandra Herrmann
Sound The Alarm -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Sandra Herrmann, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2013
Contents"Sound the Alarm" by Sandra Herrmann
New Life -- John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 23 -- Sandra Herrmann, C. David Mckirachan -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Contents"New Life" by Sandra Herrmann
Bringing Up Ziva -- John 16:12-15, Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, Psalm 8 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Contents"Bringing Up Ziva" by Sandra Herrmann
End Of The Road -- Luke 8:26-39, 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29 -- Keith Hewitt, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2013
Contents"End of the Road" by Keith Hewitt
This The Judgment Of God? -- Luke 10:38-42, Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Psalm 52 -- Sandra Herrmann, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2013
Contents"This the Judgment of God?" by Sandra Herrmann
Bucking The System -- Luke 13:10-17, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Psalm 71:1-6 -- C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2013
Contents"Bucking the System" by C. David McKirachan
A Balm In Gilead -- Luke 16:1-13, Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2013
Contents"A Balm in Gilead" by Sandra Herrmann
To Care Or Not To Care -- Luke 18:1-8, Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Frank Ramirez, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2013
Contents"To Care or Not to Care" by Frank Ramirez
Celebrating The Bounty Of God -- John 6:25-35, Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, Psalm 100 -- Sandra Herrmann, Keith Wagner -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2013
Contents"Celebrating the Bounty of God" by Sandra Herrmann
Arms Of Stone -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Psalm 96 -- Keith Hewitt, Sandra Herrmann -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2013
Contents"Arms of Stone" by Keith Hewitt
Regrets -- 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 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan, Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2012
Contents"Regrets" by Keith Hewitt "Incarnation" by C. David McKirachan
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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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...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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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?”

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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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