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Schuyler Rhodes

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Tuning in -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2011
It has gotten very crowded out there in the last century.
Belonging -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Psalm 105:1-11, 45b -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2011
When I was in high school a new music teacher came to town.
Making war, making change -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21, Psalm 17:1-7, 15 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2011
It has happened more than once that I have been counseling a young couple who are planning to get ma
Emergency numbers -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2011
A whole generation is growing up now with no knowledge of those little stickers we used to keep on o
Irreconcilable differences? -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Psalm 133 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2011
In the movie Irreconcilable Differences, a ten-year-old girl sues her parents for divorce on
Mistaken identity -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20, Psalm 124 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
Appearances can be deceiving.
Expecting the unexpected -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2011
I have a confession to make -- I am a member of Packrats Anonymous.
New -- Isaiah 43:16-21, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8, Psalm 126 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2010
In 1954, Marcelle Maurtette penned his play Anastasia.
Sale price -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2010
A friend of mine once described a man he knew as someone who "knew the cost of everything and the va
Faith for the world that is -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Who would not want the power of telekinesis? Obstacle in the way? Remove it with a thought.
Experience Jesus and know God -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Schuyler Rhodes -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2010
In this age of computers and the internet, there is so much information "out there" to access.
Becoming what we were meant to be -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2010
Mine is a family of book lovers.
Your home away from home -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 66:1-12 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2010
Imagine yourself in a ship out on the high seas.
Long table -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2010
Perhaps you've been part of a large group going out to eat together.
Group picture -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2010
I was in the home of a church member the other day where I saw a marvelous family portrait.
Patience -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2010
Patience is a tough virtue, slipping from our grasp in the moment of demand.
Why did Jesus have to die? -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Good Friday - C -- 2010
While Don Richardson was a student at Prairie Bible Institute in the 1950s his heart burned in antic
Fools for Christ or just plain fools? -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12, Psalm 15 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2010
In 1993 brothers Tom and David Gardner began a financial information service they named The Motley F
What God wants -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2010
In 2000, Mel Gibson played a character named Nick Marshall in the movie What Women Want.
Love conquers death -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Gary Thompson, Schuyler Rhodes -- Easter Day - C -- 2010
My mentor in the ministry used to say, "If you can't preach on Easter, you just can't preach!" The g
Internal medicine -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2010
Some years ago Europa Times carried a story in which Mussa Zoabi of Israel claimed to be the
Happy hallow… -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10, Psalm 119:137-144 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2010
Is today Halloween or Reformation Day?
A week after -- Acts 5:27-32, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 20:19-31, Psalm 118:14-29, Revelation 1:4-8 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2010
The gospels devote a great deal of attention to the week before Easter.
Heart condition -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37, Psalm 119:1-8 -- David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2010
As a middle-aged man, I am forced to be conscious of my heart health.
Life in the waiting lane -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2010
According to a study released in May, the average annual traffic delay per person, nationwide in 199

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 63:1-8 -- Psalm 63:1-8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
At the core of our faith is the basic tenet that we must surrender ourselves to God.
Psalm 31:9-16 -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There are times when paranoia is a well-founded emotion. Sometimes people are out to get you.
Psalm 130 -- Psalm 130 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Back in the '60s, there was a phenomenon known as trading stamps.
Psalm 8 -- Psalm 8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them...?"
Psalm 114 -- Psalm 114 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm calls up some wonderful imagery.
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Hope is a concept that contemporary Christians do not engage with much competence.
1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Comparisons are something we humans seem unable to avoid.
Psalm 65 -- Psalm 65 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There are two fundamental theories that govern our human existence.
Psalm 31:9-16 -- Psalm 31:9-16 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It was late one night, and the young people in the church were having a party.
Psalm 131 -- Psalm 131 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Humility is at the core of faith. Nice statement, that. But what does it mean?
Psalm 8 -- Psalm 8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
This psalm always causes a little consternation.
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"I owe you one." These words came out of my mouth only yesterday as a church member graciously agree
Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Having someone hate you is a difficult thing to bear.
Luke 1:47-55 -- Luke 1:47-55 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
A common gift to young children is a magnifying glass.
Psalm 65 -- Psalm 65 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Every morning when sleep leaves and waking comes there is cause for praising God.
Psalm 32 -- Psalm 32 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.
Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
The scholars tell us that this psalm was likely a liturgical piece used in the celebration of the Lo
Psalm 8 -- Psalm 8 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Knowing one's place in the world is an important thing.
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
In the United States of America today, the average household carries a credit card debt load of seve
Psalm 32 -- Psalm 32 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Forgiveness is difficult. Oh, with little things it can be done.
Luke 1:68-79 -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Jesus has many names. Even a brief pause to imagine it conjures up an ever-lengthening list.
Luke 1:68-79 -- Luke 1:68-79 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Known among scholars as the "Benedictus," Zechariah's prophecy is a powerful and beautiful commentar
Psalm 66:1-12 -- Psalm 66:1-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
I use this psalm often when inviting people to join the church choir.
Psalm 4 -- Psalm 4 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
A great piece of advice was once offered by a sage, elder pastor.
Psalm 133 -- Psalm 133 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!" The words that open this pow

Sermon

SermonStudio

Great Expectations -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Great Expectations
Doing A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Doing A New Thing
Setting All The Idols Down -- Hosea 2:14-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Setting All The Idols Down
It's Good To Know Who Is Calling -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
When I was a boy, our family used to have a parakeet.
A Sure-Fire Way To End Burn Out -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2005
We live in a crazy time.
A Double Share Of The Spirit -- 2 Kings 2:1-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2005
A Double Share Of The Spirit
Time For A New Wardrobe -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2005
Time For A New Wardrobe
Time To Come Home -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
Time To Come Home
Living Out The Promise Of This Child -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2005
Living Out The Promise Of This Child
Receiving The Holy Spirit -- John 20:19-23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
Today is Pentecost. Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the people of God.
Houses Built On Sand -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
One evening the television news was filled with stories about home--owners on the west coast whose m
I Don't Need No Doctor -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
There's an old rock and roll song titled, "I Don't Need No Doctor." The song, like so many of the er
Sheep Without A Shepherd: Claiming Christian Leadership -- Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2001
My sister is a chronic room re--arranger.
Disruptive Faith In An Organized World: The End Of Nice Christianity -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2001
Once, not too long ago, a certain pastor was leaving the grocery store with some supplies for his fa
Good Seeds, Good Soil: The Call To Christian Community -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2001
Not too long ago I was in a garden shop and I bought a "meadow in a can." Have you ever seen one?
'I Am With You Always' -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2001
Have you ever been hard at work on something?
A No-Win Situation -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
I think one of the best lessons I have learned in ministry is the lesson of win-win.
The Prophet's Reward -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
Children are sometimes the best teachers one can imagine having.
Growing Together Until The Harvest -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
I once knew this person who had both the blessing and the curse of utter clarity in his life.
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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23 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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Easter 5
33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
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30 – Worship Resources
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Easter 6
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
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5 – Pastor's Devotions
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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
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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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