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Children's sermon

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Awakened by Hope -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
For December 3, 2023:
God's Surprise: God's Craziness! -- Mark 1:1-8 -- John Jamison -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Object: You need pieces of clothing to dress two children.

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What God Sees! -- John 1:43-51 -- John Jamison -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2021
And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the fo
Being Salty -- Mark 9:38-50 -- John Jamison -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
Object: A saltshaker, a stone, glue, salt, and a knife to scrape the stone.
Getting Distracted -- Mark 13:1-8 -- John Jamison -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2021
Object: A heart stereogram image (like the one below), or another stereogram you mi
Something Special -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John Jamison -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2021
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
Never Alone -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- John Jamison -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2021
“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes o
Being First! -- Mark 9:30-37 -- John Jamison -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
Object: A trophy or other award of some kind.
Aliens! -- John 17:6-19 -- John Jamison -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.  Sanctify them by the truth; your wo
A Childish Faith -- Mark 10:2-16 -- John Jamison -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2021
Object: A list of rules, or a sign with rules you might see at a pool or school.

Children's Activity

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Peace! Be Still -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Teachers or Parents: Jesus calms a storm in today's lesson.
Planting the seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Teachers or Parents: This week's lesson is about growing things from seed.
Sabbath for humankind -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B
Teachers or Parents: Jesus and his disciples had a meal of grain on the sabbath (the day of rest).
Family of God -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Teachers or Parents: In this lesson Jesus explains that we are part of our family -- and of God's l
Little things -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Teachers or Parents: Today's lesson is a most difficult one for children.
God's valentine -- John 3:13-17
Teachers or Parents: Today is God's valentine's day -- Holy Cross Day.
We're welcome here! -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Teachers or Parents: The church should be a safe and welcoming place, especially for children.
Chosen -- Matthew 9:9-13
Teachers or Parents: Jesus' choice of disciples would most likely not have been our choice.
Light of the world Christmas card -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Teachers: This is an appropriate week to have your class make Christmas cards.
My birth announcement -- Luke 1:26-39 -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Teachers: In this week's lesson the angel Gabriel visits Mary and announces that her son will be na

Sermon

The Immediate Word

In the Most Holy Place -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69, Psalm 84 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2018
The First Fact Checkers -- John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Acts 10:34-43 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Easter Day - B -- 2018
For April 1, 2018: The First Fact Checkers by D
Tell the Truth (it sets you free...) -- Mark 2:23-3:6, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Written on the heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
For March 18, 2018: Written on the Heart by Chri
Defending the Doubter -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2, Psalm 133 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
For April 8, 2018: Defending the Doubter by Tom
Long Awaited Frenzy / Occasional Truths -- Mark 11:1-11, Mark 14:1--15:47, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2018
For March 25, 2018: Long Awaited Frenzy by Beth
Religious but not Spiritual -- John 3:1-17, Romans 8:12-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Bethany Peerbolte -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2018
The Holy Spirit is No Cob Job -- Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2018
Paying Attention -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139, John 1:43-51 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2018
This week the lectionary brings us the story of young Samuel hearing God’s voice and being identifie
Biblical Leadership -- Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 8:27-38 -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 9:30-37 -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 9:38-50 -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 10:2-16 -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 10:17-31 -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 10:35-45 -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Children's Activity Bulletin: John 11:32-44 (5-7) -- John 11:32-44 -- All Saints Day - B
Children's Activity Bulletin: John 1:1-18 -- John 1:1-18 -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Children's Activity Bulletin: John 20:19-31 -- John 20:19-31 -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Children's Activity Bulletin: Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B

Illustration

StoryShare

Out of the Church -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2024
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand
About Angels -- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2024
Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels.  
A Different Way of Looking -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
“My parents raised me in the church.” Charlene leaned against the desk in their residence room.
Eternity Was In the Room -- 1 John 5:9-13 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
…God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son. (v. 11b)
Defying Gravity -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of thei
Frank Brown, Legendary Cattle Trucker -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
“Who is wise and knowledgeable among you?
Infidelities R Us -- John 15:9-17 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Whether You See It Or Not -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2024
“If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; on the left he hides, and
Abiding in Jesus -- John 15:1-8 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree.
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2024
I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven — whether in

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Ways of God -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- David Kalas -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
At the beginning of his masterpiece, Paradise Lost, John Milton articulates a part of his t
Transformation -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Oscar Wilde penned a powerful story about behaviors and definitions and justice called The Pictu
Living Our Baptism During Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- David Coffin -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
The season of Lent is a time to grow in our faith by means of taking our baptism vows seriously (be
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.
Christ and His Love Be Glorified -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
2 Kings 2:1-12
In the Background -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- David Kalas -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2021
Perhaps you have someone in your family or friend group who is fond of photobombing.
Imperative -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Recently, British researchers discovered that 42 percent of the church-goers in that country fall as
Enlightenment Expectations -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- David Coffin -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2021
What can we reasonably expect from the church during troubling times such as pandemics, economic dow
Sober counsel -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- David Kalas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
Note: This installment was originally published in 2006.
Happy New...! -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 8 -- David Kalas -- New Year's Day - B -- 2021
This is the Sunday when we celebrate Jesus’ baptism. This is not Pentecost.

Political Pulpit

Communicating God's Love

The Political Pulpit

Worship

The Immediate Word

Messengers -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
In the stories of Jonah proclaiming God’s judgment to the Ninevites and Jesus calling fishermen to b
Into the Wilderness -- Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Genesis 1:1-5 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2018
As this week’s lectionary gospel text begins, we are told that John the Baptist “appeared in the wil
Restored to More -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018
Memory and Wisdom -- Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, George Reed, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2018
That’s the Way It Is -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2018
A big theme running through all of this week’s lectionary texts is that of “authority” -- God tells
Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
A Day-Long Sermon -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2018
The main theme in this week’s lectionary texts is proclamation -- the prophet Isaiah asks “Have you
Alphas and Omegas -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2018
The Home of God is Right Here / Searching for Shalom -- Mark 12:28-34, John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a, Ruth 1:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- All Saints Day - B -- 2018
Giving Things Up -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Vulnerable Leadership -- Mark 10:35-45, Hebrews 5:1-10, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited and appended, but for purposes of immediacy we are
The Transaction of Grace -- Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Psalm 26 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2018
Alphas and Omegas -- John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4b-8, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Bethany Peerbolte, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2018
A Day-Long Sermon -- Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2018
The main theme in this week’s lectionary texts is proclamation -- the prophet Isaiah asks “Have you
Paying Attention -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139, John 1:43-51 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2018
This week the lectionary brings us the story of young Samuel hearing God’s voice and being identifie
Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Giving Things Up -- Mark 10:17-31, Hebrews 4:12-16, Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2018
Living Beyond Fear -- Mark 12:38-44, Hebrews 9:24-28, Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Psalm 127 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2018
Big Stones, Big Change -- Mark 13:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Mary Austin, Bethany Peerbolte, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
Restored to More -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:23-28 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018

Poems

Drama

Stories

StoryShare

Whatever You Ask? -- Mark 10:35-45, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2021
Contents “Whatever You Ask?” by Frank Ramirez
Speaking Tender -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
Contents“Speaking Tender” by John Sumwalt
Can You Give Me Directions? -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2021
The other day, I went in search of a long leaf pine.
Cave Arrest -- Revelation 21:1-6a, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- New Year's Day - B -- 2021
Contents “Cave Arrest” by David O. Bales
Justice and Grace -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24, Psalm 8 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2021
Contents“Justice and Grace” by Peter Andrew Smith
Darkness and Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
Contents “Darkness and Light” by Frank Ramirez
Speaking Tender -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
Contents“Speaking Tender” by John Sumwalt
Women and Children First! -- Mark 9:30-37 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2021
“Women and children first!” We all know the cry in an emergency.
Prom Night -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 -- Keith Hewitt, C. David Mckirachan -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2021
Contents “Prom Night” by Keith Hewitt
…But Do Not Sin -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2021
Most of us are passionate in our young days. It is not a reasonable time.

Prayer

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 27 -- Mark 12:38-44 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2005
Mark 12:38-44
Proper 28 -- Mark 13:1-8 -- William W. Helland -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2005
Mark 13:1-8
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Mark 9:2-9 -- William W. Helland -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2005
Mark 9:2-9
The Holy Trinity -- John 3:1-17 -- William W. Helland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2005
John 3:1-17
Christmas 1 -- Luke 2:22-40 -- William W. Helland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2005
Luke 2:22-40
Christmas 2 -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- William W. Helland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2005
John 1:(1-9) 10-18
The Nativity Of Our Lord/Christmas Eve/Christmas Day (Proper 1) -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- William W. Helland -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2005
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

Children's Liturgy and Story

Children's Story

Intercession

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

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Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
Gathering
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 25 (OT 30, Pent 23)
30 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
All Saints Day
30 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
15 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 26 (OT 31, Pent 23)
30 – Sermons
110+ – Illustrations / Stories
20 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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